WO2024246282A1

WO2024246282A1 - Storage container with a cover and a seal

Info

Publication number: WO2024246282A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/065031
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benjamin GUENTER
Original assignee: Autostore Technology AS
Priority date: 2023-05-31
Filing date: 2024-05-31
Publication date: 2024-12-05

Abstract

A storage container comprises a main container part, a cover part, and a sealing element; wherein the main container part has a base and a plurality of side walls enclosing a interior space for receiving goods; and a top opening; wherein the cover part is configured to be placeable onto the main container part to cover it; wherein the at least one sealing element is couplable with the main container part and the cover part to seal the main container part when the cover part is placed on the main container part; and wherein at least two of the main container part, the cover part and the sealing element are configured to releasably hold the cover part on the main container part.

Description

Storage Container with a Cover and a Seal

Field

The present disclosure relates to a storage container for use in an automated storage and retrieval system, to an automated storage and retrieval system, and to a method for handling storage containers.

Background

Fig. 1 discloses a prior art automated storage and retrieval system 1 with a framework structure 100 and Figs. 2, 3 and 4 disclose three different prior art container handling vehicles 201 ,301 ,401 suitable for operating on such a system 1.

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 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 201 ,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 201 ,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 201 ,301 ,401 in a second direction / which is perpendicular to the first direction X. Containers 106 stored in the columns 105 are accessed by the container handling vehicles 201 ,301 ,401 through access openings 112 in the rail system 108. The container handling vehicles 201 ,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- supporting.

Each prior art container handling vehicle 201 ,301 ,401 comprises a vehicle body 201a, 301a, 401a and first and second sets of wheels 201 b, 201c, 301 b, 301c, 401 b, 401c which enable the lateral movement of the container handling vehicles 201 ,301 ,401 in theXdirection and in the /direction, respectively. In Figs. 2, 3 and 4 two wheels in each set are fully visible. The first set of wheels 201 b, 301 b, 401 b 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 201 b, 201 c, 301 b, 301 c,401 b,401 c can be lifted and lowered, so that the first set of wheels 201 b, 301 b, 401 b 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 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 comprises one or more gripping I engaging devices which are adapted to engage a storage container 106, and which gripping I engaging devices can be lowered from the vehicle 201 ,301 ,401 so that the position of the gripping I engaging devices with respect to the vehicle 201 ,301 ,401 can be adjusted in a third direction Z 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. 3 and 4 indicated with reference number 304,404. The gripping device of the container handling device 201 is located within the vehicle body 201a in Fig. 2 and is thus not shown.

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=1... 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=17, Y=1 , 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 201 a, 401 a as shown in Figs. 2 and 4 and as described in e.g. WO2015/193278A1 and WO2019/206487A1 , the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Fig. 3 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 vehicle 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. 1 and 4, e.g. as is 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 110, 111 may comprise two parallel tracks. In other rail systems 108, each rail in one direction (e.g. an X direction) may comprise one track and each rail in the other, perpendicular direction (e.g. a Y direction) may comprise two tracks. Each rail 110,111 may also comprise two track members that are fastened together, each track member providing one of a pair of tracks provided by each rail.

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 are storage columns 105, i.e. columns 105 where storage containers 106 are stored in stacks 107. In addition to storage columns 105, there are special-purpose columns within the framework structure. 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 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 ,401 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 returned into the framework structure 100 again once accessed. 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 levels, 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 ,401 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 any 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 which typically is computerized and which typically comprises a database for keeping track of the storage containers 106.

WO 2022/258451 A1 shows a thermally sealed storage container for an automated, grid-based storage and retrieval system.

Summary

This summary is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described herein. The summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the presently claimed invention.

It is an object of the disclosure to propose a storage container for an automated storage and retrieval system that is capable of storing sensitive goods in such a storage and retrieval system, and that is preferably as simple as possible and does not require tools or much effort to be opened and/or closed in an access station to gain access to the interior space of the storage container.

In a first example, there is provided a storage container for use in an automated, grid-based storage and retrieval system, the container comprising a main container part, a cover part, and at least one sealing element; wherein the main container part has a base and a plurality of side walls enclosing a interior space for receiving goods; and a top opening formed between the side walls and opposite the base; wherein the cover part is configured to be placeable onto the main container part to cover the top opening; wherein the at least one sealing element is couplable with the main container part and the cover part to form a seal between the cover part and the main container part when the cover part is placed on the main container part; wherein the cover part is configured to be moveable, e.g., pulled away or removed, from the top opening by a user to uncover, i.e. , open, the top opening; and wherein at least two of the main container part, the cover part and the at least one sealing element are configured to releasably hold the cover part on the main container part.

The overall design of the main container part may correspond to a common storage container for the AutoStore grid-based storage and retrieval system and similar systems. The interior dimensions of the main container part may correspond to the interior dimensions of a common storage container used in a grid-based storage and retrieval system. For example, the interior dimensions may be 600x400 mm at various heights, for example 200 mm, 310 mm or 400 mm. The main container part may comprise a top rim that completely surrounds the top opening. The top rim may comprise several receptacles or openings for receiving or passing through gripping devices of a lifting frame of a remotely operated vehicle that operates on a rail system of a grid-based storage and retrieval system. The top opening allows items to be placed into the main container part or to be removed therefrom.

The storage container may comprise a cover part, which is designed to cover the top opening of the main container part by placing it onto the top opening. If the storage container is used in grid-based automated storage and retrieval systems, the combination of a main container part and a cover part should result in container dimensions that correspond to the container dimensions of a common storage container. Thus, if the cover part is placed on the top opening of the main container part, the storage container preferably does not exceed the exterior dimensions of a common storage container of equivalent size. Thus, if the cover part at least partially rests on the top rim of the main container part, the height of the main container part could be slightly less than that of a common storage container of equivalent size. Other variants are equally possible, for example where the main container part corresponds to a common storage container of equivalent size, wherein the cover part may lead to a tolerable excess of the height. Also, the main container part may be designed to receive the cover part inside its outer contour, such that the cover part does not lead to a change in height at all.

One objective of the present disclosure relates to providing a storage container that can be opened or closed manually without much effort. It is dedicated for storing delicate or sensitive goods, such as goods that may take on odors from substances outside the storage container or that may lose their aroma.

The cover part being releasably fastenable on at the main container part allows a user to easily access the interior of the main container part at an access station, where the storage container is presented to the user. For example, the user may pull the cover part off the main container part with one hand and take out the desired items with the other hand. Latches or locks do not need to be released in order to reach into the main container part. The combination of main container part, cover part and at least one sealing element is designed in such a manner, that the cover part is held through the at least one sealing element on the main container part.

In one example, the function of holding the cover part on the main container part is accomplished by slightly compressing the at least one sealing element between the cover part and the main container part when the storage container is closed. Thus, the compressed at least one sealing element continuously urges into its neutral shape and resultantly exerts a force onto both the main container part and the cover part. By dimensioning the size of the gap between the cover part and the main container part, the size of the cross-sectional surface of the at least one sealing element, and by choosing a suitable material for the at least one sealing element a sufficient holding force can be reached without eliminating the capability of quickly loosening the cover part from the main container part when desired. In some examples, two of the three elements, i.e. , two of the main container part, the cover part and the at least one sealing element, may provide the holding force. For example, the cover part may comprise a first delimiting edge section that completely surrounds the cover part. The main container part may comprise a second delimiting edge, which completely surrounds the main container in the region of the top opening. The first delimiting section and the second delimiting section may be configured to snap into each other when the cover part is arranged on the top opening. The strength of the snap-in connection may be dimensioned similarly to the previous example, i.e. to allow a simple removal of the cover part by the user when required.

For any possible embodiment, it is preferred that the cover part can be easily removed by hand. For example, a loosening force for removing the cover part from the main container part may preferably not exceed a force in a range of about 15-30 N. Such a holding force would also reliably hold the cover part on the main container part, when a remotely operated vehicle lifts or lowers the storage container in a gridbased storage and retrieval system. It will be appreciated that the loosening or pulling force is a force sufficient to overcome the holding force. The holding force may be facilitated through one or a combination of elastic, compressive, and/or frictional force, as is described in various examples below.

The cover part may comprise a holding means to hold the cover part by a user to pull and/or hold the cover part. The holding means of the cover part enables a user to pull the cover part away from the main container part. It may be realized by a separate part that is attached to the cover part. In other examples, the holding means may be integrated directly into the cover part, e.g. by providing a recessed grip or the like. The holding means is preferably arranged on top of the cover part, particularly preferred in a center region of the cover part.

The cover part may comprise a radial circumferential projection, which is configured to rest on a top rim of the main container part that surrounds the top opening. The top rim of the main container part may comprise a stripe shape that circumferentially surrounds the top opening of the main container part. It follows a substantially rectangular contour and acts as a support for an additional storage container stacked onto the main container part. Underneath the top rim, a rib structure may be arranged to absorb the vertical forces introduced into the top rim. The radial circumferential projection preferably comprises a flat underside that is shaped to conform the top rim at least partially. When the cover part is placed on the main container part, the radial circumferential projection thus rests on the top rim. In such examples, the total height of the storage container is determined by the height of the main storage container and the thickness of the radial projection of the cover part. The main container part and the cover part may comprise correspondingly shaped geometrical features that allow a certain guiding function for the cover part relative to the main container part. By providing a cover part that rests on a top rim of the main container part, it may be possible to use a common storage container as the main container part, as this storage container does not need to be modified to receive the cover part.

The projection may comprise openings, which are configured to align with receptacles in the top rim for passing through gripping devices of a lifting frame of a remotely operated vehicle. The projection and the top rim in combination may comprise a total height that allows common gripping devices to be passed through. The gripping devices of the remotely operated vehicle may be slightly extended to fit through the projection and the top rim. By passing the gripping devices through the projection, the cover part does not bear the load of the main container part when the storage container is handled by the remotely operated vehicle.

The at least one sealing element may be held to, or held by, one of the main container part and/or the cover part. By holding the at least one sealing element to one of the other main components of the storage container, it can be guaranteed that the desired behavior of the storage container is achieved and that the sealing element is not loosened from both main components. Preferably, the at least one sealing element is held to the cover part, as this does not require any modification on the main storage container part. Arranging the at least one sealing element to be held can preferably be conducted by a form-fit connection between the at least one sealing element and an interface section of the cover part. For this, the at least one sealing element may comprise a cross-sectional surface that is divided into two sections. A first section may act for sealing the storage container. A second section may provide the form-fit connection. The first section may thus protrude away from the cover part or the main container part, depending on where the at least one sealing element is attached. The second section may comprise a profile that can be snapped into a complementarily shaped recess of the cover part or the main container part. This may include, for example, a dove-tail, a triangle, a rectangular shape, a circular shape or any other shape that can be inserted into a complementarily shaped recess, which has an undercut, of the cover part or the main container part. The connection of the at least one sealing element and the respective part of the storage container may thus be sturdy and reliable.

The main container part and the cover part may be configured to define a circumferential cavity to accommodate the at least one sealing element when the cover part rests on the main container part, wherein a radial width of the circumferential cavity may be smaller than a radial width of a cross-section through the at least one sealing element in its neutral state. The at least one sealing element is placed inside the cavity when the cover part rests on the main container part, i.e. when the storage container is closed. However, in this embodiment the cavity for receiving the at least one sealing element is narrower than the cross- sectional surface of the at least one sealing element in its neutral, i.e. unloaded, state. If the at least one sealing element is pressed into the cavity, it will be elastically deformed to fit into the cavity and will thus continuously urge into its neutral state. Resultantly, a force between the cover part and the main container part is continuously exerted by the at least one sealing element, which holds the cover part on the main container part as described above. Depending on the chosen material of the at least one sealing element and the desired holding force for the cover part, the size of the cavity may be chosen accordingly. In such examples, for increasing the holding force, the radial width of the cross-section of the circumferential cavity should be clearly smaller than the radial width of the cross-section of the at least one sealing element. For example, the cavity may have a width of 5% - 20% less than the width of the at least one sealing element. The dimension of the cavity should be chosen to allow the compressed at least one sealing element to at least partially expand in a direction perpendicular to the radial width.

The main container part may comprise an opening recess extending from the top opening towards the base, wherein the opening recess may have a first circumferential upright delimiting wall, wherein the opening recess may have a circumferential shoulder that extends from a lower end of the first circumferential upright wall in a radially inward direction, and wherein the at least one sealing element may be configured to rest on at least one of the circumferential shoulder and the first circumferential upright wall when the cover part rests on the main container part. Thus, a cavity is created between the first circumferential upright delimiting wall, the circumferential shoulder and the cover part. When placing the cover part onto the main container part, the at least one sealing element cannot be pressed further into the main container part than to the circumferential shoulder. If the at least one sealing element is attached to the cover part, it will be pressed against the first circumferential upright delimiting wall. Depending on the design of the main container part and the cover part, the at least one sealing element will be at least partially compressed in a radial direction. The term upright does not exclude walls that are slightly inclined relative to the side walls of the main container part directly beneath. For example, the first circumferential upright delimiting wall and the respective side wall beneath may enclose an angle in a range of -15° to 15°. Thus, a region of the main container part at the top opening may expand or narrow in a vertical, outward direction. An expanding opening region may provide additional guidance for a cover part, and a narrowing opening region may provide an additional holding force for the least one sealing element.

The cover part may comprise a top side, a bottom side and a cover projection extending away from the bottom side in a direction away from the top side, wherein the cover projection may be bounded radially outwardly by a second circumferential upright wall, and wherein the at least one sealing element may be configured to rest against the second circumferential upright wall when the cover part rests on the main container part. The projection may thus extend along and in a distance to at least a part of the first circumferential upright wall when the cover part is placed on the main container part. A cavity is created between the first and the second circumferential upright walls. By dimensioning the projection of the cover part and the at least one sealing element, as well as by selecting its material, the holding force for the cover part can be adjusted. The projection leads to a certain vertical overlap of the cover part and the main container part when the cover part is placed on the main container part. This not only places the at least one sealing element inside the cavity, but also aligns the cover part relative to the main container part.

The at least one sealing element may have a cross-sectional profile that is at least partially round in its neutral state. An active part of the at least one sealing element may thus comprise a circular, elliptic, or otherwise rounded cross-sectional profile that allows an easy insertion of the at least one sealing element into the main container part, if it is attached to the cover part, or an easy insertion of the cover part into the main container part, if the at least one sealing element is attached to the main container part. In particular with circular cross-sections, a contact region between the at least one sealing element and the main container part or the cover part is more precisely defined and may thus lead to a more predictable compression behavior and thus to a predictable holding force. The term “active part” may be considered the part of the at least one sealing element that reaches into the respective cavity between the main container part and the cover part and that does not primarily serve for attaching the at least one sealing element to the cover part or to the main container part. The cross-sectional profile does not need to be completely filled, but could also be hollow.

The at least one sealing element may have a cross-sectional profile that has a V shape or that has a lip projecting radially outwards in its neutral state. The V-shape is to be understood as a shape that comprises two substantially straight legs enclosing an angle of at least about 10° degrees and preferably about 20 to 60 degrees. The at least one sealing element may be attached to the cover part. In this case, it is feasible to place the pointed side of the V-shape downwardly, such that the legs spread in an upward direction. One of the legs, which is arranged further to the cover part, may be arranged substantially vertical. When placing the cover part onto the main container part, the legs are squeezed together to fit into the cavity between the main container part and the cover part. A radially outward contour of the at least one sealing element acts as a kind of barb when the cover part is released again. The outward contour is in direct contact with the main container part when the cover part is placed on the main container part. Due to the inclined arrangement of at least the radial outer leg of the V-shape, the at least one sealing element will be pressed more strongly onto the main container part in a radial outward direction when the cover part is pulled upwardly. As the sticking force increases, too, the at least one sealing element will be at least partially folded over and crumples into the cavity, until the cover part is completely removed, after which it snaps back into its neutral state. This process not only improves the holding function for the cover part, but also makes it easier for compressing the at least one sealing element when placing the cover part onto the main container part. In analogy to this, the pointed side of the V- shape may be placed upwardly, if the at least one sealing element is attached to the main container part and the V-shape acts as a kind of barb for the cover part, when the cover part is removed from the main container part.

At least one of the side walls of the main container part may comprise a radially inwardly directed first protrusion or a radially outwardly directed first groove, wherein the cover part may comprise a correspondingly shaped radially inwardly directed second groove or a radially outwardly directed second protrusion, and wherein the first protrusion or first groove and the second groove or second protrusion may be configured to fit together when the cover part rests on the main container part. The cover part and the main container part may comprise vertically overlapping regions when the cover part is placed on the main container part. In this overlapping region a combination of a groove and a protrusion may be arranged. It is conceivable that the protrusion has a rounded and smooth profile and is capable of being snapped into perspective groove. The radial width of the groove and/or the protrusion may be in a range of a few millimeters and preferably does not exceed 2 mm. The groove and protrusion allow to create a holding function that is independent from the at least one sealing element or it may act as a support for it. The groove may be arranged on one of the cover part and/or the main container part, and the protrusion is arranged on the other one of the cover part and the main container part. The groove and the protrusion may be configured to provide a snap fit. The strength of the snap fit connection should be dimensioned or otherwise configured to allow for a removal of the cover part with one hand, as described above. In some examples, the storage container may comprise more than just one pair of groove and protrusion. The first protrusion or first groove and the second groove or the second protrusion may extend around the full circumference of the main container and the cover part, respectively. The first protrusion or first groove and the second groove or the second protrusion may be continuous around the circumference.

The cover part may be configured to be radially completely surrounded by the opening recess when the cover part rests on the main container part. The cover part is then arranged completely in the opening recess. It will be aligned automatically relative to the main container part when the storage container is closed. Only the top rim may then comprise receptacles for receiving or passing through gripping devices of a lifting frame of a remotely operated vehicle.

The cover part may be configured to not protrude over the top opening when the cover part rests on the main container part. The height of the storage container is thus only determined by the height of the main container part. As stated before, the main container part may be provided by simply using a common storage container. If the cover part is designed to completely rest inside the main container part in a radial and vertical direction, the overall dimensions of the storage container do not differ from a common storage container with the equivalent size.

The holding means may comprise a handle. The handle can be easily gripped by a user and may be arranged on the top side in a central region of the cover part. It may be a fixed handle or a movable handle. In the case of a fixed handle, the whole cover part may be created as a single, integral, one- piece component. The handle may thus be an integrated section of the cover part. The size and shape of the grip may be chosen to be comfortably and intuitively usable.

The handle may be housed in an indentation of the cover part to be upwardly swivelable to be gripped and downwardly swivelable to be stored, and wherein the handle and the indentation may be configured such that the handle does not protrude over the indentation in a vertical direction when it is stored. The cover part may be designed that the indentation extends downwardly from the top side of the cover part, i.e. into the direction of the interior space of the main container part, when the cover part is placed on the main container part. In the indentation, a sufficient installation space for the handle can be created. The height of the storage container with the cover part arranged on the main container part is not increased if the handle can completely rest inside the indentation when swiveled down. The Swiveling can be accomplished by providing at least one suitable hinge between the handle and the cover part.

The storage container may be configured to require a pulling force (e.g., the force required for overcoming the holding force) in the range of 5-50 N on the holding means to pull the cover part away from the main container part when the cover part rests on the main container part. In some examples, the required pulling force may be , preferably 10-40 N or particularly preferably 15-30 N. These pulling force ranges provide a sufficient holding force for holding the cover part on the main container part even when the storage container is moved in the automated storage and retrieval system. However, the pulling force is low enough to allow a single-handed removal of the cover part by a user at an access station or the like. The required pulling force should be low enough to allow a single-handed removal of the cover part from a main container part that is empty or almost empty. The ranges stated above, in order of preferability, have been identified as being particularly suitable for the purpose of facilitating single-handed removal of the cover part whilst still providing a sufficient holding force.

The access station, in which the storage container is presented, may comprise an arresting means for holding the main container part. The arresting means may be an active or a passive device for engaging with a geometrical feature of the main container part. The arresting means may comprise guides that are laterally movable and/or rotatable about a vertical axis and prevent a vertical motion of the main container part. The guides may engage with the main container part on two opposite sides of the main container part. It may be preferred to use two pairs of guides.

The main container part, the cover part and the sealing element may be configured to provide an odor-proof closure of an interior space of the main container part, when the cover part is sealed against the main container part. The at least one sealing element may be in a flush and continuous contact with the cover part and the access opening to prevent items stored inside the main container part to take on odors from substances outside the main storage container part when the cover part is arranged on the main container part. This may be achieved by providing a sufficiently airtight or seamless seal with the at least one sealing element. A seamless seal may be any seal which facilitates a flush or continuous boundary between cover part and the access opening, so as to substantially prevent airflow in and out of the main storage container part.

An automated storage and retrieval system may comprise a rail system comprising a first set of parallel rails arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of parallel rails arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction, which first and second sets of rails form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane comprising a plurality of adjacent grid cells, each comprising a grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring rails of the first set of rails and a pair of neighboring rails of the second set of rails; a plurality of stacks of storage containers arranged in storage columns located beneath the rail system, wherein each storage column is located vertically below a grid opening; and at least one remotely operated vehicle for handling a storage container being configured to move on the rail system above the storage columns, wherein at least one of the storage containers is a storage container according to the above.

The automated storage and retrieval system may comprise an access station, and an arresting means for holding the main container part in the access station. The holding may be done temporarily and allows the user to remove the cover part with a single hand, without the main container part being lifted when it is empty or almost empty.

In a further aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method for handling storage containers storing delicate content in an automated storage and retrieval system, comprising the steps of conveying a storage container from a storage section of the automated storage and retrieval system to an access station; removing a cover part from a main container part of the storage container by pulling the cover part upwardly, thereby removing a sealing connection between the cover part and the main container part by at least one sealing element; and placing the cover part back on the main container part by pressing it downwardly into the direction of the main container part, thereby creating a sealing connection between the cover part and the main container part by the at least one sealing element; wherein at least two of the main container part, the cover part and the at least one sealing element are configured to releasably hold the cover part on the main container part when the cover part is placed on the main container part. The storage container may be the storage container of any of the examples discussed herein.

The method may comprise holding the main container part in the access station.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Following drawings are appended to facilitate the understanding of the present disclosure. The drawings show embodiments of the disclosure, 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 an internally arranged cavity for carrying storage containers therein.

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

Fig. 4 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. 5a shows a storage container in an open perspective view.

Figs. 5b and 5c show a detail view of a section through a part of the storage container with the cover part in two different positions. In particular, Fig. 5c shows a detail view of the section of Fig. 5b with the cover part above the main container part.

Fig. 6 shows a cover part in a perspective view from above.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA/EP Fig. 7 shows a detail view of a section through a part of the storage container.

Fig. 8a and 8b show different types of sealing elements in a detail view of a section through a part of the storage container.

Fig. 9 shows a storage container having telescopic members for holding the cover part on the main container part.

Fig. 10 shows an automated storage and retrieval system.

Detailed Description

In the following detailed description, examples of the present disclosure 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 presently claimed invention to the subject-matter depicted in the drawings.

The framework structure 100 of the automated storage and retrieval system 1 is constructed in a similar manner to the prior art framework structure 100 described above in connection with Figs. 1-3. That is, the framework structure 100 comprises a number of upright members 102, and comprises a first, upper rail system 108 extending 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 wherein 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.

One embodiment of the automated storage and retrieval system will now be discussed in more detail with reference to Figs. 5a to 9.

Fig. 5a shows a storage container 600 in a perspective view. The storage container 600 comprises a main container part 601 , a cover part 602 as well as circumferential sealing element 603. The main container part 601 has a base 604, which is surrounded by four side walls 605, 606, 607, and 608. It may comprise a substantially cuboidal or cubical shape. The side walls 605-608 extend in an upright manner from the base 604 and together define a top opening 609 opposite the base 604. A top rim 610 surrounds the top opening 609 and is coupled with the side walls 605-608. It comprises a flat top surface 611 , which is capable of receiving a mechanical load from above for a transfer into the side walls 605-608 and the base 604. In the top rim 610, four receptacles 612 are provided, which serve for receiving or passing through gripping devices of a lifting frame of a remotely operated vehicle explained further above and further below. Thus, the main container part 601 is capable of being used in an automated storage and retrieval system, in which storage containers can be stacked in columns.

The cover part 602 is dimensioned to cover the top opening 609, such that an interior space 613 of the main container part 601 is completely closed off from the surroundings. In this example, the cover part 602 radially extends over the whole top rim 610. The edge surfaces of the cover part 602 and the top rim 610 are flush with each other when the cover is in place on the main container part 601. Hence, the cover part 602 flushly closes off with the radial boundary of the top rim 610. The sealing element 603 is designed to be in contact with both the main container part 601 and the cover part 602 when the cover part 602 is placed on the main container part 601. The sealing element 603 extends between the main container part 601 and the cover part 602. Further details are shown in Fig. 5b in a sectional view, wherein the sectional plane is indicated with the letters “A” in Fig. 5a.

Since the cover part 602 extends over the whole top rim 610, it comprises cutouts 614 that are arranged on the cover part 602 to correspond with, i.e. to be aligned with, the receptacles 612 in the top rim 610. The cutouts 614 extend through the cover part 602 completely. Thus, gripping devices of a lifting frame can pass through the cutouts 614 to reach the receptacles 612.

In this exemplary embodiment, the cover part 602 has a central cover region 615, which comprises a rib structure 616 that serves for stiffening the cover part 602. In some examples, the cover part 602 may be double walled and may comprise a bottom wall and a top wall that both enclose the rib structure 616. Here, a cover part rim 617 as a circumferential projection surrounds the whole cover part 602 and bears the cutouts 614. The rib structure 616 exemplarily extends beneath the cover part rim 617. The central region 615 of the top side 618 of the cover part 602 comprises a central recess 619 for reducing the weight. As illustrated, the rib structure 616 is visible through the central recess 619. However, it will be appreciated that other variants are also possible. In particular, simplified cover parts 602, that are designed as a plate-shaped part, may be used.

At a bottom side 620 of the cover part 602, a cover projection 621 extending away from the top side 618 is arranged. The cover projection 621 recedes back from the cover part rim 610 in a radial direction and is adapted to be insertable into the top opening 609 of the main container part 601. The sealing element 603 is configured to be placeable into a cavity between the cover projection 621 and the main container part 601 when the cover part 602 is placed on the main container part 601.

The interior space 613 may be dividable into separate compartments through placing dividers (not shown) into vertical recesses 628, a plurality of which are distributed on the interior faces of the side walls 605-608. The outer faces of the walls 605-608 comprise an arrangement of vertical ribs or flanges 629, which increase the stiffness for the main container part 601 in a vertical direction to enable the stackability. In addition, elongated vertical protrusions 630 may be provided. Circumferential ribs or flanges 631 may be used for increasing the stability in a circumferential direction to avoid the main container part 601 to bulge outwardly or inwardly on vertical loads.

It is now referred to Fig. 5b. Here, the cover part 602 is placed on the main container part 601. The cover part rim 617 creates a circumferential projection, which is configured to rest on the top rim 610 of the main container part 601 flushly. Here, the cutouts 614 are aligned with the receptacles 612. The edge surfaces of the cover part rim 617 and the top rim 610 are flush with each other.

The main container part 601 comprises an opening recess 622 extending from the top opening 609 into the direction of the base 604 and ending in a circumferential, horizontal shoulder 623. A first circumferential upright wall 624 extends from a radial outer edge of the shoulder 623 upwardly, i.e. away from the base 604, to form the top opening 609. The first circumferential upright wall 624 may be a part of the respective side wall 605 to 608. A second circumferential upright wall 625 bounds the cover projection 621 in a radial outward direction. A cavity 626 between the first circumferential upright wall 624 and the second circumferential upright wall 625 is provided, in which the sealing element 603 is placed.

As illustrated in the detail view on Fig. 5c, the sealing element 603 has a width w_s in a radial direction that is smaller than the width w_c of the cavity 626. Thus, by placing the cover part 602 onto the main container part 601 , the sealing element 603 will be compressed in a radial direction. Afterwards, it will continuously urge into its neutral state. In doing so, it exerts a substantially horizontal force onto both the main container part 601 and the cover part 602. By this, the cover part 602 is releasably held on the main container part 601.

In this example, the sealing element 603 has a cross-sectional profile that is substantially circular. Also, the second upright circumferential wall 625 has a receiving groove 627, into which the sealing element 603 fits snugly to attach it to the cover part 602. The sealing element 603 is exemplarily a continuous loop. The length of the sealing element 603 may be chosen in a way that the sealing element 603 needs to be slightly tensioned to fit into the receiving groove 627, so that it remains in place. By this arrangement, it can be easily replaced if it is broken or worn out.

Fig. 6 shows a cover part 700 for covering a main container part 601. The cover part

700 has a cover projection 621 that recedes back from a cover part rim 610 similarly to the illustration in Fig. 5a. The cover part 700 exemplarily comprises a central indentation 701 , in which a handle 702 as a holding means is swivably supported. In the illustration in Fig. 6, the handle 702 rests on a top face 703 of the indentation

701 and does not protrude over the top rim 610. For pulling up the cover part 700, a user may grip the handle 702 and swivel it upwardly about 90° and pull on the handle

702 in an upward direction. A swivel axis 704, around which the handle 702 is swivable, is arranged centrally on the cover part 700, such that the cover part 700 is centrally pulled upwards with the handle 702. Depending on the design of the sealing element 603, the cover projection 621 and the corresponding main container part 601 , a certain pulling force needs to be exerted to release the cover part 700. In this exemplary embodiment of the cover part 700, the top rim 610 comprises four cutouts 614 for receiving or passing through gripping devices of a lifting frame of a remotely operated vehicle.

Other variants of holding means are possible. For example, a recessed grip, or a firmly supported handle, or a swivelable handle on top of the cover part 602 without a cover projection or indentation may be used.

Fig. 7 shows a main container part 800 together with the sealing element 603 and a cover part 801. Here, the cover part 801 comprises a cover projection 621 , which is in contact with the sidewall 605 of the main container part 800 beneath the horizontal shoulder 623. As shown in a magnified detailed view, the side wall 605 of the main container part 800 comprises a radially inwardly directed first protrusion 802. The cover part 700 comprises a correspondingly shaped radially outwardly directed second groove 803. The first protrusion 802 and the second groove 803 are configured to snap into each other when the cover part 801 rests on the main container part 800. When pulling the cover art 801 upwardly, the snap-in connection is released and the cover part 801 can be removed. The cover part 700 may thus be held by the snap-in connection alone or it may be held by the snap-in connection and the action of the sealing element 603 in unison.

Fig. 8a shows a cover part 900 having a circumferential recess 901 , in which a sealing element 902 is placed. The circumferential recess 901 is exemplarily located in the second circumferential upright wall 625. Here, the recess 901 comprises an undercut 903, in which the sealing element 902 is held. The cross-sectional profile of the sealing element 902 comprises a first section 904, which acts for providing the sealing function to the main container part 601. The first section 904 comprises a V- shape with a first leg 905 and a second leg 906, which enclose an angle of approximately 15 degrees. The first leg 905 is directed upwardly and is in direct contact with the first circumferential upright wall 624. Thus, the first leg 905 is pressed onto the first upright delimiting wall 924, when the cover part 900 is pulled upwardly. This increases the holding force of the cover 900.

A second section 907 serves for creating a form-fit function. The second section 907 is designed to at least partially correspond to the recess 901 . By pressing the sealing element 902 radially into the recess 901 , the second section 907 snaps into the recess 901 and is then held by the undercut 903. The undercut 903 can be dimensioned to maintain the position of the sealing element 902 on the cover part 900.

Another exemplary embodiment shown in figure 8b illustrates a slightly modified cover part 1000, which comprises a circumferential recess 1001. Exemplarily, the recess 1001 is placed in the second circumferential upright wall 625. In this embodiment, the recess 1001 is simply a radial groove. A sealing element 1002 is arranged in the recess 1001 and comprises a flat cross-sectional profile. The circumferential length of the sealing element 1002 in a neutral state, i.e. when not inserted into the recess 1001 , is slightly smaller than the circumferential length of the recess 1001. Thus, the sealing element 1002 is slightly expanded when resting inside the recess 1001 , such that it bulges upwardly to create a lip 1003 that is in contact with the first upright delimiting wall 624.

Fig. 9 shows a storage container 1200, which is exemplarily based on the storage container 600 of Fig 5a. The main container part 601 has telescopic members 1201 arranged at each corner 1202. They can be extended in a vertical direction, i.e. away from or toward the base 604. The cover part 602 is attached to the telescopic members 1201. A a user can lift the cover part 602 up to a reasonable height to reach into the main container part 601 , while the cover part 602 is held in a distance to the top rim 610. For closing the main container part 601 again, the user pushes the cover part 602 down and the cover part 602 will be held in the closed position. The telescopic members 1201 may be built into the structure of the main container part 601 so that there is no need for an additional space around the outside of the container 1200.

Fig. 10 shows an automated storage and retrieval system 1100, which exemplarily corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 1. Thus, it has a framework structure 100 comprising 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 600 as well as common storage containers 106 are stacked one on top of one another to form stacks 107. A plurality of container handling vehicles 201 , 301 , 401 can operate on a rail system 108 arranged across the top of framework structure 100 to raise storage containers 600 and 106 from, and lower storage containers 600 and 106 into, the storage columns 105, and also to transport the storage containers 600 and 106 above the storage columns 105. For this purpose, the rail system 108 comprises a first set of parallel rails 110 arranged to guide movement of the container handling vehicles 201 , 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 201 , 301 , 401 in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X. Containers 106 stored in the columns 105 are accessed by the container handling vehicles 201 , 301 , 401 through access openings 112 in the rail system 108. The container handling vehicles 201 , 301 , 401 can move laterally above the storage columns 105, i.e. in a plane which is parallel to the horizontal X-Y plane.

In this exemplary embodiment, the automated storage and retrieval system 1100 comprises an access station 1101. A conveying device 1102 exemplarily connects the access station 1101 to the storage grid 104 and individual storage containers 600 and 106 can be moved to the access station 1101 and vice versa. There, a user is able to receive storage containers 600, which can be opened by pulling away the cover part 602, 700, 801 , 900 or 1000 upwardly and closed by moving the cover part 602, 700, 801 , 900 or 1000 downwardly onto the respective main container part 601 or 800.

An arresting means may hold the main container part 601 or 800 in the access station 1101. This may be done by holding the base 604 or the top rim 610 if the cover part 602 is completely arranged in the opening recess 622. The arresting means may be movable parallel to a conveying path of the storage container when being conveyed to the access station 1101 , such that the main container part 601 can engage with it to prevent a vertical movement of the main container part 601 out of the access station, but allow a motion along the conveying path.

In the preceding description, various aspects of the delivery vehicle and the automated storage and retrieval system according to the present 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 appended claims.

Additionally, the disclosure comprises the subject matter described in the clauses listed below.

Clause 1. A storage container (600, 1200) for use in an automated storage and retrieval system (1100), the storage container (600, 1200) comprising a main container part (601 , 800), a cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000), and at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002), wherein the main container part (601 , 800) has a base (604) and a plurality of side walls (605, 606, 607, 608) enclosing an interior space (613) for receiving goods; and a top opening (609) formed between the side walls (605, 606, 607, 608) and opposite the base (604); wherein the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) is configured to be placeable onto the main container part (601 , 800) to cover the top opening (609); wherein the at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002) is couplable with the main container part (601 , 800) and the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) to form a seal between the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) and the main container part (601 , 800) when the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) is placed on the main container part (601 , 800); wherein the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) is configured to be pulled away from the top opening (609) by a user to open it; and wherein at least two of the main container part (601 , 800), the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) and the at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002) are configured to releasably hold the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) on the main container part (601 , 800).

Clause 2. The storage container (600, 1200) according to clause 1 , wherein the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) comprises a holding means (702) to hold the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) by a user to pull and/or hold the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000).

Clause 3. The storage container (600, 1200) according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) comprises a radial circumferential projection (617), which is configured to rest on a top rim (610) of the main container part (601 , 800) that surrounds the top opening (609). Clause 4. The storage container (600, 1200) according to clause 3, wherein the projection (617) comprises openings (614), which are configured to align with receptacles (612) in the top rim (610) for passing through gripping devices (304, 404b) of a lifting frame of a remotely operated vehicle (201 , 301 , 401).

Clause 5 The storage container (600, 1200) of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002) is held to one of the main container part (601 , 800) and the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000).

Clause 6. The storage container (600, 1200) of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the main container part (601 , 800) and the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) are configured to define a circumferential cavity (626) to accommodate the at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002) when the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) rests on the main container part (601 , 800), and wherein a radial width of the circumferential cavity (626) is smaller than a radial width of a cross-section through the at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002) in its neutral state.

Clause 7. The storage container (600, 1200) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the main container part (601 , 800) comprises an opening recess (622) extending from the top opening (609) towards the base(604), wherein the opening recess (622) has a first circumferential upright delimiting wall (624, 924), wherein the opening recess (622) has a circumferential shoulder (623) that extends from a lower end of the first circumferential upright wall (624, 924) in a radially inward direction, and wherein the at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002) is configured to rest on at least one of the circumferential shoulder (623) and the first circumferential upright wall (624, 924) when the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) rests on the main container part (601 , 800).

Clause 8. The storage container (600, 1200) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) comprises a top side (618), a bottom side and a cover projection (621) extending away from the bottom side in a direction away from the top side (618), wherein the cover projection (621) is bounded radially outwardly by a second circumferential upright wall (625), and wherein the at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002) is configured to rest against the second circumferential upright wall when the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) rests on the main container part (601 , 800).

Clause 9. The storage container (600, 1200) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002) has a cross- sectional profile that is at least partially round in its neutral state. Clause 10. The storage container (600, 1200) according to any of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002) has a cross-sectional profile that has a V shape or that has a lip (1003) projecting radially outwards in its neutral state.

Clause 11. The storage container (600, 1200) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one of the side walls (605, 606, 607, 608) of the main container part (601 , 800) comprises a radially inwardly directed first protrusion (802) or a radially outwardly directed first groove, wherein the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) comprises a correspondingly shaped radially inwardly directed second groove (803) or a radially outwardly directed second protrusion, and wherein the first protrusion (802) or first groove and the second groove (803) or second protrusion are configured to fit together when the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) rests on the main container part (601 , 800).

Clause 12. The storage container (600, 1200) according to clause 7, wherein the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) is configured to be radially completely surrounded by the opening recess (622) when the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) rests on the main container part (601 , 800).

Clause 13. The storage container (600, 1200) according to clause 12, wherein the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) is configured to not protrude over the top opening (609) when the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) rests on the main container part (601 , 800).

Clause 14. The storage container (600, 1200) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the holding means (702) comprises a handle (702).

Clause 15. The storage container (600, 1200) according to clause 14, wherein the handle (702) is housed in an indentation (701) of the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) to be upwardly swivelable to be gripped and downwardly swivelable to be stored, and wherein the handle (702) and the indentation (701) are configured such that the handle (702) does not protrude over the indentation (701) in a vertical direction when it is stored.

Clause 16. The storage container (600, 1200) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the storage container (600, 1200) is configured to require a pulling force in the range of 5-100 N, preferably 10-50 N and particularly preferably 15-30 N on the holding means to pull the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) away from the main container part (601 , 800) when the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) rests on the main container part (601 , 800).

Clause 17. The storage container (600, 1200) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the main container part (601 , 800), the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) and the sealing element (603, 902, 1002) are configured to provide an odor-proof closure of an interior space (613) of the main container part (601 , 800), when the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) is sealed against the main container part (601 , 800).

Clause 18. An automated storage and retrieval system, comprising: a rail system (108) comprising a first set of parallel rails (110) arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction (X), and a second set of parallel rails (111) arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction (Y) which is orthogonal to the first direction (X), which first and second sets of rails (110, 111) form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane comprising a plurality of adjacent grid cells, each comprising a grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring rails (110) of the first set of rails (110) and a pair of neighboring rails (111) of the second set of rails (111); a plurality of stacks (107) of storage containers (106, 600, 1200) arranged in storage columns (105) located beneath the rail system (108), wherein each storage column (105) is located vertically below a grid opening; and at least one remotely operated vehicle (201 , 301 , 401) for handling a storage container (106, 600, 1200) being configured to move on the rail system (108) above the storage columns (105), wherein at least one of the storage containers (106, 600, 1200) is a storage container (600, 1200) according to any of the preceding clauses.

Clause 19. The automated storage and retrieval system of clause 18, comprising an access station (1101), and an arresting means for holding the main container part (601 , 800) in the access station (1101).

Clause 20. Method for handling storage containers (600, 1200) storing delicate content in an automated storage and retrieval system, comprising the steps: conveying a storage container (600, 1200) from a storage section of the automated storage and retrieval system to an access station; removing a cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) from a main container part (601 , 800) of the storage container (600, 1200) by pulling the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) upwardly, thereby removing a sealing connection between the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) and the main container part (601 , 800) by at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002); and placing the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) back on the main container part (601 , 800) by pressing it downwardly into the direction of the main container part (601 , 800), thereby creating a sealing connection between the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) and the main container part (601 , 800) by the at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002); wherein at least two of the main container part (601 , 800), the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) and the at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002) are configured to releasably hold the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) on the main container part (601 , 800) when the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) is placed on the main container part (601 , 800). Clause 21. Method according to clause 20, comprising holding the main container part (601 , 800) in the access station.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Prior art automated storage and retrieval system 0 Framework structure 2 Upright members of framework structure 4 Storage grid 5 Storage column 6 Storage container 6’ Particular position of storage container 7 Stack 8 Rail system 0 Parallel rails in first direction ( ) 2 Access opening 9 First port column 0 Second port column 1 Prior art container handling vehicle 1a Vehicle body of the container handling vehicle 201 1 b Drive means I wheel arrangement I first set of wheels in first direction (X) 1c Drive means I wheel arrangement I second set of wheels in second direction (V) 1 Prior art cantilever container handling vehicle 1a Vehicle body of the container handling vehicle 301 1 b Drive means I first set of wheels in first direction (X) 1c Drive means I second set of wheels in second direction (V)4 Gripping device 1 Prior art container handling vehicle 1a Vehicle body of the container handling vehicle 401 1 b Drive means I first set of wheels in first direction (X) 1c Drive means I second set of wheels in second direction (V)4 Gripping device 4a Lifting band 4b Gripper 4c Guide pin 4d Lifting frame 0 Control system 0 Storage container 1 Main container part 2 Cover part 3 Sealing element 4 Base 5 Side wall 6 Side wall 7 Side wall 8 Side wall 9 Top opening 610 Top rim

611 Top surface

612 Receptacle

613 Interior space

614 Cutout

615 Central region

616 Rib structure

617 Cover part rim

618 Top side

619 Central recess

620 Bottom side

621 Cover projection

622 Opening recess

623 Horizontal shoulder

624 First circumferential upright wall

625 Second circumferential upright wall

626 Cavity

627 Receiving groove

628 Vertical recess

629 Rib or flange

630 Vertical protrusion

631 Rib or flange

700 Cover part

701 Indentation

702 Handle

703 Top face

704 Swivel axis

800 Main container part

801 Cover part

802 First protrusion

803 Second groove

900 Cover part

901 Circumferential recess

902 Sealing element

903 Undercut

904 First section

905 First leg

906 Second leg

907 Second section

924 First upright delimiting wall 1000 Cover part 1001 Recess

1002 Sealing element

1003 Lip 1100 Automated storage and retrieval system 1101 Access station

1102 Conveying device 1200 Container

1201 Telescopic member

1202 Corner

X First direction

Y Second direction

Z Third direction

Claims

1. A storage container (600, 1200) for use in an automated storage and retrieval system (1100), the storage container (600, 1200) comprising: a main container part (601 , 800); a cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000); and at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002), wherein the main container part (601 , 800) comprises: a base (604) and a plurality of side walls (605, 606, 607, 608) enclosing an interior space (613) for receiving goods; and a top opening (609) formed between the side walls (605, 606, 607, 608) and opposite the base (604); wherein the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) is configured to be placeable onto the main container part (601 , 800) to cover the top opening (609); wherein the at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002) is couplable with the main container part (601 , 800) and the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) to form a seal between the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) and the main container part (601 , 800) when the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) is placed on the main container part (601 , 800); wherein the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) is configured to be moveable away from the top opening (609) by a user to uncover the top opening (609); and wherein at least two of the main container part (601 , 800), the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) and the at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002) are configured to releasably hold the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) on the main container part (601 , 800).

2. The storage container according to claim 1 , wherein the at least two of the main container part (601 , 800), the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) and the at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002) are configured to provide a holding force to releasably hold the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) on the main container part (601 , 800), wherein the holding force is in a range of 5 to 100 Newtons.

3. The storage container (600, 1200) according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) comprises a holding means

(702) for use by a user to pull and/or hold the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000).

4. The storage container (600, 1200) according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) comprises a radial circumferential projection (617), which is configured to rest on a top rim (610) of the main container part (601 , 800) that surrounds the top opening (609).

5. The storage container (600, 1200) according to claim 4, wherein the projection (617) comprises openings (614), which are configured to align with receptacles (612) in the top rim (610) for passing through gripping devices (304, 404b) of a lifting frame of a remotely operated vehicle (201 , 301 , 401). 6. The storage container (600, 1200) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002) is held to one of the main container part (601 , 800) and the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000).

7. The storage container (600, 1200) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the main container part (601 , 800) and the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) are configured to define a circumferential cavity (626) to accommodate the at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002) when the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) rests on the main container part (601 , 800), and wherein a radial width of the circumferential cavity (626) is smaller than a radial width of a cross-section through the at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002) in its neutral state.

8. The storage container (600, 1200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main container part (601 , 800) comprises an opening recess

(622) extending from the top opening (609) towards the base (604), wherein the opening recess (622) has a first circumferential upright delimiting wall (624, 924), wherein the opening recess (622) has a circumferential shoulder (623) that extends from a lower end of the first circumferential upright wall (624, 924) in a radially inward direction, and wherein the at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002) is configured to rest on at least one of the circumferential shoulder (623) and the first circumferential upright wall (624, 924) when the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) rests on the main container part (601 , 800).

9. The storage container (600, 1200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) comprises a top side (618), a bottom side and a cover projection (621) extending away from the bottom side in a direction away from the top side (618), wherein the cover projection (621) is bounded radially outwardly by a second circumferential upright wall (625), and wherein the at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002) is configured to rest against the second circumferential upright wall when the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) rests on the main container part (601 , 800).

10. The storage container (600, 1200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: a.) the at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002) has a cross-sectional profile that is at least partially round in its neutral state, b.) the at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002) has a cross-sectional profile that has a V shape, or c.) the at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002) has a cross-sectional profile that has a lip (1003) projecting radially outwards in its neutral state.

11. The storage container (600, 1200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the side walls (605, 606, 607, 608) of the main container part (601 , 800) comprises a radially inwardly directed first protrusion (802) or a radially outwardly directed first groove, wherein the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) comprises a correspondingly shaped radially inwardly directed second groove (803) or a radially outwardly directed second protrusion, and wherein the first protrusion (802) or first groove and the second groove (803) or second protrusion are configured to fit together when the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) rests on the main container part (601 , 800).

12. The storage container (600, 1200) according to claim 8, wherein the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) is configured to be radially completely surrounded by the opening recess (622) when the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) rests on the main container part (601 , 800).

13. The storage container (600, 1200) according to claim 12, wherein the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) is configured to not protrude over the top opening (609) when the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) rests on the main container part (601 , 800).

14. The storage container (600, 1200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the holding means (702) comprises a handle (702).

15. The storage container (600, 1200) according to claim 14, wherein the handle (702) is housed in an indentation (701) of the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) to be upwardly swivelable to be gripped and downwardly swivelable to be stored, and wherein the handle (702) and the indentation (701) are configured such that the handle (702) does not protrude over the indentation (701) in a vertical direction when it is stored.

16. The storage container (600, 1200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the storage container (600, 1200) is configured to require a pulling force in the range of 5-100 N, preferably 10-50 N and particularly preferably 15-30 N on the holding means to pull the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) away from the main container part (601 , 800) when the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) rests on the main container part (601 , 800).

17. The storage container (600, 1200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main container part (601 , 800), the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) and the sealing element (603, 902, 1002) are configured to provide an odor-proof closure of an interior space (613) of the main container part (601 , 800), when the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) is sealed against the main container part (601 , 800).

18. The storage container (600, 1200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (603, 902, 1002) is configured to provide a seamless seal when the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) is sealed against the main container part (601 , 800).

19. An automated storage and retrieval system, comprising: a rail system (108) comprising a first set of parallel rails (110) arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction (X), and a second set of parallel rails (111) arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction (Y) which is orthogonal to the first direction (X), which first and second sets of rails (110, 111) form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane comprising a plurality of adjacent grid cells, each comprising a grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring rails (110) of the first set of rails (110) and a pair of neighboring rails (111) of the second set of rails (111); a plurality of stacks (107) of storage containers (106, 600, 1200) arranged in storage columns (105) located beneath the rail system (108), wherein each storage column (105) is located vertically below a grid opening; and at least one remotely operated vehicle (201 , 301 , 401) for handling a storage container (106, 600, 1200), the remotely operated vehicle being configured to move on the rail system (108) above the storage columns (105), wherein at least one of the storage containers (106, 600, 1200) is a storage container (600, 1200) according to any of the preceding claims.

20. The automated storage and retrieval system of claim 19, further comprising: an access station (1101), and an arresting means for holding the main container part (601 , 800) in the access station (1101).

21. A method of handling storage containers (600, 1200) for storing delicate or sensitive content in an automated storage and retrieval system, the method comprising: conveying a storage container (600, 1200) from a storage section of the automated storage and retrieval system to an access station; removing a cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) from a main container part (601 , 800) of the storage container (600, 1200) by pulling the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) upwardly, thereby removing a sealing connection between the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) and the main container part (601 , 800) by at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002); and placing the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) back on the main container part (601 , 800) by pressing it downwardly into the direction of the main container part (601 , 800), thereby creating a sealing connection between the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) and the main container part (601 , 800) by the at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002); wherein at least two of the main container part (601 , 800), the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) and the at least one sealing element (603, 902, 1002) are configured to releasably hold the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) on the main container part (601 , 800) when the cover part (602, 700, 801 , 900, 1000) is placed on the main container part (601 , 800).

22. Method according to claim 21 , further comprising holding the main container part (601 , 800) in the access station.