Access station

Abstract

The invention relates to an access station (2) for a storage system (1), comprising: a station housing (3) having an access opening (4) and a movable cover (5) for closing the access opening; and a transport system (6, 7) for moving the container (106) between a first position, in which the container (106) is removed from the access opening (4), and a second position, in which the container (106) is arranged below the access opening (4); wherein a seal (9) is arranged at the periphery of the access opening (4), which seal is configured to seal against the container (106) when the container (106) is in the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a storage system for containers and an access station for such a storage system. Background Art

[0002] Figure 1 A prior art automatic storage and retrieval system 1 having a frame structure 100 is disclosed, and Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 Three different prior art container handling vehicles 201 , 301 , 401 suitable for operating on such a system 1 are disclosed.

[0003] The frame structure 100 comprises upright members 102 and a storage volume comprising storage columns 105 arranged in rows between the upright members 102. In these storage columns 105, storage containers 106 (also referred to as boxes) are stacked one on top of another to form stacks 107. The members 102 may 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 horizontal grid-based track system 108 (i.e., a track grid) arranged across the top of the frame structure 100, on which a plurality of container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 can operate to lift and lower storage containers 106 from and into storage columns 105, and also to transport storage containers 106 over storage columns 105. The track system 108 includes a first set of parallel tracks 110 arranged to guide the container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 to move in a first direction X across the top of the frame structure 100, and a second set of parallel tracks 111 arranged perpendicular to the first set of tracks 110 to guide the container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 to move in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X. Containers 106 stored in the row 105 are accessed by container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 through access openings 112 in the rail system 108. The container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 can move laterally over the storage row 105, ie in a plane parallel to the horizontal XY plane.

[0005] The upright members 102 of the frame structure 100 may be used to guide the storage containers during raising and lowering of the containers from and into the row 105. The stack 107 of containers 106 is generally 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 that enable the container handling vehicle 201, 301, 401 to move laterally in the X direction and the Y direction, respectively. Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 , both wheels in each set are fully visible. The first set of wheels 201b, 301b, 401b is arranged to engage with two adjacent tracks in the first set of tracks 110, and the second set of wheels 201c, 301c, 401c is arranged to engage with two adjacent tracks in the second set of tracks 111. At least one of the sets of wheels 201b, 201c, 301b, 301c, 401b, 401c can be raised and lowered so that the first set of wheels 201b, 301b, 401b and / or the second set of wheels 201c, 301c, 401c can engage with the corresponding set of tracks 110, 111 at any time.

[0007] Each of the prior art container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 further includes a lifting device 404 (i.e., a container lifting device), see Figure 4 , for vertical transportation of storage containers 106, for example, lifting storage containers 106 from storage columns 105 and lowering storage containers 106 into storage columns. Lifting device 404 features a lifting frame 404d, which includes a container connector 404b and a guide pin 404c adapted to engage with storage container 106. Lifting frame 404d can be lowered from vehicle 201, 301, 401 so that the position of lifting frame 404d relative to vehicle 201, 301, 401 can be adjusted in a third direction Z orthogonal to first direction X and second direction Y. Lifting device of container handling vehicle 201 is located Figure 2 In the vehicle body 201a.

[0008] To raise and lower the lifting frame 404d (and optionally the connected storage container 106), the lifting frame 404d is suspended from a belt drive assembly by a lifting belt 404a. In the belt drive assembly, the lifting belt is typically wound / unwound on at least one rotating lifting shaft or reel, which is arranged in the container handling vehicle. Various designs of belt drive assemblies are described, for example, in WO2015 / 193278A1, WO2017 / 129384A1 and WO2019 / 206438A1.

[0009] Conventionally and for purposes of this application, Z=1 identifies the uppermost level of storage containers available below the rails 110, 111, i.e., the level immediately below the rail system 108, Z=2 identifies the second level below the rail system 108, Z=3 identifies the third level, etc. Figure 1 In the exemplary prior art disclosed in , Z=8 identifies the bottommost layer of the storage container. Similarly, X=1...n and Y=1...n identify the position of each storage column 105 in the horizontal plane. Thus, as an example, and using Figure 1 The Cartesian coordinate system X, Y, Z shown in Figure 1 The storage container identified as 106' in FIG. 1 occupies the storage position at X=17, Y=1, Z=6. It can be said that the container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 travel in the Z=0 layer, and each storage column 105 can be identified by its X coordinate and Y coordinate. Therefore, Figure 1 The storage containers shown in FIG. 1 extending above the rail system 108 are also referred to as being arranged in the Z=0 layer.

[0010] The storage volume of the frame structure 100 is often referred to as a grid 104, wherein the possible storage positions within the grid are referred to as storage units. Each storage column can be identified by a position in the X-direction and the Y-direction, and each storage unit can be identified by a container number in the X-direction, the Y-direction, and the Z-direction.

[0011] Each of the prior art container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 includes a storage compartment or space for receiving and loading the storage container 106 while transporting the storage container 106 across the track system 108. The storage space may include a cavity arranged inside the vehicle body 201a, 401a, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown in and described, for example, in WO 2015 / 193278 A1 and WO 2019 / 206487 A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0012] Figure 3 An alternative configuration of a container handling vehicle 301 having a cantilever structure is shown. Such a vehicle is described in detail in, for example, NO 317,366, the contents of which are also incorporated herein by reference.

[0013] Figure 2 The occupied area of ​​the chamber container handling vehicle 201 shown in the figure can cover an area with dimensions in the X-direction and the Y-direction substantially equal to the lateral extent of the storage column 105, such as described in WO2015 / 193278A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The term "lateral" as used herein can mean "horizontal".

[0014] Alternatively, the footprint of the cavity container handling vehicle 401 may be larger than the lateral area defined by the storage row 105, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown in and disclosed, for example, in WO 2014 / 090684 A1 or WO 2019 / 206487 A1.

[0015] The track system 108 typically includes a track with a groove in which the wheels of the vehicle run. Alternatively, the track may include an upwardly protruding element, wherein the wheels of the vehicle include a flange to prevent derailment. These grooves and upwardly protruding elements are collectively referred to as guide rails. Each track may include one guide rail, or each track 110, 111 may include two parallel guide rails. In other track systems 108, each track in one direction (e.g., X direction) may include one guide rail, and each track in another vertical direction (e.g., Y direction) may include two guide rails. Each track 110, 111 may also include two guide rail members fastened together, each guide rail member providing a guide rail for a pair of guide rails provided by each track.

[0016] WO 2018 / 146304 A1 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference) shows a typical configuration of a track system 108 , which includes tracks and parallel guide rails in both the X-direction and the Y-direction.

[0017] In the frame structure 100, most of the rows 105 are storage rows 105, i.e. rows 105 in which storage containers 106 are stored in the form of stacks 107. However, some of the rows 105 may have other purposes. Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the columns 119 and 120 are dedicated columns used by the container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 to unload and / or pick up the storage containers 106, so that the storage containers can be transported to the access station (not shown), where the storage containers 106 can be accessed from the outside of the frame structure 100, or the storage containers can be moved out of or into the frame structure 100. In the art, such a position is generally referred to as a "port", and the column where the port is located can be referred to as a "port column" 119, 120. The transportation to the access station can be carried out in any direction (i.e. horizontal, inclined and / or vertical). For example, the storage container 106 can be placed in a random or dedicated column 105 within the frame structure 100, and then the storage container can be picked up by any container handling vehicle and transported to the port column 119, 120 for further transportation to the access station. Transportation from the port to the access station may require movement along various different directions such as by a distribution vehicle, a cart or other transportation route. Note that the term "inclined" refers to the transport of storage container 106 with a general transport orientation somewhere between horizontal and vertical.

[0018] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the first port column 119 can be, for example, a dedicated unloading port column, at which the container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 can unload the storage containers 106 to be transported to the access station or the transfer station, and the second port column 120 can be a dedicated picking port column, at which the container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 can pick up the storage containers 106 that have been transported from the access station or the transfer station.

[0019] The access station may typically be a pick-up station or staging station where product items are removed from or positioned in the storage container 106. In the pick-up station or staging station, the storage container 106 is typically not removed from the automated storage and retrieval system 1, but is returned to the frame structure 100 after access. The port may also be used to transfer the storage container 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.

[0020] Applies to Figure 1 Access stations for storage systems in the are disclosed in, for example, WO 2012 / 026824 A1, WO 2021 / 259644 A1, WO 2017 / 211640 A1 and WO 2022 / 122434 A1.

[0021] A conveyor system including any suitable conveying device such as a conveyor belt or a carriage may be employed to transport storage containers between the port rows 119, 120 and the location where an operator accesses the storage containers at an access station.

[0022] If the port rows 119, 120 and the access station are located at different heights, the conveyor system may include a lifting device with a vertical component for vertically transporting the storage containers 106 between the port rows 119, 120 and the access station.

[0023] The conveyor system may be arranged to transfer storage containers 106 between different frame structures, for example as described in WO 2014 / 075937 A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0024] When accessing data stored in Figure 1When a storage container 106 in one of the plurality of rows 105 disclosed in the embodiment of the present invention is removed, one of the container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 is instructed to take out the target storage container from the position of the target storage container 106 and transport the target storage container to the unloading port row 119. This operation involves moving the container handling vehicle 201, 301, 401 to a position above the storage row 105 where the target storage container 106 is located, taking out the storage container 106 from the storage row 105 using the lifting device 404 of the container handling vehicle 201, 301, 401, and transporting the storage container 106 to the unloading port row 119. If the target storage container 106 is located deep in the stack 107, that is, one or more other storage containers 106 are located above the target storage container 106, the operation also involves temporarily moving the storage container located above before lifting the target storage container 106 from the storage row 105. This step (sometimes referred to in the art as "digging") may be performed using the same container handling vehicle that is subsequently used to transport the target storage container to the unloading port row 119, or may be performed 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 that are dedicated to the task of temporarily removing storage containers 106 from the storage row 105. After the target storage container 106 is removed from the storage row 105, the temporarily removed storage container 106 may be relocated to the original storage row 105. However, the removed storage container 106 may be relocated to other storage rows 105 instead.

[0025] When a storage container 106 is to be stored in one of the plurality of rows 105, one of the container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 is instructed to pick up a storage container 106 from the pick-up port row 120 and transport the storage container to a position above the storage row 105 where the storage container will be stored. After removing any storage container 106 located at or above the target position within the stack 107, the container handling vehicle 201, 301, 401 positions the storage container 106 to the desired position. The removed storage container 106 can then be lowered back into the storage row 105 or repositioned to another storage row 105.

[0026] In order to monitor and control the automatic storage and retrieval system 1, for example, to monitor and control the position of each storage container 106 within the frame structure 100, the contents of each storage container 106, and the movement of the container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401, so that the required storage containers 106 can be delivered to the required locations within the required time without the container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 colliding with each other, the automatic storage and retrieval system 1 includes a control system 500, which is typically computerized and typically includes a database for keeping track of the storage containers 106.

[0027] In many cases, it may be necessary to control conditions within the storage system, such as the temperature, moisture and oxygen content of the atmosphere, in an effective manner. It may also be necessary to protect operators working at access stations from the conditions within the storage system.

[0028] It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage and access station which allows for more effective control of the conditions within the storage system and avoids exposure of operators to said conditions. Summary of the invention

[0029] The present invention is defined in the appended claims and as follows:

[0030] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an access station for a storage system, the access station comprising: a station housing having an access opening and a movable cover for closing the access opening; and a transport system for moving a container between a first position and a second position, wherein

[0031] - in this first position, the container is removed from the access opening, and

[0032] - in this second position, the container is arranged below the access opening; wherein

[0033] A seal is disposed at a perimeter of the access opening and is configured to seal against the container when the container is in the second position.

[0034] In the first position, the container can be transferred between the first position and a storage position in the storage system. In the first position, the container can be removed laterally from the access opening, ie the container is arranged at a position away from the access opening.

[0035] An access opening is located in the upwardly directed surface of the station housing for allowing an operator to access items in a container located in the station housing. The access opening may extend from the station housing to the container arranged in the first position. The seal may serve as an extension of the access opening, i.e., the seal seals any gap between the access opening and the container arranged in the second position. In the second position, the container is arranged below the access opening to allow an operator to access items in the container.

[0036] The seal is configured to minimize or prevent the flow of air / gas between the interior space of the access station and the surrounding environment when sealing against the container arranged in the second position. In other words, the seal can be configured to close any gap formed between the upper edge or horizontal periphery of the storage container and the periphery of the access opening.

[0037] In an access station embodiment, the seal may be configured to seal against an upper edge or horizontal perimeter of the container when the container is in the second position.

[0038] In an embodiment of the access station, the seal may extend along the entire periphery of the access opening.

[0039] In an embodiment of the access station, the seal may have a sealing side facing the container when the container is in the second position. The sealing side is a side or surface of the seal configured to interact with an upper edge of the storage container.

[0040] In embodiments of the access station, the seal may be a brush seal or a rubber seal. The term "rubber seal" is intended to mean any seal made of a suitable elastic polymer material, including synthetic or natural elastic polymers. A brush seal may be most advantageous when the upper edge of the container is horizontal during movement into the second position because it facilitates sliding movement between the seal and the upper edge. A rubber seal may provide the best seal if the upper edge of the container is tilted relative to the horizontal during movement into the second position.

[0041] In an embodiment of the access station, the seal has a rectangular shape. The access opening may comprise a rectangular opening in an upwardly directed surface of the station housing. The seal may be arranged along an inner surface of the housing or connected at the periphery of the access opening.

[0042] In an embodiment of the access station, the seal has a central opening. The central opening may have a centerline that is co-linear with the centerline of the access opening. The size (ie, area) of the central opening of the seal may be substantially equal to the area of ​​the access opening.

[0043] In an embodiment of the access station, the seal is tilted and the transport system is configured to similarly tilt the container toward the seal when the container enters the second position, so that the upper edge of the container is pushed toward the sealing side of the seal when the container is in the second position.

[0044] In an embodiment, the access station may feature a control system connected to the cover (i.e., connected to a motor or actuator that moves the cover). The control system may be configured to expose / open the access opening by moving the cover away from the access opening when the container that the operator needs to access is in the second position. For example, access may be required when an item is to be removed from the container.

[0045] In an embodiment of the access station, the control system can be configured to close the access opening before the container moves from the second position to the first position. The access opening can be closed by moving the cover over the access opening. That is, the cover is moved to close the access opening so that the operator cannot access the container and air cannot move through the access opening.

[0046] In an embodiment of the access station, the cover is configured to move over the seal when the access opening is opened and closed. The cover can move over the seal and under the upper portion of the access opening when the access opening is exposed / opened and closed, i.e., providing or disabling access to the container in the second position.

[0047] In an embodiment of the access station, at least a portion of the station housing comprises insulating material to minimize heat transfer between the interior space of the access station and the surrounding environment.

[0048] In an embodiment of the access station, the transport system may provide a first container receiving position and a second container receiving position, and may be configured to move the container between the first container receiving position and the second container receiving position so that the container moves between the first position and the second position, respectively.

[0049] In an embodiment of the access station, the transport system may include a container holder configured to support a container and arranged to be movable between a first container receiving position and a second container receiving position.

[0050] In an embodiment of the access station, the transport system may include a container holder configured to support the container and move the container between a first position and a second position. When the container is moved to the second position, the container holder may be tilted so that the upper edge is urged against the seal when the container is in the second position.

[0051] In an embodiment of the access station, the transport system may include a set of tracks and a carriage configured to move the container holder along the tracks.

[0052] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a storage system for containers, the storage system comprising an access station according to any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0053] In an embodiment, the storage system may feature a port row through which the container may be transferred in a vertical direction, the port row being arranged above the access station so that the container may be delivered to or retrieved from the first location via the port row.

[0054] In an embodiment, the storage system may include: a storage column in which containers are stored in a stacked form; a track grid; a container handling vehicle for moving the containers, the container handling vehicle being movable in two perpendicular horizontal directions on the track grid. The container handling vehicle may feature a lifting device configured to retrieve a container from the storage column and lower the container via the port column to a first position in the access station.

[0055] In an embodiment, the storage system may include a frame structure in which the containers are stored. The storage system may include a wall at least partially covering the frame structure so that the temperature and / or environment (i.e., conditions) within the frame structure is different from the surrounding environment. The outside of the frame structure may be covered with an insulating panel.

[0056] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for preventing air flow between the interior space of a storage and access station according to any embodiment of the first aspect and the surrounding environment during the process of removing items from a container, the method comprising the following steps:

[0057] - arranging the container in a first position;

[0058] - moving the container to a second position so that the seal seals against an upper edge of the container;

[0059] - opening the access opening by moving the cover away from the access opening; and

[0060] - Remove items from containers.

[0061] In an embodiment, the method comprises the following steps:

[0062] - close the access opening; and

[0063] - moving the container to said first position.

[0064] The method according to the third aspect may also be referred to as a method for suppressing noise from a storage system according to any embodiment of the second aspect during an operation of a storage and retrieval station according to any embodiment of the first aspect to remove items from a container.

[0065] The term "storage system" is intended to encompass storage systems comprising any type of container, such as a box, frame or support / rack that can hold any type of items, goods or merchandise, including a growth medium in which plants can be cultivated. In the latter case, the storage system can be used for vertical farming. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] Embodiments of the invention are described in detail by way of example only and with reference to the following drawings:

[0067] Figure 1 It is a stereogram of the framework structure of the automatic storage and retrieval system of the prior art.

[0068] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle having an interiorly disposed cavity for carrying storage containers therein.

[0069] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle having a cantilever arm for carrying a storage container underneath.

[0070] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle viewed from below, the container handling vehicle having an internally disposed cavity for carrying a storage container therein.

[0071] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first exemplary access station according to the present invention.

[0072] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Side cross-sectional view of the access station in FIG.

[0073] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A side cross-sectional view of an access station in which the access opening is closed.

[0074] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A side cross-sectional view of an access station in which the access opening is open.

[0075] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a second exemplary access station according to the present invention.

[0076] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 Side cross-sectional view of the access station in FIG.

[0077] Fig.11 yes Fig. 9 A side cross-sectional view of an access station in which the access opening is closed.

[0078] Fig.12 yes Fig. 9 A side cross-sectional view of an access station in which the access opening is open. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be discussed in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the drawings are not intended to limit the present invention to the subject matter depicted in the drawings.

[0080] As mentioned above, in many cases, it may be necessary to control the conditions within the storage system, such as the temperature, moisture and oxygen content of the atmosphere. In this case, it is also advantageous to protect the operators working at the access station from the conditions within the storage system.

[0081] An embodiment of a storage and access station according to the present invention is described below which allows for more efficient control of conditions within a storage system and avoids exposure of operators to said conditions.

[0082] The access station 2, 2' according to the present invention is intended for an automatic storage and retrieval system (also called a container handling system), which has a combination of the above Figures 1 to 3 The frame structure 100 described. The frame structure 100 includes a plurality of upright members 102 (i.e., vertical column profiles) and a track system 108 forming a track grid extending in a first direction X and a second direction Y. The track system 108 is characterized by a first set of parallel tracks 110 in the first direction and a second set of parallel tracks 111 in the second direction. The upright members 102 define: a storage column 105 in which containers 106 can be stacked on top of each other; and a port column 119, 120 through which containers can be moved out of or into the access station 2, 2'. That is, the access station 2, 2' can be operably connected to the port column. The containers of the automatic storage and retrieval system can be configured to implement various functions, such as storing items and goods and growing modules for plants. In the latter case, the automatic storage and retrieval system can also be referred to as a vertical farming system.

[0083] A first exemplary embodiment of an access station according to the invention is Figures 5 to 8 Shown in.

[0084] The access station comprises a station housing 3 having an access opening 4 and a movable cover 5 for closing / opening the access opening, a transport system 6 , 7 for moving the container 106 between a first position and a second position, and a seal 9 .

[0085] In the first position, the container 106 is removed from the access opening 4, ie the container is arranged away from the access opening, see Figure 6 In the second position, the container 106 is arranged below the access opening 4, see Figure 7 and Figure 8 .

[0086] A seal 9 is arranged at the periphery of the access opening 4 and is configured to seal against the upper edge 11 of the container when the container 106 is in the second position. The seal is a brush seal of rectangular shape extending along the entire periphery of the access opening 4. A brush seal is advantageous because it allows an optimal seal to be achieved for the container when the container is moved to the second position only in the horizontal direction. A rubber seal may also be used, but in this case, an optimal seal or function may require a slight vertical movement of the container towards the seal.

[0087] The container 106 may be transferred from the first location for storage in the storage system. The container 106 may similarly be transferred from a storage location in the storage system to the first location.

[0088] The transport system comprises a set of rails 6, a carriage 7 and a container holder 8. The carriage 7 is configured to move the container holder 8 between a first position and a second position along the rails 6. In the first position, the container can be arranged in or below the port row 119, 120 so that the container can be transferred via the port row and subsequently stored in the storage row 105.

[0089] The station housing 3 may advantageously be insulated using insulating material 10 to minimize heat transfer between the interior space of the access station 2 and the surrounding environment.

[0090] The access station 2 may feature a control system connected to the cover 5. The control system is configured to expose or open the access opening 4 by moving the cover 5 away from the access opening when the container 106 from which the item is to be removed is in the second position. The control system is preferably configured to close the access opening 4 before the container 106 is moved from the second position to the first position. In this way, the internal atmosphere of the access station 2 can always remain within the access opening 4, whether due to the sealing of the container or due to the closure of the access opening when there is no container in the second position. Similarly, ambient air is prevented from entering the access station, and potential ice and condensation within the access station can be prevented or minimized if the storage system is cooled.

[0091] The cover 5 is configured to move over the seal 9 when the access opening 4 is opened and / or closed without interfering with the function of the seal.

[0092] A second exemplary access station according to the present invention Figures 9 to 12 As shown in Figures 5 to 8 Compared with the access station in the embodiment of the present invention, the main distinguishing feature is that when the container 106 is moved to the second position, the container holder 8 can be tilted so that when the container is in the second position, the upper edge 11 is pushed towards the seal 9. The seal can preferably be a rubber seal, i.e. made of a suitable elastic polymer material. The container holder 8 is pivotally connected to the carriage 7.

[0093] A significant advantage of the access station 2, 2' according to the present invention is that, during the process of taking out an object from the container 106, air flow between the interior space of the access station (i.e. the interior space communicating with the interior space of the frame structure of the storage system) and the surrounding environment can be prevented or minimized. The taking out of an object can be performed by the following steps:

[0094] - Arranging the container 106 in the first position; the container 106 may be arranged in the first position, for example, by using a container handling vehicle 201 , 301 , 401 to lower the container 106 via the port row 119 , 120 to the access station.

[0095] - moving the container 106 to the second position so that the seal 9 seals against the upper edge 11 of the container 106, see Figure 7 and Fig.11 ; Movement of the container 106 from the first position to the second position may be in a substantially horizontal direction, optionally including a smaller upward or vertical movement to push the container toward the seal when it is in the second position.

[0096] - revealing or opening the access opening 4 by moving the cover 5 away from the access opening 4, see Figure 8 and Fig.12 ;as well as

[0097] - Remove the item from the container 106.

[0098] When the items are removed / picked by a human or robotic operator, the container can be returned to the storage location by following these steps:

[0099] - moving the cover 5 to close the access opening 4; and

[0100] - Moving the container 106 to a first position in which the container 106 can be removed for subsequent storage, for example by a container handling vehicle 201 , 301 , 401 or a container elevator.

[0101] The exemplary access station features a specific transport system including tracks 6, a movable carriage 7, and a container holder 8. In other embodiments, the access station may feature any suitable type of transport system, such as the conveyor belts / rollers disclosed in WO2019 / 206971A1 and the container holders arranged on pivotable arms disclosed in WO2022 / 112153A1 and WO2012 / 026824A1. In addition to preventing the above-mentioned atmospheric conditions in the storage system from being exposed to the outside world and vice versa, the access station of the present invention will also reduce the noise from within the storage system. Another advantage of the present invention is to reduce the noise experienced by the operator during the operation of the access station.

[0102] Reference Numbers List

[0103] 1. Automatic storage and retrieval system of the prior art

[0104] 2. 2' Access Station

[0105] 3-station housing

[0106] 4 Access opening

[0107] 5 Cover

[0108] 6 Tracks

[0109] 7 Slide

[0110] 8 Container support

[0111] 9 Seals

[0112] 10. Insulation Materials

[0113] 11 Upper edge of container

[0114] 100 Frame structure

[0115] 102 Vertical members of frame structure

[0116] 104 Storage Grid

[0117] 105 Storage Rows

[0118] 106 Storage Container

[0119] 106' Specific location of storage container

[0120] 107 Stacking

[0121] 108 Track System

[0122] 110 Parallel tracks in the first direction (X)

[0123] 112 Access opening

[0124] 119 First port column

[0125] 120 Second port column

[0126] 201 Container handling vehicle of the prior art

[0127] 201a Body of container transport vehicle 201

[0128] 201b Driving device / wheel arrangement / first set of wheels in first direction (X)

[0129] 201c Drive device / wheel arrangement / second set of wheels in second direction (Y)

[0130] 301 Prior art cantilever container handling vehicle

[0131] 301a Body of container transport vehicle 301

[0132] 301b Driving device in the first direction (X) / first set of wheels

[0133] 301c Driving device in the second direction (Y) / second set of wheels

[0134] 304 Clamping device

[0135] 401 Container handling vehicle of the prior art

[0136] 401a Body of container transport vehicle 401

[0137] 401b Driving device in the first direction (X) / first set of wheels

[0138] 401c Driving device in the second direction (Y) / second set of wheels

[0139] 404 Clamping device

[0140] 404a Lifting belt

[0141] 404b Clamp

[0142] 404c Guide pin

[0143] 404d lifting frame

[0144] 500 Control System

[0145] X first direction

[0146] Y Second direction

[0147] Z third direction

Claims

1. A storage and access station (2) for a storage system (1), the storage and access station comprising: A station housing (3) having an access opening (4) and a movable cover (5) for closing the access opening; and a transport system (6, 7) for moving a container (106) between a first location and a second location, wherein: - in the first position, the container (106) is removed from the access opening (4), and - in the second position, the container (106) is arranged below the access opening (4); wherein, A seal (9) is arranged at the periphery of the access opening (4), the seal being configured to seal against the container (106) when the container (106) is in the second position.

2. The access station (2) according to claim 1, wherein: The seal is configured to seal against an upper edge (11) or horizontal perimeter of the container when the container (106) is in the second position.

3. The access station (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The seal (9) extends along the entire periphery of the access opening (4).

4. Access station (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein When the container is in the second position, the seal (9) has a sealing side facing the container (106).

5. Access station (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The sealing element (9) is a brush seal or a rubber seal.

6. Access station (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The seal has a rectangular shape and a central opening.

7. An access station (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a control system connected to the cover (5), the control system being configured to reveal the access opening (4) by moving the cover away from the access opening when the container to be accessed is in the second position.

8. The access station (2) according to claim 7, wherein: The control system is configured to close the access opening (4) before the container moves from the second position to the first position.

9. Access station (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The cover is configured to move over the seal when the access opening is exposed and closed.

10. Access station (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least a portion of the station housing (3) comprises insulating material (10) to minimize heat transfer between the interior space of the access station and the surrounding environment.

11. Access station (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The conveyor system includes a container holder (8) configured to support a container (106) and move the container between the first position and the second position.

12. The access station (2) according to claim 11, wherein: The conveyor system comprises a set of tracks (6) and a carriage (7) configured to move the container holder (8) along the tracks.

13. A storage system for containers, the storage system comprising a storage and access station according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The storage system according to claim 13, wherein: The storage system features a row of ports (119, 120) through which containers (106) can be transferred in a vertical direction, the row of ports being arranged above the access station so that containers can be delivered to the first location or retrieved from the first location via the row of ports.

15. A method for preventing air flow between the interior space of a storage and access station according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and the surrounding environment during the process of removing objects from a container (106), the method comprising the following steps: - arranging the container in the first position; - moving the container to the second position so that the sealing member (9) seals against the upper edge of the container; - revealing the access opening (4) by moving the cover away from the access opening; and - Remove items from said container.

16. The method according to claim 15, comprising the steps of: - closing the access opening (4); and - moving said container to said first position.

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