Method for providing operator access to target storage location within automated storage and retrieval system and associated system

Abstract

To provide an operator access to a target storage location within a preferable automatic storage and retrieval system and an associated system.SOLUTION: An automatic storage / retrieval system that is a rail system for guiding multiple container handling vehicles comprises a first set of parallel rails extending in a first direction (X) within a horizontal plane (P), and a second set of parallel rails extending in a second direction (Y) perpendicular to the first direction (X) within the horizontal plane (P), where the first and second sets of rails form a grid pattern comprising multiple adjacent grid cells within the horizontal plane (P), and each grid cell comprises a pair of neighboring rails from the first set of rails and a pair of neighboring rails from the second set of rails. The automatic storage / retrieval system further comprises a storage volume beneath the rail system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7C

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Figures 1A and 1C disclose a typical prior art automated storage and retrieval system 1 with a framework structure 100. Figures 1B and 1D disclose prior art container handling vehicles 200, 300, respectively, operating on the system 1 disclosed in Figures 1A and 1C.

[0002] The skeleton structure 100 comprises a number of upright members 102 and, optionally, a number of horizontal members 103 that support the upright members 102. The members 102, 103 may typically be made of metal, for example extruded aluminum profiles.

[0003] The skeletal structure 100 defines a storage grid 104 comprising storage columns 105 arranged in rows, in which the storage columns 105 of storage containers 106, also known as bins, are stacked on top of each other to form stacks 107.

[0004] Each storage container 106 will typically hold multiple product items (not shown), and the product items within a storage container 106 may be the same or may be different product types depending on the application.

[0005] The storage grid 104 prevents horizontal movement of the storage containers 106 within the stack 107 and guides vertical movement of the storage containers 106, but typically does not otherwise support the storage containers 106 when stacked.

[0006] The automated storage and retrieval system 1 comprises a rail system 108 arranged in a grid pattern across the top of the storage grid 104, on which a number of container handling vehicles 200, 300 (as illustrated in Figures 1B and 1D) are operated to raise and lower storage containers 106 from and into storage columns 105, and also to transport storage containers 106 above the storage columns 105. The horizontal extent of one of the grid cells 122 of the grid pattern is marked by a bold line in Figures 1A and 1C.

[0007] Each grid cell 122 has a width that is typically in the interval of 30-150 cm, and a length that is typically in the interval of 50-200 cm. Each grid opening 115 has a width and length that is typically 2-10 cm less than the width and length of a grid cell 122, respectively, due to the horizontal extent of the rails 110, 111.

[0008] The rail system 108 comprises a first set of parallel rails 110 arranged to guide movement of the container handling vehicles 200, 300 in a first direction X across the top of the frame structure 100, and a second set of parallel rails 111 arranged perpendicular to the first set of rails 110 for guiding movement of the container handling vehicles 200, 300 in a second direction Y that is perpendicular to the first direction X. The rail system 108 thus defines a grid column along which the container handling vehicles 200, 300 may move laterally above the storage columns 105, i.e. in a plane that is parallel to the horizontal XY plane.

[0009] Each prior art container handling vehicle 200, 300 comprises a vehicle body and a wheel arrangement 201, 301 of eight wheels, with a first set of four wheels enabling lateral movement of the container handling vehicle 200, 300 in an X direction and a second set of the remaining four wheels enabling lateral movement in a Y direction. One or both sets of wheels in the wheel arrangement can be raised and lowered so that the first set of wheels and / or the second set of wheels can be engaged with the respective set of rails 110, 111 at any one time.

[0010] Each prior art container handling vehicle 200, 300 also comprises a lifting device (not shown) 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 therein. The lifting device comprises one or more gripping / engagement devices (not shown) adapted to engage the storage containers 106 and which can be lowered from the vehicle 200, 300 such that the position of the gripping / engagement devices relative to the vehicle 200, 300 can be adjusted in a third direction Z orthogonal to the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0011] As is conventional, for purposes of this application, Z=1 identifies the top layer of the storage grid 104, 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, etc. In the exemplary prior art storage grid 104 disclosed in Figures 1A and 1C, Z=8 identifies the bottommost layer of the storage grid 104. As a result, using, by way of example, the Cartesian coordinate system X, Y, Z shown in Figures 1A and 1D, the storage container identified as 106' in Figure 1A may be said to occupy grid location or cell X=10, Y=2, Z=3. The container handling vehicle 101 may be said to travel in layer Z=0, and each grid column may be identified by its X and Y coordinates.

[0012] Each container handling vehicle 200 includes a storage compartment or space (not shown) for receiving and housing the storage containers 106 as they are transported across the rail system 108. The storage space may include a container receiving space centrally located within the vehicle body, for example, as described in WO 2014 / 090684 A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0013] Alternatively, the container handling vehicle 300 may have a cantilever construction as described in NO317366, the contents of which are also incorporated herein by reference.

[0014] The container handling vehicle 200 may have a footprint, i.e., an extent in the X and Y directions, that is generally equal to the lateral extent of the grid cell 122, i.e., the extent in the X and Y directions of the grid cell 122, as described, for example, in WO2015 / 193278A1 (Patent Document 1), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. As used herein, the term "lateral" may mean "horizontal."

[0015] Alternatively, the container handling vehicle 200 may have a footprint that is greater than the lateral extent (lateral area defined by) of the grid column, as disclosed, for example, in WO2014 / 090684A1 (Patent Document 2).

[0016] The rail system 108 may be a single rail (also referred to as single track) system, as shown in Figure 2A. Alternatively, the rail system 108 may be a dual rail (also referred to as dual track) system, as shown in Figure 2B, thus allowing a container handling vehicle 200 having a footprint generally corresponding to a lateral area defined by a grid column 112 to travel along a row of grid columns even if another container handling vehicle 200 is positioned above a grid column adjacent to that row. Both single and dual rail systems, or a combination comprising a single rail arrangement and a dual rail arrangement in the single rail system 108, form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane P comprising a plurality of rectangular and uniform grid locations or grid cells 122, each grid cell 122 comprising a grid opening 115 bounded by a pair of rails 110a, 110b of the first rail 110 and a pair of rails 111a, 111b of the second set of rails 111. In Figure 2B, grid cells 122 are indicated by dashed boxes. For example, a section of a rail-based system made of aluminum is a rail with a pair of tracks on the upper surface of which the vehicle wheels run on. However, the sections can be separate rails, each with its own track.

[0017] As a result, rails 110a and 110b form a pair of rails that define parallel rows of grid cells extending in the X direction, and rails 111a and 111b form a pair of rails that define parallel rows of grid cells extending in the Y direction. Similarly, on delivery rail system 50, rails 51a and 51b form a pair of rails that define parallel rows of grid cells extending in the X direction, and rails 52a and 52b form a pair of rails that define parallel rows of grid cells extending in the Y direction.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2C, each grid cell 122 has a width W that is typically in the range of 30-150 cm. c and typically within an interval of 50-200 cm.c Each grid opening 115 typically has a width W of a grid cell 122. c and length L c Width W 2~10cm below o and length L o and

[0019] In the X and Y directions, neighboring grid cells are placed in contact with each other such that there is no space between them.

[0020] In the storage grid 104, the majority of the grid columns are storage columns 105, i.e., grid columns 105 in which storage containers 106 are stored in stacks 107. However, the storage grid 104 has at least one grid column that is not normally used to store storage containers 106, but includes a location where the container handling vehicles 200, 300 may unload and / or load the storage containers 106, so that the storage containers 106 may be accessed from outside the storage grid 104 or transported to a second location (not shown) where the storage grid 104 may also be transported in and out. In the art, such locations are typically referred to as "ports" and the grid columns in which the ports are located may be referred to as "port columns" or "delivery columns" 119, 120. The unloading and loading ports of the rail system 108 in which the container handling vehicles 200, 300 operate are referred to as the "upper ports of the delivery columns (119, 120)". Meanwhile, the opposite end of the delivery column is referred to as the "lower port of the delivery column."

[0021] 1A and 1C includes two delivery columns 119 and 120. The first delivery column 119 may include a dedicated unloading port at which, for example, a container handling vehicle 200, 300 may unload a storage container 106 to be further transported through the delivery column 119 to an access or transfer station, and the second delivery column 120 may include a dedicated loading port at which a container handling vehicle 200, 300 may load a storage container 106 being transported from an access or transfer station through the delivery column 120. Each of the ports of the first and second delivery columns may include a port suitable for both loading and unloading storage containers.

[0022] The second location may typically be a picking or stockpiling station where product items are removed from or placed in the storage containers 106. At the picking or stockpiling station, the storage containers 106 are typically never removed from the automated storage and retrieval system 1, but are accessed and placed back into the storage grid 104. Lower ports are also provided in the delivery column for the transfer of storage containers into and out of the storage grid 104, such lower ports being, for example, for transferring the storage containers 106 to another storage facility (e.g., to another storage grid), directly to a transport vehicle (e.g., a train or large truck), or to a production facility.

[0023] 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 storage grid 104, the contents of each storage container 106, and the movements of the container handling vehicles 200, 300 so that the desired storage containers 106 may be delivered to the desired locations at the desired times without the container handling vehicles 200, 300 colliding with each other), the automated storage and retrieval system 1 includes a control system (not shown), which is typically computerized and typically includes a database, for tracking the storage containers 106.

[0024] A conveyor system comprising a conveyor may be employed to transport the storage containers between the lower port of the delivery column and the access station.

[0025] If the lower port of the delivery column and the access station are located at different levels, the conveyor system may include a lifting device for transporting the storage containers vertically between the port and the access station.

[0026] The conveyor system may be arranged to transport storage containers between different grids, for example as described in WO2014 / 075937A1 (Patent Document 3), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0027] Furthermore, WO2016 / 198467A1 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference) discloses an example of a prior art access system having a delivery column, a conveyor belt for transporting storage containers between a work station where an operator can access the storage containers (Figures 5a and 5b of WO2016 / 198467A1), and frame-mounted rails (Figures 6a and 6b of WO2016 / 198467A1).

[0028] When a storage container 106 stored within the storage grid 104 disclosed in FIG. 1A is to be accessed, one of the container handling vehicles 200, 300 is commanded to retrieve the target storage container 106 from its position within the storage grid 104 and transport it to or through the delivery column 119. This action involves moving the container handling vehicle 200, 300 to a grid location above the storage column 105 where the target storage container 106 is located, using the lifting device 16 of the container handling vehicle to retrieve the storage container 106 from the storage column 105, and transporting the storage container 106 to the delivery column 119. When the target storage container 106 is located deep within the stack 107, i.e., when one or more other storage containers are located above the target storage container 106, this action also involves temporarily moving the storage container located above prior to lifting the target storage container 106 out of the storage column 105. This step, sometimes referred to in the art as "digging," may be performed using the same container handling vehicle 200, 300 that is subsequently used to transport the target storage container 106 to the delivery column, or using one or more other cooperating container handling vehicles 200, 300. Alternatively, or in addition, the automated storage and retrieval system 1 may have a container handling vehicle 200, 300 that is specifically dedicated to the task of temporarily removing a storage container 106 from a storage column 105. Once the target storage container 106 is 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 105.

[0029] When a storage container 106 is to be stored in the storage grid 104, one of the container handling vehicles 200, 300 is commanded to load the storage container 106 from the delivery column 120 and transport it to the grid 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 200, 300 position the storage container 106 in the desired location. The removed storage container can then be lowered back into the storage column 105 or relocated to another storage column.

[0030] A problem with prior art systems is that after the sprinkler system has apparently extinguished a fire in the grid, fire crews do not have sufficient access to the grid to verify that the fire has actually been extinguished.

[0031] One object of the present invention is therefore to provide firefighters with a solution that provides the possibility of visual inspection of target storage locations within an automated storage and retrieval system.

[0032] Broadly speaking, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for providing manual (ie, operator) access to locations within a grid. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0033] [Patent Document 1] International Application No. 2015 / 193278 [Patent Document 2] International Application No. 2014 / 090684 [Patent Document 3] International Application No. 2014 / 075937 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0034] The invention is set forth in the independent claims, while the dependent claims describe alternatives of the invention.

[0035] A method of providing operator access to a target storage location within an automated storage and retrieval system is described, the automated storage and retrieval system comprising a rail system for guiding a plurality of container handling vehicles, the rail system comprising a first set of parallel rails disposed in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction and a second set of parallel rails disposed in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the first and second sets of rails forming a grid pattern in the horizontal plane comprising a plurality of adjacent grid cells, each grid cell comprising a grid opening defined by a pair of adjacent rails of the first set of rails and a pair of adjacent rails of the second set of rails; The automated storage and retrieval system further comprises a storage volume below the rail system, the storage volume comprising storage columns for storing the storage containers, and the container handling vehicles operable to retrieve the storage containers from a stack of storage containers in the storage volume, and the method includes the step of operating the master control system to allocate the at least one container handling vehicle such that when the at least one container handling vehicle removes the storage container along the first path, an operator can access a target storage location through the first path and instruct it to remove the storage container along the first path between a position at a side edge or top surface of the storage volume and the target storage location.

[0036] The method therefore includes the step of the container handling vehicle following instructions from the master control system to remove the storage container and create a first route.

[0037] A first path is created when all of the storage containers in all of the storage columns between a location at a side edge or top surface of the storage volume and the target storage location have been removed by the container handling vehicle.

[0038] The master control system tracks any remotely operated vehicles operating on the rail system.

[0039] Access to a specific target storage location may be desirable to provide visual inspection after a fire has occurred, to repair the grid, to loosen or release non-liftable storage containers within the grid, etc. Access can be from above the rail system (i.e., from the top surface of the storage volume) down into the storage column in which the target storage location resides or from a neighboring storage column to the storage column in which the target storage location resides.

[0040] The storage containers may be removed or removed by the container handling vehicles and moved to any available location in the automated storage and retrieval system or to a location outside the automated storage and retrieval system to provide at least a first path. The available locations may be empty storage locations in the storage volume or locations at the port. In the first case, the removed storage containers may be spread to unused storage locations in the storage columns anywhere in the grid. An area may be set aside to receive such removed storage containers, which may be surrounded in a fire barrier. The advantage of moving the storage containers to the port is that a visual inspection of the storage containers may be performed and any damage or smoke damage to items stored in the storage containers may be identified. Alternatively, a dedicated area of ​​the storage system may have free capacity to receive a large volume of removed storage containers.

[0041] The method may further include the step of the master control system determining a target storage location prior to allocating and commanding at least one container handling vehicle to remove the storage container along the first path. The target storage location may be a storage column, a set of storage columns, or one or more particular levels within a storage column or set of storage columns.

[0042] The first path may be a loop path surrounding the target storage location, and the master control system may command at least one container handling vehicle to remove the storage container along the loop path (preferably multiple container handling vehicles to reduce the time to do so). In case of a fire outbreak, it is necessary to be able to obtain a 360 degree inspection of the fire scene, and therefore the loop path preferably extends 360 degrees around the fire scene. However, if a visual inspection can be obtained from outside the storage volume, it may be sufficient to remove the storage container from the path within the storage volume as long as a 360 degree inspection is obtained.

[0043] Alternatively, in some situations, it may not be necessary to remove all of the storage containers so that a 360 degree inspection is accomplished. In these situations, a path may be created that extends substantially around the target location, but has segments where storage containers are not removed or only partially removed from a given stack (e.g., allowing an observer to peer around but not allowing the person to easily walk around without climbing over the remaining storage containers).

[0044] The method may include collecting and evaluating information regarding a location of a fire, plume, heat, or smoke scene within the automated storage and retrieval system, where collecting the information includes operating a plurality of remotely operated vehicles on a rail system, each of the remotely operated vehicles comprising a detection device for detecting fire, heat, plume, or smoke, the detection device being configured to transmit data from the detection device to a master control system via a communication means within the container handling vehicle carrying the detection device that collected the information; utilizing the master control system to process any data from any of the detection devices and provide information of the location of the fire, plume, heat, or smoke scene using the master control system; and utilizing the master control system to determine where to remove the storage container and generate a first route.

[0045] If any of the remotely operated vehicles indicates the presence of fire, heat, smoke emission, or plume emission, the method may further include allocating another remotely operated vehicle with a detection device for detecting fire, heat, smoke, or smoke and traveling to a cell proximate the location of the remotely operated vehicle indicating the presence of fire, heat, smoke emission, or plume emission, and utilizing a master control system to process data from the detection device from the remotely operated vehicles, wherein the master control system determines whether a reasonable inference can be given regarding the location of the source of the fire, plume, smoke emission, or heat emission based on the processing of information from the detection device.

[0046] If the master control system determines that a reasonable guess can be given as to the location of the fire, plume, smoke emission, or heat emission source, the method may further include utilizing the master control system to determine the location of the fire, plume, smoke, or heat emission source in a triangular arrangement by comparing information from the at least three detection devices.

[0047] If the master control system determines that a reasonable guess can be given as to the location of the fire, plume, smoke emission, or heat emission source, the method may further include utilizing the master control system to determine the location of the fire, plume, smoke, or heat emission source in the form of a rectangular polygonal arrangement by comparing information from the at least four detection devices.

[0048] When involved in fire prevention operations, the decision as to where to remove storage containers is a trade-off between removing containers close enough to get a good visual indication of any remaining smoke or heat emissions proximate to the target storage location, and removing containers at a sufficient distance that it is possible to actually remove the storage containers. In order to be able to remove or remove storage containers, they need to be substantially intact, at least at the gripper connection points. If these points are damaged in any way, e.g. melted or misaligned due to stability issues within the underlying storage containers of the grid or its skeleton, the grippers on the lift frame of the container handling vehicle will suffer problems when gripping the storage container and then lifting and moving it. Thus, damaged containers, such as those located proximate to the location of a fire, cannot be easily removed from the storage grid by the container handling vehicle.

[0049] The container handling vehicles may be equipped with multiple detection devices for detecting fire, plume, smoke, or heat. All of the container handling vehicles operate on a rail system and may be equipped with one or more detection devices. The fire, plume, smoke, or heat detection devices are configured to transmit data from the detection device to a master control system directly or alternatively via a communication means present in the container handling vehicle carrying the specific detection device.

[0050] The master control system may include a processing device for processing data from the detection devices to generate heat maps, etc., of the automated storage and retrieval system. The master control system is configured to track any remotely operated vehicles operating on the rail system and receive data from any of the detection devices. This may provide valuable input in helping to determine where to create paths with respect to the location and extent of the estimated scene of fire, plume, heat, or smoke, especially as the size of the automated storage and retrieval system increases (sizes up to 110 x 150 meters or more with 500,000 or more bins). For example, the master control system may be configured to generate temperature maps, i.e., heat maps, based on the data. Since the warehouse in which the automated storage and retrieval system is located is often dark during normal operation due to the limited requirement of light sources within the warehouse, and since any external power source using electric power to provide light may be cut off in case of a fire outbreak, such a temperature map, i.e., "heat map", can give valuable information at least in the X and Y directions (in the horizontal plane) regarding where the fire, plume, heat or smoke scene is most likely to be located, and also information regarding the extent of the fire, plume, heat or smoke scene in the X and Y directions.

[0051] The method may further include operating the master control system to allocate at least one container handling vehicle and command it to remove the storage container along a second path and / or the first path between a location at the edge of the storage volume and the target storage location. The first path loop may be a distance of one or two storage containers away from the source of the fire, plume, heat, or smoke and the target storage location. Alternatively or additionally, the first path loop may be in close proximity to the target storage location such that an operator can access the target storage location via either the first and / or second paths.

[0052] The method therefore includes the step of the container handling vehicle following instructions from the master control system to remove the storage container and create a second route.

[0053] The method may further include a step of updating the target storage location to include one or more additional columns. For example, if a storage container outside of the initial target storage location becomes damaged, it is likely that the fire has reached further than originally thought. The second path may be generated from a different edge of the storage volume than the first path, or the second path is generated from the same edge of the storage volume as the first path.

[0054] The method may further include: utilizing the master control system to determine where to move the storage container from the route, and based on where the available locations are located, commanding a container handling vehicle to move the storage container to one of the available locations. The method may thus include moving the storage container that is determined to be within the first and / or second route.

[0055] The available location may be an empty storage location or a location at a port.

[0056] The method may provide access to non-liftable storage containers in a storage column, and the step of determining a target storage location may include receiving information from a container handling vehicle indicating that a storage container at the target storage location is non-liftable, and utilizing the master control system to remove the storage container along a first path between a location at the edge of the storage volume and the target storage location where the non-liftable storage container is located, such that the operator can access the non-liftable storage container. If the storage container is found to be non-liftable, it will be at the top of the stack at that point since it is the one that the lift frame of the container handling vehicle is attempting to engage. In such a situation, the container handling vehicle will be able to provide such information since the location of the non-liftable storage container will be known as the master control system knows the locations of all storage containers. In this embodiment, the operator may manually remove or loosen the non-liftable storage container after generating a walking path to the target storage location where the container is located.

[0057] An automated storage and retrieval system is further described, the automated storage and retrieval system comprising: a rail system for guiding a plurality of container handling vehicles, the rail system comprising a first set of parallel rails disposed in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction and a second set of parallel rails disposed in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the first and second sets of rails forming a grid pattern in the horizontal plane comprising a plurality of adjacent grid cells, each grid cell comprising a grid opening defined by a pair of adjacent rails of the first set of rails and a pair of adjacent rails of the second set of rails; and a storage volume below the rail system, the storage volume comprising storage columns for storing storage containers, the container handling vehicles being operable to retrieve storage containers from a stack of storage containers in the storage volume. at least one container handling vehicle operable on the rail system, the container handling vehicle comprising a lift assembly for loading a storage container from a storage column to a position above a lowest level of the transport mechanism, the lift assembly comprising a lift frame connectable to the storage container and configured to lift and then lower the storage container from a position within the storage column to a position above the rail system; and a master control system configured to allocate at least one of the container handling vehicles and command it to remove a storage container along the first path between a position at a side edge or top surface of the storage volume and the target storage location within the storage volume such that an operator can access a target storage location through the first path when the at least one container handling vehicle removes the storage container along the first path.

[0058] The target storage location may be determined based on a required access to the target storage location requiring inspection, maintenance, or repair.

[0059] The remotely operated vehicle may be a container handling vehicle having a lift assembly for loading the storage container from the storage column to a position above a lowest level of the transport mechanism, and the lift assembly may comprise a lift frame connectable to the storage container and configured to lift and lower the storage container from a position within the storage column to a position above the rail system. The present specification also provides, for example, the following: (Item 1) A method for providing operator access to a target storage location (400, 401) in an automated storage and retrieval system (1), comprising: The automated storage and retrieval system (1) comprises a rail system (108) for guiding a plurality of container handling vehicles (200, 300), the rail system (108) comprising a first set (110) of parallel rails extending in a first direction (X) disposed in a horizontal plane (P) and a second set (111) of parallel rails extending in a second direction (Y) disposed in the horizontal plane (P) perpendicular to the first direction (X), the first and second sets (110, 111) of rails forming a grid pattern in the horizontal plane (P) comprising a plurality of adjacent grid cells (122), each grid cell (122) comprising a grid opening (115) defined by a pair of neighboring rails (110a, 110b) of the first set (110) of rails and a pair of neighboring rails (111a, 111b) of the second set (111) of rails; the automated storage and retrieval system (1) further comprises a storage volume (500) below the rail system (108), the storage volume (500) comprising storage columns for storing storage containers (106), the container handling vehicles (200, 300) operable to retrieve storage containers (106) from a stack (107) of storage containers within the storage volume (500); The method comprises: operating a master control system (800) to allocate at least one container handling vehicle (200, 300) and command the at least one container handling vehicle (200, 300) to remove a storage container along a first path (900) between a position at a side edge or top surface of the storage volume (500) and the target storage location (400, 401); An operator can access the target storage location through the first path (900) when the at least one container handling vehicle (200, 300) removes the storage container (106) along the first path. (Item 2) 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method includes determining a target storage location. (Item 3) 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first path is a loop path (901) that encircles the target storage location, and the master control system (800) commands the at least one container handling vehicle to remove a storage container along the loop path (901). (Item 4) The method includes collecting and evaluating information regarding a location of a fire, plume, heat, or smoke scene within the automated storage and retrieval system (1), wherein collecting the information includes: operating a plurality of remotely operated vehicles (200, 300) on the rail system (108), each of the remotely operated vehicles (200, 300) comprising a detection device (150) for detecting fire, heat, plumes, or smoke, the detection devices (150) configured to transmit data from the detection devices to the master control system (800) via communication means within the container handling vehicle carrying the detection devices (150) that collected the information; utilizing said master control system to process any data from any of said detection devices (150) and provide location information of said fire, plume, heat or smoke scene using said master control system (800); utilizing said master control system to determine where to remove a storage container and generate said first route (900); The method according to any one of items 1 to 3, comprising: (Item 5) If any of the remotely operated vehicles (200') indicates the presence of fire, heat, smoke emission, or plume emission, the method includes: allocating another remotely operated vehicle (200'") for travel to a cell proximate a location of the remotely operated vehicle (200', 200") indicating the presence of fire, heat, smoke or plume emissions, the other remotely operated vehicle (200'") having a detection device (150) for detecting fire, heat, plume or smoke; processing said data from said detection devices from said remotely operated vehicles (200', 200'', 200''') using said master control system (800); Further comprising: 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the master control system (800) determines whether a reasonable inference can be given regarding the location of the fire, plume, smoke emission, or heat emission source (400) based on processing the information from the detection devices. (Item 6) 6. The method of claim 5, wherein if the master control system (800) determines that a reasonable guess can be given as to the location of the fire, plume, smoke emission, or heat emission source (400), the method includes utilizing the master control system (800) to determine the location of the fire, plume, smoke, or heat emission source (400) in a triangular array (TA) configuration by comparing information from at least three detection devices. (Item 7) 7. The method of claim 6, wherein if the master control system (800) determines that a reasonable guess can be given as to the location of the fire, plume, smoke emission, or heat emission source (400), the method includes utilizing the master control system (800) to determine the location of the fire, plume, smoke, or heat emission source (400) in the form of a quadrilateral polygon arrangement (PA) by comparing information from at least four detection devices. (Item 8) A method according to any of items 1-7, comprising operating a master control system (800) to allocate at least one container handling vehicle and command the at least one container handling vehicle to remove a storage container along a second path between a position at a side edge of the storage volume (500) and the target storage location, wherein an operator can access the target storage location via either the first and / or second paths. (Item 9) 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the second path is generated from a different side edge of the storage volume (500) than the first path, or the second path is generated from the same side edge of the storage volume (500) as the first path. (Item 10) utilizing said master control system (800) to determine a location along said route to which said storage container should be moved; instructing the container handling vehicle (200', 200'', 200'') to move the storage container to one of the available locations based on where the available locations are located; 10. The method of any of items 1-9, further comprising: (Item 11) 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the available location is an empty storage location or a location in a port. (Item 12) The method provides access to a non-liftable storage container (401) within a storage column, and the step of determining a target storage location comprises: receiving information from a container handling vehicle indicating that a storage container at the target storage location cannot be lifted; utilizing the master control system (800) to remove the non-liftable storage container (401) along the first path (900) between the location at the edge of the storage volume and the target storage location where the non-liftable storage container (401) is located, such that the non-liftable storage container (401) is accessible to an operator; 12. The method according to any one of items 1 to 11, comprising: (Item 13) 13. The method of any of items 1-12, wherein the target storage location is determined based on a requested access to a target storage location requiring inspection, maintenance, or repair. (Item 14) An automated storage and retrieval system (1), comprising: a rail system (108) for guiding a plurality of container handling vehicles (200, 300), the rail system (108) comprising a first set (110) of parallel rails extending in a first direction (X) disposed in a horizontal plane (P) and a second set (111) of parallel rails extending in a second direction (Y) disposed in the horizontal plane (P) perpendicular to the first direction (X), the first and second sets (110, 111) of rails forming a grid pattern in the horizontal plane (P) comprising a plurality of adjacent grid cells (122), each grid cell (122) comprising a grid opening (115) defined by a pair of neighboring rails (110a, 110b) of the first set (110) of rails and a pair of neighboring rails (111a, 111b) of the second set (111) of rails; a storage volume (500) beneath the rail system (108), the storage volume (500) comprising storage columns for storing storage containers (106), the container handling vehicles (200, 300) operable to retrieve storage containers (106) from a stack (107) of storage containers within the storage volume (500); at least one container handling vehicle (200, 300) operable on said rail system (108), said container handling vehicle (200, 300) comprising a lift assembly for loading a storage container from said storage column to a position above a lowest level of a transport mechanism, said lift assembly comprising a lift frame connectable to a storage container, said lift frame configured to lift and lower said storage container (106) from a position within said storage column to a position above said rail system (108); A master control system (800) and Equipped with the master control system (800) is configured to allocate at least one of the container handling vehicles (200, 300) and command the at least one of the container handling vehicles (200, 300) to remove a storage container along a first path (900) between a position at an edge or top surface of the storage volume (500) and a target storage location (400, 401) within the storage volume (500); An automated storage and retrieval system (1), wherein an operator can access the target storage location (400, 401) through the first path (900) when the at least one container handling vehicle removes the storage container along the first path (900). [Brief description of the drawings]

[0060] The following drawings depict exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are included to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, the features disclosed in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed in a limiting sense.

[0061] [Figure 1-1] 1A-D are perspective views of a prior art automated storage and retrieval system, with FIGS. 1A and 1C showing the complete system and FIGS. 1B and 1D showing an example of a system that can operate using a prior art container handling vehicle. [Figure 1-2]1A-D are perspective views of a prior art automated storage and retrieval system, with FIGS. 1A and 1C showing the complete system and FIGS. 1B and 1D showing an example of a system that can operate using a prior art container handling vehicle. [Diagram 2] 2A-C are top views of container handling vehicle rail systems, with FIG. 2A showing a single rail system, FIG. 2B showing a dual rail system, and FIG. 2C showing a dual rail system with the width and length of the container handling vehicle grid cell shown. [Figure 3-1] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a storage grid and delivery system including a delivery rail system and a delivery vehicle. [Figure 3-2] 3B and 3C show two examples where plumes, smoke, or heat emissions are occurring within an automated storage and retrieval system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows an example of a heat map generated by a master control system based on input from multiple fire detection devices located on a container handling vehicle. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a flow chart of a method by which an operator may be provided access to a target storage location within an automated storage and retrieval system. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a flow chart of one example of steps to be taken in the event a container handling vehicle detects plume, smoke, or heat. [Figure 6-1] 6A-6D are step-by-step diagrams of the flowchart of FIG. 5B in which each container handling vehicle with a fire detection device is instructed to drive to a grid cell proximate to the detected plume, smoke, or heat so that the master control system can process data from the fire detection device received from the container handling vehicle to infer the location of the source of the plume, smoke, or heat. [Figure 6-2]6A-6D are step-by-step diagrams of the flowchart of FIG. 5B in which each container handling vehicle with a fire detection device is instructed to drive to a grid cell proximate to the detected plume, smoke, or heat so that the master control system can process data from the fire detection device received from the container handling vehicle to infer the location of the source of the plume, smoke, or heat. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A, for example, shows a fire scene after it has been extinguished by water sprinklers. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B shows an example where a container handling vehicle has removed a storage container and created a loop route around the fire area. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C shows an example in which a container handling vehicle has removed a storage container to create a first path extending from a position at the side edge of the storage volume to a loop path around the fire scene of FIG. 7B. [Figure 7D] FIG. 7D shows an example in which a container handling vehicle has removed a storage container to create a second path extending from a position at the side edge of the storage volume to a loop path around the fire scene of FIGS. 7B and 7C. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates an example where the fire scene, i.e., the target storage location, is proximate to a corner of the storage volume and the container handling vehicle has created an L-shaped path within the storage volume, extending between a first side edge of the storage volume and a second side edge of the storage volume. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A shows a non-liftable storage container within the storage volume. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B illustrates an example in which a container handling vehicle has removed a storage container to create a first path extending from a location at the side edge of the storage volume to the non-liftable storage container of FIG. 9A. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A shows a non-liftable storage container within the storage volume in a different position than the non-liftable storage container of FIG. 9A. [Figure 10B]FIG. 10B illustrates an example in which a container handling vehicle has removed a storage container to create a first path extending from a location at the side edge of the storage volume to the non-liftable storage container of FIG. 10A. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an automated storage and retrieval system illustrating that the system may have side panels on its side edges that can be removed to provide access to the storage volume below the rail system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0062] In the following, the different alternatives will be discussed in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. It should be understood, however, that the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the subject matter depicted in the drawings. Moreover, even if some of the features are described only in relation to the system, it is clear that they are equally valid with respect to the related method and vice versa.

[0063] 1A-D, the storage grids 104 of each storage structure 1 form a skeleton 100 in a total of 143 grid columns 112 (referring to the top front corner grid columns 112, i.e., grid locations or cells with X=11, Y=1, Z=0), with the width and length of the skeleton corresponding to the width and length of 13 and 11 grid columns 112, respectively. The top layer of the skeleton 100 is a container handling vehicle rail system / rail system 108 upon which a plurality of container handling vehicles 200, 300 are operated.

[0064] The skeleton 100 of the storage system 1 is constructed by the above-mentioned prior art skeleton 100 described above, i.e., by a number of upright members 102 and a number of horizontal members 103 supported by the upright members 102, which further include a container handling vehicle rail system 108 of parallel rails 110, 111 in the X and Y directions arranged across the top of the storage column 105. The horizontal area of ​​a single grid opening 115, i.e., the area along the X and Y directions, can be defined by the distance between adjacent rails 110 and 111 (see also Figures 2A-2C). In Figures 1A and 1C, grid cells 122 are marked on the rail system 108 by bold lines. The area between adjacent rails is the grid opening 115, and the grid cells 122 are the area up to the outer edges of the opposing rails that extend along both sides of the grid opening. Alternatively, if these are defined in terms of dual track rails, the area is up to the midpoint or center of each adjacent rail.

[0065] The container handling vehicle rail system 108 allows the container handling vehicles 200 , 300 to move horizontally between different grid locations, with each grid location associated with a grid cell 122 .

[0066] In Figures 1A and 1C, the storage grid 104 is shown with a height of eight cells. However, it should be understood that the storage grid 104 can in principle be of any size. In particular, it should be understood that the storage grid 104 can be significantly wider and / or longer than that disclosed in Figures 1A and 1C. For example, the storage grid 104 can have a horizontal extent of more than 700 x 700 grid cells 122, or any size between these examples, e.g., 100 x 100 grid cells, 200 x 200 grid cells, 500 x 500 grid cells, etc. The grid 104 can also be significantly deeper than that disclosed in Figures 1A and 1C. For example, the storage grid 104 can be more than 12 grid cells deep.

[0067] The storage grid 104 is equal to or similar to the prior art storage grid 104 as described above, i.e., the storage grid 104 comprises a rail system 108, a plurality of stacks 107 of storage containers 106, a plurality of container handling vehicles 300 for lifting and moving the storage containers 106 stacked in the stacks 107, and delivery columns 119, 120 configured to receive the storage containers 106 from the container handling vehicles 200, 300.

[0068] The rail system 108 comprises a first set 110 of parallel rails extending in a first direction (X) disposed in a horizontal plane (P) and a second set 111 of parallel rails extending in a second direction (Y) disposed in the horizontal plane (P) that is orthogonal to the first direction (X). The first and second sets 110, 111 of rails form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane (P) comprising a plurality of adjacent grid cells 122. Each grid cell 122 represents a grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring rails of the first set 110 of rails and a pair of neighboring rails of the second set 111 of rails.

[0069] Multiple stacks 107 are arranged in storage columns 105 positioned beneath a rail system 108 , with each storage column 105 positioned vertically below a grid cell 122 .

[0070] Each container handling vehicle 200 , 300 is configured to travel on a rail system 108 above the storage columns 105 .

[0071] The storage container vehicles 200, 300 may be of any type known in the art, for example any one of the automated container handling vehicles disclosed in WO2014 / 090684 A1, NO317366, or WO2015 / 193278 A1.

[0072] The rail system 108 may be a single rail system such as that shown in Figure 2A. Alternatively, the rail system 108 may be a dual rail system such as that shown in Figure 2B. In a further alternative, the rail system 108 may be a combination of a single rail system and a dual rail system. Details of single and dual rail systems are disclosed in the Background section herein.

[0073] A perspective view of the automated storage and retrieval system is shown in Figure 3A. The automated storage and retrieval system comprises a storage grid 104 on which a plurality of container handling vehicles 200, 300 operate, and a delivery system 140 comprises a delivery rail system 50 on which a plurality of delivery vehicles 30 operate. The delivery vehicles 30 include a wheel arrangement 31 comprising first and second sets of wheels for driving the delivery vehicles in a first direction (X) and a second direction (Y). A master control system 800 tracks the container handling vehicles 200, 300 operating on the storage grid 104 and the delivery vehicles operating on the delivery rail system 30.

[0074] Additionally, the delivery system 140 comprises one or more of the delivery vehicles 30 as described above, i.e., the delivery vehicles 30 are configured to receive and support one or more storage containers 106 for transport between one or more delivery columns 119, 120 of the storage grid 104 and one or more predetermined locations outside the storage grid 104. The predetermined location may be, for example, a second location, a container access station, a conveyor line, another storage container, or a transport vehicle such as a truck.

[0075] The delivery system 140 may further include a delivery rail system 50 positioned below the delivery ports of the one or more delivery columns 119,120.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 3, the delivery rail system 50 may be constructed in the same or similar manner as the rail system 108 for the container handling vehicles 200, 300.

[0077] Thus, the delivery rail system 50 may comprise a first set of parallel rails 51 arranged in a horizontal plane (P1) and extending in a first direction (X), and a second set of parallel rails 52 arranged in the horizontal plane (P1) and extending in a second direction (Y) perpendicular to the first direction (P1).

[0078] 3B and 3C show two examples where plumes, smoke or heat emissions 400 are occurring on the storage grid 104 in the automated storage and retrieval system 1. A number of container handling vehicles 200, 200' operate on the rail system 108 of the storage grid 104 in the automated storage and retrieval system 1 and communicate with a master control system 800. Some of the container handling vehicles 200, 200' are equipped with fire detection devices 150. However, preferably, the majority of the container handling vehicles 200, 200', preferably more than 50%, are equipped with fire detection devices 150, possibly together with fixed fire detection devices 150 located on the storage grid 104.

[0079] FIG. 4 shows an example of a heat map generated by the master control system based on input from multiple fire detection devices 150 located on the container handling vehicles 200,300.

[0080] In the following, the container handling vehicles 200', 200 x An example for utilizing the above fire detection device 150 to generate a heat map 160 or the like will now be described in more detail. In order for the master control system 800 to provide the heat map 160, preferably the master control system 800 is provided with additional input regarding the plume or smoke concentration (or, in the case of heat detection, e.g., the density of the container handling vehicles 200', 200'). x Three or more fire detection devices 150, which may provide additional input from infrared cameras or temperature sensors on the rail system 108, are then utilized. xBased on the location of the smoke plume or smoke and the concentration of the smoke measured by the heat detection device 150, the master control system 800 can generate a heat map 160 showing the probable location of the source of the smoke plume, smoke, or heat emission (see FIGS. 3B and 3C). The disclosed heat map 160 includes an outer portion 161 indicated by coarse grain, a middle portion 162 indicated by stripes, and an inner portion 162 indicated by solid black. The heat map 160 can show that it is certain that the source of the smoke plume, smoke, or heat emission 400 is in the outer portion 161, it is almost certain that the source of the smoke plume, smoke, or heat emission 400 is in the stripes portion 161, and it is very likely that the source of the smoke plume, smoke, or heat emission 400 is in the inner portion 162. If the master control system 800 created such a heat map 160, any firefighters would be most likely to focus their initial firefighting efforts on the inner portion 162 on FIG. 4 (i.e., within cell locations B7-B10 and C7-C10).

[0081] 5A is a flow chart of a method by which an operator may be provided access to target storage locations 400, 401 within the automated storage and retrieval system 1. Such operation may include the following steps. Step 601: Identify a target storage location (400, 401) within a target storage volume (500). Step 602: The master control system 800 determines the location of the target storage location (400, 401). Step 603: Operate the master control system to allocate and command at least one container handling vehicle. Step 604: Under command from the master control system (800), utilize at least one container handling vehicle (200, 300) to remove the storage container. Step 605: Have all storage containers (106) in the storage column been removed such that a first pass from a location at the side edge or top surface of the storage volume (500) is made? If YES in step 605, proceed to step 606: End. The operator can access the target storage location 400, 401 via the first path 900. If no at step 605, proceed to step 607. Master control system 800 commands the container handling vehicles to remove the remaining storage containers to form a first path (900), and so on.

[0082] 5B is a flow chart of one example of steps to be taken in the event that a container handling vehicle detects plume, smoke, or heat. Such a process may include the following steps: Step 501: A vehicle detects smoke / heat. Step 502 : The first vehicle 200 ′ transmits data from the fire detection device to the master control system 800 . Step 503: The master control system 800 determines the position of the first vehicle 200'. Step 504: The master control system 800 processes the data from the fire detection device received from the first vehicle 200'. Step 505: The master control system 800 commands the second vehicle 200'' to drive to a cell adjacent to vehicle 200'. Step 506 : The second vehicle 200 ″ senses and transmits data from the fire detection device to the master control system 800 . Step 507: The master control system 800 processes data from the fire detection devices from the first and second vehicles 200', 200''. Step 508: The master control system 800 commands the third vehicle 200'' to drive to a cell adjacent to the first and second vehicles 200', 200''. Step 509: The master control system 800 commands the third vehicle 200'' to drive to a cell adjacent to the first and second vehicles 200', 200''. Step 510 : The third vehicle 200 ′″ senses and transmits data from the fire detection device to the master control system 800 . Step 511: The master control system 800 processes data from the fire detection devices from all the vehicles 200', 200'', 200''', . . . , 200x. Step 512: Based on the processing of step 511, does the master control system 800 have a reasonable guess as to the location of the plume / heat source? If "yes" at step 512, proceed to step 514: Allocate at least one container handling vehicle and command it to remove a storage container along a first path between a location at a side edge or top surface of the storage volume and the target storage location. If the answer is "no" at step 512, proceed to step 513. The master control system 800 commands the other vehicles 200"", ..., 200x to drive to cells adjacent to the first, second, and third vehicles 200', 200", 200'".

[0083] 6A-6D are step-by-step diagrams of the flow chart of FIG. 5B, each of which illustrates the process of installing a container handling vehicle 200' with a fire detection device. ···x However, the master control system 800 may use the container handling vehicle 200' to infer the location of the plume, smoke, or heat source 400. ···x 3. In order to process the data from the fire detection device received from the container handling vehicle 200 ′, the container handling vehicle 200 ′ may be instructed to drive to a grid cell adjacent to the container handling vehicle 200 ′ that detected the plume, smoke, or heat 400 .

[0084] In FIG. 6A, a first container handling vehicle 200' in cell H5, in which the first container handling vehicle 200' has a fire detection device (not shown in FIG. 6A), detects plume, smoke, or heat 400. The first container handling vehicle 200' transmits data from the fire detection device to a master control system 800. The master control system 800 notifies the container handling vehicle 200' ···x, continuously tracks all of the fire detection devices and therefore knows the location of the first container handling vehicle 201' that detected the plume, smoke or heat 400. The master control system 800 processes the data from the fire detection devices received from the first container handling vehicle 200'.

[0085] In FIG. 6B, the master control system 800, based on input from the first container handling vehicle 200', commands the second container handling vehicle 200'', initially located in cell E3, to move to cell G3 (as illustrated by arrow AR-1), which is closer to the first container handling vehicle 200' (and is expected to be closer to the source of plume, smoke, or heat emission 400). When and as the second container handling vehicle 200'' enters cell G3, the fire detection device of the second container handling vehicle 200'' transmits data from the fire detection device to the master control system 800. The master control system 800 processes the data from the fire detection devices from the first and second container handling vehicles 200', 200''.

[0086] In FIG. 6C, the master control system 800, based on input from the first and second container handling vehicles 200', 200'', commands the third container handling vehicle 200''', initially located in cell F8, to move to cell F6 (as illustrated by arrow AR-2), which is closer to the first and second container handling vehicles 200', 200'' (and is expected to be closer to the source of plume, smoke, or heat emission 400). When and as the third container handling vehicle 200''' enters cell F6, the fire detection device of the third container handling vehicle 200''' transmits data from the fire detection device to the master control system 800. The master control system 800 processes the data from the fire detection devices from the first, second, and third container handling vehicles 200', 200'', 200'''. If the master control system 800 has a reasonable guess as to the location of the source 400 of the plume, smoke, or heat based on its processing, additional container handling vehicles 200 are commanded to move closer to the expected source 400 of the plume, smoke, or heat emission. x Typically, the placement of three container handling vehicles 200', 200'', 200''' in a triangular arrangement TA surrounding the source of the plume, smoke or heat emission 400 will be sufficient to establish a reasonable inference as to the location of the source of the plume, smoke or heat emission 400. However, if a reasonable inference as to the location of the source of the plume, smoke or heat emission 400 cannot be established, the placement of additional container handling vehicles 200 x However, the situation is commanded to move to a cell closer to the expected source 400 of the plume, smoke, or heat emission shown in FIG. 6D.

[0087] In FIG. 6D , the master control system 800, based on input from the first, second, and third container handling vehicles 200', 200'', 200''', commands the fourth container handling vehicle 200'''', initially positioned in cell J1, to move to cell J3 (as illustrated by arrow AR-3), which is closer to the first, second, and / or third container handling vehicles 200', 200'', 200''' (and is expected to be closer to the source of the plume, smoke, or heat emission 400). As the fourth container handling vehicle 200'''' enters and is entering cell J3, the fire detection device of the fourth container handling vehicle 200'''' transmits data from the fire detection device to the master control system 800. The master control system 800 processes data from the fire detection devices from the first, second and third container handling vehicles 200', 200'', 200''', 200''''. A total of four container handling vehicles 200', 200'', 200''', 200'''' are arranged as a rectangular polygon PA surrounding the source of the plume, smoke or heat emission 400. This arrangement will almost certainly be sufficient to establish a reasonable location for the source of the plume, smoke or heat emission 400. However, in the unlikely event that four container handling vehicles 200', 200'', 200''', 200'''' are not sufficient, the master control system 800 may select additional container handling vehicles 200 with fire detection devices. x to move closer to the expected location of the source 400 of the plume, smoke, or heat emission.

[0088] Figure 7A shows a fire scene 400 after it has been extinguished by, for example, a water sprinkler. The expected fire scene 400 is in the storage column represented by cells G4, G5, H4, and H5 in Figure 7A.

[0089] 7B, an example is disclosed in which a container handling vehicle 200 is removing a storage container and creating a loop path 901 around a fire scene, where the loop path 901 extends 360 degrees around the fire scene 400. The loop path 901 is within a storage column represented by cells E3-E6, E6-I6, I6-I3, and I3-E3 that form a rectangular pattern (i.e., a loop) around the fire scene 400.

[0090] With reference to Figure 7C, an example is disclosed in which a container handling vehicle 200 is removing storage containers to create a first path 900 that extends from a location at the edge of the storage volume 500 to a loop path around the fire scene of Figure 7B. In Figure 7C, the first path 900 is created from the edge at the left side of the figure, and storage containers in cells A5-D5 have been removed to create the first path 900.

[0091] With reference to Figure 7D, an example is disclosed in which a container handling vehicle is removing storage containers to create a second path 902 that extends from a location at the edge of the storage volume 150 to a loop path 901 around the fire scene 400 of Figures 7B and 7C. In Figure 7D, the second path 902 is created from the edge at the top of the figure, and storage containers in cells G1-G2 have been removed to create the second path 902.

[0092] FIG. 8 illustrates an example where a fire scene 400, i.e., a target storage location, is proximate to a corner of the storage volume 500 (the lower right corner of FIG. 8) and the container handling vehicle 200 creates an L-shaped path 900 within the storage volume 500. The L-shaped path 900 extends between a first side edge of the storage volume 150 and a second side edge of the storage volume 500. The path 900 in FIG. 8 extends through the storage columns represented by cells G8-G6 and G6-J6. In the particular example of FIG. 8, a 360 degree visual inspection is accomplished from two side edges on the outside of the storage volume 500, i.e., on the right and bottom sides of the figure.

[0093] 9A shows an example of a non-liftable storage container within storage volume 150. The non-liftable storage container is within target storage location 401, represented by the cell numbered F4.

[0094] Figure 9B shows an example of a container handling vehicle removing a storage container to create a first path 900 from a location at the side edge of the storage volume 150 to a non-liftable storage container in the target storage location 401. The first path 900 in Figure 9B extends from the lower edge of the storage column represented by cell G8, through locations G7, G6, and G5, to the storage column represented by cell G4.

[0095] Figure 10A shows a non-liftable storage container in storage volume 150 in a different position than the non-liftable storage container in Figure 9A. In Figure 10A, the non-liftable storage container is in a target storage location 401, represented by cell I7.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 10B, an example is shown of a container handling vehicle 200 removing a storage container to create a first path 900 extending from a position at the lower edge of the storage volume 150 to the non-liftable storage container of FIG. 10A.

[0097] 11 is a perspective view of the automated storage and retrieval system 1 illustrating that the system may have side panels 25 at the side edges that can be removed to allow access to the storage volume 150 below the rail system 108 at ground level.

[0098] In the preceding description, various aspects of the automated storage and retrieval system, vehicle, and method according to the present invention have been described with reference to illustrative embodiments. For example, in most of the figures, a container handling vehicle operating on a rail system of a storage grid is disclosed, but it is clear that the same system and configuration also applies to a delivery vehicle operating on a delivery rail in a delivery rail system. Thus, the description is not intended to be interpreted in a limiting sense. Various modifications and variations of the illustrative embodiments, and other embodiments of the system, that are obvious to those skilled in the art, are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

[0099] Reference numbers list: [Table 1-1] [Table 1-2]

Claims

1. A method of providing operator access to a target storage location (400, 401) in an automated storage and retrieval system (1), comprising: The automated storage and retrieval system (1) comprises a rail system (108) for guiding a plurality of container handling vehicles (200, 300), the rail system (108) forming a grid pattern comprising a plurality of adjacent grid cells (122), each grid cell (122) comprising a grid opening (115) defined by four adjacent rails; the automated storage and retrieval system (1) further comprises a storage volume (500) below the rail system (108), the storage volume (500) comprising storage columns for storing storage containers (106), the container handling vehicles (200, 300) operable to retrieve storage containers (106) from the storage columns in the storage volume (500); The method comprises: operating a master control system (800) to allocate at least one container handling vehicle (200, 300) and to command the at least one container handling vehicle (200, 300) to remove at least one storage container along a first path (900) between a position at a side edge or top surface of the storage volume (500) and the target storage location (400, 401); An operator can observe or access the target storage location through the first path (900) when the at least one container handling vehicle (200, 300) removes the at least one storage container (106) along the first path.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the rail system comprises a first set (110) of parallel rails extending in a first direction (X) disposed in a horizontal plane (P) and a second set (111) of parallel rails extending in a second direction (Y) disposed in the horizontal plane (P) perpendicular to the first direction (X), the first and second sets of rails (110, 111) forming the grid pattern in the horizontal plane (P), each grid opening (115) being defined by a pair of neighboring rails (110a, 110b) of the first set of rails (110) and a pair of neighboring rails (111a, 111b) of the second set of rails (111).

3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the method includes determining a target storage location.

4. 3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first path is a loop path (901) that encircles the target storage location, and the master control system (800) commands the at least one container handling vehicle to remove a storage container along the loop path (901).

5. The method includes collecting and evaluating information regarding a location of a fire, plume, heat, or smoke scene within the automated storage and retrieval system (1) and determining the target storage location based at least in part on the information, wherein collecting the information includes: operating a plurality of remotely operated vehicles (200, 300) on the rail system (108), each of the remotely operated vehicles (200, 300) comprising a detection device (150) for detecting fire, heat, plumes or smoke, the detection device (150) being configured to transmit data from the detection device to the master control system (800) via communication means in the container handling vehicle carrying the detection device (150) that collected the information; utilizing said master control system to process any data from any of said detection devices (150) and provide location information of said fire, plume, heat or smoke scene using said master control system (800); utilizing said master control system to determine where to remove a storage container and generate said first route (900); The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, comprising:

6. If any of the remotely operated vehicles (200') indicates the presence of fire, heat, smoke emission, or plume emission, the method comprises: allocating another remotely operated vehicle (200'") for travel to a cell proximate a location of said remotely operated vehicle (200', 200") indicating the presence of fire, heat, smoke or plume emissions, said another remotely operated vehicle (200'") having a detection device (150) for detecting fire, heat, plume or smoke; processing said data from said detection devices from said remotely operated vehicles (200', 200'', 200''') using said master control system (800); Further comprising:

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the master control system (800) determines whether a reasonable inference can be given regarding the location of the source (400) of the fire, plume, smoke emission, or heat emission based on processing the information from the detection devices.

7. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein if the master control system (800) determines that a reasonable guess can be given as to the location of the source of the fire, plume, smoke emission, or heat emission (400), the method includes utilizing the master control system (800) to determine the location of the source of the fire, plume, smoke, or heat emission (400) in a triangular arrangement (TA) by comparing information from at least three detection devices.

8. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein if the master control system (800) determines that a reasonable guess can be given as to the location of the source of the fire, plume, smoke emission, or heat emission (400), the method includes utilizing the master control system (800) to determine the location of the source of the fire, plume, smoke, or heat emission (400) in the form of a quadrilateral polygon arrangement (PA) by comparing information from at least four detection devices.

9. The method of any of claims 1-8, comprising operating a master control system (800) to allocate at least one container handling vehicle and command the at least one container handling vehicle to remove a storage container along a second path between a position at a side edge of the storage volume (500) and the target storage location, the second path being different from the first path, and an operator being able to access the target storage location via either the first and / or second paths.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the second path is generated from a different side edge of the storage volume (500) than the first path, or the second path is generated from the same side edge of the storage volume (500) as the first path.

11. utilizing said master control system (800) to determine a location along said route to which said storage container should be moved; instructing the container handling vehicle (200', 200'', 200'') to move the storage container to one of the available locations based on where the available locations are located; The method of any of claims 1-10, further comprising:

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the available locations are empty storage locations or locations in a port column of a storage grid.

13. The method provides access to a non-liftable storage container (401) in a storage column, and the step of determining a target storage location comprises: receiving information from a container handling vehicle indicating that a storage container at the target storage location cannot be lifted; utilizing the master control system (800) to remove a storage container (401) along the first path (900) between the location at the edge of the storage volume and the target storage location where the non-liftable storage container (401) is located, such that the non-liftable storage container (401) is accessible to an operator; The method of any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising:

14. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the target storage locations are determined based on required access to locations within the grid requiring inspection, maintenance or repair.

15. An automated storage and retrieval system (1), comprising: a rail system (108) for guiding a plurality of container handling vehicles (200, 300), said rail system (108) forming a grid pattern comprising a plurality of adjacent grid cells (122), each grid cell (122) comprising a grid opening (115) defined by four adjacent rails; a storage volume (500) beneath the rail system (108), the storage volume (500) comprising storage columns for storing storage containers (106), the container handling vehicles (200, 300) operable to retrieve storage containers (106) from the storage columns within the storage volume (500); at least one container handling vehicle (200, 300) operable on said rail system (108), said container handling vehicle (200, 300) comprising a lift assembly for loading a storage container from said storage column to a position above a lowest level of a transport mechanism, said lift assembly comprising a lift frame connectable to a storage container, said lift frame configured to lift and lower said storage container (106) from a position within said storage column to a position above said rail system (108); A master control system (800) Equipped with the master control system (800) is configured to allocate at least one of the container handling vehicles (200, 300) and instruct the at least one of the container handling vehicles (200, 300) to remove at least one storage container along a first path (900) between a position at a side edge or a top surface of the storage volume (500) and a target storage location (400, 401) within the storage volume (500); An automated storage and retrieval system (1), wherein an operator can access or observe the target storage location (400, 401) through the first path (900) when the at least one container handling vehicle removes the at least one storage container along the first path (900).

16. The automated storage and retrieval system (1) of claim 15, wherein the rail system comprises a first set (110) of parallel rails extending in a first direction (X) disposed in a horizontal plane (P) and a second set (111) of parallel rails extending in a second direction (Y) disposed in the horizontal plane (P) perpendicular to the first direction (X), the first and second sets (110, 111) of rails forming the grid pattern in the horizontal plane (P), each grid opening (115) being defined by a pair of neighboring rails (110a, 110b) of the first set (110) of rails and a pair of neighboring rails (111a, 111b) of the second set (111) of rails.

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