Automated storage and retrieval system, a method of operating the system and a multi trolley vehicle

Abstract

An automated storage and retrieval system that includes a rail system that includes a first set of parallel tracks, arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of parallel tracks, arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction; a plurality of stacks of storage containers arranged in storage columns located beneath the rail system, each storage column is located vertically below a grid opening; and a trolley for transporting the storage containers between the storage columns and at least one deployment area. The first and second sets of tracks form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane including a plurality of adjacent grid cells, each grid cell including a grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring tracks of the first set of tracks and a pair of neighboring tracks of the second set of track. The trolley is movable on any rail including: on the rail system or in a horizontal plane above or below the rail system, on dedicated transport rails between the rail system and the deployment area, on a double rail above or below the rail system or combinations thereof. The deployment area provides direct access to an area outside the grid pattern formed by the first and second sets of tracks. The trolley provides a container volume for storing at least one of the storage containers. The trolley includes moving devices allowing movement of the trolley in at least one of the first direction and the second direction.