EP4588621A1

EP4588621A1 - Workstand

Info

Publication number: EP4588621A1
Application number: EP24153038.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Staffan HÖRNLUND
Original assignee: Autostore Technology AS
Current assignee: Autostore Technology AS
Priority date: 2024-01-22
Filing date: 2024-01-22
Publication date: 2025-07-23
Also published as: WO2025157504A1

Abstract

A workstand comprising: a set of individual platforms for supporting a user. Each platform is movable between a storage position and a usable position. In the usable position, each platform is arranged at a different height above the floor.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a workstand which is adjustable in height, a workbench incorporating such a workstand and an automated storage and retrieval system comprising such a workstand or workbench.

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 Y 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 201b, 201c, 301b, 301c,401b,401c which enable the lateral movement of the container handling vehicles 201,301,401 in the X direction and in the Y direction, respectively. In Figs. 2, 3 and 4 two wheels in each set are fully visible. The first set of wheels 201b,301b,401b is arranged to engage with two adjacent rails of the first set 110 of rails, and the second set of wheels 201c,301c,401c is arranged to engage with two adjacent rails of the second set 111 of rails. At least one of the sets of wheels 201b, 201c, 301b,301c,401b,401c can be lifted and lowered, so that the first set of wheels 201b,301b,401b and/or the second set of wheels 201c,301c,401c can be engaged with the respective set of rails 110, 111 at any one time.
Each prior art container handling vehicle 201,301,401 also comprises a lifting device 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 / engaging devices which are adapted to engage a storage container 106, and which gripping / engaging devices can be lowered from the vehicle 201,301,401 so that the position of the gripping / engaging devices with respect to the vehicle 201,301,401 can be adjusted in a third direction Z 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=o, and each storage column 105 can be identified by its X and Y coordinates. Thus, the storage containers shown in Fig. 1 extending above the rail system 108 are also said to be arranged in layer Z=0.
The storage volume of the framework structure 100 has often been referred to as a grid 104, where the possible storage positions within this grid are referred to as storage cells. Each storage column may be identified by a position in an X- and Y-direction, while each storage cell may be identified by a container number in the X-, Y- and Z-direction.
Each prior art container handling vehicle 201,301,401 comprises a storage compartment or space for receiving and stowing a storage container 106 when transporting the storage container 106 across the rail system 108. The storage space may comprise a cavity arranged internally within the vehicle body 201a,401a 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 WO2014/090684A1 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.
For handling storage containers in such access stations, ports, or picking and stocking stations of an automated storage and retrieval system, a user stands next to a workbench to handle the products on a worksurface of the workbench from inside the containers.
The workbench may comprise a worksurface, which is arranged to support things to be handled by a user, while the user is standing next to the worksurface on the floor (on which the base arrangement is prepared to support the workbench) and which, preferably, is arranged horizontally at a height typically between 80 cm and 110 cm above the floor. Thus the workbench is designed to allow a user of a certain body height to stand next to the workbench on the floor and to work with their hands on the worksurface.
Users of the workbench can be of different heights. This results in difficulties to handle products ergonomically on top of the worksurface, when the worksurface's height does not fit properly with the height of the user.
The present seeks to address or ameliorate at least to a certain extent, the problems associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY

The invention is directed to a workstand, which can be used with a workbench of an access station or port or picking and stocking station of an automated storage and retrieval system as described in the introduction.
According to a first aspect, there is provided a workstand comprising: a set of individual platforms for supporting a user, wherein each platform is movable between a storage position and a usable position and wherein in the usable position, each platform is arranged at a different height above a floor.
The usable position is located next to the workbench so that a user can stand on the platform while working with his hands on the worksurface of the workbench. The workstand would typically rest directly on the floor or could be supported at a predetermined spacing from the floor for example to allow for cleaning under the workstand.
Optionally, a guiding arrangement is provided to guide an individual platform between its storage and its usable position.
The platforms and/or the guiding arrangement is arranged such that, in the usable position, the platforms of the set are located horizontally at different heights above the floor, preferably each of the platforms at its own different height. Thus, the respective platforms are prepared to allow a respective less tall user (of respectively less body height) to stand, in the usable position, on the platform - the height of which above the floor (or in other words, the depth of which below the worksurface) provides for an ergonomic height of the worksurface above this respective platform, for a user of this respective body height - and thus to work on the worksurface in an ergonomically comfortable manner. In other words, platforms can be chosen from the set and then can be moved, preferably by means of the guiding arrangement, from the storing position to the usable position. As a remark, the smaller the user is, the higher the platform's height above the floor should be chosen to take advantage of the solution according to the invention.
Optionally, the guiding arrangement comprises guides such as rails, runners or telescopic arms to allow generally linear movement of an individual platform between its storage position and its usable position. The guiding arrangement may comprise pairs of guides which may serve to ensure the platforms are laterally fixed or stable as they move between the storage and usable position. Guides may be provided on each platform, for example, the longitudinal edges of each platform. The guides may act between adjacent platforms or between the platforms and a frame at least partially surrounding the platforms.
Optionally, the guiding arrangement comprises a hinge or pivot about which an individual platform may rotate between its storage position and its usable position. The platforms may move in a horizontal plane about the hinge or pivot or may be tilted into the usable position.
Optionally, an individual platform is arranged horizontally in its storage position.
Optionally, an individual platform is arranged generally vertically or upright at an angle of between 80° and 100° in its storage position. Such an arrangement may be useful where there is limited floor space.
When vertical, the stored platforms are arranged and in parallel next to each other, vertically or upright at an angle of preferably between 80° and 100° to the horizontal floor.
Optionally, the workstand comprises two or more, preferably three or more individual platforms. The number of platforms may be chosen to provide adjustment for a range of users of different heights.
Optionally, an individual platform includes a handle for operation by a user in order to move an individual platform between its storage and its usable position. Movement may be manual or the platforms may be driven by means of a motor and gear drive.
Optionally, an individual platform is independently self-supporting when in its usable position. For example, the guiding means may provide sufficient support to allow a platform to extend on its own to the usable position and maintain a stable support for a user.
Optionally, when an individual platform is in its usable position, it is supported by one or more underlying platforms.
Optionally, wherein in their storage position, at least some of the platforms are stacked coextensively adjacent or upon each other.
Stacked upon each other means that the platforms being of a flat shape lay above each other, preferably supporting the respective next one above by contacting it from underneath. Most preferably, the shape of the platforms comprises a plane surface on its upper side (which then is the surface for a user to stand upon and therefor may carry according patterns for better grip to prevent slipping) and, preferably then as well, a plane lowermost structure, for instance a rim or a whole plane-shaped underside - being parallel to the plane surface on the upper side. Preferably the platforms have the same outer contour, preferably a rectangular one - when "stacked upon each other" then preferably means that the platforms lay above each other with their contours covering each other.
Optionally, locking means are provided for locking an individual platform in either or both of its storage or useable positions. The locking means could for example be bolts or latches which engage the platform to prevent inadvertent movement.
According to a second aspect, there is provided a workbench comprising a workstand according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the set of individual platforms are positioned under the workbench when in their storage position. This advantageously allows a workbench to be usable ergonomically by users of different heights with the platforms being stored, preferably fully, under the workbench.
In the storage position, the platforms may be stacked upon each other - and this most preferably underneath the workbench. In the latter case, the platforms are prepared to be moved - pulled out from the storage position - like a drawer into the usable position (manually by means of a handle or driven by means of a motor and gear drive). In other words, then the platforms are linearly moveable in a horizontal direction or (substantially) parallel to the plane of the worksurface.
Optionally, the workbench is an access station or port or picking and stocking station of an automated storage and retrieval system. The workbench may be provided with an access opening to access containers delivered to the workbench.
According to a third aspect, there is provided an automated storage and retrieval system comprising a workstand according to the first aspect or any optional feature or a workbench according to the second aspect of any optional feature. The adaptability of the workstand for different users can facilitate the ability for users of different sizes to effectively work at a workbench.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a framework structure of a prior art automated storage and retrieval system.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle having 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 is a side view of an access station of an automated storage and retrieval system comprising a workstand comprising a set of platforms in their storage position.
Fig. 5b and c are side views of the access station of Fig. 5a with the set of platforms in two alternative usable positions.
Fig. 6a is a side view of an alternative access station of an automated storage and retrieval system comprising a workstand comprising an alternative set of platforms in their storage position.
Fig. 6b and c are side views of the access station of Fig. 6a with the set of platforms in two alternative usable positions.
Fig. 7a is a side view of an alternative access station of an automated storage and retrieval system comprising a workstand comprising an alternative set of platforms in their storage position.
Fig. 7b is a side view of the access station of Fig. 7a with the set of platforms in a usable position.
Fig. 8a is a perspective view of a workbench with a workstand comprising a set of platforms in a stored position.
Fig. 8b. is a perspective view of the workbench of Fig. 8a with the platforms in a stepped arrangement.
Fig. 8c is a perspective view of the workbench of Figs. 8a and 8b. with a user standing on an extended platform.
Fig. 9a is a perspective view of a workbench with a workstand comprising a set of platforms in a stored position.
Fig. 9b. is a perspective view of the workbench of Fig. 9a with the platforms in a stepped arrangement.
Fig. 9c is a perspective view of the workbench of Figs. 9a and 9b. with a user standing on an extended platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following, embodiments of the invention will be discussed in more detail with reference to the appended drawings. It should be understood, however, that the drawings are not intended to limit the invention to the subject-matter depicted in the drawings.
Figures 5 to 7 show an access station 2 of an automated storage and retrieval system 1 as described in the introduction - having a base arrangement 4 prepared to support the access station, which in the example is in the form of a workbench 2 on which containers (not shown) of the system 1 can be handled by users on a horizontal floor 6. In the example, the base arrangement 4 is an arrangement of feet 4, the bearing surfaces of the feet lie in one plane, in the Figures formed by the floor 6.
Further, the workbench 2 comprises a worksurface 8, which is arranged to support items (not shown) to be handled by a user, while the user is standing next to the worksurface which is arranged horizontally at a fixed height above the floor. Thus, the workbench is configured to allow a user (not shown) of a certain body height to stand next to the workbench 2 (in its respective arrangement of Fig. 5a, 6a and 7a when no platforms are extended) on the floor 6 and to work on the worksurface 8 in an ergonomically comfortable manner.
The example workbench of Figs. 5a to 5c, comprises a workstand 3 comprising a set of individual platforms 10, which in the embodiment are planar and generally rectangular in form. Each of the individual platforms 10 is guided by a guiding arrangement 12 to be movable between a storage position as shown in Fig. 5a under or within the workbench and a usable position such as shown in Figs. 5b and 5c. Depending on the height of a user, an appropriate platform 10' may be extended to a usable position such that a user may stand next to the workbench at an appropriate height. Each individual platform, when in a usable position is located extended next to the workbench 2 so that a user (not shown) can stand on the platform 10' in its usable position while working manually on the worksurface 8 of the workbench 2.
A guiding arrangement 12 is provided such that, in the usable position, the different platforms 10' of the set are maintained horizontally at different heights above the floor, each of the platforms 10' at its own different height as shown in Figs. 5a and 5b. The guiding arrangement 12 may comprise guides such as rails, telescopic arms or other guiding means to allow the platforms to be extended relative to the workbench. The guiding arrangement 12 may for example be arranged between the planar surfaces of the platform or between opposing sides of the platforms and a workbench or frame to allow linear movement between the storage and useable positions. Guides such as a hinge or pivot axis may instead be provided allowing the platforms to rotate horizontally into their usable position. The guiding arrangement may also include legs or other support means which support a platform on the floor when extended, such as shown in Fig. 5b. Pairs of guides may be provided which can ensure that the platforms maintain alignment with one another and a workbench with which they may be associated as they move between the storage and usable position. The guiding arrangement 12 can also serve to provide lateral stability to the platforms 10 when in the usable position so that a fixed and safe working platform is provided for a user to stand on. Locking means may also be provided to lock the respective platforms either in their storage position and/or extended position. Thus, the respective platforms 10, when positioned in their respective usable position, are prepared to allow a respective less tall user (of respectively less body height - not shown) to stand, in the usable position, on the platform 10' - the height of which above the floor provides for an ergonomic height of the worksurface 8 above this respective platform 10', for a user of this respective body height - and thus to work on the worksurface 8 in an ergonomically comfortable manner.
In other words, platforms 10 can be chosen from the set in the storage position of Fig. 5a and then can be moved, by means of the guiding arrangement 12, from the storing position to the usable position (Fig. 5 b and c). As a remark, the smaller a user is, the higher the platform's height above the floor should be chosen to take advantage of this arrangement.
Different embodiments of the arrangement of the platforms 10 both in the storage and the usable position, will now be described.
In the storage position of Fig. 5a, the platforms 10 of the workstand 3 are stacked coextensively upon each other underneath the workbench 2. In this embodiment, the platforms 10 are configured to be moved - pulled out from the storage position - like a drawer into the usable position of Fig. 5b or c (manually, for example, using a handle, or by means of a motor and gear drive - not shown).
In the embodiment of Fig. 5b the platforms 10 are configured to be pulled out singly (as one platform 10' is shown accordingly), with each platform being self-supporting for example with the guiding arrangement 12 supporting the platform 10' on the floor 6 such that only the platform of the desired height may be extended. As an alternative, as shown in Fig 5c, when extended, a platform 10' is stacked upon the other platforms below it in order that the platform of the desired height is suitably supported.
Figs. 6a to 6c show an alternative arrangement to that of Figs. 5a to 5c where the set of platforms 10, in the storage position of Fig. 6a, is stacked upon each other at a location away from the workbench 2 - and next to the area where a user (not shown) is meant to stand while handling items (not shown) on the worksurface 8.
Apart their location being separate to the workbench 2, the platforms 10 of the workstand 3 operate in a similar manner to the platforms of Figs. 5a - 5c. In Fig. 6a, the platforms 10 are shown in their storage positions stacked upon one another.
As with the platforms 10 of Figs. 5a to 5c, the platforms 10 are configured to be moved - pulled out from the storage position of Fig. 6a (only in this embodiment located away from the workbench 2 and not located underneath the workbench 2 as according to Fig. 5) -like a drawer into the usable position of Fig. 6b or c (manually, for example using a handle, or by means of a motor and gear drive - not shown).
In the embodiment of Fig. 6b the platforms 10 are configured to be pulled out singly (as one platform 10' is shown accordingly), with each platform being self-supporting for example with the guiding arrangement 12 supporting the platform 10' on the floor 6 such that only the platform of the desired height may be extended. As an alternative, as shown in Fig 6c, when extended, a platform 10' is stacked upon the other platforms below it in order that the platform of the desired height is suitably supported.
As an alternative, the stack of platforms 10 can be arranged to be stored vertically as shown in Fig. 7a. The platforms 10 in this embodiment are arranged in parallel next to each other, vertically or upright at an angle of 90° to the horizontal floor 6. One or more of the platforms 10 are configured to be tilted or rotated about guiding arrangement 12, here a pivot or hinge, into a usable position Fig. 7b (again manually or by means of a motor drive - not shown). A desired height of the platforms is their usable position may be achieved by pivoting a suitable number of platforms 10.
In the embodiment of Fig. 7a in the usable position of Fig. 7b, the platforms 10' are stacked upon each other - and the respectively lower platform may (but not necessarily must) support the respective next one above (as it is the case in the shown embodiment).
Figs. 8a to 8c and 9a to 9c show slight variations to the arrangement as shown in Figs. 5a to 5c.
In Fig. 8a, a workbench 2 is shown with an access opening 13 on the worksurface 8. In use, the access opening 13 allows a user access, for example, to containers delivered to the workbench 2. The workbench 2 has a workstand 3 comprising a set of three individual platforms 10 arranged in their storage position under the workbench 2. It will be understood that that any number of platforms may be provided depending on the degree of adjustment required. The platforms may each be of the same thickness or may be of different thicknesses. Each of the platforms has a handle 14 for extending one or more of the platforms to a usable position.
In Fig. 8b, the platforms 10 are shown in a staggered extended state. Such a configuration may allow for gradual, stepped access to the uppermost platform 10 upon which a user will stand in use. The guiding arrangement 12 is provided on the longitudinal opposing side edges of each platform 10 and may for example comprise rails. The guiding arrangement can serve to maintain alignment between the platforms 10 and the workstation 2 to allow for a stable and fixed platform for a user..
Fig 8c, shows the middle platform 10' in an extended usable position with a user/operator 15 at the desired height with respect to the worksurface 8 of the workbench 2. The guiding arrangement 12 may allow for a cantilevered configuration of a platform 10' without additional support.
In Fig. ga, a workbench 2 is shown with an access opening 13 on the worksurface 8. In use, the access opening 13 allows a user access, for example, to containers delivered to the workbench 2. The workbench 2 has a workstand 3 comprising a set of three platforms 10 arranged in their storage position under the workbench 2. It will be understood that that any number of platforms may be provided. The platforms may each be of the same thickness or may be of different thicknesses. Each of the platforms has a handle 14 for extending one or more of the platforms to a usable position.
In Fig. 9b, the platforms 10 are shown in a staggered extended state. Such a configuration may allow for gradual, stepped access to the uppermost platform 10 upon which a user will stand in use. The guiding arrangement 12 in this example are extensions extending vertically downwards from the longitudinal opposing side edges of each platform 10, which extend to and rest of the ground in order to support each platform. The extensions can be seen to nest around an adjacent platform. The guiding arrangement can serve to maintain alignment between the platforms 10 and the workstation 2 to allow for a stable and fixed platform for a user.
Fig 9c, shows the middle platform 10' in an extended usable position with a user/operator 15 at the desired height with respect to the worksurface 8 of the workbench 2. The guiding arrangement 12 supports the platform 10' on the ground such that only the desired platform 10' need be extended.
It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other implementations will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific example implementations, it will be recognized that the disclosure is not limited to the implementations described, but can be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1: Automated storage and retrieval system
2: access station; workbench
3: workstand
4: base arrangement; feet
6: floor
8: worksurface
10, 10': platform
10': platform in its usable position
12: guiding arrangement
13: access opening
14: handle
15: user
100: Framework structure
102: Upright members of framework structure
104: Storage grid
105: Storage column
106: Storage container
106': Particular position of storage container
107: Stack
108: Rail system
110: Parallel rails in first direction (X)
112: Access opening
119: First port column
120: Second port column
201: Prior art container handling vehicle
201a: Vehicle body of the container handling vehicle 201
201b: Drive means / wheel arrangement / first set of wheels in first direction (X)
201c: Drive means / wheel arrangement / second set of wheels in second direction (Y)
301: Prior art cantilever container handling vehicle
301a: Vehicle body of the container handling vehicle 301
301b: Drive means / first set of wheels in first direction (X)
301c: Drive means / second set of wheels in second direction (Y)
304: Gripping device
401: Prior art container handling vehicle
401a: Vehicle body of the container handling vehicle 401
401b: Drive means / first set of wheels in first direction (X)
401c: Drive means / second set of wheels in second direction (Y)
404: Gripping device
404a: Lifting band
404b: Gripper
404c: Guide pin
404d: Lifting frame
500: Control system
X: First direction
Y: Second direction
Z: Third direction

Claims

A workstand (3) comprising:
a set of individual platforms (10, 10') for supporting a user, wherein each platform (10') is movable between a storage position (10) and a usable position (10') and

wherein in the usable position, each platform is arranged at a different height above a floor.
A workstand according to claim 1, wherein a guiding arrangement is provided to guide an individual platform between its storage and its usable position.
A workstand according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guiding arrangement comprises guides such as rails, runners or telescopic arms to allow generally linear movement of an individual platform between its storage position and its usable position.
A workstand according to any preceding claim, wherein the guiding arrangement comprises a hinge or pivot about which an individual platform may rotate between its storage position and its usable position.
A workstand according to any preceding claiim, wherein an individual platform is arranged horizontally in its storage position.
A workstand according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein an individual platform is arranged generally vertically or upright at an angle of between 80° and 100° in its storage position.
A workstand according to any preceding claim, wherein the workstand comprises two or more, preferably three or more individual platforms.
A workstand according to any preceding claim, wherein an individual platform includes a handle for operation by a user in order to move an individual platform between its storage and its usable position.
A workstand according to any preceding claim, wherein an individual platform is independently self-supporting when in its usable position.
A workstand accordinig to any preceding claim, wherein when an individual platform is in its usable position, it is supported by one or more underlying platforms.
A workstand according to any preceding claim, wherein in their storage position, at least some of the platforms (10) are stacked coextensively adjacent or upon each other.
A workstand according to any preceding claim, wherein locking means are provided for locking an individual platform in either or both of its storage or useable positions.
A workbench comprising a workstand according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the set of individual platforms are positioned under the workbench when in their storage position.
A workbench (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the workbench is an access station or port or picking and stocking station of an automated storage and retrieval system (1).
An automated storage and retrieval system (1) comprising a workstand (3) according to any of claims 1 to 12 or a workbench (2) according to claim 13 or 14.