Gas barrier storage system

Abstract

The invention relates to a gas barrier storage system. A storage device comprising: a storage space comprising an enclosed storage and retrieval system; and a transfer space.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese national phase application 202080067053.9, filed on August 25, 2020, with international application number PCT / EP2020 / 073748 and entitled "Gas Isolation Storage System", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a facility and method for gas isolation in an automated storage and retrieval system. Background Technology

[0003] Figure 1 A typical prior art automated storage and retrieval system 1 with a frame structure 100 is disclosed.

[0004] The frame structure 100 includes a plurality of upright members 102 and optionally a plurality of horizontal members 103 supporting the upright members 102. Members 102, 103 may typically be made of metal, such as extruded aluminum profiles.

[0005] The frame structure 100 defines a storage grid 104, which includes storage columns 105 arranged in rows, wherein storage containers 106 (also referred to as boxes) in the storage columns 105 are stacked on top of each other to form a pile 107.

[0006] Each storage container 106 can typically hold multiple product items (not shown), and the product items within the storage container 106 can be the same or different product types, depending on the application.

[0007] Storage grid 104 prevents horizontal movement of storage containers 106 in stack 107 and guides vertical movement of storage containers 106, but typically does not support storage containers 106 in other ways when stacked.

[0008] The automated storage and retrieval system 1 includes a track system 108 arranged in a grid pattern on top of a storage grid 104, on which multiple container handling vehicles 200 (e.g., Figure 3 (As illustrated in the example), to raise the storage container 106 from the storage column 105 and lower the storage container 106 into the storage column 105, and also to transport the storage container 106 above the storage column 105. The horizontal range of one of the grid cells 122 constituting the grid pattern is in... Figure 1 The middle part is marked with a thick line.

[0009] The track system 108 includes a first set of parallel tracks 110 arranged to guide the container transport vehicle 200 along a first direction X through the top of the frame structure 100; and a second set of parallel tracks 111 arranged perpendicular to the first set of parallel tracks 110 to guide the container transport vehicle 200 in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X. In this way, the track system 108 defines a grid column above which the container transport vehicles 201, 301 can move laterally above the storage column 105, i.e., in a plane parallel to the horizontal XY plane.

[0010] Track system 108 can be a single-track system or a dual-track system, such as Figure 2 As shown. The latter track structure allows a container transport vehicle 200 having a footprint that roughly corresponds to a lateral region defined by grid cells 122 in at least one of the X and Y directions to travel along a row of grid cells, even if another container transport vehicle 200 is located above a grid cell adjacent to that row. Both monorail and dual-rail systems, or a combination of monorail and dual-rail arrangements in monorail system 108, form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane P comprising a plurality of rectangular and uniform grid positions or grid cells 122, wherein each grid cell 122 includes a grid opening 115 defined by a pair of adjacent tracks 110a, 110b of a first set of parallel tracks 110 and a pair of adjacent tracks 111a, 111b of a second set of parallel tracks 111.

[0011] Therefore, tracks 110a and 110b form a track pair that defines a row of parallel grid cells running along the X direction, and tracks 111a and 111b form a track pair that defines a row of parallel grid cells running along the Y direction.

[0012] like Figure 2 As shown, each grid cell 122 (indicated by the dashed box) has a width W. c They are typically spaced between 30 and 150 centimeters apart, and have a length of L. c They are typically spaced between 50 and 200 centimeters apart. Each grid opening 115 has a width W. o It is typically wider than the width W of the grid cell 122. c Smaller than 2 to 10 centimeters. Each grid opening 115 has a length L. o It is typically longer than the length L of grid cell 122. c Smaller than 2 to 10 centimeters.

[0013] Figure 3 The operation was made public. Figure 1The prior art container handling vehicle 200 disclosed in System 1. Each prior art container handling vehicle 200 includes a body 202 and a wheel arrangement 201 of eight wheels, wherein a first set of four wheels enables the container handling vehicle 200 to move laterally in the X direction, and a second set of the remaining four wheels enables the container handling vehicle 200 to move laterally in the Y direction. One or two sets of wheels in the wheel arrangement 201 can be raised and lowered such that the first set of wheels and / or the second set of wheels can engage with a corresponding set of tracks 110, 111 at any given time.

[0014] Each prior art container handling vehicle 200 also includes a lifting device 203 for vertically transporting storage containers 106, such as raising storage containers 106 from storage rows 105 and lowering storage containers 106 into storage rows 105. The lifting device 203 may include one or more clamping / engaging devices adapted to engage storage containers 106, and the clamping / engaging devices may be lowered from the vehicle 200, allowing adjustment of the position of the clamping / engaging devices relative to the vehicle in a third direction Z orthogonal to the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0015] Conventionally, and also for the purposes of this application, Z=1 represents the uppermost layer of grid 104, i.e., the layer immediately below orbital system 108, Z=2 represents the second layer below orbital system 108, Z=3 represents the third layer, and so on. Figure 1 In the exemplary prior art mesh 104 disclosed herein, Z=8 represents the lowest layer of mesh 104. Therefore, as an example, and using... Figure 1 The Cartesian coordinate system X, Y, Z indicated in the figure, is in Figure 1 The storage container marked 106' can be said to occupy a grid position or cell X=10, Y=2, Z=3. It can be said that the container transport vehicle 200 travels in layer Z=0, and each grid column can be identified by its X and Y coordinates.

[0016] Each container handling vehicle 200 includes a storage chamber or space (not shown) for accommodating and storing the storage container 106 when it is transported on the track system 108.

[0017] The container handling vehicle 200 may have a cantilever structure, as described in N0317366, the contents of which are also incorporated herein by reference.

[0018] Alternatively, the container handling vehicle may have a floor area, i.e., an extent in the X and Y directions, which is generally equal to the lateral extent of grid cell 122, i.e., the extent of grid cell 122 in the X and Y directions, as described, for example, in WO2015 / 193278A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0019] The term "horizontal" used here can refer to "horizontal".

[0020] In the X and Y directions, adjacent grid cells are arranged in contact with each other, so that there is no space between them.

[0021] In storage grid 104, most grid columns are storage columns 105, i.e., grid columns 105 in which storage containers 106 are stored in stack 107. However, grid 104 typically has at least one grid column not used for storing storage containers 106, but which includes a location where container handling vehicle 200 can unload and / or pick up storage containers 106 so that they can be transported to a second location (not shown) where storage containers 106 can be accessed from outside grid 104 or removed from or moved into grid 104. In the art, such locations are generally referred to as “ports”, and grid columns in which ports are located may be referred to as “delivery columns” 119, 120. The unloading and picking ports where container handling vehicle 200 delivers and receives containers 106 are referred to as “upper ports” 119, 120 of the delivery column, while the other end of the delivery column is referred to as “lower ports of the delivery column”.

[0022] Figure 1 The storage grid 104 includes two delivery columns 119 and 120. For example, the first delivery column 119 may include a dedicated unloading port where a container handling vehicle 200 can unload storage containers 106 to be transported via delivery column 119 and further to an access station or transfer station, and the second delivery column 200 may include a dedicated pickup port where a container handling vehicle 200 can pick up storage containers 106 that have been transported via delivery column 200 from an access station or transfer station. Each port of the first and second delivery columns 119, 120 may include a port suitable for picking up and placing storage containers 106.

[0023] The second location can typically be a pick-up station or storage station for retrieving products from storage container 106 or placing products into storage container 6. At the pick-up station or storage station, storage container 106 is typically not removed from the automated storage and retrieval system 1, but is returned to storage grid 104 once accessed. For moving storage containers out of or into storage grid 104, a downstream port is also provided in the delivery column. Such a downstream port is used, for example, to transfer storage container 106 to another storage facility (e.g., to another storage grid), directly to a transport vehicle (e.g., a train or truck), or to a production facility.

[0024] The transfer system can also be arranged to transfer storage containers between different storage grids, for example, as described in WO 2014 / 075937A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0025] When you want to access the storage Figure 1When a storage container 106 is located in the storage grid 104 disclosed herein, one of the container handling vehicles 200 is instructed to retrieve the target storage container 106 from its position in the grid 104 and transport it to or via delivery column 119. This operation involves moving the container handling vehicle 200 to a grid position above the storage column 105 where the target storage container 106 is located, retrieving the storage container 106 from the storage column 105 using the lifting device 203 of the container handling vehicle, and transporting the storage container 106 to the first delivery column 119. If the target storage container 106 is located deep within the stack 107, i.e., one or more other storage containers are located above the target storage container 106, the operation also involves temporarily moving the storage container placed above it before lifting the target storage container 106 from the storage column 105. This step, sometimes referred to in the art as “digging,” can be performed using the same container handling vehicle 200 subsequently used to transport the target storage container 106 to the delivery column 119, or by one or more other cooperating container handling vehicles 200. Alternatively or additionally, the automated storage and retrieval system 1 may have a container handling vehicle specifically designed for the task of temporarily removing storage containers 106 from storage columns 105. Once the target storage container 106 has been removed from storage column 105, the temporarily removed storage container can be returned to its original storage column 105. However, the removed storage container may alternatively be relocated to another storage column 105.

[0026] When storage container 106 is stored in grid 104, one of the container transport vehicles 200 is instructed to pick up storage container 106 from second delivery column 120 and transport it to a grid location above the storage column 105 where it is to be stored. After removing any storage container located at or above the target location within the storage column stack 107, the container transport vehicle 200 positions storage container 106 in the desired location. The removed storage container can then be lowered back into storage column 105 or repositioned into another storage column 105.

[0027] In order to monitor and control the automated storage and retrieval system 1 so as to deliver the required storage containers 106 to the required locations at the required time without causing the container transport vehicles 200 to collide with each other, the automated storage and retrieval system 1 includes a control system 109, which is typically computerized and includes a database for monitoring and controlling, for example, the position of each storage container 106 within the storage grid 104, the contents of each storage container 106, and the movement of the container transport vehicles 200.

[0028] The storage systems described above are installed in the storage facility along with other devices such as ports and charging stations (for charging the container transport vehicle 200). Other areas associated with the operation of the storage system, such as maintenance areas and control rooms, are typically open to the track system, on which the container transport vehicle 200 and the charging station operate.

[0029] Some of the latest storage systems, such as the automated storage and retrieval system developed by Autostore AS, are equipped with movable physical barriers between the track system and the other areas, which can be raised and lowered as needed.

[0030] However, if a fire breaks out within a storage system, it is highly likely to spread to other parts of the facility, such as areas where workers are operating. Movable physical barriers, such as those found in Autostore AS's storage systems, can mitigate the spread of a fire to some extent. But these measures cannot reduce the risk of a fire occurring and / or spreading to zero or near zero.

[0031] Some existing technology systems, such as Autostore AS's storage system, include measures for detecting and extinguishing fires using a set of sensors and fire extinguishers.

[0032] One problem associated with most known automated storage and retrieval systems is that they lack the means to prevent fires from occurring, only the means to extinguish existing fires. It is difficult to avoid any flammable materials within commercial storage facilities.

[0033] A fire requires at least three elements: heat, fuel, and oxygen. Heat typically exists in the form of high surface temperatures and / or sparks. Fuel can be any flammable material, such as wood. Finally, oxygen is needed to sustain combustion.

[0034] If any of these three elements is missing, a fire is unlikely to occur.

[0035] Even with precautions to prevent surface temperatures from becoming too high and / or to prevent spark formation, the risks in automated storage and retrieval systems can never be reduced to zero because the container handling vehicles operating on the track systems of these storage systems run at high power and high acceleration. For example, the latter could generate friction, potentially igniting a fire on debris on the track system. Furthermore, charging stations can generate sparks or high temperatures, also potentially causing fires.

[0036] However, the risk of fire can be significantly reduced by controlling or maintaining a non-flammable or near-flammable atmosphere within storage facilities. The oxygen concentration in the atmosphere at sea level is approximately 21% per volume. This concentration is high enough to ignite a fire. At lower oxygen concentrations (e.g., below 16%), the risk of fire is greatly reduced.

[0037] The article "WagnerImpulse" in "the Wagner Group Customer magazine" (3 / 2018) describes this type of storage facility that reduces oxygen concentration to prevent fires. The low oxygen concentration is achieved by forcing oxygen-depleted air into the entire storage facility.

[0038] However, exchanging the air throughout the entire storage facility is both time-consuming and labor-intensive. Furthermore, such a solution would hinder human work within the facility. Humans could potentially work in areas where the oxygen volume is below approximately 13%. However, with such low oxygen concentrations, workers would require at least a 30-minute rest period after working for two hours.

[0039] Furthermore, this paper does not propose any solutions for maintaining such low oxygen concentrations over extended periods (such as several days). For example, it does not provide instructions on how the storage system should be operated to move containers in or out of the system without increasing the oxygen concentration. Such operation would require the storage system to be frequently exposed to the atmosphere.

[0040] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an automatic storage and retrieval system and a method for operating such a system, which solves or at least mitigates one or more of the aforementioned problems associated with storage and retrieval systems using existing technology.

[0041] The specific object of this invention is to provide a solution that allows for the movement of containers located in spaces with environments different from their surroundings within a storage system.

[0042] Another objective of one or more embodiments of the present invention is to provide a solution that significantly reduces the risk of fire occurring inside or on the storage system during operation, and does not significantly reduce operational efficiency compared to prior art storage systems as described above.

[0043] Another objective of one or more embodiments of the present invention is to provide a solution that allows control over the physical characteristics of the environment in which the storage system is arranged.

[0044] Another objective of one or more embodiments of the present invention is to provide a solution that can distinguish between existing fires inside and / or near the storage system.

[0045] For one or more embodiments of the present invention, another object of the present invention is to provide a solution that allows for the safe long-term storage of biological species and / or fresh food. Summary of the Invention

[0046] The invention is set forth and characterized in the main claims, while the dependent claims describe other optional / preferred features.

[0047] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a storage facility for isolating gases in an automated storage and retrieval system.

[0048] In one or more embodiments within the first aspect, the present invention relates to a storage facility for controlling the gas concentration in an automated storage and retrieval system.

[0049] The storage facility includes storage space surrounding a storage and retrieval system, which includes a storage grid configured to store multiple storage containers in a vertical stack, and a first upper vehicle support, for example, on an upper horizontal plane (P) above the storage grid. U A track system extending in (i.e., in a plane perpendicular to the vertical stacking).

[0050] The system further includes a container transport vehicle configured to transport at least one of a plurality of storage containers by means of a wheel arrangement between at least two positions on the first upper vehicle support, and to vertically move at least one storage container by means of a lifting device capable of raising and lowering at least one storage container.

[0051] The system further includes a first lower vehicle support, for example, on a lower horizontal plane (P) below the first upper vehicle support. L The system extends along a track system and includes a container delivery vehicle operating within a storage space above a first lower vehicle support. The container delivery vehicle is configured to receive at least one storage container from a container transport vehicle and transport the at least one storage container between at least two locations on the first lower vehicle support by means of wheels.

[0052] The system further includes a transmission space comprising a second lower vehicle support, for example, at the lower horizontal plane P. L The track system extends from the middle and is arranged relative to the first lower vehicle support, allowing the container delivery vehicle to move between the lower part of the storage space and the lower part of the transport space, as well as the first partition wall separating the storage space and the transport space.

[0053] The first partition wall includes a first lower opening and a first lower closable door. The size and position of the first lower opening allow a container delivery vehicle to pass between the lower part of the storage space and the lower part of the transfer space, and the first lower closable door is configured to open and close the first lower opening.

[0054] The enclosure for the storage and transmission spaces may include four vertical walls, a base, and a ceiling. However, other restrictive configurations are conceivable.

[0055] Note that the term "gas isolation" is defined below as an enclosed space with minor gas leakage during a typical operating period, such as more than 4 hours. For example, minor leakage might be less than 5% leakage during a 4-hour operating period.

[0056] The system may further include a gas conditioning device in fluid communication with the storage space.

[0057] The gas conditioning device can be configured to regulate the gas composition within the storage space before and / or during operation, for example, by decreasing and / or increasing the concentration of a first gas, such as O2. If necessary, the pressure can be maintained constant by injecting / extracting another gas during or after decreasing / increasing the concentration of the first-mentioned gas. Similarly, the pressure can be increased or decreased to another predetermined level. For example, decreasing the O2 concentration to 10% may be accompanied by a corresponding increase in the N2 concentration to maintain a pressure of 1 atmosphere (approximately 101 kPa) within the storage space. In some cases, oxygen-enriched air may also prove beneficial, such as when storing and / or handling certain biological samples / food items.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, for a gas conditioning device, the system may include a fire extinguishing system or a device configured to inject extinguishing material into a storage space to differentiate a fire therein. At least one of the extinguishing materials may be a gas including at least one of Argonite IG-55 (an inert gas comprising 50% argon and 50% nitrogen), CO2, heptafluoropropane (also known as HFC-227ea), N2, and pressurized water. The fire extinguishing device may be arranged anywhere to ensure the diffusion of the extinguishing material into the storage space. For example, the fire extinguishing device may be arranged within the storage space and / or at least partially within one or more walls surrounding the storage space and / or outside the storage space. The latter arrangement may be achieved by allowing the extinguishing material to flow from the fire extinguishing device into the storage space via one or more fluid / gas inlets.

[0059] The fire extinguishing device may further include means for uniformly or nearly uniformly distributing the extinguishing agent within the storage space and / or for aiming the extinguishing agent at specific locations / areas within the storage space. By way of example only, the device may include multiple nozzles directed toward storage columns of the storage facility and / or toward any operating space for container handling vehicles operating at the top of storage columns and / or at charging station locations.

[0060] The system may alternatively or additionally include a cooling facility configured to cool the storage space to a temperature below ambient temperature, such as 10°C or below, more preferably 5°C or below, for example, 2°C. Regarding exemplary configurations with fire extinguishing devices, the cooling facility can be arranged wherever necessary to ensure cooling within the storage space. For example, the cooling facility can be arranged within the storage space and / or at least partially within one or more walls surrounding the storage space and / or outside the storage space. The latter arrangement can be achieved by allowing cooling fluid to flow from the cooling facility into the storage space via one or more fluid / gas inlets.

[0061] For example, cooling facilities may include refrigeration circuits and / or condensation units.

[0062] As described above, the system further includes a transmission space comprising a second lower vehicle support, which is located on the lower horizontal plane P. L The second lower vehicle support extends from and is arranged relative to the first lower vehicle support, allowing the container delivery vehicle to move between the lower storage space and the lower transport space, as well as the first partition wall separating the storage space and the transport space. The container delivery vehicle can move between the lower storage space and the lower transport space without any external intervention. The arrangement of the second lower vehicle support relative to the first lower vehicle support can be achieved by aligning adjacent vehicle supports or by adding links connecting the two vehicle supports, or a combination thereof. The two vehicle supports can also be integrated with each other to form a continuous support.

[0063] As described above, the first partition wall includes a first lower opening and a first lower closable door. The size and location of the first lower opening allow container delivery vehicles to pass between the lower part of the storage space and the lower part of the transport space, and the first lower closable door is configured to open and close the first lower opening. For example, the first lower opening may have a dimension at least corresponding to the width of two container handling vehicles placed side by side, such as the width of three.

[0064] The external boundaries that restrict the storage and transmission space are preferably airtight or nearly airtight, except for a closable door when in the open position.

[0065] The first closable door can be configured to be opened and closed remotely using a remote control system, such as the same control system used to control the operation of container handling vehicles and / or container handling vehicles.

[0066] The first bottom closable door can be further configured to form a fluid seal between the storage space and the transmission space when the first bottom closable door is closed, for example, by using a rubber gasket. Such a rubber gasket may surround the outer periphery of the first top closable door and / or the inner periphery of the first top opening.

[0067] The storage facility may further include a handling space suitable for moving storage containers from or to a storage and retrieval system within the storage space, and a second partition wall preferably fluid-tightly separating the handling space and the transport space. Fluid is defined herein as including substances such as gases and vapors.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, the second partition wall includes a second lower opening and a second lower closable door. The size and location of the second lower opening allow container delivery vehicles to pass between the lower portion of the transfer space and the lower portion of the handling space, and the second lower closable door is configured to open and close the second lower opening. The second lower opening may have a dimension corresponding at least to the width of two container handling vehicles placed side by side, for example, the width of three. Furthermore, the second lower closable door is preferably configured to be remotely operated from a remote control system, such as a control system for operating container handling vehicles and / or container handling vehicles.

[0069] The transport space may include a third lower vehicle support, for example, on the lower horizontal plane P. L The system extends along a track. The third lower vehicle support can be arranged relative to the second lower vehicle support in the same manner as the first and second lower vehicle supports; that is, the container delivery vehicle can move between the second and third lower vehicle supports through a second lower opening between the lower part of the transfer space and the lower part of the handling space, preferably without any external intervention. As mentioned above, this can be achieved by aligning adjacent vehicle supports or by adding links or combinations thereof connecting the two vehicle supports. The second and third vehicle supports can also be integrated with each other to form a continuous support.

[0070] The handling space may further include a container delivery station configured to receive storage containers delivered by a container delivery vehicle for further handling, or to deliver storage containers to a container delivery vehicle for storage in a storage and retrieval system, or a combination thereof.

[0071] The container delivery station is preferably located at the upper horizontal plane P. U At different vertical positions, for example, on the lower horizontal plane P L Location or nearby.

[0072] The container delivery vehicle can move along the third lower vehicle support from the second lower opening to a location adjacent to the container delivery station.

[0073] The storage facility may include a delivery section located below a first upper vehicle support, which does not have a stack of storage containers. In this example, the delivery section includes a lower portion of storage space that extends vertically from the first lower vehicle support to at least the height of the container delivery vehicle on which storage containers are stored or intended to be stored.

[0074] The lower vertical portion of the storage space may be provided by one or more horizontal beams, preferably extending from the first partition wall to the opposite boundary of the delivery section (away from the wall). Most preferably, the storage space comprises multiple horizontal beams arranged along the entire width of the wall.

[0075] The first lower vehicle support can be a lower track system, which includes components arranged on the lower horizontal plane P. L The first set of lower parallel tracks extending in the first direction X, and arranged on the lower horizontal plane P L A second set of parallel tracks extends along a second direction Y, which is orthogonal to the first direction X. Therefore, the first and second sets of parallel tracks are on the lower horizontal plane P. L A grid pattern is formed in the middle, the grid pattern including multiple lengths L c and width is W c The adjacent grid cells each include a grid opening defined by a pair of adjacent tracks of a first set of lower parallel tracks and a pair of adjacent tracks of a second set of lower parallel tracks. Furthermore, in this example, the wheel arrangement of the container delivery vehicle is configured to allow movement along the lower track system in a first direction X and a second direction Y.

[0076] The upper vehicle support can be an upper track system, which includes components arranged on the upper horizontal plane P. U The first set of upper parallel tracks extending in the first direction X, and arranged on the upper horizontal plane P U A second set of parallel tracks extends along a second direction Y, which is orthogonal to the first direction X. Therefore, the first and second sets of parallel tracks lie on the upper horizontal plane P. U A grid pattern is formed in the middle, the grid pattern including multiple lengths L c and width is W c The adjacent grid cells, each grid cell including a grid opening defined by a pair of adjacent tracks of a first set of lower parallel tracks and a pair of adjacent tracks of a second set of upper parallel tracks. In this example, the wheel arrangement of the container transport vehicle is configured to allow movement along the upper track system in a first direction X and a second direction Y.

[0077] The upper vehicle support and the lower vehicle support can have the same or nearly the same configuration.

[0078] The first partition wall may further include a first upper opening and a first upper closable door, the size and location of the first upper opening allowing container transport vehicles to pass through, and the first upper closable door being configured to open and close the first upper opening.

[0079] The storage facility may further include a second upper vehicle support, for example, on the upper horizontal plane (P). U The track system extends from and is arranged relative to the first upper vehicle support, allowing the container transport vehicle to move between the storage and transport spaces through the first upper opening, preferably without any external intervention. As described above, the arrangement of the first and second upper vehicle supports can be achieved by aligning the vehicle supports relative to each other or by adding a link connecting the two vehicle supports, or a combination thereof. The two vehicle supports can also form an integrated support.

[0080] The first top opening may have a dimension corresponding to at least the width of two container handling vehicles placed side by side, for example, the width of three.

[0081] The second partition wall may include a second upper opening and a second upper closable door. The size and position of the second upper opening allow container transport vehicles to pass through the transport space and from the transport space to the transport space, and the second upper closable door is configured to open and close the second upper opening. Opening and closing can preferably be remotely controlled. Furthermore, closing the first and second upper openings via the first and second upper closable doors is preferably arranged to achieve a fluid-tight closure, such as an airtight / airtight seal.

[0082] If a gas regulating device is present, the gas regulating device may advantageously include a gas container comprising a container for holding an initial combustible gas concentration C. Oi The gas or gas mixture is converted to have a concentration of less than the initial combustible gas C. Oi The final concentration of combustible gas C Of The device for converting gas / gas mixtures, and at least one gas inlet that allows fluid communication between the gas container and the storage space.

[0083] The gas conditioning device is preferably installed outside the storage space and is configured to at least partially replace the initial gas in the storage space with the conversion gas by guiding the conversion gas from the gas container into the storage space via at least one gas inlet.

[0084] The initial gas, i.e., before conversion, can be air at atmospheric pressure (1 atmosphere) containing approximately 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. (Here, the percentage of gases in the gas mixture is expressed as a volume percentage.) Combustible gas concentration (C Oi C OfIn this example, is the concentration of oxygen (O2). For example, the result of conversion via a gas conditioning device could be to reduce the oxygen concentration from an initial 21% to a concentration equal to or less than 16%.

[0085] The conversion can be performed using methods well known in the art. For example, see the article "WagnerImpulse" in "The Wagner Group Customermagazine" (3 / 2018) to reduce the oxygen concentration in the air inside an air container. That article is incorporated herein by reference.

[0086] The storage facility may further include one or more combustible gas sensors, such as one or more O2 gas sensors, installed within the transport space for measuring the concentration of combustible gas. Measurements may be performed continuously, at specific time intervals, upon operator request, or a combination thereof. Such combustible gas sensors may also be installed within the storage space and / or transport space.

[0087] In this exemplary configuration, the gas conditioning device is configured to at least partially replace the initial gas / gas mixture in the storage space with the converted gas / gas mixture by guiding the converted gas / gas mixture from the gas container to the storage space via at least one gas inlet.

[0088] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for reducing the fire risk within or at a storage and retrieval system arranged in a storage space of a storage facility, according to any of the features described above.

[0089] The method includes the following steps: [The text abruptly shifts to a seemingly unrelated topic about a combustible gas concentration C]. Oi The gas or gas mixture (e.g., 21% O2) in the gas container is converted to the final combustible gas concentration C. Of Less than the initial combustible gas concentration C Oi The conversion gas / gas mixture (e.g., less than 16% O2) is used to guide the conversion gas / gas mixture from the gas container to the storage space via at least one gas inlet, thereby at least partially replacing the initial gas / gas mixture in the storage space with the conversion gas / gas mixture.

[0090] The method may further include the following steps: using a lifting device to pick up at least one storage container from a plurality of storage containers stored in a storage grid; vertically lowering the at least one storage container into a container delivery vehicle within a delivery section; opening a first bottom-closable door; moving the container delivery vehicle from the lower part of the storage space to the lower part of the transport space through the first bottom opening; and closing the first bottom-closable door.

[0091] The first closing door can be opened by a motor such as a remote-controlled motor, or by horizontal pressure from the delivery vehicle of the container intended to pass through, or a combination thereof.

[0092] In addition, the first-closable door can be closed by using a motor, or by causing the door to fall due to gravity, or a combination thereof.

[0093] The first bottom-closable door may include a door-like structure, i.e., a wide planar structure having a size corresponding to the first upper opening. Alternatively, the first bottom-closable door may include a plurality of strips suspended from an upper frame of the first lower opening, the strips hanging down and aligned side by side to close the first lower opening, thereby allowing a container delivery vehicle to pass through by separating the strips during pressure application, and subsequently realigning the strips side by side after complete passage to close the first lower opening again.

[0094] If the storage facility further includes a handling space and a second partition wall separating the handling space and the transport space for handling storage containers transported from or to the storage and retrieval system within the storage space, wherein the second partition wall includes a second lower opening and a second lower closable door, the size and position of which allow a container delivery vehicle to pass through, and the second lower closable door is configured to open and close the second lower opening, then the method may further include the steps of: opening the second lower closable door; moving the container delivery vehicle from the lower part of the transport space into the handling space through the second lower opening; and closing the second lower closable door. The second lower closable door can be opened and closed in the same manner as the first lower closable door.

[0095] The method may further include the following steps: adjusting the time interval Δ² between the closing of the first closable door and the opening of the second closable door to ensure the final flammable gas concentration C in the storage space. Of Maintain at the predetermined maximum level C O,MAX (For example, below 16% O2 gas). The time interval can be adjusted by a remote control system, preferably the same control system that operates the container transport vehicle.

[0096] The method may further include measuring the final flammable gas concentration (C0) within the transmission space continuously, at specific time intervals, or as requested by the operator. Of The steps are as follows. Measurements can be performed using a gas sensor as described above. Furthermore, the measurement and setup can also be arranged within storage and / or transport spaces.

[0097] The method may further include continuously adjusting the gas within the storage space to further reduce the final concentration of combustible gas (C). Of ) or maintain the final flammable gas concentration (C OfA constant or near-constant process. Gas conditioning can also be performed intermittently and / or as required by the operator. An example of the latter could be when the O2 concentration rises above a certain predetermined level.

[0098] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for extinguishing a fire within or at a storage and retrieval system arranged in the storage space of a storage facility, according to any of the features described above.

[0099] The method includes the step of injecting extinguishing material into a storage space when a fire is detected / observed. The extinguishing material may be, for example, a extinguishing fluid such as water or CO2.

[0100] Regarding the second aspect, the method may further include the following steps: using a lifting device to pick up at least one of a plurality of storage containers stored within the storage grid; vertically lowering at least one storage container into a container delivery vehicle within the delivery section; opening a first lower closable door; moving the container delivery vehicle from the lower part of the storage space to the lower part of the transfer space through the first lower opening; and closing the first lower closable door, for example by using a dedicated motor and / or simply closing the door due to the influence of gravity.

[0101] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for cooling the storage space of a storage facility to a desired temperature below ambient temperature according to any of the features described above.

[0102] The method includes the step of cooling the storage space to a predetermined temperature, for example, reducing it to a temperature below 10°C. The storage space may be cooled by a cooling device, which may include, for example, a refrigeration circuit and / or a condensation unit.

[0103] Regarding the second and third aspects, the method may further include the following steps: using a lifting device to pick up at least one of a plurality of storage containers stored within the storage grid; vertically lowering at least one storage container into a container delivery vehicle within the delivery section; opening a first lower closable door; moving the container delivery vehicle from the lower part of the storage space to the lower part of the transfer space through the first lower opening; and closing the first lower closable door, for example by using a dedicated motor and / or simply by closing the door due to gravity. Attached Figure Description

[0104] The following figures are attached to facilitate understanding of the invention. The figures illustrate prior art and embodiments of the invention, which are now described by way of example only, wherein:

[0105] Figure 1This is a perspective view of an existing automated storage and retrieval system, which includes an upper transport rail system, multiple remotely operated container handling vehicles operating on the upper transport rail system, and a storage grid for storing stacked containers.

[0106] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The top view of the dual-track grid cells of the storage grid shown.

[0107] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle with cantilever arms for accommodating storage containers underneath.

[0108] Figure 4 This is a side view of a storage facility according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] Figure 5 Is it like this? Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the storage grid and a lower delivery track system on which multiple remotely operated container handling vehicles operate.

[0110] Figure 6 It is possible Figure 5 A perspective view of a container delivery vehicle operating on the lower delivery track system.

[0111] Figure 7 This is a side view of a storage facility according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] Figure 8 This is a side view of a storage facility according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0113] In the following, embodiments of the invention will be discussed in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the drawings are not intended to limit the invention to the subjects depicted therein. Furthermore, even if only some features are described with respect to the system, it will be apparent that they also apply to the related methods, and vice versa.

[0114] refer to Figure 1 The storage grid 104 of the automated storage and retrieval system 1, which forms part of the frame structure 100, contains a total of 1,144 grid cells, with the width and length of the storage grid 104 corresponding to the width and length of 143 grid columns. Above the storage grid 104, the top layer of the frame structure 100 is the upper transport track system 108, on which multiple container handling vehicles 200 run.

[0115] The automatic storage and retrieval system 1 (hereinafter referred to as storage system 1) of the present invention is constructed according to the above-mentioned prior art framework structure 100, namely, a plurality of upright members 102 and one or more horizontal members 103 supported by the upright members 102.

[0116] The upper transport track system 108 includes parallel tracks 110 and 111 oriented in the X and Y directions, respectively, and is arranged on top of the storage column 105 of the stack 107 containing storage containers 106 (hereinafter referred to as container 106). The horizontal region of a single grid cell 122, i.e., along the X and Y directions, can be defined by the distance between adjacent tracks 110 and 111, respectively. Figure 1 In this context, such grid cells 122 are marked with thick lines on the upper transport track system 108.

[0117] like Figure 2 As shown, each grid cell 122 can be represented by a grid cell width W. c and grid cell length L c To describe, the resulting width W o and length L o The grid opening is 115. Each grid location is associated with a grid cell 122.

[0118] The upper transport track system 108 allows container handling vehicles 200, which are adapted to move on the track, to move horizontally between different grid locations in an accurate and stable manner.

[0119] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, the storage grid 104, including the storage column 105, is shown as having a height of eight grid cells. However, it should be understood that the storage grid 104 can be of any size in principle. Specifically, it should be understood that the storage grid 104 can be larger than... Figure 1 The disclosed grid is much wider and / or much longer. For example, the storage grid 104 can have a horizontal range of more than 700x700 grid cells 122. Furthermore, the grid 104 can be much wider and / or much longer than... Figure 1 The depth disclosed in the middle is much deeper. For example, the depth of storage grid 104 can be greater than 10 grid cells 122.

[0120] The container handling vehicle 200 can be of any type known in the art, such as any of the automated container handling vehicles disclosed in WO2014 / 090684A1, NO317366 or WO2015 / 193278A1.

[0121] Figure 1 A container handling vehicle 200 of the type disclosed in WO2015 / 193278A1 is shown, while Figure 3A container handling vehicle 200 of the type disclosed in NO317366 is shown, comprising a body 202, a set of wheels 201 attached to the body 202, and a cantilever having a lifting device 203 below. The lifting device 203 is configured to lift and lower containers 106 from and into storage columns 105, respectively.

[0122] Figure 4 A side view of a storage facility according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. Positive X, Y, and Z directions are drawn into the figure from left to right and from top to bottom, respectively.

[0123] The storage facility is divided into three fluid-sealed sections 2-4 by the external vertical walls on both sides of the storage system 1 in the X and Y directions and the horizontal base 14 and ceiling 15 in the Z direction, thereby setting the external boundary of the storage facility, as well as two internally spaced vertical partition walls, hereinafter referred to as the first partition wall 6 and the second partition wall 8, which are both arranged on one side of the storage system 1 in the Y direction. Figure 4 (See the right side of the text). Note that in this document, a fluid-tight section refers to a fluid-tight section during the time that the door at the boundary of the section is in the closed position. Furthermore, a fluid-tight section means that there is no leakage or minimal leakage of gaseous substances such as gases and / or vapors.

[0124] These three parts are defined as:

[0125] - Storage space 2 located to the left of the first partition wall 6, in which are arranged Figure 1 The automated storage and retrieval system 1 of the type shown (with a first upper transport track system 108)

[0126] - A transmission space 3 located between the first partition wall 6 and the second partition wall 8, the transmission space including a second upper transport track system 108', the second upper transport track system being attached to or integrated with the first upper transport track system 108 within the storage space 2, and

[0127] - The transport space 4, located to the right of the second partition wall 8, operates in air at 1 atmosphere and includes a third upper transport track system 108", which is attached to or integrated with the second upper transport track system 108'.

[0128] The first, second, and third upper transport rail systems 108, 108', and 108" are all located on the upper level P. U .

[0129] The first wall and partition walls 6 and 8, as well as the transmission space 3 and the handling space 4, may be additionally or alternatively arranged on the left side of the storage system 1.

[0130] like Figure 4 As shown, the handling space 4 includes a container delivery station 150 located at or near the base 14 of the storage facility and a container guide column 9 extending between the third upper transport track system 108” and the delivery station 150. The container guide column 9 is configured to guide containers 106 that have been inserted into the column 9 by the container handling vehicle 200 to or from the delivery station 150.

[0131] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, the container guide column 9 is further equipped with a lower platform 9a on which the container 106 is placed before being transported from the storage system 1 to the delivery station 150, or on which the container 106 is placed before being lifted by the container handling vehicle 200 to the third upper transport track system 108” during transport to the storage system 1.

[0132] The movement of container 106 between lower platform 9a and delivery station 150 can be performed by human operator 51, robotic operator, conveyor belt, or a combination thereof.

[0133] Furthermore, the lifting or lowering of container 106 via container guide column 9 can be performed by a dedicated lift, instead of using the lifting device 203 within container handling vehicle 200.

[0134] In addition to the container guide column 9 that vertically transports container 106 to delivery station 150, or as an alternative, transport from the third upper transport track system 108” to delivery station 150 can be performed by one or more downward-sloping conveyor belts (not shown).

[0135] The attachment or integration of the first upper transport track system 108 with the second upper transport track system 108', and the attachment or integration of the second transport track system 108' with the third upper transport track system 108" enable the container handling vehicle 200 to move freely between different track systems 108, 108', and 108".

[0136] The first and second partition walls 6 and 8 each include at least one upper opening 6a and 8a located directly above the two connection points of the upper transport track systems 108, 108', and 108"—that is, between the first and second upper transport track systems 108 and 108' and between the second and third upper transport track systems 108' and 108"—and have dimensions allowing at least one container transport vehicle 200 to pass through, for example, a height above a track recess that is 10% higher than the total height of the container transport vehicle 200 (including any devices located on top, such as antennas), and a width corresponding to the distance in the X direction through one, two, or three grid cells 122. Herein, a recess is defined as a restricted track into which the wheels of the vehicle 200 are guided.

[0137] Each upper opening 6a, 8a is equipped with an upper closable door 6b, 8b that can be opened when the container transport vehicle 200 moves between different track systems 108, 108', 108' through the upper opening 6a, 8a, and can be closed when the container transport vehicle 200 has completely passed through the corresponding upper opening 6a, 8a.

[0138] The opening and closing of doors 6b and 8b are preferably controlled by a remote control system 109, which also controls the movement of the container handling vehicle 200 and any charging stations (not shown) present on the storage system 1. In this exemplary embodiment, doors 6b and 8b include a motor system (not shown) configured to allow necessary movement of doors 6b and 8b, such as a motor driving a rotating component to cause pivotal movement of doors 6b and 8b, or a motor driving a linear actuator to cause linear, vertical movement of doors 6b and 8b. A winch system configured to raise / lower or pivot doors 6b and 8b is also contemplated.

[0139] However, it is feasible to perform opening and closing without using any motor system. For example, at least one of the upper doors 6b, 8b can be hinged to the corresponding partition wall 6, 8 at the upper edge of the upper opening 6a, 8a, such that the upper doors 6a, 8a pivot into spaces 2, 3, 4, in which the container transport vehicle 200 moves by the thrust applied by the vehicle 200. Therefore, closing the upper doors 6b, 8b by gravity can be assisted by adding weights to the upper doors 6b, 8b and / or installing mechanical and / or magnetic closing mechanisms between the upper doors 6b, 8b and the boundaries of the partition walls 6, 8 where the upper openings 6a, 8a are located.

[0140] To at least reduce the fire risk within the storage space 2 where the storage system 1 is located, the storage facility is equipped with a gas conditioning device 10, which includes a gas container 10a located outside the storage space 2, a gas inlet 10c entering the storage space 2, and a gas pipe 10b in fluid communication between the gas container 10a and the gas inlet 10c. This arrangement allows gas to flow between the gas container 10a and the storage space 2.

[0141] Gas container 10a includes means for reducing (or increasing) gaseous elements in a gas mixture such as O2 gas in air. Such means are known in the art and will not be further explained here. For example, see the article "WagnerImpulse" in "The Wagner Group Customer magazine" (3 / 2018).

[0142] In dry air, the concentration of oxygen in combustible gases is approximately 21%. If the oxygen concentration drops to 16% or below, the fire risk is significantly reduced. Fires can occur in air, for example, due to sparks from the movement of the container transport vehicle 200 and / or from sparks from a charging station (not shown) used to charge the battery within the vehicle 200 and / or combustion of the contents within the container 106 and / or accidental heating such as from sunlight irradiating flammable materials within the storage system 1.

[0143] The fluid-tight separation between storage space 2 and handling space 4 ensures that container handling vehicle 200 can store and retrieve container 106 located in an atmosphere with reduced oxygen, which has a reduced or insignificant fire risk but poses a risk to human health, and receive and deliver container 106 to a workspace where humans can work safely.

[0144] Furthermore, by arranging a fluid-sealed transfer space 3 between the storage space 2 and the transport space 4, the amount of fluid leaking from the storage space 2 during the transfer of the container transport vehicle 200 between the storage space 2 and the transport space 4 can be minimized. In effect, the partition walls 6 and 8 and the intermediate transfer space 3 act as an airlock (a chamber with two airtight doors in series (upper openings 6a and 8a, sealed by upper door openings 6b and 8b), which preferably do not open simultaneously).

[0145] For example, the air initially containing about 21% oxygen in storage space 2 and transport space 3 can be replaced by an air-like gas mixture with a reduced oxygen concentration, such as 16% or less (using gas conditioning device 10). However, the oxygen concentration in the air within transport space 4 is not replaced and remains at the normal atmospheric level.

[0146] During operation, the repeated opening of the second upper closable door 8b increases the oxygen concentration in the transfer space 3, causing gas exchange between the transport space 4 and the storage space 3. However, since the first upper closable door 6b closes when the second upper closable door 8b opens, the little or negligible air present in the transport space 4 will be exchanged with the gas mixture present in the storage space 2. Therefore, during operation, the undesirable increase in oxygen concentration in the storage space 2 will be faster than in the transfer space 3.

[0147] It is advantageous to monitor the oxygen concentration in the storage facility, particularly the oxygen concentration within storage space 2. Figure 4 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the storage facility is equipped with an oxygen sensor 12 in storage space 2, an oxygen sensor 11 in transfer space 3, and an oxygen sensor 13 in handling space 4. All these oxygen sensors 11-13 are... Figure 4 As shown, it is installed on the ceiling 15 of the storage facility. However, the oxygen sensors can be installed anywhere within their respective spaces 2-4.

[0148] The purpose of oxygen sensor 12 in storage space 2 is primarily to ensure that the oxygen concentration is maintained below a predetermined maximum concentration, such as 16%, while the purpose of oxygen sensor 13 in transport space 4 is primarily to ensure that the oxygen concentration is maintained at a level considered safe for humans. Finally, the purpose of oxygen sensor 11 in transport space 3 is primarily to monitor the extent of any leaks between storage space 2 and transport space 3, as well as between transport space 4 and transport space 3.

[0149] Measurements by gas sensors 11-13 can be performed continuously at time intervals upon the operator's request or a combination thereof.

[0150] However, the storage facilities of the present invention are not limited to reducing the risk of fire.

[0151] Another example of the scope of use for storage facilities that allow for controlled gas concentrations is the storage of fresh food. Existing technology has shown that fruits such as apples are best stored long-term in an atmosphere containing 1% O2 and 1-2.5% CO2. O2 gas can be replaced with N2 gas.

[0152] As mentioned above, storage facilities may alternatively or additionally include fire extinguishing devices and / or cooling facilities.

[0153] Storage facilities equipped with cooling facilities and gas conditioning devices 10, 10a-c for cooling the storage space to temperatures below 10°C can create near-ideal conditions for the storage of fresh food.

[0154] This fresh food configuration in storage facilities can be supplemented by fire extinguishing equipment to reduce the risk of fire.

[0155] exist Figure 5 The middle section shows different storage systems 1, in which upright members 102 form part of the frame structure 100, and an upper transport track system 108 with multiple container handling vehicles 200 runs on the frame structure 100.

[0156] Below the upper transport track system 108, near the base 14, another frame structure is shown, comprising vertical columns and a lower delivery track system 308 that extends at least partially below some of the storage columns 105 of the storage grid 104. For the higher frame structure 100, multiple vehicles 300 can operate on the lower delivery track system 308. Similar to or identical to the upper transport track system 108, the lower delivery track system 308 includes a first set of parallel tracks 310 oriented in a first direction X and a second set of parallel tracks 311 oriented in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X, thereby reaching the lower horizontal plane P. L (with the upper horizontal plane P) U Compared to the grid pattern formed in the arrangement closer to the base 14, the lower horizontal plane P L Includes multiple rectangular and uniform grid locations or grid cells 322 (in Figure 5 (Indicated by a thicker line). Each grid cell 322 of the lower delivery track system 308 includes a grid opening 315 defined by a pair of adjacent tracks 310a, 310b of the first set of tracks 310 and a pair of adjacent tracks 311a, 311b of the second set of tracks 311. The vertical Z direction between the delivery track system 308 and the storage column 105 directly above the delivery track system 308, and the horizontal P direction within the storage space 2. L The volume above is referred to hereinafter as the lower storage space 2'. Furthermore, the portion of the storage grid 104 located between the lower storage space 2' and the upper transport track system 108 is referred to hereinafter as the delivery portion 121 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 7 ).

[0157] The portion of the lower delivery track system 308 extending below the storage column 105 is aligned so that it is in the horizontal plane P. L Mesh cell 322 in the middle and on the horizontal plane P U The grid cells 122 of the upper transport track system 108 overlap.

[0158] Therefore, through this specific alignment of the two track systems 108, 308, the container 106, which is lowered by the container transport vehicle 200 into the storage column 105 within the delivery section 121 (i.e., above the lower storage space 2'), can be placed inside or on the storage container support 302 of the delivery vehicle 300, which has been moved to a position directly below the storage column 105.

[0159] Figure 6 An example of such a container delivery vehicle 300 is shown, which includes a wheel assembly 301 similar to the wheel assembly 201 described for a prior art container handling vehicle 200, and a storage container support 302 for receiving and supporting containers 106 delivered by the container handling vehicle 200. The storage container support 302 may be a pallet (e.g., Figure 6 (as shown), a plate or any other shape capable of supporting the container during horizontal movement along the lower track system 308.

[0160] After receiving container 106, container delivery vehicle 300 can proceed along the lower horizontal plane P. L It travels in the X and Y directions to another location of the lower delivery track system 308.

[0161] Figure 7 A storage facility according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0162] In the first embodiment, the storage facility includes a storage space 2, a transmission space 3, and a handling space 4, wherein at least a portion of the storage system 1 as described above is transported via... Figure 7 The base support 16 in the example is mounted on the base 14 by a plurality of upright support rods.

[0163] Multiple container handling vehicles 200 can operate on the upper horizontal plane P U The operation is carried out on the extended upper transport track system 108.

[0164] However, unlike the storage facility of the first embodiment, the container transport vehicle 200 can only operate within the storage space 2. Instead, when an instruction from the remote control system 109 instructs the storage system 1 to retrieve a specific container 106 from the storage grid 104, the container transport vehicle 200 (as described above, after the container 106 has been lifted from the respective stacks 107) transports the container 106 to the storage column 105 above the delivery section 121 and then lowers the container 106 to the waiting container delivery vehicle 300.

[0165] After the container 106 has been received into or onto the storage container holder 302, the container delivery vehicle 300 (using wheel arrangement 301) moves through the first lower opening 6b of the first partition wall 6 onto the second lower delivery track system 308' in the lower transfer space 3' of the transfer space 3.

[0166] In a manner similar to or the same as that described in the first and second transport rail systems 108, 108' of the first embodiment, the second lower delivery rail system 308' is configured relative to the first lower delivery rail system 308, such that the container delivery vehicle 300 can move freely between the two lower delivery rail systems 308, 308'.

[0167] Similar to the upper transport track system 108, 108' of the first embodiment, a first lower closable door 6d is installed relative to the first lower opening 6c, such that when the door 6d is in the closed position, a fluid seal is achieved between the storage space 2 and the transport space 3.

[0168] exist Figure 7 In an exemplary configuration, the vertical end 123 of the storage grid 104 is shown positioned at the boundary between the delivery section 121 and the lower storage space 2' of the handling container transport vehicle 300. The vertical end may be one or more horizontal plates or multiple horizontal beams 123 extending through the depth of the storage space 2 in the X direction and extending at least to the first partition wall 6 in the Y direction.

[0169] exist Figure 7 In the middle, the vertical end 123 extends further through the transmission space 3 in the Y direction to the second partition wall 8. Therefore, the lower transmission space 3' can be defined as the depth of the transmission space 3 or storage system 1 in the X direction, the distance between the first and second partition walls 6, 8 in the Y direction, and the distance between the second delivery track system 308' and the vertical end 123 in the Z direction.

[0170] After the container delivery vehicle 300 has passed through the first lower opening 6c, the first lower closable door closes the first lower opening 6c, while the container delivery vehicle 300 continues to the second partition wall 8, forming a fluid-tight separation between the transfer space 3 and the handling space 4 containing the container delivery station 150. Similar to the first partition wall 6, the second partition wall 8 includes a second lower opening 8c located directly above the second lower delivery track system 308' and a second lower closable door 8d installed relative to the opening 8c to allow for fluid / gas-tight closure through the second partition wall 8.

[0171] For the first and second lower delivery track systems 308, 308', the transport space 4 includes a third lower delivery track system 308' arranged relative to the second lower delivery track system 308', so that the container delivery vehicle 300 can move freely between the transport space 3 and the transport space 4 through the second lower opening 8c.

[0172] The third lower delivery track system 308” extends at least in the Y direction to the container delivery station 150, thereby allowing the container delivery vehicle 300 to transport the container 106 from the second lower opening 8c to the container delivery station 150 for further handling by human and / or robotic operators 151.

[0173] For the first embodiment, it is considered advantageous to install one or more oxygen sensors 11-13 at locations within each space 2-4 to monitor oxygen concentration, for example, in the ceiling 15 of the storage facility. Measurements can be performed continuously at time intervals upon request from the operator or a combination thereof.

[0174] Figure 8 A storage facility according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown, which combines the solutions of the first and second embodiments, indicating that both container transport vehicle 200 and container transport vehicle 300 can transport container 106 between storage space 2 and transport space 4 for further handling.

[0175] In the third embodiment, the lower delivery track systems 308, 308', 308" and the upper transport systems 108, 108', 108" are arranged in each space within a storage facility separated by partition walls 6, 8. The track systems 108, 108', 108" and 308, 308', 308" are interconnected at the lower edges of the respective openings 6a, 8a, 6c, 8c in a manner similar to or equivalent to that in the first and second embodiments. Furthermore, each opening 6a, 8a, 6c, 8c is equipped with a closable door 6b, 8b, 6d, 8d installed in a manner similar to or equivalent to that in the first and second embodiments.

[0176] exist Figure 8 In this configuration, the vertical end 123 extends further into the transport space 4 in the Y direction to reach or approach the container delivery station 150. Therefore, the lower transport space 4' can be defined as the depth of the transport space 4 in the X direction, the distance between the second partition wall 8 and the container delivery station 150 in the Y direction, and the distance between the third delivery track system 308' and the vertical end 123 in the Z direction. In this particular configuration, the vertical end 123 includes a lower platform 9a located within the container guide column 9, adjacent to the container delivery station 150.

[0177] In the foregoing description, various aspects of the storage facility according to the invention have been described with reference to illustrative embodiments. Specific figures, systems, and configurations have been set forth for illustrative purposes to provide a thorough understanding of the system and its operation. However, this description is not intended to be construed as limiting. Various modifications and variations of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the system, that will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the disclosed subject matter pertains, are considered to fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A storage facility for isolating, storing, and retrieving gases in a system, the facility comprising: - Storage space (2), including an enclosing storage and retrieval system (1), the storage and retrieval system (1) comprising: ○ The storage grid (104) is configured to store multiple storage containers (106) in a vertical stack (107); ○ The first vehicle support (108, 308) extends in the horizontal plane; The first vehicle support is configured to support a container transport vehicle (200), which includes a wheel arrangement (201) and a lifting device (203). -Transmission space (3) includes: A second vehicle support (108', 308') extends in the horizontal plane and is arranged relative to the first vehicle support (108, 308), such that the container delivery vehicle (300) can move between the storage space (2) and the transport space (3); - A first partition wall (6) separates the storage space (2) and the transmission space (3), wherein the first partition wall (6) comprises: ○ A first opening (6a), the size and position of which allow the container delivery vehicle (300) to pass through; and ○ The first closable door (6b) is configured to open and close the first opening (6a); - A handling space (4) for handling storage containers (106) transported within the storage space (2) from or to the storage and retrieval system (1); and - A second partition wall (8) separates the handling space (4) and the transmission space (3), wherein the second partition wall (8) comprises: ○ A second opening (8a), the size and position of which allow the container delivery vehicle (300) to pass through; and ○ The second closable door (8b) is configured to open and close the second opening (8a).

2. The storage facility of claim 1, further comprising a container handling vehicle (200), the container handling vehicle being configured to: - By means of the wheel arrangement (201), at least one of the plurality of storage containers (106) is transported between at least the storage space and the transport space; and - At least one storage container (106) is moved vertically by means of the lifting device (203).

3. The storage facility according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first closable door (6b) is configured to be opened and closed remotely using a remote control system (109).

4. The storage facility according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first closable door (6b) is configured to create a fluid seal between the storage space (2) and the transmission space (3) when the first closable door (6b) closes the first opening (6a).

5. The storage facility according to claim 1, wherein, The second closable door (8b) is configured to be opened and closed remotely using a remote control system (109).

6. The storage facility according to claim 1, wherein, The transport space (4) includes the horizontal plane ( P U A third vehicle support (108'') extends from the second vehicle support (108'), the third vehicle support (108'') being arranged relative to the second vehicle support (108') such that the container delivery vehicle (300) can move between the second vehicle support (108'') and the third vehicle support (108'') through the second opening (8a) between the transfer space (3) and the handling space (4).

7. The storage facility according to claim 1, wherein, The handling space (4) includes a container delivery station (150), which is configured to: Receive the storage container (106) delivered by the container delivery vehicle (300) for further handling; or The storage container (106) is delivered to the container delivery vehicle (300) for storing the storage container (106) in the storage and retrieval system (1); or The combination of receiving the storage container (106) delivered by the container delivery vehicle (300) and delivering the storage container (106) to the container delivery vehicle (300).

8. The storage facility according to claim 6, wherein, The container delivery vehicle (300) is able to move along the third vehicle support (108'') from the second opening (8a) to a location adjacent to the container delivery station (150).

9. The storage facility according to claim 8, further comprising a container guide column (9) extending between the third vehicle support (108'') and the container delivery station (150).

10. The storage facility according to claim 1, wherein, The first vehicle bracket, the second vehicle bracket, and the third vehicle bracket are upper vehicle brackets extending in the upper horizontal plane above the storage grid.

11. The storage facility according to claim 1, wherein, The first vehicle bracket, the second vehicle bracket, and the third vehicle bracket are lower vehicle brackets extending in a lower horizontal plane, and further include: - An upper vehicle support extending in the upper horizontal plane above the storage grid; and - A container transport vehicle (200) is configured to transport at least one of the plurality of storage containers (106) between at least two positions on the upper vehicle support by means of the wheel arrangement (201) and to move at least one storage container (106) vertically by means of the lifting device (203). - A container delivery vehicle (300) is configured to operate in the lower part (2') of the storage space (2) located above the first lower vehicle support (308), the container delivery vehicle (300) being configured to receive the at least one storage container (106) from the container transport vehicle (200) and transport the at least one storage container (106) between at least two locations on the first lower vehicle support (308) by means of a wheel arrangement (301).

12. The storage facility according to claim 11, wherein, The storage facility includes a delivery section (121) located below the upper vehicle support, the delivery section (121) having no stack (107) of storage containers (106), the delivery section (121) including the lower part (2') of the storage space (2), the lower part (2') of the storage space (2) extending vertically from the first lower vehicle support (308) to at least the height of the container delivery vehicle (300), the container delivery vehicle having storage containers (106) stored in the container delivery vehicle.

13. The storage facility according to claim 11, wherein, A horizontal beam (123) is arranged at the upper vertical position of the lower part (2') of the storage space (2).

14. The storage facility according to claim 11, in, The first lower vehicle support (308) is a lower track system, the lower track system comprising components arranged on the lower horizontal plane ( P L In the first direction () X The first set of lower parallel tracks (310) extending on the upper horizontal plane and arranged on the lower horizontal plane ( P L ) in and with the first direction ( X The second orthogonal direction ( Y The second set of lower parallel tracks (311) extending on the first set of lower parallel tracks (310) and the second set of lower parallel tracks (311) on the lower horizontal plane ( P L A grid pattern is formed in the process, the grid pattern comprising multiple lengths L c and width W c The adjacent grid cells (322), each grid cell includes a grid opening (315) defined by a pair of adjacent tracks of the first set of lower parallel tracks (310) and a pair of adjacent tracks of the second set of lower parallel tracks (311), and The wheel arrangement (301) of the container delivery vehicle (300) is configured to allow travel along the lower track system (308) in the first direction ( X ) and the second direction ( Y (movement on) 15. A storage facility for regulating the composition of a gas in an automated storage and retrieval system, the facility comprising: ○ Storage space (2), including an enclosing storage and retrieval system (1), the storage and retrieval system (1) comprising: A storage grid (104) is configured to store multiple storage containers (106) in a vertical stack (107); and The first vehicle support (108) is located on the upper horizontal plane above the storage grid (104). P U Extending from ) ○Transmission space (3); and A first partition wall (6) separates the storage space (2) and the transmission space (3), wherein the first partition wall (6) includes: a first opening (6c) that allows a container delivery vehicle (300) to pass through; and a first closable door (6d) configured to open and close the first opening (6c). When the closable door is in the closed position, the outer boundaries defining the storage space and the transmission space are airtight or nearly airtight.

16. The storage facility of claim 15, further comprising: ○Transportation space (4); as well as ○ A second partition wall (8) separates the transmission space (3) and the handling space (4), wherein the second partition wall (8) includes: a second opening (8c) that allows a container delivery vehicle (300) to pass through; and a second closable door (8d) configured to open and close the second opening (8c).

17. The storage facility according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising: A gas regulating device, which is in fluid communication with the storage space and configured to regulate the gas composition within the storage mixture.

18. The storage facility according to claim 17, wherein, The gas conditioning device is configured to inject and / or extract gas from the storage space.

19. The storage facility of claim 17, further comprising: - A gas container, wherein the gas container is configured to convert an initial gas mixture in the storage space from an initial combustible gas concentration to a final combustible gas concentration, the final gas concentration being less than the initial combustible gas concentration; and - At least one gas inlet.

20. The storage facility according to claim 17, wherein, The gas conditioning device is installed outside the storage space and is configured to at least partially replace the initial gas mixture in the storage space with the converted gas mixture by guiding the gas from the gas container into the storage space via at least one gas inlet.

21. The storage facility of claim 15, further comprising one or more combustible gas sensors for measuring the concentration of combustible gas.

22. A method for transporting storage containers in a sealed automated storage and retrieval system, the storage and retrieval system comprising a storage grid (104) and a first vehicle support (108, 308), the storage grid being configured to store a plurality of storage containers (106) in a vertical stack (107), the first vehicle support extending in a horizontal plane, the method comprising the steps of: - Use container delivery vehicles to retrieve storage containers from sealed storage spaces; - Open the first closable door in the first opening in the first partition wall, wherein the first partition wall separates the storage space (2) and the transmission space (3); - The container delivery vehicle is moved from the first vehicle bracket (108) in the storage space to the second vehicle bracket (108') in the transport space through the first opening. - Close the first closeable door; - Open the second closable door in the second opening in the second partition wall, wherein the second partition wall separates the transmission space (3) from the handling space; - Move the container delivery vehicle from the second vehicle support (108') in the transfer space to the third vehicle support (108'') in the handling space; and - Close the second closable door.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, The first and / or second door is opened or closed by a motor.

24. The method of claim 22 or 23, further comprising adjusting the time interval between closing the first closable door and opening the second closable door.

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