Expansion joint, system and method for connecting regions of a rail-based grid storage system

An expansion joint for connecting regions of a rail-based grid storage system, the expansion joint comprising:

• a first rail element and a second rail element, the rail elements being elongate and configured to slide relative to one another in a longitudinal direction in a junction area where they overlap,
• the expansion joint having a profiled upper surface that defines one or more tracks for supporting container handling vehicles, the or each track extending from the first rail element through the junction area to the second rail element, wherein in the junction area, each rail element provides a portion of the or each track of the profiled upper surface so that there is a transition extending along the expansion joint from the first rail element to the second rail element for the or each track,
• wherein the expansion joint comprises a first and a second track, and wherein the portions of the tracks each form dividing lines running along a center of the first and second tracks, respectively, and
• wherein the first or second rail element of the expansion joint comprises a pivot connection arrangement forming a link, the link being able to span a gap between the first and second rail elements, the pivot connection arrangement allowing the link to be pivoted between a non-connected position where the first and second rail elements of the expansion joint are not connected together and a connected position where the first and second rail elements of the expansion joint are connected together by the link and forms the junction area between the first or second rail element and the link.