System and method for extracting air from evaporator unit associated with automated storage and retrieval system

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (600) for extracting air from an evaporator unit (10) comprising an evaporator coil (12) and arranged in a cold chamber (14) of a grid-based automatic storage and retrieval system (1) for frozen food products. The system (600) includes an extraction fan (16) configured to extract air from an interior (18) of the evaporation unit (10) to an exterior (20) of the cold chamber (14), where the system (600) is configured such that the extraction fan (16) operates when the evaporator coil (12) is defrosted. The invention also relates to a corresponding method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a system and method for extracting air from an evaporator unit disposed in a cold compartment of a grid-based automated storage and retrieval system for frozen foods. 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 3a to Figure 3b 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 called boxes) are stacked one on top of another to form container 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 rail system 108 arranged across the top of the frame structure 100, and a plurality of container handling vehicles 301, 401 can operate on the rail system 108 to lift and lower storage containers 106 from and into the storage array 105, and also to transport storage containers 106 over the storage array 105. The rail system 108 includes: a first set of parallel rails 110 arranged to guide the container handling vehicles 301, 401 to move across the top of the frame structure 100 in a first direction X; and a second set of parallel rails 111 arranged perpendicular to the first set of rails 110 to guide the container handling vehicles 301, 401 to move in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X. The containers 106 stored in the array 105 are accessed by the container handling vehicles 301, 401 through access openings 112 in the rail system 108. The container handling vehicles 301 , 401 can move laterally above 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 the row 105 and into the row. The stack 107 of containers 106 is generally self-supporting.

[0006] Each prior art container handling vehicle 201, 301, 401 includes a vehicle 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. Figures 2 to 3b , the two wheels in each set are fully visible. The first set of wheels 201b, 301b, 401b is arranged to engage with two adjacent tracks of the first set of tracks 110, and the second set of wheels 201c, 301c, 401c is arranged to engage with two adjacent tracks of the second set of tracks 111. At least one set 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 prior art container handling vehicle 201, 301, 401 further includes a lifting device 304, 404 (in Figure 3a to Figure 3b ), for example, to raise a storage container 106 from a storage column 105 and to lower a storage container 106 into the storage column, the lifting device has a lifting frame portion 304a. Figure 3b The lifting device 304, 404 includes one or more clamping / engaging devices adapted to engage the storage container 106, and these clamping / engaging devices can be lowered from the vehicle 201, 301, 401 so that the position of the clamping / engaging device relative to the vehicle 201, 301, 401 can be in a third direction Z orthogonal to the first direction X and the second direction Y (e.g. Figure 1 Some parts of the clamping device of the container handling vehicle 301, 401 are Figure 3a and Figure 3b , indicated by reference numerals 304 and 404. The gripping device of the container handling device 201 is located at Figure 2 The vehicle body 201a is located within the vehicle body 201a.

[0008] Conventionally, and also for the purposes of the present application, Z=1 identifies the uppermost level of storage containers that may be used below rails 110, 111, i.e., the level immediately below rail system 108, Z=2 identifies the second level below 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 1The Cartesian coordinate system X, Y, Z indicated in Figure 1 The storage container denoted as 106' in FIG. 1 can be said to occupy storage location X=18, Y=1, Z=6. The container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 can be said to be traveling in level Z=0, and each storage column 105 can be identified by its X and Y coordinates. Thus, Figure 1 The storage containers shown extending above the rail system 108 may also be referred to as being arranged in level Z=0.

[0009] The storage volume of the frame structure 100 is generally referred to as a grid 104, wherein the possible storage positions within the grid are referred to as storage cells within a storage column. Each storage column can be identified by a position in the X-direction and the Y-direction, and each storage cell can be identified by a container number in the X-direction, the Y-direction, and the Z-direction.

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

[0011] Figure 3a An alternative construction of a container handling vehicle 301 having a cantilever structure is shown. Such a vehicle is described in detail in, for example, N0317366, the contents of which are also incorporated herein by reference.

[0012] Figure 2 The chamber container handling vehicle 201 shown may have a footprint covering an area in the X-direction and the Y-direction, the size of which is generally equal to the lateral extent of the storage row 105, for example as described in WO 2015 / 193278 A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The term "lateral" as used herein may refer to "horizontally".

[0013] 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 3b As shown in and as disclosed in WO2014 / 090684A1 or WO2019 / 206487A1.

[0014] The track system 108 typically includes a track with grooves in which the wheels of the vehicle travel. Alternatively, the track may include an upwardly extending element, wherein the wheels of the vehicle include flanges to prevent derailment. These grooves and upwardly extending 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 the other perpendicular direction may include two guide rails. The track system may also include a double-guide rail track in one direction of the X direction or the Y direction and a single-guide rail track in the other direction of the X direction or the Y direction. The double-guide rail track may include two track members fastened together, each track member having a guide rail.

[0015] WO 2018 / 146304 A1 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference) shows a typical construction of a track system 108 comprising tracks and parallel guides in both the X-direction and the Y-direction.

[0016] 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 such special columns that unload and / or pick up storage containers 106 by using container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401, so that they can be transported to access stations (not shown), where the storage containers 106 can be accessed from the outside of the frame structure 100 or moved out of or into the frame structure 100. In the art, such positions are generally referred to as "ports", and the columns where the ports are located can be referred to as "port columns" 119, 120. Transportation to the access station can be in any direction, i.e. horizontal, inclined and / or vertical. For example, the storage container 106 can be placed in a random or special column 105 within the frame structure 100, and then picked up and transported to the port columns 119, 120 by any container handling vehicle for further transportation to the access station. Transportation from the port to the access station may require movement along multiple different directions such as by a distribution vehicle, a trolley 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.

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

[0018] 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 rather 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 to another automated storage and retrieval system), to a transport vehicle (e.g., a train or truck), or to a production facility.

[0019] A conveyor system including conveyors is typically employed to transport storage containers between the port rows 119, 120 and the access station.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] When accessing data stored in Figure 1 When a storage container 106 is located in a row 105 disclosed in the disclosure, a container handling vehicle 201, 301, 401 is instructed to take the target storage container 106 from its position and transport the storage container to the unloading port row 119. This operation involves moving the container handling vehicle 201, 301 to a position above the storage row 105 where the target storage container 106 is located, using the lifting device ( Figure 2 Not shown but in Figure 3a and Figure 3b106) from the storage column 105, and the storage container 106 is transported to the unloading port column 119. If the target storage container 106 is located deep within the stack 107, that is, one or more other storage containers 106 are positioned above the target storage container 106, the operation also involves temporarily moving the storage container positioned above before lifting the target storage container 106 from the storage column 105. This step, sometimes referred to as "digging" in the art, can be performed using the same container handling vehicle that is subsequently used to transport the target storage container to the unloading port column 119 or using one or more other cooperating container handling vehicles. Alternatively or in addition, the automatic storage and retrieval system 1 can have a container handling vehicle 201, 301, 401 specifically for the task of temporarily removing the storage container 106 from the storage column 105. After the target storage container 106 has been removed from the storage column 105, the temporarily removed storage container 106 can be repositioned to the original storage column 105. However, alternatively, the removed storage containers 106 may be relocated to other storage rows 105 .

[0023] When a storage container 106 is to be stored in a row 105, one container handling vehicle 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 in which it is to be stored. After the storage container 106 located at or above the target position within the stack 107 has been removed, the container handling vehicle 201, 301, 401 positions the storage container 106 at 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.

[0024] 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 in the frame structure 100, the content of each storage container 106, and the movement of the container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401, so that the desired storage container 106 can be delivered to the desired location at the desired 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 ( Figure 1 As shown), the control system is typically computerized and typically includes a database for tracking the storage container 106.

[0025] The above-mentioned type of storage and retrieval system can also be used to store frozen goods, such as frozen foods. For this purpose, a temperature environment far below 0° C. is required in the area where the frozen foods are stored in the storage and retrieval system. Such a system is discussed in WO 2021 / 209648 A1.

[0026] WO2015 / 124610A1 discloses a cooling storage system having a grid structure of storage units and at least one remotely operated vehicle arranged to move at a top layer of the grid structure. Thermal insulation is provided between the grid structure and the remotely operated vehicle.

[0027] An environment as described above is usually achieved by a continuous supply of cooling fluid (usually air) at very low temperatures. Typically, the cooling air is generated in a dedicated cooling device attached to the system. In evaporator-based cooling devices, especially cooling devices with limited size, ice formation at the evaporator coil frequently occurs, and this may result in a large amount of ice forming within a few hours. Since standard methods of dealing with ice formation within the evaporator of a cooling device have proven to be inadequate, it is desirable to provide a solution that provides further benefits to owners of storage systems for frozen foods.

[0028] In the broader context of cooling storage space, CN114046624 discloses an external warehouse mounted air cooler for refrigerated storage. In addition, US2020071076A1 discloses an automatic order fulfillment system for storing and transferring containers. The system has different temperature zones, and the robots and containers of the system are configured to work in these different temperature zones. In addition, US4063432A discloses a refrigeration equipment. A portion of the equipment can be used for rapid freezing. Summary of the invention

[0029] The invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims, while the dependent claims describe further characteristics of the invention.

[0030] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a system for extracting air from an evaporator unit, the evaporator unit including an evaporator coil and disposed in a cold compartment of a grid-based automated storage and retrieval system for frozen food, the system including an extraction fan configured to extract air from an interior of the evaporator unit to an exterior of the cold compartment, wherein the system is configured such that the extraction fan operates while the evaporator coil is defrosted.

[0031] It is thereby achieved that the moisture released into the interior of the evaporator unit during the evaporator coil defrosting process (removal of ice formed at the evaporator coil) can be quickly, even instantaneously, drained from the unit. The proposed solution is structurally simple and easy to install / retrofit and maintain. Advantageously, the invention significantly increases the availability of the evaporator unit, partly because the defrost / air extraction processes run in parallel (rather than sequentially), thereby achieving important time savings, and partly because the improved air environment inside the evaporator unit at the completion of the defrost cycle, i.e. less moisture, makes the defrost period less likely to occur.

[0032] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for removing moisture from an evaporator unit according to claim 21. For the sake of brevity, the advantages discussed above in connection with the system for extracting air from an evaporator unit may even be associated with the corresponding method and are not discussed further. Here, it should be understood that the sequence of method steps of the method claim may be implemented in any given order.

[0033] For the purposes of this application, the term "container handling vehicle" used in the "Background of the invention" section of this application and the term "remotely operated vehicle" used in the "Detailed description of the invention" section both define a robotic wheeled vehicle that operates on a track system that is arranged to span the top of a frame structure and is part of an automated storage and retrieval system. Similarly, the term "storage container" used in the "Background of the invention" section of this application and the term "cargo holder" used in the "Detailed description of the invention" section both define a receiver for storing items. In this case, the cargo holder can be a box, a suitcase, a pallet, a pallet, or the like. Different types of cargo holders can be used in the same automated storage and retrieval system.

[0034] Relative terms "upper", "lower", "below", "above", "higher" and the like are to be understood in their ordinary sense and as shown in a Cartesian coordinate system. When referring to a track system, "upper" or "above" is to be understood as a position closer to the surface track system (relative to another component), while the term "lower" or "below" is to be understood as a position further away from the track system (relative to another component). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, the following drawings are attached. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present invention, which will now be described by way of example only, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 It is a stereogram of the framework structure of the prior art automatic storage and retrieval system.

[0037] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle / remotely operated vehicle having a centrally disposed cavity for carrying a storage container therein.

[0038] Figure 3a is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle / remotely operated vehicle having a cantilever for carrying a storage container underneath.

[0039] Figure 3bis a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle / remotely operated vehicle from below having an internally arranged cavity for carrying a storage container therein.

[0040] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a system for extracting air from an evaporator unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a system for extracting air from an evaporator unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a system for extracting air from an evaporator unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be discussed in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. It should be understood, however, that these drawings are not intended to limit the present invention to the subject matter depicted in the drawings.

[0044] The frame structure 100 of the automatic storage and retrieval system 1 is combined with the above Figures 1 to 3b The prior art frame structure 100 (ie, a plurality of upright members 102) is described as being constructed with the frame structure 100 further comprising a first upper rail system 108 in the X-direction and the Y-direction.

[0045] The frame structure 100 further comprises storage compartments in the form of storage rows 105 arranged between the components 102 , wherein storage containers 106 can be stacked in the form of stacks 107 within the storage rows 105 .

[0046] The frame structure 100 may have any size. In particular, it should be understood that the frame structure may be larger than Figure 1 The frame structures disclosed in are significantly wider and / or longer and / or deeper. For example, the horizontal extent of the frame structure 100 may be greater than 700×700 rows and its storage depth may be greater than 12 containers.

[0047] Now refer to Figures 4 to 6 Various aspects of the invention are discussed in greater detail.

[0048] Figure 4 1 is a schematic perspective view of a system 600 for extracting air from an evaporator unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The evaporator unit 10 includes an evaporator coil 12 and an evaporator fan 28, and the evaporator unit is disposed in a cold room 14 of a grid-based automatic storage and retrieval system for frozen food. The cold room 14 is provided with the evaporator unit 10. Figure 1 The system 1 produces cold air.

[0049] Figure 4 The illustrated system 600 includes an extraction fan 16 configured to extract air from the interior 18 of the evaporator unit 10 to the exterior 20 of the cold chamber 14. In one embodiment, the fan 16 is an exterior fan. The system 600 is configured such that the extraction fan 16 operates when the evaporator coil 12 is defrosted.

[0050] It is thereby achieved that the moisture released into the interior 18 of the evaporator unit 10 during the defrosting process of the evaporator coil 12 (removal of ice formed at the evaporator coil) can be quickly, even instantly, drained from said unit 10. The proposed solution is structurally simple and easy to install and maintain.

[0051] This solution is particularly advantageous in retrofit applications to improve the performance of the evaporator unit 10. More specifically, the availability of the evaporator unit 10 is significantly improved over existing systems, in part because the defrost / air extraction processes are run in parallel (rather than sequentially), thereby achieving significant time savings, and in part because fewer defrost periods occur due to the improved air environment (i.e., less moisture) in the interior 18 of the evaporator unit 10 when the defrost cycle is completed.

[0052] A conduit 22 extending between the interior 18 of the evaporator unit 10 and the exterior 20 of the cold chamber 14 establishes fluid communication so that air is drawn from the interior 18 of the evaporator unit 10 to the exterior 20 of the cold chamber 14 via the conduit 22. In an embodiment, the conduit 22 is insulated and / or heated by a heat cable. The air extraction rate from the evaporator unit 10 is controlled by the rotation speed of the extraction fan 16.

[0053] A valve 24 (typically a one-way valve) is disposed in the duct 22 to prevent air from flowing from the exterior 20 of the cold chamber 14 into the interior 18 of the evaporator unit 10. The valve 24 has another function in that it also prevents outside air from being drawn into the evaporator unit 10 when the evaporator fan 28 is running. With respect to the operation of the valve 24, the valve 24 is primarily closed when the evaporator coil 12 is running and primarily opened when the evaporator coil 12 is defrosted. In a related embodiment, the system 600 is configured so that the extraction fan 16 is primarily operated when the evaporator coil 12 is defrosted.

[0054] Referring to the evaporator unit 10, the unit 10 includes a housing 30 in which the evaporator coil 12 and the evaporator fan 28 arranged downstream of the evaporator coil 12 are arranged, and wherein the interior 18 of the evaporator unit 10 corresponds to the interior of the housing 30. An air extraction opening 32 is arranged in the top wall of the evaporator unit housing 30. The air extraction opening 32 allows air to flow from the evaporator unit housing 30 into the duct 22. In one embodiment, the air extraction opening 32 is a suction hole arranged between the evaporator coil 12 and the evaporator fan 28.

[0055] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a system 600 for extracting air from an evaporator unit 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 The components discussed are also Figure 5 In addition, Figure 5 The evaporator unit 10 comprises two evaporator coils 12a, 12b and two evaporator fans 28a, 28b, each coil 12a, 12b being associated with one evaporator fan 28a, 28b. Two air extraction openings 32a, 32b are arranged in the top wall of the evaporator unit housing 30. The air extraction openings 32a, 32b allow air to flow from the interior 18 of the evaporator unit housing 30 into the single duct 22.

[0056] As mentioned above, the evaporator unit 10 is typically placed in the cold room 14 of a grid-based automated storage and retrieval system 1 for cargo holders containing frozen foods. Examples of such storage and retrieval systems 1 are Figure 1 Shown in.

[0057] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a system 600 for extracting air from an evaporator unit 10 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 or Figure 5 The components discussed are also Figure 6 In addition, the system 600 includes an additional duct 23 and an additional fan 25. The additional fan 25 is configured to introduce air from the exterior 20 of the cold room 14 to the interior 18 of the evaporator unit 10 via the additional duct 23. The additional fan 25 is configured to operate simultaneously with the extraction fan 16 so that the amount of air in the evaporator unit 10 remains substantially constant.

[0058] refer to Figure 6 The air introduction opening 34 is provided in the evaporator unit housing 30, and the air introduction opening 34 is arranged to Figure 5The air extraction opening 32 of the evaporator unit housing 30 is opposite, i.e. in the bottom wall of the evaporator unit housing 30. The air intake opening 34 allows air to flow from the additional duct 23 to the interior 18 of the evaporator unit 10. A valve 24 (usually a non-return valve) is arranged in the additional duct 23 to prevent air from flowing from the interior 18 of the evaporator unit 10 to the exterior 20 of the cold chamber 14. Typically, air at a first temperature is extracted from the interior 18 of the evaporator unit 10, while air at a higher second temperature is introduced into the interior 18 of the evaporator unit 10. The direction of the air flow through the ducts 22, 23 is appropriately indicated by means of box arrows, and the air flow in the evaporator unit 10 is shown by means of left and right arrows. This arrangement maximizes the mixing of warm air and cold air in the housing 30. Typically, the air temperature in the interior 18 of the housing 30 is below -20°C, while the air temperature at the exterior 20 of the cold chamber 14 (and therefore the temperature of the introduced air) is much higher than 0°C. Preferably, the extraction and introduction of air are regulated so that the amount of air in the evaporator unit 10 is always substantially constant.

[0059] Still reference Figure 6 In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a single fan-single duct configuration can be used for bidirectional air flow, i.e., a single fan is used to extract and introduce air via a single duct. Obviously, the associated valve will be a bidirectional valve of a suitable type.

[0060] In the foregoing description, various aspects of a grid-based automatic storage and retrieval system including a system for extracting air from an evaporator unit have been described with reference to illustrative embodiments. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, systems, and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the system and its operation. However, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and variations of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the system, that are apparent to those skilled in the art to which the disclosed subject matter belongs are deemed to fall within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

[0061] Reference Numbers List

[0062] 1 Storage and retrieval system

[0063] 10 Evaporator unit

[0064] 12 Evaporator coil

[0065] 12a, 12b Two evaporator coils

[0066] 14 Cold Room

[0067] 16 Extraction fan

[0068] 18 Inside the evaporator unit

[0069] 20 Exterior of cold room

[0070] 22 Catheter

[0071] 23 Additional catheter

[0072] 24 valves

[0073] 25 Additional fan

[0074] 28 Evaporator fan

[0075] 28a, 28b Two evaporator fans

[0076] 30 Evaporator unit housing

[0077] 32 Air extraction opening

[0078] 32a, 32b Two air extraction openings

[0079] 34 Air intake opening

[0080] 102 Vertical members of frame structure

[0081] 104 Storage Grid

[0082] 105 Storage Rows

[0083] 106 Storage Containers / Cargo Holders

[0084] 106' Location specific storage container

[0085] 107 Stacking of storage containers

[0086] 108 Track System

[0087] 110 Parallel tracks in the first direction (X)

[0088] 111 Parallel tracks in the second direction (Y)

[0089] 112 Access opening

[0090] 119 First port column

[0091] 201 Container handling vehicle belonging to the prior art

[0092] 201a Vehicle body of container transport vehicle 201

[0093] 201b Driving device / wheel device in the first direction (X)

[0094] 201c Driving device / wheel device in the second direction (Y)

[0095] 301 Cantilever Container Handling Vehicle

[0096] 301a Vehicle body of the container transport vehicle 301

[0097] 301b Driving device in the first direction (X)

[0098] 301c Driving device in the second direction (Y)

[0099] 400 Airflow Control Device

[0100] 401 Container handling vehicle belonging to the prior art

[0101] 401a Vehicle body of container transport vehicle 401

[0102] 401b Driving device in the first direction (X)

[0103] 500 Storage volume

[0104] 600 Systems for extracting air

[0105] X first direction

[0106] Y Second direction

[0107] Z third direction

Claims

1. A system (600) for extracting air from an evaporator unit (10) comprising an evaporator coil (12) and arranged in a cold room (14) of a grid-based automated storage and retrieval system (1) for frozen food, the system (600) comprising: - an extraction fan (16) configured to extract air from the interior (18) of the evaporator unit (10) to the exterior (20) of the cold chamber (14), wherein - The system (600) is configured so that the extraction fan (16) operates when the evaporator coil (12) is defrosted.

2. The system (600) of claim 1, wherein: A conduit (22) is used to establish fluid communication between the interior (18) of the evaporator unit (10) and the exterior (20) of the cold chamber (14), so that air is drawn from the interior (18) of the evaporator unit (10) via the conduit (22).

3. The system (600) of claim 2, wherein: A valve (24) is arranged in the duct (22) to prevent air from flowing from the exterior (20) of the cold chamber (14) into the interior (18) of the evaporator unit (10).

4. The system (600) of claim 3, wherein: The valve (24) closes when the evaporator coil (12) is operating and opens when the evaporator coil (12) is defrosted.

5. The system (600) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The air extraction rate of the evaporator unit (10) is controlled by the rotation speed of the extraction fan (16) arranged outside the cold chamber (14).

6. The system (600) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The conduit (22) is thermally insulated and / or heated by a heating cable.

7. The system (600) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The system (600) is configured such that the extraction fan (16) operates only when the evaporator coil (12) is defrosted.

8. The system (600) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, comprising an additional duct (23) and an additional fan (25), the additional fan being configured to introduce air from the outside (20) of the cold chamber (14) into the inside (18) of the evaporator unit (10) via the additional duct (23).

9. The system (600) of claim 8, wherein: The additional fan (25) is configured to operate simultaneously with the extraction fan (16) so that the amount of air in the evaporator unit (10) remains substantially constant.

10. The system (600) according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein: The temperature of the air extracted from the evaporator unit (10) is lower than the temperature of the air introduced into the evaporator unit (10).

11. An evaporator unit (10) comprising an evaporator coil (12), the evaporator unit (10) comprising the system (600) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The evaporator unit (10) according to claim 11, wherein The evaporator unit (10) also includes an evaporator fan (28) configured to provide cooling air to the cold chamber (14).

13. The evaporator unit (10) according to claim 12, wherein: The evaporator unit (10) comprises a housing (30) in which the evaporator coil (12) is arranged, and wherein an interior (18) of the evaporator unit (10) corresponds to an interior of the housing (30).

14. The evaporator unit (10) according to claim 13, wherein: An air extraction opening (32) is provided in the top wall (10) of the evaporator unit housing (30), the air extraction opening (32) allowing air to flow from the interior (18) of the evaporator unit housing (30) into the duct (22).

15. The evaporator unit (10) according to claim 14, wherein The air extraction opening (32) is a suction hole disposed between the evaporator coil (12) and the evaporator fan (28).

16. The evaporator unit (10) according to claim 15, comprising an air intake opening (34) in the evaporator unit housing (30), the air intake opening (34) being arranged opposite the air extraction opening (32), the air intake opening (34) allowing air to flow from the additional duct (23) to the interior (18) of the evaporator unit (10).

17. The evaporator unit (10) according to claim 16, wherein The center of the air introduction opening (34) is aligned with the center of the air extraction opening (32).

18. The evaporator unit (10) according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein: The unit (10) comprises two evaporator coils (12a, 12b) and two evaporator fans (28a, 28b), each coil (12a, 12b) being associated with a fan (28a, 28b), wherein two air extraction openings (32a, 32b) are arranged in a top wall (36) of the evaporator unit housing (30), the air extraction openings (32a, 32b) allowing air to flow from the interior (18) of the evaporator unit housing (30) into the duct (22).

19. The evaporator unit (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein: The air temperature in the interior (18) of the evaporator unit housing (30) is below -20°C.

20. A grid-based automatic storage and retrieval system (1), the grid-based automatic storage and retrieval system (1) comprising a frame structure (100), the frame structure comprising a grid of vertically extending members (102) and horizontal rails (110, 111) arranged at the upper ends of the vertical members (102), wherein: A remotely operated vehicle for transporting cargo holders (106) operates on top of the grid, the frame structure (100) defining a storage volume (500) for storing cargo holders (106) containing frozen foods, the grid-based automated storage and retrieval system (1) comprising an evaporator unit (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 19.

21. A method of removing moisture from an evaporator unit (10) comprising an evaporator coil (12) and disposed in a cold room (14) of a grid-based automated storage and retrieval system (1) for frozen food, the method comprising: - When the evaporator coil (12) is defrosted, air is drawn from the interior (18) of the evaporator unit (10) to the exterior (20) of the cold chamber (14).

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein: The air extraction period is as long as the coil defrost period.

23. A method according to any one of claims 21 to 22, comprising: - offsetting the air extraction period in time relative to the coil defrost period.

24. A method according to any one of claims 21 to 23, comprising: - Controlled air extraction by means of a fan (16).

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein: The fan (16) is outside the cold chamber (14).

26. A method according to any one of claims 21 to 25, comprising: - while air at a first temperature is extracted from the interior (18) of the evaporator unit (10), air at a second, higher temperature is introduced into the interior (18) of the evaporator unit (10).

27. The method according to claim 26, comprising: - regulating the extraction and introduction of air so that the amount of air in the evaporator unit (10) remains substantially constant.

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