CN116917677A - Improved cooling air distribution in an automated storage system - Google Patents

Abstract

The application relates to an automatic storage and retrieval system (1) based on a grid. The system (1) comprises a frame structure (100) comprising a vertically extending member (102) and comprising a grid of horizontal rails (110) arranged at an upper end of said vertical member (102). The frame structure (100) defines: a storage volume (400) arranged below the horizontal rail (110); and an air release volume (405) arranged below the horizontal rail (110) and above the storage volume (400). The system (1) further comprises a cooler system (404) for releasing cooling air into the air release volume (405). The cooler system (404) comprises at least one air deflection element (440) arranged in the air release volume (405), the at least one air deflection element (440) extending between the vertically extending members (102), wherein the at least one air deflection element (440) is arranged such that cooling air (404) released from the cooler system flows in a deflected manner downwards to the storage volume (400).

Description

Improved cooling air distribution in an automated storage system

The present application relates to an automated storage and retrieval system for storing and retrieving containers, and in particular to a system for improving the distribution of cooling air throughout an automated storage and retrieval system.

Background

Fig. 1 discloses a prior art automated storage and retrieval system 1 having a frame structure 100, and fig. 2 and 3 disclose two different prior art container handling vehicles 201, 301 adapted to operate on such a system 1.

The frame structure 100 includes an upright member 102 and a horizontal member 103, and a plurality of storage columns 105 arranged between the upright member 102 and the horizontal member 103. In these storage columns, storage containers 106 (also referred to as bins) are stacked one on top of the other to form a stack 107. The members 102, 103 may generally be made of metal (e.g., extruded aluminum profile).

The frame structure 100 of the automated storage and retrieval system 1 includes a rail system 108 arranged across the top of the frame structure 100, on which rail system 108 a plurality of container handling vehicles 201, 301 run to lift and lower storage containers 106 from and into the storage columns 105 and also transport the storage containers 106 over the storage columns 105. The rail system 108 includes: a first set of parallel rails 110 arranged to guide the container handling vehicle 201, 301 across the top of the frame structure 100 in a first direction X and a second set of parallel rails 111 arranged perpendicular to the first set of rails 110 to guide the container handling vehicle 201, 301 to move in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X. The containers 106 stored in the columns 105 are accessed by the container handling vehicle through access openings 112 in the rail system 108. The container handling vehicles 201, 301 may move laterally over the storage columns 105, i.e., in a plane parallel to the horizontal X-Y plane.

The upright members 102 of the frame structure 100 may be used to guide the storage containers 106 during lifting of the containers 106 from the columns 105 and lowering of the containers 106 into the columns. The stack 107 of containers 106 is typically self-supporting.

As shown in fig. 2 to 3, each prior art container handling vehicle 201, 301 includes a vehicle body 201a, 301a and first and second sets of wheels 201b, 301b, 201c, 301c that enable the container handling vehicle 201, 301 to move laterally in the X and Y directions, respectively. In fig. 2 and 3, the two wheels in each group are fully visible. The first set of wheels 201b, 301b are arranged to engage with two adjacent rails of the first set of rails 110 of fig. 1, and the second set of wheels 201c, 301c are arranged to engage with two adjacent rails of the second set of rails 111 of fig. 1. At least one of the sets of wheels 201b, 301b, 201c, 301c may be raised and lowered such that the first set of wheels 201b, 301b and/or the second set of wheels 201c, 301c may engage the corresponding set of rails 110, 111 of fig. 1 at any time.

Referring to fig. 1-3, each prior art container handling vehicle 201, 301 also includes a lifting device (not shown) for vertical transport of the storage containers 106 to thereby raise the storage containers 106 from the storage column 105 and lower the storage containers 106 into the storage column. The lifting device comprises one or more clamping/engagement devices adapted to engage with the storage container 106 and which can be lowered from the vehicle 201, 301 such that the position of the clamping/engagement devices relative to the vehicle 201, 301 can be adjusted in a third direction Z orthogonal to the first direction X and the second direction Y. In fig. 3, a portion of the gripping device of the container handling vehicle 301 is shown as indicated by reference numeral 304. In fig. 2, the gripping device of the container handling device 201 is located within the vehicle body 201 a.

Conventionally and for the purposes of the present application, z=1 identifies the uppermost layer of storage container 106, i.e., the layer immediately below rail system 108, z=2 identifies the second layer below rail system 108, z=3 identifies the third layer, and so on. In the exemplary prior art disclosed in fig. 1, z=8 identifies the bottom layer of the lowest side of the storage container 106. Similarly, x= … n and y= … n identify the position of each storage column 105 in the horizontal plane. Thus, as an example, and using the cartesian coordinate system X, Y, Z shown in fig. 1, it can be said that the storage container identified as 106' in fig. 1 occupies the storage positions x=18, y=1, z=6. It can be said that the container handling vehicles 201, 301 travel in a layer with z=0, and each storage column 105 can be identified by its X and Y coordinates.

The storage volume of the frame structure 100 is generally referred to as a grid, wherein possible storage locations within the grid 104 are referred to as storage cells. Each storage column 105 may be identified by a position in the X-direction and the Y-direction, while each storage unit may be identified by a container label in the X-direction, the Y-direction, and the Z-direction.

Still referring to fig. 1-3, each prior art container handling vehicle 201, 301 includes a storage compartment or space for receiving and loading the storage containers 106 as the storage containers 106 are transported on the rail system 108. The storage space may comprise a cavity centrally arranged within the vehicle body 201a, as in the case of the vehicle 201 shown in fig. 2 above and described for example in WO2015/193278A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Fig. 3 shows an alternative configuration of a container handling vehicle 301 having a cantilever structure. Such a vehicle is described in detail in, for example, NO317366, the content of which is also incorporated herein by reference.

The footprint of the center cavity container handling vehicle 201 shown in fig. 2 may cover an area having dimensions in the X-direction and Y-direction that are approximately equal to the lateral extent of the storage column 105, for example, as described in WO2015/193278A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The term "lateral" as used herein may mean "horizontal".

Alternatively, the footprint of the centre-cavity container handling vehicle 101 may be greater than the lateral area defined by the storage columns 105, for example as disclosed in WO2014/090684 A1.

The rail system 108 generally includes rails having grooves in which wheels of a vehicle travel. Alternatively, the rail may comprise an upwardly projecting element, wherein the wheels of the vehicle comprise flanges to prevent derailment. These grooves and upwardly projecting elements are collectively referred to as rails. Each rail may comprise one track or each rail may comprise two parallel tracks.

WO2018/146304 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference) shows a typical configuration of a rail system 108 comprising rails and parallel tracks in both the X-direction and the Y-direction.

In the frame structure 100, most of the columns 105 are storage columns 105, i.e. columns 105 in which 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 dedicated columns used by container handling vehicles 201, 301 to unload and/or pick up storage containers 106, for example, so that the storage containers may be transported to an access station (not shown) where storage containers 106 may be accessed from outside of frame structure 100 or moved out of or into frame structure 100. Such locations are commonly referred to in the art as "ports" and the column in which the ports are located may be referred to as "port columns" 119, 120. The transport to the access station may be in any direction, i.e. horizontal, inclined and/or vertical. For example, the storage containers 106 may be placed in a random or dedicated grid array 105 within the frame structure 100, and then picked up by any container handling vehicle and transported to the port array 119, 120 for further transport to an access station. Note that the term "tilting" refers to the transport of the storage container 106 having a generally transport orientation in a direction between horizontal and vertical.

In fig. 1, the first port column 119 may be, for example, a dedicated unloading port column in which the container handling vehicles 201, 301 may unload the transported storage containers 106 to an access station or transfer station, and the second port column 120 may be a dedicated pick-up port column in which the container handling vehicles 201, 301 may pick up storage containers 106 that have been transported from the access station or transfer station.

The access station may generally be a pick-up station or a stock station where the product items are removed from or positioned in the storage containers 106. In the pick-up station or the stock-up station, the storage containers 106 are generally not removed from the automatic storage and retrieval system 1, but are returned to the frame structure 100 after being accessed. The ports may also be used to transfer storage containers to another storage facility (e.g., to another frame structure or to another automated storage and retrieval system), to a transportation vehicle (e.g., a train or truck), or to a production facility.

A conveyor system including a conveyor is typically employed to transport 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 elevations, the conveyor system may include a lifting device having vertical members for transporting the storage containers 106 vertically between the port columns 119, 120 and the access station.

The conveyor system may be arranged to transfer the storage containers 106 between different frame structures, such as described in WO2014/075937A1, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

When a storage container 106 stored in one storage column 105 disclosed in fig. 1 is to be accessed, one container handling vehicle 201, 301 is instructed to take out the target storage container from the position of the target storage container 106, and to transport the target storage container to the unloading port column 119. This operation involves moving the container handling vehicles 201, 301 to a position above the storage column 105 where the target storage container 106 is located, taking the storage container 106 out of the storage column 105 using a lifting device (not shown) of the container handling vehicles 201, 301, and transporting the storage container 106 to the unloading port column 119. If the target storage container 106 is located deep in the stack 107, i.e., one or more other storage containers 106 are located above the target storage container 106, the operation also involves temporarily moving the storage container 106 above prior to lifting the target storage container 106 from the storage column 105. This step (sometimes referred to in the art as "digging") may be performed with the same container handling vehicle 201, 301 that is subsequently used to transport the target storage container 106 to the unloading port column 119, or with one or more other cooperating container handling vehicles 201, 301. Alternatively or additionally, the automated storage and retrieval system 1 may have container handling vehicles 201, 301 dedicated to the task of temporarily removing storage containers 106 from the storage columns 105. After the target storage container 106 has been removed from the storage column 105, the temporarily removed storage container 106 may be replaced into the original storage column 105. However, the removed storage containers 106 may be alternatively repositioned into other storage columns 105.

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

In order to monitor and control the automated storage and retrieval system 1, for example, the location of the individual storage containers 106 within the frame structure 100, the contents of each storage container 106, and the movement of the container handling vehicles 201, 301 so that a desired storage container 106 may be transferred to a desired location at a desired time without the container handling vehicles 201, 301 colliding with each other, the automated storage and retrieval system 1 includes a control system that is typically computerized and typically includes a database for keeping track of the storage containers 106.

Some of the above systems 1 may be used to store product items that require a particular environment. For example, some types of food products require a low temperature environment (typically temperatures between 1 ℃ and 6 ℃), some types of food products require a cooler temperature environment (typically temperatures below-15 ℃) and other types of food products require a higher temperature environment (typically temperatures above 10 ℃).

In the building in which such storage systems are located, ventilation systems are typically used to provide the desired environment. However, since the containers are stored adjacent to each other in stacks to achieve space efficiency, less air is available in the storage area for temperature control of the stored product.

An air cleaning unit for cleaning air of a warehouse system is disclosed in WO2014/079094 A1. The air cleaning unit includes a central fan and a plurality of filtering devices. JP2000327111a discloses an automatic cooling warehouse comprising a warehouse body and a cooler for blowing cooling air into the warehouse body. A plurality of storage shelves are horizontally disposed in the warehouse body. Goods can be automatically moved into and out of the racks using travelling overhead cranes and stacker cranes. Cooling air from the cooler is blown into the lower part of the warehouse body. The temperature of the incoming cooling air rises, moves upwards and is sucked back into the cooler from the upper part of the warehouse body. The unit disclosed in japanese patent application publication No. JP60-258009a has a certain structural similarity to the warehouse of JP200032711 a.

WO2016/193419 discloses one or more refrigeration units forming a reservoir of cooling air. The refrigeration unit is located above the storage stack. The cooling air exits the refrigeration unit and moves between, around, and through the storage stacks.

A general problem with solutions belonging to the prior art is their structural complexity. This problem is even more pronounced when very large storage spaces need to be cooled.

In view of the above, it would be desirable to provide an automated storage and retrieval system that solves or at least alleviates one or more of the above-mentioned problems associated with the use of prior art storage and retrieval systems.

Disclosure of Invention

The application is set forth and illustrated in the independent claims, while the dependent claims describe other features of the application.

A first aspect of the application relates to a grid-based automated storage and retrieval system, the system comprising:

-a frame structure comprising a vertically extending member and comprising a grid of horizontal rails arranged at an upper end of the vertical member, the frame structure defining:

a storage volume portion arranged below the horizontal guide rail, and

an air release volume arranged below the horizontal rail and above the storage volume,

-a cooler system for releasing cooling air into an air release volume, the cooler system comprising:

-at least one air deflector element provided in the air release volume, the at least one air deflector element extending between the vertically extending members, wherein the at least one air deflector element is arranged such that cooling air released from the chiller system flows in a deflected manner downwards to the storage volume.

By means of the air deflection element located in the air release volume, the horizontal rail (i.e. the drive rail) can be protected from exposure to supercooled air by deflecting the released cooling air downwards to the storage volume. The temperature in the area around the drive rail can thus be kept above a predetermined limit value, typically about 2 ℃.

The solution according to claim 1 is mechanically simple and can be implemented without moving parts. Thus, the system is relatively easy to install and maintain, which is a significant advantage in the harsh environment of a cooled storage space.

The temperature characteristics of the different sections of the storage system are easily changed, for example by adjusting the number of air deflection elements in the system and/or by adjusting the flow of cooling air.

A second aspect of the application relates to a method of cooling a storage volume in a grid-based automated storage and retrieval system, the method comprising:

providing a frame structure comprising a vertically extending member and comprising a grid of horizontal rails provided at the upper end of said vertical member,

a storage volume arranged below the horizontal rail is provided,

providing an air release volume arranged below the horizontal rail and above the storage volume,

providing at least one air deflection element in the air release volume,

releasing cooling air into the air release volume, and

-deflecting the released cooling air downwards by means of at least one air deflecting element.

For brevity, the advantages discussed above in connection with the storage and retrieval system may even be associated with the corresponding method and will not be discussed further.

A third aspect of the application relates to a method of installing a chiller system in a grid-based automated storage and retrieval system. The method comprises the following steps:

-providing an evaporator unit with a fan for releasing cooling air into an air release volume arranged below a horizontal rail of the storage and retrieval system and above a storage volume of the storage and retrieval system, and

-arranging at least one air deflection element in the air release volume between two adjacent vertically extending members.

The improved cooler system has simple structure, and is greatly convenient for refitting the existing storage system with the cooling function.

In all aspects of the application, the air deflection element is secured to the vertically extending member in any manner known to those skilled in the art, such as by nuts and bolts or by rivets.

The relative terms "upper", "lower", "below", "upper", "higher" and the like should be understood in their ordinary sense as seen in a cartesian coordinate system. When referring to a rail system, "upper" or "above" should be understood as a position closer to the surface rail system (relative to another component), while the term "lower" or "below" should be understood as a position further from the rail system (relative to another component).

Drawings

The following drawings are attached to facilitate an understanding of the application. The embodiments of the application are illustrated in the drawings and will now be described, by way of example only, in which:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of a frame structure of a prior art automatic storage and retrieval system.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle having a centrally disposed cavity for carrying a storage container therein.

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

Fig. 4a is a perspective view of a portion of a grid-based automated storage and retrieval system in accordance with an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 4b is a perspective view of the system of fig. 4a, further illustrating a grid section according to an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 5 is a close-up view showing an evaporator unit and an air deflection element according to an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 6 is a close-up view of an air deflection element according to an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a side pipe according to an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 8 is a side perspective view illustrating a baffle according to an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a thermal shield disposed between a vertically extending member and a rail according to an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 10a and 10b are perspective views of the heat insulator according to an embodiment of the present application, respectively, viewed from above and from below.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a vertically extending member according to an embodiment of the present application.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be discussed in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the drawings are not intended to limit the application to the subject matter depicted in the drawings.

The frame structure of the automated storage and retrieval system is constructed in accordance with the prior art frame structure 100 described above in connection with fig. 1-3, i.e., includes a plurality of upright members and a plurality of horizontal members supported by the upright members.

The frame structure may be of any size. In particular, it should be understood that the frame structure may be wider and/or longer and/or deeper than the frame structure disclosed in fig. 1. For example, the frame structure may have a horizontal extent of over 700 x 700 columns and a storage depth of over twelve containers.

Various embodiments of an automated storage and retrieval system in accordance with the present application will now be discussed in more detail with reference to fig. 4-8.

Thus, FIG. 4a is a perspective view of a grid-based automated storage and retrieval system in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 4a shows a chiller system 404 for releasing cooling air into an air release volume 405. Also shown is an assembly of air deflection elements 440. The plurality of air deflection elements 440 are arranged to deflect the released cooling air downward. A laterally delimited volume 406 is also shown. A side tube 442 is provided at the inner periphery of the volume 406. The side tube 442 is defined by the walls of the laterally delimited volume 406 and the cover plate 446. The distal fan 448 (relative to the chiller system) is arranged to drive air through the side tubes 442 in the general direction of the chiller system 404. Specific details of the chiller system 404 will be discussed further in connection with fig. 5-8.

Fig. 4b is a perspective view of the grid-based automated storage and retrieval system of fig. 4a, further illustrating the grid section shown in fig. 1. The figure shows a frame structure 100 comprising a grid of vertically extending members 102 and horizontal rails 110, 111 provided at the upper ends of said vertical members 102. The frame structure 100 defines a storage volume 400 arranged below the horizontal rails 110, 111. An air relief volume 405 for receiving cooling air is arranged below the horizontal rail 110 and above the storage volume 400.

Fig. 5 is a close-up view showing an evaporator unit and an air deflection element according to an embodiment of the present application. The evaporator unit 410 includes an evaporator and a fan 411. The fan 411 is arranged to provide cooling air to the air relief volume 405. The figure also shows a storage volume 400 arranged below the horizontal rail 110. The air release volume 405 is arranged below the horizontal rail 110 and above the storage volume 400. An air deflection element 440 is provided in the air relief volume 405, said air deflection element 440 extending between the plurality of vertically extending members 102. The air deflector element 440 is arranged such that the released cooling air generated in the evaporator unit 410 flows in a deflected manner downwards to the storage volume 400. As observed, the air deflection element 440 bridges adjacent vertical members 102. A sub-set 460 of multiple air deflection elements 440 is made up of all air deflection elements bridging two adjacent vertical members 102. In the relevant context, the set 470 of multiple air deflection elements 440 includes a consecutively arranged subset of multiple air deflection elements extending in the same plane.

Fig. 6 is a close-up view of an air deflection element 440 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown, the air deflection surface of at least one air deflection element 440 is flat. The angle of attack α between the air deflection surface of the at least one air deflection element 440 and the flow direction of the released cooling air is an acute angle. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the air deflection element may be a vane.

In an embodiment (not shown), the air deflection element 440 is provided with vibration reduction means for reducing wear on the element 440.

In yet another embodiment, the air deflection element 440 may rotate about its longitudinal axis. The rotational position of the air deflection element (440) in the most proximal set 470 of a plurality of air deflection elements 440 may depend on the velocity profile of the released cooling air. In another related embodiment, the rotational position of the air deflection element 440 in the group 470 of multiple air deflection elements depends on the rotational position of the air deflection element in the previous group 470 of multiple air deflection elements 440. Here, two air deflecting elements 440 in a subgroup of a plurality of air deflecting elements may have different rotational positions.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an air duct according to an embodiment of the present application. Furthermore, an air channel 403 is provided below the storage volume 400 for improving the cooling air circulation in the overall system.

Fig. 8 is a side perspective view illustrating a baffle according to an embodiment of the present application. The baffle 450 is disposed opposite the evaporator unit 410 and is located outside the storage volume 400. The baffle 450 deflects the released cooling air downward. As observed, the air deflection surface of at least one baffle 450 is curved. Still referring to fig. 8, in one embodiment, the chiller system includes a set 470 of a plurality of air deflection elements 440 only in the upper section of the air relief volume 405. In another related embodiment, the chiller system 404 includes a set 470 of a plurality of air deflection elements 440 only in a proximal section of the air relief volume 405.

Fig. 9 shows an insulation 2 associated with a vertically extending member 102 disposed immediately below the insulation. As observed, the insulation is disposed below the horizontal rail 110. The purpose of which is to thermally isolate the rail 110. The vertically extending member 102 may be made of an aluminum alloy, and the heat insulator 2 may be composed of a material having a thermal conductivity of less than 20W/mK. The thermal conductivity should be as small as possible and may preferably be less than 1W/mK. Examples of suitable insulation materials are synthetic polymers with sufficient strength, such as various types of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high Density Polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). Other insulating materials, such as various types of wood, may also be used.

The thermal conductivity of the synthetic polymer can be measured according to any suitable method according to ISO 22007-1:2017 or by using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) (https:// www.mt.com/hk/en/home/support_content/matchar_apps/matchar_uc226. Html). The thermal conductivity of wood can be measured according to ASTM 5334.

Note that the thermal conductivity of all synthetic polymers and wood is significantly less than that of aluminum alloys. Fig. 10a and 10b are perspective views of the heat insulator of fig. 9, respectively, viewed from above and from below.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a vertically extending member 102 according to an embodiment of the present application. As can be seen, the member 102 is hollow and has a quadrilateral cross section. In addition, the member 102 is provided with a plurality of flanges 480. More specifically, each side of the quadrilateral is associated with two mutually parallel flanges extending in a plane perpendicular to the plane in which the side of the quadrilateral lies. In one embodiment, the width of the air deflection element (not shown in FIG. 11) does not exceed the distance between two adjacent and mutually parallel flanges 480. In this way, the air deflection element does not damage the storage bin during its vertical movement in the storage column (105; visible in fig. 1) regardless of the rotational position of the air deflection element.

In the foregoing description, aspects of a dispensing vehicle and an automated storage and retrieval system according to the present application have been described with reference to illustrative embodiments. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, systems and configurations were set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the system and its operational principles. However, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Many modifications and variations of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the system, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art to which the disclosed subject matter pertains are deemed to lie within the scope of the application.

List of reference numerals

1 automatic storage and retrieval System

2 Heat insulation piece

100. Frame structure

102. Upright member of frame structure

103. Horizontal member of frame structure

104. Storage grid

105. Storage column

106. Storage container

107. Stacking of

108. Guide rail system

110 in a first direction (X)

111 second direction (Y)

112. Access opening

119. First port row

120. Second port row

201 prior art storage container vehicle

201a vehicle body of storage container vehicle 201

201b drive device/wheel arrangement, first direction (X)

201c drive device/wheel arrangement, second direction (Y)

301 prior art cantilever storage container vehicle

301a storage container vehicle 301 body

301b in a first direction (X)

301c in a second direction (Y)

400. Storage volume

403. Air passage

404. Cooler system

405. Air release volume

406. Enclosed volume portion

410. Evaporator unit

411. Evaporator fan

440. Air deflection element

442. Side pipe

446. Cover plate

448. Distal fan

450. Baffle plate

460 is comprised of a subset of a plurality of air deflection elements

470 is composed of a plurality of air deflection elements

480 flange of vertically extending member

X first direction

Y second direction

Z third direction

Alpha angle of attack

Claims (31)

1. A grid-based automated storage and retrieval system (1), the system (1) comprising:

-a frame structure (100) comprising a vertically extending member (102) and comprising a grid of horizontal rails (110) provided at an upper end of the vertical member (102), the frame structure (100) defining:

a storage volume (400) arranged below the horizontal rail (110), and

an air release volume (405) arranged below the horizontal rail (110) and above the storage volume (400),

-a cooler system (404) for releasing cooling air into the air release volume (405), the cooler system (404) comprising:

-at least one air deflector element (440) arranged in the air release volume (405), at least one air deflector element (440) extending between vertically extending members (102), wherein at least one air deflector element (440) is arranged such that cooling air released from the cooler system (404) flows in a deflected downward flow to the storage volume (400).

2. The system (1) according to claim 1, the system (1) being arranged within a laterally delimited volume (406), wherein at least one side tube (442) is arranged at an inner periphery of the volume (406).

3. The system (1) according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the side pipes (442) is delimited by a wall of the volume (406) delimited laterally and by a cover plate (446).

4. A system (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a distal fan (448) is arranged to drive air through the side tube (442).

5. The system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an air channel (403) is provided below the storage volume (400).

6. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chiller system (404) further comprises an evaporator unit (410) comprising an evaporator and at least one fan (411).

7. The system (1) according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the fans (411) is arranged to provide cooling air to the air relief volume (405).

8. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air deflection surface of at least one of the air deflection elements (440) is flat.

9. The system (1) according to claim 8, wherein an angle of attack (a) between the air deflection surface of at least one of the air deflection elements (440) and the flow direction of the released cooling air is an acute angle.

10. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one of the air deflection elements (440) is a fin.

11. The system (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the cooler system (404) further comprises at least one baffle (450) arranged opposite the evaporator unit (410) and outside the storage volume (400).

12. The system (1) according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the baffles (450) deflects the released cooling air downwards.

13. The system (1) according to claim 12, wherein the air deflection surface of at least one baffle (450) is curved.

14. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the air deflection elements (440) is rotatable about its longitudinal axis.

15. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the air deflection elements (440) is provided with vibration damping means.

16. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the air deflection elements (440) bridges adjacent vertical members (102).

17. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a subgroup (460) of a plurality of the air deflection elements (440) consists of all air deflection elements (440) bridging adjacent vertical members (102).

18. The system (1) according to claim 17, wherein the chiller system (404) comprises at least one group (470) of a plurality of the air deflection elements (440) comprising a plurality of consecutively arranged sub-groups (460) of a plurality of the air deflection elements (440).

19. The system (1) according to claim 18, wherein the rotational position of the air deflection element (440) in the group (470) of a plurality of said air deflection elements (440) located closest is dependent on the velocity profile of the released cooling air.

20. The system (1) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the rotational position of an air deflection element (440) in a group (470) of a plurality of said air deflection elements depends on the rotational position of an air deflection element in a previous group (470) of a plurality of said air deflection elements (440).

21. The system (1) according to claim 17, wherein two air deflection elements (440) in a subgroup (460) of a plurality of said air deflection elements have different rotational positions.

22. The system (1) according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the cooler system (404) comprises a group (470) of a plurality of air deflection elements (440) only in an upper section of the air release volume (405).

23. The system (1) according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the cooler system (404) comprises a group (470) of a plurality of the air deflection elements (440) only in a proximal section of the air release volume (405).

24. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an insulation (2) is associated with the vertically extending member (102), said insulation being arranged below the horizontal rail (110) to thermally insulate the rail (110).

25. The system (1) according to claim 24, wherein the vertically extending member (102) is made of an aluminium alloy and the insulation (2) is composed of an insulation material having a thermal conductivity of less than 20W/mK.

26. The system (1) according to claim 25, wherein the insulating material is a synthetic polymer or wood.

27. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one edge of the vertically extending member (102) is associated with two mutually parallel flanges (480) extending in a plane perpendicular to a plane in which the edge of the vertically extending member (102) lies, wherein the width of the air deflecting element (440) does not exceed a distance between the two mutually parallel flanges (480).

28. The system (1) according to claim 27, wherein the vertically extending member (102) has a quadrangular cross section and each corner of the vertically extending member (102) is associated with two mutually perpendicular flanges (480).

29. A method of cooling a storage volume (400) in a grid-based automated storage and retrieval system (1), the method comprising:

-providing a frame structure (100) comprising a vertically extending member (102) and comprising a grid of horizontal rails (110) provided at the upper end of the vertical member (102),

-providing a storage volume (400) arranged below the horizontal rail (110),

providing an air release volume (405) arranged below the horizontal rail (110) and above the storage volume (400),

-providing at least one air deflection element (440) in the air release volume (405),

-releasing cooling air into the air release volume (405), and

-deflecting the released cooling air downwards by means of at least one of said air deflecting elements (440).

30. A method of installing a chiller system (404) in a grid-based automated storage and retrieval system (1), the method comprising:

-providing an evaporator unit (410) with a fan for releasing cooling air into an air release volume (405) arranged below a horizontal rail (110) of the storage and retrieval system (1) and above a storage volume (400) of the storage and retrieval system, and

-arranging at least one air deflecting element (440) in the air release volume (405) between two adjacent vertically extending members (102).

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising:

-providing at least one baffle (450) arranged opposite the evaporator unit (410) and located outside the storage volume (400).