Automatic Storage System

Abstract

The present invention provides a storage system (1) comprising a framework structure (100) featuring a plurality of storage columns (105) in which storage containers (106) are stored stacked on top of one another in a vertical stack (107), at least one of the storage columns comprising a cover (7) and a pair of cover interaction elements (8), the cover (7) comprising a horizontal cover plate (9) having a periphery that can be received within an inner periphery of the storage column (105) and at least two cover retention assemblies (10) arranged on either side of the cover plate (9), the cover interaction elements (8) each being arranged on either side of the inner periphery of the storage column (105), each of the cover retention assemblies (10) comprising a stop portion (11) and an actuator portion (12).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates to storage systems, and more particularly to storage systems featuring a removable cover that may be placed on an upper level of the storage system. [Background technology]

[0002] Background and Prior Art FIG. 1 discloses a typical prior art automated storage and retrieval system 1 having a framework structure 100, and FIGS. 2-4 disclose two different prior art container handling vehicles 201, 301 suitable for operating on such a system 1.

[0003] The framework structure 100 comprises upright members 102, horizontal members 103 and a storage volume comprising storage columns 105 arranged in rows between the upright members 102 and the horizontal members 103. In these storage columns 105, storage containers 106, also known as bins, are stacked on top of each other to form stacks 107. The members 102, 103 may typically be made of metal (e.g. extruded aluminum profiles).

[0004] The framework 100 of the automated storage and retrieval system 1 comprises a rail system 108 arranged in a grid pattern across the top of the framework 100, on which a number of container handling vehicles 201, 301 operate to raise the storage containers 106 from, lower the storage containers 106 into, and also transport the storage containers 106 above the storage columns 105. The horizontal extent of one of the grid cells 122 making up the grid pattern is marked by a bold line.

[0005] The rail system 108 (i.e. rail grid) comprises a first set 110 of parallel rails arranged to guide the movement of the container handling vehicles 201, 301 in a first direction X across the top of the frame structure 100, and a second set 111 of parallel rails arranged orthogonal to the first set 110 of rails to guide the movement of the container handling vehicles 201, 301 in a second direction Y orthogonal to the first direction X. The containers 106 stored in the columns 105 are accessed by the container handling vehicles through access openings 112 in the rail system 108. The container handling vehicles 201, 301 can move laterally above the storage columns 105 (i.e. in a plane that is parallel to the horizontal XY plane). Typically, at least one of the rail sets 110, 111 is composed of a dual track rail that allows two container handling vehicles to pass each other over adjacent grid cells 122. Dual track rails are well known and are disclosed, for example, in WO2015 / 193278A1 and WO2015 / 140216A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0006] The uprights 102 of the framework structure 100 may be used to guide the storage containers during their ascent out of the column 105 and their descent into the column 105. The stack 107 of containers 106 is typically freestanding.

[0007] Each prior art container handling vehicle 201, 301 comprises a body 201a, 301a and a first set of wheels 201b, 301b and a second set of wheels 201c, 301c that allow lateral movement of the container handling vehicle 201, 301 in the X-direction and the Y-direction, respectively. In figures 2 and 3, two wheels in each set are fully visible. The first set of wheels 201b, 301b are arranged to engage two adjacent rails of the first set of rails 110, and the second set of wheels 201c, 301c are arranged to engage two adjacent rails of the second set of rails 111. At least one of the sets of wheels 201b, 301b, 201c, 301c can be raised and lowered so that the first set of wheels 201b, 301b and / or the second set of wheels 201c, 301c can be engaged with the respective set of rails 110, 111 at any one time.

[0008] Each prior art container handling vehicle 201, 301 also comprises a container lifting assembly 2 (shown in FIG. 4 ) for vertical transportation of the storage containers 106 (e.g., raising the storage containers 106 from the storage columns 105 and lowering the storage containers 106 into the storage columns 105). The container lifting assembly 2 comprises a lifting frame 3 having one or more gripping / engaging devices 4 adapted to engage the storage containers 106 and guide pins 304 for correct positioning of the lifting frame 3 relative to the storage containers 106. The lifting frame 3 can be lowered from the vehicle 201, 301 by lifting bands 5 so that the position of the lifting frame relative to the vehicle 201, 301 can be adjusted in a third direction Z orthogonal to the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0009] The lift frame 3 (not shown) of the container handling vehicle 201 in Figure 2 is positioned within a cavity in the vehicle body 201a, whereas the lift frame 3 of the container handling vehicle 301 in Figures 3 and 4 is suspended from the cantilever section 6.

[0010] As is conventional, for the purposes of this application, Z=1 identifies the top layer of storage containers, i.e., the layer immediately below the rail system 108, Z=2 identifies the second layer below the rail system 108, Z=3 identifies the third layer, and so on. In the exemplary prior art disclosed in FIG. 1, Z=8 identifies the bottom layer of storage containers. Similarly, X=1...n and Y=1...n identify the position of each storage column 105 in the horizontal plane. As a result, using, by way of example, the Cartesian coordinate system X, Y, Z shown in FIG. 1, the storage container identified as 106' in FIG. 1 can be said to occupy storage position X=10, Y=2, Z=3. The container handling vehicles 201, 301 can be said to travel in layer Z=0, and each storage column 105 can be identified by its X and Y coordinates.

[0011] The storage volume of the framework structure 100 is often referred to as a grid 104, and the possible storage locations within this grid are referred to as storage cells. Each storage column may be identified by a position in the X and Y directions, and each storage cell may be identified by a container number in the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0012] Each prior art container handling vehicle 201, 301 comprises a storage compartment or space for receiving and storing the storage containers 106 as they are transported across the rail system 108. As shown in Figure 2 and as described, for example, in WO2015 / 193278A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, the storage space may comprise a cavity centrally located within the vehicle body 201a.

[0013] 3 shows an alternative configuration of a container handling vehicle 301 with a cantilever structure. Such a vehicle is described in detail, for example, in No. 317366, the contents of which are also incorporated herein by reference.

[0014] The central cavity container handling vehicle 201 shown in Figure 2 may have a footprint covering an area with dimensions in the X and Y directions roughly equal to the lateral extent of the storage column 105, for example, as described in WO2015 / 193278A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. As used herein, the term "lateral" may mean "horizontal."

[0015] Alternatively, the central cavity container handling vehicle 201 may have a footprint larger than the lateral area defined by the storage columns 105, for example as disclosed in WO2014 / 090684A1.

[0016] Rail system 108 typically comprises rails with grooves along which the vehicle wheels run. Alternatively, the rails may comprise upwardly protruding elements and the vehicle wheels may comprise flanges to prevent derailment. These grooves and upwardly protruding elements are collectively known as tracks. Each rail may comprise one track, or each rail may comprise two parallel tracks.

[0017] WO2018 / 146304, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, illustrates an exemplary configuration of a rail system 108 comprising rails and parallel tracks in both the X and Y directions.

[0018] In the framework 100, most of the columns 105 are storage columns 105 (i.e., columns 105 in which the storage containers 106 are stored in stacks 107). However, some columns 105 may have other purposes. In FIG. 1, columns 119 and 120 are dedicated columns used by the container handling 201, 301 for unloading and / or loading the storage containers 106 so that they can be transported to access stations (not shown), where they can be accessed from outside the framework 100 or transferred outside or into the framework 100. In the art, such locations are usually referred to as "ports" and the columns in which the ports are located can be referred to as "port columns" 119, 120. The transport to the access stations can be in any direction: horizontal, diagonal, and / or vertical. For example, storage containers 106 may be installed in random or dedicated columns 105 in the framework structure 100 and then loaded by any container handling vehicle and transported to port columns 119, 120 for further transport to an access station. Note that the term "diagonal" refers to the transport of storage containers 106 having a general transport orientation somewhere between horizontal and vertical.

[0019] In FIG. 1 , the first port column 119 may be, for example, a dedicated unloading port column at which container handling vehicles 201, 301 can unload storage containers 106 to be transported to an access or transfer station, and the second port column 120 may be a dedicated loading port column at which container handling vehicles 201, 301 can load storage containers 106 that have been transported from an access or transfer station.

[0020] An access station may typically be a picking or stock station where product items are removed from or placed into a storage container 106. At a picking or stock station, the storage container 106 is typically not removed from the automated storage and retrieval system 1, but is placed back into the framework 100 once accessed. Ports can also be used to transfer storage containers to another storage facility (e.g., to another framework or to another automated storage and retrieval system), to a transport vehicle (e.g., a train or lorry), or to a production facility.

[0021] A conveyor system comprising, for example, a belt or roller conveyor may be employed to transport the storage containers between the port columns 119, 120 and the access stations.

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

[0023] A conveyor system may be arranged to transport the storage containers 106 between the different framework structures, for example as described in WO2014 / 075937A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0024] Belt and / or roller conveyors are relatively expensive and often maintenance intensive. To avoid the use of such conveyors, some access stations may have a section that can be located directly below the port column so that the storage containers can be transferred directly to the access station. Prior art access stations suitable for being located below the port column are disclosed, for example, in WO2012 / 026824A1 and WO2016 / 120375A1. Prior art access stations may move the storage containers from a position below the port column to a picking / stocking position (or access position) by radial movement about an axis of rotation. An operator has access to the contents of the storage containers at the picking / stocking position.

[0025] When a storage container 106 stored in one of the columns 105 disclosed in FIG. 1 is to be accessed, one of the container handling vehicles 201, 301 is commanded to retrieve the target storage container 106 from its location and transport it to the unloading port column 119. This operation involves moving the container handling vehicle 201, 301 to a location above the storage column 105 where the target storage container 106 is located, retrieving the storage container 106 from the storage column 105 using the container lifting assembly 2 (shown in FIG. 4) of the container handling vehicle 201, 301, 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., with one or more other storage containers 106 positioned above the target storage container 106, the operation also involves temporarily moving the storage container located above prior to lifting the target storage container 106 from the storage column 105. This step, sometimes referred to in the art as "digging out," may then be performed using the same container handling vehicle used to transport the target storage container to the unloading port column 119, or may be performed using one or more other cooperating container handling vehicles. Alternatively, or in addition, the automated storage and retrieval system 1 may have a container handling vehicle dedicated to the task of temporarily removing the storage container from the storage column 105. Once the target storage container 106 has been removed from the storage column 105, the temporarily removed storage container may be repositioned in the original storage column 105. However, the removed storage container may alternatively be relocated to another storage column.

[0026] When a storage container 106 is to be stored in one of the columns 105, one of the container handling vehicles 201, 301 is commanded to load the storage container 106 from the load port column 120 and transport it to a location above the storage column 105 where it is to be stored. After any storage containers positioned at or above the target location in the storage column stack 107 are removed, the container handling vehicles 201, 301 position the storage container 106 at the desired location. The removed storage container can then be lowered back into the storage column 105 or transferred to another storage column.

[0027] To monitor and control the automated storage and retrieval system 1 (e.g., to monitor and control the location of each storage container 106 within the framework structure 100, the contents of each storage container 106, and the movements of the container handling vehicles 201, 301 so that the desired storage containers 106 can be delivered to the desired locations at the desired times without the container handling vehicles 201, 301 colliding with each other), the automated storage and retrieval system 1 includes a control system 500, which is typically computerized and typically includes a database for tracking the storage containers 106.

[0028] The top end of the storage column 105 is generally completely open to the surroundings, so that the temperature conditions and atmosphere within the storage system and in the surroundings are the same. However, in many applications it is desirable to control the temperature conditions / atmosphere within at least a part of the storage system independently from the remaining parts of the storage system and / or the surroundings. These applications include the use of the storage system for freezing and / or cooling of stored items and changing the atmosphere of at least a part of the storage system. The latter involves, for example, filling the storage system with an inert gas in case of a fire, and with air having an increased CO2 content when the storage system is used for plant cultivation (i.e. vertical farming).

[0029] WO2015 / 124610A1 discloses a storage system configured to cool items stored in stacked storage containers, the storage system featuring an insulating lid disposed at the top end of each storage column to insulate the storage containers from the surroundings.

[0030] A consequence of open storage columns is that a human operator cannot walk on the top of the storage system. Being able to travel on the top of the storage system can be highly advantageous in situations where various equipment located on the rail system 8 requires inspection or repair.

[0031] WO2019 / 081092A1 discloses a storage system in which a human operator may walk over the storage system by using a cover that forms a path from a side section of the storage system to equipment requiring servicing, the cover being supported on a stack of storage containers.

[0032] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved storage system in which the temperature and / or atmosphere can be controlled in at least certain sections of the storage system.

[0033] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved storage system in which a path for a human operator may be located on the top of the framework structure. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0034] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 146304 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2012 / 026824 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2016 / 120375 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0035] The invention is defined below by the appended claims.

[0036] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a storage system comprising a framework structure featuring a plurality of storage columns in which storage containers are stored stacked on top of one another in a vertical stack, at least one of the storage columns comprising a cover and two cover interaction elements; The cover includes a horizontal cover plate having a periphery that can be received within an inner periphery of the storage column, and at least two cover retention assemblies disposed on opposite sides of the cover plate; The two cover interaction elements are disposed on opposite sides of an inner circumference of the storage column; each of the cover retention assemblies includes a stop and an actuator portion and is pivotally connected to the cover plate such that, during lowering of the cover onto the storage column, when the actuator portion is biased inwardly of the inner periphery of the storage column by interaction with a corresponding cover interaction element, the stop is moved horizontally outwardly beyond the inner periphery of the storage column from a first position to a second position; When the stop is in the second position, it is biased towards the first position and is arranged to hold the cover at a predetermined level by interaction with an edge on the inner periphery of the storage column.

[0037] The inner perimeter of the storage column may be defined as corresponding to the inner perimeter of a rectangular opening in the storage column, the opening being located at the top of the storage column, the inner perimeter of the rectangular opening being set by the sides of a set of rails bounding the opening, the rails being part of a rail grid located at an upper level of the frame structure.

[0038] In the second position, a section of the stop extends beyond the inner circumference of the storage column.

[0039] The sides on which the cover interaction elements are located are adjacent to the sides of the cover plate on which the cover fastening assemblies are located.

[0040] The stop and actuator portion may be connected to the cover plate via a pivot connection. The pivot connection may be disposed between the stop and actuator portion.

[0041] The stop may comprise a downwardly facing portion or surface arranged to be supported by an upwardly facing ledge. The ledge may be horizontal. In this application, the term "ledge" is intended to encompass a narrow edge.

[0042] In an embodiment of the storage system, the cover may include support legs disposed on either side of the cover plate. The support legs may extend to a level below the cover retention assembly such that a second cover may be supported on top of a first cover disposed in the storage column. The first cover is held at a predetermined level by the cover retention assembly.

[0043] In an embodiment of the storage system, the cover retention assembly may be pivotally connected to the support leg. The cover retention assembly may be pivotally connected to the support leg by a pivot connection.

[0044] In embodiments of the storage system, each of the cover interaction elements may be a plate (i.e., plate-shaped) and / or may comprise a guide surface for interaction with at least one actuator portion of the cover retention assembly. The guide surface may be substantially vertical, may comprise at least a section that is sloped in an upward direction away from the centerline of the storage column, or may be a combination thereof. In other words, the cover interaction elements may be cover interaction plates.

[0045] In an embodiment of the storage system, a ledge at the inner periphery of the storage column may be disposed on a cover interacting element, may be disposed on a separation stop interacting element, may be disposed on a horizontal profile or rail, which may be disposed at the top end of the storage column, which may be part of a rail grid disposed at the upper level of the framework system.

[0046] In an embodiment of the storage system, the stop and actuator portions may be located at opposite ends of a lever, the lever being pivotally connected to the cover plate.

[0047] In an embodiment of the storage system, the stop and the actuator portion may be separated by a vertical distance such that the stop is in a first position when entering the opening of the storage column. The vertical distance may be at least equal to a height of the rail grid at an upper level of the framework structure.

[0048] In embodiments of the storage system, the actuator portion may feature a follower for interaction with a guide surface of the cover interaction element. The follower may follow the guide surface of the cover interaction element to deflect the actuator portion inwardly. The follower may be a pivotable or rotatable element. The rotatable element may be a wheel. The slidable element may feature a low friction surface.

[0049] In embodiments of the storage system, the stop may feature a downwardly facing surface for interaction with a ledge, and the cover may be suspended from or supported by the ledge via the downwardly facing surface.

[0050] In an embodiment, the storage system may comprise at least one container handling vehicle, an upper level of a framework structure comprising a horizontal rail grid on which the container handling vehicle may move in two orthogonal directions, the container handling vehicle featuring a container lifting assembly capable of raising and lowering storage containers from and into the storage columns, the container lifting assembly having a lifting frame comprising a gripping device, the storage containers and covers comprising corresponding interfaces for releasable connection to the gripping device, such that the container lifting assembly may raise or lower either the storage containers and the covers.

[0051] In an embodiment of the storage system, the ledges may be positioned at a set level so that the upper level of the cover plate is below the framework or at the upper level of the framework, which may be the upper level of the rail grid.

[0052] In an embodiment of the storage system, the ledges may be positioned at a set level so that at least two covers may be stacked on top of each other while the cover plate of the upper cover is below the upper level of the framework structure.

[0053] In an embodiment of the storage system, at least one storage column featuring a cover interaction element includes two barrier plates disposed on opposite sides of the inner periphery of the storage column, the opposite sides being different from the side on which the cover interaction plate is disposed. Each of the barrier plates and cover interaction elements may feature a rib (e.g., a cantilever plate section extending from the inner periphery of the storage column toward an adjacent storage column). The rib may be formed by a folded section of the barrier plate and / or the cover interaction element. The rib may extend halfway between the inner periphery of the storage column on which the respective cover interaction plate or barrier plate is disposed and the inner periphery of the adjacent storage column. The use of both barrier plates and cover interaction elements may also provide increased rigidity of the framework structure.

[0054] In an embodiment of the storage system, the framework structure may include vertical column profiles defining a plurality of storage columns, each of the storage columns being defined by four of the vertical column profiles, each of the column profiles including four corner sections, each corner section being positioned to receive a corner of a storage bin, and an inner perimeter of each storage column may be defined by a rectangle bounded by the inner perimeters of the corner sections of the four column profiles defining the storage column.

[0055] In embodiments of the storage system, the cover plate can have a perimeter substantially equal to the perimeter of the storage container. The perimeter of the cover plate can also be substantially equal to the inner perimeter of the storage column.

[0056] In a storage column embodiment, the framework structure may comprise vertical column profiles defining a plurality of storage columns, each of the column profiles in at least some sections of the framework structure comprising lower and upper profile sections made of an aluminum alloy, the lower and upper profile sections being interconnected and separated by joint brackets made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the aluminum alloy, the joint brackets may also be referred to as thermal break brackets.

[0057] In an embodiment of the storage system, the joint bracket is made of a suitable polymeric material, which may include any synthetic plastic material having sufficient strength, such as various types of PVC, HDPE, and PP.

[0058] In an embodiment of the storage system, the joint bracket may comprise a separation plate arranged between the lower profile section and the upper profile section and at least one profile connection element connected to the lower profile section and the upper profile section, the profile connection element extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the separation plate.

[0059] The separating plate of the joint bracket may be horizontal. The profile connecting element may feature a first through hole for a bolt connection to the lower profile section and a second through hole for connection to the upper profile section.

[0060] In an embodiment of the storage system, the cover interaction element is located at the level of the joint bracket. In other words, the ledge can be located at a set level so that the cover plate is substantially at the same level as the joint bracket. The ledge can be located at a set level so that the majority of the upper profile section is above the cover plate.

[0061] In embodiments of the storage system, at least some of the storage columns may include a cover. The storage system may include a section of adjacent storage columns, where each storage column in the section may include or be provided with a cover.

[0062] In an embodiment of the storage system, the cover may be provided with a layer of insulation.

[0063] In an embodiment of the storage system, the cover is positioned to allow a human operator to stand on the cover at an upper level of the framework above the storage columns.

[0064] In an embodiment, the storage system may include at least a section of adjacent storage columns, each storage column featuring a cover, and the section of the storage columns may be isolated from the surroundings of the storage system by a vertical wall panel. The wall panel may extend around the section of the storage columns and may extend from a bottom level of the framework structure to at least the level of the cover.

[0065] In embodiments, the storage system may include a cooling unit for cooling the atmosphere within sections of adjacent storage columns.

[0066] In an embodiment of the storage system, the stop is part of the hook, which includes a downwardly facing portion or surface that can interact with an edge on the inner periphery of the storage column such that the cover is suspended within the storage column via the hook.

[0067] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a cover for a storage system according to any embodiment of the first aspect, the cover comprising support legs, a horizontal cover plate and at least one cover retaining assembly arranged on each of two opposite sides of the cover plate, each of the cover retaining assemblies comprising a lever having a stop and an actuator portion, the lever pivotally connected to a corresponding support leg, such that the stop is moved outwardly beyond the horizontal periphery of the cover plate when the actuator portion is moved inwardly towards a side of the cover plate opposite the side on which the actuator portion is located.

[0068] A cover according to the second aspect may include any of the features of the first aspect relating to the cover.

[0069] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of disposing a cover in a storage column of a storage system according to any embodiment of the first aspect, comprising: lowering a cover into the storage column; moving the stop to a second position by interaction of the actuator portion with a corresponding cover interaction element; retaining the cover at a predetermined level against the storage column by interaction of the stop with a ledge on the inner periphery of the storage column. Includes.

[0070] In an embodiment of the method according to the third aspect, the vertical distance between the cover plate of the cover held at a predetermined level (i.e. the upper surface of the cover plate) and the upper level of the storage column is greater than the height of the storage container, and the method further comprises: Lowering a storage container or a further cover onto the cover held at a predetermined level. Includes.

[0071] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method of disposing a cover on an interior of a column, the column comprising a pair of cover interaction elements, the cover comprising a horizontal cover plate having a periphery capable of being received within an inner periphery of the column, and at least two cover retention assemblies disposed on either side of the cover plate; The two cover-interacting elements are located on either side of the inner circumference of the column, Each of the cover retention assemblies includes a stop and an actuator portion and is pivotally connected to the cover plate, the method comprising: lowering a cover into the column; simultaneously deflecting the actuator elements inwardly of an inner periphery of the storage column by interaction with a corresponding cover interaction element to move the stop horizontally outwardly beyond the inner periphery of the storage column; maintaining the cover at a predetermined level within the column by interacting with a ledge and a stop on the inner periphery of the column; Includes.

[0072] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a framework for a storage system, the framework comprising vertical column profiles defining a plurality of storage columns, each of the column profiles in at least a section of the framework comprising a lower profile section and an upper profile section made of an aluminum alloy, the lower profile section and the upper profile section being interconnected and separated by a joint bracket made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the aluminum alloy, in other words, the lower profile section and the upper profile section being interconnected and separated by a thermal break bracket.

[0073] In an embodiment of the storage system according to the fifth aspect, the joint bracket is made of a suitable polymeric material, which may include any synthetic plastic material having sufficient strength, such as various types of PVC, HDPE and PP.

[0074] In an embodiment of the storage system according to the fifth aspect, the joint bracket may comprise a separation plate arranged between the lower profile section and the upper profile section and at least one profile connecting element connected to the lower profile section and the upper profile section, the profile connecting element extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the separation plate.

[0075] In an embodiment of the storage system according to the fifth aspect, the at least one profile connecting element is positioned at a periphery of the separation plate.

[0076] In an embodiment of the storage system according to the fifth aspect, the at least one profile connecting element extends on both sides of the separation plate.

[0077] In an embodiment of the storage system according to the fifth aspect, the joint bracket may comprise four profile connecting elements evenly staggered around a centre line of the separation plate.

[0078] In an embodiment of the storage system according to the fifth aspect, the separation plate of the joint bracket may be horizontal, ie the separation plate may be arranged in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vertical column profile.

[0079] In an embodiment of the storage system according to the fifth aspect, the profile connection element may feature a first through-hole for a bolt connection to the lower profile section and a second through-hole for connection to the upper profile section.

[0080] In an embodiment of the storage system according to the fifth aspect, the at least one profile connection element may comprise a third through hole for connection of a cover interaction element that may be disposed within the storage column, the centerline of the third through hole being perpendicular to the centerlines of the second through hole and the third through hole.

[0081] In an embodiment of the storage system according to the fifth aspect, the separation plate may comprise a protrusion on each side, the protrusions being arranged to be inserted into the ends of the upper and lower profile sections connected to the joint bracket. The protrusions may be configured to prevent lateral movement between the upper and lower profile sections.

[0082] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a joint bracket for a storage system according to the first or fifth aspect, the joint bracket comprising a separation plate positionable between a lower profile section and an upper profile section of a vertical column profile in a framework structure, and at least one profile connection element connectable to the lower profile section and the upper profile section, the profile connection element extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the separation plate.

[0083] In a further embodiment of the sixth aspect, the joint bracket may comprise any of the features of the joint bracket defined in the fifth aspect.

[0084] In a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a vertical column profile for a storage system, the vertical column profile comprising a lower profile section and an upper profile section made of an aluminum alloy, the lower profile section and the upper profile section being interconnected and separated by a joint bracket made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the aluminum alloy, in other words the lower profile section and the upper profile section being interconnected and separated by a thermal break bracket.

[0085] In a further embodiment of the seventh aspect, the joint bracket may comprise any of the features of the joint bracket defined in the fifth aspect. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0086] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0087] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a framework of a prior art automated storage and retrieval system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle having a centrally located cavity for carrying storage containers therein. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle having a cantilever for carrying storage containers underneath. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the container handling vehicle in FIG. 3 showing the container lifting assembly. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary storage system according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cross section of the storage system in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded view showing details of the storage columns of the storage system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary cover according to the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a joint bracket suitable for use in a storage system according to the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary container handling vehicle of the storage system in FIG. [Figure 11] 11-13 are cross-sectional views of exemplary covers positioned in storage columns of the storage system of FIG. [Figure 12] 11-13 are cross-sectional views of exemplary covers positioned in storage columns of the storage system of FIG. [Figure 13] 11-13 are cross-sectional views of exemplary covers positioned in storage columns of the storage system of FIG. [Figure 14] 14-18 are cross-sectional views of a second exemplary storage system in which a cover is positioned at a higher level in the storage column of the storage system. [Figure 15] 14-18 are cross-sectional views of a second exemplary storage system in which a cover is positioned at a higher level in the storage column of the storage system. [Figure 16] 14-18 are cross-sectional views of a second exemplary storage system in which a cover is positioned at a higher level in the storage column of the storage system. [Figure 17] 14-18 are cross-sectional views of a second exemplary storage system in which a cover is positioned at a higher level in the storage column of the storage system. [Figure 18] 14-18 are cross-sectional views of a second exemplary storage system in which a cover is positioned at a higher level in the storage column of the storage system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0088] In the following, embodiments of the invention may be discussed in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not intended to limit the invention to the subject matter illustrated.

[0089] An exemplary embodiment of the illustrative storage system is described with reference to the refrigerated storage system illustrated in Figure 5. However, it should be noted that features of the illustrative storage system, and in particular the cover 7 described below, may be used to achieve other advantageous effects than maintaining a refrigerated atmosphere within the storage system.

[0090] An exemplary storage system 1' according to the present invention comprises a framework structure 100 featuring a plurality of storage columns 105 in which storage containers 106 are stored stacked on top of one another in a vertical stack 107. The storage system 1' features a cooling unit 21 for cooling the atmosphere surrounding the storage containers 106, and vertical wall panels 20 arranged to insulate the sides of the storage system.

[0091] The container handling vehicle 301' is arranged to move in two orthogonal directions on a horizontal rail grid 108 at the upper level of the framework structure 100. The container handling vehicle 301' features a container lifting assembly 2 capable of raising and lowering storage containers 106 from and into storage columns 105 (see Figures 6 and 10). The container lifting assembly 2 features a lifting frame 3 having a gripping device 4. The storage containers 106 and covers 7 are provided with corresponding interfaces 23 for releasable connection to the gripping device 4, so that the container lifting assembly 2 can raise or lower either the storage containers 106 and the covers 7 (see Figures 6-8).

[0092] The framework structure 100 includes vertical column profiles 102 defining a plurality of storage columns 105, each of which is defined by four of the vertical column profiles. Each column profile features four corner sections, each positioned to receive a corner of a storage container 106.

[0093] Each of the storage columns features an oppositely disposed cover interaction plate 8 for interaction with a cover 7 (i.e., a cover interaction element) lowered into the storage column 105. The cover interaction plates 8 are disposed on either side of the inner periphery of the storage column, are connected to the column profile 102, and feature guide surfaces 29 facing the centerline of the storage column 105.

[0094] The inner perimeter of each storage column 105 is defined by a rectangle bounded by the inner perimeters of the corner sections of the four column profiles 102 that define the storage column. That is, the inner perimeter of the storage column 105 corresponds to the inner perimeter of the rectangular opening of the storage column, which is defined by the rail edges 111, 110 that bound the opening (see FIG. 1).

[0095] The covers 7 may be disposed within the storage columns 105 at a predetermined level. The exemplary storage system 1′ features a cover 7 for each of the storage columns 105. In other embodiments, the storage system may be divided, for example, into sections of storage columns 105, where only the storage columns 105 in some of the sections feature covers 7.

[0096] In the exemplary storage system 1', each column profile 102 further comprises a lower profile section 102a and an upper profile section 102b made of an aluminum alloy (see FIG. 7). The lower profile section 102a and the upper profile section 102b are interconnected and separated by a joint bracket 18 made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the aluminum alloy. The joint bracket 18 prevents heat transfer between the cooling part of the storage system and the upper level of the framework in which the container handling vehicles operate. Preventing the temperature at the upper level of the framework structure from dropping below zero is highly advantageous in that potential problems caused by the freezing and / or icing of water on the horizontal rail grid 108 can be avoided. Such problems can include derailment of the container handling vehicles and loss of wheel friction between the container vehicles and the rail grid 108.

[0097] The joint bracket 18 (see FIG. 9) is preferably made of a suitable polymeric material, including any synthetic plastic material with sufficient strength (e.g., various types of PVC, HDPE and PP). The joint bracket 18 features a separation plate 24 arranged between the lower profile section 102a and the upper profile section 102b, and a profile connection element 25 connected to the lower profile section 102a and the upper profile section 102b. The profile connection element 25 extends in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the separation plate. The thermal break provided by the joint bracket connecting the upper profile section and the lower profile section can be very advantageous in any storage system, where the lower part of the framework structure is at a lower temperature than the upper part of the framework structure.

[0098] Each cover 7 (see FIG. 8) features a horizontal cover plate 9 and four support legs 15. The cover plate 9 has a perimeter that can be accommodated within the inner circumference of the storage column 105. The perimeter of the cover plate 9 can be substantially equal to the perimeter of the storage containers stacked in the storage column 105. The four cover retention assemblies 10 are arranged in pairs on either side of the cover plate 9. The cover plate is provided with an interface 23 for releasable connection to a gripping device 4 of the container handling vehicle 301′. The upper surface of the cover plate 9 is preferably flat, but in other embodiments can have any shape, provided that the interface 23 can be accessed by the gripping device 4.

[0099] The cover retention assembly 10 features a hook 11 (i.e., stop) and an actuator portion 12. The hook 11 and actuator portion 12 are disposed on opposite ends of a lever 16. The lever 16 is connected to the cover plate 9 through one of the support legs 15 by a pivot connection 19 (see FIG. 8).

[0100] The actuator portion 12 features wheels 22. The wheels 22 are positioned to interact with a corresponding cover interaction plate 8 (i.e., cover interaction element) when the cover is lowered into the storage column 105. The wheels 22 ensure a smooth and quiet interaction between the actuator portion 12 and the cover interaction plate 8. In other embodiments, the wheels 22 may be replaced by any suitable sliding surface.

[0101] When the actuator portion 12 is biased inwardly of the inner periphery of the storage column by interaction with a corresponding cover interaction plate 8, the pivot connection 19 ensures that the hook 11 is moved horizontally outwardly over the inner periphery of the storage column 105 from the first position to the second position. The hook 11 is biased towards the first position by a spring 26.

[0102] In the second position, a section of the hook 11 (e.g., a downwardly facing surface) extends beyond the inner periphery of the storage column and interacts with the ledges 13, 14 so that the cover is held at a predetermined level within the storage column. Depending on the desired or predetermined level, the ledges 13, 14 may be located on a corresponding cover interaction plate 8 (see Figures 7 or 11) or may be located on the side of a rail grid 108 that defines the opening of the storage column 105 (see Figure 14).

[0103] In the exemplary storage systems illustrated in Figures 5-7 and 10-13, the covers 7 may be located at a lower level within the storage column 105, allowing stacking of additional covers 7' and / or storage containers 106' on top of the covers 7 retained within the storage column 105 by their cover retaining assemblies 10. The location of the covers 7 at a lower level is highly advantageous in some applications of the covers 7, as it allows flexible organization of the storage containers and covers 7 during excavation operations, for example as described in the background section.

[0104] Cooperative movement between the cover 7 and the cover interaction plate 8 enables the cover to be held at a lower level within the storage column 105, as illustrated in Figures 11-13. The cover 7 is lowered into the storage column by a container handling vehicle 301' as shown in Figure 10, although the lifting frame 3 is not shown in Figures 11-13 for illustration purposes.

[0105] In a first vertical position (see FIG. 11 ), the wheels 22 of the actuator portion 12 are in initial contact with the cover interaction plate 8. In this embodiment, the cover interaction plate 8 features a wheel contact section 30 to provide a smooth initial contact with the wheels 22. The wheel contact section 30 is angled in an upward direction away from the centerline of the storage column. The cover interaction plate 8 has edges 13 for corresponding hooks 11.

[0106] After initial contact, the cover 7 is lowered further into the storage column 105 (see FIG. 12) and the actuator portion 12 is deflected inwardly about the inner periphery of the storage column 105. Concurrent with the movement of the actuator portion 12, the hook 11 is caused to move outwardly from the first position to a second position. In the second position, a portion of the hook 11 extends above the edge 13 beyond the inner periphery of the storage column.

[0107] Finally, the cover is lowered until the hooks 11 come into contact with the corresponding edges 13 (see FIG. 13) and the cover is suspended at a predetermined level within the storage column 105 .

[0108] In addition to the cover interaction plate 8, the exemplary embodiment features two barrier plates 27 arranged on either side of the inner periphery of the storage column 105. The barrier plate 27 and the cover interaction plate 8 feature ribs 28 extending from the inner periphery of the storage column 105 towards the adjacent storage column 105. When multiple adjacent storage columns 105 are fitted with the cover 7, the ribs 28 close the vertical space between the storage columns and prevent the free passage of, for example, cold air to the upper level of the framework structure 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the barrier plate 27 and the cover interaction plate 8 are arranged in the storage column via through holes 31, 32 on the joint bracket 18. However, in other embodiments, the barrier plate 27 and the cover interaction plate 8 can advantageously be connected directly to the column profile, for example by bolts.

[0109] As mentioned above, the cover 7 may also be positioned at the upper level of the framework structure 100 (see Figures 14-18 for illustration of the cooperative movement between the cover 7 and the cover interaction plate 8). In an exemplary embodiment, the cover interaction plate 8 does not feature an edge through which the cover 7 is held in place. Instead, the hooks 11 of the cover 7 may interact with the edges 14 of the horizontal profile 17. The profile 17 is positioned below the rail 111, a portion of the rail grid 108 being positioned at the upper level of the framework structure 100. During the initial introduction of the cover 7 into the storage column 105, the wheels 22 of the actuator part 12 may come into contact with the rail 111 (see Figures 14 and 15), so that the hooks 11 are moved outwardly beyond the inner circumference of the storage column 105 to the second position. However, when passing the rail 111 during further descent of the cover 7, the hooks 11 must be in the first position to avoid getting stuck on the top of the rail 111. Thus, the hook 11 and the actuator part 12 are positioned at a sufficient distance from each other to ensure that the actuator part 12 is below the rail 111 and the profile 17 before the hook 11 is lowered to the upper level of the rail 111 (see FIG. 16). The required distance between the hook 11 and the actuator part 12 may depend on the height of the rail 111 and the profile 17. When the hook 11 is lowered below the upper level of the rail 111, the wheels 22 may come into contact with the cover interaction plate 8 and the hook 11 is moved to a second position, holding the cover 7 in place via the edge 14 (see, for example, FIGS. 17 and 18).

[0110] Although the storage system of the present invention is described in detail by reference to a cooled storage system, the present invention is equally advantageous in any application where a controlled atmosphere is desired. Such applications may involve, for example, filling the storage system with inert gas in case of fire, introducing air with increased CO2 content and / or specific moisture content and controlling temperature when the storage system is used for plant cultivation (i.e. vertical farming). In a further application of the present invention, the cover may be used to build a path at the upper level of the framework structure, so that an operator may be allowed to walk on the top of the storage column. A method of building a path for which the cover of the present invention is suitable is disclosed in WO2019 / 081092A1.

Claims

1. A storage system (1) comprising a framework structure (100) characterized by a plurality of storage columns (105) for storing storage containers (106) stacked on top of each other in a vertical stack (107), at least one of the storage columns comprising: a pair of cover interaction elements (8), each of said cover interaction elements (8) being disposed on either side of an inner circumference of said storage column (105); Cover (7) and Equipped with The cover (7) is a horizontal cover plate (9) having a periphery that can be received within the inner periphery of the storage column (105); at least two cover retention assemblies (10) arranged on either side of the cover plate (9), each of the cover retention assemblies (10) comprising a stop (11) and an actuator portion (12) and connected to the cover plate (9), such that during descent of the cover (7) relative to the storage column (105), the stop (11) is caused to move in an outward direction over the inner periphery of the storage column (105) from a first position to a second position, the stop (11) being arranged to retain the cover (7) at a predetermined level by interaction with ledges (13, 14) at the inner periphery of the storage column (105) when in the second position; A storage system (1).

2. 2. The storage system of claim 1, wherein each of the cover interaction elements (8) is a panel and / or each of the cover interaction elements (8) comprises a guide surface (29) for interaction with at least one of the actuator portions (12) of the cover holding assembly (10).

3. The storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the ledges (13, 14) at the inner periphery of the storage column (105) are arranged on the cover interaction element (8) or on a horizontal profile (17) arranged at the upper end of the storage column (105).

4. 4. The storage system according to claim 1, wherein the stop (11) and the actuator part (12) are arranged at opposite ends of a lever (16), the lever being pivotally connected to the cover plate (9) by a pivot connection (19) arranged between the stop and the actuator part.

5. The storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cover (7) comprises support legs (15) arranged at both ends of the cover plate (9).

6. 6. The storage system of claim 5, wherein the cover retaining assembly (10) is pivotally connected to the support legs (15).

7. The storage system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator portion (12) is characterized by a slidable or rotatable element for interaction with a surface of the cover interaction element (8).

8. A storage system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stop (11) is characterized by a downwardly facing surface for interaction with the ledge (13, 14).

9. 9. The storage system according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the framework structure (100) comprises vertical column profiles (102) defining the plurality of storage columns (105), each of the column profiles comprising a lower profile section (102a) and an upper profile section (102b) made of an aluminum alloy, the lower profile section and the upper profile section being interconnected and separated by joint brackets (18) made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the aluminum alloy, the material being preferably a suitable polymer material.

10. A storage system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the storage columns are provided with a cover (7).

11. 11. A storage system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least a section of adjacent storage columns, each storage column within said section featuring a cover, said section of storage columns being isolated from the surroundings of the storage system by vertical wall panels (20).

12. A storage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the stop comprises part of a hook (11).

13. A cover as described in any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the stop portion is biased toward a first position within the periphery of the cover plate.

14. A cover for a storage system comprising a framework structure (100) characterized by a plurality of storage columns (105) for storing storage containers (106) stacked on top of each other in a vertical stack (107), said cover comprising: A cover plate (9); a cover retention assembly (10) disposed on each of the two opposite sides of the cover plate (9); Equipped with Each of the cover retention assemblies (10) comprises a stop portion (11) and an actuator portion (12) and is connected to the cover plate such that the stop portion (11) is moved beyond the periphery of the cover plate (9) when the actuator portion is deflected inwardly toward the side of the cover plate opposite the side on which the actuator portion is located.

15. A cover as described in claim 14, wherein the stop portion is biased toward a first position within the periphery of the cover plate.

16. A cover as described in any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the stop portion (11) and the actuator portion (12) are arranged at both ends of a lever (16), and the lever is rotatably connected to the cover plate (9) by a pivot connection portion (19) arranged between the stop portion and the actuator portion.

17. A cover as described in any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the cover (7) has support legs (15) arranged at both ends of the cover plate (9).

18. A cover as described in claim 17, wherein the cover retention assembly (10) is pivotally connected to the support leg (15).

19. A cover as described in any of claims 13 to 18, wherein the actuator portion (12) is characterized by a slidable or rotatable element for interaction with a surface of the cover interaction element (8).

20. A cover as described in any of claims 13 to 19, wherein the stop portion (11) is characterized by a downwardly facing surface for interaction with a ledge (13, 14).

21. A cover as described in any of claims 13 to 20, wherein the stop portion comprises a portion of a hook (11).

22. A method for placing a cover (7) within a storage column (105) of a storage system comprising a framework structure (100) characterized by a plurality of storage columns (105) for storing storage containers (106) stacked on top of each other in a vertical stack (107), the method comprising: Lowering the cover (7) into the storage column; moving the stop (11) to a second position by interaction of the actuator portion (12) with a corresponding cover interaction element (8); holding the cover (7) at a predetermined level relative to the storage column (105) by interaction of the stop (11) with ledges (13, 14) on the inner circumference of the storage column (105); A method comprising:

23. A method for placing a cover (7) inside a column (105), said column comprising: a pair of cover interacting elements (8) each disposed on an opposite side of the column, the two cover interacting elements (8) being disposed on either side of an inner circumference of the column (105); The cover (7) and Equipped with The cover (7) is a horizontal cover plate (9) having a periphery that can be received within the inner periphery of said column (105); At least two cover retention assemblies (10) arranged on either side of the cover plate (9), each of the cover retention assemblies (10) including a stop portion (11) and an actuator portion (12) and connected to the cover plate (9); Equipped with The method comprises: lowering the cover into the column; deflecting the actuator portion (12) inwardly of the inner periphery of the storage column by interaction with a corresponding cover interaction element (8), thereby moving the stop portion (11) horizontally outwardly beyond the inner periphery of the storage column (105); retaining the cover at a desired level within the column by causing the stops (11) to interact with ledges (13, 14) located on the inner periphery of the column; A method comprising:

24. The method described in claim 23, wherein the column is a storage column (105) of a storage system described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

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