Assembly, storage module and automated storage and retrieval system

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (30) comprising a goods holder (106) comprising a front side (60), wherein at least one section (55) of the front side is movable in order to enable access to the interior of the goods holder (106), and a storage unit (101) for storing the goods holder (106). The storage unit (101) is provided with a locking mechanism (50) configured to engage with the movable section (55) of the front side (60) of the stored goods holder (106) in order to secure said movable section (55). The invention also relates to a storage and picking module (200) comprising a plurality of assemblies (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates primarily to an assembly comprising a cargo holder and a storage unit for storing the cargo holder. Background Technology

[0002] Figure 1 discloses a prior art automated storage and retrieval system 1 with a frame structure 100. Figures 2, 3a and 3b disclose three different prior art container handling vehicles 201, 301 and 401 suitable for operation on such system 1.

[0003] The frame structure 100 includes upright members 102 and storage volumes comprising storage rows 105 arranged between the upright members 102. Storage containers 106, also referred to as boxes, are stacked one on top of another to form a container stack 107. The members 102 can typically be made of metal, such as extruded aluminum profiles.

[0004] The frame structure 100 of the automated storage and retrieval system 1 includes a track system 108 arranged across the top of the frame structure 100, through which multiple container handling vehicles 301, 401 can run to raise and lower storage containers 106 from storage columns 105 into the storage columns, and also transport storage containers 106 on the storage columns 105. The track system 108 includes a first set of parallel tracks 110 and a second set of parallel tracks 111. The first set of parallel tracks is arranged to guide the container handling vehicles 301, 401 across the top of the frame structure 100 in a first direction X, and the second set of parallel tracks is arranged perpendicular to the first set of tracks 110 to guide the container handling vehicles 301, 401 in a second direction Y, perpendicular to the first direction X. Containers 106 stored in the columns 105 are accessed by the container handling vehicles 301, 401 through access openings 112 in the track system 108. Container handling vehicles 301 and 401 can move laterally above storage column 105, that is, in a plane parallel to the horizontal XY plane.

[0005] The upright members 102 of the frame structure 100 can be used to guide the storage containers during the process of lifting the containers from the column 105 and lowering the containers into the column. The stack 107 of the containers 106 is typically self-supporting.

[0006] Each prior art container handling vehicle 201, 301, 401 includes a body 201a, 301a, 401a, and a first set of wheels and a second set of wheels 201b, 201c, 301b, 301c, 401b, 401c, enabling the container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 to move laterally in the X and Y directions, respectively. In Figures 2 to 3b, two wheels in each set of wheels are fully visible. The first set of wheels 201b, 301b, 401b is arranged to engage two adjacent tracks in the first set of tracks 110, and the second set of wheels 201c, 301c, 401c is arranged to engage two adjacent tracks in the second set of tracks 111. At least one set of wheels among multiple sets of wheels 201b, 201c, 301b, 301c, 401b, and 401c can be raised and lowered, such that the first set of wheels 201b, 301b, and 401b and / or the second set of wheels 201c, 301c, and 401c can engage with the corresponding set of tracks 110 and 111 at any given time.

[0007] Each prior art container handling vehicle 201, 301, 401 also includes lifting devices 304, 404 (visible in Figures 3a-3b) with lifting frame portions 304a, 404a for vertically transporting storage containers 106, such as raising storage containers 106 from storage rows 105 and lowering storage containers 106 into storage rows. Lifting devices 304, 404 include one or more clamping / engaging devices adapted to engage storage containers 106, and these clamping / engaging devices are lowerable from vehicles 201, 301, 401 such that the position of the clamping / engaging devices relative to vehicles 201, 301, 401 is adjustable in a third direction Z (e.g., visible in Figure 1) orthogonal to the first direction X and the second direction Y. A portion of the clamping devices of container handling vehicles 301, 401 is indicated by reference numerals in Figures 3a and 3b. The clamping devices of container handling device 201 are located within the vehicle body 201a in Figure 2.

[0008] Typically, and for the purposes of this application, Z=1 represents the uppermost layer of available storage containers below tracks 110, 111, i.e., the layer immediately below track system 108; Z=2 represents the second layer below track system 108; Z=3 represents the third layer, and so on. In the exemplary prior art disclosed in FIG1, Z=8 represents the lowest layer of storage containers. Similarly, X=1…n and Y=1…n represent the position of each storage column 105 in the horizontal plane. Thus, as an example, and using the Cartesian coordinate system X, Y, Z indicated in FIG1, the storage container identified as 106' in FIG1 can be said to occupy storage position X=18, Y=1, Z=6. Container transport vehicles 201, 301, 401 can be said to travel in layer Z=0, and each storage column 105 can be identified by its X and Y coordinates. Therefore, the storage containers extending above track system 108 shown in FIG1 are also referred to as being arranged in layer Z=0.

[0009] The storage volume of the frame structure 100 is typically referred to as grid 104, and the possible storage locations within this grid are referred to as storage cells. Each storage column can be identified by its position in the X and Y directions, while each storage cell can be identified by its container number in the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0010] Each prior art container handling vehicle 201, 301, 401 includes a storage compartment or space for receiving and loading the storage container 106 when transporting it across the track system 108. The storage space may include cavities arranged internally within the vehicle body 201a, as shown in Figures 2 and 3b, and as described, for example, in WO2015 / 193278A1 and WO2019 / 206487A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0011] Figure 3a shows an alternative configuration of the container handling vehicle 301 with a cantilever structure. Such a vehicle is described in detail, for example, in NO317366, the contents of which are also incorporated herein by reference.

[0012] The cavity container transport vehicle 201 shown in Figure 2 may have a coverage area that is approximately equal in size to the lateral extent of the storage column 105 in the X and Y directions, for example, as described in WO2015 / 193278A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The term “lateral” as used herein may mean “horizontal”.

[0013] Alternatively, the coverage area of ​​the cavity container transport vehicle 401 may be larger than the lateral area defined by the storage column 105, as shown in FIG3b, and as disclosed in WO2014 / 090684A1 or WO2019 / 206487A1.

[0014] Track system 108 typically includes tracks with grooves in which the wheels of a vehicle run. Alternatively, the tracks may include upwardly projecting elements, with the vehicle wheels including flanges to prevent derailment. These grooves and upwardly projecting elements are collectively referred to as guide rails. Each track may include one guide rail, or each track may include two parallel guide rails; in other track systems 108, each track in one direction may include one guide rail, and each track in another perpendicular direction may include two guide rails. The track system may also include dual-guide rails in one of the X or Y directions and single-guide rails in the other of the X or Y directions. A dual-guide rail may include two track members fastened together, each track member having one guide rail.

[0015] The contents of WO2018 / 146304A1, which is incorporated herein by reference, illustrate a common construction of a track system 108, which includes a track and parallel guide rails in the X and Y directions.

[0016] In frame structure 100, most columns 105 are storage columns 105, i.e., columns 105 in which storage containers 106 are stored in the form of stacks 107. However, some columns 105 may have other purposes. In Figure 1, columns 119 and 120 are such dedicated columns used by container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 to drop and / or pick up storage containers 106, so that the storage containers can be transported to an access station (not shown) where the storage containers 106 can be accessed from outside frame structure 100, or where the storage containers can be transferred out of frame structure 100 or into frame structure 100. In the art, such locations are generally referred to as “ports,” and the columns where ports are located may be referred to as “port columns” 119, 120. Transport to the access station can be in any direction, i.e., horizontal, inclined, and / or vertical. For example, storage container 106 can be placed in random or dedicated columns 105 within frame structure 100, and then picked up by any container handling vehicle and transported to port columns 119, 120 for further transport to the retrieval station. Transport from the port to the retrieval station may require movement along multiple different directions via devices such as transport vehicles, trolleys, or other transport routes. It should be noted that the term "inclined" implies that the transport of storage container 106 has a conventional transport direction between horizontal and vertical.

[0017] In Figure 1, the first port column 119 can be, for example, a dedicated unloading port column through which container transport vehicles 201 and 301 can unload storage containers 106 to be transported to the storage station or transfer station, and the second port column 120 can be a dedicated picking port column through which container transport vehicles 201, 301 and 401 can pick up storage containers 106 that have been transported from the storage station or transfer station.

[0018] The retrieval station can typically be a pick-up station or a storage station, where product items are removed from or placed into storage container 106. 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 frame structure 100 after retrieval. The port can also be used to transfer storage containers to another storage facility (e.g., to another frame structure or another automated storage and retrieval system), to a transport vehicle (e.g., a train or truck), or to a production facility.

[0019] A transport system, including a transmitter, is typically used to transport storage containers between port columns 119, 120 and the access station.

[0020] If port columns 119, 120 and access stations are located at different horizontal levels, the conveyor system may include a lifting device with vertical components for vertically transporting storage container 106 between port columns 119, 120 and access stations.

[0021] The transport system can be arranged to transfer storage container 106 between different frame structures, for example, as described in WO2014 / 075937A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0022] When access is required for a storage container 106 stored in one of the multiple columns 105 disclosed in FIG. 1, one of the container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 is instructed to remove the target storage container 106 from its location and transport it to the unloading port column 119. This operation includes moving the container handling vehicles 201 and 301 to a position above the storage column 105 where the target storage container 106 is located, removing the storage container 106 from the storage column 105 using the lifting device (not shown) of the container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401, and transporting the storage container 106 to the unloading port column 119. If the target storage container 106 is located deep within the stack 107, i.e., above one or more other storage containers 106, the operation also includes temporarily moving the storage containers located above the target storage container 106 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 subsequently used to transport the target storage container to unloading port column 119, or using one or more other cooperating container handling vehicles. Alternatively or additionally, the automated storage and retrieval system 1 may have container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 specifically for the task of temporarily removing storage container 106 from storage column 105. After the target storage container 106 is removed from storage column 105, the temporarily removed storage container 106 can be repositioned back into the original storage column 105. However, the removed storage container 106 can alternatively be repositioned to another storage column 105.

[0023] When storage container 106 is to be stored in a column 105, one of the container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 is instructed to pick up storage container 106 from pick-up port column 120 and transport the storage container to a position above the storage column 105 where it will be stored. After storage container 106 has been removed from its target location within or above the target location within stack 107, container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 place storage container 106 in the desired location. The removed storage container 106 can then be lowered back into storage column 105 or repositioned to another storage column 105.

[0024] In order to monitor and control the automated storage and retrieval system 1, such as monitoring and controlling the position of the respective storage containers 106 within the frame structure 100, the contents of each storage container 106, and the movement of container transport vehicles 201, 301, 401 so that the desired storage container 106 can be delivered to the desired location at a desired time without the container transport vehicles 201, 301, 401 colliding with each other, the automated storage and retrieval system 1 includes a control system 500 (shown in FIG. 1), which is typically computerized and typically includes a database for tracking the storage containers 106.

[0025] Typically, automated storage and retrieval systems of the type described in Figure 1 are integrated with retail establishments. More specifically, such automated storage and retrieval systems usually include an area where products purchased by customers are collected into standard storage containers within the system and placed in wait, awaiting the start of the customer delivery process. One method of delivering these storage containers is to set up dedicated delivery ports near the retail establishment's checkout counter. At this delivery port, the storage containers originating from the waiting area and containing the purchased products are delivered to the waiting customer. Because the number of such ports in automated storage and retrieval systems is usually limited, delivery delays often occur, especially during peak hours.

[0026] Another method of delivering purchased products (specifically related to online shopping) completely avoids storage containers at the delivery stage, instead using traditional parcel lockers. These lockers are independent kiosks comprising multiple locker compartments, typically located near the customer's residence, i.e., at a considerable distance from the type of automated storage and retrieval system described in conjunction with Figure 1. More specifically, the purchased products are delivered by courier transport, such as by truck, to the parcel locker, and the package is manually inserted into the appropriately sized locker compartment. The customer can retrieve the package after receiving notification that it has been delivered to the locker. As can be readily inferred, this method is highly labor-intensive. A system of this type is disclosed in US2013 / 0261792A1.

[0027] In view of all the above, it is desirable to provide a solution that resolves or at least mitigates one or more of the aforementioned problems that belong to the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0028] The invention is set forth and its features are illustrated in the independent claims, while other features are described in the dependent claims. A first aspect of the invention relates to an assembly comprising:

[0029] - A cargo retainer, including a front side, wherein at least one section of the front side is movable to allow access to the interior of the cargo retainer;

[0030] - Storage unit for storing cargo holders, and

[0031] - The storage unit is provided with a locking mechanism configured to engage with a movable section on the front side of the stored goods holder to secure the movable section.

[0032] By providing components according to the first aspect of the invention, a fully automated solution is achieved, i.e., a solution for product transport that requires no operator intervention. More specifically, a container handling vehicle stacks cargo holders filled with purchased products in a storage unit in a conventional manner, thereby activating a locking mechanism associated with the storage unit. The storage unit containing the cargo holders is located in an area accessible to the customer (the so-called pick-up area). Thus, a customer wishing to retrieve their purchased product only needs to enter the pick-up area and unlock the locking mechanism to access the interior of the cargo holder and complete the retrieval. Unlocking is typically triggered by the customer using a suitable human-machine interface to provide instructions to the control system associated with the locking mechanism of the storage unit.

[0033] A second aspect of the invention relates to a module comprising a plurality of storage units and including a cargo holder stored in the storage units.

[0034] This module eliminates the need for a dedicated product waiting area; purchased products are immediately stored in the module, which is placed in an area that serves as both a waiting area and a pickup area. In this context, customer wait times are significantly reduced because the goods holder is immediately available for pickup once it is located in the module's storage unit.

[0035] Furthermore, thanks to the module according to the second aspect of the invention, all cargo holders are accessible to customers at all times, enabling high pick-up throughput.

[0036] Typically, the module is detachable and adapted for connection (e.g., slot) to the frame structure of the automated storage and retrieval system shown in Figure 1. In one embodiment, the connection of the module to the automated storage and retrieval system can be achieved using a forklift. Alternatively, the module can be equipped with wheels to allow for manual handling. Regardless of the method used, the module must be properly aligned with the system. This can be achieved in various ways known to those skilled in the art.

[0037] A third aspect of the invention relates to an automated storage and retrieval system comprising the aforementioned modules, the system further comprising a storage grid and a track system arranged on top of the automated storage and retrieval system, wherein a cargo holder can be bidirectionally transferred between the storage grid and the storage units of the modules via a remotely operated vehicle running on the track system.

[0038] Therefore, a simple solution for rapid module replenishment was implemented. More specifically, a remotely operated vehicle running on the track system is capable of accessing the system from above and to the modules. If it is necessary to transfer the cargo holder from the module to the rest of the system, or in the opposite direction, a highly efficient, system-local remotely operated vehicle is used.

[0039] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a method for accessing the interior of a cargo holder stored in a storage unit. For the sake of brevity, the advantages discussed above in conjunction with the first to third aspects of the invention can even be attributed to this method, and will not be discussed further.

[0040] For the purposes of this application, the term "container transport vehicle" as used in the "Background Art" section and the term "remotely operated vehicle" as used in the "Summary of the Invention" and "Detailed Description" sections both define a robotic wheeled vehicle that operates on a track system arranged on top of a frame structure, which is part of an automated storage and retrieval system.

[0041] Similarly, the term "storage container" as used in the "Background Art" section and the term "cargo holder" as used in the "Detailed Description" section both define containers for storing articles. In this context, a cargo holder can be a box, transport container, pallet, tray, or the like. Different types of cargo holders can be used in the same automated storage and retrieval system.

[0042] The relative terms “up,” “down,” “below,” “above,” “higher,” etc., should be understood in their normal sense and as seen in a Cartesian coordinate system. When referring to the orbital system, “up” or “above” should be understood as a position closer to the surface of the orbital system (relative to another component), while the terms “down” or “below” should be understood as a position further away from the orbital system (relative to another component). Attached Figure Description

[0043] The following figures are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention. The figures illustrate embodiments of the invention, which will now be described by way of example only. In the figures:

[0044] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the framework structure of an existing automated storage and retrieval system.

[0045] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle having a centrally located cavity for carrying storage containers therein.

[0046] Figure 3a is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle having a cantilever for carrying storage containers underneath.

[0047] Figure 3b is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle from below, which has cavities arranged inside for carrying storage containers therein.

[0048] Figure 4a This is a perspective view of a storage and retrieval module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 4b yes Figure 4a The perspective view of the module further illustrates the protective structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 5a The cargo retainer of the present invention is shown in a closed state.

[0051] Figure 5b The cargo holder of the present invention is shown in the open state.

[0052] Figure 6 Details of the storage unit of the present invention are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0053] 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 these drawings are not intended to limit the invention to the subject matter depicted in the drawings.

[0054] The frame structure 100 of the automatic storage and retrieval system 1 is constructed according to the prior art frame structure 100 (i.e., multiple upright members 102) described above in conjunction with Figures 1 to 3b, wherein the frame structure 100 further includes an upper first track system 108 in the X and Y directions.

[0055] The frame structure 100 also includes storage compartments in the form of storage columns 105 disposed between the members 102, wherein storage containers 106 can be stacked in the storage columns 105 in the form of stacks 107.

[0056] The frame structure 100 can be of any size. In particular, it should be understood that the frame structure can be much wider and / or much longer and / or much deeper than the dimensions disclosed in Figure 1. For example, the frame structure 100 can have a horizontal range of more than 700 × 700 columns and a storage depth of more than twelve containers.

[0057] Figure 4a This is a perspective view of the storage and retrieval module 200. Module 200 includes multiple components 30. Each component 30 includes a cargo holder 106 stored in a storage unit 101. The cargo holders 106 are arranged in a stacked manner, such that these stacks extend vertically along the storage column 92 of module 200. A remotely operated vehicle 500 for transporting the cargo holders 106 is also shown. The vehicle 500 moves along a track having the same function as the track discussed in conjunction with Figure 1. Typically, module 200 is coupled to the frame structure of the automated storage and retrieval system shown in Figure 1. Referring again to Figure 1, such a system typically includes a storage grid and a track system arranged across the top of the automated storage and retrieval system. The cargo holders 106 can be transferred bidirectionally between the storage grid and the storage unit 101 of module 200. This transfer is performed by the remotely operated vehicle 500.

[0058] Therefore, a simple solution for rapidly replenishing module 200 is achieved. More specifically, a remotely operated vehicle 500 operating on the track system is capable of accessing the system from above and to module 200. If it is necessary to transfer one or more cargo holders 106 from module 200 to the rest of the system, or in the opposite direction, the highly efficient, system-local remotely operated vehicle 500 is employed.

[0059] In this context, the use of module 200 eliminates the need for a dedicated product waiting area; purchased products are immediately stored in module 200, which is placed in an area that serves as both a waiting area and a pickup area. This significantly reduces customer wait times because the goods holders are immediately available for pickup once they are located in the storage unit 101 of module 200. Furthermore, thanks to this module, all goods holders 106 are accessible to customers at all times, enabling high pickup throughput.

[0060] Typically, module 200 is detachable and adapted for coupling (e.g., slotting) to the frame structure of the automated storage and retrieval system shown in Figure 1. In one embodiment, coupling of module 200 to the automated storage and retrieval system can be achieved using a forklift (not shown). Alternatively, module 200 may be equipped with wheels (not shown) to allow for manual handling. Regardless of the method used, the module must be properly aligned with the system. This can be achieved in various ways known to those skilled in the art. In another embodiment, the detached module can be advantageously positioned outside the warehouse to provide 24 / 7 access.

[0061] Figure 4b yes Figure 4aA perspective view of module 200 further illustrates a two-dimensional, vertically extending protective structure 90. The protective structure 90 covers the front side of the goods holder stored in the storage unit. The primary purpose of the protective structure is to ensure customer safety in situations involving moving parts. More specifically, it prevents customers from inserting their hands into the storage unit when an empty storage unit receives a goods holder (introduced by robot 500). The protective structure 90 can have different shapes and sizes. For simplicity, the above is combined with... Figure 4a The discussion section will no longer be combined. Figure 4b Further discussion.

[0062] Figure 5a The cargo retainer 106 of the present invention in a closed state is shown. The cargo retainer 106 includes a front side 60. A section 55 of the front side 60 is movable, preferably pivotable, to allow access to the interior of the cargo retainer 106. An inlet 85 of a through-hole arranged in a first lateral side 86 of the cargo retainer 106 is also visible. Furthermore, a recess 89 for receiving a clamping element shown in FIG. 3b is arranged in the body of the cargo retainer 106. Reference Figure 4a Before the cargo retainer is transferred between the storage grid and the module's storage unit, it must be ensured that the movable section 55 is closed, i.e., in the position of... Figure 5a The state shown.

[0063] In one embodiment, the cargo retainer 106 is made of a polymer material and has many of the same structural properties as conventional cargo retainers used in the system of FIG. 1. In this context, the cargo retainer 106 has the same dimensions as a conventional cargo retainer. In another embodiment, the polymer cargo retainer has thicker walls and / or is structurally reinforced, or is made of a metal such as steel.

[0064] Figure 5b The cargo retainer 106 of the present invention is shown in the open state. The movable section 55 includes a horizontally extending blind hole 82 for receiving a coupling. Figure 6 The bolts of the locking mechanism are discussed. A horizontally extending through-hole 84 for receiving the bolt is arranged in the first lateral side 86 of the cargo retainer. When the movable section 55 is fixed, the through-hole 84 aligns with the blind hole 82 of the movable section 55. In the illustrated embodiment, the movable section 55 is a door hinged along an edge 87 of the cargo retainer 106, which is associated with a second lateral side 88 of the cargo retainer. The second lateral side 88 is arranged opposite the first lateral side 86. For simplicity, the above is combined with... Figure 5a The discussion section will no longer be combined. Figure 5b Further discussion.

[0065] Figure 6Details of a storage unit 101 for storing a cargo holder 106 are shown. The storage unit 101 and the cargo holder 106, which fits snugly within the unit, constitute assembly 30. The storage unit 101 is provided with a locking mechanism 50 configured to engage with the front side of the stored cargo holder 106. Figure 5b The movable section (shown) is engaged to secure the movable section. The storage unit 101 is laterally defined by portions of a vertically extending upright member 102', and the locking mechanism 50 is attached to a vertically extending upright member 102'.

[0066] Storage unit 101 is also provided with a sensor 70 for detecting the position of the movable section on the front side. Locking mechanism 50 includes a movable bolt 75 and an actuator 65. When the sensor 70 determines that the section is in the correct position, the actuator activates the bolt 75, causing the bolt to engage with the movable section on the front side. For clarity, Figure 6 The image shows a movable bolt 75 in an activated state. Storage unit 101 also includes a control unit 80 for controlling the operation of actuator 65. Cable 93 transmits control signals from control unit 80 to actuator 65 of locking mechanism 50. Power required for bolt movement is transmitted via power cable 91. Figure 6 (Power supply not shown in the image)

[0067] Therefore, a fully automated solution is obtained, that is, a solution for product delivery that does not require operator intervention. More specifically, refer to... Figure 4a Container handling vehicles typically stack cargo holders filled with purchased products into the module's storage units, thereby activating the locking mechanism associated with each storage unit. The storage units containing the cargo holders are located in an area accessible to the customer—the so-called pickup area. Therefore, a customer wishing to retrieve their purchased product simply needs to enter the pickup area and unlock the locking mechanism 50 to access the interior of the cargo holder and complete the pickup. Unlocking is typically triggered by the customer using a suitable human-machine interface to provide instructions to the control unit 80, which controls the locking mechanism 50 associated with the storage unit 101. This interface may be located in… Figure 4a The terminal is located on the front side of the module. Alternatively, interaction between the customer and the control unit 80 is based on wireless communication and is initiated by the customer via instructions given through his / her smartphone.

[0068] To ensure bolt 75 and Figure 5b With proper alignment of the through-hole, storage unit 101 may include a detector (not shown) for determining the position of the cargo holder when it is stored in the storage unit.

[0069] In the foregoing description, various aspects of the components according to the invention, including a cargo holder and a storage unit for storing the cargo holder, have been described with reference to illustrative embodiments. Specific reference numerals, systems, and configurations have been set forth for purposes of explanation in order to provide a thorough understanding of the system and its operation. However, this specification is not intended to be interpreted in a limiting sense. Various variations and modifications of the illustrative embodiments and 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.

[0070] List of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0071] 1. Storage and Retrieval System

[0072] 30 components

[0073] 50 Locking Mechanisms

[0074] A section on the front side of 55

[0075] 60 front side

[0076] 65 actuator

[0077] 70 sensors

[0078] 75 bolts

[0079] 80 control unit

[0080] 82 blind holes

[0081] 84 through holes

[0082] 85 entrance

[0083] 86 First transverse side

[0084] 87 Edge

[0085] 88 Second transverse side

[0086] 89 concavity

[0087] 90 protective structure

[0088] 91 power cables

[0089] Storage column of module 92

[0090] 93 cable

[0091] 100 frame structure

[0092] 101 storage units

[0093] 102. Upright members of the frame structure

[0094] Upright component of module 102'

[0095] 104 storage grid

[0096] 105 storage columns

[0097] 106 Storage Container / Cargo Holder

[0098] 106' Storage container in a specific location

[0099] 107 Stacking of storage containers

[0100] 108 orbital system

[0101] 110 Parallel track in the first direction (X)

[0102] 111 Parallel track in the second direction (Y)

[0103] 112 Access Opening

[0104] 119 First Port Column

[0105] 200 modules

[0106] 201 is a container handling vehicle belonging to the prior art.

[0107] 201a Container Handling Vehicle 201 Body

[0108] 201b Drive unit / wheel arrangement in the first direction (X)

[0109] 201c Drive unit / wheel arrangement in the second direction (Y)

[0110] 301 pertains to prior art cantilever-based container handling vehicles.

[0111] 301a Container Handling Vehicle 301 Body

[0112] 301b Drive device in the first direction (X)

[0113] 301c Drive device in the second direction (Y)

[0114] 401 refers to container handling vehicles that are part of the prior art.

[0115] 401a Container Handling Vehicle 401 Body

[0116] 401b Drive device in the first direction (X)

[0117] 401c Drive device in the second direction (Y)

[0118] 500 remote-controlled vehicles

[0119] X First Direction

[0120] Y second direction

[0121] Z Third-party direction

Claims

1. A component (30), comprising: - Cargo holder (106) includes a front side (60), wherein at least one section of the front side (60) is a movable section (55) to allow access to the interior of the cargo holder (106); - Storage unit (101) for storing the cargo holder (106), and - The storage unit (101) is provided with a locking mechanism (50) configured to engage with the movable section (55) of the front side (60) of the stored cargo holder (106) to secure the movable section (55), wherein - The component (30) is configured such that the cargo holder (106) stored in the storage unit (101) can be accessed from above by means of a remotely operated vehicle (500) running on the track system (108).

2. The component (30) according to claim 1, wherein, The storage unit (101) is provided with a sensor (70) for detecting the position of the movable section (55) of the front side (60).

3. The component (30) according to claim 1, wherein, The locking mechanism (50) includes an actuator (65) and a movable bolt (75), the actuator activating the bolt (75) such that the bolt (75) engages with the movable section (55) of the front side (60).

4. The component (30) according to claim 3, wherein, The storage unit (101) also includes a control unit (80) for controlling the operation of the actuator (65).

5. The component (30) according to claim 1, wherein, The storage unit (101) also includes a detector for determining the position of the cargo holder (106) when it is stored in the storage unit (101).

6. The component (30) according to claim 1, wherein, The storage unit (101) is laterally defined by some portions of a plurality of vertically extending upright members (102'), and the locking mechanism (50) is attached to one of the plurality of vertically extending upright members (102').

7. The component (30) according to claim 1, wherein, The movable section (55) is pivotable.

8. The component (30) according to claim 3, wherein, The movable section (55) includes at least one horizontally extending blind hole (82) for receiving the bolt (75).

9. The component (30) according to claim 8, wherein, At least one horizontally extending through hole (84) is arranged in the first lateral side (86) of the cargo retainer (106) for receiving the bolt (75), wherein the through hole (84) is aligned with the blind hole (82) of the movable section (55) when the movable section (55) is fixed.

10. The component (30) according to claim 9, wherein, The movable section (55) is a door hinged along the edge (87) of the cargo holder (106), the edge (87) being associated with a second lateral side (88) of the cargo holder (106), the second lateral side (88) being arranged opposite to the first lateral side (86).

11. A storage module (200) comprising a plurality of components (30) according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of said cargo holders (106) are stored in a storage unit (101) arranged in at least one stack.

12. The storage module (200) according to claim 11, wherein, The storage module (200) includes a two-dimensional, vertically extending protective structure (90) that covers the front side of the cargo holder (106) stored in the storage unit (101).

13. The storage module (200) according to claim 11, wherein, The storage module (200) is used to connect to the frame structure (100) of the automatic storage and retrieval system (1), which includes a storage volume consisting of a plurality of storage columns (105).

14. An automated storage and retrieval system (1), comprising a storage module (200) according to claim 11, the automated storage and retrieval system (1) further comprising a storage grid (104) and a track system (108) arranged on top of the automated storage and retrieval system (1), wherein, The cargo holder (106) is capable of bidirectional transfer between the storage grid and the storage units of the storage module (200) via a remotely operated vehicle (500) running on the track system (108).

15. A method for accessing the interior of a cargo holder (106) stored in a storage unit (101) provided with a locking mechanism (50), the cargo holder (106) and the storage unit (101) constituting an assembly (30), the assembly (30) being configured such that the cargo holder (106) stored in the storage unit (101) can be accessed from above by means of a remotely operated vehicle (500) operating on a track system (108), the method comprising the steps of: - In response to a signal, the locking mechanism (50) is disengaged from the movable section (55) of the front side (60) of the cargo retainer (106) to release the movable section (55).

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