Grid framework structure

Abstract

A grid frame structure for supporting a load handling device for moving and stacking one or more containers, the grid frame structure comprising: a plurality of upright members spatially arranged to form a three-dimensional support frame structure, the support frame structure including a plurality of vertical storage columns for storage containers to be stacked between the upright members; a bottom structure to which the support frame structure is mounted; and a grid structure located in a horizontal plane and mounted to the support frame structure, the grid structure including a plurality of grid members, the plurality of grid members including a first group of grid members and a second group of grid members, the first group of grid members being in a first direction. The second set of mesh members extends in a second direction, which is generally perpendicular to the first direction, such that the plurality of mesh members are arranged in a mesh pattern comprising a plurality of mesh units, each of which includes a mesh opening; characterized in that the mesh frame structure further comprises: a plurality of solid wall panels distributed within the frame structure, such that each of the plurality of solid wall panels is located in a corresponding vertical plane within the supporting frame structure, the supporting frame structure having a first end and a second end, the first end being anchored to the bottom structure and the second end being fixed to the mesh structure to provide stability to the mesh frame structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of load processing apparatus for remote operation of storage containers or boxes stacked in a grid frame structure on a track located on a grid frame structure, and more particularly to a grid frame structure for supporting a load processing apparatus for remote operation. Background Technology

[0002] Storage systems, including three-dimensional storage grid structures in which storage containers / boxes are stacked on top of each other, are well known. International application PCT Publication No. 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 via load handling devices that run on tracks located on top of the grid frame structure. Figures 1 to 3 schematically illustrate this type of system.

[0003] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, stackable containers (referred to as boxes or container storage containers 10) are stacked on top of one another to form a stack 12. The stack 12 is arranged in a grid frame structure 14 in a warehousing or manufacturing environment. The grid frame consists of a plurality of storage columns or grid columns. Each grid in the grid frame structure has at least one grid column for storing the container stack. 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 boxes 10 arranged within the grid frame structure 14. Each box 10 typically temporarily stores a plurality of product items (not shown), and the product items within the box 10 can be of the same product type or different product types, depending on the application.

[0004] The grid frame structure 14 includes a plurality of upright members or columns of uprights 16 supporting horizontal members 18, 20. A first set of parallel horizontal grid members 18 is positioned perpendicular to a second set of parallel horizontal grid members 20 and arranged in a grid pattern to form a grid structure comprising a plurality of grid cells or grid spaces supported by the upright members 16. Members 16, 18, 20 are typically made of metal and are often connected together by welding, bolting, or a combination of both. Boxes 10 are stacked between members 16, 18, 20 of the grid frame structure 14, thereby preventing horizontal movement of the stack 12 of boxes 10 and guiding vertical movement of boxes 10.

[0005] The top layer of the grid frame structure 14 includes tracks 22 arranged in a grid pattern that span the top of the stack 12. Referring also to Figure 3, the tracks 22 support a plurality of load handling devices 30. A first set of parallel tracks 22a guides the robotic load handling device 30 to move across the top of the grid frame structure 14 in a first direction (e.g., the X direction), while a second set of parallel tracks 22b, configured perpendicular to the first set of parallel tracks 22a, guides the load handling device 30 to move in a second direction (e.g., the Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction. Thus, the tracks 22 allow the robotic load handling device 30 to move laterally in two dimensions in the horizontal XY plane, enabling the load handling device 30 to be moved to any position above the stack 12.

[0006] A known load handling device 30, including a vehicle body 32, as described in PCT patent application international publication number WO2015 / 019055 (Ocado), is incorporated herein by reference. Each load handling device 30 covers only one grid space of the grid frame structure 14. Here, the load 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 34 consists of pairs of wheels at the front and rear of the vehicle body 32, for engaging with a first set of tracks or rails to guide movement of the device in a first direction. The second set of wheels 36 consists of pairs of wheels 36 on each side of the vehicle 32, for engaging with a second set of tracks or rails to guide movement of the device in a second direction. Each set of wheels is driven to allow the vehicle to move along tracks in the X and Y directions, respectively. One or both sets of wheels can move vertically to lift each set of wheels off its respective track, thereby allowing the vehicle to move in the desired direction.

[0007] The load handling unit 30 is equipped with a lifting device or crane mechanism for lifting and lowering the storage container from above. The crane mechanism includes a winch tether or cable 38 wound on a reel or spool (not shown) and a gripper device 39. The lifting device includes a set of lifting tethers 38, also known as gripper devices (one tether near each of the four corners of the gripper device), extending vertically and connected to or near the four corners of the lifting frame 39, for releasable connection to the storage container 10. The gripper device 39 is configured to releasably clamp the top of the storage container 10 to lift it from a stack of containers in a storage system of the type shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0008] Wheels 34 and 36 are positioned around the outer periphery of a cavity or recess in the lower part, referred to as the container receiving space 40. The recess is sized to accommodate the container 10 when it is lifted by a crane mechanism, as shown in Figures 5(a and b). While in the recess, the container is lifted away from the track below, allowing the carrier to move laterally to different locations. Upon reaching a target location such as another stack, access point in a storage system, or conveyor belt, the box or container can be lowered from the container receiving section and released from the gripper device.

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

[0010] To ensure the stability of grid frame structures, existing storage systems rely heavily on various supports and braces arranged within the grid or at least partially along its outer edge. However, using various supports and braces (anti-slip supports) 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 otherwise be used for storage containers; thus, it hinders the optimal use of available space or areas for storage containers. The need for support structures can limit the available options for positioning the grid frame structure, as any auxiliary grid support structure typically needs to be connected to surrounding structures (e.g., the interior walls of a building), and requiring support structures is not cost-effective.

[0011] WO2019 / 101367 (Autostore Technology AS) teaches a grid support structure for integration into a storage grid structure of an automated storage system. The grid support structure consists of four storage columns interconnected by multiple vertically inclined support struts. The cross-section of the storage column profile includes a hollow central area and four corner sections, each corner section including two vertical box guides for accommodating the corner of the storage box. The width of the support struts allows them to fit between two parallel guides without compromising the storage column's ability to accommodate containers or stack storage boxes.

[0012] Therefore, an alternative grid framework structure is needed that minimizes the impact on the available space or area for storage containers in order to provide a self-supporting storage grid or at least requires less auxiliary grid support structure.

[0013] Many people worldwide live along earthquake fault lines or in the path of powerful storms such as hurricanes and tornadoes. Positioning grid-frame structures in these earthquake-prone areas carries a risk of structural damage because current grid-frame structures may not be able to hold the grid together. For example, strong earthquakes and storms can cause them to lose structural integrity because structural fasteners may not be able to securely attach the grid to upright members. Earthquakes are classified into four types—A, B, C, and D—depending on their severity, with type A considered the weakest and type D the strongest. Types A through D are further classified based on their spectral acceleration, the maximum acceleration, measured in g, experienced by objects above ground level during an earthquake. Type D is considered to represent the strongest earthquake events, typically with spectral accelerations ranging from 0.5g to 1.83g (see Short Period Spectral Response Acceleration (SDS) at https: / / www.fegstructural.com / seismic-design-category-101 / ), and is responsible for most building damage. When a strong earthquake event acts on a structure, the three-dimensional dynamic forces can damage the structural fasteners that hold the grid frame structure together, causing them to loosen or detach from the embedded components, or, if they remain in place, to tear through the structural fasteners.

[0014] Many regions (such as various U.S. states) have passed laws requiring all new buildings, whether residential or commercial, to incorporate certain seismic bearing characteristics. For example... Figure 8 As shown, a grid frame structure includes internal support features incorporated within the grid frame structure, wherein one or more upright members are supported together by one or more support members or support towers. Typically, the support members are distributed throughout the grid frame structure. The distribution of internal support members depends largely on the size of the grid frame structure, land 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 is currently no seismic-resistant system for grid frame structures capable of withstanding stronger than Type C earthquakes and classified as Type C earthquakes with spectral accelerations ranging from 0.5g to 1.83g.

[0015] Therefore, a seismic-resistant grid frame system capable of withstanding strong earthquake events is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0016] While current grid frame structures can typically withstand relatively small-scale land movement of less than 0.33g spectral acceleration (Short-Period Spectral Response Acceleration SDS, see https: / / www.fegstructural.com / seismic-design-category-101 / ), they cannot withstand land movement exceeding 0.33g, which typically represents Type C and Type D earthquake events. The joints (mostly bolted together) connecting the grid members and the uprights are prone to loosening and, in extreme cases, separation, affecting the structure of the grid frame. Even if one or more support towers can be added to the uprights to improve the stability of the grid frame structure, this may not be sufficient to maintain its stability during Type C and Type D earthquake events. This invention alleviates these problems by incorporating multiple distributed structural support members within the grid frame structure, which are better able to resist forces generated by grid frame structure movement than the support members connecting the uprights together. More specifically, this invention provides a grid frame system comprising:

[0017] A) Bottom structure;

[0018] B) A grid frame structure for supporting a load handling device for moving one or more containers in a stack, the grid frame structure comprising:

[0019] i) A plurality of upright members arranged in space to form a three-dimensional support frame structure, the support frame structure including a plurality of vertical storage columns for stacking storage containers between the upright members, the support frame structure being mounted to the bottom structure;

[0020] ii) A grid structure, which is located in a horizontal plane and installed to the supporting frame structure, the grid structure comprising a plurality of grid members, the plurality of grid members comprising a first group of grid members and a second group of grid members, the first group of grid members extending in a first direction and the second group of grid members extending in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction, such that the plurality of grid members are arranged in a grid pattern comprising a plurality of grid cells, each of the plurality of grid cells comprising a grid opening;

[0021] The feature is that the mesh frame structure further includes:

[0022] A plurality of solid wall panels are distributed within the frame structure such that each of the plurality of solid wall panels is located in a corresponding vertical plane within the supporting frame structure, the supporting frame structure having a first end and a second end, the first end being anchored to the bottom structure and the second end being fixed to the grid structure to provide stability to the grid frame structure.

[0023] For the avoidance of ambiguity, the term “frame structure” refers to a three-dimensional structure including upright members configured to form storage columns, the term “mesh structure” refers to a two-dimensional structure including first and second sets of mesh members and extending generally horizontally, and the term “mesh frame structure” refers to a three-dimensional structure including frame structure, mesh structure and solid wall panels.

[0024] Optionally, a plurality of upright members are interconnected at their upper ends by a plurality of mesh members at the intersection of the first and second sets of meshes in the mesh structure, such that a plurality of vertical storage columns are located below the respective mesh openings.

[0025] Each mesh element can be formed as a track support, to which tracks are mounted to guide the movement of the robot's payload handling device on the mesh structure. Thus, the mesh structure can be defined as a first set of parallel track supports extending in a first direction and a second set of parallel tracks extending in a second direction, substantially perpendicular to the first direction, such that the first and second sets of parallel tracks are arranged in a mesh pattern comprising a plurality of mesh cells or mesh spaces. The track supports constituting the mesh structure can be solid supports with C-shaped, U-shaped, or I-shaped cross-sections, or even double C-shaped or double U-shaped supports. Tracks can be integrated into the mesh structure to form part of the mesh element. The mesh structure is supported on a support frame structure comprising a plurality of vertical columns forming a plurality of storage columns. For the purposes of explaining the invention, the support frame structure represents a load-bearing structure supporting the mesh structure comprising a plurality of mesh elements. To improve the structural integrity of the frame structure, one or more groups of the plurality of vertical members are supported together by one or more support members to form one or more support towers. A group may include two or more vertical members.

[0026] The applicant of this invention has achieved a significant improvement in the structural integrity of a grid frame structure by structurally supporting it with a plurality of solid wall panels distributed internally within the grid frame structure, grouped with supporting upright members to form one or more support towers (where the supports are prone to loosening during operation in the event of an earthquake). The plurality of solid wall panels serve as dispersed solid wall panels within the support frame structure, or are individually separated from the plurality of upright members within the grid frame structure. It is believed that solid wall panels provide better torsional resistance compared to grouping upright members together by one or more diagonal supports at various points along the upright members. Land movement caused by earthquakes or other events generates lateral and torsional forces that are transmitted to the grid frame structure anchored to the land or substructure. Unlike the absorption of easily loosened support members at various points along the upright members, such forces are better absorbed by solid wall panels because the applied forces are distributed across the entire surface of the solid wall panels. Each of the plurality of solid wall panels is anchored to the base structure and supported to the grid structure. This allows the torsional stiffness of the solid wall panels anchored to the ground and supporting the grid structure to help reduce or mitigate excessive movement of the surrounding grid frame structure during land movement caused by seismic events or other events (such as by nearby buildings or moving vehicles like trains). In other words, the plurality of solid wall panels helps reinforce the grid frame structure against excessive movement caused by land movement. Various fasteners—such as bolts—are used to anchor each of the plurality of solid wall panels to the base structure. The base structure is separate from the grid frame structure, and the grid frame structure rests on the base structure. For the avoidance of doubt, the grid frame structure and the base structure are collectively referred to as the grid frame system, and the grid frame structure forms part of the grid frame system. The base structure may optionally be considered part of the grid frame structure and is the area where the grid frame structure is installed to the ground. In this case, the grid frame system may be the grid frame structure. The base structure transfers the load from the grid frame structure to the base structure and isolates it horizontally from the ground. The substructure includes the foundation and is typically composed of concrete. However, if the land is sufficiently stable, the substructure may include the land itself, allowing the first end of the solid wall panel to be anchored to the substructure while the second end is secured to the grid structure. Optionally, multiple solid wall panels may be directly anchored to the substructure and / or the land.

[0027] A plurality of solid wall panels are spaced apart within a supporting frame structure. Preferably, the plurality of solid wall panels are spatially distributed within the frame structure, such that two or more of the solid wall panels are separated by one or more upright members. Thus, the plurality of solid wall panels are integrated into the frame of the supporting frame structure, forming part of the supporting frame structure. Optionally, the plurality of solid wall panels may be integrated into a plurality of support towers where groups of upright members are supported together. More preferably, the plurality of solid wall panels comprises a first group of solid wall panels and a second group of solid wall panels, the first group extending in a first direction (i.e., horizontally along the first direction), and the second group extending in a second direction (i.e., horizontally along the second direction). Optionally, the first group of solid wall panels is spatially distributed along the first direction, and the second group is spatially distributed along the second direction. The first and second groups of solid wall panels, spatially distributed in the first and second directions, provide lateral support in both directions within the supporting frame structure. Optionally, one or more of the plurality of solid panels are spatially distributed within the frame structure, such that adjacent solid panels are spaced apart or separated by one or more grid cells.

[0028] Optionally, one or more of the plurality of solid wall panels are fixed to a pair of upright members. In addition to fixing one or more of the plurality of solid wall panels to the grid structure, the plurality of solid wall panels can further support the grid frame structure by fixing one or more of them to the upright members; more specifically, one or more of the plurality of solid wall panels can be fixed to a pair of upright members. In this way, movement of the upright members due to land movement is transferred to the solid wall panels, which, due to their structural integrity relative to the upright members, can absorb such movement.

[0029] Optionally, the grid frame structure is a set of self-supporting straight lines of a plurality of upright members extending in a first direction along a first dimension and in a second direction along a second dimension, wherein a first set of solid wall panels is spatially distributed along the first direction such that portions of the first set of solid wall panels extend along the first dimension, and a second set of solid wall panels is spatially distributed along the second direction such that portions of the second set of solid wall panels extend along the second dimension. The spatial distribution of the plurality of solid wall panels in the first and second directions causes portions of the first set of solid wall panels to extend along the first dimension of the grid frame structure and portions of the second set of solid wall panels to extend along the second dimension of the grid frame structure.

[0030] Preferably, each of the plurality of solid wall panels is secured to the grid structure by one or more nodes where the first and second sets of grid members intersect or meet in the grid structure. For the purpose of defining the terminology used in this specification, the term "node" refers to the area where the first and second sets of grid members intersect in the grid pattern, i.e., located at the corner of each grid cell. Based on the width of one or more of the plurality of solid wall panels, one or more of the plurality of solid wall panels may be supported to the grid structure at one or more nodes of the grid structure. Optionally, the width of one or more of the plurality of solid wall panels may extend across the plurality of grid cells. The width of the plurality of solid wall panels distributed internally within the support frame structure may be uniform or varied internally throughout the support frame structure. Thus, one or more of the plurality of solid wall panels may extend horizontally along the first and / or second directions across different numbers of grid cells. Optionally, the width of one or more of the plurality of solid panelings extends across the plurality of grid cells in a 1:X ratio, where X ranges from 1 to 5. For example, the width of the solid paneling may extend horizontally along a first and / or second direction across one grid cell up to any number of grid cells, such as five grid cells, but only the solid panelings are allowed to be spatially distributed along the first or second direction of the grid frame structure. During land movement, such as an earthquake, various forces are applied to the grid frame structure. These forces include, but are not limited to, shear forces that anchor the supporting frame structure to the substructure, and uplift forces, which are the uplift pressures experienced by the anchors during land movement. Since the horizontally applied forces are primarily transferred to the substructure through one or more of the plurality of solid panelings, there is a tendency for such applied forces to detach one or more solid panelings from the substructure. It is presumed that the horizontally applied forces impart a moment to the solid panelings that could cause uplift forces to be applied to the end of the solid paneling anchored to the substructure. The resistance of one or more solid panel within a supporting frame structure to such uplift forces is highly dependent on the degree to which the solid panel is anchored to the substructure. This, in turn, is highly dependent on the depth of the fastening devices used to anchor the solid panel to the substructure; the deeper the fastening devices, the higher the anchor point, and vice versa. However, it has been found that the width of one or more solid panel extending in a first or second direction is inversely proportional to the depth of the anchor point of one or more solid panel to the substructure. For example, doubling the width of a solid panel reduces the uplift force at both ends of the solid panel by half, and so on, which in turn reduces the depth required to anchor the solid panel to the substructure. As a result, the elasticity of the grid frame structure can be translated into the depth of the substructure, which in turn depends on the depth of the foundation or the soil type.When the bottom structure is shallow, wider or longer solid wall panels need to be added within the supporting frame structure to stabilize the grid frame structure, thereby reducing the uplift force applied to the solid wall panels, and vice versa. A similar effect of reducing the uplift force caused by applied forces along the first or second direction can be achieved by providing a series of dispersed solid wall panels extending along a first or second direction. Optionally, structural support can be provided to the grid frame structure by one or more solid wall panels having a width extending across a certain number of grid cells, or by a number of dispersed solid wall panels with smaller widths spaced apart to extend across the same number of grid cells. In this way, one or more solid wall panels support the grid structure at multiple nodes, each node representing the area where the first and second sets of grid members intersect. To allow the width of the solid wall panels to extend across multiple grid cells, optionally, one or more solid wall panels include a plurality of solid wall segments connected together. Not only does each of the plurality of solid panels provide lateral stability to the supporting frame structure by fixing it to one or more nodes, but it also provides load-bearing capacity to support the grid structure mounted to the plurality of solid panels.

[0031] To secure the supporting frame structure to the grid structure at each node, preferably, each of the plurality of upright members is secured to the grid structure by a first type of cover plate and each of the plurality of solid wall panels is secured to the grid structure by a second type of cover plate. The first and second type of cover plates each have a cross shape with four vertical ends, each of which is configured to connect with at least one of the plurality of grid members extending in the first and second directions. The cover plates allow the first and second sets of grid members to be secured to the supporting frame structure in a grid-like pattern. To accommodate the plurality of solid wall panels and upright members in the supporting frame structure, the first type of cover plate can be used to secure the plurality of upright members to the grid structure, while the second type of cover plate can be used to secure the plurality of solid wall panels to the grid structure. Optionally, each of the plurality of solid wall panels is secured to its corresponding second type of cover plate by a bracket. For example, the bracket is L-shaped and has downwardly extending bracket members 264 spaced apart by the thickness corresponding to the solid wall panel 200 for receiving the uppermost part of the solid wall panel. One method of securing each of the plurality of solid wall panels to its corresponding second-type cover plate is that each of the plurality of solid wall panels is secured to its corresponding second-type cover plate by means of second-type upright members having fixing members on both sides of the solid wall panel, the fixing members on both sides of the solid wall panel extending at least partially vertically along the solid wall panel between the bottom structure and the grid structure, such that the upper ends of the fixing members on both sides of the solid wall panel are secured to the second-type cover plate. For example, the second-type upright members act as clamps, such that the fixing members on both sides of the solid wall panel act as clamping members.

[0032] The structural integrity of a grid framing system can be customized to meet the requirements of the environment in which the grid framing structure is located. For example, the core of a solid panel may include an inner frame comprising upwardly extending members connected at the top and bottom by horizontal structural or frame members extending between the upwardly extending members. Optionally, each horizontal structural or frame member connecting the upwardly extending members at the top and bottom is a U-shaped conduit. For Type C or even Type D earthquake events, the material selection of one or more of the multiple solid panel systems can be customized to meet the requirements of the grid framing structure. For example, one or more of the multiple solid panel systems may be a laminate with a core sandwiched between outer metal sheets. Optionally, the core may be a composite comprising mineral fibers embedded within a resin matrix. Compared to heavy and expensive solid metal sheets, composite structures offer better load-bearing capacity, lighter weight, and superior structural strength.

[0033] In addition to providing structural support to the grid frame structure, optionally, one or more solid wall panels are arranged within the supporting frame structure to create one or more dedicated zones within the supporting frame structure. Optionally, the one or more zones include a freezing zone, which includes one or more refrigeration coolers.

[0034] Optionally, one or more of the plurality of solid wall panels may be fire-resistant strips comprising fire-resistant materials to limit the spread of fire within the supporting frame structure. One or more of the plurality of solid wall panels may be composed of fire-resistant materials, such as mineral wool, vermiculite, etc., to prevent the spread of fire to adjacent storage columns.

[0035] The present invention further provides a storage and retrieval system, comprising:

[0036] i) The grid frame system according to the present invention;

[0037] ii) A plurality of container stacks arranged in a storage column below the grid structure, wherein each of the plurality of container stacks is located vertically below a grid cell;

[0038] iii) A plurality of robotic load handling devices for lifting and moving containers stacked in a stack, the plurality of load handling devices being remotely operated to move laterally on a grid structure above storage columns to access the containers via grid openings, each of the plurality of robotic load handling devices comprising:

[0039] a) A wheel assembly for guiding a load handling device on the grid structure;

[0040] b) A container receiving space, which is located above the grid structure; and

[0041] c) A lifting device configured to lift a single container from the stack into the container receiving space. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Further features and aspects of the invention will be elucidated by the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the grid framework structure of a known system;

[0044] Figure 2 is a top view showing the stacking of boxes within the frame structure shown in Figure 1;

[0045] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a system of known load processing devices operating on a grid frame structure;

[0046] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the load handling device that shows the lifting device grabbing the container from above;

[0047] Figures 5(a) and 5(b) are perspective cross-sectional views of the load processing device of Figure 4, showing (a) the container housed in the container receiving space of the load processing device and (b) the container receiving space of the load processing device.

[0048] Figure 6 It is a 3D view of a part of the grid frame structure;

[0049] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a cover plate according to the invention for interconnecting upright members to the upper end of a grid member;

[0050] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of the vertical columns or components interconnected to the grid components in a grid frame structure according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the track element according to the present invention;

[0052] Figure 10 It is a perspective view showing the arrangement of upright members forming a vertical storage column or grid column for containers to be stacked between upright columns according to the present invention;

[0053] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the storage column shown;

[0054] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of an adjustable foot according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the insertion portion or cover of the adjustable foot according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 14 (a to c) are schematic diagrams of a support tower according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 15 (a) shows a top view of the arrangement of the grid frame structure in a common fulfillment center and (b) is a side view model of a fulfillment center according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 16 It is a perspective view showing the arrangement of upright members forming a vertical storage position or grid column for containers to be stacked between upright columns according to the present invention;

[0059] Figure 17 This is a perspective side view of a stack of storage containers within a storage column according to the present invention;

[0060] Figure 18 According to the present invention, (a) shows a solid wall panel of an internal frame structure and (b) shows a perspective view of the layered arrangement of the outer skin on the internal frame structure of the solid wall panel;

[0061] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of a portion of a grid frame structure stabilized by solid wall panels according to the present invention;

[0062] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of a support frame structure showing the arrangement of two solid wall panels in the vertical direction according to the present invention;

[0063] Figure 20b This is a top view schematic diagram of the spatial distribution of the first and second groups of solid wall panels according to the present invention;

[0064] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of a grid frame system comprising a grid frame structure supported by solid wall panels according to the present invention.

[0065] Figure 22 This is a perspective view of the uppermost part of a solid wall panel supported to a grid structure, according to the present invention.

[0066] Figure 23 This is a perspective view of a second type of cover plate according to the present invention for fixing the uppermost part of a solid wall panel to a grid structure;

[0067] Figure 24 This is a perspective view showing the connection between the uppermost part of the second type cover plate and the experimental wall panel according to the present invention;

[0068] Figure 25The present invention provides a perspective view showing (a) the lower side of a second type of cover plate with mesh members connected in one direction and (b) the uppermost part of a solid wall panel fixed in another direction;

[0069] Figure 26 This is a perspective view of the lowermost part of the solid wall panel anchored to the bottom structure according to the present invention;

[0070] Figure 27 This is a perspective view of a bracket according to the present invention for anchoring the lowermost part of a solid wall panel to a bottom structure;

[0071] Figure 28 These are schematic diagrams of (a) the applied force acting on a solid wall panel with a single width and (b) the applied force acting on a solid wall panel with twice the width;

[0072] Figure 29 It is a schematic diagram of (a) the applied force acting on a solid panel with a single width and (b) the applied force acting on multiple solid panels with a total width twice that of the single-width solid panel;

[0073] Figure 30 It is a perspective view of (a) a solid panel with a width extending across three grid cells and (b) a solid panel with a width extending across four grid cells. Detailed Implementation

[0074] Grid frame structure

[0075] The present invention is designed to differ from known features of the storage system described above in conjunction with Figures 1 to 5 (such as grid frame structure and load processing device). Figure 6 A perspective view of a conventional grid frame structure 114 for storing and retrieving storage containers (also known as transfer containers) is shown. The basic components of the grid frame structure 114 include a grid structure 40 consisting of a plurality of upright columns or upright members 116 mounted in a horizontal plane to define a supporting frame structure 214b. The terms "upright member," "upright column," and "vertical column" are used interchangeably in this specification to refer to the same thing or feature. Figure 6As shown, the mesh structure 40 includes a series of horizontally intersecting beams or mesh members 118, 120 configured to form a plurality of rectangular frames 54. More specifically, a first set of mesh members 118 extends in a first direction X, while a second set of mesh members 120 extends in a second direction Y, the second set of mesh members 120 being transversely intersecting the first set of mesh members 118 in a generally horizontal plane. The first and second sets of mesh members respectively support first and second sets of tracks 57a, 57b for a load handling device to move one or more containers on the mesh frame structure. For the purposes of explaining the invention, intersections 56 constitute nodes of the mesh structure. Each rectangular frame 54 constitutes a mesh cell and is sized to allow a remotely operated load handling device or robot to travel on the mesh frame structure to retrieve and lower one or more containers stacked between upright columns 116.

[0076] Each grid member of the present invention may include track supports 118, 120 and / or tracks or rails 22a, 22b, thereby mounting the tracks or rails 22a, 22b to the track supports 118, 120. A load handling device is used for movement along the tracks or rails 22a, 22b of the present invention. Alternatively, the tracks 22a, 22b may be integrated into the track supports 118, 120 as a single unit, for example, by extrusion. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the grid member includes track supports 118, 120 and / or tracks 22a, 22b, thereby mounting the tracks or rails 22a, 22b to the track supports 118, 120. At least one grid member in each group, such as a single grid member, may be subdivided or divided into dispersed grid elements that can be connected or linked together to form grid members 118, 120 extending in a first or second direction. When the grid member includes a track support, the track support can also be subdivided into dispersed track support elements in the first and second directions, which are linked together to form the track support. The dispersed track support elements constitute the track support extending in the first axial direction and the second axial direction.

[0077] like Figure 7 The connecting plate or cover plate 58 shown can be used to link or connect individual track support elements 56a, 56b together in the first and second directions at nodes where multiple track support elements traverse the grid structure 40 (see...). Figure 8 That is, cover plate 58 is used to connect track support elements 56a and 56b together to upright member 116. As a result, upright member 116 is interconnected at its upper end by cover plate 58 at the nodes where multiple track support elements traverse the grid structure; that is, the cover plate is located at node 50 of the grid structure 40. Figure 7As shown, the cover plate 58 is cross-shaped and has four connecting portions 60 for connection at the intersection 50 of the track support elements 56a and 56b to the ends of the track support elements 56a and 56b or at any position along their length. The interconnection of the track support elements at node 50 with the upright member 116 via the cover plate 58 is shown in the diagram. Figure 8 The cross-sectional view of node 50 is shown. Cover plate 58 includes a bolt or protrusion 62, sized to fit snugly into the hollow central region 46 of vertical post 116, for use as... Figure 8 The diagram shows a plurality of upright members 116 interconnected to a track support element. Figure 8 The diagram also shows track support elements 56a and 56b extending in two perpendicular directions corresponding to a first direction (x-direction) and a second direction (y-direction). Connecting portions 60 are perpendicular to each other to connect to the track support elements 56a and 56b extending in the first and second directions. A cover plate 58 is configured to be bolted to the ends of the track support elements 56a and 56b or bolted along the length of the track support. Each of the track support elements 56a and 56b is configured to interlock with each other at nodes to form a grid structure 40 according to the invention. To achieve this, the distal or opposite end of each of the track support elements 56a and 56b includes a locking feature 64 for interconnecting to a corresponding locking feature 66 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 or tongue 64 that can be received in an opening or slot 66 located midway between adjacent track support elements 56 at a node where the track support element traverses the grid structure 40. (See also...) Figure 8 and combined Figure 11 A hook 64 located at the end of the track support element 56 is shown to receive in an opening 66 at the node through which the adjacent track support element 56 extends across the vertical column 16. Here, the hook 64 is supplied to the opening 66 on either side of the track support element 56. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the opening 66 is located at half the length of the track support element 56, such that when assembled, adjacent parallel track support elements 56 in the first and second directions are offset from at least one grid cell.

[0078] To complete the grid structure 40 and form a grid pattern including a track support 118 extending in a first direction and a track support 120 extending in a second direction once the track support elements interlock together, track systems 22a and 22b are mounted to track support elements 56. Track systems 22a and 22b are either snapped onto track supports 18 and 20 or fitted onto track supports 18 and 20 in a sliding fit arrangement. Similar to the track supports of the present invention, the track system includes a first set of tracks 22a extending in a first direction and a second set of tracks 22b extending in a second direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction. It is also reasonable in the present invention that track systems 22a and 22b can be integrated into track supports 18 and 20, rather than being separate components. The first set of tracks 22a can be subdivided into multiple track elements 68 in the first direction, such that, when assembled, adjacent parallel track elements in the first direction are offset from at least one grid cell. Similarly, the second set of tracks 22b can be subdivided into multiple track elements 68 in the second direction, such that when assembled, adjacent parallel track elements in the second direction are offset from at least one grid cell. Figure 9 An example of a single track element 68 is shown. Similar to the track support elements, multiple track elements in the first and second directions are laid together to form tracks in both directions. The assembly of track element 68 with track supports 118, 120 includes an inverted U-shaped cross-section, shaped to support the top of track supports 118, 120 or overlap with the top of track supports 118, 120. One or more lugs extending from each branch of the U-shaped profile engage with the ends of track supports 118, 120 in a snap-fit ​​manner.

[0079] The grid structure 40 is raised above the ground by being installed at the intersections or nodes 56 through which the grid members 118, 120 pass, to a plurality of upright members 116, thereby forming a plurality of vertical storage positions 58 for containers to be stacked between the upright members 116 and guided vertically through a plurality of generally rectangular frames 54 by the upright members. In the present invention, the container stack may encompass a plurality of containers or one or more containers. The grid frame structure 114 can be considered as a set of straight lines supporting the upright columns 116 of the grid structure 40 formed by intersecting horizontal grid members 118, 120, i.e., a four-walled frame. Each upright member 116 is generally tubular. Figure 11In the transverse section of the horizontal plane of storage location 58, each upright member 116 includes a hollow central region 70, which has at least one wall extending along the longitudinal length of the upright column 116 and mounted to or formed therein, and one or more guides 72 for guiding container movement. Typically, the hollow central region 70 is a box-shaped region. The guides include two vertical plates 72a, 72b extending longitudinally along the length of the upright column 116 (the two container guide plates are perpendicular to each other).

[0080] At least a portion of the plurality of upright members 116 are spatially maintained in relation to each other in the grid frame structure by one or more spacers or supports 74 connected between adjacent upright columns 116 (see Figure 10 The spacer 74 extends transversely (or perpendicularly) to the longitudinal direction of the upright column 11 and is bolted or riveted to the opposite walls of two adjacent upright columns by one or more bolts or rivets. The length of the spacer or support 72 is such that adjacent upright columns 116 are sufficiently spaced to occupy one or more containers in the stack between the upright columns 116. Figure 10 and 11 A perspective view shows four upright columns 116 spaced apart from each other by one or more spacers or supports 74 to form a storage column or storage location 58 sized to accommodate one or more containers in a stack.

[0081] The spacer 74 is sized to fit between corner areas of the guides 72, which include the upright columns 116, thereby allowing the upright columns to accommodate container stacking between adjacent upright columns 116. That is, the spacer does not obstruct or penetrate the area occupied by the guides 72 or guide plates at the corners of the upright columns (or vertical storage locations) (see...). Figure 11 One or more spacers / supports 74 are distributed in a spaced relationship along the length of two adjacent upright columns 116 in the grid frame structure (see...). Figure 10 ). Figure 10 and 11 An example of a storage location or storage column for occupying one or more containers in a stack according to the present invention is shown, comprising four adjacent upright columns that are spaced apart within a grid frame structure by one or more spacers or supports 74.

[0082] The grid is generally level in the horizontal plane, which is necessary for the main remotely operated load handling equipment to travel on the grid structure and to prevent any track or rail from being subjected to tension due to changes in the height of one or more upright members 116 in the grid frame structure. To mitigate possible height changes in one or more upright columns 116 in the grid frame structure, the height and level of the grid can be adjusted by adjustable feet 90 at the lower end (first end) of one or more upright columns 90 (see...). Figure 10 ).

[0083] Figure 12 The adjustable foot 90 shown includes a base plate 92 and a threaded spindle or rod 94, the threaded spindle or rod 94 as follows: Figure 13 The push-fit cover or plug 96 is shown to be threaded into a separate push-fit cover or plug. The push-fit cover 96 is configured to fit snugly to the lower end of the upright member 116 to adjust the height of the upright member. Figure 13 The push-fit cap 96 shown includes an insertion portion 98 shaped to be inserted into the hollow central region of an upright member. An outer edge 100 is formed around the outer edge of the insertion portion 98 and is configured to abut against the edge of the hollow central region 70 when the insertion portion 98 is received within the hollow central region of the upright column. The push-fit cap or plug 96 includes one or more compression clips or retaining clips 102 disposed around the insertion portion 98 to form a tight fit when the insertion portion 98 of the push-fit cap or plug 96 is inserted into the hollow central region of the upright column 116. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the insertion portion 98 is shaped to form a tight fit when inserted into a box-shaped region of the upright column. To create a tight fit between the insertion portion 98 and the hollow central region of the upright column 116, the insertion portion 98 includes four walls 104, each wall 104 having one or more cutouts 106 for inserting one or more retaining clips or compression clips 102. The one or more retaining clips may be made of an elastic material such as rubber. The insertion portion 98, together with the retaining clip 102, is slightly larger than the hollow central region 70 (box-shaped region) of the upright column 116, thus ensuring a tight fit when the insertion portion 98 is inserted into the box-shaped region 70 of the upright column 116. Another way to describe the push-close cover or plug 96 is that it comprises four corner regions, each of which includes two vertical strips or plates disposed at the corner of the base plate of the push-close cover or plug 96. The spacing between the corner regions is sized to receive one or more retaining clips 102.

[0084] The push-close cover 96 includes a threaded hole 108 for threaded engagement with a threaded spindle 94 of an adjustable foot 90. One or more webs 120 extending from the highest point of the corner area to the threaded hole 108 enhance the structural integrity of the push-close cover 96. The push-close cover 96 of the present invention may be made of metal or other suitable materials such as metal, plastic, or ceramic, and may be formed from separate parts, preferably integrally molded, for example, by casting or molding. In use, the threaded spindle 94 is threadedly engaged with the threaded hole 108 of the push-close cover 96. Rotation of the threaded spindle 94 changes the distance between the base plate 92 resting on the floor and the push-close cover 96, thereby changing the height of the upright members in the grid frame structure.

[0085] The grid frame structure 114 can be considered as a self-supporting (or self-supporting) set of a plurality of upright members 116 supporting a grid structure formed by intersecting horizontal beams or grid members, i.e., a four-walled frame. Although the spacers or columns 74 connecting adjacent upright rows 116 provide a degree of structural rigidity to the grid frame structure 114, the structural rigidity and bending moment resistance of the grid frame structure 114 are primarily achieved by incorporating one or more truss assemblies or support towers 80, at least partially around the outer edge of the grid frame structure and / or within the grid frame structure (see...). Figure 6 Truss assemblies may be triangular or other non-trapezoidal shapes. For example, truss assemblies may be any type of truss that provides structural rigidity against lateral forces for the 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 attachment methods may be used to secure diagonal supports to the uprights. Various forces act on the supporting frame structure during land movement and include, but are not limited to, lift forces, which are upward pressures exerted on one or more upright members anchored to the bottom structure. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the bottom structure is separate from the grid frame structure 114, and the grid frame structure 114 rests on the bottom structure 210. For the avoidance of doubt, the grid frame structure 114 and the bottom structure 210 are collectively referred to as the grid frame system 114d (see Figure 21 The substructure can optionally be considered part of the grid frame structure and is the area where the grid frame structure transfers its load and horizontally isolates it from the land. The substructure includes the foundation and is typically composed of concrete. Other forces include shear and torsion. Shear is the result of horizontal forces acting on the supporting frame structure. This has the effect of exposing the anchorage points of the substructure to shear. If the land is sufficiently stable to anchor the grid frame structure, the substructure may also include the land itself.

[0086] Figure 14The support tower 80 shown can be formed by rigidly connecting a subset or group of a plurality of upright members 116 through one or more angled or diagonal support members or diagonal support components 82. The diagonal support members 82 cooperate with the upright members 116 in the support tower 80 to form one or more triangles. The subset of the plurality of upright members supporting each other to form the support tower 80 can be two or more adjacent upright members 116 located in the same or a single vertical plane and connected together by one or more diagonal support members 82. In other words, two or more adjacent upright members 116 connected together by one or more diagonal support members 82 are located in the same or a single vertical plane, i.e., they are coplanar. Typically, each support tower 80 includes three upright members in a parallel relationship and located in a single vertical plane (coplanar) rigidly connected together by a plurality of diagonal support members 82. Two of the three upright members, 116a and 116b, are laterally positioned on either side of the intermediate upright member 116c, and are rigidly connected to the intermediate upright member 116c by a plurality of diagonal supports 82. The structural rigidity of the grid frame structure is improved by supporting one or more groups of upright members 116 internally within the grid frame structure by one or more diagonal supports 82. Not all upright members 116 are rigidly connected together by support assemblies. The remaining upright members, which do not form part of the support tower 80, are spatially positioned within the grid frame structure by one or more spacers or supports 74, as described above (see...). Figure 10 ).

[0087] One or more support towers 80 are anchored to a concrete foundation or substructure. The function of the support towers 80 is to transfer the lateral forces experienced by the grid frame 50 to the ground. The support towers 80 are anchored to the concrete foundation by one or more anchor feet 132 (a and b) (see...). Figure 14 ).exist Figure 14 In the specific embodiment shown, the outer upright columns 116a, 116b or the laterally placed upright members 116a, 116b are anchored to the concrete foundation by one or more anchor feet 132, while the intermediate upright member 116c is supported on the adjustable foot 90 as described above. The lower end (first end) of the support tower is anchored to the concrete foundation by one or more anchor bolts. Various types of anchor feet 132a, 132b for rigidly anchoring the support tower to the concrete foundation are applicable to the present invention. The function of the anchor feet is to bear the load of the upright members and the supporting load of the support assembly 82 of the support tower 80.

[0088] Upon receiving an order, the load handling unit, used for movement along the track, is instructed to retrieve a storage box containing the ordered items from the stack of the grid frame structure and transport the storage box to a pickup station. At the pickup station, the items can be retrieved from the storage box and transferred to one or more delivery containers. Typically, the pickup station includes a container transport assembly that transports one or more containers to a retrieval station where the contents of the containers can be stored and retrieved. The container transport assembly is typically a conveyor system comprising multiple adjacent conveyor units.

[0089] Figure 15 (a) and (b) show a typical layout of a fulfillment center for fulfilling orders. The fulfillment center includes two distinct grid areas, referred to as a room temperature grid area 114b and a refrigerated grid area 114c. Each of the room temperature grid area 114b and the refrigerated grid area 114c includes a grid frame structure; that is, the room temperature grid area 114b includes a first grid frame structure, while the refrigerated grid area 114c includes a second grid frame structure. In the present invention, the room temperature grid area 114b stores food and grocery goods at an environmentally controlled temperature. In the present invention, the environmentally controlled temperature ranges generally from 4°C to generally 21°C, preferably generally from 4°C to generally 18°C. Similarly, the refrigerated grid area stores food and grocery goods at refrigerated temperatures. In the present invention, the refrigerated temperature ranges generally from 0°C to generally 4°C. Refrigerated zone 114c includes one or more refrigeration units to maintain the temperature within refrigerated zone 114c in a range generally between 0°C and generally 4°C. Two grid zones—room temperature and refrigerated—are filled with containers (also known as storage containers, transfer containers, or boxes) containing various grocery products. The containers can be made of plastic or any other suitable material. The height of each grid zone 114b, 114c may vary. For example, in... Figure 15 In the fulfillment centers shown in a and 15b, the main body of the room temperature grid area consists of stacks of 21 containers (approximately 7.7 meters) high, while the refrigerated area consists of stacks of 8 containers (approximately 3 meters) high, and the grid area above the extraction station consists of stacks of one container (approximately 0.448 mm) high. Containers are stacked on top of each other on the ground and fitted between grid columns.

[0090] Each grid area includes a tunnel 117 called a pickup aisle, which encloses one or more pickup stations so that goods items can be retrieved from storage bins or containers and transferred to one or more delivery containers. Figure 15 (b) shows a side view of refrigerated grid area 114c, which shows the pickup aisle 117 between the two grid areas. Although not shown in Figure 15As shown in (b), the tunnel pickup passage 117 is a separated area provided by a mezzanine supported by vertical beams between adjacent grid frame structures. The mezzanine can be a separate structure. The mezzanine provides the tunnel to accommodate, for example, a pickup station.

[0091] Storage containers or bins storing goods and grocery items are transported to pickup stations in pickup aisle 117 via load handling units operating on a grid structure, where one or more items are retrieved from storage bins or containers located at the pickup stations and transferred to one or more delivery containers. Figure 16 A perspective view shows an upright member 116 configured to form a vertical storage position 58 for the container 10 to be stored within the vertical storage position 58. Figure 17 The diagram shows containers 10 stacked vertically upwards between upright members 116.

[0092] As will be understood from the above explanation, a number of fasteners—such as bolts—are used to connect the different parts of a grid frame structure together. This includes ensuring that multiple upright members maintain spatial relationships within the grid frame structure, interconnecting grid members and upright members, and connecting support members to groups of upright members in support towers. During land movement caused by earthquakes or other external events, such fasteners can easily loosen and, in extreme cases, lead to the collapse of the grid frame structure. Even if one or more support towers are added within the support frame structure by supporting one or more groups of upright members together, the support towers may not be sufficient to stabilize the support frame structure and the grid structure mounted on it during movement.

[0093] Movement of the supporting frame structure due to land displacement can also destabilize one or more load handling devices operating on the grid structure. The wheel assemblies of the robotic load handling devices are configured to be guided along tracks. Tracks or paths typically include elongated elements shaped to guide load handling devices on the grid structure, and their shape is typically adapted to provide a single track surface to allow a single load handling device to travel on the track or dual tracks to allow two load handling devices to pass each other on the same track. When the elongated element is shaped to provide a single track, the track includes opposite edges along the track length (one outer edge on one side of the track and the other edge on the other side) to guide or restrict lateral movement of each wheel on the track. When the elongated element is shaped to provide dual tracks, the track includes two pairs of edges along the track length to allow the wheels of adjacent load handling devices to pass each other bidirectionally on the same track. Because the wheels of the robotic payload handling units are constrained by the outer edge of the track, any sudden movement of the grid structure due to land movement can easily destabilize one or more robotic payload handling units on the grid structure, potentially causing them to derail or, in extreme cases, overturn onto the grid structure. The instability of the robotic payload handling units on the grid structure therefore depends on the amplitude and / or frequency of vibrations transmitted from the supporting frame structure to the grid structure, including the track system. The greater the amplitude of vibrations in the supporting frame structure, the greater the likelihood of instability for the robotic payload handling units operating on the track system.

[0094] solid wall panels

[0095] The present invention has alleviated the aforementioned problems by reinforcing the grid frame structure with a plurality of reinforcing elements within the main body of the grid frame structure. The plurality of reinforcing elements can be added between one or more support towers within the grid frame structure, allowing the stability of the grid frame structure to be shared among the plurality of reinforcing elements and support towers. The plurality of reinforcing elements resist deformation compared to the support towers described above, and thus can reduce vibrations of the grid structure during land movement. To provide deformation-resistant reinforcing elements, solid wall panels 200 are provided (see...). Figure 18 (a and 18b). Compared to a support tower that vertically supports an upright member at a distribution point along the upright member via one or more support members, a solid wall panel provides continuous support along the length or height of the solid wall panel extending from the bottom structure or foundation box grid structure, as well as horizontal support along the first and / or second directions (XY directions). Solid wall panels not only provide continuous lateral support but also offer greater torsional resistance than support towers. Solid wall panels can be monolithic, made of a single material (such as metal or plastic), or can be based on a composite material comprising different material combinations to enhance the structural rigidity of the solid wall panel, such as a fibrous material dispersed in a resin matrix. Figure 18 In the specific embodiments of the invention shown in (a) and (b), the solid wall panel includes a laminate comprising a core 202 sandwiched between outer metal sheets 204. The core 202 includes an internal frame structure having an upwardly extending member 206 connected at its top and bottom ends by horizontal structural frame members. In this specific embodiment, the upwardly extending member 206 and the horizontal structural frame members 208 have a U-shaped cross-sectional profile. The internal frame structure 202 is as follows... Figure 18 As shown in figure b, the outer skin 204, comprising metal sheets, is laminated on both sides. The U-shaped profiles of the upwardly extending member 206 and the horizontal structural frame member are used to attach the outer skin 204 to the upper, lower, and side edges of the inner frame. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the outer skin 204 is fixed to the outer surface of the inner frame structure. Alternatively, the U-shaped cross-sectional profiles of the upwardly extending member 206 and the horizontal structural frame member 208 may be configured as channels for receiving the edges of the outer skin 204. Components of the inner frame structure, such as the upwardly extending member and the horizontal structural frame member, may be made of metal structures, such as aluminum or steel, and fastened together using a variety of fasteners common in the art, including but not limited to bolts, rivets, welding, adhesives, or combinations of different fasteners. The core of the solid panel is not limited to the inner frame structure and may be based on any structural monolithic construction, including but not limited to metals, such as fiber-reinforced composite materials. For example, the core may be a solid panel, with the upwardly extending member and the horizontal structural frame member attached to the outer peripheral edges of the solid panel.

[0096] Combined with the above Figure 14 Similar to the support tower being discussed, multiple solid wall panels, 200 as... Figure 19 and 20 The solid wall panels are spatially distributed within the main body of the supporting frame structure 214b. The experimental wall panels are shown as dispersed portions of the supporting frame structure 214b, spaced apart and / or separated by one or more of the plurality of upright members 116. The spacing between adjacent or adjacent solid wall panels controls the structural integrity of the supporting frame structure 214b and thus its ability to resist deformation during land movement. In some embodiments, the plurality of solid wall panels 200 includes a first set of solid wall panels horizontally spatially distributed along a first direction and a second set of solid wall panels horizontally spatially distributed along a second direction. The first set of solid wall panels provides support from applied forces along the first direction, and the second set of solid wall panels provides support from applied forces along the second direction. The first and second sets of solid wall panels are spatially distributed within the supporting frame structure 214b, separated from each other in the dispersed portions along the first and second directions. An example of the spatial distribution of the plurality of solid wall panels is shown in… Figure 20bThe figure shows a first set of solid wall panels 200b extending in the X direction and a second set of solid wall panels 200c extending in the Y direction. Each of the first and / or second sets of solid wall panels 200b may be in the same vertical plane or in different vertical planes. Figure 20b In the illustrated embodiment, one or more of the first and / or second sets of solid wall panels 200b, 200c are located in different vertical planes. The spatial distribution of the plurality of solid wall panels 200b, 200c in the X and Y directions depends on the required support level of the grid frame structure, which in turn depends on the underlying land or soil. A higher density of the first and second sets of solid wall panels extending in the X or Y direction, or bidirectionally, provides greater support to the grid frame structure. The density of the plurality of wall panels extending in the first and / or second directions can be used to adjust the support provided in the first and / or second directions of the grid frame structure. The support provided in the first and / or second directions can therefore be varied by controlling the density of the plurality of wall panels extending in the first and / or second directions. Figure 20b In the specific embodiment shown, the density of solid paneling extending in the X direction is higher than that of solid paneling extending in the Y direction. However, the spatial distribution pattern of solid paneling within the supporting frame structure is not limited to... Figure 20b The graphic shown is also applicable to other patterns that provide different levels of support for the grid frame structure.

[0097] As can be understood from the schematic diagram of the grid frame structure, a portion of the set of upright members 116 in the supporting frame structure is replaced by a plurality of solid wall panels. For example, one or more of the plurality of upright members spatially distributed along the first and / or second directions are replaced by solid wall panels 200 according to the invention, while still retaining Figure 20 The diagram shows a vertical storage column for storing stacked storage containers. In other words, a plurality of solid wall panels 200 are distributed within the supporting frame structure 214b, ensuring they do not intersect with areas within the storage column. Figure 21 In the specific embodiment of the invention shown, each of the plurality of solid wall panels maintains a spatial relationship between the upright members by one or more spacers 74 extending from the upright member 116 to the solid wall panel 200. One or more spacers 74 extend between the upright members and the internal frame structure of the solid wall panel. The one or more spacers shown in FIG. 1 extend in a generally vertical direction to the longitudinal length of the upright members on both sides of the solid wall panel.

[0098] Just like Figure 21The diagram shows the length or height of the solid panel 200 extending between the bottom structure 210 and the mesh structure 40, which includes the network system. Since the solid panel 200 replaces a portion of the upright members 116 in the support frame structure 214, and since the plurality of upright members 116 are load-bearing elements supporting the track system for one or more robotic payload handling devices operating on the track system, the solid panel according to the invention is also a load-bearing element. The internal frame structure of the solid panel described above—particularly the upwardly extending frame members 206—is a load-bearing element to support the track system and one or more robotic payload handling devices operating on the track system. To secure each of the plurality of solid panels 200 within the mesh frame structure, the lowermost portion of each of the plurality of solid panels is anchored to the bottom structure 210, while the uppermost portion of each of the plurality of solid panels is supported to the upper mesh structure. Various fasteners and / or brackets can be used to secure each of the plurality of solid panels to the bottom structure 210 and the mesh structure 40 according to the invention.

[0099] exist Figure 22 In the specific embodiment shown, the uppermost part of the solid wall panel 200 is supported to the grid structure 40 by a second type of cover plate 258 (see...). Figure 23 and 24 ).and Figure 7 Compared to the first type of cover plate 58 shown, which includes a bolt 62 for receiving into the hollow box-shaped region 70 of the upright member 116, the second type of cover plate 258 includes a cross-shaped plate 260 and supports 262 fixed to the lower side of the cross-shaped plate 260. Each support is L-shaped and has downwardly extending support members 264 spaced apart corresponding to the thickness of the solid wall panel 200, for such... Figure 24 The uppermost part of the solid wall panel is shown. Figure 24 In the specific embodiment shown, each bracket 262 is bolted to the underside of the cross-shaped plate 260. The downwardly extending bracket member 264 is as follows... Figure 25 The cross-sectional schematic diagram of the fixing point between the grid member and the second type of cover plate in section b shows that it is fixed to the solid wall panel by having one or more openings 266 for receiving one or more bolts 267. The function of the bracket is to clamp the uppermost part of the solid wall panel to the second type of cover plate. Figure 7 Like the first type of cover plate 58 shown, the cross-shaped plate 260 includes a connecting portion for connection to a grid member or track support element extending in the first and / or second direction. Figure 25 A schematic diagram of the connection between the second type cover plate 258 and the experimental wall panel 200 in a shows that the grid member 120 is connected to the cross-shaped plate 260 extending in one direction, while the solid wall panel 200 extends in the other direction.

[0100] In another embodiment, the uppermost part of the solid wall panel is fixed to the grid structure by a second type of cover plate, such as Figure 22 As shown, the downward extension member of the bracket is fixed to the fixing member 268 mounted on the opposite side of the solid wall panel 200, instead of fixing the downward extension member of the bracket directly to the top of the solid wall panel. Figure 22 The fixing member 268 shown extends along the length or height of the solid panel 200 and is mounted to the opposite side of the solid panel. The uppermost part of the fixing member 268 includes an opening for receiving the downwardly extending member 264 of the bracket 262. The function of the fixing member 268 mounted to the opposite side of the solid panel is to clamp the solid panel when it is fixed to the second cover plate 258.

[0101] The common feature of the first and second types of cover plates is that they are used to link or connect individual grid members 118, 120 together along the first and second directions at nodes through which multiple grid members pass in the grid structure 40; that is, they are cross-shaped with four vertical end portions for connection to corresponding grid members extending in the first and second directions. Unlike the upright members interconnected at the upper end (i.e., in the case of the first type of cover plate at node 50 of the grid structure 40) at nodes through which multiple grid members pass in the grid structure 40, each of the plurality of solid wall panels is secured to the grid structure by a second type of cover plate 258 at one or more nodes where the first and second sets of grid members intersect or meet in the grid structure. The number of second type of cover plates 258 used to secure the solid wall panel 200 to the grid structure depends on the width of the solid wall panel and how many grid cells the solid wall panel extends across. Figure 22 In the specific embodiment shown, the solid panel is depicted extending in one direction across four grid cells; more specifically, three grid cells and two half-grid cells. Therefore, at least one end or edge of the solid panel at opposite ends or edges is a free end, i.e., not connected to the upright. This is in Figure 20 It's quite obvious. In Figure 20 In this structure, the opposite ends or edges of the solid wall panels within the supporting frame structure are free ends or edges, reflecting the transfer of most of the forces experienced by the load handling device running on the grid structure to the bottom structure via the solid wall panels. The solid wall panels are secured to the grid structure by four second-type cover plates 258 distributed at four nodes in the grid structure 40. Similar to the first-type cover plates, the second-type cover plates 258 are configured to be bolted to the ends of the grid members or bolted along the length of the grid members.

[0102] In addition to securing each of the plurality of solid panel reticles to the grid structure, the lowest portion of each of the plurality of solid panel reticles can be directly anchored to the bottom structure. One or more bolts distributed along the width of the solid panel reticles can be used to anchor the lowest portion of the solid panel reticles to the bottom structure. Figure 26 In the schematic diagram of the lower part of the solid panel shown, the corner bracket 270 is used to anchor the opposite lowermost corner of the solid panel 210 to the bottom structure 210. Figure 27 The corner bracket 270 shown includes an anchor receiving portion 272 for receiving fasteners and anchoring the solid wall panel 200 to the bottom structure 210. The corner bracket 270 is secured to the corner of the solid wall panel by one or more bolts, but other suitable fasteners for securing the corner bracket to the corner of the solid wall panel are also applicable to this invention. Figure 27 In a specific embodiment, the corner bracket 270 is triangular, having an upward fixing portion 274 for fixing to the end wall of a solid wall panel and a lower fixing portion 276 for anchoring the corner bracket 270 to the bottom structure 210. The lowermost fixing portion 276 of the corner bracket includes an opening 278 for receiving bolts to fix the corner bracket to the bottom structure. Figure 26 It also shows a plurality of upright members 116 surrounding a solid wall panel, each mounted to an adjustable foot 90 as described above for adjusting the height of the upright members and thus adjusting the level of the track system. Although Figure 26 Not shown, but one or more adjustable feet may be installed at the bottom of the solid panel to raise or lower the solid panel relative to the bottom structure, and thus raise or lower the level of the track system mounted on the solid panel. One or more adjustable feet may be in combination with the above description. Figure 12 and 13 The same type of adjustable foot is explored, or another type of adjustable foot suitable for anchoring the lowest part of a solid panel to a bottom structure. For example, one or more threaded bolts can be threadedly engaged with the lowest part of the solid panel and the bottom structure, such that rotation of the one or more threaded bolts raises or lowers the solid panel relative to the bottom structure.

[0103] Although Figure 26 The specific embodiment shown illustrates a solid panel anchored to a bottom structure via a corner bracket 270 mounted to the opposite end wall of the lowermost portion of the solid panel. However, alternatively, a plurality of bolts spaced apart along the width of the solid panel can be used to anchor the solid panel to the bottom structure 210. Similarly, the invention is not limited to using a second type of cover plate including brackets to secure the uppermost portion of the solid panel to the grid structure; other means of securing the uppermost portion of the solid panel to the grid structure are also applicable. For example, the uppermost portion of the solid panel can be directly secured to the grid structure by one or more bolts.

[0104] Components of a grid frame structure are subjected to a certain amount of applied forces during land movement. These applied forces can cause the fasteners—such as bolts—anchoring the uprights to the substructure to shear off. In addition to the shear force acting on the fasteners, some of the applied forces due to land movement generate an upward force that can detach the uprights from the substructure. To mitigate this effect, longer fasteners are used to anchor the uprights deeper into the substructure. However, this depends heavily on the thickness or depth of the substructure and the underlying soil structure. In some cases, the underlying soil structure or land may not allow for the installation of a deep structure. Using solid siding to stabilize the grid frame structure helps alleviate this problem because one or more dimensions of the solid siding can be used to control the degree to which the solid siding needs to be anchored to the substructure. Figure 28 and 29 The diagram illustrates the lifting force (denoted by U) experienced by solid panels of varying widths L due to the application of an external force F in the horizontal direction. Increasing the width L of the solid panel has the effect of reducing the lifting force U experienced by the lowest corner of the solid panel. Figure 28 In the specific embodiment shown, doubling the width of the solid panel (L=2) has the effect of increasing the lifting force U / 2 at the bottom corner of the solid panel. Therefore, the width of the solid panel is inversely proportional to the lifting force at the bottom corner. By definition, the lifting force experienced by the solid panel is due to the torque of the force; therefore, for a given torque, increasing the width of the solid panel has the effect of reducing the lifting force at the bottom corner. This can be better explained by the following equation:

[0105] F = U × L (1)

[0106] Where F is the torque and is based on the desired seismic activity;

[0107] U is the lifting force and is limited by how deep the solid panel is anchored to the bottom structure or foundation;

[0108] L is the width of the solid panel.

[0109] According to Equation 1, the width of the solid panel depends on the expected moment of the force and the depth of the solid panel to the anchor point of the bottom structure or foundation.

[0110] The effect of reducing uplift forces is that shorter fasteners are needed to anchor the solid wall panels to the substructure. This, in turn, means that the width L of the solid wall panel can be translated into the depth of the substructure and / or the underlying soil conditions. Therefore, for shallower substructures or foundations, wider solid wall panels are needed to mitigate the problem of the solid wall panels separating from the substructure due to uplift forces. Conversely, for deeper substructures or foundations, it is feasible to use narrower solid wall panels to mitigate the problem of the solid wall panels separating from the substructure due to uplift forces.

[0111] Although Figure 28 (a) and (b) demonstrate that increasing the width of the solid panel effectively reduces the lifting force experienced by the lowest corner of the solid panel, such as Figure 29 As shown in (a) and (b), by dividing a wider solid panel into multiple dispersed solid panels, the length of each individual solid panel can be greater than the width of a single solid panel, achieving the same effect. Therefore, it is not necessary to... Figure 28 As shown in diagram b, doubling the width of the solid panel results in two spaced solid panels with the same total width having the same lifting effect. Figure 29 In the specific embodiments shown in (a) and (b), the lifting force U is halved by providing two dispersed solid wall panels of the same length. Therefore, the sum of the widths of the dispersed solid wall panels is a multiple of the width of a single solid wall panel. The more dispersed solid wall panels there are compared to a single solid wall panel of a single length, the greater the reduction in lifting force. The relationship between the lifting force experienced by the solid wall panel and the number of dispersed solid wall panels can be better explained by the following equation:

[0112] F = U × L × N (2)

[0113] Where F is the torque and is based on the desired seismic activity;

[0114] U is the lifting force and is limited by how deep the solid panel is anchored to the bottom structure or foundation;

[0115] L is the width of the solid panel; and

[0116] N is the number of dispersed solid panels.

[0117] According to Equation 2, for a given force F to move, the lifting force U decreases as the number of dispersed solid panels increases.

[0118] In addition to the uplift force, the external forces caused by land movement also generate shear forces in the direction of the applied force. Fasteners used to anchor the solid panel to the understructure will need sufficient strength to withstand these shear forces. When the fasteners are bolts, the shear strength of the bolt depends on its cross-sectional diameter. For higher shear strength, bolts with larger or thicker cross-sectional diameters are used to anchor the solid panel directly to the understructure. In a particular embodiment of the invention, multiple bolts are distributed along the width of the solid panel to disperse the applied shear force. Therefore, thinner bolts can be used because the shear force is distributed among multiple bolts, rather than on a single bolt at each end of the solid panel. Using multiple bolts to anchor the solid panel directly to the understructure also helps to increase the degree of anchorage between the solid panel and the understructure against uplift forces.

[0119] Solid wall panels can be based on a single solid wall panel that extends across one or more grid cells. Figure 30 In the specific embodiments shown in a and 30b, the solid panel 200 is modular, constructed from dispersed segments 280 joined together. Figure 30 embodiment a is a solid wall panel 200 constructed by connecting three solid wall sections together and thus extending across three grid cells. Figure 30 embodiment b is a solid wall panel 200 constructed by connecting four solid wall segments together and thus extending across four grid cells. Each solid wall segment 280 may be based on a laminated structure having a core and outer skins on both sides of the core as described above. The core may be based on an internal frame structure as described above having upwardly extending members connected together at respective top and bottom ends by horizontal structural frame members. Various fasteners common in the art can be used to connect each solid wall segment 280 together to form a single solid wall panel, including but not limited to screws, bolts, adhesives, welding, etc. Figure 30 a and 30b also show that each solid panel 200 includes an end member or chord 282 individually anchored to the bottom structure 210 at its opposite end. The end member or chord 282 is optional and can bear the tension and pressure transferred from the solid panel during land movement. The end member or chord 282 differs from the fixing member 268 described above and is connected to the opposite end of the solid panel by one or more fasteners described above—such as screws, bolts, etc. The end member or chord 282 is used to increase the structural integrity of the solid panel. Therefore, end members or chords connected to the opposite end of the solid panel are preferentially added to the solid panel to improve the grid frame structure's resistance to certain types of land movement—such as seismic events. In cases where the forces transferred by the bottom structure are weak, the use of end members or chords is not necessary to obtain a more stable bottom structure; the solid panel can be a simple replacement for the support towers described above. Forces resulting from land movement, such as tension and pressure, are borne by the end member or chord 282. The end member or chord 282 is properly anchored to the bottom structure to resist the lifting force described above.

[0120] In addition to increasing the stability of the grid frame structure, the spatial distribution of multiple solid wall panels within the supporting frame structure can be adapted to create one or more dedicated zones within the grid frame structure (more specifically, the supporting frame structure). One or more dedicated zones can be refrigerated zones including one or more refrigeration units. To reduce or prevent heat transfer from the one or more dedicated zones created by the multiple solid wall panels, preferably, each of the multiple solid wall panels is thermally insulated. The multiple solid wall panels spatially distributed within the supporting frame structure can also provide firebreaks within the grid frame structure to limit the spread of fire within the grid frame structure. As mentioned above, one or more storage containers, typically made of plastic, are stacked in storage columns within the supporting frame structure. In the event of a fire in a single location without any firebreaks, the fire can spread between the stacked storage containers to multiple storage columns. The multiple solid wall panels spatially distributed within the supporting frame structure play a role in limiting the spread of fire to adjacent stacks of storage containers. To serve as a firebreak, one or more solid wall panels include an insulating material, such as mineral wool or vermiculite. Taking a laminated structure with solid wall panels including a core sandwiched between outer sheaths as an example, the core may be made of a fire-resistant material to prevent the spread of fire to adjacent storage columns.

[0121] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, it should be understood that various modifications to the solid wall panel that cover the different features described above are applicable to the scope of protection of the present invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A mesh framework system, comprising: A) Bottom structure (210); B) A grid frame structure (114) for supporting a load handling device (30) for moving one or more containers (10) in a stack (12), the grid frame structure comprising: i) A plurality of upright members (116) are arranged in space to form a three-dimensional support frame structure (214b), the support frame structure (214b) including a plurality of vertical storage columns for stacking storage containers between the upright members, the support frame structure (214b) being mounted to the bottom structure (210). ii) A grid structure (40) is located in a horizontal plane and is installed to the supporting frame structure (214b). The grid structure (40) includes a plurality of grid members (118, 120). The plurality of grid members (118, 120) includes a first group of grid members (118) and a second group of grid members (120). The first group of grid members extends in a first direction and the second group of grid members extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. This causes the plurality of grid members to be arranged in a grid pattern including a plurality of grid cells, each of which includes a grid opening. The feature is that the mesh frame structure (114) further includes: A plurality of solid wall panels (200) are distributed within the supporting frame structure (214b) such that each of the plurality of solid wall panels (200) is located in a corresponding vertical plane within the supporting frame structure (214b), the supporting frame structure (214b) having a first end and a second end, the first end being anchored to the bottom structure (210) and the second end being fixed to the grid structure (40) to provide stability to the grid frame structure (114); One or more of the plurality of solid wall panels (200) are fixed to a pair of upright members (116) among the plurality of upright members.

2. The mesh frame system according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of upright members (116) are interconnected at their upper ends by the plurality of mesh members; the first and second sets of mesh members (118, 120) intersect in the mesh structure (40) such that each of the plurality of vertical storage columns is located below the corresponding mesh opening.

3. The mesh frame system according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of solid wall panels (200) are spatially distributed within the grid frame structure such that two or more of the plurality of solid wall panels (200) are separated by one or more of the plurality of upright members (116).

4. The mesh frame system according to claim 3, wherein, The plurality of solid wall panels (200) includes a first group of solid wall panels and a second group of solid wall panels, the first group of solid wall panels extending in the first direction and the second group of solid wall panels extending in the second direction.

5. The mesh frame system according to claim 4, wherein, The first set of solid wall panels is spatially distributed along the first direction, while the second set of solid wall panels is spatially distributed along the second direction.

6. The mesh frame system according to claim 5, wherein, The grid frame structure is a set of self-supporting straight lines of the plurality of upright members (116), the plurality of upright members (116) having a first dimension extending in the first direction and a second dimension extending in the second direction, and the first set of solid wall panels (200) are spatially distributed along the first direction such that a portion of the first set of solid wall panels extends along the first dimension, while the second set of solid wall panels are spatially distributed along the second direction such that a portion of the second set of solid wall panels extends along the second dimension.

7. The mesh frame system according to claim 1, wherein, One or more of the plurality of solid wall panels (200) are spatially distributed within the grid frame structure, such that adjacent solid wall panels (200) are separated by one or more grid cells.

8. The mesh frame system according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of solid wall panels is fixed to the grid structure at one or more nodes where the first set of grid members (118) and the second set of grid members (120) intersect or meet in the grid structure.

9. The mesh frame system according to claim 8, wherein, Each of the plurality of upright members (116) is fixed to the grid structure by a first type of cover plate (58), and each of the plurality of solid wall panels is fixed to the grid structure by a second type of cover plate (258), the first type of cover plate (58) and the second type of cover plate (258) being cross-shaped, the cross having four vertical ends (60, 260), each of the four vertical ends being configured to connect to at least one of the plurality of grid members extending in the first and second directions.

10. The mesh frame system according to claim 9, wherein, Each of the plurality of solid wall panels (200) is secured to its corresponding second-type cover plate (258) by means of a bracket (262).

11. The mesh frame system according to claim 10, wherein, The support (262) is L-shaped and has downwardly extending support members (264) that are spaced apart corresponding to the thickness of the solid wall panel (200) to receive the uppermost part of the solid wall panel.

12. The mesh frame system according to claim 9, wherein, Each of the plurality of solid wall panels (200) is secured to its corresponding second type cover plate (258) by a second type of upright member comprising fixing members (268) on both sides of the solid wall panel, the fixing members (268) on both sides of the solid wall panel (200) extending at least partially vertically along the solid wall panel (200) between the bottom structure (210) and the grid mechanism (40), such that the upper ends of the fixing members (268) on both sides of the solid wall panel (200) are secured to the second type cover plate (258).

13. The mesh frame system according to claim 9, wherein, Each of the plurality of upright members (116) has a hollow central area in its cross-section, and the first type of cover plate (58) includes a bolt (62) configured to engage with the hollow central area.

14. The mesh frame system according to claim 1, wherein, The width of one or more of the plurality of solid wall panels extends across the plurality of the grid cells.

15. The mesh frame system according to claim 14, wherein, One or more of the plurality of solid wall panels (200) extend across the plurality of the grid cells in a 1:X ratio, where X ranges from 1 to 5.

16. The mesh frame system according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The width of one or more of the plurality of solid wall panels (200) extending in the first or second direction is inversely proportional to the depth of the anchor point of one or more of the plurality of solid wall panels (200) to the bottom structure (210).

17. The mesh frame system according to claim 16, wherein, The anchor point depth depends on the depth of the bottom structure.

18. The mesh frame system according to claim 14, wherein, One or more of the plurality of solid wall panels (200) comprise a plurality of solid wall segments (280) joined together.

19. The mesh frame system according to claim 1, wherein, One or more of the plurality of solid wall panels (200) include a laminate having a core (202) sandwiched between outer metal sheets (204).

20. The mesh frame system according to claim 19, wherein, The core (202) includes a complex comprising mineral fibers embedded within a resin matrix.

21. The mesh frame system according to claim 19 or 20, wherein, The core (202) includes an internal frame including an upwardly extending frame member (206) which is connected together at the top and bottom by a horizontal frame member (208).

22. The mesh frame system according to claim 21, wherein, Each of the horizontal frame members (208) that connect the upwardly extending member (206) at the top and bottom includes a U-shaped pipe.

23. The mesh frame system according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of solid wall panels (200) is anchored to the bottom structure (210) by one or more bolts.

24. The mesh frame system according to claim 1, wherein, The bottom structure comprises concrete.

25. The grid frame system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the upright members (116) include an adjustable foot (90) at their lower end, the adjustable foot (90) including an extendable portion (94) for adjusting the height of the upright member.

26. The mesh frame system according to claim 25, wherein, The extendable portion includes a threaded spindle (94) that is threadedly engaged with a push-fit cap (96) at the lower end of the upright member (116).

27. The mesh frame system according to claim 1, wherein, One or more of the plurality of solid wall panels (200) are disposed in the support frame structure (214b) to create one or more zones within the support frame structure.

28. The mesh frame system according to claim 1, wherein, One or more of the plurality of solid wall panels (200) include fire-resistant strips comprising fire-resistant material for creating a fire barrier within the supporting frame structure.

29. A storage and retrieval system (1), comprising: i) The grid frame system according to any one of claims 1-28; ii) A plurality of containers (10) stacked (12) are arranged in storage columns located below the grid structure (40), wherein each storage column is located vertically below the grid cell; iii) A plurality of load processing devices (30) for lifting and moving containers stacked in a stack, the plurality of load processing devices (30) being remotely operated to move laterally on a grid structure (40) above a storage column to access the containers via the grid structure (40), each of the plurality of load processing devices comprising: a) A wheel assembly for guiding a load handling device on the grid structure; b) A container receiving space, which is located above the grid structure; and c) A lifting device configured to lift a single container from the stack into the container receiving space.

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