Dual carriage access station for an automated storage and retrieval system and a method for using same

Abstract

An access station, which is for presentation of a storage container from an automated storage and retrieval system to a picker, has a receiving area for receiving storage containers, forward of the receiving area a picking position for picking products from the storage container. The access station includes a guiding frame, a primary carriage, and a secondary carriage. The guiding frame is arranged in a horizontal plane and extends between the picking position and the receiving area. The primary carriage, which is for transporting a storage container, includes a primary carriage base, a primary carriage displacement motor, a first storage container support, and a transfer device. The primary carriage base is movable along the guiding frame. The primary carriage displacement motor is configured to move the primary carriage along the guiding frame. The first storage container support is connected to the primary carriage base. The transfer device is for displacement of a storage container positioned on the first storage container support. The secondary carriage, which is for transporting a storage container, includes a secondary carriage base, a secondary carriage displacement motor, and a second storage container support. The secondary carriage base is movable along the guiding frame. The secondary carriage displacement motor is configured to move the secondary carriage along the guiding frame. The second storage container support is connected to the secondary carriage base. The secondary carriage is configured to receive a storage container being displaced from the primary carriage by the transfer device.