A station for providing access to the contents of storage containers, and an automated storage and retrieval system.

Abstract

To provide a station for providing access to a content within a storage container of an automatic storage and recovery system.SOLUTION: The station comprises: an access barrier including an opening and a plurality of covers and disposed to be selectively deployed such that each cover closes each part of the opening; a loading mechanism disposed to receive a storage container and move the same to the opening of the access barrier; and a housing capable of preventing access to the opening of the access barrier. The station is arranged to transfer between a loading structure in which access to the opening in the access barrier is prevented by the housing and an access structure in which the opening in the access barrier is presented to allow access to a content of the storage container through the opening, and by deploying a cover to close a predetermined part of the opening prior to an access structure transition, restricts or permits the access to the content of the storage container through a prescribed part of the opening.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage system for automatically delivering one or more articles stored within a compartment of a storage container, and a station for such a system.

Background Art

[0002] FIG. 1 discloses the framework structure of a typical prior art automatic storage and retrieval system. The framework structure comprises a plurality of vertical members and a plurality of horizontal members supported by the vertical members. The members can typically be made of a metal such as, for example, an extruded aluminum profile.

[0003] The framework structure defines a storage grid including storage columns arranged in rows, within which the storage columns store storage containers, also known as containers, which are stacked on top of each other to form a stack. Each storage container can typically hold a plurality of product items (not shown), and the products within a storage container can be the same or of different product types depending on the application. The framework structure prevents horizontal movement of the stack of storage containers and guides vertical movement of the containers, but usually does not otherwise support the storage containers when stacked.

[0004] A rail system is arranged in a grid pattern across the tops of the storage columns, on which a plurality of container handling vehicles are operated to raise storage containers from the storage columns and lower them into the storage columns, and further to transport the storage containers over the storage columns.

[0005] When products stored in storage containers are sorted from the storage grid, a container handling vehicle is positioned to pick up the storage containers containing that product type, and then transports those storage containers to a container lifting device. The container lifting device transports the storage containers to a sorting and / or supply station, where products of that product type are recovered from the storage containers. The storage containers containing the remaining products are then returned to the storage grid by the container lifting device and the container handling vehicle.

[0006] The same procedure is used to supply products into the storage grid. First, at the sorting and / or supplying station, the goods are supplied into the storage containers. Then, a container lifting device lifts the storage containers to the upper level where a container handling vehicle transports the storage containers to their correct position within the storage grid.

[0007] A storage control and communication system is used to monitor the inventory and record the location of each storage container (within the storage grid and / or during transport), the contents of each storage container, etc. Furthermore, the storage control and communication system may also include, or be provided in communication with, a control system for controlling container handling vehicles to select a desired storage container and control the vehicle to deliver that storage container to a desired location at a desired time without colliding with other vehicles.

[0008] Typically, personnel at the sorting and / or supply station are employed by the storage system owner, and these personnel retrieve products from storage containers, then pack those products, and send them to the end user via postal service or another delivery service. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] However, in some storage systems, it may be desirable for the end user to collect the products at the storage system location. Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a storage system that enables such end users to automatically collect the products themselves. Care must be taken to ensure that there is no risk of personal injury (typically, compression of fingers or hands by moving parts) at the point of contact between the end user and the storage system. Furthermore, individuals should not gain access to products other than those they ordered.

[0010] Another objective is to provide end-users with access to a dedicated section of the storage container while restricting access to other sections of the storage area.

[0011] Furthermore, only users with the appropriate key or key code should be able to access products retrieved from the storage system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The present invention relates to a station for providing access to the contents of a storage container in an automated storage and retrieval system. The station is - An access barrier comprising an opening and a plurality of covers, wherein each cover is arranged to restrict access through the opening by selectively deploying to close each portion of the opening, - A loading mechanism is provided to receive the storage container and move it to the opening of the access barrier so that the contents of the storage container can be accessed through the opening. - A housing that can prevent access to the opening in the access barrier, It is equipped with. The station is - A loading configuration in which access to the opening of the access barrier is prevented by the housing. - An access configuration in which an opening in the access barrier is presented, thereby enabling access to the contents of the storage container through the opening. They are arranged to transition between them. The station is configured to restrict or allow access to the contents of the storage container through a given portion of the opening by deploying a cover to close that portion of the opening prior to transitioning to an access configuration.

[0013] The station may be connected to the lower portion of the storage grid so that storage containers can be retrieved from the storage grid and delivered to the station. The station is configured to close off portions of the storage containers so that only designated items are accessible to the user.

[0014] In a loading configuration, the access barrier may be positioned within the housing such that the opening of the access barrier is covered by the housing, making it inaccessible.

[0015] The housing may be a frame structure comprising a top cover that covers the opening of the access barrier. In embodiments, the housing may comprise a top cover connected to the access barrier, and / or the access barrier may be located within the housing.

[0016] In the embodiment, the housing may be a cabinet for accommodating an access barrier. The cabinet may have side walls and top wall surfaces for isolating users from the access barrier so that the access barrier is accessible only in the access configuration of the station.

[0017] The access barrier may also be positioned in the form of a cabinet, including side walls, located inside the housing. The housing may include a top cover positioned to cover the opening of the access barrier.

[0018] To provide access to the opening of the access barrier, the top cover may be arranged to be lifted or slid to provide or restrict access to the opening of the access barrier, or the access barrier may be arranged to move relative to the housing to provide or restrict access.

[0019] Therefore, in an access configuration, the access barrier may be moved relative to the housing so that the opening of the access barrier is accessible, or the top cover of the housing may have an opening and lifting mechanism arranged so that the top cover can be opened and lifted manually or automatically in the access configuration.

[0020] In embodiments, the housing may include a top cover for closing the opening of an access barrier to allow or restrict access to the access barrier. The top cover may be pivotably connected to the housing so that the opening of the access barrier may be accessible when the top cover is lifted. The cover may include a locking device so that it is locked in a loading configuration and unlocked in an access configuration. When unlocked, the top cover may be manually lifted and opened by a handle or automatically lifted by a motor.

[0021] In another embodiment, the movement of the access barrier relative to the housing may take the form of a drawer-like device, which is arranged so that the access barrier moves relative to the housing while moving from a loading configuration to an access configuration. Further details regarding the drawer-like device will be explained later.

[0022] The station may further include a loading mechanism arranged to receive storage containers from the transport or delivery column of an automated storage and retrieval grid, and to transport the storage containers to an access barrier and lift the storage containers within the access barrier to the opening of the access barrier. The loading mechanism can include a moving device and / or a lifting device, and the lifting device can be movably arranged on the moving device.

[0023] In an embodiment, the lifting device can include wheels arranged to move on a rail provided on the moving device.

[0024] The lifting device can also be arranged on a skid or slide system for relative movement between the lifting device and the moving device. The lifting device can include a support device for receiving and supporting a storage container delivered through a delivery column of an automated storage and retrieval grid. When the lifting device receives the storage container, it can move on the moving device so that the storage container is transported into the access barrier. Inside the access barrier, the lifting device can lift the storage container to the opening of the access barrier.

[0025] Each of the plurality of covers can be pivotally connected to the access barrier adjacent to the opening, and each cover can be movable between an initial position where each part of the opening remains accessible when the cover is not deployed, and a deployed position where the cover closes each part of the opening.

[0026] Each of the plurality of covers can extend at least partially in a vertical direction in the initial position to allow the storage container to pass through without contact while the storage container is being lifted to the opening of the access barrier, thereby keeping each part of the opening accessible so that the contents of the storage container can be accessed through each part of the opening.

[0027] Each cover may be operable to extend into the lifting path of the storage container as it is moved by a lifting device toward the opening of the access barrier, so as it moves toward the deployed position, the storage container will bias the cover toward its deployed position. In other words, each cover may be operable to have a vertical angle so as to extend at least partially horizontally toward the path of the storage container as it is moved toward the access opening, and as a result, each cover will be biased toward the deployed position by the movement of the storage container.

[0028] The cover may be positioned as a flap pivotably connected to the periphery of the opening in the access barrier, with each flap being operated by its own independent motor to close its respective portion of the opening in the access barrier. The access barrier may be positioned as a drawer-like device within the housing, and the drawer-like device may be positioned to transition between a loading configuration and an access configuration.

[0029] A drawer-like device may be actuable by a loading mechanism configured to push the drawer-like device out of its housing. The drawer-like device may be equipped with wheels arranged to operate on secondary rails provided on the loading mechanism. Secondary rails may be provided on the moving device adjacent to the rails of the lifting device.

[0030] The drawer-like device may also be movable relative to the housing on a skid system or sliding device connected to the loading mechanism.

[0031] The present invention also relates to a system for retrieving a storage container containing ordered goods stored within a compartment of the storage container, and for delivering the storage container to a station where the compartment containing the ordered goods is accessible to a user.

[0032] The system is defined by an automated storage and retrieval system that includes a station for the delivery of one or more items stored in a storage container, and this system is - A storage grid for storing storage containers arranged in a stack, - A station for providing access to the contents of a storage container in an automated storage and retrieval system, - An access barrier comprising an opening and a plurality of covers, wherein each cover is arranged to restrict access through each portion of the opening by selectively deploying to close each portion of the opening. - A loading mechanism, positioned to receive the storage container and move it to the opening of the access barrier, so that the contents of the storage container can be accessed through the opening, - Housing that can prevent access to openings in access barriers Stations including, Equipped with, The station is - A loading configuration in which access to the opening of the access barrier is prevented by the housing, - An access configuration in which an opening in the access barrier is presented, thereby enabling access to the contents of the storage container through the opening. They are arranged to transition between them, and also, The station is configured to restrict or allow access to the contents of the storage container through a given portion of the opening by deploying a cover to close that portion of the opening prior to transitioning to an access configuration. The system may further comprise multiple storage containers, each storage container comprising multiple compartments including an open end, each of which can be closed by an access barrier cover.

[0033] Each of the multiple storage containers may have at least one removable compartment separation wall. The removable wall is positioned to be removed or folded into the bottom of the compartment so that the size of the compartment in the storage container can be adjusted. Preferably, the open end of each storage compartment can be closed by one or more covers of the access barrier.

[0034] The system may include partition walls and / or outer surface walls positioned to prevent access to the storage grid from outside the station. Thus, the contents of the storage grid can be accessed firstly through openings in the access barrier station, and only through openings in the access barrier. The system may include stations as described above in relation to any of its embodiments.

[0035] The system may be configured in relation to a shop or warehouse, in which case the storage and retrieval grid is located inside the warehouse or shop, and the housing, including the access barrier, is located outside for use by customers or users. When goods are ordered by a customer or user, a container handling vehicle retrieves the storage container containing the ordered goods and delivers the storage container to a loading mechanism, which is configured to receive the storage container and move it to an opening in the access barrier so that the goods inside the storage container can be accessed through the opening. The present invention ensures that only the ordered goods are available to the customer or user by operating a deployable cover. Therefore, if the storage container contains several or different goods, only the ordered goods will be available to the customer or user. Goods that should not be available to the customer or user will be isolated by the deployable cover.

[0036] The system may also be installed inside a supermarket or store to provide automated ordering and sorting of goods from storage and collection bins located adjacent to the supermarket or store.

[0037] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings, as merely examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] [Figure 1] This is a diagram of a storage grid arranged to hold storage containers that are stacked together. [Figure 2] This is a diagram of a station according to the present invention, in which the station is connected to a storage grid. [Figure 3] This is a diagram of a station equipped with access barriers and housing. [Figure 4] This is a diagram of a housing with a top cover positioned to allow or restrict access to an opening in an access barrier. [Figure 5] This is a diagram of the top cover of the housing in the access configuration. [Figure 6] This diagram shows an access barrier that includes a station connected to a storage grid and storage containers. [Figure 7] This is a diagram of a loading mechanism equipped with a lifting device and a moving device. [Figure 8] This is a view of the station's loading mechanism from the rear. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of a station with an access barrier located inside the housing. [Figure 10] This is a diagram of storage containers delivered to the loading mechanism at the station. [Figure 11] This is a diagram of a storage container supported by a loading mechanism support device. [Figure 12] This diagram shows storage containers being moved into a container carrier and housing by a mobile device. [Figure 13] This is a diagram of a lifting device positioned to lift a storage container up to the opening in an access barrier. [Figure 14]This diagram shows a storage container placed within an access barrier, and a cover for the opening of the access barrier in a non-deployed position. [Figure 15] This is a diagram of the access barrier cover in its deployed position. [Figure 16] This is a diagram of a storage container equipped with removable partition walls. [Figure 17] This is a diagram of a storage container with eight compartments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, it should be understood that the drawings are not intended to limit the present invention to what is shown in the drawings. Furthermore, it is clear that even if some of the features are described in relation to the system only, those features are also valid for the station and associated methods, and vice versa. Therefore, any feature described in relation to the station only and / or associated methods is also valid for the system.

[0040] Referring to Figure 1, each storage structure 1's storage grid 104 consists of a total of 143 grid column frameworks 100, with the width and length of the framework corresponding to the width of 13 grid columns and the length of 11 grid columns, respectively. The uppermost layer of the framework 100 is a rail system 108, on which multiple container handling vehicles 200 operate.

[0041] The framework 100 of the storage system 1 is constructed according to the prior art framework 100 described above, namely a plurality of vertical members 102 and a plurality of horizontal members 103 supported by the vertical members 102, the horizontal members 103 including a container handling vehicle rail system 108 consisting of parallel rails 110 in the X direction and parallel rails 111 in the Y direction, respectively, arranged across the tops of the storage columns 105. The horizontal area of ​​a single grid cell 122, namely the horizontal area along the X and Y directions, can be defined by the distance between adjacent rails 110 and the distance between adjacent rails 111, respectively. In Figure 1, such a grid cell 122 is shown on the rail system 108 by thick lines. The rail system 108 may also be a double-track system (not shown), thus allowing a container handling vehicle 200 having a footprint roughly corresponding to the lateral area defined by the grid columns 112 to move along a row of columns, even if another container handling vehicle 200 is positioned on a grid column adjacent to that row. In a double-track rail system, grid cell 122 is defined as the size between the mid-pint points of the double track.

[0042] The container handling vehicle rail system 108 allows the container handling vehicle 200 to move horizontally between various grid positions, each grid position being associated with a grid cell 122.

[0043] In Figure 1, the storage grid 104 is shown having a height of 8 cells. However, storage It is understood that the grid 104 may be of any size in principle. Specifically, it is understood that the storage grid 104 may be considerably wider and / or longer than that disclosed in Figure 1. For example, the grid 104 may have a horizontal extent that exceeds the horizontal extent of 700x700 grid cells 122. Also, the grid 104 may have a considerably greater depth than that disclosed in Figure 1. For example, the storage grid 104 may exceed the depth of 12 grid cells.

[0044] Figure 2 shows a portion of a storage grid 104 that includes a sorting and / or supplying station, which includes an access barrier 33 in the form of a drawer-like device. In a loading configuration, the drawer-like device 33 is fully housed within a housing 30. The housing 30 can prevent access to the opening 35 of the access barrier 33.

[0045] The access barrier 33 is adapted to receive a storage container 106 having at least one storage compartment 51 for temporarily storing products / articles that are taken out of or supplied to the storage grid 104.

[0046] The access barrier 33 comprises an opening 35 and a plurality of covers 31, each cover 31 being positioned to restrict access through the opening 35 by selectively deploying to close off each portion of the opening 35.

[0047] Each of the multiple covers 31 is pivotably connected to an access barrier 33 adjacent to the opening 35, and each cover 31 is movable between an initial position in which the cover 31 is not deployed and each portion of the opening 35 remains accessible, and an deployed position in which the cover 31 closes each portion of the opening 35.

[0048] The station is - A loading configuration in which access to the opening 35 of the access barrier 33 is prevented by the housing 30, - An access configuration in which the opening 35 of the access barrier 33 is presented, thereby enabling access to the contents of the storage container 106 through the opening 35. They are arranged to transition between them. The station is configured to restrict or allow access to the contents of the storage container 106 through a predetermined portion of the opening 35 by deploying a cover 31 to close a predetermined portion of the opening 35 prior to transitioning to an access configuration. The storage container may have multiple compartments, and the number of covers may correspond to the number of compartments within the storage container 106. Figures 2 and 3 show six covers that restrict access to each compartment of the storage container 106 by selectively deploying to close each portion of the opening 35. Two of the covers 31 in Figures 2 and 3 are not deployed and therefore leave their respective compartments open.

[0049] Figure 2 further shows that the storage lattice 104 comprises a wall surface including a wall structural element 39. The wall structural element 39 can cover the front of the storage lattice from bottom to top (i.e., from the floor to the top of the storage lattice structure). The purpose of the wall structural element 39 may be to prevent personal injury, reduce noise, prevent dust, etc. If the wall structural element faces outward from the building, the purpose of the wall structural element 39 may also be to protect the lattice structure from theft, barbaric acts, etc., and to protect the storage lattice structure from weather conditions (rain, snow, wind, etc.). The housing 30 and access barrier 33 may be incorporated into the storage lattice 104 or connected to the storage lattice 104 (as shown in Figures 2 and 3).

[0050] The system of the present invention provides access to storage containers 106 stored within storage grid 104. The storage container 106 is configured to be transported to wall 33 and / or transported from access barrier 33 to storage grid 104.

[0051] In operation, when retrieving products / items from the storage container 106, the user can identify themselves by using the user interface 52, for example, using an access code (the user interface includes a touchscreen, keyboard, barcode reader, QR code reader, etc.), or by using a credit card (the user interface includes a card reader) or a smartphone (the user interface includes an NFC (Near Field Communication) unit), etc.

[0052] Once identified, a storage control and communication system (not shown) instructs a container handling vehicle 200 to retrieve the storage container 106 containing the pre-ordered products / items and transport the container 106 to a drawer-like device 33. The storage control and communication system operates each cover 31 so that when the storage container 106 is delivered to the opening of the access barrier 33, only the compartment containing the pre-ordered products is opened. The drawer-like device 33 is then changed from a loading configuration in which access to the compartment is prevented by the housing 30 to an access configuration in which the compartment is presented, allowing access to the contents of the storage container 106.

[0053] The user may select and / or purchase items on the user interface 52 so that the automated storage and retrieval system with stations can operate like a large vending machine.

[0054] The user may open the drawer-like device 33 by using a handle (not shown) provided on the drawer-like device 33, or the drawer-like device 33 may be operated automatically by an electric or hydraulic push / pull mechanism (not shown) for the movement of the drawer 11.

[0055] When the drawer-like device 33 is opened and then closed, a signal indicating that a product / item has been picked up may be sent to the storage control and communication system described above. The system then sends a vehicle 200 to retrieve the storage container 106 from the station and store it again in the storage grid 104.

[0056] Figures 4 and 5 show another embodiment of the station in which the housing 30 is positioned as a top cover 36 connected to the access barrier 33 adjacent to the opening 35 of the access barrier 35.

[0057] The access barrier 33 comprises a cabinet having an opening 35 and a plurality of covers 31, each cover 31 being positioned to restrict access through the opening by selectively deploying to close off each portion of the opening 35.

[0058] Each of the multiple covers 31 is pivotably connected to an access barrier 33 adjacent to the opening 35, and each cover 31 is movable between an initial position in which the cover 31 is not deployed and each portion of the opening 35 remains accessible, and an deployed position in which the cover 31 closes each portion of the opening 35.

[0059] The station is - A loading configuration in which access to the opening 35 of the access barrier 33 is prevented by the housing 30, - An access configuration in which the opening 35 of the access barrier 33 is presented, thereby enabling access to the contents of the storage container 106 through the opening 35. They are arranged to transition between them.

[0060] The station is configured to restrict or allow access to the contents of the storage container 106 through a predetermined portion of the opening 35 by deploying a cover 31 to close a predetermined portion of the opening 35 prior to transitioning to an access configuration.

[0061] In the access configuration, the top cover 36 of the housing 30 can be lifted to allow access to the contents of the storage container 106 through a predetermined portion of the opening 35. The opening of the top cover 36 may be arranged to be opened manually by a handle or automatically by a motor. In Figures 4 and 5, the top cover 36 is transparent to allow viewing of the storage compartment 51 located below the top cover 36. It is obvious that various materials with various properties, such as being transparent or opaque, can be used for the top cover 36.

[0062] The top cover 36 may include a locking device adapted to secure the top cover 36 so that it cannot be lifted and / or opened when the station 10 is in a loading configuration, and to release the top cover 36 so that it can be lifted and / or opened when the station 10 is in an access configuration.

[0063] In this embodiment, the housing 30 may also be configured as a cabinet for housing the access barrier 33. The access barrier 33 may be configured as a smaller cabinet or frame structure.

[0064] Figure 6 shows the access barrier 33 as a frame structure without side walls. The storage container 106 is lifted up to the opening 35 of the access barrier 33. The figure also shows the two covers 31 in their initial position, with each part of the opening 35 remaining accessible by not deploying the covers 31. Each of the covers 31 is operated by its own independent motor 32.

[0065] As shown in Figure 7, the station includes a loading mechanism 40. The loading mechanism 40 is positioned to receive the storage container 106 from the delivery column of the storage grid 104 and move it to the opening 35 of the access barrier 33 so that the contents of the storage container 106 can be accessed through the opening 35.

[0066] The loading mechanism 40 comprises a lifting device 42 and a moving device 41, the lifting device 42 being movably positioned on the moving device 41. The lifting device may include wheels 44 adapted to operate on rails 45 provided as part of the moving device 41.

[0067] The lifting device 42 further comprises a support device 43 positioned to receive and support the storage container 106. Once the storage container 106 is received onto the support device 42, the lifting device 42 moves / slides on the moving device 41 into the access barrier 33 and housing 30, and the storage container is further lifted to the opening 35 of the access barrier 33.

[0068] The movement and lifting operation of the storage container 106 is shown in Figures 10-13. The storage container 106 is lifted from the delivery columns 119 and 120 of the automatic storage and retrieval grid 104. The device 42 is received on the support device 43.

[0069] In Figure 10, the lifting device is lowering the storage container 106 to a lower position, where the storage container 106 is ready to be moved into the access barrier 33. The access barrier 33 is in a loading configuration where access to the opening 35 of the access barrier 33 is prevented by the housing 30. Multiple covers 31 are in their initial non-deployed position.

[0070] In Figure 12, the lifting device 42 moves along a rail system provided as part of the moving device 41, and moves the storage container 106 into the access barrier 33. The housing 30 surrounds the access barrier 33. In this position, the cover 31 is operated individually by the motor 32 to restrict access through the opening by selectively deploying to close each portion of the opening 35.

[0071] In Figure 13, the lifting device 42 lifts the storage container 106 from a lower position to the opening of the access barrier 33.

[0072] Figures 14 and 15 illustrate the operation of the multiple covers 31. Each of the multiple covers 31 is pivotally connected to an access barrier 33 adjacent to the opening 35, and each cover 31 is movable between an initial position (in Figure 12) in which the cover 31 is not deployed and each portion of the opening 35 remains accessible, and an deployed position (in Figure 13) in which the cover 31 closes each portion of the opening 35.

[0073] In Figure 14, the cover 31 extends at least partially vertically in its initial position so as to allow the storage container 106 to pass through the opening 35 of the access barrier 33 without contact (when it is lifted from a lower position to an upper position) while the storage container 106 is being lifted to the opening 35 of the access barrier 33, thereby leaving each part of the opening 35 accessible so that the contents of the storage container 106 can be accessed through each part of the opening 35.

[0074] In Figure 15, the four covers 31 are operated to be in the deployed position. Thus, the four covers 31 are operable so that each extends into the lifting path of the storage container 106 when it is moved by the lifting device 42 to the opening 35 of the access barrier 33, and as a result the storage container 106 biases the covers 31 to their deployed positions.

[0075] The system may further include a plurality of storage containers 106, each storage container comprising a plurality of compartments 51 including an open end, each of which can be closed by a cover 31 of an access barrier 33.

[0076] As shown in Figure 16, each of the multiple storage containers 106 may have at least one removable compartment separation wall 49. The removable wall 49 is positioned so that it can be removed or folded into the bottom of the compartment 51 so that the size of the compartment 51 of the storage container 106 can be adjusted.

[0077] Naturally, other divisions of the compartment 51 of the storage container 106 are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0078] Preferably, each open end of the storage compartment 51 can be closed by one or more covers 31 of the access barrier 33. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 100 Frame structure 102 Vertical members of a frame structure 103 Horizontal members of a frame structure 104 Storage lattice / 3D lattice 105 Storage Column 106 Storage Containers 107 stacks 108 Rail System 110 A first set of parallel rails in the first direction (X) 111 A second set of parallel rails in the second direction (Y) 115 Lattice opening 119 Delivery Column 120 Delivery Column 122 lattice cells 140 Delivery Systems 200 First container handling vehicle X First direction Y Second direction P Rail System Horizontal Plane 10 stations 30 Housing 31. Covering access barriers 32 Motor for operating the cover 33 Access Barriers 35. Openings in access barriers 36 Housing top cover 39 Wall structural elements 40 Loading mechanism 41 Mobile devices 42 Lifting devices 43 Support devices 44 Wheels of lifting devices 45 Rails / Tracks for Mobile Devices 46 Wheels of drawer-like devices 49 Sectional separation wall 51 Compartments within a storage container 52 User Interface

Claims

1. A station (10) for receiving containers (106) of an automated storage and retrieval system and for providing access to said containers, An access barrier (33) having an opening (35), A loading mechanism (40) includes a lifting device positioned to receive a container (106) and move the container to the opening (35) of the access barrier (33), A housing (30) that can prevent access to the opening (35) of the access barrier (33), Equipped with, The aforementioned station (10) A loading configuration in which access to the opening (35) of the access barrier (33) is prevented by the housing (30), An access configuration in which the opening (35) of the access barrier (33) is configured to provide access to the container. A station (10) configured to transition between the two.

2. The station (10) according to claim 1, wherein the lifting device comprises a moving device (41), and the lifting device (42) is movably arranged on the moving device (41).

3. The station (10) according to claim 2, wherein the lifting device (42) comprises wheels (44) adapted to operate on a first rail (45) provided as part of the moving device (41).

4. The access barrier (33) comprises a plurality of covers (31), each of which is configured to be selectively deployed to close off each portion of the opening (35), thereby restricting access through each portion of the opening (35). The station according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the station (10) is configured to restrict or allow access to the contents of the container (106) through a predetermined portion of the opening (35) by deploying the cover (31) to close a predetermined portion of the opening (35) prior to transitioning to the access configuration.

5. The station (10) according to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of covers (31) is pivotably connected to the access barrier (33) adjacent to the opening (35), and each cover (31) is movable between an initial position in which the cover (31) is not deployed and the respective portions of the opening (35) remain accessible, and a deployed position in which the cover (31) closes the respective portions of the opening (35).

6. The station (10) according to claim 5, wherein the cover (31) extends at least partially vertically to allow the container (106) to pass through without contact when the container (106) is lifted into the opening (35) of the access barrier (33) in the initial position, thereby leaving each of the portions of the opening (35) accessible so that the contents of the container (106) can be accessed through the portion.

7. The station (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the cover (31) is operable to extend within the lifting path of the container (106) when it is moved by the lifting device (42) to the opening (35) of the access barrier (33), thereby biasing the container (106) to the cover (31) to its deployed position.

8. The station (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein at least one of the covers is a flap (31), and each flap (31) is operated by its own independent motor.

9. The station (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the housing (30) comprises a top cover (36) for closing the opening (35) of the access barrier (33), and the top cover (36) comprises a fixing device adapted to fix the top cover (36) so that the top cover (36) cannot be lifted when the station is in the loading configuration, and to release the top cover (36) so that the top cover (36) can be lifted when the station (10) is in the access configuration.

10. The station (10) according to claim 9, wherein the top cover (36) can be lifted manually or by a motor.

11. The station (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the access barrier (33) is arranged as a pull-out device within the housing (30), and the pull-out device is arranged to transition between the loading configuration and the access configuration.

12. The station (10) according to claim 11, wherein the drawer-like device is operable by the loading mechanism (40) configured to push the drawer-like device out of the housing (30).

13. The station (10) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the drawer-like device comprises wheels (46) arranged to operate on a second rail provided on the loading mechanism (40).

14. A station (10) for receiving containers (106) of an automated storage and retrieval system and for providing access to said containers, An access barrier (33) having an opening (35), A loading mechanism (40) is provided to receive a container (106) and move the container to the opening (35) of the access barrier (33), A housing (30) that can prevent access to the opening (35) of the access barrier (33), Equipped with, The aforementioned station (10) A loading configuration in which access to the opening (35) of the access barrier (33) is prevented by the housing (30), An access configuration in which the opening (35) of the access barrier (33) is configured to provide access to the container. It is configured to transition between the following: The access barrier (33) is arranged as a drawer-like device within the housing (30), and the station (10) is arranged to move between the loading configuration and the access configuration.

15. The station (10) according to claim 14, wherein the drawer-like device is operable by the loading mechanism (40) configured to push the drawer-like device out of the housing (30).

16. The station (10) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the drawer-like device comprises wheels (46) arranged to operate on a second rail provided on the loading mechanism (40).

17. An automated storage and retrieval system comprising a station for delivering one or more articles stored in a storage container (106), A storage grid (104) for storing storage containers (106) arranged in a stack (107), A station (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, An automated storage and retrieval system equipped with [specific features / equipment].

18. The system according to claim 17, further comprising a plurality of storage containers (106), each storage container (106) comprising a plurality of compartments (51) having an open end, each of the open ends being closable by a cover (31) of the access barrier (33).

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein each of the plurality of storage containers (106) is provided with at least one removable partition wall (49) such that the size of each of the plurality of compartments (51) can be adjusted.

20. The system according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the storage grid (104) comprises a wall surface including a wall structural element (39).

21. An automated storage and retrieval system comprising a station for delivering one or more articles stored in a storage container (106), A storage grid (104) for storing storage containers (106) arranged in a stack (107), A station (10) for receiving containers (106) of an automated storage and retrieval system and for providing access to said containers, An access barrier (33) having an opening (35), A loading mechanism (40) includes a lifting device positioned to receive a container (106) and move the container to the opening (35) of the access barrier (33), A housing (30) that can prevent access to the opening (35) of the access barrier (33), Equipped with, The aforementioned station (10) A loading configuration in which access to the opening (35) of the access barrier (33) is prevented by the housing (30), An access configuration in which the opening (35) of the access barrier (33) is configured to provide access to the container. A station (10) configured to transition between, Equipped with, A system further comprising a plurality of storage containers (106), each storage container (106) comprising a plurality of compartments (51) having an open end, each of which can be closed by a cover (31) of the access barrier (33).

22. The system according to claim 21, wherein each of the plurality of storage containers (106) is provided with at least one removable partition wall (49) such that the size of each of the plurality of compartments (51) can be adjusted.

23. The system according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the storage grid (104) comprises a wall surface including a wall structural element (39).

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