Automatic storage system

Abstract

The present invention provides a framework structure (100', 100") for a storage system, the framework structure (100', 100") comprising a plurality of vertical column profiles (102) and a horizontal rail system (108) supported on the vertical column profiles (102), at least a lower section of each of the column profiles (102) being thermally separated from the rail system by an insulating layer (2, 2') disposed on each column profile between the lower section of the column profile and a connection to the rail system, the insulating layer being configured to limit the rate of thermal conductivity between the lower sections of the column profiles (102) and the rail system (108).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a storage system in which a rail system for a container handling vehicle is insulated from a cryogenic section disposed therebelow.

Background Art

[0002] Background and Prior Art FIG. 1 discloses a prior art automated storage and retrieval system 1 having a framework structure 100, and FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 disclose three different prior art container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 suitable for operating on such a system 1.

[0003] The framework structure 100 includes upright members 102 and a storage volume including storage columns 105 arranged side by side between the upright members 102. In these storage columns 105, storage containers 106, also known as bins, are stacked on top of each other to form a stack 107. The members 102 may typically be made from metal, for example extruded aluminum profiles, or may be referred to as vertical column profiles.

[0004] The framework structure 100 of the automated storage and retrieval system 1 comprises a rail system 108 (i.e., a rail grid) arranged across the top of the framework structure 100, on which multiple container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 can operate to raise storage containers 106 from storage columns 105, lower storage containers 106 into storage columns, and transport storage containers 106 above storage columns 105. The rail system 108 comprises a first set of parallel rails 110 arranged to guide the movement of container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 in a first direction X traversing the top of the frame structure 100, and a second set of parallel rails 111 arranged perpendicular to the first set of rails 110 to guide the movement of container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X. Containers 106 stored in column 105 are accessed by container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 through access openings 112 in the rail system 108. Container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 can move laterally above the storage column 105, i.e., in a plane parallel to the horizontal XY plane.

[0005] Upright members 102 of the framework structure 100 can be used to guide the storage containers while raising them from the column 105 and lowering them into the column. The stack 107 of containers 106 is typically freestanding.

[0006] Each of the conventional container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 comprises a vehicle body 201a, 301a, and 401a, and first and second sets of wheels 201b, 201c, 301b, 301c, 401b, and 401c, respectively, which enable lateral movement of the container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 in the X and Y directions. In Figures 2, 3, and 4, two wheels of each set are fully visible. The wheels of the first set 201b, 301b, and 401b are arranged to engage with two adjacent rails of the first set of rails 110, and the wheels of the second set 201c, 301c, and 401c are arranged to engage with two adjacent rails of the second set of rails 111. At least one of the wheel sets 201b, 201c, 301b, 301c, 401b, and 401c can be raised or lowered, so that the wheels 201b, 301b, and 401b of the first set and / or the wheels 201c, 301c, and 401c of the second set can engage with the rails 110 and 111 of their respective sets at any given time.

[0007] Each of the conventional container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 also includes a lift device for transporting a storage container 106 vertically, for example, by raising the storage container 106 from a storage column and lowering the storage container 106 into a storage column 105. The lift device includes one or more gripping / engaging devices adapted to engage with the storage container 106, and the gripping / engaging devices can be lowered from the vehicles 201, 301, and 401 so that the position of the gripping / engaging devices relative to the vehicles 201, 301, and 401 can be adjusted in a third direction Z perpendicular to a first direction X and a second direction Y. Some of the gripping devices of the container handling vehicles 301 and 401 are shown in Figures 3 and 4, indicated by reference numeral 304 and 404. The gripping devices of the container handling device 201 are located within the vehicle body 201a in Figure 2.

[0008] Conventionally, and for the purposes of this application, Z=1 identifies the uppermost 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; and Z=3 identifies the third layer. In the exemplary prior art disclosed in Figure 1, Z=8 identifies the lowest layer of the storage container. Similarly, X=1...n and Y=1...n identify the position of each storage column 105 in the horizontal plane. Thus, using the Cartesian coordinate system X, Y, Z shown in Figure 1 as an example, it can be said that the storage container identified as 106' in Figure 1 occupies storage positions X=17, Y=1, Z=6. The container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 can be said to be moving in layer Z=0, and each storage column 105 can be identified by its X and Y coordinates. Thus, the storage container shown in Figure 1, extending above the rail system 108, can also be said to be located in layer Z=0.

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

[0010] Each of the conventional container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 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 comprise a cavity located inside the vehicle body 201a, as shown in Figures 2 and 4 and described, for example, in International Publication No. 2015 / 193278A1 and International Publication No. 2019 / 206487A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

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

[0012] The cavity container handling vehicle 201 shown in Figure 2 may have a footprint that covers an area having dimensions in the X and Y directions that are approximately equal to the lateral range of the storage column 105, as described, for example, in International Publication No. 2015 / 193278A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. As used herein, the term “lateral” may mean “horizontal.”

[0013] Alternatively, the cavity container handling vehicle 401 may have a footprint larger than the lateral region defined by the storage column 105 as shown in Figures 1 and 4, as disclosed, for example, in International Publication No. 2014 / 090684A1 or International Publication No. 2019 / 206487A1.

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

[0015] International Publication No. 2018 / 146304A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, shows a typical configuration of a rail system 108 comprising rails and parallel tracks in both the X and Y directions that form a rail grid.

[0016] In the framework structure 100, most columns 105 are storage columns 105, i.e., columns 105 in which storage containers 106 are stored in the stack 107. However, some columns 105 may have other purposes. In Figure 1, columns 119 and 120 are such dedicated columns used by container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 to drop off and / or pick up storage containers 106 so that they can be accessed from outside the framework structure 100 or transported to an access station (not shown) to be transported outside or inside the framework structure 100. In the art, such locations are usually referred to as “ports,” and the columns in which ports are located may be referred to as “port columns” 119, 120. Transport to the access station may be in any direction, i.e., horizontal, inclined, and / or vertical. For example, the storage container 106 may be placed in a random or dedicated column 105 within the framework structure 100, and then picked up by any container handling vehicle and transported to port columns 119, 120 for further transport to an access station. Note that the term “inclined” refers to the transport of the storage container 106 having a general transport direction somewhere between horizontal and vertical.

[0017] In Figure 1, the first port column 119 may be a dedicated drop-off port column from which container handling vehicles 201, 301 can drop off storage containers 106 that are being accessed or transported to the transfer station, and the second port column 120 may be a dedicated pickup port column from which container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 can pick up storage containers 106 that have been accessed or transported from the transfer station.

[0018] The access station may typically be a picking or stocking station where products are taken out of or placed into the storage container 106. At the picking or stocking station, the storage container 106 is usually not taken out of the automated storage and retrieval system 1, and once accessed, is returned to the framework structure 100. The port may also be used to transfer the storage container to another storage facility (e.g., to another framework structure or another automated storage and retrieval system), to a transport vehicle (e.g., a train or truck), or to a production facility.

[0019] A conveyor system equipped with a conveyor is typically used to transport storage containers between port columns 119 and 120 and access stations.

[0020] If the port columns 119, 120 and the access stations are located at different levels, the conveyor system may include a lift device having a vertical component for vertically transporting the storage containers 106 between the port columns 119, 120 and the access stations.

[0021] The conveyor system may be configured to transport the storage container 106 between different framework structures, for example, as described in International Publication No. 2014 / 075937A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0022] When a storage container 106 stored in one of the columns 105 disclosed in Figure 1 is to be accessed, one of the container handling vehicles 201, 301, or 401 is instructed to retrieve the target storage container 106 from its position and transport it to the drop-off port column 119. This operation involves moving the container handling vehicles 201 or 301 to a position above the storage column 105 where the target storage container 106 is located, using the lifting devices (not shown) of the container handling vehicles 201, 301, or 401 to retrieve the storage container 106 from the storage column 105, and transporting the storage container 106 to the drop-off port column 119. If the target storage container 106 is located deep within the stack 107, i.e., if multiple other storage containers 106 are located above the target storage container 106, the operation also includes temporarily moving the storage containers located above before lifting the target storage container 106 from the storage column 105. This step, sometimes referred to as "mining" in the art, can be performed by the same container handling vehicle that will subsequently be used to transport the target storage container to the drop-off port column 119, or by several other cooperating container handling vehicles. Alternatively, or additionally, the automated storage retrieval system 1 may have container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 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 106 can be repositioned into the original storage column 105. However, the removed storage container 106 may, alternatively, be repositioned into another storage column 105.

[0023] When a storage container 106 is stored in one of the columns 105, one of the container handling vehicles 201, 301, or 401 is instructed to pick up the storage container 106 from the pickup port column 120 and transport it to a position above the storage column 105 where the storage container is stored. After any storage container 106 located at or above the target position in the stack 107 has been removed, the container handling vehicles 201, 301, or 401 place the storage container 106 in the desired position. The removed storage container 106 may then be returned to the storage column 105 or repositioned in another storage column 105.

[0024] To monitor and control the automated storage and retrieval system 1, for example, to monitor and control the position of each storage container 106 within the framework structure 100, the contents of each storage container 106, and the movement of the container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401, so that the desired storage containers 106 can be delivered to the desired location at the desired time without the container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 colliding with each other, the automated storage and retrieval system 1 includes a control system 500 which is typically computerized and typically has a database for tracking the storage containers 106.

[0025] The above-described prior art storage system can also be used for freezing and / or cooling the stored articles. WO 2015 / 124610 A1 discloses a storage system (see FIG. 5) configured to cool articles stored in stacked storage containers 106. The storage system may be characterized by a heat insulation lid (not shown) disposed at the upper end of each storage column 105 to thermally insulate the storage containers from the upper surroundings. A potential problem with having the lower section of the framework structure 100 at the low temperatures required to freeze or cool the stored articles is that conductive cooling of the rail system 108 through the vertical column profile 102 can cause condensation and even ice formation on the rails 110, 111. Water and / or ice on the rails can cause problems for the container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 operating thereon, such as loss of wheel traction.

[0026] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved framework structure for a cooled storage system.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0027]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0028] Summary of the Invention The present invention is defined by the appended claims and as follows:

[0029] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a framework structure for a storage system, the framework structure comprising a plurality of vertical column profiles and a horizontal rail system supported on the vertical column profiles, wherein at least the lower section of each column profile is thermally separated from the rail system by an insulating layer placed in each column profile between the lower section of the column profile and the connection to the rail system, the insulating layer being configured to limit the thermal conductivity between the lower section of the column profile and the rail system.

[0030] In other words, the insulating layer is configured to limit the thermal conductivity between at least the lower section of the column profile and the rail system to which the column profile is connected.

[0031] In embodiments of the framework structure, the column profiles and, optionally, at least a portion of the rail system may be made of an aluminum alloy, and the insulation layer may include an insulating material having a thermal conductivity of less than 20 W / mK.

[0032] The insulating material may have a thermal conductivity of less than 10 W / mK, less than 5 W / mK, or preferably less than 1 W / mK.

[0033] The aluminum alloy may have a thermal conductivity of 115 to 226 W / mK and may belong to the 6000 or 7000 series of aluminum alloys. The ratio of the thermal conductivity of the insulating material to the thermal conductivity of the aluminum alloy may be in the range of 0.2 to 0.001.

[0034] In embodiments of the framework structure, the insulating material may be a synthetic polymer or wood. The synthetic polymer may be advantageously selected from various types of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).

[0035] The insulating layer may be configured such that the conductive transfer of heat between the lower section of the column profile and the rail system, or the maximum thermal conductivity, is substantially equal to the thermal conductivity of the insulating material. In other words, at least a portion of the insulating layer that is in thermal conductive contact with both the lower section of the column profile and the rail system is made of insulating material.

[0036] The insulating layer may include additional layers, for example, as a sandwich structure, where the insulating material, i.e., the insulating material, is sandwiched between other layers that provide other properties, such as increased strength and / or toughness to assist in the transmission of load from the rail system from top to bottom through the vertical columns. Alternatively, the layers of insulating material may have other layers sandwiched between them.

[0037] In embodiments of the framework structure, the insulating layer may be configured such that heat conducted between the lower section of the column profile and the rail system must pass through the insulating material.

[0038] In embodiments of the framework structure, the insulation layer may comprise a horizontal plate positioned between the rail system and at least the lower section of the column profile. The horizontal plate may be made of an insulating material. The horizontal plate conductively separates the rail system from at least the lower section of the column profile, or may be called an isolation plate.

[0039] In embodiments of the framework structure, the horizontal plates of each insulation layer may extend laterally with respect to the column profile at a common height positioned between the rail system and at least the lower section of the column profile.

[0040] In embodiments of the framework structure, the thermal insulation layer may include vertical protrusions, which may be positioned to interact with the surface of the column profile or rail system to restrict horizontal movement between the thermal insulation layer and the column profile or rail system, respectively. The surface of the column profile or rail system with which the vertical protrusions interact may be substantially vertical. The vertical protrusions may extend from the horizontal plate of the thermal insulation layer.

[0041] The vertical protrusions may be of any shape or form, such as pins or ribs, as long as they are suitable for restricting horizontal movement between the insulating layer and the column profile or rail system.

[0042] In embodiments of the framework structure, vertical projections are configured to prevent horizontal movement between the insulation layer and the rail system, and the vertical projections may extend into corresponding recesses in the downward-facing portion of the rail system or be positioned on opposing sides of at least one rail.

[0043] In embodiments of the framework structure, each column profile may have a hollow central section and four corner sections, each corner section may be defined by a pair of vertical flanges extending vertically and projecting outward. The corner sections may also be called corner spaces. In other words, the column profile has a cross-section including a hollow central section and four corner sections.

[0044] The hollow central section may comprise four vertically extending wall sections. These wall sections may form a substantially square hollow portion of the column profile cross-section. Each wall section may feature an outer and inner surface. The outer surface may be positioned between two corner sections, i.e., between two parallel flanges.

[0045] The horizontal plate may comprise a main portion having an outer circumference equal to the outer circumference of the cross-section of the hollow central section.

[0046] In embodiments of the framework structure, the insulation layer may include four corner sections (or corner spaces or corner recesses) that fully overlap each of the four corner sections of the column profile, such that the column profile has four consecutive corner sections extending from the rail system to the bottom of the column profile. The four corner sections may be arranged on a horizontal plate.

[0047] The horizontal plate may be cross-shaped. The center or centerline of the cross-shaped plate may be collinear with the centerline of the column profile.

[0048] In embodiments of the framework structure, the insulating layer (or horizontal plate) may include vertical projections positioned to interact with the inner or outer surface of the hollow central section to restrict horizontal movement between the insulating layer and the column profile.

[0049] In the embodiment of the framework structure, the insulation layer may be located at the top of the column profile, and the rail system is supported on the insulation layer.

[0050] In embodiments of the framework structure, the insulation layer (or horizontal plate) may include vertical projections positioned on both sides of at least one rail of the rail system, the vertical projections restricting horizontal movement between the insulation layer and the rail in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rail. The vertical projections may extend upward from the horizontal plate.

[0051] In an embodiment of the framework structure, the column profile may comprise a lower profile section and an upper profile section interconnected via an insulating layer.

[0052] In embodiments, the framework structure may comprise a plurality of storage columns in which storage containers can be stacked on top of each other in a vertical stack, each storage column being defined by one corner section from each of four column profiles, the corner sections being positioned to accommodate the corners of the storage containers, and the insulation layer of each column profile (102) being configured to be coplanar with or recessed from the corner section of the column profile so that the corner section is not obstructed between the rail system and the lower end of the storage column.

[0053] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a storage system for storage containers, comprising a framework structure according to any embodiment of the first aspect, and a plurality of container handling vehicles arranged to operate on a rail system.

[0054] In embodiments of the storage system, the vertical column profile defines the storage column in which the storage containers are stacked on top of each other in a vertical stack for storage.

[0055] Container handling vehicles may be equipped with wheels that allow them to move in two vertical directions on a rail system, and lifting devices for lowering / raising storage containers relative to storage columns.

[0056] In embodiments, the storage system may be a cooled storage system and may include a cooling system configured to supply cooling air to a section of the storage system located below the rail system. The section of the storage system to which the cooling air is supplied may be located at a level lower than the level of the insulation layer.

[0057] In embodiments of the storage system, storage columns defined by thermally separated column profiles from the rail system provide sections for the total number of storage columns within the framework, providing separate cooling zones within the framework. The cooling zones may be separated from the rest of the storage columns in the framework by insulating walls.

[0058] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for constructing a framework structure for a cooling storage structure, wherein the framework structure comprises a plurality of vertical column profiles and a rail system on which a container handling vehicle can move in two vertical directions, and the method is The steps include providing an insulating layer to each of the column profiles, Steps include: mounting profile columns so that they can support the rail system, The steps include: placing an insulating layer at a position that thermally separates at least the lower section of each column profile from the rail system such that the thermal conductivity between at least the lower section of the profile column and the rail system supported by the profile column is limited; The present invention provides a method including the step of constructing a rail system supported by profile columns.

[0059] The framework structure constructed by the method according to the third embodiment may include any of the features of the framework according to the first embodiment.

[0060] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preventing loss of wheel traction of a container handling vehicle operating on a rail system of a refrigerated storage system, wherein the framework of the refrigerated storage system comprises a plurality of vertical column profiles on which the rail system is supported, and the method is The steps include providing an insulating layer to each of the column profiles, The present invention provides a method comprising the step of arranging an insulating layer to thermally separate at least each lower section of the column profile from the rail system such that the thermal conductivity between the lower section of the column profile and the rail system to which the column profile is connected is limited, i.e., such that condensation of water on the rail system is prevented or minimized.

[0061] The insulation layer, rail system, and column profile used in the method according to the fourth embodiment may include any of the features defined in relation to the framework according to the first embodiment.

[0062] In all aspects of the present invention, the vertical column profile and / or rail system may be made of an extrudeable metal, preferably an aluminum alloy.

[0063] In this application, the term "thermally separated" is intended to define a situation where conductive heat transfer between two (thermally separated) structures is limited or minimized.

[0064] Alternatively, the framework structure according to the first embodiment may be defined as comprising a plurality of vertical column profiles and a horizontal rail system supported on the vertical column profiles, wherein at least the lower section of each column profile is connected to the rail system via an insulating layer configured to limit the thermal conductivity between at least the lower section of the column profile and the rail system. In other words, at least the lower section of the column profile may be connected to the rail system via an insulating layer, and the insulating layer may be located at any level between the upper level of the lower section of the column profile and the rail system.

[0065] The insulation layer may also be called an insulation element or insulation bracket. This specification also provides, for example, the following: (Item 1) A framework structure (100', 100") for a storage system, the framework structure (100', 100") comprising a plurality of vertical column profiles (102) and a horizontal rail system (108) supported on the vertical column profiles (102), wherein at least the lower section of each of the column profiles (102) is thermally separated from the rail system by an insulating layer (2, 2') placed on each column profile between the lower section of the column profile and the connection to the rail system, the insulating layer being configured to limit the thermal conductivity between the lower section of the column profile (102) and the rail system (108). (Item 2) The framework structure according to item 1, wherein the column profile (102) is made of an aluminum alloy, and the insulating layer (2, 2') comprises an insulating material having a thermal conductivity of less than 20 W / mK. (Item 3) The framework structure according to item 1 or 2, wherein the thermal insulation material is a synthetic polymer or wood. (Item 4) The framework structure according to any of the preceding items, wherein the insulating layer (2, 2') is configured such that heat conducted between the lower section of the column profile (102) and the rail system (108) must pass through the insulating material. (Item 5) The framework structure according to any of the preceding items, wherein the insulating layer (2, 2') comprises a horizontal plate (3) positioned between the rail system (108) and at least the lower section of the column profile (102). (Item 6) The framework structure according to item 5, wherein the horizontal plates (3) of each insulation layer (2, 2') extend laterally with respect to the column profile at a common height positioned between the rail system (108) and at least the lower section of the column profile (102). (Item 7) The framework structure according to any of the preceding items, wherein the thermal insulation layer comprises vertical protrusions (4, 5, 6), the vertical protrusions being arranged to interact with the surface of the column profile (102) or the rail system (108) in order to restrict horizontal movement between the thermal insulation layer (2, 2') and the column profile (102) or the rail system (108), respectively. (Item 8) Each of the column profiles (102) has a hollow central section (7) and four corner sections (8), each corner section (8) being defined by a pair of vertical flanges (11) extending vertically and projecting outward, as described in any of the preceding items. (Item 9) The framework structure according to item 8, wherein the insulating layer (2, 2') includes four corner sections (9) that completely overlap each of the four corner sections (8) of the column profile (102). (Item 10) The framework structure according to item 8 or 9, wherein the insulating layer (2, 2') comprises vertical projections (4, 6) arranged to interact with the inner or outer surface of the hollow central section (7) to restrict horizontal movement between the insulating layer (2, 2') and the column profile (102). (Item 11) The framework structure according to any of the preceding items, wherein the insulating layer (2) is positioned at the uppermost end (10) of the column profile (102), and the rail system (108) is supported on the insulating layer. (Item 12) The framework structure according to item 11, wherein the insulating layer (2) comprises vertical projections (5) positioned on both sides of at least one rail (110, 111) of the rail system (108), the vertical projections (5) restrict horizontal movement between the insulating layer (2) and the rail (110, 111) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rail (110, 111). (Item 13) The framework structure according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the column profile (102) comprises a lower profile section (102a) and an upper profile section (102b) interconnected via the insulating layer (2'). (Item 14) A framework structure according to item 8, comprising a plurality of storage columns (105) in which storage containers can be stacked on top of each other in a vertical stack, each storage column being defined by one corner section (8) from each of four column profiles (102), the corner section (8) being positioned to accommodate the corner of a storage container (106), and the insulating layer (2, 2') of each column profile (102) being configured to be coplanar with or recessed from the corner section (8) of the column profile (102) so that the corner section (8) is not obstructed between the rail system and the lower end of the storage column (102). (Item 15) A storage system for storage containers (106), the storage system comprising a framework structure (100', 100") as described in any of the preceding items, and a plurality of container handling vehicles (201, 301, 401) arranged to operate on the rail system (108). (Item 16) The storage system according to item 15, wherein the vertical column profile (102) defines a storage column (105) in which storage containers (106) are stacked on top of each other in a vertical stack. (Item 17) The storage system according to item 15 or 16, further comprising a cooling system (11) arranged to supply cooling air to a section of the storage system located below the rail system. (Item 18) A method for constructing a framework structure (100', 100") for a cooling storage structure, wherein the framework structure (100') comprises a plurality of vertical column profiles (102) and a rail system (108) on which container handling vehicles (201, 301, 401) can move in two vertical directions, and the method is The steps include providing an insulating layer (2, 2') to each of the column profiles (102), The steps include: mounting the profile column (102) so that it can support the rail system (108); The steps include: positioning the insulating layer (2, 2') at a location that thermally separates at least the lower section of each column profile from the rail system such that the thermal conductivity between at least the lower section of the profile column (102) and the rail system (108) supported by the profile column (102) is limited; The steps of constructing the rail system (108) supported by the profile column and Methods that include... (Item 19) A method for preventing loss of wheel traction of container handling vehicles (201, 301, 401) operating on a rail system (108) of a cooling storage system, wherein the cooling storage system comprises a plurality of vertical column profiles (102) on which the rail system (108) is supported, and the method is The steps include providing an insulating layer (2, 2') to each of the column profiles (102), The steps include: positioning the insulating layers (2, 2') such that the thermal conductivity between the lower section of the column profile (102) and the rail system (108) to which the column profile (102) is connected is limited, and thermally separating at least the lower sections of each of the column profiles (102) from the rail system; Methods that include... [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0066] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0067] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the framework structure of a conventional automated storage and retrieval system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a conventional container handling vehicle having a centrally located cavity for transporting storage containers inside. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a conventional container handling vehicle having a cantilever beam section for transporting storage containers downwards. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view from below of a conventional container handling vehicle, showing the container lift assembly. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side view of a conventional cooling and storage system. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a top perspective view of a first exemplary framework structure according to the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a top-view exploded view of the exemplary framework structure shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a bottom-up exploded view of the exemplary framework structure shown in Figure 6. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the insulation layer used in the framework structure shown in Figures 6 to 8. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective side view of a cooling storage system featuring a second exemplary framework structure according to the present invention. [Figure 11]Figure 11 is a perspective side view of a cooling storage system featuring a second exemplary framework structure according to the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an exploded view of the vertical column profile used in the cooling storage system shown in Figures 10 and 11. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the insulation layer used in the framework structure of the cooling storage system shown in Figures 10 and 11. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0068] Detailed description of the invention Embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The drawings are not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated subject matter.

[0069] The present invention provides a framework structure for use in a cooling storage system, such as the conventional storage system shown in Figure 5.

[0070] In conventional storage systems and the framework according to the present invention, the column profile 102 and rail system 108 are made of a suitable aluminum alloy having high thermal conductivity. Typical aluminum alloys used in the extrusion of structural components, such as 6000 and 7000 series alloys, have a thermal conductivity of 115-226 W / mK.

[0071] In conventional cooling and storage systems, the high thermal conductivity of the column profile 102 and rail system 108 can lead to undesirable cooling of the rail system. If the rail system 108 is in contact with ambient air kept at room temperature, for example, condensed water and ice may accumulate on the rails. Water or ice on the rails can reduce friction between the wheels of a container handling vehicle operating on the rail system, and may also cause the container handling vehicle to derail. Reduced wheel friction can interfere with the necessary precision required to control the container handling vehicle in order to retrieve and store storage containers within the storage system.

[0072] A first exemplary embodiment of the framework structure 100' according to the present invention is shown in Figures 6 to 9.

[0073] The framework structure 100' comprises a plurality of vertical column profiles 102 and a horizontal rail system 108 supported on the vertical column profiles 102. The column profiles 102 and rail system 108 are made of aluminum alloy as described in the prior art cooling storage system above. To ensure that the thermal conductivity between at least the lower section of the column profile 102 and the rail system 108 is limited or minimized, each of the column profiles 102 is thermally separated from the rail system 108 by an insulating layer 2. The insulating layer 2 is located at the uppermost end 10 of the corresponding column profile 102. The rail system 108 is supported on the insulating layer 2 and is not in direct contact with the column profiles.

[0074] Details of the column profiles are shown in Figure 7. Each column profile has a hollow central section 7 and four corner sections 8, each corner section 8 being defined by a pair of vertically extending, outwardly projecting vertical flanges 11. The central section comprises four vertically extending wall elements 14. Each wall element 14 is positioned between two parallel flanges 11 of two corner sections 8.

[0075] In the first exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 6-9, the insulation layer is made from an insulating material having a thermal conductivity of less than 20 W / mK. The thermal conductivity should be as low as possible, preferably less than 1 W / mK. Examples of suitable insulating materials are synthetic polymers of sufficient strength, such as various types of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). Other insulating materials, such as various types of wood, may also be used.

[0076] The thermal conductivity of synthetic polymers can be measured according to any appropriate method in ISO 22007-1:2017, or by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) (https: / / www.mt.com / hk / en / home / supportive_content / matchar_apps / MatChar_UC226.html). The thermal conductivity of wood can be measured according to ASTM 5334.

[0077] It should be noted that all synthetic polymers and woods have significantly lower thermal conductivity than aluminum alloys suitable for constructing the framework structure according to the present invention.

[0078] In the first exemplary embodiment, the thermal insulation layer 2 is obtained by molding a suitable synthetic polymer into a desired shape. However, it should be noted that in other embodiments, the thermal insulation layer 2 may include a material having high thermal conductivity, insofar as it is configured such that the heat conducted between the column profile 102 and the rail system 108 must pass through the thermal insulation material.

[0079] The insulation layer 2 (see Figure 9) is positioned between the rail system 108 and the column profile 102, separating them, i.e., it features a horizontal plate 3 positioned between the rail system 108 and at least the lower section of the column profile 102. The horizontal plate 3 of each insulation layer 2 extends laterally with respect to its respective column profile. The horizontal plate 3 may also feature four corner sections 9 that completely overlap with each of the four corner sections 8 of the column profile 102. In other words, the horizontal plate does not extend into the four corner sections 8 of the column profile 102. If the framework according to the present invention is to be used in a prior art storage system as shown in Figures 1 and 5, the insulation layer should not extend horizontally beyond the corner sections 9 to prevent the storage container 106 from entering the storage column 105 defined by the column profile 102. However, if it is to be used in other types of storage systems where the storage container is introduced into the framework in a different way, such as horizontally, the configuration of the insulation layer does not have to be limited in the same way.

[0080] The first set of vertical projections 5 extends from the horizontal plate 3 to interact with the rail system 108. The first set of vertical projections 5 are positioned on both sides of the two vertical rails 110, 111 of the rail system 108, restricting horizontal movement between the insulation layer 2 and the rails 110, 111.

[0081] The second set of vertical protrusions 4 extends from the horizontal plate 3 to interact with the upper end of the column profile 102. The second set of protrusions 4 is configured to interact with the inner surface of the hollow central section 7 of the column profile 102 to restrict horizontal movement between the insulating layer 2 and the column profile 102. In an alternative embodiment, the second set of protrusions may be configured to interact with the outer surface of the hollow central section 7.

[0082] In the first exemplary embodiment, the vertical projections 4, 5 are formed as ribs, but may have any suitable form, such as pins, as long as the function of preventing horizontal movement between the insulation layer 2 and the rail system 108 or column profile 102 is obtained.

[0083] Alternative configurations for projections 4 and 5 are possible, and projection 5 of the first set may be configured, for example, as an extension of wall element 14. In such a configuration, horizontal movement between the insulation layer 2 and the rail system can be limited by interaction with recesses 13 of the rail system 108. Recesses 13 are configured to interact with the upper end 10 of column profiles 102 within the framework 100 that does not include the insulation layer 2.

[0084] A second exemplary embodiment of the framework structure 100” according to the present invention is shown in Figures 10 to 13. The illustrated framework structure 100” is part of a cooled storage system comprising a container handling vehicle 201 and a cooling system 11. In the cooled storage system, a column profile 102 defines a plurality of storage columns 105 in which storage containers 106 are stacked on top of each other for storage. The cooled sections of the storage columns 105 may be insulated from the surroundings or from the uncooled parts of the storage system by an insulating wall 19.

[0085] The main difference between the second exemplary embodiment and the first exemplary embodiment is that the column profile 102 comprises a lower profile section 102a and an upper profile section 102b, and the thermal insulation layer 2' is arranged to interconnect the lower profile section 102a and the upper profile section 102b.

[0086] In addition to limiting heat transfer between the lower sections of the column profile, the insulating layer 2' of the framework structure 10" provides a connection for a lid configuration that allows the use of a removable lid 12. The lid configuration is not an essential feature of the present invention and will not be described in further detail herein.

[0087] The insulation layer 2' contains the aforementioned insulation material.

[0088] The insulation layer 2' (see Figure 13) features a horizontal plate 3 positioned between the lower profile section 102a and the upper profile section 102b of the column profile 102 (i.e., between the rail system 108 and at least the lower section of the column profile 102). The horizontal plate 3 of each insulation layer 2 extends laterally with respect to each column profile 102. The horizontal plate 3 may also feature four corner sections 9 that completely overlap with each of the four corner sections 8 of the column profile 102. In other words, the horizontal plate does not extend within the four corner sections 8 of the column profile 102.

[0089] The vertical projections 6, 6' extend from both sides of the horizontal plate 3 so as to interact with the upper end 16 of the lower profile section 102a and the lower end 17 of the upper profile section 102b. The vertical projections 6, 6' ensure that horizontal movement between the thermal insulation layer 2', the lower profile section 102a, and the upper profile section 102b is restricted. The vertical projections 6, 6' are configured to interact with the inner surfaces of the hollow central sections 7 of the respective profile sections 102a, 102b. To secure the lower profile section 102a to the upper profile section 102b, the thermal insulation layer 2' may include profile connecting elements 15. Each of the profile connecting elements 15 features a first through-hole 18 for bolting to the lower profile section 102a and a second through-hole 18' for connecting to the upper profile section 102b.

[0090] (List of reference numbers) 1. Conventional automated storage and recovery system 2. Insulation layer 3 Horizontal plate 4. Vertical projections, ribs 5. Vertical projections, ribs 6. Vertical projections, pins 7. Hollow central section 8 (column profile) corner section 9. Corner section (of the insulation layer) 10 (Top of column profile) 11 (Column profile) flange 12 Lid 13 recess 14 Wall elements 15 Profile Connection Elements 16 (Upper edge of the lower profile section) 17 (Lower edge of the upper profile section) 18,18' through hole 19 Insulated Wall 100 Framework Structures 102 Upright members of framework structures, vertical column profiles 102a Lower profile section 102b Upper Profile Section 105 Storage column 106 Storage Containers 106' Specific location of storage container 107 stacks 108 Rail System 110 Parallel rails in the first direction (X) 110a First rail in the first direction (X) 110b Second rail in the first direction (X) 111 Parallel rail in the second direction (Y) 111a First rail in the second direction (Y) 111b Second rail in the second direction (Y) 112 Access openings 119 First port column 120 Second port column 201 Conventional Container Handling Vehicles 201a Body of container handling vehicle 201 201b Drive mechanism / wheel configuration, first direction (X) 201c Drive mechanism / wheel configuration, second direction (Y) 301 Conventional cantilevered container handling vehicle 301a Body of container handling vehicle 301 301b Driving means for the first direction (X) 301c Second direction (Y) driving means 304 Gripping device 401 Conventional container handling vehicles 401a Body of container handling vehicle 401 401b Driving means for the first direction (X) 401c Second direction (Y) driving means 404 Gripping device Y Second direction Z Third direction

Claims

1. A framework structure (100', 100'') for an automated storage system, the framework structure (100', 100'') comprising a plurality of vertical column profiles (102) and a horizontal rail system (108) supported on the vertical column profiles (102), wherein at least the lower section of each of the column profiles (102) is thermally separated from the rail system by an insulating layer (2, 2') disposed on each column profile between the lower section of the column profile and the connection to the rail system, the insulating layer being configured to limit the thermal conductivity between the lower section of the column profile (102) and the rail system (108), The aforementioned insulation layer (2, 2') is a framework structure (100', 100'') comprising an insulation material having a thermal conductivity of less than 20 W / mK.

2. The framework structure according to claim 1, wherein the column profile (102) is made of an aluminum alloy.

3. The framework structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thermal insulation material is a synthetic polymer or wood.

4. The framework structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the insulating layer (2, 2') is configured such that heat conducted between the lower section of the column profile (102) and the rail system (108) must pass through the insulating material.

5. The framework structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the thermal insulation layer (2, 2') comprises a horizontal plate (3) positioned between the rail system (108) and at least the lower section of the column profile (102).

6. The framework structure according to claim 5, wherein the horizontal plates (3) of each insulation layer (2, 2') extend laterally with respect to the column profile at a common height positioned between the rail system (108) and at least the lower section of the column profile (102).

7. The framework structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the thermal insulation layer comprises vertical protrusions (4, 5, 6), the vertical protrusions being arranged to interact with the surface of the column profile (102) or the rail system (108) in order to restrict horizontal movement between the thermal insulation layer (2, 2') and the column profile (102) or the rail system (108), respectively.

8. The framework structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the column profiles (102) has a hollow central section (7) and four corner sections (8), and each corner section (8) is defined by a pair of vertical flanges (11) that extend vertically and project outward.

9. The framework structure according to claim 8, wherein the insulating layer (2, 2') includes four corner sections (9) that completely overlap the four corner sections (8) of the column profile (102).

10. The framework structure according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the thermal insulation layer (2, 2') comprises vertical projections (4, 6) arranged to interact with the inner or outer surface of the hollow central section (7) to restrict horizontal movement between the thermal insulation layer (2, 2') and the column profile (102).

11. The framework structure according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the thermal insulation layer (2) is positioned at the uppermost end (10) of the column profile (102), and the rail system (108) is supported on the thermal insulation layer.

12. The framework structure according to claim 11, wherein the thermal insulation layer (2) comprises vertical projections (5) positioned on both sides of at least one rail (110, 111) of the rail system (108), and the vertical projections (5) restrict horizontal movement between the thermal insulation layer (2) and the rail (110, 111) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rail (110, 111).

13. The framework structure according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the column profile (102) comprises a lower profile section (102a) and an upper profile section (102b) interconnected via the insulating layer (2').

14. A framework structure according to claim 8, comprising a plurality of storage columns (105) in which storage containers can be stacked on top of each other in a vertical stack, each storage column being defined by a corner section (8) from each of four column profiles (102), the corner section (8) being positioned to accommodate the corner of a storage container (106), and the insulation layer (2, 2') of each column profile (102) being configured to be either coplanar with the corner section (8) of the column profile (102) or recessed from the corner section (8) of the column profile (102) so that the corner section (8) is not obstructed between the rail system and the lower end of the storage column (105).

15. A storage system for storage containers (106), the storage system comprising a framework structure (100', 100") according to any one of claims 1 to 14, and a plurality of container handling vehicles (201, 301, 401) arranged to operate on the rail system (108).

16. The storage system according to claim 15, wherein the vertical column profile (102) defines a storage column (105) in which storage containers (106) are stacked on top of each other in a vertical stack.

17. The storage system according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising a cooling system (11) arranged to supply cooling air to a section of the storage system located below the rail system.

18. A method for constructing a framework structure (100', 100'') for a refrigerated storage structure, wherein the framework structure (100') comprises a plurality of vertical column profiles (102) and a rail system (108) on which container handling vehicles (201, 301, 401) can move in two vertical directions on the rail system (108), and the method is as follows: A step of providing an insulating layer (2, 2') to each of the column profiles (102), wherein the insulating layer (2, 2') comprises an insulating material having a thermal conductivity of less than 20 W / mK, The steps include: mounting the column profile (102) so that it can support the rail system (108); The steps include: positioning the insulating layer (2, 2') at a location that thermally separates at least the lower section of each column profile from the rail system such that the thermal conductivity between at least the lower section of the column profile (102) and the rail system (108) supported by the column profile (102) is limited; The steps of constructing the rail system (108) supported by the column profile, Methods that include...

19. A method for preventing loss of wheel traction of container handling vehicles (201, 301, 401) operating on a rail system (108) of a cooling storage system, wherein the cooling storage system comprises a plurality of vertical column profiles (102) on which the rail system (108) is supported, and the method is A step of providing an insulating layer (2, 2') to each of the column profiles (102), wherein the insulating layer (2, 2') comprises an insulating material having a thermal conductivity of less than 20 W / mK, The steps include: positioning the insulating layers (2, 2') such that the thermal conductivity between the lower section of the column profile (102) and the rail system (108) to which the column profile (102) is connected is limited, and thermally separating at least the lower sections of each of the column profiles (102) from the rail system; Methods that include...

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