Abstract: A container handling vehicle for picking up storage containers from a three-dimensional grid of an underlying storage system includes a first set of wheels for moving the vehicle along an X direction on a rail system of the grid; and a second set of wheels for moving the vehicle along a Y direction on the rail system of the grid. The Y direction is perpendicular to the X direction. The container handling vehicle includes a vehicle body having a vehicle body footprint defined by horizontal peripheries in the X and Y directions of the vehicle body. The vehicle body includes a first section and a second section. The first section has a first footprint and the second section has a second footprint. The first and second footprints are defined by horizontal peripheries in the X and Y directions of the first and second sections, respectively.

Abstract: An automated, grid-based storage and retrieval system includes a framework structure and a cooler system. The framework structure includes vertically extending members and a grid of horizontal rails provided at upper ends of said vertical members. The framework structure defines a storage volume disposed below the horizontal rails, and an air release volume disposed below the horizontal rails and above the storage volume. The cooler system is for releasing cooling air into the air release volume. The cooler system includes at least one air deflecting element provided in the air release volume. The at least one air deflecting element extends between vertically extending members. The at least one air deflecting element is arranged to deflect a flow of released cooling air from the cooler system downward to the storage volume. The deflected cooling air is introduced into the storage volume from above and propagates in a vertical direction downward through the storage volume.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a track system including a first set of parallel tracks arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of parallel tracks arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, forming a grid pattern in the horizontal plane comprising a plurality of adjacent grid cells. Each grid cell includes a grid opening. A plurality of stacks of storage containers are arranged in storage columns located beneath the track system. Each storage column is located vertically below the grid opening. A plurality of container handling vehicles for lifting and moving storage containers stacked in the stacks are configured to move laterally on the track system above the storage columns to access the storage containers via the grid openings.

Abstract: A container handling vehicle for picking up storage containers from a three-dimensional grid of a storage system, includes: a vehicle body having a first section and a second section arranged side-by-side; a first set of wheels for moving the container handling vehicle along a first direction on a rail system of the grid; and a second set of wheels for moving the container handling vehicle along the second direction on the rail system of the grid. The first section is configured to accommodate a storage container and has a footprint that is substantially equal to a cross-sectional area of one grid cell of the grid. The second section comprises an assembly of motors for driving at least one wheel of each of the sets of wheels and has a second footprint that is equal to or smaller than half of the first footprint.

Abstract: A storage container, which is for an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS), is configured to be stacked in a stack of storage containers where an underlying storage container supports the storage container(s) positioned above. The storage container is adapted to be lifted by grippers on a lifting device such that the storage container can be lifted from above. The storage container includes a base, four sides, and four corner posts. The four sides are each hingedly connected to an edge of the base. The four corner posts are each configured to interconnect a pair of adjacent sides to each other in a horizontal direction when the sides are positioned substantially 90 degrees relative the base and relative each other.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes at least one relay module for relaying storage containers between a port column and an access station. The relay module is arranged below a port column. The relay module includes a port station, a first conveyor, a second conveyor, each arranged at a side of the port station, and a lateral displacement device. The port station arranged at a lower end of the port column receives storage containers dropped off from and to be picked up through the port column. The first conveyor is adapted to transport storage containers to an access station. The second conveyor is adapted for transporting storage containers from the access station. The lateral displacement device is coupled to the port station and is arranged to transport storage containers between the port station and the first conveyor, and between the second conveyor and the port station.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a track system including a first set of tracks arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of tracks arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. The first set of tracks and the second set of tracks form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane including a plurality of adjacent grid cells. Each grid cell includes an opening defined by the first set of tracks and the second set of tracks such that the track system includes a plurality of openings. A plurality of storage containers are arranged in columns beneath the track system such that the storage containers are located vertically below the openings. A plurality of container handling vehicles for lifting and moving the storage containers are configured to move on the track system and access the storage containers via the openings.

Abstract: A lift system for an automated storage system of the type where storage containers are stacked in storage columns arranged in a grid, and where automated container handling vehicles retrieve and replace containers from a top level of the grid. The lift system has a platform vertically movable adjacent to a face of the grid, arranged for receiving and transporting one or more containers. A dedicated mechanical device is arranged for grabbing, lifting and moving the storage containers from a staging area at the top of the grid and placing containers on the platform and vice versa.

Abstract: A container handling vehicle for picking up storage containers from a three-dimensional grid of an underlying storage system includes: a first set of wheels arranged at opposite portions of a vehicle body of the container handling vehicle, for moving the vehicle along a first direction on a rail system of the grid; and a second set of wheels arranged at opposite portions of the vehicle body, for moving the vehicle along a second direction on the rail system of the grid, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction. The vehicle body includes walls on all sides forming a footprint defined by horizontal peripheries in the X and Y directions of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A storage network includes a plurality of storage systems. Each storage system includes a storage grid structure, having at least one transfer column and a horizontal top rail grid upon which the container handling vehicle moves in two perpendicular directions, and at least one container handling vehicle. The storage system includes at least one container transfer vehicle and transfer rails forming a transfer rail grid upon which the container transfer vehicle moves in at least one horizontal direction. The container transfer vehicle includes a container carrier for carrying a storage container and a wheel arrangement for moving the container transfer vehicle in two perpendicular directions upon the transfer rail grid. The at least one transfer column extends from the top rail grid to the transfer section, such that a storage container may be transferred between the top rail grid and the container carrier of the container transfer vehicle.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes: a track system having a first set of parallel tracks and a second set of parallel tracks, which form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane including a plurality of adjacent grid cells, each having a grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring tracks of the first set of tracks and a pair of neighboring tracks of the second set of tracks; a plurality of storage containers arranged in storage columns located beneath the track system, wherein each storage column is located vertically below a grid opening; and a vehicle configured to move on top of the track system above the storage columns, including a storage container lifting device for lifting storage containers and a drive system including a wheel arrangement, configured to drive the vehicle along the track system in at least one of the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: A container accessing station for accessing a storage container of an automated storage and retrieval grid. The container accessing station comprising: an access opening through which a human and/or robot may access contents of the storage container; a base opening; and a lifting device arranged to retrieve the storage container from a first level beneath the base opening and lift it up through the base opening to a second level so that the storage container may be accessed through the access opening. The invention is also directed to a container accessing system and a method thereof.

Abstract: A container handling vehicle for picking up storage containers from a three-dimensional grid of an underlying storage system includes a first set of wheels for moving the vehicle along an X direction on a rail system of the grid; and a second set of wheels for moving the vehicle along a Y direction on the rail system of the grid. The Y direction is perpendicular to the X direction. The container handling vehicle includes a vehicle body having a vehicle body footprint defined by horizontal peripheries in the X and Y directions of the vehicle body. The vehicle body includes a first section and a second section. The first section has a first footprint and the second section has a second footprint. The first and second footprints are defined by horizontal peripheries in the X and Y directions of the first and second sections, respectively.

Abstract: An access station, which is for presentation of a storage container from an automated storage and retrieval system to a picker, has a receiving area for receiving storage containers, forward of the receiving area a picking position for picking products from the storage container. The access station includes a guiding frame, a primary carriage, and a secondary carriage. The guiding frame is arranged in a horizontal plane and extends between the picking position and the receiving area. The primary carriage, which is for transporting a storage container, includes a primary carriage base, a primary carriage displacement motor, a first storage container support, and a transfer device. The primary carriage base is movable along the guiding frame. The primary carriage displacement motor is configured to move the primary carriage along the guiding frame. The first storage container support is connected to the primary carriage base.

Abstract: A system for storing and transporting storage containers includes an automated storage and retrieval grid including vertical members defining multiple storage columns for storing storage containers on top of each other in vertical stacks. The vertical members are interconnected at their upper ends by a container handling vehicle rail system arranged to guide at least one container handling vehicle being configured to raise storage containers from, and lower storage containers into, the storage columns, and to transport the storage containers above the storage columns.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a framework structure. The framework structure includes upright members, a storage volume comprising columns provided between the members, and a rail system provided on top of the members. Storage containers are stackable in stacks within the columns. The automated storage and retrieval system includes an access station and container handing vehicles configured to move on the rail system. The framework structure includes an access station compartment. The access station compartment comprises an access module, wherein the access module is one single independent access module with a self-supporting frame provided with wheels. The one single independent access module with a self-supporting frame is insertable into and retrievable out from the access station compartment.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a storage grid for storage of storage containers and a delivery system for transport of said storage containers between a delivery port of the storage grid and an access point of the delivery system. The access point is adapted for handling of items held in the storage containers by a robotic operator or human operator.

Abstract: A container-handling vehicle picks up storage containers from a three-dimensional grid of an underlying storage system. The container-handling vehicle has a vehicle body and wheels for moving the vehicle in two perpendicular directions on the grid. The vehicle body surrounds a cavity within which at least a first lifting device and a second lifting device are positioned adjacent to each other. Each lifting device is independently controlled and arranged to lift a storage container from the grid and into the cavity. The vehicle includes at least one vertical frame guiding element arranged inside the cavity. The frame guiding element extends between the lifting devices.

Abstract: An access station, which is for presentation of a storage container from an automated storage and retrieval system to a picker, has a receiving position for receiving a storage container, forward of the receiving position a picking position for picking products from the storage container, and behind the receiving position a buffer area for buffering of a storage container. The access station includes a guiding frame, an inner carriage, and an outer carriage. The guiding frame is arranged in a horizontal plane and extending between the picking position, the receiving position, and the buffer area. The inner carriage, which is for transporting a storage container, includes an inner carriage base movable along the guiding frame and a first storage container support connected to the inner carriage base. The inner carriage base includes an elevation mechanism for raising and lowering the first storage container support relative to the guiding frame.

Abstract: A vehicle tilting device for tilting a delivery vehicle for increasing access to items from a storage container transported on the delivery vehicle includes a base structure and a tiltable platform connected to the base structure. The tiltable platform includes guiding features adapted to guide the delivery vehicle onto the tiltable platform, and a tilting actuator arranged for lifting the tiltable platform at a second platform side which is opposite to a first platform side, such that the tiltable platform is tilted towards the first platform side.