Automated storage and retrieval system comprising a relay module and a method of operating such a system

A plurality of relay modules for relaying storage containers between a port column and an access station, each relay module being adapted for arrangement below the port column, and wherein each relay module comprises:

• a port station for receiving storage containers dropped off from and to be picked up through the port column,
• a first conveyor and a second conveyor, arranged at a side of the port station,
• the first conveyor being adapted to transport storage containers to an access station,
• the second conveyor being adapted for transporting storage containers from the access station, and
• a lateral displacement device that is arranged for transporting storage containers between the port station and the first conveyor, and between the second conveyor and the port station,
• wherein the plurality of relay modules are arranged in series, and
• wherein the respective first conveyors of each of the plurality of relay modules cooperate to form a first continuous conveyor, and the respective second conveyors of each of the plurality of relay modules cooperate to form a second continuous conveyor.

A method of operating an automated storage and retrieval system, the automated storage and retrieval system comprising:

• a track system comprising 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 which is orthogonal to the first direction, which first and second sets of tracks form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane comprising a plurality of adjacent grid cells, each comprising a grid opening defined by a pair of neighbouring tracks of the first set of tracks and a pair of neighbouring tracks of the second set of tracks;
• a plurality of stacks of storage containers arranged in storage columns located beneath the track system, wherein each storage column is located vertically below a grid opening;
• a plurality of container handling vehicles for lifting and moving storage containers stacked in the stacks, each container handling vehicle being configured to move on the track system above the storage columns,
• a plurality of relay modules, each relay module comprising:
• one port station arranged at a lower end of a port column, a first conveyor and a second conveyor arranged at a side of the port station, and a lateral displacement device arranged for transport storage containers between the port station and the first conveyor, and between the port station and the second conveyor, wherein the method comprises:
• transporting the storage containers between the storage columns and the port column;
• utilising the lateral displacement device, transporting storage containers from the port station to the first conveyor, and transporting storage containers from the second conveyor to the port station;
• utilising the first conveyor, transporting storage containers from the relay module to an access station;
• and
• utilising the second conveyor, transporting storage containers from the access station to the relay module;
• and
• arranging in the track system, the plurality of relay modules and adjoining the respective first conveyors and the respective second conveyors of each of the plurality of relay modules in series such that the respective first conveyors form a first continuous conveyor, and the respective second conveyors form a second continuous conveyor.