CPC B65G 1/0464 (2013.01) [B65G 1/065 (2013.01); B66F 9/063 (2013.01)] | 11 Claims |
1. An automated storage and retrieval system comprising a three-dimensional grid and a plurality of container handling vehicles,
wherein:
the three-dimensional grid comprises multiple storage columns, in which containers may be stored on top of one another in vertical stacks;
each container handling vehicle comprises a container lifting device having a lifting frame for releasably connecting to a container, and is operated on rails at a top level of the grid for retrieving containers from, and storing containers in, the storage columns, and for transporting the containers horizontally across the grid;
the automated storage system comprises multiple floor elements, each floor element arrangeable at a top end of a storage column on top of a vertical stack of containers, such that an operator may stand on top of the storage column;
each of the floor elements comprises rail-connecting elements at a horizontal periphery thereof, the rail-connecting elements being able to connect to the rails at the top end of the storage column, such that each of the floor element is held at a desired level relative the top level of the grid; and
the floor elements may be stored on top of one another in a vertical stack arranged in a storage column in the grid or arranged in a dedicated column having a cross-section able to accommodate a floor element having a larger cross-section than the containers.
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