Multi-tiered container storage system and overhead container storage

Abstract

The present document discloses a multi-tiered container storage system (100) comprising storage modules (30) including racks (15) for storing containers (5) and a high-bay container storage (200). At least two rails (17, 17B) are arranged at a first distance (DIS1) from each other in a vertical direction (Z). The system (100) comprises a container handling device (10) capable of moving at least one container (5) in three directions. The container handling device (20) comprises a stacker crane (11) including a carrying support (12) for a carrying means (20) of the container handling device (10). The carrying means (20) includes a handling mechanism (25) for gripping, lifting, lowering and releasing at least one container (5) and is arranged to move out of and into the stacker crane (11) along one of the rails (17, 17B) of a rack (15), respectively, and to move into and out of the storage module (30), wherein the handling mechanism (25) is arranged to move at least one container (5) a multiple of the first distance (DIS1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to container storage. Specifically, but not exclusively, this invention relates to multi-level container storage systems and elevated container storage or warehouses including such storage systems. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, for example, in container terminals and container ships, containers are stacked on top of each other. In this situation, retrieving a container that is not on top is difficult because the container on top must be moved first. Furthermore, retrieving a container from a stack surrounded by other stacks becomes complicated. Container storage is also known, where containers can be stored in multiple layers, such as multiple racks arranged vertically across multiple layers. In known attempts, retrieving containers by the system's cranes is slow. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of this invention is to provide a multi-level container storage system and a high-bay container storage system. Another object of this invention is to provide space-saving container storage with fast and accurate storage and retrieval capabilities.

[0004] The object of the present invention is achieved by multi-level container storage systems and overhead container storage as defined by the respective independent claims.

[0005] According to a first aspect, a multi-level container storage system is provided. The multi-level container storage system includes a storage module comprising racks for storing containers in a vertical direction and a first horizontal direction, wherein each rack includes a support for supporting at least one container and at least two first rails arranged at a first distance from each other in the vertical direction and extending in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction, and at least one rack is adapted to receive a plurality of containers that can be stacked on top of each other.

[0006] The multi-level container storage system further includes container handling equipment capable of moving at least one container in the vertical, first horizontal, and second horizontal directions.

[0007] The container handling equipment includes: a stacker crane comprising a transport support for a transport device of the container handling equipment, and arranged to move in a first horizontal direction and capable of moving the transport support in a vertical direction; and a transport device comprising a handling mechanism for grabbing, lifting, lowering, and releasing at least one container, wherein the transport device is arranged to move out of and into the stacker crane along one of the tracks of a support, and to move in and out of a storage module for storing at least one container into or retrieving at least one container from the storage module, wherein the handling mechanism is arranged to move at least one container in the vertical direction by at least a first distance, or optionally at most half of the first distance, when lowering and / or lifting the container. In some embodiments, the handling mechanism may be arranged to move at least one container by a distance of at most 100-300 mm, preferably in the range of 100-200 mm.

[0008] In some embodiments, the maximum range of vertical movement of the container provided by the handling mechanism may be less than 50% of the first distance, or even less than 20% or 15% of the first distance.

[0009] Optionally or additionally, the vertical dimensions of the transport device can be in the range of 100-300 mm. Therefore, the first distance is preferably approximately the height of the container to be stored plus the aforementioned dimensions of the transport device, and optionally approximately the maximum range of movement of the container in the vertical direction.

[0010] The dimensions of the support frame can be designed, for example, to store one or more containers with a length of approximately 6.1 meters, approximately 12.2 meters, approximately 14.6 meters, or approximately 16.2 meters.

[0011] Furthermore, at least one of the supports can be arranged to continuously store at least two containers in a second horizontal direction.

[0012] Furthermore, the multi-level container storage system may include another storage module arranged in a second horizontal direction on the opposite side of the stacker crane. In various embodiments, the transport device may be further arranged to move out of and into the stacker crane, and into and out of the other storage module, respectively, along one of the tracks of a first track on the support of the other storage module.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the transport device can be arranged to move at least one container into and out of the storage module in the longitudinal direction of at least one container.

[0014] In various preferred embodiments, the handling mechanism can be rigid, such as ropeless. Therefore, in many embodiments, the transport device is not a crane that utilizes lifting ropes, wire ropes, and / or chains to lower and lift the container. Consequently, in various embodiments, the lowering and lifting of the container is accurate and rapid because the container moves little or no during lowering or lifting, such as a few millimeters to a maximum of one or two centimeters in other directions.

[0015] In various embodiments, the first distance can be at least the height of the container or greater than that height, such as up to twice the height.

[0016] In various embodiments, the support members and the lowest track in the vertical direction can be arranged to have a second distance between them, which is at least the height of the container or greater than that height, such as up to twice the height.

[0017] Furthermore, the stacker crane can be arranged to move along a second track extending in the first horizontal direction.

[0018] Optionally or additionally, the stacker crane may be arranged to move the transport support in the vertical direction along a vertical beam of the stacker crane by means of, for example, one or more lifting ropes. Thus, lifting ropes or cords for moving the transport support in the vertical direction may be present, and these lifting ropes or cords may be arranged to extend along the sides and / or inside the beam. Pulleys for the lifting ropes may also be arranged at one or both ends of the beam.

[0019] The multi-level container storage system may further include loading / unloading facilities. Furthermore, container handling equipment may be further arranged to move into the loading / unloading facilities for retrieving containers from them. For example, a second track may extend into the loading / unloading facilities for moving container handling equipment into and out of the facilities.

[0020] According to a second aspect, an elevated container storage system is provided. The elevated container storage system includes at least one multi-story container storage system according to a first aspect, and at least one building element, such as a foundation, roof, and / or wall, that at least partially surrounds the multi-story container storage system.

[0021] In addition, elevated container storage may include multiple of the aforementioned multi-level container storage systems.

[0022] This invention provides a multi-level container storage system and a high-bay container storage system. This invention offers advantages over known solutions because it provides space-saving container storage with fast and accurate storage and retrieval capabilities.

[0023] Based on the following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will clearly understand various other advantages.

[0024] The expression “multiple” can refer to any positive integer starting from two (2), i.e., at least two.

[0025] Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc., are used in this document to distinguish one element from another, rather than to give them any particular priority or order.

[0026] The exemplary embodiments presented herein should not be construed as limiting the applicability of the appended claims. The verb "comprising" is used herein as an open-ended limitation that does not exclude or list features. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the features described in the dependent claims may be freely combined with each other.

[0027] The novel features considered characteristic of the invention are particularly set forth in the appended claims. However, the invention itself, as well as its other objects and advantages, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0028] In the accompanying drawings, some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example rather than limitation.

[0029] Figures 1A to 1C The diagram schematically illustrates overhead container storage according to one embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 The diagram schematically illustrates overhead container storage according to one embodiment.

[0031] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The diagram schematically illustrates overhead container storage according to one embodiment.

[0032] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A container handling apparatus according to some embodiments is illustrated schematically.

[0033] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A container handling apparatus according to one embodiment is illustrated schematically.

[0034] Figure 6A and Figure 6B A container handling apparatus according to one embodiment is illustrated schematically.

[0035] Figure 7 A multi-level container storage system according to some embodiments is illustrated schematically.

[0036] Figure 8 The support frame of a multi-level container storage system according to one embodiment is schematically shown.

[0037] Figure 9A and Figure 9B A container handling apparatus according to some embodiments is illustrated schematically.

[0038] Figures 10A to 10D Some operational phases of a container handling device according to one embodiment are shown.

[0039] Figures 11A to 11F Some operational phases of a container handling device according to one embodiment are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Figures 1A to 1C An elevated container storage 200 according to one embodiment is schematically illustrated. The elevated container storage 200 according to various embodiments is intended for storing containers 5, such as intermodal containers, transport containers, cargo containers, ISO containers, sea freight containers, or ocean containers.

[0041] Figure 1A The perspective view schematically illustrates the overhead container storage 200. Figure 1B A schematic illustration from above or below, while Figure 1C As shown in the cross-sectional view from one side, the elevated container storage 200 includes at least one building element, such as a roof 201 and / or a wall 202, which at least partially surrounds at least one multi-level container storage system 100 included in the elevated container storage 200. Figures 1A to 1C Only the structures supporting the roof 201 and walls 202 are shown. Furthermore, the elevated container storage 200 preferably includes a foundation 203. Figure 1A In the above, the elevated container storage 200 is shown to include six multi-level container storage systems 100, each multi-level container storage system including at least one storage module, the at least one storage module including a support 15 for storing containers 5 and a container handling device 10 for moving containers 5 into and out of the support 15.

[0042] In some embodiments, the overhead container storage 200 may include a loading / unloading facility 50, wherein the container handling equipment 10 is further arranged to move into the loading / unloading facility 50 for retrieving the container 5 from the loading / unloading facility 50. Furthermore, the container handling equipment 10 may be arranged to move along a second track extending into the loading / unloading facility 50.

[0043] Figure 2An elevated container storage 200 is schematically shown according to one embodiment. Figure 2 The elevated container storage of 200 can be basically similar to Figures 1A to 1C The container storage shown. Figure 2 In the middle, the container handling equipment 10 is loaded with two containers 5, such as 20-foot containers. Furthermore, Figure 2 A second track 22 extending on the surface of the foundation 203 is shown, such as comprising two parallel guide rails. The second track 22 preferably extends in a first horizontal direction X. The storage module 30 according to various embodiments includes a support 15 for storing the container 5 in the vertical direction Z and the first horizontal direction Y. Thus, the container handling equipment 10 is arranged to move the container 5 into and out of the support 15 of the storage module 30.

[0044] In various embodiments, the multi-level container storage system 100 may additionally include another storage module 35 arranged in the second horizontal direction Y on the opposite side of the stacker crane 11. Furthermore, the container handling equipment 10 may preferably be further arranged as a support 15 for moving containers 5 into and out of the other storage module 35. As per [reference to...] Figures 1A to 2 Understandably, another storage module 35 can be substantially similar to storage module 30; however, this is not necessary.

[0045] Figure 3A and Figure 3B An elevated container storage 200 is schematically shown according to one embodiment. Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a cross-sectional view of storage 200. The overhead container storage 200 includes at least one multi-level container storage system 100. The at least one multi-level container storage system 100 includes storage modules 30, and optionally includes another storage module 35, which includes supports 15 for storing containers 5 in the vertical direction Z and the first horizontal direction X. Each of the supports 15 includes a support member for supporting at least one container 5 and at least two first rails arranged at a first distance from each other in the vertical direction Z and extending in the second horizontal direction Y. Figure 3A and Figure 3B (Not shown in the image). Furthermore, at least one or more, or even each of the supports 15, is adapted to receive a plurality of containers 5 that can be stacked on top of each other. Further, at least one multi-level container storage system 100 includes a container handling device 10 capable of moving at least one container 5 in the vertical direction Z, the first horizontal direction X, and the second horizontal direction Y. In a preferred embodiment, the container handling device 10 is arranged to be capable of moving at least one container 5 simultaneously in the vertical direction Z and the first horizontal direction X.

[0046] The container handling equipment 10 includes a stacker crane 11, which includes a transport support 12 for the transport device 20 of the container handling equipment 10, and is arranged to move in a first horizontal direction X and is capable of moving the transport support 12 in a vertical direction Z. Preferably, the stacker crane 11 may have lifting ropes or cords for moving the transport support 12 in the vertical direction Z, which are arranged to extend along the side and / or inside of the beam. Pulleys for the lifting ropes may also be arranged at one or both ends of the beam.

[0047] The transport device 20 includes a handling mechanism for grabbing, lifting, lowering, and releasing at least one container 5. The transport device 20 is arranged to move out of and into the stacker crane 11 and into and out of the storage module 30, respectively; that is, the transport device 20 is arranged to be detachable relative to the transport support 12. Movement of the transport device 20 is arranged along one of the first tracks of the support 15 for storing at least one container 5 into or retrieving at least one container from the storage module 30 (and optionally another storage module 35), wherein the handling mechanism is arranged to move at least one container up to a first distance.

[0048] exist Figure 3A In this embodiment, the transport device 20 carries two containers 5, such as 20-foot containers. In some embodiments, there may be only one container 5, such as a 40-foot container. The transport device 20, and in particular its handling mechanism, can be arranged to carry one longer container, such as a 40-foot container, or two shorter containers, such as 20-foot containers. Figure 3A In the middle, the transport device 20 is connected to the transport support 12 at the stacker crane 11, such as its track or guide rail portion.

[0049] exist Figure 3B In this process, the transport device 20 has been detached from the transport support 12 for moving the container 5 into the support 15 of another storage module 35. The transport device 20 thus moves along the first track of the support 15 in question (in... Figure 3A and Figure 3B (Not visible in the middle).

[0050] Figure 3B The optional container support 24 of the stacker crane 11 is further shown. This can also be applied to... Figures 1A to 3A , Figures 4A to 7 and Figures 9A to 9BThe illustrated embodiment. A container support 24 can be used to store a single container 5, or in some embodiments, even two or three containers 5 can be stored on top of each other, even if no transport device 20 is currently arranged on the stacker crane 11. Therefore, the stacker crane 11 can also be arranged to move the container 5 even if no transport device 20 is arranged on it. In these embodiments, the transport device 20 can preferably be completely detachable relative to the stacker crane 11, as described below. Figure 6A and 6B As described.

[0051] As shown in Figure 1 to Figure 3B It can be seen that at least one or more racks, or even each rack of rack 15, can be arranged to continuously store at least two containers 5 in the second horizontal direction Y. Furthermore, the transport device 20 is preferably arranged to be movable along a first track of rack 15, enabling it to move the containers 5 so that they can be continuously stored in rack 15.

[0052] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A container handling device 10 according to some embodiments is schematically shown. Figure 4A A container handling device 10 is shown, whose transport device 20 is adapted to transport a container 5. Figure 4B A container handling device 10 is shown, whose carrying device 20 is arranged to carry two containers 5. However, as will be described below, the carrying device 20 according to various embodiments may be arranged to carry one longer container 5, or one or two shorter containers 5.

[0053] In various embodiments, such as Figures 2 to 4B As shown, the stacker crane 11 can be arranged to move the transport support 12 along the vertical beam 19 of the stacker crane 11 in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, the stacker crane 11 can be arranged to move along a second track 22 extending from a first end or lower end of the vertical beam 19. Optionally, another second track extending from a second end or top end of the vertical beam 19 may be present. Thus, the individual vertical beam 19 can be supported by at least two different points, preferably at its bottom and top.

[0054] Furthermore, the stacker crane 11 preferably includes a motion control device 18. The motion control device 18 may, for example, be arranged near the lower end of the stacker crane 11. The motion control device 18 may include at least one motor arranged to move the stacker crane 11 along the second track 22. Additionally, the motion control device 18 may also be configured to move the transport support 12 in the vertical direction Z. The motion control device 18 may include a stacker crane controller for controlling the operation of the stacker crane 11; however, the stacker crane controller may optionally or additionally be arranged in one or more other locations besides the motion control device 18.

[0055] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A container handling device 10 according to one embodiment is illustrated schematically. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The container handling equipment 10 is shown in a perspective view. For example... Figure 5A and Figure 5B As can be seen, marked with double arrows, the container handling equipment 10 is arranged to move at least one container 5, in this case two containers 5, in three substantially orthogonal directions: vertical Z, first horizontal X, and second horizontal Y. Containers 5 can be moved in the first horizontal direction X by means of a moving stacker crane 11, for example by rollers or wheels, or optionally by other means (such as by means of tires) along a second track 22, and optionally another second track 23 (e.g., ...). Figure 5A and Figure 5B (As shown). Furthermore, the stacker crane 11 can be arranged to move the transport support 12 in the vertical direction Z to move the container 5. Finally, the transport device 20 is preferably arranged to move relative to the stacker crane 11 in the second horizontal direction Y.

[0056] Figure 6A and Figure 6B A container handling device 10 according to one embodiment is schematically shown. The container handling device 10 is substantially similar to Figures 4A to 5B Those shown, and in conjunction with their description, however... Figure 6A and Figure 6B It is further shown that the transport device 20 can be completely detached from the transport support 12 of the stacker crane 11, such that the transport device 20 is not supported by the transport support 12 at all, but is supported by the first rail of the bracket 15 of the storage module 30. However, it is to be understood that even if the transport device 20 is completely detached from the transport support 12, there may still be electrical and / or communication connections, such as those for controlling the operation of the transport device 20, extending between the stacker crane 11 and the transport device 20. Figure 6A and Figure 6BThis complete separation is clearly illustrated. However, in various embodiments, the carrier 20 can be completely detachable in the sense that the communication connection is wireless (if any), and power is provided by energy storage devices (such as one or more batteries(packs)) on the carrier 20. Optionally or additionally, power can be provided to operate the carrier 20 via contacts in the support 15, such as those connected to its first rails 17, 17B. Thus, the carrier 20 can be controlled independently of the stacker crane 10. The stacker crane 10 can, for example, move the first carrier 20 to its position entering the storage module 30 and then move it out of that position to retrieve the second carrier 20.

[0057] Figure 7 A multi-level container storage system 100 according to some embodiments is schematically illustrated. Reference numeral 5 has been used only for some containers in container 5. Figure 7 As can be seen, the storage module 30 includes supports 15 for storing the container 5 in the vertical direction Z and the first horizontal direction X. Although the storage module 30 shown includes only four supports 15, the storage module 30 may also include... Figure 7 Each of the supports in bracket 15. By an arrow originating from container 5 in stacker crane 11, Figure 7 An example is shown of moving container 5 simultaneously in the vertical direction Z and the first horizontal direction X via container handling equipment 10. Thus, the arrows can depict the actual path of the container 5 under discussion, which is more or less a direct displacement with the shortest possible distance between the current position of container 5 and its storage position in the target support 15.

[0058] Each of the support frames 15 includes a support member 16 for supporting at least one container 5 and at least two first tracks 17 arranged relative to each other in the vertical direction Z with a first distance DIS1 and extending in the second horizontal direction Y. In various embodiments, the first distance DIS1 may be at least the height of the container 5 or greater. Furthermore, the support member 16 and the lowest first track 17 in the vertical direction Z may be arranged with a second distance DIS2 between them, which is at least the height of the container 5 or greater. It can be seen that the support frame 15 is adapted to receive multiple containers 5 that can be stacked on top of each other; that is, one support frame 15 can be used to store more than one container 5. The bottommost container 5 in the support frame 15 is supported by the support member 16. Figure 7 On the left side, one of the supports 15 is magnified to make the first track 17 easily visible. The first track 17 may be, for example, a guide rail. In some embodiments, the first track 17 may substantially correspond to the track or guide rail portion of the transport support 12; however, this is not necessary.

[0059] According to some embodiments, Figure 7 The dimensions (such as height) of the support 15 of the storage module 30 are shown to be the same or different from each other (see bottom support 15 accommodating two containers 5 compared to the second bottom support 15 accommodating three containers 5).

[0060] Figure 8 A support 15 of a multi-level container storage system 10 according to one embodiment is schematically shown. In this case, the support 15 includes at least two sets of tracks, namely a first track 17 and another first track 17B, which can preferably be tracks of similar type, if not identical. The first track 17, with a first distance DIS1 between them, can be used to store three containers 5 having a first height in this case. However, the same support 15, including another first track 17B and the first distance DIS1 between them, can alternatively be used to store two containers 5 having a second height in this case. Thus, the first distance DIS1 is defined between two consecutive tracks of the same set of tracks. The container 5 with the second height is higher than the container 5 with the first height. Therefore, the support 15 can be selectively used to store two types of containers 5, the type of which is at least related to the height of the container 5.

[0061] Figure 9A and Figure 9B A container handling device 10 according to some embodiments is schematically shown. Figure 9A In this context, the container handling equipment 10 is essentially similar to the container handling equipment described above, for example, combined with... Figures 5A to 7 And as shown therein. However, Figure 9B A container handling device 10 is shown, whose transport support 12 is adapted to support two transport units 20. The two transport units 20 may be independently movable and controllable. However, in some other embodiments, there may be only one transport unit 20, which is arranged to transport at least two containers 5 in parallel in a first horizontal direction X. Therefore, it may be necessary to adapt the support 15 based on the size and type of the transport unit 20.

[0062] Figures 10A to 10D The diagram illustrates some operational phases of a container handling device 10, and in particular its transport unit 20, according to one embodiment. Figure 10A In this configuration, the transport device 20 is positioned above the topmost container 5 within the support structure 15 under discussion. Therefore, the transport device 20 has moved to this position along the corresponding first track 17. In this case, the first track 17 is the third track from the bottom. Figure 10B The operation is illustrated when the processing mechanism 25 is arranged to descend toward the container 5. The processing mechanism 25 is lowered toward the container 5 to a position where it can be grasped.

[0063] In various embodiments, the handling mechanism 25 can be lowered using a rigid mechanism (such as a ropeless system). A rigid lifting mechanism can be implemented, for example, by one or more gears, racks, or pinions. According to another embodiment, optionally or additionally, a scissor lift-type mechanism can be used to provide the movement for lowering and raising the handling mechanism. The rigidity of the handling mechanism 25 does indeed involve, for example, not utilizing lifting ropes, which, when used with a crane lift having such ropes, would cause the container 5 to sway during its movement. Ropes or belts would negatively impact the system's accuracy and speed, and would require more space due to pulleys, etc.

[0064] Figure 10C The illustration shows the operation when the processing mechanism 25 is arranged to grip the container 5. The processing mechanism 25 is in the correct position for gripping, and it can be arranged to grip the container 5 from its gripping point, such as by utilizing a spreader-type device. In some embodiments, the processing mechanism 25 may include a container twist lock (including a rotating element, etc.) for gripping the container 5. Figure 10D The operation is shown when the handling mechanism 25 is arranged to lift the container 5. The handling mechanism 25 is being lifted toward the transport device 20. Figure 10D The diagram further illustrates how a gap 29 is provided between the container 5 being processed and the container below it, or in some cases, the support 16. The gap 29 allows the container 5 to be moved away from the support 15. As those skilled in the art will understand, the process can be reversed to move the container 5 into the support 15.

[0065] Figures 11A to 11F The diagram illustrates some operational phases of a container handling device 10, and in particular its transport unit 20, according to one embodiment. The transport unit 20 according to this embodiment includes a handling mechanism 25 capable of selectively handling a longer container 5, such as a 40-foot container, or one or two shorter containers 5, such as 20-foot containers. Figures 11A to 11F As indicated, in addition to the processing mechanism 25 at the end of the transport device 20, other components for handling shorter containers 5 may also exist in the middle portion of the transport device 20, as shown in the figure. In other respects, the operation phase is similar to... Figures 10A to 10D The stage shown. In Figure 11A In this configuration, the transport unit 20 is positioned above the topmost container 5 within the support structure 15 under discussion. Figure 11B and Figure 11C In the middle, the handling unit 25 is descending towards container 5 to a possible grabbing position. Lowering and raising can be done in a manner similar to that described above. Figures 10A to 10D This is achieved in the manner described. Figure 11DIn this configuration, the handling mechanism 25 is in the correct gripping position and can be arranged to grip container 5 from its gripping point, such as by utilizing a spreader-type device, twist lock, etc. Figure 11E and Figure 11F In the middle, the processing unit 25 is rising towards the transport device 20. Figure 11E and Figure 11F The diagram further illustrates how a gap 29 is provided between the container 5 being processed and the container 5 below it, or in some cases, the support 16. The gap 29 allows the container 5 to be moved away from the support 15. As those skilled in the art will understand, the process can be reversed to move the container 5 into the support 15.

Claims

1. A multi-level container storage system (100), comprising: A storage module (30) includes supports (15) for storing containers (5) in a vertical direction (Z) and a first horizontal direction (X), wherein each of the supports (15) includes a support (16) for supporting at least one container (5) and at least two first tracks (17, 17B) arranged at a first distance (DIS1) from each other in the vertical direction (Z) and extending in a second horizontal direction (Y) perpendicular to the first horizontal direction (X), and at least one of the supports (15) is adapted to receive a plurality of containers (5) that can be stacked on top of each other; as well as A container handling device (10) capable of moving at least one container (5) in a vertical direction (Z), a first horizontal direction (X), and a second horizontal direction (Y), wherein the container handling device (10) comprises: A stacker crane (11) includes a transport support (12) for a transport device (20) of the container handling equipment (10), and is arranged to move in the first horizontal direction (X) and is capable of moving the transport support (12) in the vertical direction (Z). A transport device (20) comprising a handling mechanism (25) for grabbing, lifting, lowering and releasing at least one container (5), wherein the transport device (20) is arranged to move out and into a stacker crane (11) along one of the first tracks (17, 17B) of a support (15), and to move in and out of the storage module (30) for storing at least one container (5) into or retrieving from the storage module, wherein the handling mechanism (25) is arranged to move at least one container (5) in the vertical direction (Z) to a maximum first distance (DIS1) when lowering or lifting the container (5).

2. The multi-layer container storage system (100) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the supports (15) is arranged to continuously store at least two containers (5) in the second horizontal direction (Y).

3. The multi-layer container storage system (100) according to claim 2, comprising another storage module (35) arranged on the opposite side of the stacker crane (11) in the second horizontal direction (Y).

4. The multi-level container storage system (100) according to claim 3, wherein the transport device (20) is further arranged to move out of and into the stacker crane (11) and into and out of the other storage module (35) along one of the first tracks (17, 17B) of the support (15) of the other storage module (35).

5. The multi-layer container storage system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the transport device (20) is arranged to move the at least one container (5) into and out of the storage module (30) in the longitudinal direction of the at least one container (5).

6. The multi-layer container storage system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the processing mechanism (25) is rigid and rope-free.

7. The multi-layer container storage system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first distance (DIS1) is at least the height of the container (5) or greater than the height.

8. The multi-level container storage system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the support (16) and the lowest first track (17, 17B) in the vertical direction (Z) are arranged to have a second distance (DIS2) between them, the second distance (DIS2) being at least the height of the container (5) or greater than the height.

9. The multi-level container storage system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the processing mechanism (25) is arranged to move at least one container (5) to half of the first distance (DIS1).

10. The multi-level container storage system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the stacker crane (11) is arranged to move in the first horizontal direction (X) along a second track (22) extending in the first horizontal direction (X).

11. The multi-layer container storage system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the stacker crane (11) is arranged to move the transport support (12) in the vertical direction (Z) along the vertical beam (19) of the stacker crane (11).

12. The multi-level container storage system (100) according to claim 10, comprising a loading / unloading facility (50), wherein the container handling equipment (10) is further arranged to move into the loading / unloading facility (50) for retrieving a container (5) from the loading / unloading facility (50).

13. The multi-level container storage system (100) according to claim 12, wherein the second track (22) extends into the loading / unloading facility (50).

14. The multi-level container storage system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the support (15) is sized to store one or more containers (5) having a length of about 6.1 meters, about 12.2 meters, about 14.6 meters or about 16.2 meters.

15. An elevated container storage (200) comprising one or at least two multi-level container storage systems (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, and at least one building element that at least partially surrounds one or at least two of the multi-level container storage systems (100), the building element being a foundation (203), a roof (201), and / or a wall (202).

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