Gas isolation and storage system

Abstract

To provide a suitable gas isolation and storage system. [Solution] The present invention relates to a storage facility comprising a gas-isolated storage space containing an automated warehouse system, and a method for using such a storage facility. In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a storage facility for gas-isolated an automated warehouse system. In one or more embodiments within the first aspect, the present invention relates to a storage facility for controlling the gas concentration within an automated warehouse system. The storage facility comprises a storage space containing a warehouse system, comprising a storage grid, a first upper vehicle support, and a container handling vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for gas isolation of an automated warehouse system.

Background Art

[0002] FIG. 1A discloses a typical prior art automated warehouse system 1 with a skeletal structure 100.

[0003] The skeletal structure 100 includes a plurality of upright members 102 and, optionally, a plurality 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.

[0004] The skeletal structure 100 defines a storage grid 104 that includes storage columns 105 in which storage containers 106 (also known as bins) are stacked on top of each other to form a stack 107 and are arranged in rows.

[0005] Each storage container 106 can typically hold a plurality of product items (not shown), and the product items within the storage container 106 may be the same or different product types depending on the application.

[0006] 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.

[0007] The automated warehouse system 1 includes a rail system 108 arranged in a grid pattern that traverses the top of the storage grid 104, on which multiple container handling vehicles 200 (as illustrated in Figure 1C) operate to raise storage containers 106 from storage columns 105, lower storage containers 106 into them, and transport storage containers 106 above storage columns 105. One horizontal range of the grid cells 122 that make up the grid pattern is marked by a thick line in Figure 1A.

[0008] The rail system 108 comprises a first set 110 of parallel rails arranged to guide the movement of the container handling vehicle 200 in a first direction X that traverses the top of the frame structure 100, and a second set 111 of parallel rails arranged perpendicular to the first set 110 for guiding the movement of the container handling vehicle 200 in a second direction Y that is perpendicular to the first direction X. In this way, the rail system 108 defines a grid column over which the container handling vehicle 200 can move laterally over the storage column 105, that is, in a plane parallel to the horizontal XY plane.

[0009] The rail system 108 may be a single-rail system or a double-rail system, as shown in Figure 1B. The latter rail configuration allows another container handling vehicle 200 to move along the row of grid columns, having an occupied area corresponding to the lateral area defined by the grid cells 122 in at least one of the X and Y directions, even if the container handling vehicle 200 is positioned above a grid cell adjacent to its row. Both single-rail systems and double-rail systems, or a combination of a single-rail array and a double-rail array in the single-rail system 108, form a grid pattern in a horizontal plane P comprising a plurality of rectangles and uniform grid locations or grid cells 122, each grid cell 122 having a grid opening 115, with each grid cell 122 being separated by pairs of neighboring rails 110a, 110b of a first set of parallel rails 110 and pairs of neighboring rails 111a, 111b of a second set of parallel rails 111.

[0010] As a result, rails 110a and 110b form a pair of rails defining parallel rows of grid cells extending in the X direction, and rails 111a and 111b form a pair of rails defining parallel rows of grid cells extending in the Y direction.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1B, each grid cell 122 (indicated by a dashed box) is typically located within a spacing of 30 to 150 cm, with a width W c Typically, this is within a range of 50-200 cm, with a length L c Each grid opening 115 is typically the width W of the grid cell 122. c 2-10cm lower, width W o Each grid opening 115 is typically the length L of the grid cell 122. c Length L, 2-10cm shorter than o It holds.

[0012] Figure 1C discloses a prior art container handling vehicle 200 that operates the system 1 disclosed in Figure 1A. Each prior art container handling vehicle 200 comprises a body 202 and a wheel array 201 of eight wheels, where a first set of four wheels allows lateral movement of the container handling vehicle 200 in the X direction, and a second set of the remaining four wheels allows lateral movement in the Y direction. One or both sets of wheels in the wheel array 201 can be raised and lowered so that the first set of wheels and / or the second set of wheels can engage with separate sets 110, 111 of rails at any given time.

[0013] Each prior art container handling vehicle 200 also includes a lifting device 203 for vertical transport of storage containers 106, for example, raising a storage container 106 from a storage column 105 and lowering the storage container 106 into it. The lifting device 203 may include one or more gripping / engaging devices, which are adapted to engage with the storage container 106 such that the position of the gripping / engaging device relative to the vehicle can be adjusted in a third direction Z orthogonal to a first direction X and a second direction Y, and the gripping / engaging device can be lowered from the vehicle 200.

[0014] Conventionally, and for the purposes of this application, Z=1 identifies the top layer of grid 104, i.e., the layer directly 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 grid 104 disclosed in Figure 1A, Z=8 identifies the bottommost layer of grid 104. As a result, in this embodiment, and using the Cartesian coordinate system X, Y, Z shown in Figure 1A, the storage container identified as 106' in Figure 1A can be said to occupy grid location or cell X=10, Y=2, Z=3. The container handling vehicle 200 can be said to move within layer Z=0, and each grid column can be identified by its X and Y coordinates.

[0015] Each container handling vehicle 200 is equipped with a storage compartment or space (not shown) for receiving and housing the storage containers 106 when transporting them across the rail system 108.

[0016] The container handling vehicle 200 may have a cantilever structure, as described in Patent No. 317366 (the contents of which are also incorporated herein by reference).

[0017] Alternatively, the container handling vehicle may have an occupied area, i.e., a range in the X and Y directions that is generally equal to the lateral range of the grid cell 122, i.e., the range of the grid cell 122 in both the X and Y directions, as described, for example, in WO2015 / 193278A1 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference).

[0018] As used herein, the term "lateral" may mean "horizontal."

[0019] In the X and Y directions, neighboring grid cells are arranged 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 within the stack 107. However, grid 104 is not typically used to store storage containers 106, but has at least one grid column that includes a location where a container handling vehicle 200 can load and unload and / or load the storage containers 106 so that they can be transported to a second location (not shown) in which the storage containers 106 can be accessed from outside grid 104, or transported out of or into grid 104. In the art, such a location is typically referred to as a “port,” and the grid column in which the port is located may be referred to as a “delivery column” 119, 120. The loading and unloading ports where the container handling vehicle 200 delivers and receives containers 106 are referred to as the "upper ports of the delivery column" 119 and 120, respectively, while the opposite end of the delivery column is referred to as the "lower port of the delivery column."

[0021] The storage grid 104 in Figure 1A comprises two delivery columns 119 and 120. The first delivery column 119 may have a dedicated loading / unloading port, for example, through which a container handling vehicle 200 can load and unload storage containers 106 that are to be transported further to an access station or transfer station, and the second delivery column 120 may have a dedicated loading port, through which a container handling vehicle 200 can load storage containers 106 being transported from an access station or transfer station. The ports of the first and second delivery columns 119 and 120 may each have ports suitable for both loading and unloading storage containers 106.

[0022] The second location may typically be a picking station or stocking station where product items are removed from or placed in the storage container 106. At the picking station or stocking station, the storage container 106 is usually never removed from the automated warehouse system 1, but once accessed, it is returned to the storage grid 104. For the transfer of storage containers in or out of the storage grid 104, a delivery column and a lower port are also provided, such as for transferring the storage container 106 to another storage facility (e.g., another storage grid), directly to a transport vehicle (e.g., a train or heavy truck), or to production equipment.

[0023] The conveyor system may also be arranged to transport storage containers between different storage grids, for example, as described in WO2014 / 075937A1 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference).

[0024] When a storage container 106, stored within the storage grid 104 disclosed in Figure 1A, is to be accessed, one of the container handling vehicles 200 is commanded to retrieve the target storage container 106 from its position in the grid 104 and transport it to or through the delivery column 119. This operation involves moving the container handling vehicle 200 to a grid 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 lifting device 203 of the container handling vehicle; and transporting the storage container 106 to the delivery column 119. If the target storage container 106 is located deep within the stack 107, i.e., one or more other storage containers are located above the target storage container 106, this operation also involves temporarily moving the storage containers located above before raising the target storage container 106 from the storage column 105. This step, sometimes referred to in the art as "excavation," may be carried out using the same container handling vehicle 200, or one or more other collaborative container handling vehicles 200, which are subsequently used to transport the target storage container 106 to the transport column. Alternatively, or in addition, the automated warehouse system 1 may have a container handling vehicle specifically dedicated to the task of temporarily removing the storage container 106 from the storage column 105. Once the target storage container 106 has been removed from the storage column 105, the temporarily removed storage container can be repositioned in the original storage column 105. However, the removed storage container may, as an alternative, be repositioned in another storage column 105.

[0025] When storage container 106 is to be stored in grid 104, one of the container handling vehicles 200 is ordered to load storage container 106 from the second delivery column 120 and transport it to a grid location above storage column 105 where it will be stored. After any storage containers located in or above a target position within the storage column stack 107 are removed, the container handling vehicle 200 positions storage container 106 in the desired position. The removed storage containers may then be lowered back into storage column 105 or repositioned into another storage column 105.

[0026] To monitor and control the automated warehouse system 1 so that the desired storage containers 106 can be delivered to the desired location at the desired time without the container handling vehicles 200 colliding with each other, the automated warehouse system 1 includes a control system 109, which is typically computerized and includes a database, to monitor and control, for example, the location of individual storage containers 106 within the storage grid 104, the contents of each storage container 106, and the movement of the container handling vehicles 200.

[0027] The type of storage system described above is housed within the storage facility, along with other equipment such as ports and charging stations (for charging the container handling vehicles 200). Other areas associated with the operation of the storage system, such as maintenance areas and control rooms, are often open to the rail system on which the container handling vehicles 200 and charging stations operate.

[0028] Some recent storage systems, such as the automated warehouse system developed by the company Autostore AS, are equipped with a rail system and a movable physical barrier between the rail system and the other area, which can be raised and lowered as needed.

[0029] However, if a fire starts within the storage system, there is a significant risk that the fire will spread to other parts of the equipment, for example, to areas where human workers are working. Movable physical barriers, such as those found within Autostore AS storage systems, can slow the spread of fire to some extent. However, such measures cannot reduce the risk of fire starting and / or spreading to zero or near zero.

[0030] Some prior art systems, such as storage systems from Autostore AS, incorporate means for both detecting and extinguishing fires through a set of sensors and fire extinguishers.

[0031] The problem associated with the most well-known automated warehouse systems is that they lack means to prevent fires from starting, and only have means to extinguish existing fires.

[0032] For a fire to start, at least three elements must be present: heat, fuel, and oxygen. Heat typically comes in the form of a high surface temperature and / or sparks. Fuel can be any flammable material, such as wood. Finally, oxygen is needed to keep the combustion going.

[0033] If one of these three elements is missing, the likelihood of a fire starting is low.

[0034] Preventing storage facilities from containing any flammable materials is difficult.

[0035] Even if precautions are taken to prevent surface temperatures from becoming too high and / or to prevent sparks from forming, the risks in automated warehouse systems can never be reduced to zero because container handling vehicles operating on the rail systems of the storage systems described above operate at high power and high acceleration. The latter criterion is that friction can be generated, for example, which can ignite a fire on the residue on the rail system. Furthermore, charging stations can generate sparks or high temperatures, which can start a fire.

[0036] However, it is possible to control the atmosphere inside storage facilities, thereby significantly reducing the risk of fire. The oxygen concentration in the atmosphere at sea level is approximately 21% per volume. This oxygen concentration is high enough to allow a fire to ignite. At lower oxygen concentrations (e.g., below 16%), the risk of ignition is significantly reduced.

[0037] Storage facilities in which oxygen levels can be reduced to prevent fires are described in the article "WagnerImpulse" in the journal "The Wagner Group Customer magazine" (3 / 2018). Low oxygen levels are achieved by pushing reduced-oxygen air throughout the storage facility.

[0038] However, replacing the air in an entire storage facility is both time-consuming and energy-intensive. Furthermore, such a solution would interfere with human work inside the storage facility. Humans can work in an area with a minimum oxygen volume ratio of approximately 13%. However, in such low oxygen content, workers would need at least 30 minutes of rest after two hours of work.

[0039] Furthermore, the article offers no solutions for maintaining such low oxygen concentrations over extended periods, such as several days. For example, it provides no indication of how a storage system could operate without increasing oxygen concentration, or how containers could be transported in or out of the storage system. Such operation would inevitably involve frequent exposure of the storage system to the atmosphere.

[0040] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an automated warehouse system and a method for operating such a system that solves, or at least mitigates, one or more of the aforementioned problems relating to the use of prior art warehouse systems.

[0041] A particular object of the present invention is to provide a solution that enables the handling of containers within a storage system located in a space having an environment different from the surrounding environment.

[0042] With respect to one or more embodiments of the present invention, another object of the present invention is to provide one or more solutions that significantly reduce the risk of fire initiation in or on the storage system during operation and that do not significantly reduce operational efficiency compared to the prior art storage systems described above.

[0043] With respect to one or more embodiments of the present invention, yet another object is to provide a solution in which the physical properties of the environment in which the storage system is arranged can be controlled.

[0044] With respect to one or more embodiments of the present invention, yet another object is to provide a solution that can extinguish an existing fire in and / or near a storage system.

[0045] With respect to one or more embodiments of the present invention, yet another object of the present invention is to provide a solution that enables the safe long-term storage of biological species and / or fresh foods. [Prior art documents]

Patent Document

[0046]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0047] The present invention is described and characterized in the independent claims, while the dependent claims describe other preferred / optional features.

[0048] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to storage equipment for gas isolation of an automated warehouse system.

[0049] In one or more embodiments within the first aspect, the present invention relates to storage equipment for controlling the gas concentration within an automated warehouse system.

[0050] This storage equipment includes a storage grid configured to store a plurality of storage containers in a vertical stack, an upper horizontal plane P above the storage grid U within which extends a first upper vehicle support portion such as a rail system, and a container handling vehicle configured to transport at least one of the plurality of storage containers between at least two locations on the first upper vehicle support portion using a wheel arrangement. A storage space encloses a warehouse system comprising the container handling vehicle. The upper horizontal plane P U is directed at a right angle to the vertical stack.

[0051] The system further includes an upper horizontal plane P such that the container handling vehicle can move between the storage space and the transition space UThe structure comprises a transition space having a second upper vehicle support, such as a rail system, that extends inward and is arranged relative to a first upper vehicle support, and a first separation wall that separates the storage space and the transition space. The first separation wall comprises a first upper opening having a minimum size and vertical position that allows a container handling vehicle to pass through, and a first upper closable gate configured to open and close the first upper opening.

[0052] The enclosure for the storage and transition spaces may comprise four vertical walls, one base, and one ceiling. However, other containment configurations can also be conceived.

[0053] It should be noted that the term "gas isolation" will henceforth be defined as a closed space with a small gas leak during a typical operating period, e.g., more than 4 hours. A small leak could be, for example, less than 5% leak during a 4-hour operating cycle.

[0054] This storage facility may further include a gas regulation device that communicates with the storage space and the fluid.

[0055] The gas adjustment device may be configured to adjust the gas composition of the gas in the storage space before and / or during operation, such as by lowering and / or raising a first gas concentration, such as O2 concentration. If desired, the pressure may be kept constant by introducing / extracting another gas during or after lowering / raising the initially stated gas concentration. In the same manner, the pressure may be raised or lowered to another predetermined level. For example, the step of lowering the O2 concentration to 10% may be accompanied by a corresponding step of increasing the N2 concentration to maintain a pressure of 1 atmosphere (approximately 101 kPa) in the storage space. There are also situations where oxygen-rich air may prove beneficial, for example, during the storage and / or processing of certain biological samples / food items.

[0056] As an alternative to, or in addition to, a gas regulation device, the system may include a fire extinguishing system or device configured to introduce a fire extinguishing material into a storage space and extinguish a fire therein. At least one of the fire extinguishing materials may be a gas containing at least one of Argonite IG-55 (an inert gas containing 50% argon and 50% nitrogen), CO2, heptafluoropropane gas (also known as HFC-227ea), N2, and pressurized water. The fire extinguishing device may be arranged at any location that ensures the fire extinguishing material is released into the storage space. The fire extinguishing device may be arranged, for example, within the storage space and / or above one or more of the walls enclosing the storage space and / or outside the storage space. The latter arrangement may be implemented by allowing the fire extinguishing material to flow from the fire extinguishing device into the storage space through one or more fluid / gas inlets.

[0057] The fire extinguishing device may further include means for dispersing a fire extinguishing material homogeneously or substantially homogeneously within the storage space, and / or means for targeting the fire extinguishing material to specific locations / areas within the storage space. In embodiments only, the means may include a plurality of nozzles directed toward the storage columns of the storage facility, and / or any working space for container handling vehicles operating on the storage columns, and / or the locations of charging stations.

[0058] The system may, as an alternative or in addition, include a cooling system configured to cool the storage space to a temperature below the ambient temperature, for example, 10°C or below, more preferably 5°C or below, for example, 2°C. With respect to the exemplary configuration with a fire extinguishing device, the cooling system may be arranged at any location that ensures the desired cooling within the storage space. The cooling system may be arranged, for example, within the storage space and / or at least partially within one or more of the walls enclosing the storage space and / or outside the storage space. The latter arrangement may be implemented by allowing a cooled fluid to flow from the cooling system into the storage space through one or more fluid / gas inlets.

[0059] The cooling system may include, for example, a refrigeration circuit and / or a concentration unit.

[0060] As described above, this system allows container handling vehicles to move between the storage space and the transition space, with an upper horizontal plane P U The system includes a transition space, which extends internally and is arranged relative to a first upper vehicle support, and includes a second upper vehicle support, such as a rail system; and a first separation wall that separates the storage space and the transition space. The container can move between the storage space and the transition space without the need for external intervention.

[0061] The arrangement of the first and second upper vehicle support sections can be achieved by aligning the vehicle support sections with respect to each other, adding connecting sections that bridge the two vehicle support sections, or a combination thereof. The two vehicle support sections may also form a single integrated support section.

[0062] The first separation wall comprises a first upper opening having a minimum size and vertical position that allows a container handling vehicle to pass through, and a first upper closable gate configured to open and close the first upper opening. The opening may have a size that corresponds, for example, to the width of at least two container handling vehicles and the height of one container handling vehicle.

[0063] The external boundary enclosing the storage space is preferably airtight or nearly airtight, except for a gate that can be closed when in the open position.

[0064] The first upper closable gate is preferably configured to be opened and closed remotely by the use of a remote control system, for example, the same control system used to control the operation of a container handling vehicle.

[0065] Furthermore, the first upper closable gate is preferably configured to create a liquid-tight seal between the storage space and the transition space when in the closed position, for example, by using a rubber gasket. Such a rubber gasket may surround the outer periphery of the first upper closable gate and / or the inner periphery of the first upper opening.

[0066] The storage facility may further include a loading / unloading space for loading / unloading storage containers from or being transported thereto within the storage space, and a second separation wall, preferably in a liquid-tight manner, separating the loading / unloading space and the transition space. In this exemplary configuration, the second separation wall includes a second upper opening having a minimum size and vertical position that allows a container handling vehicle to pass through, and a second upper closable gate configured to open and close the second upper opening, preferably configured to perform such opening and closing remotely from a remote control system.

[0067] The second upper opening may have a size that corresponds, for example, to the width of at least two container handling vehicles and the height of one container handling vehicle.

[0068] The cargo handling space is located on the upper horizontal plane P. U It may include a third upper vehicle support, such as a rail system, extending internally. The third vehicle support may be arranged in the same or similar manner as the arrangement of the second upper vehicle support with respect to the first upper vehicle support, that is, so that a container handling vehicle can move between the transition space and the handling space, preferably without the need for external intervention. With respect to the arrangement between the first and second upper vehicle support, the third upper vehicle support may be aligned with, integrated with, or bridged to the second upper vehicle support.

[0069] The cargo handling space may further include a container delivery station configured for receiving storage containers to be transported by container handling vehicles for further handling, or for delivering storage containers to container handling vehicles for storage in a warehouse system, or a combination thereof. The container delivery station is preferably located on an upper horizontal plane P U They are arranged in a different vertical position, for example, on the lower side.

[0070] The third upper vehicle support section is configured such that, at a minimum, the container handling vehicle can move from the second upper opening to a location directly above the container delivery station, on the upper horizontal plane P. U It may extend within.

[0071] In this specification, "directly above" is defined as a location that is at the same horizontal position but has a higher vertical position.

[0072] The cargo handling space is further located on the upper horizontal plane P. U The system may include a container guidance column configured to guide the storage container between an upper vertical position and a vertical position of the container delivery station or a vertical position near it.

[0073] The first of the upper vehicle support parts is located on the upper horizontal plane P. UA first set of parallel rails arranged within and extending in a first direction X, and an upper horizontal plane P U The upper rail system may also include a second set of parallel rails arranged within and extending in a second direction Y that is perpendicular to a first direction X. In this exemplary configuration, the first and second sets of parallel rails are located on the upper horizontal plane P U Inside, length L c and width W c A grid pattern is formed comprising multiple adjacent grid cells, each comprising a grid opening defined by a pair of adjacent rails of a first set of parallel rails and a pair of adjacent rails of a second set of parallel rails.

[0074] The second and / or third upper vehicle support sections may be rail systems of the same type as described above.

[0075] Furthermore, the wheel arrangement of the container handling vehicle is configured to allow movement in a first direction X and a second direction Y along the first upper rail system.

[0076] Alternatively, one or more of the upper vehicle support sections may be configured without rails, for example, as a plate with guide ribs for the wheel arrangement.

[0077] If a gas regulation device is present, it is advantageous that the gas regulation device controls the initial flammable gas concentration C Oi A gas or gas mixture having an initial flammable gas concentration C Oi The final flammable gas concentration C is less than 0. Of The gas container may include means for converting to a conversion gas / gas mixture having a certain property, and at least one gas inlet for ensuring fluid communication between the gas container and the storage space.

[0078] The gas adjustment device is preferably located outside the storage space and is configured to at least partially replace the initial gas in the storage space with the conversion gas by guiding the conversion gas from the gas container into the storage space through at least one gas inlet.

[0079] The initial gas, i.e., the gas preceding the conversion, may be air at atmospheric pressure (1 atmosphere) containing approximately 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. (In this specification, the proportion of gas in the gas mixture is expressed as a percentage per volume.) Flammable gas concentration (C Oi , C Of In this embodiment, ) is the concentration of oxygen gas (O2). For example, the result of the conversion by the gas adjustment device may be to reduce the oxygen concentration from the initial 21% to a concentration equal to or lower than 16%.

[0080] The conversion may be carried out by means well known in the art. For example, regarding the reduction of the oxygen concentration in the air within the air container, see the article “WagnerImpulse” in the journal “The Wagner Group Customer magazine” (3 / 2018). That article is incorporated herein by reference.

[0081] The storage facility may further include one or more flammable gas sensors, such as one or more O2 gas sensors, located within the transition space for measuring the concentration of flammable gases. Measurements may be performed continuously, at specific time intervals, upon request from the operator, or in combination thereof.

[0082] In this exemplary configuration, the gas conditioning device is configured to at least partially replace the initial gas in the storage space with the conversion gas by introducing the conversion gas from the gas container into the storage space through at least one gas inlet.

[0083] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for reducing the risk of fire / fire outbreak in a warehouse system, arranged inside the storage space of storage equipment, according to any of the features described above.

[0084] This method uses oxygen gas, for example, 21% oxygen gas, with an initial flammable gas concentration C Oi A gas or gas mixture in a gas container having an initial flammable gas concentration C Oi The final combustible gas concentration C is less than, for example, less than 16% O2. Of The process includes the steps of converting to a conversion gas / gas mixture having a conversion gas, and at least partially replacing the initial gas / gas mixture in the storage space with the conversion gas / gas mixture by guiding the conversion gas / gas mixture from the gas container through at least one gas inlet.

[0085] The method may further include the steps of loading at least one of a plurality of storage containers stored in a storage grid using a lifting device which is part of a container handling vehicle; opening a first upper closable gate by pushing the open first upper closable gate, for example by using one or more container handling vehicles and / or by a dedicated motor located near or thereof at the boundary of the first opening; moving a container handling vehicle from the storage space into the transition space through the first upper opening; and closing the first upper closable gate, for example by using a dedicated motor and / or simply by closing the gate due to the effect of gravity.

[0086] The first upper-closable gate may comprise a door-like structure, i.e., a broadly planar structure having a size corresponding to the first upper opening. Alternatively, the first upper-closable gate may comprise a plurality of strips suspended from the upper frame of the first upper opening, the strips being suspended downward and aligned between their edges to close the first upper opening, thereby allowing a container delivery vehicle to pass through by separating the strips during the application of pressure, followed by realignment between the edges of the strips after complete passage, thereby closing the first upper opening again.

[0087] The storage facility further comprises a loading / unloading space for loading / unloading storage containers from or being transported thereto within a warehouse system within the storage space, and a second separation wall separating the loading / unloading space and the transition space, wherein the second separation wall comprises a second upper opening, which is sized and positioned to allow passage of a container handling vehicle, and a second upper closable gate, which is configured to open and close the second lower opening, and the method may further include the steps of opening the second upper closable gate, moving a container handling vehicle from the transition space through the second upper opening into the loading / unloading space, and closing the second upper closable gate. The second upper closable gate may be opened and closed in the same manner as the first upper closable gate.

[0088] This method further adjusts the time interval Δt between the closing of the first upper closable gate and the opening of the second upper closable gate, thereby determining the final flammable gas concentration C in the storage space. Of However, the predetermined maximum level C O,MAX The step may include ensuring that the O2 gas is maintained at, for example, 16%, below the limit. The adjustment of the time interval may be controlled by a remote control system, preferably the same control system that operates the container delivery vehicle.

[0089] This method further determines the final flammable gas concentration (C) in the transition space and / or storage space continuously, at specific time intervals, or as requested by the operator, or a combination thereof. OfThe step may include measuring the following. The measurement may be carried out by using a gas sensor as described above.

[0090] This method further adjusts the gas in the storage space continuously, at regular intervals, or as requested by the operator, to achieve a final flammable gas concentration (C Of ) further reduces or final combustible gas concentration (C Of The process may include a step of maintaining the gas constant or nearly constant. In some embodiments where the operator adjusts the gas, there may be a situation where the O2 concentration in the storage space exceeds a certain threshold.

[0091] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for extinguishing a fire in or within a warehouse system, arranged inside the storage space of a storage facility, according to any of the features described above.

[0092] This method includes the step of activating a fire extinguishing substance and introducing it into a storage space when a fire is detected / observed. The fire extinguishing substance may be, for example, water or a fire extinguishing fluid such as CO2.

[0093] With respect to a second aspect, the method may further include the steps of loading at least one of a plurality of storage containers stored in a storage grid using a lifting device which is part of a container handling vehicle; opening a first upper closable gate, for example by using one or more container handling vehicles and / or by a dedicated motor located near or thereof at the boundary of the first upper opening; moving a container handling vehicle from the storage space into a transition space through the first upper opening; and closing the first upper closable gate, for example by using a dedicated motor and / or simply by closing the gate due to the effect of gravity.

[0094] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for cooling the storage space of a storage facility to a desired temperature below the ambient temperature, according to any of the features described above.

[0095] This method includes a step of cooling the storage space to a predetermined temperature, for example, below 10°C. The storage space may be cooled by a cooling means, which may include, for example, a refrigeration circuit and / or a concentration unit.

[0096] With respect to the second and third aspects, the method may further include the steps of loading at least one of a plurality of storage containers stored in a storage grid using a lifting device which is part of a container handling vehicle; opening a first upper closable gate, for example by using one or more container handling vehicles and / or by a dedicated motor located near or thereof at the boundary of the first upper opening; moving a container handling vehicle from the storage space into a transition space through the first upper opening; and closing the first upper closable gate, for example by using a dedicated motor and / or simply by closing the gate due to the effect of gravity. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0097] The following drawings are attached to facilitate understanding of the present invention. The drawings illustrate the prior art and embodiments of the present invention, which will be described here only as examples.

[0098] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an advanced automated warehouse system comprising an upper transport rail system on which multiple remotely operated container handling vehicles operate, and a storage grid for storing stacks of containers. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a top view of the double rail grid cell of the storage grid shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a perspective view of an earlier technology container handling vehicle having a cantilever beam for containing storage containers directly below. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a side view of a storage facility according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the storage grid shown in Figure 1, and the lower delivery rail system on which multiple remotely operated container delivery vehicles operate. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a container delivery vehicle that can operate on the lower delivery rail system shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a side view of a storage facility according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a side view of a storage facility according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0099] Detailed description of the present invention Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the drawings are not intended to limit the present invention to the subject matter depicted therein. Furthermore, even if some of the features are described in relation only to the present system, it is evident that they are equally valid with respect to related methods, and vice versa.

[0100] Referring to Figure 1, the storage grid 104 of the automated warehouse system 1, which forms part of the skeletal structure 100, contains a total of 1,144 grid cells, and the width and length of the storage grid 104 correspond to the width and length of 143 grid columns. The uppermost layer of the skeletal structure 100 above the storage grid 104 is the upper transport rail system 108 on which multiple container handling vehicles 200 operate.

[0101] The skeletal structure 100 of the automated warehouse system 1 (hereinafter abbreviated as storage system 1) of the present invention is constructed of the prior art skeletal structure 100 described above, namely a plurality of upright members 102 and one or more horizontal members 103 supported by the upright members 102.

[0102] The upper transport rail system 108 comprises parallel rails 110 and 111, oriented in the X and Y directions respectively, and is arranged across the top of the storage column 105 containing stacks 107 of storage containers 106 (hereinafter abbreviated as container 106). The horizontal area of ​​a single grid cell 122, i.e., along the X and Y directions, may be defined by the distance between adjacent rails 110 and 111, respectively. In Figure 1, such grid cells 122 are marked on the upper transport rail system 108 by thick lines.

[0103] As shown in Figure 2, each grid cell 122 has a grid cell width W c and grid cell length L c It is explained using the width W o and length L o This can generate grid openings 115. Each grid location is associated with a grid cell 122.

[0104] The upper transport rail system 108 allows container handling vehicles 200, adapted for movement on rails, to move horizontally between different grid locations in a precise and stable manner.

[0105] Figure 1 shows a storage grid 104 with storage columns 105, with a height of eight cells. However, it should be understood that the storage grid 104 can be any size in principle. In particular, it should be understood that the storage grid 104 can be significantly wider and / or longer than that disclosed in Figure 1. For example, the storage grid 104 may have a horizontal extension that exceeds the 700 × 700 grid cells 122. Also, the grid 104 can be significantly deeper than that disclosed in Figure 1. For example, the storage grid 104 may be more than 10 times the depth of the grid cells 122.

[0106] The storage container vehicle 200 may be 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.

[0107] Figure 1 shows a container handling vehicle 200 of the type disclosed in Patent No. WO2015 / 193278A1, while Figure 3 shows a container handling vehicle 200 of the type disclosed in Patent No. NO317366, namely a container handling vehicle 200 comprising a body 202, a set of wheels 201 attached to the body 202, and a cantilever beam having a lifting device 203 directly below it. The lifting device 203 is configured to raise and lower containers 106 from and into a storage column 105, respectively.

[0108] Figure 4 shows a side view of a storage facility according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The positive X, Y, and Z directions are oriented in the drawing from left to right and from top to bottom, respectively.

[0109] The storage facility is divided into three liquid-tight compartments 2-4 by four external vertical walls arranged on both sides of the storage system 1 in the X and Y directions, a horizontal base 14 and ceiling 15 in the Z direction, which thus define the external boundary of the storage facility, and two internal separating vertical separation walls, hereafter referred to as the first separation wall 6 and the second separation wall 8, both arranged on one side of the storage system 1 in the Y direction (to the right in Figure 4). Note that, as used herein, “liquid-tight compartment” means a liquid-tight state during the period when the gates at the boundaries of the compartments are in the closed position. Furthermore, “liquid-tight” means a state in which there is no leakage of gaseous substances such as gas and / or vapor, or only slight leakage. The three categories are defined as follows:

[0110] Within this, an automated warehouse system 1 of the type shown in Figure 1 (having a first upper transport rail system 108) is arranged, installed to the left of the first separation wall 6, storage space 2, A transition space 3 is installed between the first separation wall 6 and the second separation wall 8, which includes a second upper transport rail system 108' that is attached to or integrated with the first upper transport rail system 108 in the storage space 2, and A cargo handling space 4, installed to the right of a second separation wall 8, operates in air at 1 atmosphere, and includes a third upper transport rail system 108'', which is attached to or integrated with a second upper transport rail system 108'.

[0111] The first, second, and third upper transport rail systems 108, 108', and 108'' are all located at upper level P. U They are arranged in this order.

[0112] The first and second separation walls 6, 8, and therefore the transition space 3 and the handling space 4, may be arranged to the left of the storage system 1, in addition or alternatively.

[0113] As shown in Figure 4, the handling space 4 includes a container delivery station 150 arranged at or near the base 14 of the storage facility, and a container guide column 9 extending between the third upper transport rail system 108'' and the delivery station 150. The container guide column 9 is configured to guide containers 106, which are inserted into the column 9 by a container handling vehicle 200, to or from the delivery station 150.

[0114] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the container guide column 9 is further equipped with a lower platform 9a on which a container 106 is installed prior to being moved into a delivery station 150 during transport out of the storage system 1, or prior to being lifted upward by a container handling vehicle 200 to a third upper transport rail system 108'' during transport into the storage system 1.

[0115] The movement of the container 106 between the lower platform 9a and the delivery station 150 may be performed by a human operator 51, a robotic operator, a conveyor belt, or a combination thereof.

[0116] Furthermore, the raising or lowering of the container 106 through the container guidance column 9 may be carried out by a dedicated lifting device instead of, or in addition to, using the lifting device 203 within the container handling vehicle 200.

[0117] In addition to, or as an alternative to, the container guide column 9 that vertically transports container 106 to delivery station 150, transport from a third upper transport rail system 108'' to delivery station 150 may be carried out by one or more downward-inclined conveyor belts (not shown).

[0118] The installation or integration of the first upper transport rail system 108 and the second upper transport rail system 108', and the installation or integration of the second transport rail system 108' and the third upper transport rail system 108'' are carried out so as to enable the container handling vehicle 200 to move freely between the different rail systems 108, 108', and 108''.

[0119] The first and second separation walls 6 and 8 each have at least one upper opening 6a and 8a located directly above two connection points of the upper transport rail systems 108, 108', and 108'', i.e., between the first and second upper transport rail systems 108, 108' and between the second and third upper transport rail systems 108', 108'', each having a height above the rail groove that allows at least one container handling vehicle 200 to pass through, for example, 10% higher than the overall height of the container handling vehicle 200 (including any devices mounted on top, such as antennas), and a width corresponding to a distance in the X direction that traverses one grid cell 122, two grid cells 122, or three grid cells 122. The groove is defined herein as a confined track of rails into which the wheels of the vehicle 200 are guided.

[0120] Each upper opening 6a, 8a is equipped with an upper closing gate 6b, 8b, which can be opened when a container handling vehicle 200 is moving through the upper openings 6a, 8a between different rail systems 108, 108', 108'' and can be closed when the container handling vehicle 200 has completely passed through the individual upper openings 6a, 8.

[0121] The opening and closing of the upper gates 6b, 8b are preferably controlled by a remote control system 109 that also controls the movement of container handling vehicles 200 and any charging stations (not shown) present on the storage system 1. In this exemplary embodiment, the upper gates 6b, 8b include an electric system (not shown) configured to allow the upper gates 6b, 8b to move as needed, for example, by a motor driving a swivel joint to cause a pivotable movement of the upper gates 6b, 8b, or by a motor driving a linear actuator to cause a linear vertical movement of the upper gates 6b, 8b. A winch system configured to raise / lower the upper gates 6b, 8b or to pivot the upper gates 6b, 8b is also predictable.

[0122] However, it is feasible that opening and closing can be performed without the use of any motor system. For example, at least one of the upper gates 6b, 8b may be hinged to separate separation walls 6, 8 at the upper edge of the upper opening 6a, 8a such that the upper gates 6a, 8a pivot in the spaces 2, 3, 4, where the container handling vehicle 200 is moving by a pushing force provided by the vehicle 200. Closing of the upper gates 6b, 8b is therefore achieved by gravity and, possibly, assisted by adding weight to the upper gates 6b, 8b and / or by arranging a mechanical and / or magnetic closing mechanism between the upper gates 6b, 8b and the boundary of the separation walls 6, 8 that set up the upper opening 6a, 8a.

[0123] At a minimum, in order to reduce the risk of fire within the storage space 2 where the storage system 1 is located, the storage facility is equipped with a gas regulating device 10 comprising a gas container 10a located outside the storage space 2, a gas inlet 10c entering into the storage space 2, and a gas pipe 10b that provides fluid communication between the gas container 10a and the gas inlet 10c. This arrangement allows gas to flow between the gas container 10a and the storage space 2.

[0124] The gas container 10a includes means for reducing gaseous elements in a gas mixture such as O2 gas in the air. Such means are known in the art and will therefore not be further described herein. See, for example, the article "WagnerImpulse" in the journal "The Wagner Group Customer magazine" (3 / 2018).

[0125] In dry air, the concentration of flammable gas oxygen is approximately 21%. If the oxygen concentration is reduced to 16% or below, the risk of fire is significantly reduced. In air, fires may occur, for example, from sparks from the movement of the container handling vehicle 200 and / or from a charging station (not shown) for charging batteries in the vehicle 200 and / or from the combustion of contents in the container 106, and / or from sunlight hitting flammable materials in the storage system 1 due to accidental heating, etc.

[0126] The airtight separation between the storage space 2 and the handling space 4 ensures that the container handling vehicle 200 can store, retrieve, receive, and deliver the container 106, which is located in an oxygen-reduced atmosphere that has a reduced or slight fire risk but represents a health risk for humans.

[0127] Furthermore, by arranging a liquid-tight transition space 3 between the storage space 2 and the handling space 4, the amount of leakage from the storage space 2 during the transition of the container handling vehicle 200 between the storage space 2 and the handling space 4 can be minimized. In effect, the separation walls 6, 8 and the intervening transition space 3 act as an airlock (preferably a chamber with two series airtight doors that do not open simultaneously (openings 6a, 8a sealed by upper gate openings 6b, 8b)).

[0128] For example, the air initially containing approximately 21% oxygen gas in both the storage space 2 and the transition space 3 may be replaced (using the gas adjustment device 10) with an air-like gas mixture having a reduced oxygen gas concentration of 16% or less. The oxygen concentration in the air within the handling space 4 is not replaced and is maintained at normal atmospheric levels.

[0129] During operation, the oxygen concentration in the transition space 3 will increase due to the repeated opening of the second upper closable gate 8b, thereby causing gas exchange between the handling space 4 and the transition space 3. However, since the first upper closable gate 6b will be closed when the second upper closable gate 8b is opened, there will be little to no air in the handling space 4 that is exchanged with the gas mixture present in the storage space 2. Therefore, the undesirable increase in oxygen concentration during operation will not be as rapid in the storage space 2 as it is in the transition space 3.

[0130] Monitoring the oxygen concentration within the storage facility, particularly within storage space 2, is advantageous. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 4, the storage facility is equipped with an oxygen gas sensor 12 in storage space 2, an oxygen gas sensor 11 in transition space 3, and an oxygen gas sensor 13 in handling space 4. All of these oxygen gas sensors 11-13 are shown mounted on the ceiling 15 of the storage facility in Figure 4. However, the oxygen gas sensors may be mounted at any location within their respective spaces 2-4.

[0131] The primary purpose of the oxygen gas sensor 12 in storage space 2 is to ensure that the oxygen concentration remains below a predetermined maximum concentration, for example, 16% oxygen concentration, while the primary purpose of the oxygen gas sensor 13 in handling space 4 is to ensure that the oxygen concentration remains at a level considered safe for humans. Finally, the primary purpose of the oxygen gas sensor 11 in transition space 3 is to monitor any leakage between storage space 2 and transition space 3, and any leakage between handling space 4 and transition space 3.

[0132] Measurements by gas sensors 11-13 may be performed continuously, at time intervals, upon request from the operator, or a combination of these.

[0133] However, the storage equipment of the present invention is not limited to reducing the risk of fire.

[0134] Another example of the scope of use for storage equipment that allows for control of gas concentration is the storage of fresh food. Prior art tests have shown that fruits such as apples can be best stored for long periods in an atmosphere consisting of 1% O2 and 1-2.5% CO2. The O2 gas may be replaced with N2 gas.

[0135] As described above, the storage facility may, as an alternative or in addition, be equipped with fire extinguishing devices and / or cooling equipment.

[0136] A storage facility having both a cooling system for cooling the storage space to a temperature below 10°C and a gas adjustment device 10, i.e., 10a-c, can create nearly ideal conditions for storing fresh food.

[0137] The fresh food storage facility may be supplemented with fire extinguishing devices to reduce the risk of fire.

[0138] A different storage system 1 is shown in part in Figure 5, on which an upright member 102 forms part of a skeletal structure 100 on which an upper transport rail system 108, accompanied by multiple container handling vehicles 200, operates.

[0139] Below the upper transport rail system 108, near the base 14, is shown another skeletal structure that extends at least partially below some of the storage columns 105 of the storage grid 104, comprising vertical columns and a lower delivery rail system 308. With respect to the higher skeletal structure 100, multiple vehicles 300 may operate on the lower delivery rail system 308. Similar to or in the same way as the upper transport rail system 108, the lower delivery rail system 308 comprises a first set 310 of parallel rails oriented in a first direction X and a second set 311 of parallel rails oriented in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X, thereby connecting to the lower horizontal plane P L (Upper horizontal plane P U Within the base 14 (arranged in closer proximity to the base 14 compared to the lower delivery rail system 308), a grid pattern is formed comprising multiple rectangles and uniform grid locations or grid cells 322 (shown by thick lines in Figure 5). Each grid cell 322 of the lower delivery rail system 308 comprises a grid opening 315, separated by pairs of neighboring rails 310a, 310b of the first set of rails 310 and pairs of neighboring rails 311a, 311b of the second set of rails 311. Directly above the delivery rail system 308 and on the horizontal plane P within the storage space 2 L The volume in the vertical direction Z between the internal delivery rail system 308 and the storage column 105 is hereafter referred to as the lower storage space 2'. Furthermore, the division of the storage grid 104 between the lower storage space 2' and the upper transport rail system 108 is hereafter referred to as the delivery section 121 (see Figure 7).

[0140] A portion of the lower delivery rail system 308, which extends below the storage column 105, is located on the horizontal plane P L The grid cell 322 within it is on the horizontal plane P U It is aligned to match the grid cells 122 of the upper transport rail system 108 inside.

[0141] Therefore, using this particular alignment of the two rail systems 108, 308, a container 106 that is being lowered by a container handling vehicle 200 into a storage column 105 within a delivery section 121 (i.e., located above the lower storage space 2') can be placed in or on the storage container support 302 of the delivery vehicle 300, which is located directly below the storage column 105.

[0142] Figure 6 shows one embodiment of a container delivery vehicle 300, comprising a wheel assembly 301 similar to the wheel assembly 201 described with respect to a prior art container handling vehicle 200, and a storage container support section 302 for receiving and supporting containers 106 delivered by the container handling vehicle 200. The storage container support section 302 may be a tray, plate, or any other shape (as shown in Figure 6) capable of supporting a container during horizontal movement along the lower rail system 308.

[0143] After receiving container 106, the container delivery vehicle 300 moves to the lower horizontal plane P L Along the X and Y directions, it may be driven to another location on the lower delivery rail system 308.

[0144] Figure 7 shows a storage facility according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0145] In the first embodiment, the storage facility comprises a storage space 2, a transition space 3, and a cargo handling space 4, and at least a portion of the storage system 1 as described above is disposed on a base 14 via a base support 16, which is illustrated in Figure 7 by a plurality of upright support rods.

[0146] Multiple container handling vehicles 200 are located on the upper horizontal plane P U It is operable on an internally extending upper transport rail system 108.

[0147] However, unlike the storage equipment of the first embodiment, the container handling vehicle 200 can operate only within the storage space 2. Instead, when a command from the remote control system 109 instructs the storage system 1 to retrieve a specific container 106 from the storage grid 104, the container handling vehicle 200 transports the container 106 to a storage column 105 above the delivery section 121 (after raising the container 106 from the individual stack 107 as described above), and then lowers the container 106 down to a waiting container delivery vehicle 300.

[0148] After receiving the container 106 in or on the storage container support section 302, the container delivery vehicle 300 moves (by using the wheel arrangement 301) through the first lower opening 6c of the first separation wall 6 and onto the second lower delivery rail system 308' in the lower transition space 3' of the transition space 3.

[0149] In a manner similar to, or the same as, that described with respect to the first and second transport rail systems 108, 108' of the first embodiment, the second lower delivery rail system 308' is configured relative to the first lower delivery rail system 308 so that a container delivery vehicle 300 can move freely between the two lower delivery rail systems 308, 308'.

[0150] In further similarity with the upper transport rail systems 108, 108' of the first embodiment, the first lower closure gate 6d is mounted relative to the first lower opening 6c such that airtight closure between the storage space 2 and the transition space 3 is achieved when the gate 6d is in the closed position.

[0151] In the exemplary configuration of Figure 7, the vertical ends 123 of the storage grid 104 are shown aligned at the boundary between the delivery section 121 and the lower storage space 2' in which the container delivery vehicle 300 operates. The vertical ends may be one or more horizontal plates or horizontal beams 123 that traverse the depth of the storage space 2 in the X direction and extend at least along the Y direction to the first separation wall 6.

[0152] In Figure 7, the vertical end 123 further extends in the Y direction across the transition space 3 to the second separation wall 8. The lower transition space 3' can therefore be defined as the depth of the transition space 3 or storage system 1 in the X direction, the distance between the first and second separation walls 6, 8 in the Y direction, and the distance between the second delivery rail system 308' and the vertical end 123 in the Z direction.

[0153] After the container delivery vehicle 300 passes through the first lower opening 6c, the first lower closable gate closes the first lower opening 6c, while the container delivery vehicle 300 continues to the second separation wall 8, creating an airtight separation between the transition space 3 and the handling space 4 containing the container delivery station 150. Similar to the first separation wall 6, the second separation wall 8 includes a second lower opening 8c, which is mounted directly above the second lower delivery rail system 308', and a second lower closable gate 8d, which is mounted over the opening 8c to allow an airtight closure across the second separation wall 8.

[0154] With respect to the first and second lower delivery rail systems 308, 308', the loading / unloading space 4 includes a third lower delivery rail system 308'', which is arranged relative to the second lower delivery rail system 308', so that a container delivery vehicle 300 can move freely between the transition space 3 and the loading / unloading space 4 through the second lower opening 8c.

[0155] The third lower delivery rail system 308'' extends in the Y direction at least to the container delivery station 150, thereby enabling the container delivery vehicle 300 to transport the container 106 from the second lower opening 8c to the container delivery station 150 for further handling by human and / or robotic operators 151.

[0156] With respect to the first embodiment, it is considered advantageous to place one or more oxygen gas sensors 11-13 at a location within each of the spaces 2-4, for example, to monitor the oxygen concentration in the ceiling 15 of the storage facility. Measurements may be performed continuously, at time intervals, upon request from the operator, or a combination thereof.

[0157] Figure 8 shows a third embodiment of the storage facility of the present invention, which combines the solutions of the first and second embodiments, showing that both the container handling vehicle 200 and the container delivery vehicle 300 can transport the container 106 between the storage space 2 and the handling space 4 for further handling.

[0158] In the third embodiment, the lower delivery rail systems 308, 308', 308'' and the upper transport systems 108, 108', 108'' are set up in separate spaces within the storage facility, separated by separation walls 6, 8. The rail systems 108, 108', 108'', 308, 308', 308'' are interconnected at the lower edges of the individual openings 6a, 8a, 6c, 8c in a manner similar to or equivalent to that of the first and second embodiments. Furthermore, each opening 6a, 8a, 6c, 8c is equipped with a closable gate 6b, 8b, 6d, 8d, which is arranged in a manner similar to or equivalent to that of the first and second embodiments.

[0159] In Figure 8, the vertical end 123 further extends in the Y direction within the handling space 4 to or near the container delivery station 150. The lower handling space 4' can therefore be defined as the depth of the handling space 4 in the X direction, the distance between the second separation wall 8 and the container delivery station 150 in the Y direction, and the distance between the third delivery rail system 308'' and the vertical end 123 in the Z direction. In this particular configuration, the vertical end 123 includes a lower platform 9a, which is installed within a container guidance column 9 adjacent to the container delivery station 150.

[0160] In the foregoing description, various aspects of the storage equipment according to the present invention are described with reference to illustrative embodiments. For explanatory purposes, specific figures, systems, and configurations have been provided to give a thorough understanding of the system and its operation. However, this description is not intended to be constrained. Various modifications and variations of the illustrative embodiments, and other embodiments of the system, which are obvious to those skilled in the art related to the disclosed subject matter, are considered to be within the scope of the invention.

[0161] List of reference numbers / characters 1. Automated warehouse system 2 Storage space 2' lower storage space 3 Transition space 3' lower transition space 4. Cargo handling space 4' Lower loading / unloading space 6. First separation wall 6a First upper opening 6b First upper closable gate 6c First lower opening 6d First lower closable gate 7. Horizontal beams separating the transition space and the delivery space. 8. Second separation wall 8a Second upper opening 8b Second upper closable gate 8c Second lower opening 8d Second lower closable gate 9 Container Induction Columns 9a Lower platform 10 Gas adjustment devices 10a Gas Container 10b Gas pipe 10c gas inlet 11. Flammable gas sensor / oxygen gas sensor (in transition space) 12. Flammable gas sensor / oxygen gas sensor (in storage space) 13. Flammable gas sensor / oxygen gas sensor (in cargo handling area) 14. Base of storage equipment 15. Ceiling of storage facility 16 Base support 100 Skeletal Structure 102 Upright members of the skeletal structure 103 Horizontal members of the skeletal structure 104 Storage Grid / 3D Grid 105 Storage Column 106 Storage Containers 107 stacks 108 First upper vehicle support section / First upper transport rail system 108' Second upper vehicle support section / Second upper transport rail system 108'' Third upper vehicle support section / Third upper transport rail system 109 Control Systems 110 First set of upper parallel rails in the first direction (X) 110a First rail of the upper neighboring rail 110 110b The second rail of the upper neighboring rail 110 111 Second set of upper parallel rails in the second direction (Y) 111a First rail of the upper neighboring rail 111 111b The second rail of the upper neighboring rail 111 115 Grid openings in transport rail systems 119 First delivery column 120 Second delivery column 121 Delivery classification within storage grid 104 122 Grid cells of the transport rail system 123 Vertical Ends / Horizontal Beams / Plates for Storage Grids 150 Container Delivery Stations 151 Operator 200 container handling vehicles 201 Wheel arrangement of container handling vehicles 202 Container handling vehicle body 203 Lifting device for container handling vehicles 300 container delivery vehicles Wheel arrangement of container delivery vehicle 301 302 Storage container support section / Tray for container delivery vehicle 308 First lower vehicle support section / First lower delivery rail system 308' Second lower vehicle support section / Second lower delivery rail system 308'' Third lower vehicle support section / Third lower delivery rail system 310 First set of lower parallel rails in the first direction (X) 310a First rail of the lower neighboring rail 110 310b Second rail of lower neighboring rail 110 311 Second set of lower parallel rails in the second direction (Y) 311a First rail of the lower neighboring rail 111 311b Second rail of the lower neighboring rail 111 315 Grid openings in delivery rail systems 322 Grid cells of the delivery rail system X First direction Y Second direction Z Third direction P Vehicle support section / rail system horizontal plane P L lower horizontal plane P U upper horizontal plane W c Width of grid cell 122 L c Length of grid cell 122 W o Grid opening width 115 L o Length of grid opening 115 C Oi Initial flammable gas concentration C Of Final flammable gas concentration C O,MAX The predetermined maximum level of the final combustible gas concentration (COf) The present invention provides, for example, the following: (Item 1) Storage equipment, A storage space (2) that encloses a warehouse system (1), wherein the storage space (2) is A storage grid (104) configured to store multiple storage containers (106) in a vertical stack (107), The first upper vehicle support portion (108) is located on the upper horizontal plane (P) above the storage grid (104). U ) extending within, A container handling vehicle (200) configured to transport at least one of the plurality of storage containers (106) between at least two locations on the first upper vehicle support (108) using a wheel arrangement (201) and A storage space (2) equipped with, A transition space (3), wherein the above transition space (3) is The second upper vehicle support (108') is configured such that the container handling vehicle (200) can move between the storage space (2) and the transition space (3), and the upper horizontal plane (P U ) extends within and is arranged relative to the first upper vehicle support portion (108) and a second upper vehicle support portion (108') A transition space (3) comprising, A first separation wall (6) that separates the above-mentioned storage space (2) and transition space (3), wherein the first separation wall (6) is A first upper opening (6a) having a minimum size and vertical position that allows the container handling vehicle (200) to pass through, A first upper closable gate (6b) is configured to open and close the first opening (6a) and A first separation wall (6) and Storage facilities equipped with these features. (Item 2) The storage facility described in item 1, wherein the first upper closable gate (6b) is configured to be opened and closed remotely by the use of a remote control system (109). (Item 3) The storage facility according to item 1 or 2, wherein the first upper closable gate (6b) is configured to create a liquid-tight seal between the storage space (2) and the transition space (3) when in the closed position. (Item 4) The above storage facility further, A cargo handling space (4) for handling storage containers (106) transported to or from the warehouse system (1) within the storage space (2), A second separation wall (8) separates the above-mentioned cargo handling space (4) and the above-mentioned transition space (3), wherein the second separation wall (8) is, A second upper opening (8a) having a minimum size and vertical position that allows the container handling vehicle (200) to pass through, A second upper closable gate (8b) is configured to open and close the first opening (8a) and A second separation wall (8) and A storage facility comprising any one of the above items. (Item 5) The storage facility described in item 4, wherein the second upper closable gate (8b) is configured to be opened and closed remotely by the use of a remote control system (109). (Item 6) The above cargo handling space (4) is, The upper horizontal plane (P U A third upper vehicle support portion (108'') extending within the ), wherein the third vehicle support portion (108'') is arranged relative to the second vehicle support portion (108'') so that the container handling vehicle (200) can move between the transition space (3) and the handling space (4). Storage facilities as described in item 4 or 5, which contain the following: (Item 7) The above cargo handling space (4) is equipped with a container delivery station (150), and the above container delivery station (150) is To receive storage containers (106) transported by the above-mentioned container handling vehicle (200) for further loading and unloading, or To store the above-mentioned storage container (106) in the above-mentioned warehouse system (1), the storage container (106) is delivered to the above-mentioned container handling vehicle (200), or those combinations Storage facilities configured for any one of items 4-6. (Item 8) The above-mentioned cargo handling space (4) is equipped with a third upper vehicle support section (108''), and the above-mentioned third upper vehicle support section (108'') is, The above container handling vehicle (200) can move between the second vehicle support (108'') and the third vehicle support (108'') through the second opening (8a), and further, At a minimum, the third upper vehicle support (108'') is positioned so that the container handling vehicle (200) can move from the second upper opening (8a) to a location directly above the container delivery station (150), above the upper horizontal plane (P U ) so that it extends within The storage equipment described in item 7, arranged in relation to the second vehicle support section (108'') described above. (Item 9) The above cargo handling space (4) is equipped with a container guide column (9), and the above container guide column (9) is located on the upper horizontal plane (P U The storage facility according to item 7 or 8, configured to guide the storage container (106) between a vertical position above the container delivery station (150) and a vertical position near or in the vicinity of the container delivery station (150). (Item 10) The first of the above-mentioned upper vehicle support portion (108) is the above-mentioned upper horizontal plane (P U A first set (110) of parallel rails arranged within and extending in a first direction (X), and the upper horizontal plane (P UAn upper rail system comprising a second set (111) of parallel rails arranged within the upper horizontal plane (P) and extending in a second direction (Y) perpendicular to the first direction (X), wherein the first and second sets (110, 111) of parallel rails are arranged within the upper horizontal plane (P) U ) contains length L c and width W c A grid pattern is formed comprising a plurality of adjacent grid cells (122), each comprising a grid opening (115) defined by a pair of adjacent rails of a first set (110) of parallel rails and a pair of adjacent rails of a second set (111) of parallel rails, The wheel arrangement (201) of the container handling vehicle (200) is configured to allow movement in the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) along the first upper rail system (108). Storage facilities as described in any one of the above items. (Item 11) The storage facility described in any one of the above items further comprises a flammable gas sensor (11) disposed within the transition space (3) for measuring the concentration of flammable gas. (Item 12) The above-mentioned storage facility is a storage facility according to any one of the above items, comprising a fire extinguishing device (10, 10a-c) configured to extinguish a fire by introducing a fire extinguishing substance into the above-mentioned storage space (2). (Item 13) The storage equipment described in any one of the above items, further comprising a cooling system configured to lower the temperature inside the storage space (2) to a temperature below the temperature outside the storage space (2) before and / or during operation. (Item 14) The above cooling equipment is arranged in at least part within the above storage space (2), as described in item 13. (Item 15) The storage facility according to any one of the above items, comprising gas adjustment devices (10, 10a-c) arranged in fluid communication with the storage space (2), wherein the gas adjustment devices (10, 10a-c) are configured to adjust the gas composition of the gas in the storage space (2) before and / or during operation. (Item 16) The above gas adjustment devices (10, 10a-c) are, A gas container (10a) arranged outside the above storage space (2), wherein the initial flammable gas concentration (C Oi A gas having the above initial flammable gas concentration (C Oi The final combustible gas concentration (C) is less than ) Of A gas container (10a) equipped with means for converting to a conversion gas having ), At least one gas inlet (10c) that ensures fluid communication between the gas container and the storage space (2) and Equipped with, The storage facility according to item 15, wherein the gas adjustment device (10, 10a-c) is configured to replace the initial gas in the storage space (2) with the conversion gas by at least partially introducing the conversion gas from the gas container (10a) into the storage space (2) via the at least one gas inlet (10c). (Item 17) A method for reducing the risk of fire in a warehouse system (1) arranged within the storage space (2) of the storage equipment described in item 16, the method being: Initial flammable gas concentration (C Oi The gas in the gas container (10a) having the above-mentioned initial flammable gas concentration (C Oi The final combustible gas concentration (C) is less than ) Of The steps include converting to a conversion gas having ) The steps include: guiding the conversion gas from the gas container (10a) through at least one gas inlet (10c) to at least partially replace the initial gas in the storage space (2) with the conversion gas; Methods that include... (Item 18) The above method further, A step of loading at least one of the multiple storage containers (106) stored in the storage grid (104) using the lifting device (203) which forms part of the container handling vehicle (200), The steps include opening the first upper closable gate (6b) described above, The steps include moving the above container handling vehicle (200) from the above storage space (2) through the above first upper opening (6a) into the above transition space (3), The steps include closing the first upper closable gate (6b) described above, and The method described in item 17, including the method described in item 17. (Item 19) The above storage facility further comprises a loading / unloading space (4) for loading / unloading storage containers (106) from or being transported to the above warehouse system (1) within the above storage space (2), and a second separation wall (8) separating the loading / unloading space (4) and the above transition space (3), wherein the second separation wall (8) comprises a second upper opening (8a) having a minimum size sufficient to allow the container handling vehicle (200) to pass through, and a second upper closable gate (8b) configured to open and close at least the second upper opening (8a) of the minimum size, and the method further comprises, The step of opening the second upper closable gate (8b) described above, The steps include moving the above container handling vehicle (200) from the above transition space (3) into the handling space (4), The step of closing the second upper closable gate (8b) described above The method described in item 18, including the method described in item 18. (Item 20) This method further, The time interval (Δt) between the closing of the first upper closable gate (6b) and the opening of the second upper closable gate (8b) is adjusted to control the final flammable gas concentration (C) in the storage space (2). Of ) is at a predetermined maximum level (C O,MAXSteps to ensure that it is kept below ) The method described in item 19, including the method described in item 19. (Item 21) The above method further, The final combustible gas concentration (C) in the transition space (3) described above. Of ) Steps to measure The method described in any one of items 17-20, including the method described in item 17-20. (Item 22) The above method further, The above gas in the above storage space (2) is adjusted, and the above final flammable gas concentration (C Of ) further reduces or the above final flammable gas concentration (C Of A step to maintain ) at a nearly constant level. The method described in any one of items 17-21, including the method described in item 17-21.

Claims

1. A storage facility, wherein the storage facility is Storage and transition spaces including vertical walls, common base, and common ceiling Equipped with, The aforementioned storage space is A storage grid configured to store multiple storage containers in a vertical stack, wherein the storage grid comprises a delivery section, the delivery section is configured to accommodate at least one container delivery vehicle for receiving containers lowered to a lower horizontal plane via a first storage column of the storage grid, The first lower vehicle support portion extending within the lower horizontal plane and It is enclosed, The aforementioned transition space is A second lower vehicle support portion, the second lower vehicle support portion extending in the lower horizontal plane and arranged relative to the first lower vehicle support portion, so that a container delivery vehicle can move between the storage space and the transition space. Equipped with, The aforementioned storage facility is A first separation wall that separates the storage space and the transition space, wherein the first separation wall is A first lower opening having the minimum size and vertical position that allows the container delivery vehicle to pass through, A first lower closable gate configured to open and close the first lower opening, A first separation wall comprising, A loading and unloading space for loading and unloading storage containers from or to a warehouse system within the storage space, A second separation wall that separates the cargo handling space and the transition space, wherein the second separation wall is A second lower opening having the minimum size and vertical position that allows the container delivery vehicle to pass through, A second lower closable gate configured to open and close the second lower opening, A second separation wall and Furthermore, The aforementioned storage facility further, A gas conditioning device arranged in fluid communication with the storage space, wherein the gas conditioning device is configured to adjust the gas composition of the gas in the storage space before and / or during operation. Storage facilities equipped with these features.

2. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first lower closable gate is configured to create a liquid-tight seal between the storage space and the transition space when in the closed position.

3. The storage facility according to claim 1, wherein the loading / unloading space includes a third lower vehicle support extending in the lower horizontal plane, and the third lower vehicle support is arranged with respect to the second lower vehicle support so that the container delivery vehicle can move between the transition space and the loading / unloading space.

4. The cargo handling space includes a container delivery station, and the container delivery station is For further handling, receiving the storage containers transported by the container delivery vehicle, or To store the storage containers in the warehouse system, to deliver the storage containers to the container delivery vehicle, or those combinations The storage equipment according to claim 1, configured for the purpose of...

5. The cargo handling space is provided with a third lower vehicle support, and the third lower vehicle support is The container delivery vehicle is capable of moving between the second lower vehicle support and the third lower vehicle support through the second lower opening, and further, At a minimum, the third lower vehicle support extends in the lower horizontal plane so that the container delivery vehicle can move from the second lower opening to the container delivery station. The storage equipment according to claim 4, arranged with respect to the second lower vehicle support portion.

6. The storage facility according to claim 1, further comprising a flammable gas sensor disposed in the transition space for measuring the concentration of flammable gas.

7. The storage facility according to claim 1, wherein the storage facility comprises a fire extinguishing device configured to extinguish a fire in the storage space by introducing a fire extinguishing substance into the storage space.

8. The storage equipment according to claim 1, wherein the storage equipment comprises a cooling system configured to lower the temperature inside the storage space to a first temperature inside the storage space which is less than a second temperature outside the storage space, before and / or during operation.

9. The storage facility according to claim 8, wherein the cooling equipment is at least partially arranged within the storage space.

10. The gas adjustment device is A gas container arranged outside the storage space, the gas container comprising means for converting a gas having an initial flammable gas concentration into a conversion gas having a final flammable gas concentration less than the initial flammable gas concentration, At least one gas inlet to ensure fluid communication between the gas container and the storage space, Equipped with, The storage facility according to claim 1, wherein the gas adjustment device is configured to at least partially replace the initial gas in the storage space with the conversion gas by introducing the conversion gas from the gas container into the storage space through the at least one gas inlet.

11. A method for reducing the risk of fire in a warehouse system arranged within the storage space of the storage equipment described in Claim 10, wherein the method is: A step of converting the gas in the gas container having an initial flammable gas concentration to a conversion gas having a final flammable gas concentration less than the initial flammable gas concentration, The steps include: guiding the conversion gas from the gas container through the at least one gas inlet to at least partially replace the initial gas in the storage space with the conversion gas; Methods that include...

12. The method further includes: The steps include loading at least one of the plurality of storage containers stored in the storage grid using a lifting device that forms part of the container delivery vehicle, The steps include transporting at least one of the plurality of storage containers to the delivery section of the storage grid, The steps include lowering at least one of the plurality of storage containers onto a container delivery vehicle located within the delivery area, The steps include opening the first lower closable gate, The steps include moving the container delivery vehicle from the storage space through the first lower opening into the transition space, The steps of closing the first lower closure gate and The method according to claim 11, including the method described in claim 11.

13. The storage facility further comprises a loading / unloading space for loading / unloading storage containers from or to the warehouse system within the storage space, and a second separation wall separating the loading / unloading space and the transition space, wherein the second separation wall comprises a second lower opening having a minimum size sufficient to allow the passage of the container delivery vehicle, and a second lower closable gate configured to open and close at least the minimum size second lower opening, and the method further comprises The steps include opening the second lower closable gate, The steps include moving the container delivery vehicle from the transition space into the cargo handling space, The steps of closing the second lower closure gate and The method according to claim 12, including the method described in claim 12.

14. The method further, A step of adjusting the time interval between closing the first lower closure gate and opening the second lower closure gate to ensure that the final flammable gas concentration in the storage space is kept below a predetermined maximum level. The method according to claim 13, including the method described in claim 13.

15. A step of measuring the final combustible gas concentration in the transition space. The method according to claim 11, further comprising:

16. A step of adjusting the gas in the storage space to further reduce the final flammable gas concentration or to maintain the final flammable gas concentration at a substantially constant level. The method according to claim 11, further comprising:

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