Grid framework structure for storage systems

Abstract

A grid framework structure for supporting a load handling device operable to move one or more containers, the grid framework structure comprising a plurality of upright column portions arranged to form a plurality of vertical storage locations for the one or more containers, the one or more containers being stacked between the upright column portions and guided in a vertical direction by the upright column portions, wherein the plurality of upright column portions are interconnected at a top end portion of the plurality of upright column portions by a first set of grid members (118) extending in a first direction and a second set of grid members (120) extending in a second direction, the second set of grid members (120) extending transverse to the first set of grid members (118) in a substantially horizontal plane to form a grid structure (50) comprising a plurality of grid cells (54); the first and second sets of grid members (118, 120) are subdivided into a plurality of grid elements (119a-c, 121a-c) such that adjacent grid elements (119a-c, 121a-c) extending in the first or second direction are offset relative to each other in the horizontal plane by at least one grid cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of remotely operated load handling apparatus located on tracks on a grid frame structure for processing storage containers or boxes stacked in a grid frame structure, and more specifically, to a grid frame structure for supporting a remotely operated load handling apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, storage systems include three-dimensional storage grid structures in which storage containers / boxes are stacked on top of each other. PCT publication WO2015 / 185628A (Ocado) describes a known storage and fulfillment system in which stacks of boxes or containers are arranged within a grid frame structure. The boxes or containers are accessed by a loading handling device remotely operated from a track located on top of the grid frame structure. Figures 1 to 3 in the accompanying drawings schematically illustrate this type of system.

[0003] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, stackable containers (referred to as boxes or containers 10) are stacked on top of each other to form a stack 12. In a warehouse or manufacturing environment, the stack 12 is arranged in a grid frame structure 14. The grid frame consists of multiple storage columns or grid columns. Each grid in the grid frame structure has at least one grid column for storing the stacked containers. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the grid frame structure 14, and Figure 2 is a top view showing the stack 12 of the boxes 10 arranged within the frame structure 14. Each box 10 typically contains multiple product items (not shown), and depending on the application, the product items within the box 10 may be the same or may be different product types.

[0004] The grid frame structure 14 includes multiple upright members or columns 16 that support horizontal members 18 and 20. A first set of parallel horizontal grid members 18 is arranged perpendicular to a second set of parallel horizontal grid members 20, and arranged in a grid pattern to form a grid structure comprising multiple grid cells or grid spaces supported by the upright members 16. Members 16, 18, and 20 are typically made of metal and are typically welded together, bolted together, or connected together by a combination of welding and bolting. Boxes 10 are stacked between members 16, 18, and 20 of the grid frame structure 14, such that the grid frame structure 14 prevents horizontal movement of the stacked portion 12 of boxes 10 and guides vertical movement of boxes 10.

[0005] The top layer of the grid frame structure 14 includes guide rails 22 arranged in a grid pattern that pass through the top of the stacking section 12. Additionally, referring to Figure 3, the guide rails 22 support multiple loading and handling devices 30. A first set of parallel guide rails 22a in the guide rails 22 guides the movement of the robotic loading and handling device 30 through the top of the grid frame structure 14 in a first direction (e.g., the X direction), and a second set of parallel guide rails 22b in the guide rails 22 guides the movement of the loading and handling device 30 in a second direction (e.g., the Y direction), which is perpendicular to the first direction. The second set of parallel guide rails is arranged perpendicular to the first set of parallel guide rails 22a. Thus, the guide rails 22 enable the robotic loading and handling device 30 to move laterally in two dimensions in the horizontal XY plane, allowing the loading and handling device 30 to be moved to a position above any of the stacking sections in the stacking section 12.

[0006] A known cargo handling device 30, shown in Figures 4 and 5, is described in PCT patent publication WO2015 / 019055 (Ocado). This cargo handling device includes a vehicle body 32, and is therefore incorporated herein by reference. Each cargo handling device 30 covers only one grid space of the grid frame structure 14. Here, the cargo handling device 30 includes a wheel assembly comprising a first set of wheels 34 and a second set of wheels 36. The first set of wheels includes a pair of wheels located at the front of the vehicle body 32 and a pair of wheels 34 located at the rear of the vehicle 32. The first set of wheels engages with a first set of guide rails or tracks to guide movement of the device in a first direction. The second set of wheels includes a pair of wheels 36 located on each side of the vehicle 32. The second set of wheels engages with a second set of guide rails or tracks to guide movement of the device in a second direction. Each set of wheels is driven so that the vehicle can move along the guide rails in the X and Y directions, respectively. One or two sets of wheels in a vehicle can move vertically to lift each set of wheels away from the corresponding guide rail, thereby enabling the vehicle to move in the desired direction.

[0007] The loading and handling device 30 is equipped with a lifting device or hoisting mechanism to lift the storage container from above. The hoisting mechanism includes a winch rope or cable 38 wound on a spool or drum (not shown) and a gripping device 39. The lifting device includes a set of lifting ropes 38 extending vertically and connecting near or at the four corners of the lifting frame 39. The lifting device is also referred to as the gripping device (a rope is located near each of the four corners of the gripping device), and the gripping device is used for releasable connection to the storage container 10. The gripping device 39 is configured to releasably clamp the top of the storage container 10 to lift the storage container from a stack of containers in a storage system of the type shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0008] Wheels 34 and 36 are arranged in the lower portion around the outer periphery of the cavity or recess, referred to as the container receiving space 40. As shown in Figures 5 (5a and 5b), the recess is sized to accommodate the container when the container 10 is lifted by a lifting mechanism. When the container is in the recess, it is lifted away from the guide rail below, allowing the vehicle to move laterally to different locations. When the box or container reaches its target location (e.g., another stack, an access point in a storage system, or a conveyor belt), the box or container can be lowered from the container receiving portion and released from the gripping device.

[0009] However, grid frame structures are subjected to a variety of external and internal forces. These external and internal forces include, but are not limited to, ground movement due to the composition of the ground or soil type, forces generated by the movement of load handling equipment weighing more than 100 kg on the grid frame structure, movement caused by nearby buildings or moving vehicles (such as trains), or even movement during earthquakes or storms. Due to these external forces experienced by the grid frame, maintaining the integrity of the individual components within the grid frame structure is crucial.

[0010] To ensure the stability of grid frame structures, existing storage systems rely heavily on various supports and reinforcements arranged within the grid or at least partially along its perimeter. However, using various supports and reinforcements (anti-movement reinforcements) to stabilize the grid frame structure from internal and external forces is disadvantageous for several reasons. The grid frame structure occupies space or areas that could be utilized by the grid for storing containers; it hinders the optimal use of available space or areas for storing containers. The need for support structures can limit the available options for positioning the grid frame structure, as any auxiliary grid support structure typically requires connection to surrounding structures (e.g., building interior walls) and necessitates cost-effective support structures.

[0011] WO2019 / 101367 (Automated Storage Technology AS) teaches a grid support structure for integration into a storage grid structure of an arranged automated storage system. The grid support structure consists of four storage columns interconnected by multiple vertically inclined support columns. The cross-section of the storage column profile includes a hollow central portion and four corner portions, each corner portion including two vertical box guide plates for accommodating the corner of a storage box. The width of the support columns allows them to be fitted between two parallel guide plates without impairing the storage column's ability to accommodate stacked containers or storage boxes.

[0012] Therefore, an alternative grid frame structure is needed to minimize the impact on the available space or area for storage containers, thereby providing an independent storage grid, or at least a smaller auxiliary grid support structure.

[0013] Many of the world's populations live along earthquake fault lines or in the path of powerful storms such as hurricanes and tornadoes. Because current grid-frame structures may not be able to hold the grid together, placing grid-frame structures in these areas carries the risk of structural damage from earthquakes and storm events. For example, strong earthquakes and storms can compromise the structural integrity of grid-frame structures because structural fasteners may not be able to securely attach the grid to upright members. Earthquakes are classified into four categories based on their severity: A, B, C, and D, with Category A considered the weakest and Category D the strongest. Categories A through D can be further classified using spectral acceleration, the maximum acceleration in g that an object above ground level will experience during an earthquake. Category D earthquakes are considered to represent the most intense seismic events. The spectral acceleration measured in Category D earthquakes typically ranges from 0.5g to 1.83g (see short-period spectral response acceleration (SDS) at https: / / www.fegstructural.com / seismic-design-category-101 / ), and causes damage to most buildings. When intense seismic events act on structures, three-dimensional dynamic forces damage the structural fasteners that hold the grid frame structure together, causing the fasteners to loosen or detach from the members they are embedded in. Alternatively, if the fasteners remain in place, the three-dimensional dynamic forces may penetrate and tear them.

[0014] Many jurisdictions (such as U.S. states) have passed laws requiring all new buildings (whether residential or commercial) to incorporate earthquake-resistant reinforcement features. Grid frame structures include internal reinforcement features incorporated within the grid frame structure, wherein one or more upright members are reinforced together by one or more reinforcing members or reinforcing towers, as in... Figure 6 As shown in the diagram. Typically, the reinforcing members are distributed throughout the interior of the grid frame structure. The distribution of internal reinforcement depends largely on the dimensions of the grid frame structure, ground conditions, and environmental conditions (e.g., temperature). However, while grid frame structures can withstand very low-level seismic events with spectral accelerations less than 0.3g, there are currently no seismic resistance systems for grid frame structures capable of withstanding more intense Class C and Class C earthquake events, which are classified by spectral accelerations in the range of 0.5g to 1.83g.

[0015] Therefore, there is a need for an earthquake-resistant grid frame structure that can withstand strong earthquake events.

[0016] This application claims priority to UK patent application GB2003054.0 filed on 3 March 2020 and UK patent application GB2008116.2 filed on 29 May 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Summary of the Invention

[0017] The applicant mitigates the above problems by providing a mesh frame structure for supporting a loading handling device operable to move one or more containers, the mesh frame structure comprising:

[0018] Multiple upright sections are arranged to form multiple vertical storage positions for one or more containers, the one or more containers being stacked between the upright sections and guided vertically by the upright sections.

[0019] In this configuration, multiple upright columns are interconnected at their top ends by a first set of grid members extending in a first direction and a second set of grid members extending in a second direction. The second set of grid members extends laterally to the first set of grid members in a generally horizontal plane to form a grid structure comprising multiple grid units.

[0020] Its features are:

[0021] The first and second sets of grid elements are further subdivided into multiple grid elements, such that each of the multiple grid elements is arranged to extend or span through the top end of a single upright column.

[0022] The interconnection of the grid members at each upright channel results in a grid pattern with a woven or brick-like appearance. The grid members are arranged to extend or cross through the top of a single upright, rather than merely supporting the ends of the grid elements. Therefore, particularly at intersections, the structural integrity of the grid is improved, where the grid members intersect at the top of the uprights. For the purposes of this invention, the grid elements that cross or extend through a single upright are interpreted as providing a continuous surface without separation at the individual uprights or with the ends of the grid elements abutting the top of the uprights.

[0023] To enable each of the plurality of mesh elements to extend or span through a single upright section, preferably, the first group of mesh members is subdivided into a first subgroup of mesh members and a second subgroup of mesh members extending in a first direction, the second subgroup of mesh members being spaced apart from the first subgroup of mesh members in a second direction. The first subgroup of mesh members is further subdivided into a first group of mesh elements, and the second subgroup of mesh members is further subdivided into a second group of mesh elements, wherein the first group of mesh elements is offset by a single mesh cell from the second group of mesh elements in the first direction. The mesh elements are staggered in the first direction such that adjacent mesh elements in the first direction are offset by a single mesh cell, i.e., parallel mesh elements in the first direction are offset by a single mesh cell. Preferably, each of the first and second subgroups of mesh members includes at least one mesh member. At least one mesh member is divided into a plurality of mesh elements, which are joined together at intersections.

[0024] The same grid element pattern is applied in the second direction, so that the first group of grid elements is subdivided into a first subgroup of grid elements and a second subgroup of grid elements extending in the second direction, the second subgroup of grid elements being spaced apart from the first subgroup of grid elements in the first direction, the first subgroup of grid elements being subdivided into a first group of grid elements, and the second subgroup of grid elements being subdivided into a second group of grid elements, wherein the first group of grid elements is offset from the second group of grid elements by a single grid cell in the second direction.

[0025] By dividing the grid member into multiple grid elements and arranging the grid elements in a first direction and a second direction to span or extend through a single upright channel, multiple upright columns are interconnected at their top ends by supporting the ends of the first grid elements extending in the first direction and the centers of the second grid elements extending in the second direction.

[0026] Preferably, each of the plurality of grid elements in the first and second sets of grid members includes interlocking features arranged to interlock with each other at the top ends of the plurality of uprights. More preferably, each of the plurality of grid elements in the first set of grid members extending in the first direction interlocks with a corresponding grid element in the second set of grid members extending in the second direction via a hook receptacle in a corresponding opening. Optionally, each of the plurality of grid elements in the first and second sets of grid members includes at least one hook at the distal end or opposite end of the grid element and an opening at approximately the midpoint between the opposite ends (i.e., approximately the midpoint along the length of the grid element), such that at least one hook of the grid element is receptacle in the opening of an adjacent grid element to interlock with each other at an intersection where the grid elements cross at the uprights. When half the length of each grid element in the first and second directions is designed to represent the length of the grid cell, the connection at the midpoint between the opposite ends of the grid elements produces a pattern in which the grid elements are offset by at least one grid cell in both the first and second directions.

[0027] The staggered arrangement of grid elements in the first and second directions is preferably provided by the following: each grid element in a plurality of grid elements of a first group of grid members extending in the first direction has a substantially equal length; each grid element in a plurality of grid elements of a second group of grid members extending in the second direction has a substantially equal length; and wherein the length of each grid element in the plurality of grid elements of the first group of grid members differs from the length of each grid element in the plurality of grid elements of the second group of grid members. Here, the length of each grid element is the same in both the first and second directions, but differs in both directions. The different lengths in the first and second directions provide substantially rectangular grid cells, the dimensions of which are designed to accommodate containers or storage boxes that are substantially rectangular in shape.

[0028] In a grid frame structure, to connect multiple upright sections to each other at their top ends, preferably, a cover plate is fixed to the top end of each of the multiple upright sections. The cover plate is formed as a cross member with four vertical ends, each of which is configured to connect to at least one grid element among multiple grid elements, such that the cover plate is arranged to connect to at least one grid element extending in a first direction and at least one grid element extending in a second direction. The cover plate of the present invention is configured as a cross-connecting plate with four ends perpendicular to each other. The ends of the cover plate are configured to connect to the grid elements, for example, to the ends of the grid elements and / or along the grid elements, i.e., to approximately the middle of the length along the grid element.

[0029] More preferably, each of the plurality of upright sections has a cross-section comprising a hollow central portion (e.g., a box-shaped portion) and four corner portions, and the cover plate includes a socket portion arranged to snap into the hollow central portion. The socket portion is mounted to the underside of the cover plate. Four vertical ends for connection to the grid elements extend from the socket portion.

[0030] Optionally, each of the first and second sets of mesh members is an assembly of back-to-back C-shaped beams. For the purposes of this invention, the C-shaped beam may also be referred to as a channel beam and has a C-shaped cross-section. Preferably, each mesh element of the first and second sets of mesh members includes a first C-shaped beam element and a second C-shaped beam element, each of the first and second C-shaped beam elements including at least one interlocking feature at one of the distal ends of the beam element, the first and second C-shaped beams being arranged back-to-back to form a mesh element such that at least one interlocking feature is located at the distal end or opposite end of each mesh element. The back-to-back assembly of the C-shaped beams forms an I-shaped beam, i.e., a beam with an I-shaped cross-section. Each of the first and second C-shaped beam elements includes an interlocking feature at one of the ends of the beam element. The first C-shaped beam element and the second C-shaped beam element are assembled back-to-back to form a mesh element, such that the interlocking feature of the first C-shaped beam element is located at one end of the mesh element, while the interlocking feature of the second C-shaped beam element is located at the opposite end of the mesh element. Preferably, the interlocking feature at the opposite end of the mesh element is a hook.

[0031] Preferably, the first set of grid members and the second set of grid members respectively support the first set of tracks and the second set of tracks. More preferably, each of the first set of tracks and the second set of tracks is installed onto the first set of grid members and the second set of grid members in a snap-fit ​​manner. Each track has an engagement feature that engages with the grid member in a snap-fit ​​manner. Similar to the grid members discussed above, preferably, the tracks are arranged on the grid in a woven pattern or a brick-like pattern. Preferably, the first set of tracks and the second set of tracks are subdivided into a plurality of track elements, such that each of the plurality of track elements is arranged to extend or cross through the top end of a single upright section.

[0032] To create a woven or brick-like appearance, preferably, the first set of tracks is subdivided into a first sub-set of tracks and a second sub-set of tracks extending in a first direction, the second sub-set of tracks being spaced apart from the first sub-set of tracks in a second direction. The first sub-set of tracks is further subdivided into a first set of track elements, and the second sub-set of tracks is further subdivided into a second set of track elements, wherein the first set of track elements is offset by a single cell from the second set of track elements in the first direction. Parallel adjacent track elements in the first direction are staggered such that the parallel track elements are offset by a single grid cell. Similarly, the second set of tracks is subdivided into a first sub-set of tracks and a second sub-set of tracks extending in a second direction, the second sub-set of tracks being spaced apart from the first sub-set of tracks in the first direction. The first sub-set of tracks is subdivided into a first set of track elements, and the second sub-set of tracks is further subdivided into a second set of track elements, wherein the first set of track elements is offset by a single cell from the second set of track elements in the second direction. Parallel adjacent track elements in both the first and second directions are staggered such that the parallel track elements are offset by a single grid cell.

[0033] Preferably, each of the first and second subgroups of tracks in the first and second directions includes at least one track. At least one track in each of the first and second directions is divided into track elements that join together at upright sections. Preferably, each track element of the first and second groups of tracks includes interconnecting features such that each track element of the first group of tracks is arranged to interconnect with a corresponding track element of the second group of tracks at the top end of a plurality of upright sections. More preferably, each track element of the first and second groups of tracks includes a cutout arranged to engage with the end of a corresponding track element of the first and second groups of tracks at the top end of a plurality of upright sections. Preferably, the cutout is located midway along the length of the track. The cutout is necessary to accommodate a cover plate when the track element is assembled onto a mesh element at a connection where the mesh elements intersect at the upright sections.

[0034] Another aspect of the present invention provides a storage system comprising:

[0035] i) The grid frame structure of the present invention;

[0036] ii) A stack of multiple containers, the containers being arranged in storage columns located below the grid, wherein each storage column is vertically located below the grid cell;

[0037] iii) Multiple loading and moving devices for lifting and moving containers stacked in a stacking section, the multiple loading and moving devices being remotely operated to move laterally on a grid located above the storage column to access containers through a generally rectangular frame, each of the multiple loading and moving devices comprising:

[0038] a) Wheel assembly, used to guide the load handling device on the grid;

[0039] b) Container receiving space, located above the grid; and

[0040] c) Lifting device, which is arranged to lift individual containers from the stacking section to the container receiving space.

[0041] For the purposes of this invention, the terms "vertical storage position," "storage position," "storage column," "multiple storage columns," and "grid column" are used interchangeably in the specification to refer to the same features.

[0042] The pattern of the grid components can be required in other ways, and still fall within the scope of this invention. The scope of this invention includes:

[0043] A1. A grid frame structure for supporting a loading handling device operable to move one or more containers, the grid frame structure comprising:

[0044] Multiple upright sections are arranged to form multiple vertical storage positions for one or more containers, the one or more containers being stacked between the upright sections and guided vertically by the upright sections.

[0045] Multiple upright columns are interconnected at their top ends by a first set of grid members extending in a first direction and a second set of grid members extending in a second direction. The second set of grid members extends laterally to the first set of grid members in a generally horizontal plane to form a grid structure comprising multiple grid units.

[0046] Its features are:

[0047] The first group of grid members and the second group of grid members are subdivided into multiple grid elements, such that multiple grid members along the subgroups of the first group of grid members and the second group of grid members are arranged to alternately pass through multiple upright sections in a first direction or a second direction to extend through the top end of a single upright section.

[0048] B1. A grid frame structure for supporting a loading handling device operable to move one or more containers, the grid frame structure comprising:

[0049] Multiple upright sections are arranged to form multiple vertical storage positions for one or more containers, the one or more containers being stacked between the upright sections and guided vertically by the upright sections.

[0050] Multiple upright columns are interconnected at their top ends by a first set of grid members extending in a first direction and a second set of grid members extending in a second direction. The second set of grid members extends laterally to the first set of grid members in a generally horizontal plane to form a grid structure comprising multiple grid units.

[0051] Its features are:

[0052] The first set of mesh members and the second set of mesh members are subdivided into multiple mesh elements, such that adjacent mesh elements in the first or second direction are offset from each other by a single mesh cell in the horizontal plane.

[0053] B2. The grid frame structure according to claim B1, wherein a plurality of grid elements along a subgroup of the first set of grid members are arranged to intersect with a plurality of grid elements along an adjacent subgroup of the first set of grid members. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Other features and aspects of the invention will become clear from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0055] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the mesh framework structure of a known system.

[0056] Figure 2 is a schematic top view showing the stacked portion of the boxes arranged within the frame structure of Figure 1.

[0057] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a known load handling device system operating on a grid frame structure.

[0058] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the loading and handling device, showing the lifting device that clamps the container from above.

[0059] Figures 5(a) and 5(b) are schematic perspective cross-sectional views of the loading handling apparatus of Figure 4, showing (a) the container receiving space of the loading handling apparatus and (b) the container that houses the container receiving space of the loading handling apparatus.

[0060] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a grid frame structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 6b This is a plan view showing the layout of a typical mesh frame structure in a fulfillment center according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 6c This is a typical side view model of the fulfillment center according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 6d This is a perspective view showing the arrangement of upright columns according to an embodiment of the present invention, the upright columns forming vertical storage positions or grid columns for containers that are stacked between the upright columns.

[0064] Figure 6e This is a schematic diagram of the panels surrounding the grid frame structure.

[0065] Figure 6f This is a schematic diagram of a mesh panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 6g This is a perspective view of the support structure and panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 7 A cross-sectional top view schematically illustrating the arrangement of upright columns or components in a grid frame structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0068] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the storage space or column within the grid frame structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of an adjustable foot according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 10 A perspective view of the insertion portion or cover of an adjustable foot according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0071] Figure 11 ( Figure 11 a to Figure 11 c) is a schematic diagram of the reinforced tower section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 12This is a plan view of the distribution of reinforced towers within a grid frame structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the flange connecting the diagonal reinforcement portion to the reinforcement tower portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 14 This is an enlarged view of the reinforced tower section according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the connection between the diagonal reinforcement section and the central upright column section.

[0075] Figure 15 This is an enlarged view of the reinforced tower section according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing the connection between the diagonal reinforcement section and the central upright section.

[0076] Figure 16a This is a side view of the anchoring foot according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 16b This is a top view of the anchoring foot according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Figure 17 This is a perspective view showing a pattern of grid elements of a grid according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of a cover plate according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is used to join adjacent grid elements at intersections.

[0080] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of a cover plate according to an embodiment of the present invention, which connects adjacent grid elements by connecting the ends of the grid elements at the intersection.

[0081] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of a cover plate according to an embodiment of the present invention, which connects adjacent grid elements at the intersection by connecting the central portion of the grid element and the end of the adjacent grid element.

[0082] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of a cover plate according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is assembled to an upright portion for connecting adjacent grid elements together at the intersection of grid elements.

[0083] Figure 22 This is a perspective view showing a pattern of grid elements at the intersections according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Figure 23 This is a perspective view of a grid element or track support according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Figure 24 It is along Figure 20 The cross-sectional perspective view taken by line XX in the figure shows the joint between adjacent grid cells at the intersection point according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Figure 25 This is a perspective view of a track element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 26 This is a perspective view of the arrangement of track elements at the intersection of grid elements according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Figure 27 This is a perspective view of an earthquake-resistant grid frame structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Figure 28 This is a perspective view of an earthquake-resistant grid frame structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Figure 29 This illustrates an embodiment of the invention. Figure 27 and Figure 28 The image shows a perspective view of the grid supported at the boundary of an earthquake-resistant grid frame structure.

[0091] Figure 30 This is a plan view of an earthquake-resistant grid frame structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing the arrangement of the reinforcement components.

[0092] Figure 31 This is a plan view of an earthquake-resistant grid frame structure according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing the arrangement of the reinforcement.

[0093] Figure 32 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of an earthquake-resistant grid frame structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the cross-sectional profile of the grid members.

[0094] Figure 33 It is the distribution of bending moment on the mesh when the mesh is used as a hollow truss.

[0095] Figure 34 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the subframes, which constitute the grid of the earthquake-resistant grid frame structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] Figure 35 This is a schematic top view of the sub-frames of the grid in an earthquake-resistant grid frame structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Figure 36 This is a schematic bottom view of the sub-frame of the grid of the earthquake-resistant grid frame structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Figure 37This is a schematic diagram of a subframe at the edge of a grid according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a connection plate for connecting to the SFRS.

[0099] Figure 38 This is a plan view of a subframe supported by SFRS according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Figure 39 This is a cross-sectional view showing the connection between the track and the track support portion of the grid element of the earthquake-resistant grid frame structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Figure 40 This is a modular plan view illustrating an earthquake-resistant grid frame structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Figure 41 This is a schematic diagram of a known fulfillment center, showing the mezzanine between adjacent grid frame structures.

[0103] Figure 42 This is a cross-sectional view of a modular mesh frame structure including an integrated mezzanine section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] Figure 43 This is a plan view of the performance center including the interlayer portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Figure 44 An interlayer portion according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is connected to a support structure via one or more movable joints.

[0106] Figure 45 A possible embodiment of the movable joint is shown.

[0107] Figure 46 A possible configuration of the movable joint connected to the interlayer is shown.

[0108] Figure 47 Different configurations of the movable joints connected to the interlayer are shown.

[0109] Figure 48 It shows Figure 47 Different views of the configuration.

[0110] Figure 49 This is a perspective view of the guardrail at the edge of the grid according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0111] Grid frame structure

[0112] Figure 6A perspective view of a grid frame structure 114 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The basic components of the grid frame structure 114 according to the present invention include a grid 50 located in a horizontal plane, the grid being mounted to a plurality of upright columns or upright members 116. The terms "upright member," "upright column," and "vertical column" are used interchangeably in the specification to refer to the same thing or feature. Figure 6 As shown, the grid 50 comprises a series of horizontally intersecting beams or grid members 118, 120 arranged to form a plurality of rectangular frames 54. More specifically, a first set of grid members 118 extends in a first direction x, and a second set of grid members 120 extends in a second direction y, extending transversely to the first set of grid members 118 in a generally horizontal plane. The first and second sets of grid members respectively support a first set of tracks 57a and a second set of tracks 57b for a loading and unloading device to allow one or more containers to move on the grid frame structure. For the purposes of illustration, intersections 56 constitute nodes in the grid structure. Each rectangular frame in the rectangular frames 54 constitutes a grid cell, and the dimensions of each rectangular frame are designed for a remotely operated loading and unloading device or robot traveling on the grid frame structure to retrieve and unload one or more containers stacked between the uprights 116. The grid 50 is raised above ground level by being mounted at intersections or nodes 56 of the grid members 118, 120 to a plurality of upright sections 116 to form a plurality of vertical storage locations 58 for containers, which are stacked between the upright sections 116 and guided vertically by the upright sections 116 through a plurality of generally rectangular frames 54. For the purposes of the invention, the stacked containers may include a plurality of containers or one or more containers. The grid frame structure 114 can be considered as a straight assembly of upright sections 116 supporting the grid 50 formed by intersecting horizontal grid members 118, 120, i.e., a frame with four walls. Two or more upright sections are reinforced by at least one diagonal reinforcing member to provide one or more reinforcing tower sections 80 within the grid frame structure 114. For the purposes of the invention, the terms “vertical upright section,” “upright section,” and “upright member” are used interchangeably in the specification.

[0113] Upon receiving an order, a loading handling unit moving along a track is instructed to sort storage boxes containing the ordered items from a stack within a grid frame structure and transport the storage boxes to a sorting station. From there, items can be retrieved from the storage boxes and transferred to one or more delivery containers. Typically, the sorting station includes a container transport assembly to transport one or more containers to a retrieval station where the contents of the containers can be accessed. The container transport assembly is typically a conveyor system comprising multiple adjacent conveyor units.

[0114] Figure 6b A typical layout of a fulfillment center for fulfilling orders is shown. The fulfillment center comprises two distinct grid areas, referred to as environmental grid area 114b and refrigerated grid area 114c. Each of environmental grid area 114b and refrigerated grid area 114c includes a grid frame structure, i.e., environmental grid area 114b includes a first grid frame structure 114b, and refrigerated grid area 114c includes a second grid frame structure 114c. For the purposes of this invention, environmental grid area 114b stores food and grocery goods at an environmentally controlled temperature. For the purposes of this invention, the environmentally controlled temperature ranges from approximately 4°C to approximately 21°C, preferably from approximately 4°C to approximately 18°C. Similarly, refrigerated grid area 114c stores food and grocery goods at a refrigerated temperature. For the purposes of this invention, the refrigerated temperature ranges from approximately 0°C to approximately 4°C. Both grid areas (environmental grid area and refrigerated grid area) are filled with containers (also referred to as storage containers, bags, or boxes) to hold various grocery products. The containers may be made of plastic or any other suitable material. Each grid region 114b, 114c can have different heights. For example, in Figure 6b and Figure 6c In the fulfillment center shown, the volume of the environmental grid area includes a stack of 21 containers (approximately 7.7 m) high, the refrigerated grid area includes a stack of eight containers (approximately 3.0 m) high, and the grid area above the sorting station includes a stack of one container (approximately 448 mm) high. These containers are stacked on the floor and assembled between the grid columns.

[0115] Each grid area includes a tunnel 117 called a sorting channel, which houses one or more sorting stations for sorting goods from storage boxes or containers and transferring the goods to one or more delivery containers. Figure 6c A side view model of the refrigerated grid area 114c is shown, illustrating the sorting channel 117 between the two grid areas. Figure 6c The diagram also shows a separate area provided by incorporating a mezzanine section supported by vertical beams within an adjacent grid frame structure. The mezzanine section can be a separate structure. The mezzanine section provides tunnels to accommodate, for example, sorting stations and / or any of the stations described above.

[0116] Storage containers or boxes for storing goods and general merchandise are transported by a loading handling unit running on a grid to a sorting station in a sorting channel, where one or more items are sorted from the storage boxes or containers and transferred to one or more delivery containers. Figure 6dA perspective view of the upright column is shown, which is arranged to form a vertical storage position 58 for the container 10, which is stored in the vertical storage position 58. Figure 6d The bottom shows a schematic diagram of containers 10 stacked vertically upward between upright columns 116.

[0117] For health, safety, and operational reasons, panel 127 is used to restrict and deter entry into the grid frame structure. Panel 127 is directly attached to the building structure or mezzanine column or panel support column 128. Different types of panels are used at different locations around the grid frame structure depending on the structural requirements. These different types of panels include trapezoidal panels, which are corrugated metal sheets and used throughout the fulfillment center to separate grid areas and walkways (see [link]). Figure 6e The outline of the trapezoidal panel shape is in Figure 6e The bottom is shown. In the refrigerated area, panels separating the sorting channels can be constructed of mesh to allow air circulation. Figure 6f The mesh panel in the middle shows the upright column section 116. Panel support rods 128 and panel 127 are secured along the column section of the mezzanine using appropriate beam clamps (see...). Figure 6f ). For example in Figure 6g As shown, panel 127 is attached to panel support rod 128. The bottom of the panel is fixed to a baseboard (not shown), and the top of the panel is secured with cover rail 125, as shown in... Figure 6g As shown in [the image]. Figure 6g The enlarged view on the right clearly shows the cover rail 125.

[0118] The following will discuss other details of the components of the mesh frame structure 114.

[0119] Upright column or upright component or vertical column

[0120] Figure 7 A cross-sectional top view of the upright column portion 116 of the present invention is shown. The upright column portion is arranged within a grid frame structure to provide a storage location 58 for the container 110 in the stacking section (see [reference]). Figure 8 The container is guided along the upright section 116 through the grid cell 54. The spacing between the upright sections is designed to accommodate one or more containers or storage boxes 110 in a stacked section, the containers or storage boxes being generally rectangular. Each upright section is generally tubular. Figure 8In the transverse cross-section of the horizontal plane of storage location 58, each of the upright columns 116 includes a hollow central portion 70 and one or more guide portions 72, which are mounted to or formed into at least one wall of the upright column 116 and extend along the longitudinal length of the upright column 116 to guide the movement of the container. The hollow central portion 70 of the upright column contributes to the low weight of the grid frame structure. Figure 7 In the specific embodiment shown, the hollow central portion 70 of the upright column is a box-shaped portion. A guide portion or corner portion 72 is attached to or formed into at least one corner of the box-shaped portion. However, the cross-sectional shape of the hollow central portion of the upright column is not limited to a box-shaped portion, as other cross-sectional shapes (e.g., circular, triangular) are also applicable in this invention.

[0121] As in Figure 7 As shown, the upright sections 116 are spaced apart such that guides 72, which are mounted to the corners of different box-shaped sections, engage with each other to provide a single storage location 58 for guiding the vertical movement of containers in the stack section along the upright sections. Depending on the position of the upright sections 116 in the grid frame structure, the guides 72 are mounted to one or all four corners of the box-shaped sections of the upright sections 116. For example, guides or corner portions 72 may be included when only one or two corners of the hollow central section form part of the outer wall-like frame of the grid frame structure to engage with one or two corners of the containers in the stack section. When the upright sections 116 are positioned inside the grid frame structure, all four corners of the box-shaped central section include guides or corner portions 72, and each upright section 116 is arranged to engage with the corners of four containers 110.

[0122] In a particular embodiment of the invention, each of the guide portions 72 is shown as a V-shape or a cross-sectional profile with a 90° angle, the cross-sectional profile being formed to abut or accommodate a corner of the container, the corner of the container being generally rectangular in shape. (As in...) Figure 7 As shown, the guide section includes two vertical plates 72a, 72b (two container guide plates perpendicular to each other) extending longitudinally along the length of the upright column section 116. Figure 7 The additional plate 72c shown extends along the length of the upright column portion and is used to engage the V-shaped guide portion to the corner of the hollow central portion 70 at the apex of the V-shaped guide portion. The additional plate 72c is used to space the V-shaped guide portion from the corner of the hollow central portion 70, such that the guide portion 72 including the spacer portion 72c has an overall Y-shaped cross-sectional profile.

[0123] The upright column portion 116 of the present invention can be formed into a single body, for example, by extrusion. Different materials can be used to manufacture the upright column portion, including but not limited to metals (e.g., aluminum, steel) or even composite materials, which have sufficient structural rigidity to support the grid and the load-bearing device traveling on the grid structure.

[0124] At least a portion of the plurality of upright columns 116 are spaced apart from each other in the grid frame structure by one or more spacers or columns 74 connected between adjacent upright columns 116 (see [link]). Figure 8 The spacer 74 extends transversely (or perpendicularly) to the longitudinal direction of the uprights 116 and is bolted or riveted to the opposing walls of two adjacent uprights by one or more bolts or rivets. The length of the spacer or column 72 is designed such that adjacent uprights 116 are sufficiently spaced apart to occupy one or more containers in the stack between the uprights 116. Figure 8 A perspective view of four upright columns 116 is shown, which are spaced apart from each other by one or more spacers or columns 74 to form storage columns or storage locations 58, the dimensions of which are designed to accommodate one or more containers in a stack.

[0125] The spacer 74 is sized to fit between corner portions, which include guides 72 for upright portions 116, such that the upright portions can accommodate stacked containers between adjacent upright portions 116. That is, the spacer does not obstruct or pass through the area (or vertical storage position) occupied by the guides 72 or guide plates at the corners of the upright portions (see [reference]). Figure 7 One or more spacers / columns 74 are distributed at intervals along the length of two adjacent upright columns 116 in the grid frame structure (see...). Figure 8 ). Figure 8 An example of a storage location or storage column of the present invention is shown, which is used to occupy one or more containers in a stack, the storage location or storage column comprising four adjacent upright columns that are spaced apart within a grid frame structure by one or more spacers or columns 74.

[0126] Importantly, the grid in the horizontal plane is generally flat to allow the largely remotely operated loading and unloading equipment to travel on the grid structure and to prevent stress on any of the tracks or rails due to height variations in one or more upright members 116 in the grid frame structure. To reduce potential height variations in one or more upright members 116 in the grid frame structure, the height of the grid, and therefore the level of the grid, is adjusted by adjustable feet 90 at the lower ends (first ends) of one or more upright members 90 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 8 ).

[0127] As in Figure 9 The adjustable foot 90 shown includes a base plate 92 and a threaded shaft or rod 94, the threaded shaft or rod being able to engage with, as in... Figure 10 The separate push-in cover or insert 96 shown is threadedly engaged. The push-in cover 96 is arranged to fit tightly to the lower end of the upright portion 116 to adjust the height of the upright portion. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The push-fit cover 96 shown includes an insertion portion 98, which is formed to insert into the hollow central portion of the upright column. A lip 100 is formed around the outer periphery of the insertion portion 98, and is arranged to abut against the edge of the hollow central portion 70 when the insertion portion 98 is received within the hollow central portion of the upright column. The push-fit cover or insertion portion 96 includes one or more clamping or retaining clips 102 arranged around the insertion portion 98 to form a tight fit when the insertion portion 98 of the push-fit cover or insertion portion 96 is inserted into the hollow central portion 70 of the upright column 116. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the insertion portion 98 is formed to form a tight fit when inserted into a box-shaped portion of the upright column. To create a tight fit between the insertion portion 98 and the hollow central portion of the upright portion 116, the insertion portion 98 includes four walls 104, each having one or more cutouts 106 to allow one or more retaining clips or clamping clips 102 to be in place. The one or more retaining clips 102 may be made of an elastic material (e.g., rubber). Together with the retaining clips 102, the insertion portion 98 is slightly larger than the hollow central portion 70 of the upright portion 116 (which is a box-shaped portion) to create a tight fit when the insertion portion 98 is inserted into the box-shaped portion 70 of the upright portion 116. Another description of the push-fit cover or insertion portion 96 includes four corner portions, each of which includes two vertical strips or plates, each corner portion being arranged at a corner of the base plate of the push-fit or insertion portion 96. The dimensions of the space between the corner portions are designed to receive one or more retaining clips 102.

[0128] The push-fit cover 96 includes a threaded hole 108 for threaded engagement with a threaded shaft 94 of the adjustable foot 90. One or more webs 115 extending from each vertex of the corner portion to the threaded hole 108 enhance the structural integrity of the push-fit cover 96. The push-fit cover 96 of the present invention can be made of metal or other suitable materials (e.g., metal, plastic, ceramic) and can be formed as a separate component, preferably as a single body, for example by casting or molding.

[0129] In use, the threaded shaft 94 engages with the threaded hole 108 of the push-in mating cover 96. The rotation of the threaded shaft 94 changes the distance between the base plate 92 arranged on the floor and the push-in mating cover 96, thereby changing the height of the upright column in the grid frame structure.

[0130] Reinforce the tower section

[0131] The grid frame structure 114 can be considered as a free-standing (or self-supporting) linear assembly of multiple upright columns 116 supporting a grid formed by intersecting horizontal beams or grid members, i.e., a frame with four walls. While the spacers or columns 74 connecting adjacent upright columns 116 provide some degree of structural rigidity to the grid frame structure 114, the structural rigidity and moment resistance of the grid frame structure are largely provided by incorporating one or more truss components or reinforcing towers 80 at least partially around the periphery of the grid frame structure and / or within the body of the grid frame structure (see...). Figure 6 Truss assemblies can have triangular or other non-trapezoidal shapes. For example, a truss assembly can be any type of truss that provides structural rigidity against lateral forces for a grid frame structure, including but not limited to Warren trusses, K-trusses, Fink trusses, Pratt trusses, Gambrel trusses, or Howe trusses. Bolts or other suitable attachments can be used to secure the diagonal reinforcements to the uprights.

[0132] exist Figure 11 The reinforced tower portion 80 according to an embodiment of the present invention shown can be formed by rigidly joining a plurality of upright or vertical column portions 116 subgroups or sub-groups of reinforced portions or diagonal reinforcement members 82 at angles or diagonals. For the purposes of the present invention, the diagonal reinforcement portions 82 cooperate with the upright column portions 116 in the reinforced tower portion 80 to form one or more triangles. A subgroup of the plurality of upright column portions can be two or more adjacent upright column portions 116, which are located in the same vertical plane or a single vertical plane and joined together by one or more diagonal reinforcement portions 82, thereby reinforcing the plurality of upright column portions together to form the reinforced tower portion 80 of the present invention. In other words, two or more adjacent upright column portions 116 connected by one or more diagonal reinforcement portions 82 are located in the same vertical plane or a single vertical plane, i.e., the two or more adjacent upright column portions are coplanar. The structural rigidity of the grid frame structure is improved by reinforcing one or more subgroups of the upright column section 116 with one or more diagonal reinforcement sections 82 inside the grid frame structure.

[0133] Not all upright columns 116 are rigidly connected together by reinforcing components. The remaining upright columns, which do not form part of the reinforced tower section 80, are connected by one or more spacers or columns 74 as discussed above (see...). Figure 8 The spacing is maintained within the grid frame structure. Typically, one or more spacers 74 are made of metal plates (e.g., steel plates). Figure 12 A plan view or bird's-eye view of a portion of a grid frame structure according to an example of the invention is shown, illustrating the distribution of reinforcing towers and spacers connecting adjacent upright columns 116. Here, the three reinforcing towers 80 can each be shown as subgroups of three upright columns 116a, 116b, 116c, each of the three reinforcing towers located in a single vertical plane, i.e., these reinforcing towers are coplanar. The remaining upright columns not connected by one or more diagonal reinforcing sections are spaced apart in the grid frame structure by one or more spacers or columns 74, 74b. Compared to the one or more diagonal reinforcing sections 82 in the reinforcing towers 80 that connect adjacent upright columns 116a, 116b, 116c, the spacers or columns 74, 74b extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the upright columns 116. This can be achieved by… Figure 8 The example of the storage column shown in the image is clearly illustrated.

[0134] Figure 12 The distribution of the intervals 74, 74b that separate the upright column portion 116 is shown. Figure 12Two types of spacers 74 and 74b are shown, which connect adjacent upright columns 116 to form a reinforced tower 80. The upright columns 116a, 116b, and 116c forming the reinforced tower 80 are connected to one or more diagonal reinforcements 82. Spacers 74b arranged or extending in a vertical plane perpendicular to the vertical plane containing the upright columns of the reinforced tower 80 are largely structural spacers 74b, while spacers 74 extending laterally to one side of the reinforced tower 80 to the adjacent upright column 116 are largely standard spacers 74. The two different types of spacers 74 and 74b depend on whether one or more spacers are located in a plane perpendicular to the vertical plane, wherein the upright columns 116a, 116b, and 116c of the reinforced tower 80 are in or located in the same vertical plane as the reinforced tower 80 (the reinforced tower is located in a single plane). In an example of the invention, the upright columns 116a, 116b, 116c forming the reinforced tower section 80 can be connected to adjacent upright columns via one or more structural spacers or columns 74b, which extend in a vertical plane perpendicular to the vertical plane in which the reinforced tower section is located. In other words, the upright columns 116a, 116b, 116c constituting the reinforced tower section 80 are located in a first vertical plane, and the structural spacer 74b connecting the reinforced tower section 80 to the adjacent upright column section 116 is located in a second vertical plane; the second vertical plane is perpendicular to the first vertical plane. The structural spacer 74b differs from the spacers (standard spacers) 74 that connect other remaining upright columns within the grid frame structure because the structural spacer is more robust and includes one or more reinforcements structurally supporting the spacer 74b. Reinforcements include, but are not limited to, metal plates of thickness or width constituting the spacer or including reinforcing beams. However, the spacing portions used to separate the upright column portions 116 within the grid frame structure are not limited to the same type. The spacing portions are used to connect the remaining upright column portions 116 adjacent to the reinforced tower portion 80 of the present invention. That is, in the entire grid frame structure, the remaining upright column portions not reinforced by one or more diagonal reinforcement portions are separated by standard spacing portions 74.

[0135] Subgroups of upright columns are rigidly connected together within a grid frame structure by reinforcing components (one or more diagonal reinforcements) to form the reinforced tower section 80 of the present invention. The number of subgroups of upright columns and thus the distribution of the reinforced tower sections 80 depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to ground conditions (e.g., soil conditions), environmental factors (e.g., temperature), and lateral forces generated by the loading and unloading equipment. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the reinforced tower sections 80 are distributed within the grid frame structure to provide support from external forces in the x and y directions. For this purpose, one or more reinforced tower sections 80 are oriented within the grid frame structure 114 such that one or more reinforced tower sections 80 are located in a first vertical plane and one or more reinforced tower sections are located in a second vertical plane, the first vertical plane being perpendicular to the second vertical plane. In another example, the reinforced tower sections 80 may alternate among the upright columns 116 within the body of the grid frame structure, such that each reinforced tower section is adjacent to the same number of upright columns 116. As described above, the reinforced tower section 80 is separated from the adjacent upright column sections within the grid frame structure by one or more spacers or columns 74, 74b. In a given storage system including a grid frame structure, the number of upright column sections occupied by the reinforced tower section (i.e., rigidly connected together by one or more diagonal reinforcement sections) ranges from 2% to 50% of the total number of upright column sections.

[0136] To maximize the available space or area for storing containers, the adjacent groups or subgroups of upright columns 116 forming the reinforced tower section 80, as well as one or more diagonal reinforcement sections 82 connecting these subgroups, are all located in the same vertical plane or a single vertical plane; that is, the adjacent groups or subgroups of upright columns forming the reinforced tower section and the one or more diagonal reinforcement sections connecting these subgroups are coplanar. The one or more diagonal reinforcement sections 82 connecting adjacent groups of upright columns 116 in the reinforced tower section constitute a reinforcement plane. In the reinforced tower section of the present invention, the upright columns of the reinforced tower section are located in a vertical plane parallel to the reinforcement plane. By reinforcing one or more adjacent upright columns located in a single vertical plane or coplanarly, the ability of the upright columns to be arranged to accommodate stacked containers is not compromised, thus increasing the density of containers that can be stored in the grid frame structure. In other words, the reinforcing member 82 does not pass through the storage location of the stacked containers, nor does it obstruct the guidance of the containers along the adjacent uprights.

[0137] exist Figure 11In a specific embodiment of the invention shown, each of the reinforced tower sections 80 includes three parallel upright sections located in a single vertical plane (coplanar), which are rigidly connected together by a plurality of diagonal reinforcement sections 82. Two of the three upright sections 116a and 116b are laterally arranged on either side of the intermediate upright section 116c, and are rigidly connected to the intermediate upright section 116c by a plurality of diagonal reinforcement sections 82. Another way to describe the reinforced tower section 80 is to have two outer upright sections 116a and 116b on either side of the intermediate upright section 116c. In each of the reinforced tower sections 80, the outer upright sections 116a, 116b are joined together by one or more intersecting reinforcing members, and the intermediate upright section 116b intersects at the intersection of the intersecting reinforcing sections (more specifically, reinforcing members 82 are used to connect the outer upright sections to the intermediate upright section 116c on both sides of the intermediate upright section), as in Figure 11 As shown in the image.

[0138] In the reinforced tower section 80 of the present invention, one end of the diagonal reinforcing member 82 is connected to the intermediate upright section via a connecting plate 130. The connecting plate 130 is inserted into a groove by passing through the hollow central portion of the intermediate upright section 116c in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the upright section. For example, in Figure 14 As shown in the enlarged view of the central upright section, the connecting plate 130 is inserted through a groove in the opposite wall of the hollow central portion 70 of the upright section.

[0139] The width of each diagonal reinforcement member 82 is such that it can be fitted between two parallel guide plates or guides at the corner portion 72 of the upright column 116, thus the diagonal reinforcement 82 does not impair the ability of the upright column 116 to accommodate the stacking portion of the container. In other words, the diagonal reinforcement member 82 is not fitted with adjacent guides or guide plates 72 at the corner of the upright column (see...). Figure 7 Intersecting or crossing. To prevent the reinforcing member 82 from obstructing adjacent guide plates and thus damaging the area of ​​the stacked portion or storage location of the containers, the groove for receiving the connecting plate 130 extends between the guide portions 72 at the corners of the upright portion 116, such that when the reinforcing member 82 is connected to the connecting plate 130, the reinforcing member 82 does not obstruct the guide portion 72 for vertically guiding the containers along the upright portion 116.

[0140] The opposing ends of the connecting plate 130 include one or more holes for secure attachment to the ends of the diagonal reinforcement member 82 by suitable bolts. The two ends of the connecting plate 130 are securely attached to the diagonal reinforcement member 82 on both sides of the central upright portion 116c, such that the connecting plate 130 is in a tensioned state within the reinforcement tower portion 80. The second end 82b of the reinforcement member 82 passes through a flange plate 122 (see...). Figure 13 Bolts are used to connect the outer uprights 116a and 116b, and flange plates are fixedly attached to the outer uprights 116a and 116b. The first end 82a of the diagonal reinforcement 82 is connected to the connecting plate 130. Figure 13 In a specific embodiment of the invention shown, flange 122 includes angle bolts 123 connected to the outer upright portions 116a, 116b. To ensure that the ends of the diagonal reinforcement 82 are connected between the guide portions 72 and thus do not obstruct one or more containers traveling along the guide portions, flange 122 is fixedly attached between the guide portions 72, such that the second end 82a of the diagonal reinforcement 82 is connected between the guide portions 72.

[0141] According to Figure 14 In the first embodiment of the invention shown, to secure the diagonal reinforcing member 82 to the connecting plate 130, the connecting plate 130 includes an insert plate 124 arranged to be inserted through a slot extending through the hollow central portion 70 of the intermediate upright portion 116c. Wing plates 126 are bolted to both sides of the insert plate 124, which connect the reinforcing member 82 to the connecting plate 130. The use of multiple plates 124, 126 constituting the connecting plate 130 allows for the use of a smaller insert plate 124; therefore, the wing plates 126 bolted to the insert plate 124 bear the load applied to the connecting plate 130. However, according to… Figure 14 The problem with the connecting plate 130 of the first embodiment of the invention shown is that it requires multiple bolts to rigidly connect the reinforcing member 82 to the intermediate upright portion 116c. Figure 14 In a specific embodiment of the invention shown, each of the wing plates 126 is bolted to the insert plate 124 by four bolts. Two additional bolts are used to connect the end (second end) of the reinforcing member 82 to the top and bottom of each of the wing plates 126.

[0142] As in Figure 15As shown, unlike multiple joining plates, an improved form of the joining plate 130 according to the second embodiment of the invention is shown as a single joining plate 130. The insert plate and wing plate are manufactured as a single joining plate 130, the dimensions of which are designed to insert into a slot in the intermediate upright portion 116c. The removal of the individual wing plate eliminates the need to bolt individual wing plates to the insert plate, thereby eliminating the need to use multiple bolts to connect the diagonal reinforcing members 82 to the intermediate upright portion 116c. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the single joining plate 130 is inserted into a slot that extends in the hollow central portion of the intermediate upright portion 116c. The reinforcing members 82 are bolted to each corner of the joining plate 130. To accommodate the joining plate 130 according to the second embodiment of the invention without affecting the structural integrity of the upright portion and the storage location for accommodating a stack of containers between adjacent upright portions, the hollow central portion of each upright portion can be manufactured larger, i.e., the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow central portion 70 is manufactured larger. In the case where the hollow central portion of the upright column is a box-shaped portion including four walls, the width of the walls is increased to provide a larger box-shaped portion 70 to accommodate the joining plate 130 without obstructing the guide portion 72 at the corner of the box-shaped portion 70.

[0143] Multiple connecting plates 130 are spaced apart along the longitudinal length of the intermediate upright portion 116c, such that diagonal reinforcing members 82 form a series of triangular reinforcing portions on both sides of the intermediate upright portion 116c. The diagonal reinforcing members are connected between the outer upright portions 116a, 116b and the intermediate upright portion 116c. The reinforcing members on both sides of the intermediate upright portion 116c work together with the outer upright portions 116a, 116b to provide an integral truss assembly or reinforced tower portion 80 with intersecting reinforcing portions.

[0144] Reinforce the base of the tower

[0145] One or more reinforcing tower sections 80 are anchored to a concrete foundation. The function of the reinforcing tower section 80 is to transfer the lateral forces experienced by the grid 50 to the floor. The reinforcing tower section 80 is anchored to the concrete foundation by one or more anchoring feet 132 (see...). Figure 11 and Figure 15 ).exist Figure 11 and Figure 15In the specific embodiment shown, the outer upright sections 116a, 116b or the laterally arranged upright sections 116a, 116b are anchored to the concrete foundation by one or more anchoring feet 132, and the intermediate upright section 116c is supported on the adjustable foot 90 as described above. The lower end (first end) of the reinforced tower section is anchored to the concrete foundation by one or more anchoring bolts. Various types of anchoring feet 132a, 132b for rigidly anchoring the reinforced tower section to the concrete foundation are suitable for this invention. The anchoring feet serve to bear the upright section load and reinforcement load of the reinforcement assembly 82 of the reinforced tower section 80.

[0146] Figure 11 Figures c and 16 show two examples of anchoring feet according to the invention for anchoring a reinforced tower section to a concrete foundation. Compared to the anchoring foot shown in Figure 16, in Figure 11 The anchoring foot shown in Figure c is more robust in terms of size and weight than the anchoring foot shown in Figure 16. Figure 11 The anchoring foot 132a shown in Figure c is manufactured as a T-joint. This anchoring foot includes a base plate 133 and an anchoring plate 134. The base plate is located in a horizontal plane and is used for anchoring to the floor by one or more anchor bolts. The anchoring plate is perpendicular to the base plate 133 and is used for attaching to the lower end of the upright and the end of the reinforcing member 82. The anchoring plate 134 is oriented such that the surface of the anchoring plate 134 with the largest surface area is in the same vertical plane as the three uprights 116a, 116b, and 116c of the reinforcing tower 80. For example, the surface of the anchoring plate 134 with the largest surface area is coplanar with the uprights 116a, 116b, and 116c of the reinforcing tower 80. Figure 11 The problem with the anchoring foot 132a shown in c is its large weight and therefore the cost of manufacturing it.

[0147] Figure 16 illustrates an alternative anchoring foot 132b for anchoring a reinforced tower section 80 to a concrete foundation according to a second embodiment of the invention. Instead of a solid rectangular base plate 133, this anchoring foot is topology-optimized, with the material layout optimized for a given set of loads within a given design space. The two loads considered in the topology optimization of the anchoring foot are those from the upright sections 116a, 116b, 116c and the reinforcement member 82. Based on the constraints imposed by the applied loads, the anchoring foot 132b of the invention includes a stabilizing section 136 comprising a plurality of separate fingers or toes 138 extending from the upright section 140, such that the load is distributed among the plurality of fingers 138 (e.g., the separate fingers). In a specific embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 16, the upright portion 140 includes an anchor plate arranged to be rigidly connected to the upright portions 116a, 116b and the diagonal reinforcement 82 by one or more bolts to withstand the loads of the upright portions 116a, 116b and the loads applied by the diagonal reinforcement 82. Figure 11 Similar to the anchor plate 134 of the first embodiment of the present invention shown in c, the anchor plate 140 is oriented such that the surface of the anchor plate 140 having the largest surface area is located in the same vertical plane as the three upright columns 116a, 116b, 116c constituting the reinforcing tower portion 80 of the present invention (see [reference]). Figure 11 Using the terminology of this invention, the surfaces of the anchor plates 134 and 140, the diagonal reinforcement portion 82, and the upright portions 116a, 116b, and 116c are all located in the same plane, that is, the surfaces of the anchor plates, the diagonal reinforcement portion, and the upright portions are coplanar.

[0148] One or more separate fingers 138 of the anchor foot 132b extend from the upright portion 140 in two or more different directions, or cross or extend outward, to provide improved stability of the anchor foot 132b. The one or more fingers 138 have different lengths to aid in the stability of the anchor foot 132b of the present invention. The lengths of the fingers 138 may vary to provide different levels of stability to the reinforced tower portion 80. One or more connecting webs 142 are used to support the one or more fingers 138 against axial movement. The anchor foot 132b is anchored to a concrete foundation by one or more bolts through holes in the fingers 138 of the anchor foot 132b.

[0149] In a particular embodiment of the invention, five fingers 138 of different lengths are shown (see [reference]). Figure 16bFive toes extend from the upright portion 140, and each toe 138 has a hole at its distal end for anchoring the anchoring foot to the ground via an anchoring bolt. The anchoring foot 132b according to the second embodiment of the invention can be formed as a single body, for example by casting, or as separate parts joined together, for example by welding.

[0150] Grid structure

[0151] A grid 50 is installed onto an upright column 116. The grid includes multiple grid members 118 and 120, arranged to form a grid pattern comprising one or more rectangular frames. Each rectangular frame constitutes a grid cell 54. The rectangular frames are positioned above storage locations for one or more containers in a stacking section, which are retrieved by a loading handling device operating on the grid. The grid includes a first set of parallel grid members 118 extending in a first direction x and a second set of parallel grid members 120 extending in a second direction y. The second set of grid members 118 is perpendicular to the first set of grid members 120 in a generally horizontal plane to form a grid structure comprising multiple grid cells 54. Since the grid is located in a horizontal plane, the first and second directions are in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, respectively (see...). Figure 17 Multiple upright columns are interconnected at their top ends by a first set of mesh members 118 extending in a first direction and a second set of mesh members 120 extending in a second direction. Further details of the interconnection between the mesh members at the top ends of the upright columns will be discussed below. Figure 17 A top view of a grid structure 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0152] Each of the grid members 118 and 120 includes a track support for mounting rails. The rails may be separate components from the grid members, or alternatively, the track support may be integrated into the grid member as a single entity, forming part of the grid member. The loading device is operated to move along the tracks of the grid. The grid is supported by multiple uprights at each intersection of the horizontal grid members 118 and 120. The term "intersection" is interpreted in the broadest sense as including the connection where the grid members intersect at the upper ends of the uprights or where the ends of the grid members 118 and 10 meet at the uprights. For illustrative purposes, the lower end of the upright, mounted to the floor, constitutes the first end of the upright, and the upper end of the upright adjacent to the grid 50 constitutes the second end of the upright.

[0153] The group of parallel mesh members 118, 120 can be subdivided into subgroups (118a, 118b) of mesh members extending in a first direction of the mesh frame structure and / or subgroups (120a, 120b) of mesh members extending in a second direction of the mesh frame structure. The subgroups can constitute at least one mesh member extending in the first or second direction within the group, such as a single mesh member. At least one mesh member in the subgroup (e.g., a single mesh member) can be subdivided or divided into separate mesh elements (119a, 119b, 119c, etc. and 121a, 121b, 121c, etc.), which can be joined or connected together to form mesh members 118, 120 extending in the first or second direction. Figure 17 The diagram shows separate grid elements 119, 121 that constitute a grid extending in a first axial direction (119) and a second axial direction (121).

[0154] As in Figure 18 The connecting plate or cover plate 150 shown can be used to connect or join the individual grid elements (119a, 119b, 119c, etc. and 121a, 121b, 121c, etc.) together in the subgroup along a first and a second direction at the connecting portion. That is, the cover plate 150 is used to connect the grid elements together to the upright column portion 116, where multiple grid elements intersect in the grid structure at the connecting portion. Therefore, the upright columns are interconnected at the upper end of the upright column portion via the cover plate 150 at the connecting portion, where multiple grid elements intersect in the grid structure. As shown in... Figure 18 As shown, the cover plate 150 is in a cross shape with four connecting portions 152, which are used to connect to the ends of the grid elements at the intersections of the grid elements 119, 121 or anywhere along the length of the grid elements (see Figure 152). Figure 19 and Figure 20 For example, cover plate 150 can be used to connect to the ends of four grid elements 119, 121, as in... Figure 19 As shown in [the image]. Figure 19 In this configuration, the ends of two grid elements 119a and 119b are connected to a cover plate 150. Alternatively, the cover plate 150 can be used to connect three grid elements by connecting to a point anywhere along the length of one grid element 121 and the ends of two other adjacent grid elements 119a and 119b, as in... Figure 20 As shown in the diagram. The cover plate 150 includes a socket or protrusion 154, the size of which is designed (at the second end of the upright section) to fit snugly within the hollow central portion 70 of the upright section 116, to connect multiple upright sections to each other via a grid member, as shown in... Figure 21As shown in the diagram, connecting portions 154 are perpendicular to each other to connect to grid members 118, 120 / grid elements 119, 121 extending in a first direction and a second direction. Cover plates are configured to be bolted to the ends of the grid elements or to portions along the length of the grid elements. However, the cover plates do not necessarily have to be cross-shaped, as the number of connecting portions of the cover plates can depend on whether they are located at a corner of the grid frame structure or at one of the walls of the grid frame structure. For the purposes of this invention, the intersections of the grid members at the upright sections constitute the nodes of the grid. The bending moment of the grid is concentrated at the nodes of the grid.

[0155] Various pattern arrangements of the grid members 118 and 120 can be used to generate the grid 50 of the present invention. For example, the grid members in the subgroup can be subdivided into a plurality of separate grid elements 119a, 119b in a first direction and a plurality of separate grid elements 121a, 121b in a second direction. Each of the plurality of grid elements can be bolted to the cover plate 150 at its respective end along the first and second directions (X and Y directions), i.e., the grid elements are joined at their ends in the grid along the first and second directions by the cover plate. Therefore, the length of each grid element in the two axial directions is designed to lie between two adjacent upright sections 116.

[0156] The problem with this arrangement is that the grid will require multiple cuts of grid elements to connect to each of the vertical columns in the grid frame structure. Therefore, the lateral forces experienced by the grid are concentrated at the joints or nodes between the ends of the grid elements and the cover plate 150. This arrangement does not provide an optimal overall distribution of lateral forces or structural integrity of the grid. An alternative arrangement to improve the structural rigidity of the grid would be grid elements 119, 121 of different lengths along the first direction or the second direction, or both. For example, two or more grid elements are sized to extend or span one or more vertical columns 116 in the first direction and connect to the cover plate 150 anywhere along the length of the grid element. In the second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, the ends of the grid elements connect to the cover plate. While this arrangement may improve the structural integrity of the grid, it may be considered uneconomical because it requires multiple cuts of the grid members. Furthermore, the need to assemble and connect grid elements of different lengths to the vertical columns increases the complexity of assembling the grid.

[0157] The applicant has recognized that arranging the grid elements of the grid members to form a pattern having a woven or brick-like appearance causes adjacent parallel grid elements in the first direction to be offset by at least one grid cell 54 (as in...). Figure 17(As shown in the diagram) This improves the structural integrity of the mesh and allows the use of mesh elements of the same length in both the first and second directions. Similarly, adjacent parallel mesh elements are arranged offset by at least one mesh cell 54 in the second direction. Figure 22 In the exploded view of the mesh pattern shown, adjacent parallel mesh elements (119a and 119b; 121a and 121b) are arranged in the mesh such that adjacent parallel mesh elements in the first and second directions are offset by a single mesh cell 54. For example, in Figure 22 In this arrangement, grid element 119a is offset by a single grid cell 54 from grid element 119b in a first direction. Similarly, grid element 121a is offset by a single grid cell 54 from grid element 121b in a second direction. According to the terminology used in this invention, this woven appearance is referred to as a layered pattern. In this arrangement of the grid, grid elements of the same size can be used in most grid structures, just as bricks of the same size are used to create a brick-like appearance, wherein the bricks are arranged in an alternating manner. For example, in... Figure 17 It can be seen that the pattern of the grid elements is arranged such that adjacent grid elements in the first direction and the second direction are staggered.

[0158] To achieve this pattern, the length of one or more grid elements 119, 121 of the grid members 118, 120 is designed to extend or cross through the upper ends of one or more uprights in the first and / or second directions, rather than the length of all grid elements being designed to connect to the uprights in the grid frame structure via the ends of the grid elements. As a result of this arrangement, one or more grid elements in the first direction 119 and the second direction 121 are secured to the uprights at different locations along the length of the grid by cover plates 150. Figure 20 In a specific embodiment of the invention shown, the length of each grid element in the grid element is designed to extend or span a single upright column.

[0159] Due to this pattern arrangement, the upper end of the upright column 116 is connected to the first grid element 121 at half the length along the first grid element in the first direction, and in the second direction to the first grid element 121 (see...) Figure 20The two sides of the first subgroup of grid members 119a and 119b are connected to the ends of two other adjacent grid elements 119a and 119b, i.e., the upper ends of the uprights in the grid frame structure are connected to each other by supporting the ends of the grid element 119a and the center of the adjacent grid element 121. The subgroup of grid elements in the first and second directions is subdivided into multiple grid elements, and the grid elements 119a, 119b, 119c, 121a, 121b, and 121c are staggered in the first and second directions, such that each grid element extends or crosses a single upright 116, resulting in an arrangement in which the grid elements in the first and second directions are offset by at least one grid cell 54. More specifically, the first subgroup of grid members 118 and 120 is subdivided into first grid elements and second grid elements 119a and 119b extending in the first direction, with the second grid element 119b spaced apart from the first grid element 119a in the second direction. The first grid element 119a and the second grid element 119b are staggered in the first direction, such that the first grid element 119a and the second grid element 119b in the grid are offset by at least one grid cell 54. The same staggered arrangement of the grid elements applies to the second direction, such that the first grid element and the second grid element 121a, 121b in the second direction are spaced apart in the first direction and offset by at least one grid cell in the second direction.

[0160] This invention is not limited to the first and second grid elements being staggered and offset from individual grid cells in a first and / or second direction. For example, the dimensions of one or more grid elements in the first and / or second direction can be designed to span or extend through the upper ends of multiple uprights, and the staggered arrangement creates a pattern of offsetting one or more grid cells in the first and / or second direction. This arrangement requires multiple connections along the length of the grid cells to the multiple uprights, rather than just connections at the middle of the grid elements. The connections from the grid members to the uprights, particularly the cross-sectional shape of the grid elements, will be discussed below.

[0161] The container is approximately rectangular in shape, with its length greater than its width. The grid cells are rectangular to accommodate the rectangular container. To achieve the rectangular grid cells, each grid element 119 is longer in the first axial direction (x or y) than each grid element 121 is longer in the second axial direction (y or x). Figure 17 and Figure 22The preferred grid arrangement shown provides optimal structural integrity for the grid 50 of the present invention. In this arrangement, subgroups of grid members 118, 120 are subdivided into grid elements 119, 121 extending through at least one upright portion 116 in a first direction and a second direction. In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the grid members are subdivided such that each grid element extends through a single upright portion in both a first axial direction and a second axial direction. In this arrangement, each grid element has the same length in the first direction and the same length in the second direction, but different lengths in the first and second directions, to provide rectangular grid cells. In other words, referring to... Figure 17 and Figure 22 The subgroup of mesh members 119 in the first direction is further subdivided into first mesh elements 119a and second mesh elements 119b, each of the first mesh elements 119a and second mesh elements 119b having a length L1 in the first direction (see...). Figure 22 Similarly, the subgroup of the grid member 120 in the second direction is further subdivided into a first grid element 121a and a second grid element 121b, each of which has a length L2 in the second direction. To accommodate the rectangular container, the length L1 of the grid element in the first direction is different from the length L2 of the grid element in the second direction.

[0162] Different portions of the grid can be arranged in a layered pattern. To ensure sufficient structural rigidity to support the moving load-bearing device, most of the grid employs the layered pattern of this invention. For example, because the grid elements are arranged to offset at least one grid cell in a first and second direction, one or more grid elements are shortened at the outer perimeter of the grid to converge at a common support beam. This is to prevent one or more grid elements from protruding at the edge of the grid structure; that is, one or more grid elements protruding from the edge of the grid at the common support beam are cut off.

[0163] Track support section

[0164] Each grid member in the grid member 50 of the present invention may include a track support and / or a track or guide rail, such that the track or guide rail is mounted to the track support. The load handling device is operated to move along the track or guide rail of the present invention. Alternatively, the track may be integrated into the grid member 50 as a single body, for example, by extrusion.

[0165] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the grid member is a track support to which a separate track or guide rail is installed; that is, the track support is integrated into the grid member. The track support forming the grid in the transverse cross-section can be a solid support with a C-shaped, U-shaped, or I-shaped cross-section, or even a double C-shaped or double U-shaped support. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the track support is two back-to-back C-shaped portions bolted together. The track support and / or the track can take a layered pattern similar to that discussed above regarding the grid member. The track support is subdivided into track support elements that join together in a first direction and a second direction at the connection points, where multiple track support elements intersect in the grid structure (i.e., at the upper end of the uprights).

[0166] Use the same terminology as described above for mesh components (see above) Figure 17 and Figure 22The grid comprises a first set of parallel track supports extending in a first direction and a second set of parallel track supports extending in a second direction, the second set of track supports being substantially perpendicular to the first set of track supports. In each of the first and second directions, a set of track supports comprises multiple parallel track supports. Similar to the subgroups of grid members discussed above, the first set of track supports in the first direction is subdivided into a first subgroup of track supports and a second subgroup of track supports, such that the second subgroup of track supports is spaced apart from the first subgroup of track supports in the second direction, i.e., parallel to the subgroup of track supports. The first subgroup of track supports and / or the second subgroup of track supports comprises at least one track support, such as a single track support. The first subgroup of track supports is subdivided or split into first track support elements in the first direction. Similarly, the second subgroup of track supports adjacent to the first subgroup of track supports is subdivided into second track support elements in the first direction. First and second track support elements are arranged in a grid such that each of the first track support elements is offset from each of the adjacent second track support elements by at least a single grid cell in a first direction, i.e., adjacent parallel track support elements are offset from each other by at least a single grid cell in the first direction. For example, a subgroup of track support portions comprising a single track support portion is divided into multiple separate track support elements, which are joined together by a cover plate to form a single track support portion. Parallel separate track support elements are arranged in a grid in the first direction to be offset from each other by at least a single grid cell. A similar pattern arrangement is applied to a group of track support portions extending in a second direction, thus the group of track support portions is subdivided in the second direction into first subgroup track support portions and second subgroup track support portions. Each of the first subgroup track support portions and the second subgroup track support portions is divided or divided into first track support elements and second track support elements. First and second track support elements extending in the second direction are arranged in a grid such that each of the first track support elements is offset from each of the second track support elements by at least a single grid cell in the second direction. In other words, the parallel track elements arranged laterally in the first direction and the second direction are offset by at least one grid cell.

[0167] exist Figure 23 As shown, a separate track support element 160 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes back-to-back C-shaped portions that are bolted together. Figure 24 The grid element 160 is shown along the intersection point. Figure 20The cross-section of line XX in the diagram. Each track support element 160 is arranged to interlock with each other to form a grid according to the invention. To achieve this, the distal or opposite end of each track support element 160 includes a locking feature 162 for interconnecting with a corresponding locking feature 164 of an adjacent track support element. In a particular embodiment of the invention, one or more opposite or distal ends of the track support elements include at least one hook 162, which is accommodating at a connection point in an opening or slot 164 at the midpoint of an adjacent grid element, where the track support elements intersect in the grid. Figure 24 Return to reference Figure 23 A hook 162 at the end of track support element 160 is shown being received in an opening 164 of an adjacent track support element, the adjacent track support elements extending through the upright portion at a connecting portion where they intersect. Here, the hook 162 is arranged into the opening 164 on both sides of the track support element. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the opening 164 is located halfway along the length of the track support element 160, such that when assembled together, adjacent parallel track support elements are offset by at least one grid cell in a first direction and a second direction. (See reference...) Figure 20 and Figure 24 The upright column support portion 116 supports three track support elements 160a, 160b, and 160c at the center of the first track support element 160a and at the ends of adjacent second track support elements 160b and third track support elements 160c on both sides of the first track support element 160a. The second track support elements 160b and third track support elements 160c supported at their ends approach each other in opposite directions to lock each other at the midpoint along the first track support element 160a. Each track support element 160a, 160b, and 160c is locked to each other at the connecting portion by inserting a hook 162 at the end of the track support element into an opening 164 at the midpoint of adjacent track support elements, where the track support elements intersect. This interlocking of each track support element in the grid creates the layered pattern described above.

[0168] track or guide rail

[0169] To complete the grid structure and form a grid pattern once the track support elements are locked together, tracks are installed onto the track support elements. The grid pattern includes track support portions extending in a first direction and track support portions extending in a second direction. The tracks are snap-fitted and / or assembled to the track support elements in a sliding fit arrangement. Similar to the track support portion of the present invention, the tracks include a first set of tracks extending in a first direction and a second set of tracks extending in a second direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction. Subgroups of the first set of tracks are subdivided into multiple track elements in the first direction, such that adjacent parallel track elements are offset by at least one grid cell in the first direction. Similarly, subgroups of the second set of tracks are subdivided into multiple track elements in the second direction, such that adjacent track elements in the second direction are offset by at least one grid cell. The first set of tracks and / or subgroups of the second set of tracks include at least one track, for example, a single track divided into multiple track elements. Figure 25 An example of a single track element 170 is shown. The assembly of the track element to the track support includes an inverted U-shaped cross-sectional profile, which is formed to support the track element. Figure 23 The top of the track support element 160 shown overlaps with or is adjacent to the top of the track support element. One or more lugs extending from each branch of the U-shaped profile engage with the ends of the track support in a snap-fit ​​manner.

[0170] Multiple track elements 170 are assembled to abut each other along the length of the track support element. The individual tracks may follow a pattern similar to that of the track support, such as a layered pattern, or may be arranged in a different manner. Figure 26 An assembly of three track elements 170a, 170b, and 170c at a connecting section is shown. At the connecting section, track elements 170a, 170b, and 170c intersect at upright sections in a grid structure. The length of each track element is designed to extend or span through at least one upright section, such as a single upright section. The ends of track elements 170a and 170b abut against the sides of adjacent track element 170c at the upright sections. Track element 170 includes... Figure 25The cutout or groove 172 shown is used to accommodate the track support element 160 at the upright portion as discussed above. Since the track element 170 is sized to extend or span through a single upright portion in the grid structure, the cutout 172 is located at the center of each track element in the track element 170 or formed in the middle of each track element. The track element 170 is assembled onto the track support portion such that, when viewed from the top of the grid, the track has a woven or brick-like appearance, wherein adjacent parallel track elements in the first direction intersect at least one grid cell. Similarly, adjacent parallel track elements in the second direction intersect at least one grid cell.

[0171] Referring to the mesh components, similar language as discussed above is used. The track comprises a first set of tracks extending in a first direction and a second set of tracks extending in a second direction, the second set of tracks extending transversely to the first set of tracks in a generally horizontal plane. The first and second sets of tracks are subdivided into a plurality of track elements 170, such that each of the plurality of track elements 170 is arranged to extend or cross through the top end of a single upright member. More specifically, the first set of tracks is subdivided in the first direction into a first sub-set of tracks extending in the first direction and a second sub-set of tracks, the second sub-set of tracks being spaced apart from the first sub-set of tracks in the second direction. The first sub-set of tracks is split or divided in the first direction into the first set of track elements 170, and the second sub-set of tracks is split or divided in the first direction into the second set of track elements. The first set of track elements is offset by a single mesh cell from the second set of track elements in the first direction. The same principle applies to the first and second sets of track elements extending in the second direction.

[0172] The upright column, the reinforced tower, the feet of the reinforced tower, the grid structure including the track support, and the track elements are assembled together as described above to form a grid frame structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0173] Earthquake-resistant grid frame structure

[0174] While current grid-frame structures are adequate for relatively stable ground conditions (i.e., spectral accelerations below 0.33g, classified as Class A and B events), this is insufficient when they are subjected to strong seismic events (generating strong lateral forces with spectral accelerations exceeding 0.55g, classified as Class C or D events). Such strong seismic events damage the structural fasteners that join grid elements (e.g., track support elements) at intersections, causing them to loosen or detach from bolted caps. Because lateral forces can no longer be safely transferred downwards to the foundation, the structural integrity of the grid-frame structure is weakened or completely lost. Damage can occur at the intersections of grid members or track support elements. The reinforced towers described above for maintaining the structural integrity of the grid-frame structure may not withstand lateral forces exceeding 0.55g caused by a strong Class D seismic event.

[0175] As in Figure 27 and Figure 28 As shown, the present invention provides earthquake-resistant grid frame structures 214 and 314, which include a structural resistance system, also known as a seismic force restraint system (SFRS), to maintain the structural integrity of the grid frame structure during strong earthquakes and storm events. Specifically, the SFRS supports the grid frame structure to resist strong lateral forces caused by Class C and / or Class D earthquake events. The resistance system of the present invention reduces or eliminates damage to structural fasteners, such as joints where mesh elements are secured to upright columns at intersections by cover plates due to fracture, loosening, separation, or breakage of structural components. The SFRS of the present invention includes peripheral reinforcement structures 215 and 315 supported by a plurality of vertical frame columns 218 and 318, which support the grid to resist lateral forces. Reference numerals 215 and 315 are used to describe... Figure 27 and Figure 28Different types of peripheral reinforcement structures are shown. Peripheral reinforcement structures 215, 315 include at least one reinforcement member 220, 320, 222, 322 extending from a plurality of vertical frame column portions 218. For the purposes of this invention, the term "support portion" is interpreted to include any form of mechanical connection between the SFRS and the grid. For example, lateral forces generated at the grid are transmitted to the SFRS of this invention at the periphery of the grid 250. Furthermore, for the purposes of this invention, at least one reinforcement member 220, 320, 222, 322 may be at least one horizontal frame beam portion between the vertical frame column portions 218 and / or at least one diagonal reinforcement member 222, 322 between the vertical frame column portions 218. For the purposes of this invention, the terms "vertical frame column portion" and "vertical support frame column portion" are used interchangeably in the specification to refer to the column portion 218 that supports the reinforcement members 220, 320, 222, 322. The vertical frame column portion 218 differs from the vertical upright column portion 116 supporting the grid discussed above, and the vertical frame column portion is spaced apart by one or more spacers 74. The vertical frame column portion 218, together with the peripheral reinforcement structure of the present invention, forms part of the SFRS. The SFRS can be conceived as forming an exoskeleton portion surrounding the grid frame structure.

[0176] Mesh 250 includes an outer region or boundary 252 surrounding the outer perimeter of mesh 250 (see...) Figure 29 ). Figure 29 An enlarged view of the earthquake-resistant grid frame structure of the present invention is shown at one corner of the corner of the supporting grid frame structure SFRS 215, 315. The grid 250 is supported by peripheral reinforcement structures 215, 315 at or within the boundary or outer region 252 of the grid 250. In one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral reinforcement structures 215, 315 are arranged around the periphery of the grid 250 and / or the grid frame structure. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the grid 250 is supported by peripheral reinforcement structures 215, 315 at or within the boundary or outer region 252 of the grid 250, such that a portion of the boundary or outer region 252 extends beyond the peripheral reinforcement structures 215, 315. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the boundary or outer region 252 of the grid 250 constitutes the outer portion of the grid 250, and the width of the outer portion of the grid is at least one grid cell, more preferably a single grid cell, such that when the grid 250 is supported at the boundary or outer region 252 of the grid 250, the outer portion of the grid 250 extends out of the peripheral reinforcement structures 215, 315.

[0177] As in Figure 29As shown, the outer region or boundary 252 of the grid spans or extends through the outer perimeter reinforcement structures 215, 315 at the edge of the grid frame structure. More specifically, the outer region or boundary 252 of the grid spans through at least one reinforcement member 220, such that a portion of the grid extends beyond the outer perimeter reinforcement structures 215, 315. The at least one reinforcement member 220 is at least one horizontal frame beam extending between the vertical frame column portions 218. Here, the at least one horizontal frame beam portion 220 is positioned inwardly from the edge of the grid 250, such that the outer region or boundary 252 of the grid spans or extends through at least one horizontal frame beam portion 220.

[0178] By supporting the mesh 250 at the boundary or outer region 252, such that a portion of the mesh 250 extends beyond the peripheral reinforcement structures 215, 315 instead of being supported at the edge of the mesh, the bending moment at the mesh edge is reduced. This bending moment affects the joints connecting the mesh 250 to the peripheral reinforcement structures 215, 315 of the present invention. This is because the bending moment is greatest at the edge of the mesh 250 and decreases between intersections (i.e., within or between mesh cells), where the mesh members intersect. This will be referred to below. Figure 33 Let me explain again. Figure 33 The distribution of bending moment on the grid is shown. Figure 33 In the diagram, we can see that the bending moment is maximum at the edges of the mesh and decreases to a minimum between the intersections. At the edges of the mesh, the mesh elements intersect. Figure 29 In a specific embodiment of the invention shown, the width D surrounding the boundary or outer region 252 of the grid constitutes a single grid cell. Ideally, the grid 250 is supported by at least one reinforcing member 220 of the peripheral reinforcing structures 215, 315 at the intermediate cell within the boundary or outer region 252 of the grid 250, rather than at the edge of the grid 250, where the bending moment is weakest.

[0179] While it is ideal to support the mesh 250 at the middle unit at the boundary or outer region of the mesh, the present invention is not limited to supporting the mesh at the middle unit at the boundary or outer region of the mesh, and the boundary or outer region of the mesh can be interpreted as also constituting the edge of the mesh 250, such that the mesh 250 is supported around the periphery of the mesh by the peripheral reinforcement structure of the present invention.

[0180] The SFRS can be conceived as an exoskeleton forming a mesh frame structure surrounding the invention. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the peripheral reinforcement structures 215, 315 are supported by at least one vertical frame column 218a at the corner of the mesh frame structure and by at least one horizontal frame beam 220 extending from the corner of the mesh frame structure. Figure 27 and Figure 28In a specific embodiment of the invention shown, four vertical frame support columns 218a are arranged at the four corners of the grid frame structure to form a 3D exoskeleton, such as a cuboid structure, having a top surface and four sides. Since the SFRS forms the exoskeleton, which surrounds the outer perimeter of the grid frame structure of the invention, for ease of explanation of the SFRS, the vertical frame support columns 218a at the corners of the grid frame structure can be referred to as peripheral frame columns. In a specific embodiment of the invention, four horizontal frame beams 220 are mounted to the top of each of the four peripheral frame columns 218a to extend from each corner of the SFRS frame. The horizontal frame beams 220 can be conceived as top chords representing the peripheral reinforcement structures 215, 315 and can be referred to as peripheral frame beams, the top chords connecting two vertical frame columns 218a at the top ends of the vertical frame columns.

[0181] At least two vertical frame columns 218a and 218b are joined together by at least one diagonal reinforcing member 222 or 322 to form a reinforced frame, thereby providing lateral support for the grid frame structure in the front and / or rear directions. The reinforced frame is a structural system designed to resist seismic forces. The diagonal reinforcing members 222 and 322 are designed to act in a tensile and compressive manner, similar to a truss, and are designed to resist lateral loads in the form of axial stress by tension or compression. The reinforced frame may be arranged around the outer perimeter of the grid frame structure or at least one face of the grid frame structure and is designed to absorb most of the lateral forces experienced by the grid frame structure.

[0182] This invention is applicable to any type of reinforced frame known in the art for providing lateral support to mesh and / or mesh frame structures. Figure 27 and Figure 28 In a specific embodiment of the invention shown, the reinforcing frame can be a K-shaped reinforcing section or a cross-shaped reinforcing section. In the case of a K-shaped reinforcing section, the two diagonal reinforcing sections 222 meet at the peak 324 on the horizontal frame beam 320, as shown in... Figure 28 As shown, in the case of the intersecting reinforcement, the two diagonal reinforcements 222 intersect each other to form an X shape, as in... Figure 27As shown in the diagram. Further details of the K-shaped reinforcement and the cross-shaped reinforcement will be discussed below. At least two of the vertical frame columns 218a and 218b are reinforced at the top of the vertical frame columns 218a and 218b by at least one horizontal frame beam 220 and 320 to form at least one tension column or collection section known in the art. The tension column or collection section is a section in which at least two vertical frame columns 218a and 218b are reinforced by horizontal frame beams 220 and 320 located at the top of the two vertical frame columns 218a and 218b, and are used to collect the partition shear force and transfer the partition shear force to the vertical frame column.

[0183] Each of the plurality of vertical frame columns 218a, 218b may be a solid support with a C-shaped or U-shaped cross-section, or a double C-shaped or double U-shaped solid support. Preferably, each of the plurality of vertical frame columns 218a, 218b is an I-shaped solid support including an upper beam flange and a lower beam flange. At least two of the vertical frame columns 218a, 218b are rigidly joined together by at least one reinforcing member 220, 320 (e.g., diagonal reinforcing members 222, 322 and / or a horizontal frame beam). Each of the at least two of the vertical frame columns 218a, 218b has a top end and a bottom end; the bottom end is anchored to a concrete foundation using one or more anchor bolts. Various methods known in the art for anchoring the bottom end of a vertical frame column to a concrete foundation to provide lateral support to a reinforced frame to resist strong seismic events are applicable to this invention.

[0184] Multiple reinforcing frames of SFRS can be arranged around the perimeter of the grid frame structure (i.e., around each face of the grid frame structure) to form an integral frame body, such as in Figure 27 and Figure 28 As shown, the SFRS forms an exoskeleton that supports the grid frame structure to resist strong lateral forces generated by Class C or Class D earthquake events. Alternatively, at least one reinforcing frame can be arranged on at least one face of the grid frame structure. The reinforcing frame of the present invention can be arranged on at least one of the four sides of the cuboid. Figure 27 , Figure 28 In the specific embodiment shown, the reinforcing frame is arranged at each of the four sides of the cuboid. The outer perimeter frame columns 218a at the corners of the grid frame structure are reinforced by at least one horizontal frame beam 220, 320, which extends longitudinally from the top of each of the four outer perimeter frame columns 218a to form a generally rectangular or square outer perimeter frame surrounding the grid in a horizontal plane.

[0185] At least one of the multiple vertical frame columns 218a, 218b can be arranged between two vertical frame columns 218a at the corner of the grid frame structure or between two vertical frame columns to divide the exoskeleton into a reinforcing frame and a pull column or collection section 232. At the reinforcing frame, at least two vertical frame columns 218a, 218b are reinforced by at least one diagonal reinforcement section 222, 322. The pull column or collection section 232 is a section where at least two vertical frame columns 218a, 218b are reinforced by horizontal frame beams 220, 320 located at the top of the two vertical frame columns 218a, 218b, and are used to collect the partition shear force and transfer the partition shear force to the vertical frame columns 218a, 218b. Figure 27 and Figure 28 In a specific embodiment of the invention shown, SFRS 215, 315 includes a reinforcing frame at which at least two of the plurality of vertical frame columns 218a, 218b are reinforced by at least one diagonal reinforcement 222, 322 and a horizontal frame beam 220, 320 to form a tension column. Figure 27 and Figure 28 The diagram also shows that at least one diagonal reinforcement member 222, 322 is arranged on one side of the intermediate vertical support column 218b to form a reinforcement frame 230, and a traction column is arranged on the other side of the reinforcement frame. The reinforcement between the vertical frame column at the corner of the SFRS and the intermediate vertical support column, through at least one diagonal reinforcement member at each face of the SFRS surrounding the grid frame structure, depends on the nature of the seismic event, i.e., whether the seismic event is a Class C or Class D earthquake. For a more robust resistance system to accommodate Class D earthquake events, the reinforcement frame according to the invention, including at least one diagonal reinforcement, is arranged around the outer perimeter of the grid frame structure.

[0186] exist Figure 30 A schematic top view of an earthquake-resistant grid frame structure according to the present invention is shown, the structure comprising an SFRS surrounding the outer perimeter of the grid frame structure. The triangles surrounding the outer perimeter of the grid frame structure represent a reinforcing frame 230 including at least one diagonal reinforcing member 222, 322. Dashed lines on the opposite side of the reinforcing frame 230 surrounding the outer perimeter of the grid frame structure represent tension columns 232, whereby the vertical frame columns are reinforced by horizontal frame beams 220, 320. Figure 27 and Figure 28In a specific embodiment of the invention, the intermediate vertical support column 218b is shared between the reinforcing frame 230 and the pull rod 232. Similarly, the outer peripheral frame column 218a at the corner of the SFRS is shared between adjacent reinforcing frames 230, which include at least one diagonal reinforcing member 222, 322 or pull rod 232.

[0187] exist Figure 31 In the alternative embodiment shown, the SFRS further includes one or more internal resistance systems 236 within the main body of the grid frame structure. The additional resistance system 236 includes one or more pairs of vertical frame columns 218, which are joined together at their upper ends by at least one reinforcing member 220, 320, 222, 322. Figure 31 In the diagram, at least one reinforcing member is shown in solid line inside the grid frame structure. The at least one reinforcing member may be a horizontal reinforcing beam 220, 320 and / or a diagonal reinforcing member 222, 322 at the top of multiple pairs of vertical frame columns 218a, 218b. However, since the additional resistance system 236 within the grid frame structure occupies grid cells that could potentially be used for storing containers, a balance must be struck between the number of internal resistance systems that the grid frame structure can occupy and the availability of grid cells within the grid frame structure for storing one or more containers. A preferred option would be for the SFRS 215, 315 of the present invention to be concentrated around the periphery of the grid frame structure to form an exoskeleton. The foot of each of the vertical frame columns 218a, 218b is anchored to a concrete foundation, such that lateral forces absorbed by the SFRS are transferred to the floor.

[0188] In the case where the reinforced frame includes a K-shaped reinforcement, the two diagonal reinforcement members 322 are arranged such that the first end of the lower end of each of the diagonal reinforcement members 322 is located at the bottom end of the vertical frame columns 218a, 218b. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the first end of each of the diagonal reinforcement members 322 is located at the bottom end of the outer peripheral frame column 218a at the corner of the grid frame structure and at the bottom end of the middle vertical frame column 218b (see [reference]). Figure 28The two diagonal reinforcement members 322 are inclined upwards, such that the second ends of the upper portion of each diagonal reinforcement member 322 converge at a point on the horizontal frame beams 320, 220, at the peak or apex 324. During a strong earthquake event, because the two diagonal reinforcement members are arranged in a compressed state, the two diagonal reinforcement members 322 absorb most of the lateral forces from the grid frame structure. Therefore, the two diagonal reinforcement members represent sacrificial components of the earthquake-resistant grid frame structure. Thus, the diagonal reinforcement members 322 and the possible SFRS reinforcement frame 230 are easily replaceable after a strong earthquake event.

[0189] In cases where the reinforced frame includes cross-shaped reinforcement (see...) Figure 27 The first diagonal reinforcing member and the second diagonal member 222 are formed in an X-shape, each having opposite ends. Vertical frame columns 218a and 218b are joined together by intersecting reinforcing portions, such that the outer ends of the vertical frame columns 218a and 218b are rigidly connected to the opposite ends of the first diagonal reinforcing member and the second diagonal reinforcing member 222. Using the terminology of this invention, the intersecting reinforcing portions are arranged between the outer peripheral frame column 218a and the intermediate vertical frame column 218b at the corners of the grid frame structure, such that the outer ends of the outer peripheral frame column 218a and the outer ends of the vertical frame column 218b are connected to the opposite ends of the first diagonal reinforcing member and the second diagonal reinforcing member 222. Similar to the K-type reinforcement, the reinforcing members of the cross-shaped reinforcement are arranged in a compressed state during strong earthquake events. Therefore, the reinforcing members of the cross-shaped reinforcement represent sacrificial components of the earthquake-resistant grid frame structure. Since most of the bending moment of the grid frame structure is transferred to SFRS 215, 315 during strong earthquake events, the SFRS reinforcement frame fails first before the structural integrity of the grid frame structure is compromised. In other words, during strong earthquake events, components of the structural resistance system, SFRS, or exoskeleton are sacrificed before the structural integrity of the grid frame structure is compromised. Because the SFRS of this invention surrounds and supports the grid frame structure, the components of the SFRS are easily replaceable.

[0190] The ends of reinforcing members 220, 320, 222, and 322 are rigidly connected to the vertical frame columns 218a and 218b of the SFRS via one or more bolts or welds. To provide structural rigidity to the SFRS to absorb strong lateral forces, the vertical frame columns 218a and 218b, including the outer frame columns, are bolted to the horizontal outer frame beams 220 and 320 using multiple bolts. The vertical frame columns 218a and 218b, including the outer frame columns, and the horizontal frame beams 220 and 320 are generally I-shaped beams including a top beam flange and a bottom beam flange. The vertical frame columns 218a and 218b, including the outer frame columns, are bolted to the horizontal frame beams 220 and 320 at the beam flanges. Gaskets can be arranged between the beam flanges of the outer frame column portion 218a and the horizontal frame beam portions 220, 320 (also referred to as the outer frame beam portions), and secured together with appropriate bolts through slots in the beam flanges. Compared to the vertical columns or members 116 that support the grid of the grid frame structure, the members of the SFRS (e.g., the outer frame columns and horizontal frame beam portions) are larger in size and weight, and are primarily constructed of steel. For the avoidance of doubt, the vertical columns or members 116 are spaced apart within the grid frame structure by one or more spacers and support grid elements at intersections where the grid elements intersect.

[0191] The maximum lateral forces generated during strong earthquakes are typically borne by the grid at the top of the grid frame structure, where the grid experiences the greatest deflection, i.e., during strong earthquakes, resulting in the grid being subjected to lateral forces from side to side. Typically, the bending moment of each grid member in the grid is concentrated at the intersection, where the grid elements (which constitute the grid members) intersect at the vertical uprights 116. Since the grid elements are bolted together and fixed to the vertical uprights 116 by cover plates 150, the strong lateral forces at the intersections cause the fasteners (e.g., cover plates) to loosen or even break, as the fasteners are largely bolted together. While the bolts at the intersections can be tightened, this represents a cumbersome task given the number of vertical uprights 116 in a given grid frame structure. What is needed is a rigid joint at the intersections, where the grid members intersect at the vertical uprights 116.

[0192] In one aspect of the invention, the mesh elements are welded together at intersection 400 instead of bolted together to provide a more rigid and robust joint compared to a joint provided by bolting (see [link to invention]). Figure 32Therefore, the lateral forces generated in the grid are transmitted as bending moments at the joints, where the grid members intersect at each of the upright sections. According to an important aspect of the invention and using the terminology of the grid structure discussed above, the grid elements in the grid are rigidly connected together to form at least one open-web truss. As is known in the art, the open-web truss includes chords separated by web members formed as a series of rectangular frames. The rectangular openings of the open-web truss ideally suit the open-web truss for loading and unloading equipment to move one or more containers stored below the truss; that is, the grid of the invention serves as at least one open-web truss assembly.

[0193] Depending on the direction of the lateral force, the chord resists compression or tension. Open-web trusses achieve stability through rigid connections from the web members to the chords. Since there are no diagonal reinforcements, the open-web truss transmits shear from the chords through the bending moments at the joints and between the chords and web members. The distribution of bending forces on the grid can be determined by... Figure 33 The diagram shown is used to illustrate this. Figure 33 As can be seen, the maximum bending moment M is concentrated at the joint 400, where the grid members or grid elements intersect or intersect at the vertical column section. By using rigid joints at the intersections or nodes of the grid members, the grid of the present invention functions in a manner similar to a hollow truss, thereby transferring the bending moment along the shear of the grid members through the intersections or nodes. The rigid joint 400 at the intersection is provided by welding the grid elements where they intersect. Since the intersections or nodes of the grid are rigidly connected together, the intersections are able to resist the shear forces and bending moments generated at the intersections. Because the grid of the present invention lies in the horizontal plane, the hollow truss extends through the grid according to the direction of the transverse force, and each grid element in the grid element serves as a chord or web under compression or tension.

[0194] References above Figure 23 Compared to the grid of the discussed grid frame structure (where the grid elements include back-to-back C-shaped portions), the grid 250 of the earthquake-resistant grid frame structure of the present invention includes tubular beam portions (see...). Figure 32 In practice, bolted back-to-back C-shaped sections are considered too weak to work in seismic zones. The tubular beam section 460 provides improved rigidity and strength compared to the back-to-back C-shaped section. The tubular cross-sectional profile of the grid member 460 provides resistance to bending moments in multiple directions. The tubular beam section 460 constituting the grid member also allows the grid members to be easily welded together at the joint 400 to form a rigid joint with little or no gap, where the grid members intersect at the intersection. The weld at the joint provides better rigidity compared to bolts, which are more prone to loosening.

[0195] The boundaries of grid 250 are rigidly connected to horizontal frame beams 220 and 320, which extend from vertical frame columns or outer frame columns 218a and 218b at the corners of the SFRS in the grid frame structure. This allows the bending moments caused by strong lateral forces acting on the grid members to be transferred to the SFRS, which is reinforced by one or more reinforcing members 220, 320, 222, 322 (e.g., diagonal frame reinforcements (reinforced frames)). The distribution of bending moments on the grid structure can be determined by... Figure 33 The diagram shown illustrates this. Since the maximum bending moment is concentrated at the intersection 400, it is advantageous for the grid to be used as a single integral body, where grid elements intersect at the vertical column 116. Compared to the method discussed above of bolting grid units to the cover plate at the intersection, welding grid elements together at the intersection in earthquake-resistant grid frame structures presents new problems. This involves handling the entire grid, which may comprise more than 40×40 grid units, and installing the entire grid onto the vertical column 116 on-site. Furthermore, building codes limit the amount of welding that can be performed on-site due to the risks of fire and exposure to welding fumes. Therefore, welding grid elements on-site at the intersection does not appear to be a feasible proposal.

[0196] This problem does not exist when the individual grid elements constituting the grid are connected together on site using cover plates bolted with 150 bolts. To overcome this problem and comply with building codes, such as in Figure 34 As shown, the grid 250 of the present invention is subdivided into a plurality of subframes 404, such that one or more subframes 404 include at least one grid cell. The plurality of subframes are assembled together to construct the grid on site. Ideally, to comply with building codes, the individual subframes are bolted together during on-site assembly. Figure 35 An example of each subframe 404 forming a portion of a grid 250 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0197] Bolting the subframes together presents a problem: since the joints represent weak points in the grid, they are prone to loosening or even breakage. To maintain the structural integrity of the grid, the locations of the joints connecting the individual subframes are carefully chosen to prevent grid damage, thus functioning as open-web trusses. Positioning the joint 402 between adjacent subframes 404 (i.e., at the intermediate unit between adjacent subframes) reduces external forces interfering with the joint, where bending moments are minimal or weakest between adjacent subframes, and this joint connects the individual subframes together. (Return to reference) Figure 33The distribution of bending moments along the grid members is shown in the diagram. The bending moments are concentrated at intersection 400 and decrease to a minimum at the midpoint between intersections 402 (i.e., at the intermediate unit). At the intersections, the grid members intersect at the upright sections. Positioning the joint 402 at the midpoint between intersections 400 mitigates excessive lateral forces affecting the connections or joints between adjacent subframes. At the intersections, the grid members (grid elements) intersect. According to... Figure 34 and Figure 35 The invention shown in the figure has a connecting portion 402 formed at the midpoint of the length of the grid element 460 between adjacent subframes 404, such that each adjacent subframe includes at least one grid unit that is joined at the midpoint between adjacent subframes 404. A portion of the grid element extends or protrudes from at least one grid unit, and the portion of the grid element is configured to join with a portion of the grid element of the adjacent subframe to complete the grid unit.

[0198] The connecting portion that joins adjacent subframes together includes a connecting plate 406, which mates with the corresponding connecting plate 406 of the adjacent subframe 404 to complete the grid unit 54. Figure 35 In the specific embodiment shown, the connecting plate 406 has a surface with the largest surface area arranged perpendicular to the horizontal plane where the grid is located, and includes one or more holes to receive bolts. When adjacent subframes are arranged together, the corresponding connecting plates 406 of the adjacent subframes cooperate to complete the grid cell 54. According to the invention, a plurality of subframes 404 are joined together to form a grid 250.

[0199] To transfer the axially generated shear force from the mesh to the SFRS, the boundaries or outer regions 252 of the mesh 250 are rigidly connected to the horizontal frame beams 220 and 320 of the SFRS. These horizontal frame beams serve as reinforcing members between the vertical frame columns 218a and 218b. The horizontal frame beams 220 and 320 can represent chords of open-web truss assemblies, as in... Figure 34 As shown in the diagram. To enable the boundary or outer region 252 of grid 250 to connect to the horizontal frame beams 220 and 320 of the SFRS, the subframe 404 at the boundary or outer region of the grid discussed above includes a connecting plate or support plate 408 at the bottom of the subframe for connecting to the horizontal beams (see [reference]). Figure 37 The connecting plate or support plate 408 can be welded to the bottom of the sub-frame 404, and then the sub-frame 404 is subsequently bolted to the horizontal frame beams 220, 320 at the edges or periphery of the grid, as shown in... Figure 38 As shown in the diagram. Connecting plates or support plates 408 are positioned at intermediate units of one or more subframes 404 and form the boundaries or outer regions of the grid for supporting the grid to the peripheral reinforcement structures 215, 315 of the invention, as shown in... Figure 38 As shown in the diagram, a connecting plate or support plate 408 is mounted to the grid element at the intermediate unit of the subframe 404. The subframes 404 are assembled together on the vertical upright portion 116, such that one or more subframes 404 at the edges of the grid are supported at the intermediate unit by the SFRS of the present invention. Figure 38 In the middle, the width of the boundary or outer region 252 of the grid is a single grid cell. The connecting plate or support plate 408 includes one or more holes aligned with corresponding holes formed in the top beam flange of the horizontal frame beam of the SFRS to receive one or more bolts (see...). Figure 29 ).

[0200] Because the grid elements are welded together at the intersections, the earthquake-resistant grid frame structure of the present invention eliminates the cover plate 150 that joins the grid elements together. To connect the vertical column portions 116 to each other in the grid of the earthquake-resistant grid frame structure of the present invention, the insertion portions 410 for connecting to the vertical column portions 116 are directly installed to the lower side of the sub-frame 404 at the connection points. At the connection points, the grid elements intersect (see...). Figure 36 In a particular embodiment of the invention, the socket portion 410 is welded to the lower side of the sub-frame at the connecting portion, where the mesh elements 460 intersect. (As in...) Figure 36 As shown, four sockets 410 are directly mounted to the underside of the subframe 404 at their intersections, where the grid elements intersect. The subframe 404 is mounted to the vertical column 116 such that the sockets protruding from the underside of the subframe 404 are received in a snap-fit ​​arrangement in the corresponding hollow central portion 70 of the vertical column 116 (see Figure 116). Figure 7 In earthquake-resistant grid frame structures, the ability to employ a layered pattern in the grid frame structures discussed above is lost due to the assembly of adjacent subframes comprising at least one grid element of the present invention. However, welding at the intersections largely compensates for the loss of structural integrity caused by the layered pattern arrangement of the grid elements discussed above, where the grid elements 460 intersect.

[0201] Because the grid elements 460 of the earthquake-resistant grid frame structure are tubular or hollow, the surface of the grid elements cannot be ideally shaped to allow the track to be directly mounted onto the grid elements (i.e., small joints). To provide tracks or guides for the loading and unloading equipment to travel on the grid, separate track support elements 465 are directly mounted onto the grid elements 465 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 35The track support element 465 allows the track or guide rail 470 to be assembled onto the grid element 460. Multiple track support elements 465 are distributed on the grid element 460 of the sub-frame 404, the outline of which is shaped to receive the track. Therefore, compared to the grid elements (with back-to-back C-shaped portions that receive the track outline in a snap-fit ​​arrangement) of the grid frame structure discussed above (in which the track support element is integrated into the grid element), the track support element 465 of the earthquake-resistant grid frame structure is separated from the grid element 460. Figure 35 A top view of a subframe 404 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown, illustrating a track support element 465 directly mounted to the tubular grid element 460. Figure 39 A cross-sectional view of the subframe is shown, illustrating that the track 470 is engaged to the grid element 460 via a track support element 465 according to an embodiment of the invention. Similar to the tracks discussed above that are mounted to the grid elements of the grid frame structure, the track 470 is assembled to the grid element 460 in the earthquake-resistant grid frame structure via the track support element 465 in a snap-fit ​​and / or sliding fit arrangement.

[0202] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the track support element 465 is welded to the grid element 460. The earthquake-resistant grid frame structure of the invention is not limited to the track support element being a separate component welded to the grid element. The track support element can be integrated into the body of the tubular grid element 460. For example, the track support element can be extruded together with the grid element as a single body.

[0203] After the subframes 404 are assembled to form grid 250, the tracks 470 of the earthquake-resistant grid frame structure are installed onto the grid elements 460. The tracks 470 can adopt a layered pattern similar to that discussed above, wherein multiple sets of track elements are arranged on the grid to have a woven or brick-like appearance; that is, the track elements are arranged in an alternating manner in a first axial direction and a second axial direction (the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction), such that adjacent track elements in each of the first and second directions are offset by at least one grid cell. Using the language discussed above regarding the grid frame structure, a set of parallel tracks extends in the first direction, and a set of parallel tracks extends in the second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction. The set of tracks in the first direction is subdivided into a first subgroup of tracks and a second subgroup of tracks, each of the first and second subgroups comprising at least one track. The second subgroup of tracks is spaced apart from the first subgroup of tracks in the second direction. Each of the first and second subgroups of tracks is divided into multiple track elements. The track elements are alternating in the first direction, such that adjacent parallel track elements of the first and second subgroups of tracks are offset by at least one grid cell.

[0204] A similar analogy applies to a set of tracks in the second direction, whereby the tracks are subdivided into a first subgroup of tracks and a second subgroup of tracks, each of which includes at least one track. Each of the first and second subgroups of tracks in the second direction is divided into multiple track elements. The second subgroup of tracks is spaced apart from the first subgroup of tracks in the first direction. The track elements are staggered in the second direction such that adjacent parallel track elements of the first and second subgroups of tracks are offset by at least one grid cell.

[0205] Since the lateral forces generated during strong earthquake events are largely absorbed by the SFRS of the present invention, in the first embodiment of the earthquake-resistant grid frame structure, incorporating one or more of the reinforcing towers discussed above into the grid frame structure of the present invention may not be necessary, and one or more reinforcing towers may be removed. That is, the earthquake-resistant grid frame structure includes a plurality of vertical or upright column sections 116 spaced apart by one or more of the spacers discussed above, and the grid frame structure is supported by the peripheral reinforcement structure of the present invention as an exoskeleton. However, the earthquake-resistant grid frame structure of the present invention is not limited to removing one or more reinforcing towers within the grid frame structure, and in the second embodiment of the present invention, the SFRS can support a grid frame structure including one or more reinforcing towers of the present invention incorporated into the grid frame structure discussed above, i.e., including a subgroup of three upright column sections located in the same plane; two upright column sections are arranged laterally on both sides of an intermediate upright member, and the two laterally arranged upright members are rigidly connected to the intermediate upright member by a plurality of diagonal reinforcement sections.

[0206] In another aspect of the invention, the earthquake-resistant grid frame structure of the present invention can be modularized, such that adjacent modules 514 in two or more modules or components of a modular frame share at least a portion of the SRFS 215, 315 of one or more adjacent modular frames. Each module in module 514 includes the above-referenced... Figure 27 or Figure 28 The earthquake-resistant grid frame structures 215 and 315 discussed are such that each module in module 514 includes a predetermined number of grid cells and an outer perimeter reinforcement structure 215 and 315 supported by a plurality of vertical frame columns 218a and 218b of the present invention, which in turn support the grid. Components of two modules can be assembled together to increase the storage capacity of the entire earthquake-resistant grid frame structure, wherein adjacent modules in the assembly share at least a portion of the outer perimeter reinforcement structure of the present invention; that is, the first modular frame shares at least a portion of the outer perimeter reinforcement structure of the second modular frame, thereby making the first modular frame adjacent to the second modular frame. In other words, adjacent modules share common reinforcement members 220, 320, 222, and 322 supported by at least two vertical frame columns 218a. The reinforcement members include, but are not limited to, horizontal frame beams 220 and 320 and / or diagonal reinforcement members 222 and 322.

[0207] exist Figure 40 In the top plan view shown, it can be envisioned that adjacent modules share at least a portion of the SFRS. Figure 40 Four modular meshes are shown, which share multiple portions of the SFRS of adjacent modular meshes. Figure 40In the diagram, the shared reinforced frame 230 of the SFRS, shown as a triangular shape, is shared between adjacent modular grids 514 (514a to 514d). Furthermore, in Figure 40 The tie rod 232, shown in dashed lines, is shared between adjacent modules 514 (514a to 514d), allowing adjacent modules to share the common tie rod 232. Since adjacent modules share at least a portion of the SFRS between adjacent modules, the mesh from adjacent modules is connected to the common horizontal frame beams 220 and 320, such that lateral forces generated within the mesh of adjacent modules are transferred to the common horizontal frame beams 220 and 320. Because the mesh is supported at its boundaries with a portion of the mesh extending from the SFRS, the mesh from adjacent modules can be joined together by connecting the extensions from the adjacent modules. The connection of the mesh between adjacent modules can be achieved using methods similar to those described above. Figure 35 The connecting parts discussed are the same connecting parts used to join adjacent modules together, wherein the protrusions at the edges of the grid include connecting plates or support plates 406, which cooperate with the corresponding connecting plates or support plates 406 of the grid of the adjacent module to complete the grid unit.

[0208] Vertical frame columns 218a and 218b are also shared between adjacent modules, supporting at least one reinforcing member 220, 320, 222, or 322. By sharing multiple portions of the SFRS between adjacent modules, the external reinforcement structures of adjacent modules 514 work together as a whole to deflect lateral forces. In other words, by sharing reinforcing members 220, 320, 222, or 322 (e.g., horizontal frame beams) to join grids 250 from adjacent modules, multiple adjacent grids 250 can work together to form at least one open-web truss, allowing lateral forces to be transmitted through multiple grids to the vertical frame columns 218a and 218b at the periphery of the module. The shared peripheral reinforcement structures 215 and 315 between adjacent modules 514 also provide internal reinforcement within the assembly of module 514. The internal reinforcement includes adjacent modules that share a common reinforcing frame 230 and / or a common tie column 232.

[0209] As in Figure 41In the known fulfillment center shown, the items and goods required to fulfill a customer order are located in containers or storage boxes 10, which can be arranged along aisles. A conveyor system is located on the side of the aisle opposite the containers or storage boxes, carrying the customer's delivery boxes or containers. The conveyor system is arranged to transport a portion of the delivery boxes or containers moving on the back-line conveyor via a station container through a sorting station, where the items ordered by the customer are transferred by the operator from the storage boxes or containers to the customer's delivery box or container. When the customer's delivery container is located at sorting station 600 on the conveyor system, the delivery container is paused, and the operator selects the required items from the storage boxes or containers and arranges the items in the customer's delivery box or container. In a known robotic sorting station, storage boxes or containers are lifted from a stack containing inventory items required to fulfill a customer order by a loading handling device 30. Once the storage boxes or containers are lifted by the loading handling device 30, they are conveyed by the loading handling device to an output port above or adjacent to sorting station 600. At the sorting station, one or more required inventory items can be manually or automatically removed from storage boxes or containers and placed in delivery containers that form part of a customer order and are filled for delivery at the appropriate time.

[0210] Known fulfillment centers also include various other stations, including but not limited to charging stations and service stations. Charging stations are used to charge rechargeable batteries that power the load handling units on the grid, and service stations are used to perform routine maintenance on the load handling units. To accommodate any one or a combination of these stations, a separate area 600 is arranged adjacent to the grid frame structure 14. Typically, the separate area is provided by incorporating a mezzanine section 602 supported by vertical beams 604 into the adjacent grid frame structure 14, and the separate area is usually a separate structure. The mezzanine section 602 provides tunnels to accommodate, for example, one or more sorting stations and / or any of the stations described above. Figure 41 An example of a known order sorting system is shown, comprising grid frame structures on either side of a tunnel formed by a mezzanine portion 602, the tunnel accommodating sorting stations. Grids 14a from adjacent grid frame structures 14 extend through the top of the mezzanine portion 602 to connect to the grids on either side of the mezzanine portion 602. (As shown in...) Figure 41 It is evident that the mesh structure 14a at the top of the interlayer 602 is shallower than the mesh frame structures on both sides of the interlayer 602, meaning it can only accommodate one or two layers of containers in the stack. For example, in Figure 41As shown, the grid 14a extending through the interlayer is supported by vertical posts 16b mounted to the interlayer, and is shorter than the vertical posts on either side of the interlayer. The shorter vertical posts 16b are sized to accommodate only a small number of containers in the stack, for example, one or more containers deep, to ensure that the grid lies within a generally horizontal plane passing through the interlayer; that is, the grid remains horizontally through the interlayer. Figure 41 It is also shown that the mezzanine section 602 is supported by a separate vertical beam section 604. The vertical beam section 604 supporting the mezzanine section is adjacent to and abuts against the grid frame structure 14 on both sides of the mezzanine section 602. Therefore, a separate independent frame is necessary to accommodate the mezzanine section in a known performance center.

[0211] The earthquake-resistant grid frame structure of the present invention allows the mezzanine portion 702 to be integrated into the peripheral reinforcement structures 215, 315 and the vertical frame column portion 218 of the present invention. The modularity of the earthquake-resistant grid frame structure discussed above allows the mezzanine portion 702 to share at least a portion of the SFRS of adjacent modules, i.e., to share the common reinforcement frame 230 and / or tie columns 232 with adjacent or neighboring modules. Figure 42 The image shows a cross-sectional view of a component of module 514, which includes a mezzanine portion 702 integrated within the component. (As shown in...) Figure 42 As can be seen, the mezzanine 702 shares the outer peripheral reinforcement structures 215 and 315 with the vertical frame column portions 218 of the adjacent module 514, such that the mezzanine 702 is supported by the vertical frame column portions 218a and 218b supporting the adjacent module 514. The adjacent module 514 can be a grid frame structure, which stores one or more containers or storage boxes in the stack. (Refer to reference...) Figure 41 Compared to known mezzanine sections discussed, the mezzanine section of the earthquake-resistant grid frame structure is integrated within the SFRS of this invention, eliminating the need for separate vertical support columns to support the mezzanine section.

[0212] To form the mezzanine section of this invention, the vertical frame columns 218a and 218b are connected together by one or more reinforcing members (e.g., horizontal frame beams to form the mezzanine floor) and one or more diagonal reinforcing members 722. The vertical frame columns support the grid frame structure of adjacent or laterally arranged modules 514. The vertical support (frame) columns supporting the mezzanine floor can be reinforced to provide further support for the mezzanine structure, such as in… Figure 42 As shown in the diagram, the combination of the SFRS, including the grid frame structure and the mezzanine section, provides a single frame surrounding the component.

[0213] The versatility of the SFRS of this invention lies in its ability to simply connect the outer perimeter frame structure and the vertical frame columns of adjacent modules using one or more reinforcing members (e.g., horizontal frame beams). The outer perimeter frame structures 215, 315 flexibly integrate various other structures into the SFRS, thereby integrating additional outer perimeter frame structures to support the grid and / or integrated mezzanine sections. Figure 43 The diagram shows a plan view of the module's components, each module comprising the earthquake-resistant grid frame structure of the present invention on both sides of the mezzanine structure 700, the mezzanine structure being used to house the station. Figure 43 As can be seen, the mezzanine 700 is integrated into the SFES 215, 315 on both sides of the mezzanine 700, so that the SFRS of each module or modular frame 514 is shared to provide an integrated SFRS that includes the module and the mezzanine.

[0214] Compared with the structure of existing technologies (e.g. in) Figure 41 Compared to the structure shown in the figure, the sandwich structure 700 is integrated into the SFRS. Figure 42 This design offers several advantages. The integrated mezzanine and SFRS eliminate design complexity and require fewer components in the SFRS. The vertical frame columns are shared between the SFRS and the mezzanine, thus eliminating the need for separate vertical beams 604 to support the mezzanine. The mezzanine requires no reinforcement. The less complex integrated SFRS and mezzanine design further benefits with faster installation time and reduced costs.

[0215] Because the space beneath the mezzanine can accommodate sorting stations, service stations for maintaining loading and unloading equipment, or other facilities used by operators, the mezzanine structure 700 must adhere to high standards of safety and comply with all applicable regulations. If the mezzanine 702 is rigidly connected to the SFRS, the mezzanine functions more like a building structure, in which case further requirements (such as reinforced concrete flooring) may be necessary to ensure safety and compliance. Therefore, an integrated design may not be suitable for use in all regions.

[0216] An alternative to the integrated SFRS and mezzanine structure is to isolate the mezzanine 702 from the SFRS, allowing the mezzanine and SFRS to move independently during seismic activity, rather than being rigidly connected and thus restricted to moving together. This can be achieved by supporting the grid above the mezzanine 702 with the movable joint 720, thereby transferring the load from the grid to the SFRS. Therefore, the mezzanine is an independent structure that can move independently relative to the SFRS.

[0217] Figure 44 The grid frame structure and SFRS are shown. The interlayer 702 is connected to the support structure via one or more movable joints 720.

[0218] A movable joint is a joint between two components of a structure that allows the components to move relative to each other while maintaining connection. The significance of connecting the SFRS to the mezzanine is that the grid extending from the adjacent grid frame structure through the mezzanine is installed to the mezzanine via one or more movable joints 720. (Refer to the above...) Figure 41 The discussed extension through the adjacent grid frame structure allows one or more loading and unloading devices to move through the mezzanine. The SFRS of the present invention may include one or more movable joints between the SFRS and the mezzanine. The movable joints are positioned between the horizontal members and vertical columns of the grid structure within the mezzanine.

[0219] A sliding support is a type of movable joint. Figure 45 A possible embodiment of the sliding support is shown. A lower plate 710 is mounted on top of an upright portion 116 (not shown). The lower plate 710 is attached to a lower back plate 711. A pad portion 712 is adhered to the lower back plate, and a lower support pad portion 713 is in turn adhered to the pad portion 712. The lower support pad portion 713 is configured to contact and slide relative to an upper support pad portion 714. The support pad portions 713, 714 may be made of polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE, or other suitable materials. The upper support pad portion 714 is adhered to an upper back plate 715, which is attached to an upper plate 716. During operation, a guard rail 717 restricts the movement of the lower support pad portion 713 relative to the upper support pad portion 714, such that the support pad portions 713, 714 remain in contact. The lower support pad portion 713 and the upper support pad portion 714 are configured to contact along a contact length 718 during operation. The movement length 719 is the range of movement on both sides of the central position. It should be understood that the contact length 718 and the movement length 719 indicate the range of movement in the first dimension, but the movement joint may also allow relative movement in a second dimension that is substantially perpendicular to the first dimension.

[0220] The lower plate 710 can be mounted on the top of the upright column 116. The upper plate 716 can be attached to the underside of the grid extending through the interlayer.

[0221] It should be understood that there are alternative methods for attaching the upper plate 716 to the underside of the grid. Two options are described here.

[0222] Figure 46 A movable joint 720 is shown, wherein the upper plate 716 of the movable joint is directly attached to the underside of the grid members 118, 120. The lower plate 710 is mounted on top of the vertical column 116. Advantageously, this is a simple configuration with almost no additional parts. For example, the upper plate 716 can be welded to the underside of the grid members. The grid cells adjacent to the movable joint 720 may not be used for storage.

[0223] Figure 47 A movable joint 720 is shown, wherein the upper plate 716 of the movable joint 720 extends through the amplitude and width of the grid cell 54. Advantageously, this configuration allows for... Figure 46 The configuration has a larger contact length 718 and a larger travel length 719, resulting in a larger contact area and a larger relative range of movement between the interlayer and the SFRS. The lower plate 710 is mounted on top of the vertical column 116.

[0224] Figure 48 It shows Figure 47 A top view of the movable joint. The upper plate 716 of the movable joint is reinforced by a beam 721 to strengthen and reinforce the upper plate 716. The beam 721 is shown here as an I-shaped beam, but other types of beams may also be used. The upper plate 716 is attached to the horizontal grid members 118, 120 by brackets 723, which are bolted to the upper plate 716 and the grid members 118, 120. Although this configuration has disadvantages, namely that it is more... Figure 46 The configuration requires more parts and more assembly operations, but the moving joints can be arranged in each alternating grid cell, so that the grid cells between the moving joints can be freely used for storage.

[0225] The advantage of isolating the mesh above the mezzanine from the movement caused by the movement of adjacent mesh frame structures can be applied to the reference. Figure 6 The described grid frame structure and the SFRS described above are used to isolate ground movement from the grid installed on the ground. For example, one or more movable joints 720 discussed above can be inserted at the intersection of the grid members between the grid members and the vertical columns. The movable joints can be arranged between the cover plate and the top of the vertical columns. Thus, the grid is isolated from the movement of the vertical columns caused by ground movement through one or more movable joints. Ground movement can be the result of an earthquake event or simply from passing vehicles, such as trains. Similarly, in reference... Figure 27 and Figure 28 In the described SFRS arrangement, one or more movable joints can be inserted between the grid members and the vertical columns. In the event of ground movement, the one or more movable joints inserted between the vertical columns and the grid will suppress the ground movement. Furthermore, during oscillations of the vertical columns and / or containers stored in the vertical columns due to ground movement, any induced oscillations of the grid will help to counteract and absorb the development of dynamic energy.

[0226] Due to the versatility of the SFRS of this invention, other structures can be integrated into the SFRS of this invention. To prevent the cargo handling device from traveling beyond the grid, a crash barrier is installed around the edge of the grid to absorb the impact when the cargo handling device collides with the crash barrier. Since the weight of the cargo handling device may exceed 100 kg, the crash barrier needs to be installed and supported by a separate structure, which includes a separate vertical support frame adjacent to the grid. The structure supporting the crash barrier is not fixedly attached to the grid frame. Therefore, if the cargo handling device accidentally collides with the crash barrier, the crash barrier will not damage the grid frame structure. Details of crash barriers known in the prior art are discussed in WO2017 / 153563 (Ocado Innovation Limited). In WO2017 / 153563 (Ocado Innovation Limited), the structure supporting the crash barrier needs to absorb impacts from one or more cargo handling devices and includes one or more reinforcing components.

[0227] However, since the function of the SFRS is to constrain the grid frame structure in the event of a strong seismic event, the SFRS is versatile enough to accommodate one or more crash barriers, meaning the crash barriers can be directly mounted to the outer perimeter reinforcement structure. The SFRS of this invention is robust enough to absorb the impact of one or more cargo handling devices striking the crash barriers, which are directly mounted to the outer perimeter reinforcement structure of the SFRS. Therefore, unlike known grid structures, crash barriers can be integrated into the SFRS of this invention, where they are mounted to a separate frame structure adjacent to the grid frame structure carrying the cargo handling device.

[0228] The mesh elements 460, largely composed of tubular beams, are welded together to create a rigid structure capable of absorbing a certain degree of impact. Due to the structural rigidity and strength of the mesh 250 of the earthquake-resistant mesh frame structure of the present invention—which is largely attributed to the peripheral reinforcement structure supporting the mesh and the vertical frame columns—the mesh is sufficiently stable to support or install the crash barrier in the event of a cargo handling device colliding with it, without compromising the structural integrity of the mesh structure. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the crash barrier is directly mounted to the mesh 250, i.e., directly at the edge of the mesh. The crash barrier 800 is located at various positions around the edge of the mesh 250 and is configured to absorb vibrations if the cargo handling device unintentionally travels beyond the mesh. Figure 49In a specific embodiment of the invention shown, the crash barrier 800 includes one or more impact-absorbing portions 802 mounted to a crash beam portion 804 positioned around the edge of a grid 250. The impact-absorbing portions 802 are made of a material configured to dissipate energy upon impact, thereby helping to mitigate excessive damage to the cargo handling device in the event of an impact. Examples of materials that dissipate energy upon impact include, but are not limited to, resilient materials (e.g., rubber) or sacrificial materials (e.g., sacrificial honeycomb aluminum). Figure 49 In a specific embodiment of the invention shown, one or more impact absorbers 802 have a honeycomb structure made of aluminum, configured to collapse upon impact. One or more impact absorbers 802 are mounted to a frame, which is then mounted to a grid 250. The frame includes a crash beam 804, which is mounted to the edge of the grid 250 via one or more rods 806. One or more impact absorbers 802 are mounted to the crash beam 804 to extend inwards, thus protruding or crossing over one or more grid cells. If a loading device inadvertently travels toward the edge of the grid, to prevent the loading device from inadvertently traveling beyond the edge of the grid 250, the loading device will collide with a crash barrier 800. Because the grid 250 in the earthquake-resistant grid frame structure is largely composed of tubular beams 460 rigidly connected together (see... Figure 32 The crash barrier 800 of this invention is designed to resist lateral forces during earthquakes and can be directly installed onto the grid 250, as shown in... Figure 49 As shown in the image.

[0229] Various modifications and variations of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the grid frame structure, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, are considered to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. For example, in the case where the earthquake-resistant grid frame structure is modularized to include components of two or more modules or modular frames, each of the modules or modular frames includes a predetermined number of grid elements and the peripheral reinforcement structures 215, 315 of the present invention, which support the grid discussed above. The two or more modules or modular frames may share a reference... Figure 49 The discussion focuses on shared crash barriers. In this case, crash barriers 800 are installed at the edges of components of two or more modules or modular frames, i.e., at least partially surrounding the components of two or more modules or modular frames.

Claims

1. A grid framework structure for supporting a load handling device operable to move one or more containers, the grid framework structure comprising: a plurality of upright column portions arranged to form a plurality of vertical storage locations for one or more containers stacked between and guided in a vertical direction by the upright column portions, wherein the plurality of upright column portions are interconnected at their top end portions by a first set of grid members extending in a first direction and a second set of grid members extending in a second direction, the second set of grid members extending transverse to the first set of grid members in a generally horizontal plane to form a grid structure comprising a plurality of grid cells; characterized in that: the first and second set of grid members are subdivided into a plurality of grid elements such that adjacent grid elements extending in the first or second direction are offset relative to each other in the horizontal plane by at least one grid cell.

2. The lattice framework structure of claim 1, wherein, each of the plurality of grid elements is arranged to extend or span across the top end portion of a single upright column portion.

3. The lattice framework structure of claim 1 or 2, wherein, the first set of grid members is subdivided into a first and second sub-set of grid members extending in the first direction, the second sub-set of grid members being spaced apart from the first sub-set of grid members in the second direction, the first sub-set of grid members is subdivided into a first set of grid elements and the second sub-set of grid members is subdivided into a second set of grid elements, wherein the first set of grid elements is offset from the second set of grid elements in the first direction by at least one grid cell.

4. The lattice framework structure of claim 1 or 2, wherein, the plurality of upright column portions are interconnected at their top end portions by supporting the end of a first grid element extending in the first direction and the center of a second grid element extending in the second direction.

5. The lattice framework structure of claim 1 or 2, wherein, each of the plurality of grid elements of the first and second set of grid members comprises interlocking features arranged to interlock with each other at the top end portions of the plurality of upright column portions.

6. The lattice framework structure of claim 5, wherein, each of the plurality of grid elements of the first set of grid members extending in the first direction is interlocked with a corresponding grid element of the second set of grid members extending in the second direction by a hook receivable in a corresponding opening.

7. The lattice framework structure of claim 6, wherein, each of the plurality of grid elements of the first and second set of grid members comprises at least one hook at a distal or opposite end of a grid element and an opening at approximately midway along the length of the grid element.

8. The lattice framework structure of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The length of each of the plurality of grid elements of the first set of grid members extending in the first direction is substantially the same, the length of each of the plurality of grid elements of the second set of grid members extending in the second direction is substantially the same, and wherein the length of each of the plurality of grid elements of the first set of grid members is different than the length of each of the plurality of grid elements of the second set of grid members.

9. The grid framework structure of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a cover plate secured to a top end of each of the plurality of upright column portions, the cover plate formed as a crosspiece having four perpendicular ends, each of the four perpendicular ends configured for connection with at least one of the plurality of grid elements, such that the cover plate is arranged to be connected to at least one grid element extending in the first direction and in the second direction.

10. The lattice framework structure of claim 9, wherein, Each of the plurality of upright column portions has a cross-section comprising a hollow central portion and four corner portions, the cover plate comprising a socket portion arranged to snap fit into the hollow central portion.

11. The lattice framework structure of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first set of grid members and the second set of grid members are assemblies of back-to-back C-beam portions.

12. The lattice framework structure of claim 11, wherein, Each of the grid elements of the first set of grid members and the second set of grid members comprises a first C-beam portion element and a second C-beam portion element, each of the first C-beam portion element and the second C-beam portion element comprising at least one interlocking feature at one distal end, the first C-beam portion element and the second C-beam portion element arranged back-to-back to form the grid element, such that at least one interlocking feature is located at a distal end of each of the grid elements.

13. The lattice framework structure of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first set of grid members and the second set of grid members support a first set of tracks and a second set of tracks, respectively.

14. The lattice framework structure of claim 13, wherein, Each of the first set of tracks and the second set of tracks is mounted to the first set of grid members and the second set of grid members, respectively, in a snap-fit arrangement.

15. The lattice framework structure of claim 14, wherein, The first set of tracks and the second set of tracks are subdivided into a plurality of track elements, such that each of the plurality of track elements is arranged to extend or span across a top end of a single upright column portion.

16. The lattice framework structure of claim 15, wherein, Adjacent track elements extending in the first direction or the second direction are offset relative to each other in the horizontal plane by at least one grid unit.

17. The lattice framework structure of claim 16, wherein, The first set of tracks is subdivided into a first subset of tracks extending in the first direction and a second subset of tracks spaced apart from the first subset of tracks in the second direction, the first subset of tracks subdivided into a first set of track elements and the second subset of tracks subdivided into a second set of track elements, wherein the first set of track elements is offset from the second set of track elements in the first direction by at least one grid unit.

18. The lattice framework structure of claim 16 or 17, wherein, Each of the plurality of track elements of the first and second sets of tracks comprises interconnection features such that each of the plurality of track elements of the first set of tracks is arranged to interconnect with a corresponding track element of the second set of tracks at the top end of the plurality of upright column portions.

19. The lattice framework structure of claim 18, wherein, Each of the track elements of the first and second sets of tracks comprises a cutout arranged to mate with an end of a corresponding track element of the first and second sets of tracks at the top end of the plurality of upright column portions.

20. A storage system comprising: i) a grid framework structure according to any of claims 1 to 19; ii) a plurality of stacks of containers arranged in storage columns located below the grid, wherein each storage column is located vertically below a grid cell; iii) a plurality of load handling devices for lifting and moving containers stacked in the stacks, the plurality of load handling devices being remotely operated to move laterally on the grid located above the storage columns to access the containers through the substantially rectangular framework, each of the plurality of load handling devices comprising: a) a wheel assembly for guiding the load handling device on the grid; b) a container receiving space located above the grid; and c) a lifting device arranged to lift a single container from a stack into the container receiving space.

21. The storage system of claim 20, wherein, A panel is used to restrict access to the grid framework structure.

22. The storage system of claim 20 or claim 21, wherein, The grid framework structure comprises a first grid framework structure and a second grid framework structure, wherein the first grid framework structure is at an ambient controlled temperature and the second grid framework structure is at a refrigerated temperature.

23. A fulfilment system comprising the storage system of claim 22, wherein, Each of the first and second grid framework structures comprises a sortation station comprising a container transport assembly for transporting one or more containers to an access station at which the contents of the one or more containers can be accessed.

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