Module plate system mounted on a framework and an automated storage system with a fastening arrangement

Abstract

A modular plate system in which plate members (16) of various functions can be easily inserted between upright members of a framework structure of a storage system. The modular plate system of the present invention can function as a stabilizing arrangement for the framework structure. According to this aspect of the present invention, the plate members (16) of the system are fastened plate members that can be connected between adjacent upright members (102) of the framework structure (100). In another aspect, the plate members can provide a function other than or in addition to stabilization; for example, functional plate members can be thermal insulation plates, fire barrier plates, soundproofing plates, and the like, whereby the plates can be used to form zones or barriers within the framework, for example, to form refrigeration zones, soundproofing zones, or fire barrier walls to create fire protection areas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated warehouse system for the storage and retrieval of containers, and more particularly to an arrangement for stabilizing the skeletal structure of such a warehouse system.

Background Art

[0002] Overview of the automated warehouse system FIG. 1 discloses a typical prior art automated warehouse system 1 with a skeletal structure 100, and FIGS. 2 and 3 disclose two different prior art container handling vehicles 201, 301 suitable for operating on such a system 1.

[0003] The skeletal structure 100 includes upright members 102, horizontal members 103, and storage columns 105 arranged in rows between the upright members 102 and the horizontal members 103, and a storage volume. In these storage columns 105, storage containers 106, also known as containers, are stacked on top of each other to form a stack 107. The members 102, 103 may typically be made of metal, for example, extruded aluminum profiles.

[0004] The skeletal structure 100 of the automated warehouse system 1 includes a rail system 108 arranged across the upper part of the skeletal structure 100. On the rail system 108, a plurality of container handling vehicles 201, 301 are operated to lift the storage container 106 from the storage column 105, lower the storage container 106 therein, and transport the storage container 106 above the storage column 105. The rail system 108 includes a first set 110 of parallel rails arranged to guide the movement of the container handling vehicles 201, 301 in a first direction X across the upper part of the frame structure 100, and a second set 111 of parallel rails arranged perpendicular to the first set 110 of rails for guiding the movement of the container handling vehicles 201, 301 in a second direction Y that is perpendicular to the first direction X. The container 106 stored in the column 105 is accessed by the container handling vehicle through an access opening 112 in the rail system 108. The container handling vehicles 201, 301 can move laterally above the storage column 105, that is, in a plane parallel to the horizontal X-Y plane.

[0005] The upright member 102 of the skeletal structure 100 may be used to guide the storage container during the lifting of the container out of the column 105 and the lowering of the container therein. The stack 107 of containers 106 is typically self-supporting.

[0006] Each prior art container handling vehicle 201, 301 includes a vehicle body 201a, 301a and first and second sets 201b, 301b, 201c, 301c of wheels that enable the lateral movement of the container handling vehicles 201, 301 in the X and Y directions, respectively. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the two wheels within each set are fully visible. The first set 201b, 301b of wheels is arranged to engage two adjacent rails of the first set 110 of rails, and the second set 201c, 301c of wheels is arranged to engage two adjacent rails of the second set 111 of rails. At least one of the sets of wheels 201b, 301b, 201c, 301c can be raised and lowered so that the first set 201b, 301b of wheels and / or the second set 201c, 301c of wheels can engage the individual sets 110, 111 of rails at any point in time.

[0007] Each prior art container handling vehicle 201, 301 also includes a lifting device (not shown) for the vertical transportation of the storage container 106, for example, lifting the storage container 106 from the storage column 105 and lowering it into the storage column 105. The lifting device is adapted to engage the storage container 106 such that the position of the gripping / engaging device relative to the vehicles 201, 301 can be adjusted in a third direction Z that is orthogonal to the first direction X and the second direction Y, and includes one or more gripping / engaging devices that can be lowered from the vehicles 201, 301. A part of the gripping device of the container handling vehicle 301 is shown in FIG. 3 and is indicated by reference numeral 304. The gripping device of the container handling device 201 is located within the vehicle body 301a of FIG. 2.

[0008] As in the prior art and for the purposes of the present application, Z = 1 identifies the top layer of the storage container, 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 disclosed in FIG. 1, Z = 8 identifies the bottommost layer of the storage container. Similarly, X = 1...n and Y = 1...n identify the positions of each storage column 105 in the horizontal plane. As a result, using the Cartesian coordinate system X, Y, Z as an example and as shown in FIG. 1, it can be said that the storage container identified as 106’ in FIG. 1 occupies the storage position X = 10, Y = 2, Z = 3. The container handling vehicles 201, 301 can be said to travel within the layer Z = 0, and each storage column 105 can be identified by its X and Y coordinates.

[0009] The storage volume of the skeletal structure 100 is often referred to as a grid 104, and the possible storage positions within this grid are referred to as storage cells. Each storage column can be identified by its position in the X and Y directions, while each storage cell can be identified by the container number in the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0010] Each prior art container handling vehicle 201, 301 is provided with a storage compartment or space for receiving and accommodating the storage container 106 when transporting the storage container 106 across the rail system 108. The storage space may be provided with a cavity and be arranged in the center within the vehicle body 201a, as shown in FIG. 2 and as described, for example, in WO2015 / 193278A1, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0011] FIG. 3 shows an alternative configuration of the container handling vehicle 301 with a cantilever structure. Such a vehicle is described in detail, for example, in No. 317366, the content of which is also incorporated herein by reference.

[0012] The central cavity container handling vehicle 201 shown in FIG. 2 may have an occupied area covering an area with dimensions in the X and Y directions generally equal to the lateral extent of the storage column 105, for example, as described in WO2015 / 193278A1, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. As used herein, the term "lateral" may mean "horizontal".

[0013] Alternatively, the central cavity container handling vehicle 101 may have an occupied area larger than the lateral area defined by the storage column 105, for example, as disclosed in WO2014 / 090684A1.

[0014] The rail system 108 typically comprises rails with grooves on which the vehicle wheels run. Alternatively, the rails may comprise upwardly projecting elements and the vehicle wheels may be provided with flanges to prevent derailment. These grooves and upwardly projecting elements are collectively known as a track. Each rail may comprise one track or each rail may comprise two parallel tracks.

[0015] WO2018146304 (the content of which is incorporated herein by reference) illustrates a typical configuration of the rail system 108 comprising a rail and parallel tracks in both the X and Y directions.

[0016] In the skeletal structure 100, most of the columns 105 are storage columns 105, that is, columns 105 where storage containers 106 are stored in the stack 107. However, some columns 105 may have other purposes. In FIG. 1, columns 119 and 120 are such special-purpose columns that are used by container handling vehicles 201, 301 to load and unload, and / or load, storage containers 106 so that the storage containers 106 can be transported to an access station (not shown) where the storage containers 106 can be accessed from outside the skeletal structure 100 or transferred outside or into the skeletal structure 100. In the art, such locations are usually referred to as "ports", and the columns in which the ports are located may be referred to as "port columns" 119, 120. The transport to the access station may be in any direction, horizontal, diagonal, and / or vertical. For example, the storage container 106 may be installed in a random or dedicated column 105 within the skeletal structure 100 and then loaded by any container handling vehicle and transported to the port columns 119, 120 for further transport to the access station. Note that the term "diagonal" means the transport of the storage container 106 having a general transport orientation at a location between horizontal and vertical.

[0017] In FIG. 1, the first port column 119 may be, for example, a dedicated loading / unloading port column where the container handling vehicles 201, 301 can load and unload the storage containers 106 to be transported to the access or transfer station, and the second port column 120 may be a dedicated loading port column where the container handling vehicles 201, 301 can load the storage containers 106 being transported from the access or transfer station.

[0018] The access station may typically be a picking station or a stocking station where product items are removed from or located within the storage container 106. At the picking station or the stocking station, the storage container 106 is usually not removed from the automated warehouse system 1, but once accessed, it is returned back into the framework structure 100 again. A port can also be used to transfer the storage container to another storage facility (e.g., to another framework structure or to another automated warehouse system), to a transport vehicle (e.g., a train or a large truck), or to a production facility.

[0019] A conveyor system with conveyors is typically employed to transport the storage container between the port columns 119, 120 and the access station.

[0020] If the port columns 119, 120 and the access station are located at different levels, the conveyor system may comprise a lifting device with a vertical component for vertically transporting the storage container 106 between the port columns 119, 120 and the access station.

[0021] The conveyor system may be arranged to transfer the storage container 106 between different framework structures, as described, for example, in WO2014 / 075937A1 (the content of which is incorporated herein by reference).

[0022] When a storage container 106 stored within one of the columns 105 disclosed in FIG. 1 is to be accessed, one of the container handling vehicles 201, 301 is instructed to retrieve the target storage container 106 from its position and transport it to the loading / unloading port column 119. This operation involves moving the container handling vehicle 201, 301 to a location above the storage column 105 where the target storage container 106 is positioned, using a lifting device (not shown) of the container handling vehicle 201, 301 to retrieve the storage container 106 from the storage column 105, and transporting the storage container 106 to the loading / unloading port column 119. If the target storage container 106 is located deep within the stack 107, i.e., with one or more other storage containers 106 positioned above the target storage container 106, the operation also involves temporarily moving the storage containers positioned above before raising the target storage container 106 from the storage column 105. This step, sometimes referred to in the art as "digging out", may subsequently be performed using the same container handling vehicle used to transport the target storage container to the loading / unloading port column 119, or using one or more other cooperating container handling vehicles. Alternatively, or in addition, the automated storage system 1 may have a container handling vehicle specifically dedicated to the task of temporarily removing storage containers 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 back into the original storage column 105. However, the removed storage container may alternatively be repositioned to another storage column.

[0023] When storage container 106 is to be stored in one of columns 105, one of container handling vehicles 201, 301 is instructed to load storage container 106 from loading port column 120 and transport it to a location above the storage column 105 where it is to be stored. After any storage container positioned at or above the target position within storage column stack 107 is removed, container handling vehicles 201, 301 position storage container 106 at the desired location. The removed storage container may then be lowered back into storage column 105 or relocated to another storage column.

[0024] To monitor and control automated warehouse system 1, for example, so that a desired storage container 106 can be delivered to a desired location at a desired time without container handling vehicles 201, 301 colliding with each other, automated warehouse system 1 typically comprises a computerized control system 500, typically with a database for tracking storage containers 106, to monitor and control the location of individual storage containers 106 within framework structure 100, the contents of each storage container 106, and the movement of container handling vehicles 201, 301. Stability of the skeletal structure of the warehouse system

[0025] The framework of an automated warehouse system as described above must, of course, be able to support its own weight, along with the combined weight of the storage containers and their contents, the system's container handling vehicles and other equipment. In addition, the framework must also be able to withstand lateral forces caused, for example, by vehicle acceleration and braking, non-uniform weight distribution, earthquakes, and the like.

[0026] Prior art storage systems employ various arrangements to ensure sufficient stability of the skeletal structure 100. In some installations, the skeletal structure is connected to and supported by the walls of the building in which the storage system is housed. Where this is not possible, the prior art storage system may rely on an auxiliary support structure (not shown) that is at least partially constructed along the perimeter of the skeletal structure 100. The requirement to have an auxiliary support structure is disadvantageous for several reasons. The support structure occupies space / area that could otherwise be utilized by the storage system, i.e., this hinders the optimal use of the space / area available for storage. The need for an auxiliary support structure can limit the available options for positioning the storage system, i.e., the auxiliary support structure can hinder the proper positioning of the storage system because the auxiliary support structure itself often requires connection to an enclosing structure such as the inner wall of a building. The requirement for a support structure is not cost-effective.

[0027] In an embodiment distinct from the prior art, the Applicant has previously described in WO 2019101367 a system of inclined support struts connected to the upright members 102 of a skeletal structure. The struts from WO 2019101367 provide stability and enable the skeletal structure to be self-standing, but there remains room for improvement in providing a simpler and more flexible arrangement for stabilizing the skeletal structure 100. The solution described in WO 20191010367 does not provide a modular system in which functional plate members that perform various functions can be arranged.

[0028] One particular drawback associated with the arrangement described in WO 2019101367 is that the arrangement of the struts depends on a slightly more complex profile of the upright member 102 of the skeletal structure. In the prior art storage system described above, four adjacent upright members 102 of the skeletal structure 100 define the storage columns 105. The upright members themselves are hollow extruded aluminum profiles. The upright members each have four corner sections 8, each of which has two right-angled container guiding plates 9. In use, the corners 11 of the container are guided by the corner sections 8 of the upright members and slide up and down along the storage columns 105. However, in order to arrange its stabilizing struts, WO requires grooves or ridges in the space between the container guiding plates 9 to which the mounting devices for the struts are connected. This requirement for a more complex profile for the upright members increases costs and prevents the use of struts within existing installations.

[0029] Accordingly, as described above, an improvement over the arrangement described in WO 2019101367 is the need for a modular arrangement that can stabilize the skeletal structure of the storage system (and provide a modular system for creating functional zones within the skeletal structure of the storage system) by being compatible with the simpler profile of the upright members 102 of an existing prior art storage system installation.

[0030] Another example of the prior art is WO2016 / 172793. This application describes a warehouse system comprising a skeletal structure defining storage columns in which storage containers are stacked. Empty columns are arranged adjacent to one of the four sides of the storage column. A container / retrieval vehicle travels above and below the empty column and laterally removes storage containers from the adjacent side of the storage column. This application describes panels disposed along the other three faces of the storage column, which are described as providing structural stability for the skeleton. Each panel has an inward-facing edge such that three panels at a given vertical level of the column form a shelf on which the container rests and from which the container is laterally removed by the vehicle. The edges of the panels form the shelves on which the containers rest, so the panels of WO2016 / 172793 must be disposed as part of the original structure of the skeleton. The panels cannot be removed or replaced while the containers are arranged within the storage column, and WO2016 / 172793 does not propose a modular system in which functional panels can be disposed at various locations within the skeleton and functional panels can be generated, since the support panels of WO2016 / 172793 must be specific to each storage column.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0031]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0032] The present invention is described and characterized in the independent claims, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention.

[0033] According to one aspect, the present invention is a modular plate system in which plate members of various functions can be easily inserted between the upright members of the skeletal structure of a warehouse system, as described above.

[0034] In another aspect, the modular plate system of the present invention can function as a stabilizing arrangement for the skeletal structure. According to this aspect of the present invention, the plate members of the system can be retention plate members that can be connected between adjacent upright members 102 of the skeletal structure 100 to provide structural stability for the skeleton, as described above.

[0035] In another aspect, the plate members may provide a function other than or in addition to stabilization. For example, the functional plate members can be insulation plates, fire barrier plates, soundproof plates, and the like, whereby the plates can be used to form areas or barriers within the skeleton to form, for example, a fire barrier wall for generating a refrigerated area, a soundproof area, or a fire protection area. The plates can be easily disposed and removed, allowing functional areas to be freely generated, expanded, or used for other purposes.

[0036] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of stabilizing the skeletal structure of a warehouse system.

[0037] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of generating a functional area within the skeletal structure of a warehouse system. The present invention provides, for example, the following. (Item 1) An automated warehouse system (1), wherein the automated warehouse system (1) comprises a skeletal structure (100) constructed from a plurality of upright members (102) connected by a horizontal member (103) so as to define a storage grid (104) of a storage column (105), in which a plurality of storage containers (106) can be stacked, and the skeletal structure has a rail system (108) arranged at an upper level of the skeletal structure with parallel rails (110) in a first direction X and parallel rails in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction, on which a plurality of wheeled container handling vehicles (201, 301) travel, and the container handling vehicle is equipped with a gripping and lifting device (304) for removing storage containers from the storage column and replacing the storage containers in the storage column. The automated warehouse system (1) further comprises a modular plate system (12), and the modular plate system (12) a. A plurality of plate members (14) mounted between adjacent upright members (102) Comprising b. The plate member comprises a plate section (18), and the plate section (18) is removably mounted between two holding profiles (20) having a shape adapted such that each holding profile (20) engages with an upright member (102). An automated warehouse system (1), characterized in that. (Item 2) The upright member (102) of the skeletal structure has an angular section (8) directed towards the inside of a specific storage column (105), the angular section comprising two vertically extending right-angled angular guide plates (9), and the angular guide plate (9) of the upright member (102) adjacent to the storage column (105) forms a guiding portion for the corners of the storage container (106) stored in the storage column (105). The holding profile (20) of the plate member (14) has a box shape adapted to be firmly inserted between the angular guide plates (9) of two adjacent angular sections (8) of the upright member (102) and essentially occupy the space therebetween, and further, the plate section (18) of the plate member (14) is arranged to be connected to the flange (21) of the inserted holding profile (20). The automated warehouse system (1) according to item 1, characterized in that (Item 3) The guiding plate (9) has a reinforcing member (24) protruding inwardly that engages with a corresponding groove (25) of the holding profile (20) by snap fit. The automated warehouse system (1) according to item 2. (Item 4) The plate member (14) is a retaining plate member (16). The automated warehouse system (1) according to any one of the above items. (Item 5) The plate member (16) includes an X-shaped plate section (18) connected between two holding profiles (20). The automated warehouse system (1) according to any one of the above items. (Item 6) Vertically adjacent plate members are preferably fastened together by bolts 30, and the lowermost plate member is fastened to a floor (32) on which the skeletal structure (100) rests. The automated warehouse system (1) according to any one of the above items. (Item 7) The plate section (18) has a lower flange and an upper flange (26, 34), and the upper and lower flanges of vertically adjacent plate sections are fastened together. The automated warehouse system (1) according to item 1 of the above items. (Item 8) The plate member (16) has a lower offset edge portion (35) that overlaps and is arranged to be fastened together with vertically adjacent plate members. The automated warehouse system (1) according to any one of the above items. (Item 9) The modular plate system (12) includes a plurality of rail interface plates (36) adapted to fix the modular plate system (12) to the rail system (108) of the skeletal structure (100). The rail interface plate (36) has a lower portion (37) that overlaps the uppermost plate member and is arranged to be connected thereto using self-drilling screws. The automated warehouse system (1) according to item 1 of the above items. (Item 10) The plate member (14) of the modular plate system (12) is a functional plate member (42). The functional plate member (42) has a function other than providing stability to the skeletal structure, or a function in addition to providing stability to the skeletal structure. The functional plate member is adapted to generate a functional area (44) within the skeletal structure (100). The automated warehouse system (1) according to item 1 of the above items. (Item 11) The above-described functional plate member (42) is a fire plate for generating a fire barrier, and the above-described functional area (44) is a fire protection area. The automated warehouse system (1) according to item 10. (Item 12) The above-described functional plate member (42) is a heat insulation plate, and the above-described functional area (44) is a refrigerated area. The automated warehouse system (1) according to item 10. (Item 13) A method for stabilizing the skeleton structure (100) of an automated warehouse system (1) as described in item 1, comprising: a. Providing a plurality of retaining plate members (16) each comprising two securing profiles (20) and a plate section (18) removably connected therebetween; b. Disposing two securing profiles (20) between two adjacent upright members (102) at the lowest level of the skeleton; c. Connecting the plate section (18) to the two disposed securing profiles; d. Disposing additional retaining plate members (16) above the first plate member at a desired height along the storage columns; e. Arranging the retaining plate members in a desired number and pattern so as to stabilize the skeleton. A method including the above steps. (Item 14) The securing profile (20) and the upright member (102) have complementary shapes enabling a snap fit between the profile and the upright member, and the securing profile has a flange to which the plate section is fastened. The method according to item 13. (Item 15) A method for generating a functional area within the skeleton structure (100) of an automated warehouse system (1) as described in item 1, comprising: a. Providing a plurality of functional plate members (42) each comprising two securing profiles (20) and a plate section (18) removably connected therebetween; b. Connecting two securing profiles between two adjacent upright members (102) at the lowest level of the skeleton and connecting the plate section to the two disposed securing profiles to dispose a first plate member; c. Disposing additional functional plate members above the first plate member at a desired height along the storage columns; d. Arranging the plate members in a desired number and pattern so as to generate a desired functional area. A method including the above steps. (Item 16) The method according to item 15, wherein the functional plate member (42) is a heat insulation plate member and the functional area is a refrigerated area. (Item 17) The method according to item 15, wherein the functional plate member (42) is a fire prevention plate arranged to generate a fire barrier and the functional area is the fire protection area of the skeleton. (Item 18) The method according to any one of items 13 - 17, including the step of arranging the plate member within the construction area of the skeleton while the warehouse system is operating, and instructing the vehicle (201, 301) to avoid the construction area as the plate member is arranged.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0038] The following drawings are attached to facilitate the understanding of the present invention. The drawings show embodiments of the present invention, which will be described here only as examples.

[0039]

Figure 1

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Figure 10

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Figure 12A

Figure 12B

Figure 12C

Figure 13A

Figure 13B

Figure 14

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0040] Detailed Description of the Invention In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be discussed in more detail 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 in the drawings.

[0041] The skeletal structure 100 of the automated warehouse system 1 is constructed according to the prior art skeletal structure 100 described above in relation to FIGS. 1-3, i.e., several upright members 102 and several horizontal members 103 supported by the upright members 102. Further, the skeletal structure 100 comprises a first upper rail system 108 in the X and Y directions.

[0042] The skeletal structure 100 further comprises storage compartments in the form of storage columns 105 provided between the members 102, 103, and storage containers 106 can be stacked within stacks 107 in the storage columns 105.

[0043] The skeletal structure 100 can be of any size. In particular, it should be understood that the skeletal structure can be significantly wider and / or longer and / or deeper than that disclosed in FIG. 1. For example, the skeletal structure 100 may have a horizontal range of columns exceeding 700×700 and a storage depth of containers exceeding 12.

[0044] In the foregoing description, various aspects of the delivery vehicle and the automated warehouse system according to the present invention have been described with reference to exemplary embodiments. For purposes of illustration, specific numerical values, systems, and configurations have been described to provide a thorough understanding of the system and its operation. However, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and variations of the exemplary embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the system, that are obvious to those skilled in the art relevant to the disclosed subject matter are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0045] One embodiment of the automated warehouse system and other aspects of the present invention will now be discussed in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4-14.

[0046] Figures 4 and 5 show a skeletal structure 100 comprising a plurality of upright members 102. Figures 4 and 5 further illustrate the skeletal structure 100 with a modular plate system 12 comprising a plurality of plate members 14 disposed between adjacent upright members 102. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 - 13, the plate member 14 is a retaining plate member 16. As used herein, the term "retaining plate" specifically refers to a plate member that has a shape and configuration, and is made of a material, and is intended to provide structural stability to a skeleton, such that a plurality of such retaining plates can provide sufficient stability such that the skeleton need not be fixed to an external structure. A sufficient number and arrangement of retaining members are disposed to provide structural stability for the skeletal structure. As illustrated, the retaining plate members may be disposed along an outer row of the upright members 102, or may be disposed between upright members located within the skeletal structure.

[0047] Figures 6 - 13 illustrate the retaining plate member 16 and the manner in which the plate member 14 is generally disposed between the upright members 102. As shown in Figure 6, the plate member, in this case the retaining plate member 16, comprises a plate section 18 that is connected between two retaining profiles 20. Figure 11 shows an exploded view of the assembly of the plate section to the retaining profile. As shown, the retaining profile 20 has a flange 21 to which the plate section 18 is connected, for example, by bolts 30.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 9, in the case of the retaining plate member 16, the plate section 18 is preferably a plate with four substantially triangular cutouts 22 so as to form an X-shaped pattern, but any shape that provides structural stability can be adopted. Other examples of such shapes may be a plate with a plurality of circular cutouts, a plate in the shape of a triangular support, or a solid plate, however, a plate with cutouts is preferred. Such cutouts reduce the weight of the plate section while the shape of the plate is designed to provide stability. For example, the illustrated X-shape has been shown to provide excellent structural stability. The material of the plate section 18 in the case of the retaining plate member 16 is preferably a metal, most preferably aluminum. If the plate member is a functional plate member, the plate section 18 will be made of a material appropriate for the desired function. For example, a refractory plate member and a heat insulating plate member, etc.

[0049] The retaining profile 20 is preferably an extruded aluminum profile having a length equal to all or at least a part of the length of the side of the plate section 18. The retaining profile 20 is specifically adapted to fit between two adjacent container guiding plates of the corner section 8, as shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8, and has a cross-sectional shape. In one embodiment, the upright member 102 is an extruded aluminum profile having a box shape that fits snugly between the corner guiding plates 9 and essentially occupies the space therebetween, and the corner guiding plates 9 are made of relatively thin extruded aluminum having a certain degree of flexibility, whereby they can spread slightly so as to separate and allow the insertion of the retaining profile 20. In one embodiment, the guiding plate 9 has inwardly protruding ribs 24. The retaining profile 20 has two corresponding grooves 25 arranged to receive the inwardly protruding ribs 24, thereby laterally securing the plate member between the two upright members, for example, in a snap-fit manner. It should be understood that other sets of mutually conforming shapes for the container guiding plate 9 and the retaining profile 20 may be employed, provided that the retaining profile 20 can easily attach the upright member between adjacent container guiding plates and provide a secure engagement state.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 9, at least in embodiments where the plate member is the retaining plate member 16, the plate section 18 includes a lower flange 26. The lower flange 26 is equipped with a plurality of bolt holes 28 through which bolts 30 can be used to secure the retaining plate member to the floor 32 on which the skeletal structure rests. Other mounting means may also be employed. As will be discussed below in connection with another embodiment of the present invention, the plate member may have a function other than or in addition to providing stability to the skeletal structure in some uses. Such plate members with additional or different functions are referred to herein as "functional" plate members. In some embodiments, it may not be necessary to bolt the functional plate member to the floor or the skeletal structure.

[0051] The arrangement of the plate system is described herein. It should be understood that the order of the following steps can be rearranged.

[0052] The plate system is arranged by attaching two retaining profiles 20 to two adjacent upright members 102 at the lowest level of the skeletal structure. The retaining profile 20 is connected to the upright member 102 by inserting the retaining profile between the induction plates 9, which is possible due to the relative flexibility of the induction plates 9. In one embodiment, the induction plate 9 has a reinforcing member that snap-fits into a corresponding groove within the retaining profile.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 11, the plate section is then connected to the retaining profile 20 by bolts 30 through pre-perforated alignment holes within the flange 21. Together with the flange 21, the pre-arrangement of the retaining profile provides easy access for attaching the plate section. The plate section is then bolted to the floor through pre-perforated holes within the lower flange portion 26.

[0054] The next higher plate member is then arranged above the first arranged plate member. In the case of the fastening arrangement, vertically adjacent plate members are preferably both bolted. FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C illustrate alternative embodiments for connecting vertically adjacent plate members.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 12A, in one embodiment, the plate section 18 is equipped with a lower flange 26 and an upper flange 34 that protrude approximately 90 degrees. Vertically adjacent plate sections can thus be bolted together through pre-perforated alignment holes as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12. In the alternative embodiments shown in FIGS. 12B and C, the plate section 18 has an offset edge 35 that is arranged to overlap the adjacent plate section 18.

[0056] To attach the modular plate system 12 to the upper rail system 108 of the framework 100, at least when the plate system has a stabilizing function, a rail interface plate 36 is provided as shown in FIGS. 13A and B. The rail interface plate 36 has an offset upper portion 38 arranged to engage and connect to the rail system 108, and a lower portion 37 arranged to overlap the top plate member 16. Self-piercing screws 40 are used to secure the lower portion 37 of the interface plate 36 to the top plate member 16 instead of using pre-drilled holes, as misalignment or height differences will often prevent the upper holes from aligning properly. The self-piercing screws allow any height differences or other misalignments in the framework structure to be accommodated by the interface plate. As discussed below, when the plate member 14 has a function that does not require providing stabilization, it may not be necessary to attach the modular plate system 12 to the rail system 108.

[0057] As can be understood from FIGS. 5 - 13, the present invention provides a method for stabilizing the framework structure of an automated storage system in terms of one aspect. According to this method, a plurality of retaining plate members 16 are provided, each comprising a plate section 18 attached between two holding profiles 20. The holding profiles 20 are inserted between the guide plates 9 of adjacent upright members 102 of the assembled framework structure 100 and the plate sections 18 bolted to the holding profiles. The lowermost retaining plate member is attached to the floor 32 of the framework structure, and vertically adjacent retaining plate members are bolted together as shown in FIGS. 12A - C. At the uppermost level, the rail interface plate 36 is used to connect the plate system to the rail system 108 using the rail interface plate 36 and self-piercing screws 40 to compensate for any misalignments in the framework structure.

[0058] FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a modular plate system 12 in which the plate member 14 is a functional plate member 42 defined as a plate member having a function other than or in addition to the stabilization function. For example, the functional plate member 42 may be a heat insulating plate having a function of generating a refrigerated area within a warehouse system. The functional plate member 42 may also be a flame retardant plate having a function of generating a fire barrier. In the present embodiment, the plate section 18 is made of or includes a material suitable for a given function and is attached between the retaining profiles 20 as described above.

[0059] According to one aspect, the present invention thus provides a method of generating a functional area 44 within a warehouse system by providing a plurality of functional plate sections 18 and forming a plurality of functional plate members 42 together with the retaining profiles 20. The functional plate member 42 can be retrofitted to an existing storage structure, for example, to provide a new functionality or to reconfigure a previously provided functionality. A sufficient number of functional plate members 42 are disposed between the upright members 102 to form a functional area 44 of a desired size and shape as described above. The functional area 44 may be, for example, a heat insulating area, a refrigerated area, a fire barrier or area, a sound insulating area, or any area that may be defined by the functional nature of the plate member.

[0060] Since the functional plate member may not always perform the stabilization function, it may not be necessary to bolt the functional plate member 42 together and / or to the skeletal structure or floor in all situations as described above. However, it should be understood that the functional plate member may also have a stabilization function at the same time, in which case bolting would be preferable. Since the functional plate member can be easily inserted in a fixed position, the functional area can be freely created, removed, sized, and used for other purposes within the operating storage system by programming the storage vehicle to avoid the area being used for generation, sizing, or another purpose.

[0061] List of reference numbers

Chemical formula

Chemical formula

Claims

【Claim 1】 An automated warehouse system (1), wherein the automated warehouse system (1) comprises a skeletal structure (100) constructed from a plurality of upright members (102) connected by horizontal members (103) so as to define storage grids (104) of storage columns (105), within which a plurality of storage containers (106) can be stacked; the skeletal structure has a rail system (108) arranged at an upper level of the skeletal structure with parallel rails (110) in a first direction X and parallel rails in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction, on which a plurality of wheeled container handling vehicles (201, 301) can travel; the container handling vehicle is equipped with a gripping and lifting device (304) for removing storage containers from the storage columns and replacing the storage containers within the storage columns. The upright members (102) of the skeletal structure have angular sections (8) directed towards the interior of a particular storage column (105), the angular sections comprising two perpendicularly extending right-angled angular guide plates (9), and the angular guide plates (9) of the upright members (102) adjacent to the storage column (105) form guide portions for the corners of the storage containers (106) when stored within that storage column (105). The automated warehouse system (1) further comprises a retention system (12), the retention system (12) comprising: a. a plurality of retention plate members (16) mounted between adjacent upright members (102); b. each of the retention plate members (16) having a plate section (18) removably mounted between two holding profiles (20) having a shape adapted such that each holding profile (20) engages with an upright member (102), the two holding profiles (20) of each retention plate member (16) each having a box shape adapted to be snugly inserted between and substantially occupy the space between the angular guide plates (9) of two adjacent angular sections (8) of an upright member (102); c. the plate section (18) of each retention plate member (16) being arranged to be connected to the flange (21) of the inserted holding profile (20); d. the retention plate members (16) being arranged to provide structural stability to the skeletal structure. ​ e. Further, the guide plate (9) of the automatic warehouse system (1) has inwardly projecting auxiliary members (24) that engage with corresponding grooves (25) of the holding profile (20) by snap - fitting. **Claim 2**: The automatic warehouse system (1) according to claim 1, wherein each of the retaining plate members (16) comprises an X - shaped plate section (18) connected between two holding profiles (20). **Claim 3** The automatic warehouse system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein vertically adjacent retaining plate members (16) are preferably fastened together by bolts (30), and the lowermost retaining plate member (16) is fastened to a floor (32) on which the skeletal structure (100) rests. **Claim 4**: The automatic warehouse system (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein each of the plate sections (18) has a lower flange and an upper flange (26, 34), and the upper flange and the lower flange (26, 34) of vertically adjacent plate sections (18) are fastened together. **Claim 5**: The automatic warehouse system (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein each of the plate sections (18) has a lower offset edge portion (35) that overlaps and is arranged to be fastened together with vertically adjacent retaining plate members (16). **Claim 6** The retaining system (12) comprises a plurality of rail interface plates (36) adapted to fix the retaining system (12) to the rail system (108) of the skeletal structure (100). The rail interface plates (36) have a lower portion (37) that overlaps the uppermost retaining plate member (16) and is arranged to be connected thereto using self - drilling screws. The automatic warehouse system (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 5. **Claim 7** A method for stabilizing the skeletal structure (100) of an automatic warehouse system (1) as described in claim 1, the method comprising: a. providing a plurality of retaining plate members (16), each of the plurality of retaining plate members (16) comprising two holding profiles (20) and a plate section (18) removably connected therebetween; b. disposing two holding profiles (20) between two adjacent upright members (102) at the lowermost level of the skeletal structure (100); c. Connecting individual plate sections (18) to the two arranged retaining profiles (20); d. Arranging an additional retaining plate member (16) above the first arranged retaining plate member (16) at a desired height along the storage column (105); e. Arranging the retaining plate members (16) in a desired number and pattern so as to stabilize the skeletal structure (100). A method comprising the above steps. **Claim 8** The method according to claim 7, wherein the retaining profile (20) and the upright member (102) have complementary shapes enabling a snap fit between the retaining profile (20) and the upright member (102), and the retaining profile (20) has a flange to which the plate section (18) is fastened. **Claim 9** A method of generating a functional area within a skeletal structure (100) of an automated warehouse system (1) as described in claim 1, comprising: a. Providing a plurality of functional plate members (42) each comprising two retaining profiles (20) and a plate section (18) removably connected therebetween; b. Connecting two retaining profiles (20) between two adjacent upright members (102) at the lowest level of the skeletal structure (100) and connecting individual plate sections (18) to the two arranged retaining profiles (20) to arrange a first functional plate member (42); c. Arranging additional functional plate members (42) above the first functional plate member (42) at a desired height along the storage column (105); d. Arranging the functional plate members (42) in a desired number and pattern so as to generate a desired functional area. A method comprising the above steps. **Claim 10** The method according to claim 9, wherein the functional plate members (42) are arranged within the construction area of the skeletal structure (100) while the warehouse system (1) is in operation, and as the functional plate members (42) are arranged, the vehicles (201, 301) are instructed to avoid the construction area.

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