WO2024231234A1

WO2024231234A1 - A method for securing two vertically aligned, elongate members and a joining member-and-connector assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2024231234A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/062161
Authority: WO
Inventors: Trond Austrheim; Synnøve Matre; Ole Alexander MAEHLE; Frode ROBBERSTAD
Original assignee: Autostore Technology AS
Priority date: 2023-05-05
Filing date: 2024-05-02
Publication date: 2024-11-14
Also published as: NO20230523A1

Abstract

The invention primarily relates to a method for securing two vertically aligned, elongate members (102a, 102b), said elongate member being an upright member of a framework structure (100), the framework structure (100) comprising a storage volume (104) with storage columns (105) for storing goods holders and a rail system (108) overlying said vertically aligned, elongate members. The method comprises: providing a first and a second elongate members(102a, 102b), providing a joining member (20) having a central section (22) and projections (24, 26) extending in opposite directions and perpendicularly relative the central section (22), joining the first (102a) and the second (102b) elongate members so that the central section (22) of the joining member (20) is sandwiched between said elongate members and each projection (24, 26) of the joining member (20) is axially inserted in the respective elongate member (102a, 102b) such that a first set (30) of joined, vertically aligned elongate members is created, and connecting the joining member (20) of the first set (30) of joined, vertically aligned elongate members with another joining member (20) of a parallel, adjacent second set (31) of joined, vertically aligned elongate members. The invention further relates to a joint-and-connector assembly (40).

Description

A METHOD FOR SECURING TWO VERTICALLY ALIGNED, ELONGATE MEMBERS AND A JOINING MEMBER- AND-CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY

The present invention primarily relates to a method for securing two vertically aligned, elongate members.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

Fig. 1 discloses a prior art automated storage and retrieval system 1 with a framework structure 100 and Figs. 2, 3a-3b disclose three different prior art container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 suitable for operating on such a system 1.

The framework structure 100 comprises upright members 102 and a storage volume comprising storage columns 105 arranged in rows between the upright members 102. In these storage columns 105 storage containers 106, also known as bins, are stacked one on top of one another to form container stacks 107. The members 102 may typically be made of metal, e.g. extruded aluminum profiles.

The framework structure 100 of the automated storage and retrieval system 1 comprises a rail system 108 arranged across the top of framework structure 100, on which rail system 108 a plurality of container handling vehicles 301, 401 may be operated to raise storage containers 106 from, and lower storage containers 106 into, the storage columns 105, and also to transport the storage containers 106 above the storage columns 105. The rail system 108 comprises a first set of parallel rails 110 arranged to guide movement of the container handling vehicles 301, 401 in a first direction X across 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 movement of the container handling vehicles 301, 401 in a second direction Y which is perpendicular to the first direction X. Containers 106 stored in the columns 105 are accessed by the container handling vehicles 301, 401 through access openings 112 in the rail system 108. The container handling vehicles 301, 401 can move laterally above the storage columns 105, i.e. in a plane which is parallel to the horizontal X-Y plane.

The upright members 102 of the framework structure 100 may be used to guide the storage containers during raising of the containers out from and lowering of the containers into the columns 105. The stacks 107 of containers 106 are typically self- supportive.

Each prior art container handling vehicle 201, 301, 401 comprises a vehicle body 201a, 301a, 401a and first and second sets of wheels 201b, 201c, 301b, 301c, 401b, 401c which enable lateral movement of the container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 in the X direction and in the Y direction, respectively. In Figs. 2-3b, two wheels in each set are fully visible. The first set of wheels 201b, 301b, 401b is arranged to engage with two adjacent rails of the first set 110 of rails, and the second set of wheels 201c, 301c, 401c is arranged to engage with two adjacent rails of the second set 111 of rails. At least one of the sets of wheels 201b, 201c, 301b, 301c, 401b, 401c can be lifted and lowered, so that the first set of wheels 201b, 301b, 401b and/or the second set of wheels 201c, 301c, 401c can be engaged with the respective set of rails 110, 111 at any one time.

Each prior art container handling vehicle 201, 301, 401 also comprises a lifting device 304, 404 (visible in Figs. 3a-3b) having a lifting frame part 304a, 404a for vertical transportation of storage containers 106, e.g. raising a storage container 106 from, and lowering a storage container 106 into, a storage column 105. The lifting device 304, 404 comprises one or more gripping/engaging devices which are adapted to engage a storage container 106, and which gripping/engaging devices can be lowered from the vehicle 201, 301, 401 so that the position of the gripping/engaging devices with respect to the vehicle 201, 301, 401 can be adjusted in a third direction Z (visible for instance in Fig. 1) which is orthogonal the first direction X and the second direction Y. Parts of the gripping device of the container handling vehicles 301, 401 are shown in Figs. 3a and 3b indicated with reference number. The gripping device of the container handling device 201 is located within the vehicle body 201a in Fig. 2.

Conventionally, and also for the purpose of this application, Z=1 identifies the uppermost layer available for storage containers below the rails 110, 111, i.e. the layer immediately below the rail system 108, Z=2 the second layer below the rail system 108, Z=3 the third layer etc. In the exemplary prior art disclosed in Fig. 1, Z=8 identifies the lowermost, bottom layer of storage containers. Similarly, X=1 ...n and Y=l ...n identifies the position of each storage column 105 in the horizontal plane. Consequently, as an example, and using the Cartesian coordinate system X, Y, Z indicated in Fig. 1, the storage container identified as 106’ in Fig. 1 can be said to occupy storage position X=18, Y=l, Z=6. The container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 can be said to travel in layer Z=0, and each storage column 105 can be identified by its X and Y coordinates. Thus, the storage containers shown in Fig. 1 extending above the rail system 108 are also said to be arranged in layer Z=0.

The storage volume of the framework structure 100 has often been referred to as a grid 104, where the possible storage positions within this grid are referred to as storage cells. Each storage column may be identified by a position in an X- and Y- direction, while each storage cell may be identified by a container number in the X-, Y- and Z-direction. Each prior art container handling vehicle 201, 301, 401 comprises a storage compartment or space for receiving and stowing a storage container 106 when transporting the storage container 106 across the rail system 108. The storage space may comprise a cavity arranged internally within the vehicle body 201a as shown in Figs. 2 and 3b and as described in e.g. WO2015/193278A1 and

WO20 19/206487 Al, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Fig. 3a shows an alternative configuration of a container handling vehicle 301 with a cantilever construction. Such a vehicle is described in detail in e.g. NO317366, the contents of which are also incorporated herein by reference.

The cavity container handling vehicles 201 shown in Fig. 2 may have a footprint that covers an area with dimensions in the X and Y directions which is generally equal to the lateral extent of a storage column 105, e.g. as is described in WO2015/193278A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The term ‘lateral’ used herein may mean ‘horizontal’.

Alternatively, the cavity container handling vehicles 401 may have a footprint which is larger than the lateral area defined by a storage column 105 as shown in Fig. 3b and as disclosed in W02014/090684A1 or WO2019/206487A1.

The rail system 108 typically comprises rails with grooves in which the wheels of the vehicles run. Alternatively, the rails may comprise upwardly protruding elements, where the wheels of the vehicles comprise flanges to prevent derailing. These grooves and upwardly protruding elements are collectively known as tracks. Each rail may comprise one track, or each rail may comprise two parallel tracks; in other rail systems 108, each rail in one direction may comprise one track and each rail in the other perpendicular direction may comprise two tracks. The rail system may also comprise a double track rail in one of the X or Y direction and a single track rail in the other of the X or Y direction. A double track rail may comprise two rail members, each with a track, which are fastened together.

WO2018/146304A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, illustrates a typical configuration of rail system 108 comprising rails and parallel tracks in both X and Y directions.

In the framework structure 100, a majority of the columns 105 are storage columns 105, i.e. columns 105 where storage containers 106 are stored in stacks 107. However, some columns 105 may have other purposes. In Fig. 1, columns 119 and 120 are such special-purpose columns used by the container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 to drop off and/or pick up storage containers 106 so that they can be transported to an access station (not shown) where the storage containers 106 can be accessed from outside of the framework structure 100 or transferred out of or into the framework structure 100. Within the art, such a location is normally referred to as a ‘port’ and the column in which the port is located may be referred to as a ‘port column’ 119,120. The transportation to the access station may be in any direction, that is horizontal, tilted and/or vertical. For example, the storage containers 106 may be placed in a random or a dedicated column 105 within the framework structure 100, then picked up by any container handling vehicle and transported to a port column 119, 120 for further transportation to an access station. The transportation from the port to the access station may require movement along various different directions, by means such as delivery vehicles, trolleys or other transportation lines. Note that the term ‘tilted’ means transportation of storage containers 106 having a general transportation orientation somewhere between horizontal and vertical.

In Fig. 1, the first port column 119 may for example be a dedicated drop-off port column where the container handling vehicles 201, 301 can drop off storage containers 106 to be transported to an access or a transfer station, and the second port column 120 may be a dedicated pick-up port column where the container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 can pick up storage containers 106 that have been transported from an access or a transfer station.

The access station may typically be a picking or a stocking station where product items are removed from or positioned into the storage containers 106. In a picking or a stocking station, the storage containers 106 are normally not removed from the automated storage and retrieval system 1, but are, once accessed, returned into the framework structure 100. A port can also be used for transferring storage containers to another storage facility (e.g. to another framework structure or to another automated storage and retrieval system), to a transport vehicle (e.g. a train or a lorry), or to a production facility.

A conveyor system comprising conveyors is normally employed to transport the storage containers between the port columns 119, 120 and the access station.

If the port columns 119, 120 and the access station are located at different heights, the conveyor system may comprise a lift device with a vertical component for transporting the storage containers 106 vertically between the port column 119, 120 and the access station.

The conveyor system may be arranged to transfer storage containers 106 between different framework structures, e.g. as is described in WO2014/075937A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

When a storage container 106 stored in one of the columns 105 disclosed in Fig. 1 is to be accessed, one of the container handling vehicles 201, 301, 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 vehicle 201, 301 to a location above the storage column 105 in which the target storage container 106 is positioned, retrieving the storage container 106 from the storage column 105 using the container handling vehicle’s 201, 301, 401 lifting device (not shown), and transporting the storage container 106 to the drop-off port column 119. If the target storage container 106 is located deep within a stack 107, i.e. with one or a plurality of other storage containers 106 positioned above the target storage container 106, the operation also involves temporarily moving the above-positioned storage containers prior to lifting the target storage container 106 from the storage column 105. This step, which is sometimes referred to as “digging” within the art, may be performed with the same container handling vehicle that is subsequently used for transporting the target storage container to the drop-off port column 119, or with one or a plurality of other cooperating container handling vehicles. Alternatively, or in addition, the automated storage and retrieval system 1 may have container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 specifically dedicated to the task of temporarily removing storage containers 106 from a storage column 105. Once the target storage container 106 has been removed from the storage column 105, the temporarily removed storage containers 106 can be repositioned into the original storage column 105. However, the removed storage containers 106 may alternatively be relocated to other storage columns 105.

When a storage container 106 is to be stored in one of the columns 105, one of the container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 is instructed to pick up the storage container 106 from the pick-up port column 120 and transport it to a location above the storage column 105 where it is to be stored. After storage containers 106 positioned at or above the target position within the stack 107 have been removed, the container handling vehicle 201, 301, 401 positions the storage container 106 at the desired position. The removed storage containers 106 may then be lowered back into the storage column 105 or relocated to other storage columns 105.

For monitoring and controlling the automated storage and retrieval system 1, e.g. monitoring and controlling the location of respective storage containers 106 within the framework structure 100, the content of each storage container 106 and the movement of the container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 so that a desired storage container 106 can be delivered to the desired location at the desired time without the container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 colliding with each other, the automated storage and retrieval system 1 comprises a control system 500 (shown in Fig. 1) which typically is computerized and which typically comprises a database for keeping track of the storage containers 106.

In a building housing a conventional three-dimensional storage system, such as that shown in Fig. 1, it is desirable to optimally use available space. Furthermore and as discussed above, a framework structure of the storage system comprises parallel upright members that support rail tracks for the container handling vehicles. The upright members also have a function to guide the vertically moving lifting frame part of the vehicle. Accordingly, the upright members must be manufactured without deviations from the quality specifications. In a related context, the upright members must maintain mutual alignment while the framework structure is being assembled and once said structure is in use.

In view of the above, it is desirable to provide a solution that solves or at least mitigates one or more of the aforementioned issues belonging to the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention.

One aspect of the invention relates to a joining member-and-connector assembly comprising: a joining member for joining two vertically aligned elongate members, said elongate members being an upright member of a framework structure comprising a storage volume with storage columns for storing goods holders and a rail track overlying said vertically aligned, elongate members, a connector for connecting two sets of secured vertically aligned elongate members, said joining member comprising: o a central section, o projections extending in opposite directions and perpendicularly relative to said central section, wherein each projection is for axial insertion in the respective elongate member such that a first set of joined, vertically aligned elongate members is created, said connector comprising: o a beam that extends between and connects the joining member of the first set of joined, vertically aligned elongate members with another joining member of a parallel, adjacent second set of joined, vertically aligned elongate members.

By providing the joining member-and-connector assembly as defined above, a costefficient solution for significantly increasing useful height of the storage space of the system is obtained. Obviously, a heightened storage space should lead to improved overall storage system economy. In addition, no specific training is necessary for the workers assigned to this particular moment of the system installation. In this context, installation may be carried out without special tools.

Furthermore and by virtue of the assembly of the invention, the sets of joined, vertically aligned elongate members are straight and provided at a correct distance relative to other set of elongate members of the installed framework structure.

The proposed solution is compatible with the existing design of the storage and retrieval system such that it is possible to retrofit the existing systems with the joining member-and-connector assembly of the invention and introduce sets of joined, vertically aligned elongate members, ultimately resulting in increased useful height of the storage system.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for securing two vertically aligned, elongate members by means of the joining member-and-connector assembly. For the sake of brevity, advantages discussed above in connection with the joining-and-connector assembly may also be associated with the corresponding method and are not further discussed. Here, it is to be construed that the sequence of method steps in the method claims may be effectuated in any given order.

In one aspect, the joining-and-connector assembly of the present invention is for use in the context of the framework structure comprising elongate upright members - the assembly is installed when the elongate upright member is vertically oriented.

Here and with reference to Fig. 4, the elongate upright members of the invention have four flat sides arranged in a rectangular manner. Four corner portions of the elongate upright members are concave. Each corner portion is associated with two, mutually perpendicular flanges. These flanges act as guides for the storage containers being vertically transported by container handling vehicles.

In a related aspect, the assembly of the present invention is for use in the context of a storage volume comprising storage columns for storing stacks of goods holders. These storage columns are arranged in rows between the elongate upright members.

In another aspect, said assembly is for use in the context of a rail system arranged across and forming part of the framework structure. More specifically, the elongate members, joined and secured by means of the assembly, support the rail system. Here, a plurality of remotely operated vehicles travel on the rail system and raise goods holders from, and lower goods holders into, the storage columns, and are also used to transport the goods holders above the storage columns. During this transport, the remotely operated vehicles move in a plane which is parallel to a horizontal plane. In this context, the assembly of the present invention is for use with various types of container handling vehicles, for instance a cantilever-based container handling vehicle or a container handling vehicle having internally arranged cavity.

In one aspect, the assembly is for use in the context of a SDG-based rail system. Here, SDG stands for Single/Double Grid. This design provides a single rail track along one axis and a double rail track along the other axis. Utilizing a single rail in one direction requires the meeting robots to have a cell between them.

In another aspect, the joining member-and-connector assembly of the present invention is for use in the context of a DDG-based rail system. Here, DDG stands for Double/Double Grid. This design provides a double rail track in all directions allowing robots to pass each other in all directions.

For the purposes of this application, the term “container handling vehicle” used in “Background and Prior Arf’-section of the application and the term “remotely operated vehicle” used in the rest of the application text are synonymous and define an autonomous wheeled vehicle operating on a rail system arranged across the top of the framework structure being part of an automated storage and retrieval system.

Analogously, the terms “storage container” and “storage bin” used in “Background and Prior Arf’-section of the application and the term “goods holder” used in the rest of the application text are synonymous and define a vessel for storing items. In a related context, the goods holder of the present application can be any one of a bin, a tote, a pallet, a tray or similar. Different types of goods holders may be used in the same automated storage and retrieval system.

The relative terms “upper”, “lower”, “below”, “above”, “higher” etc. shall be understood in their normal sense and as seen in a Cartesian coordinate system. When mentioned in relation to a rail system, “upper” or “above” shall be understood as a position close to the surface rail system (relative to another component), contrary to the terms “lower” or “below” which shall be understood as a position further away from the rail system (relative another component).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Following drawings are appended to facilitate the understanding of the invention. The drawings show embodiments of the invention, which will now be described by way of example only, where:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a framework structure of a prior art automated storage and retrieval system.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle having a centrally arranged cavity for carrying storage containers therein. Fig. 3a is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle having a cantilever for carrying storage containers underneath.

Fig. 3b is a perspective view, seen from below, of a prior art container handling vehicle having an internally arranged cavity for carrying storage containers therein.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an upright member.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a joining member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figs. 6a-6b are perspective views showing a connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a section of a framework structure with a joining member-and-connector assembly shown in Figs. 5-6 installed within the framework structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following, embodiments of the invention will be discussed in more detail with reference to the appended drawings. It should be understood, however, that the drawings are not intended to limit the invention to the subject-matter depicted in the drawings.

The framework structure 100 of the automated storage and retrieval system 1 is constructed in accordance with the prior art framework structure 100 described above in connection with Figs. l-3b, i.e. a number of upright members 102, wherein the framework structure 100 also comprises a first, upper rail system 108 in the X direction and Y direction.

The framework structure 100 further comprises storage compartments in the form of storage columns 105 provided between the members 102 where storage containers 106 are stackable in stacks 107 within the storage columns 105.

The framework structure 100 can be of any size. In particular, it is understood that the framework structure can be considerably wider and/or longer and/or deeper than disclosed in Fig. 1. For example, the framework structure 100 may have a horizontal extent of more than 700x700 columns and a storage depth of more than twelve containers.

Various aspects of the present invention will now be discussed in more detail with reference to Figs. 4-7.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one upright member 102a. As seen, the upright member 102a has four flat sides 62a-62d arranged in a rectangular manner. Central portion of the upright member 102a is hollow. Each of the four corner portions 64a- 64d of the upright member 102a is concave. Each corner portion 64a-64d is associated with two, mutually perpendicular flanges 66a-66b. These flanges 66a- 66b act as guides for the goods holders being vertically transported by the remotely operated vehicles.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a joining member 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, said joining member 20 being a part of a joining member-and-connector assembly of the present invention.

The joining member 20 is for joining two vertically aligned elongate members, said elongate members being upright members of a framework structure shown and discussed in connection with Fig. 7. The shown joining member 20 comprises a central section 22 and projections 24, 26 extending in opposite directions and perpendicularly relative to said central section 22. In the shown embodiment, the projections 24, 26 of the joining member are embodied as two pairs of mutually oppositely arranged flaps 27. Preferably, flaps 27 of each pair are identical. With further reference to Fig. 4, each projection 24, 26 is for axial insertion in the hollow section (shown and discussed in conjunction with Fig. 4) of the respective elongate member such that a first set of joined, vertically aligned elongate members is created. Thus created first set comprises two elongate members (shown in Fig. 7).

With reference to Figs. 4-5, each flap 27 of the joining member 20 corresponds in width to the length of the flat side 62a-62d of the upright member 102a. Also, the edges of the flap 27 will engage the concave corner portion 64a-64d of the upright member 102a. The joining member 20 is sized so that outer surfaces of the flaps 27 abut inner surface of the upright member 102a once the flaps 27 are axially inserted in the hollow section of the upright member 102a.

In another embodiment (not shown), the projection is a single projection, either solid or hollow, extending around the central section.

Still with reference to Fig. 5, the central section 22 comprises at least one tab 34 extending in a plane of the central section 22 and being disposed such that said projection 24, 26 separates a central portion 23 of the central section 22 from the at least one tab 34. Number of tabs 34 could correspond to number of projections - there are four tabs in the shown embodiment. Two through holes 53 of different sizes are arranged in each tab 34. These through holes 53 represent first means 52 for connecting adjoining sets of upright members.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the first means is a recess arranged in each of the tabs. Figs. 6a-6b are perspective views showing a connector 50 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Said connector 50 is for connecting two sets of secured vertically aligned elongate members and it comprises a beam 51 that extends between and connects the joining member (20; shown in Figs. 5 and 7) of the first set of joined, vertically aligned elongate members with another joining member (21; shown in Fig. 7) of a parallel, adjacent second set of joined, vertically aligned elongate members. Beam 51 of Figs. 6a-6b is a C-shaped channel beam, but other shapes such as H-beam are equally conceivable. The connector 50 comprises a second means 54 for connecting the first and the second set of joined, vertically aligned elongate members. The second means 54 is projections 55 fixedly or releasably attached at both end sections of the beam 50. Their number, size and position are set so as to correspond to number size and position of the through holes (53; shown in Fig. 5) representing first means 52 for connecting adjoining sets of upright members.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the second means is a longitudinal ridge fixedly attached to lower surface of the beam, said ridge being for engaging with the recess(es) discussed in conjunction with Fig. 5.

The beam 51 is sized to fit below the footprint of the rail track shown in Fig. 1. Accordingly, its length corresponds approximately to the length of a side of a grid access opening (112; shown in Fig. 1). Obviously, there are two lengths of such beams as the grid access opening has rectangular shape. As regards width of the connector beam 50, it corresponds approximately to distance between two adjacent parallel flanges (shown in Fig. 4). These beams 51 could also act as guides for the goods holders being vertically transported by the remotely operated vehicles. Beams and flanges could also interact in order to add some extra resistance to undesirable twisting of the elongate members.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a section of a framework structure 100 with a joining member-and-connector assembly 40 shown in Figs. 5-6 installed. The framework structure 100 comprises a plurality of sets 30, 31 of vertically aligned, elongate members 102 making up a storage volume (104; shown in Fig. 1) with storage columns 105 for storing goods holders. The framework structure 100 with sets 30, 31 of vertically aligned, elongate members 102a, 102b supports an overlying rail system (not shown). Said framework structure 100 is a part of an automated storage and retrieval system (not shown), functionally basically identical to the system shown in Fig. 1.

Still with reference to Fig. 7, two vertically aligned, elongate members 102a, 102b said elongate member being an upright member of the framework structure, are secured by first super posing a first 102a and a second 102b elongate members, subsequently providing a joining member 20 discussed in connection with Fig. 5, followed by, joining the first 102a and the second 102b elongate members so that a central section (22; shown in Fig. 5) of the joining member 20 is sandwiched between said elongate members 102a, 102b and each projection (24, 26; shown in Fig. 5) of the joining member 20 is axially inserted in the respective elongate member 102a, 102b such that a first set 30 of joined, vertically aligned elongate members is created, and ultimately, connecting the joining member 20 of the first set 30 of joined, vertically aligned elongate members with another joining member 21 of a parallel, adjacent second 31 set of joined, vertically aligned elongate members, typically by means of a connector beam 50, 51 discussed in connection with Fig. 6. Typically, the first and the second elongate members 102a, 102b are joined while in a vertical orientation. In the same context, the first set 30 of joined, vertically aligned elongate members is connected with the second set 31 of joined, vertically aligned elongate members while both sets 30, 31 are in a vertical orientation.

By providing a joining member-and-connector assembly 40 as described above, a cost-efficient solution for significantly increasing useful height of the storage space is obtained. A heightened storage space should lead to improved overall storage system economy.

As inferable from above, no specific training is necessary for the workers installing the system having an increased height. In this context, installation may be carried out without special tools.

Once installed, the sets 30, 31 of joined, vertically aligned elongate members are straight and provided at a correct distance relative to one another.

The proposed solution is compatible with the existing design of the storage and retrieval system such that it is possible to retrofit the existing systems with the joining member-and-connector assembly 40 of the invention.

In the preceding description, various aspects of the joining member-and-connector assembly according to the invention have been described with reference to the illustrative embodiment. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, systems and configurations were set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the system and its workings. However, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and variations of the illustrative embodiment, as well as other embodiments of the system, which are apparent to persons skilled in the art to which the disclosed subject matter pertains, are deemed to lie within the scope of the present invention. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Storage and retrieval system

Joining member

Another joining member

Central section

Central portion of the central section , 26 Projections

Flap

First set of joined, vertically aligned members

Second set of joined, vertically aligned members Tab

Joining member-and-connector assembly

Connector

Beam

First means for connecting

Through holes

Second means for connecting

Projections a-62d Flat sides a-64d Corner sections a-66b Flanges 0 Framework structure 2 Upright members of framework structure 2a Elongate member 2b Elongate member 4 Storage grid/Storage volume 5 Storage column 6 Storage container; Goods holder 6’ Particular position of storage container 7 Stack of storage containers 8 Rail system 0 Parallel rails in first direction (X) 1 Parallel rails in second direction (Y) 2 Access opening 9 First port column 1 Container handling vehicle belonging to prior art 1a Vehicle body of the container handling vehicle 201 1b Drive means / wheel arrangement, first direction (X) 1c Drive means / wheel arrangement, second direction (F) 301 Cantilever-based container handling vehicle belonging to prior art

301a Vehicle body of the container handling vehicle 301

301b Drive means in first direction (X)

301c Drive means in second direction (F)

304 Lifting device

304a Lifting frame part

401 Container handling vehicle belonging to prior art

401a Vehicle body of the container handling vehicle 401

401b Drive means in first direction (X)

401c Drive means in second direction (F)

404 Lifting device

404a Lifting frame part

500 Control system

X First direction

Y Second direction

Z Third direction

Claims

1. A method for securing two vertically aligned, elongate members (102a, 102b), said elongate member being an upright member of a framework structure (100), the framework structure comprising a storage volume (104) with storage columns (105) for storing goods holders and a rail system (108) overlying said vertically aligned, elongate members (102a, 102b), said method comprising: providing a first (102a) and a second (102b) elongate members, providing a joining member (20) having a central section (22) and projections (24, 26) extending in opposite directions and perpendicularly relative the central section (22), joining the first (102a) and the second (102b) elongate members so that the central section (22) of the joining member (20) is sandwiched between said elongate members (102a, 102b) and each projection (24, 26) of the joining member (20) is axially inserted in the respective elongate member (102a, 102b) such that a first set (30) of joined, vertically aligned elongate members is created, connecting by means of a connector (50) the joining member (20) of the first set (30) of joined, vertically aligned elongate members with another joining member (21) of a parallel, adjacent second set (31) of joined, vertically aligned elongate members.

2. A method of claim 1, wherein each central section (22) comprises an at least one tab (34), comprising: connecting the at least one tab (34) associated with the first set (30) of joined, vertically aligned elongate members with the at least one tab (34) associated with a second set (31) of joined, vertically aligned elongate members.

3. A method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first (102a) and the second (102b) elongate members are joined while in a vertical orientation.

4. A method of claim 3, wherein the first set (30) of joined, vertically aligned elongate members is connected with the second set (31) of joined, vertically aligned elongate members while both sets are in a vertical orientation.

5. A joining member-and-connector assembly (40) comprising: a joining member (20) for joining two vertically aligned elongate members (102a, 102b), said elongate members being an upright member of a framework structure comprising a storage volume (104) with storage columns (105) for storing goods holders (106) and a rail system (108) overlying said vertically aligned, elongate members (102a, 102b), a connector (50) for connecting two sets (30, 31) of secured vertically aligned elongate members, said joining member (20) comprising: o a central section (22), o projections (24, 26) extending in opposite directions and perpendicularly relative to said central section (22), wherein each projection (24, 26) is for axial insertion in the respective elongate member such that a first set (30) of joined, vertically aligned elongate members is created, said connector (50) comprising: o a beam (51) that extends between and connects the joining member (20) of the first set (30) of joined, vertically aligned elongate members with another joining member (20) of a parallel, adjacent second set (31) of joined, vertically aligned elongate members.

6. A joining member-and-connector assembly (40) of claim 5, wherein at least one of said projections (24, 26) comprises two pairs of mutually oppositely arranged flaps.

7. A joining member-and-connector assembly (40) of any of the claims 5 - 6, wherein at least one of said projections (24, 26) is a single projection extending around the central section (22).

8. A joining member-and-connector assembly (40) of any of the claims 5 - 7, wherein the first (30) and the second (31) set of joined, vertically aligned elongate members comprise first means (52) for connecting the first (30) and the second (31) set of joined, vertically aligned elongate members and the connector (50) comprises second means (54) for connecting the first (30) and the second (31) set of joined, vertically aligned elongate members.

9. A joining member-and-connector assembly (40) of any of the claims 5 - 8, wherein the central section (22) comprises at least one tab (34) disposed such that said projection (24, 26) separates a central portion (23) of the central section (22) from the at least one tab (34).

10. A joining member-and-connector assembly (40) of claim 9 when dependent on claim 8, wherein the first means (52) is through holes (53) arranged in the at least one tab (34) and the second means (54) is projections (55) fixedly or releasably attached at both end sections of the beam (51).

11. A joining member-and-connector assembly (40) of claim 9 when dependent on claim 8, wherein the first means (52) is a recess arranged in the at least one tab and the second means (54) is a longitudinal ridge fixedly attached to lower surface of the beam.

12. A framework structure (100) for an automated storage and retrieval system (1), said framework structure (100) comprising a plurality of sets of vertically aligned, elongate members, the framework structure (100) comprising a storage volume

(104) with storage columns (105) for storing goods holders and a rail system (108) overlying said vertically aligned, elongate members, further comprising the joining member-and-connector assembly (40) in accordance with any of the claims 4-11.

13. An automated storage and retrieval system (1) comprising a framework structure (100) comprising a plurality of sets of vertically aligned, elongate members, the framework structure (100) comprising a storage volume with storage columns (105) for storing goods holders and a rail system (108) overlying said framework structure (100), wherein a plurality of sets of joined, vertically aligned elongate members are joined by means of the joining member-and-connector assemblies (40) in accordance with any of the claims 4-11.