DE102005046821A1 - Horizontal circular storage system for goods, has horizontal conveying device attached to pair of storage levels, where storage goods supports in one level of pair are driven in opposite direction to support in other level of pair - Google Patents

Abstract

The system (1) has a storage area (2) with storage levels (5) that lie on top of each other, and storage goods supports (6) arranged in series in the levels. The area is located between two vertical conveying devices (3, 4), where the levels are connected in the vertical direction by the vertical devices. A horizontal conveying device (8) moves the supports in the direction of the vertical devices. The horizontal device is attached to a pair of levels, and the supports in one of the storage levels of the pair are driven in an opposite direction to the support in the other level of the pair.

Description

The The invention relates to a horizontal circulation storage system for storage by means of storage goods carriers stored goods, with a storage area that has several superimposed, Has horizontally extending storage levels, in each of which several load-carriers are arranged one behind the other, with two vertical conveyors, between where the storage area is located and which the storage levels connect in the vertical direction, with horizontal conveyors, each associated with a storage level and by which the goods carriers in the storage levels in the direction of the vertical conveyors movable are.

A horizontal conveyor in this embodiment is for example from the DE 101 57 121 A1 known. In this document, a storage and material flow system is shown and described, arranged in which a shelf with a plurality of successively arranged storage bins between a paternoster system and a rear support unit. The paternoster system is intended to enable a rapid redeployment of stored goods in the flow rack.

For practical application, however, the degree of utilization of the storage system of DE 101 57 121 A1 too small, because the rear support unit and the paternoster system together take up too much space that can not be used for storage. In addition, in the storage system of DE 101 57 121 A1 quick access is only guaranteed if the paternoster system allows a fast circulation of the load-carriers. However, such a fast-running paternoster system is structurally very complex, especially for heavy stored goods.

A similar storage system is from the DE 199 35 742 A1 known. In this storage system, a supply storage in the form of a paternoster system is arranged in front of the storage area. Above the storage area runs in the horizontal direction, a storage and retrieval device in the form of a traverse. For practical applications, especially in modern automated warehouses, this system has too long access times to any storage location within the storage area.

Finally, out of the DE 40 33 184 A1 a storage system is known in which the individual storage levels are each part of a paternoster system. The stored goods are laterally stored side by side in the storage levels and outsourced. The storage levels are over with the paternoster. This system is difficult to adapt to different warehousing requirements, and the access times for use in fully automated systems are too long.

Of the Invention is therefore based on the object, a storage system of to improve the type mentioned above so that with good use of space fast and automated access to any storage locations can take place.

These Task is according to the invention for the horizontal circulation storage system of the type mentioned solved in that a control unit provided is and that the storage system designed by the control unit in a state convertible is in the two storage levels and the two vertical conveyors in pairs in opposite directions are driven and a horizontal circulation for the load-carrier on the form two storage levels and the vertical conveyors.

These solution has the advantage that by the anywhere in the storage area formable horizontal circulation a quick access to any goods carriers can take place in the storage area. The storage and retrieval of stored goods thus becomes easier to automate and faster. In particular designed according to the invention Horizontal circulation storage system for a chaotic storage system suitable, in which the control unit assign the goods to a load-carrier. The storage levels are immovable in the vertical direction.

The The above object is further according to the invention solved by a method of accessing a particular, stored product goods carriers a storage system in which the load-carriers for storage and / or retrieval one behind the other in each case one above the other Storage levels are moved. To be fast on the particular goods carrier To access, a horizontal circulation of goods carriers is formed, in which the load-carrier through at least two storage levels in opposite directions essentially horizontal and at the two ends of the storage levels in opposing Direction substantially perpendicular circulate until a Vertikalför dereinrichtung on the specific goods carrier can access. Subsequently becomes the specific goods carrier by means of the vertical conveyor promoted to a deployment station. At the staging station is the loader carrier for one Access from outside of the storage system ready so that stored goods at this point in the goods carriers on or off the load-carrier can be outsourced.

Through a series of independent from each other Advantageous developments that can be combined with each other, the solution of the invention can be further improved. These developments are described below.

Around the horizontal circulation at any point in the storage area with It is an advantage if any storage levels can be created Storage level each having its own drive, preferably independently from the drive of the other storage levels is designed operable. Though could one also the horizontal conveyors multiple, for example, a pair of, storage levels to one couple coupling, but then are for the opposite movement any combinations of storage levels to produce a horizontal circulation complex Coupling and transmission circuits necessary.

As well It is advantageous if the two vertical conveyors each one independent Drive have. This embodiment is particularly possible, that is a vertical conveyor the loader carrier intended for provision to the staging station promotes while the other vertical conveyor already moved to the storage levels, the horizontal circulation for the next to Provision to provide specific goods carriers. Such a movement would be at a central drive for both vertical devices only with complex couplings and gearboxes to realize.

The Synchronization of the individual drives of the horizontal conveyors and / or the vertical conveyors can be done by the control unit or by mechanical coupling.

at the storage system according to the invention are the vertical conveyors especially einhechtig or one column trained, so that at a time only one movement in one direction at each end of the storage levels is possible. By this configuration Space is saved that is made available to the storage area can be. The space utilization is thus more efficient.

Around arbitrarily wide load-carriers without big ones Modifications of the basic structure of the horizontal circulation storage system to be able to process It is advantageous if the horizontal conveyors and / or the vertical conveyors each at the two lateral, transverse ends the goods carrier to act on these. This can be done easily, for example be achieved in that on the side walls of the horizontal circulation storage system each funding are mounted, which with the sides of the load-carrier in engagement reach. In this embodiment, the embodiment of the remains side walls independently from the width of the load-carriers and the horizontal circulation storage system can be different by changing the distance of the side walls wide load-carriers be adjusted.

The individual storage levels in a further advantageous embodiment in each case by a Rail system be formed, wherein the load-carriers of a Storage level on the rail system of this storage level horizontally movable support. A rail system allows a structure of the horizontal circulation storage system with less material without significant restrictions in the payloads. The rails can in particular in pairs on both sides of the storage area, on the sides of the storage system, be arranged so that the load-carriers on both lateral ends supported are.

to horizontally movable support the goods carrier can The storage levels in particular roles are used, for example may be formed on the rail system, wherein the rail system Roller rails may include.

As well can in an advantageous embodiment, the vertical conveyor devices Transport levels, for example in the form of a rail system. On the individual transport levels, the load-carriers in vertical Be transported direction. To move the load carrier from a storage level the vertical conveyor to convict the goods carrier in this embodiment only from one storage level to the transport level, which is particularly easy when using track systems. The rail system of the vertical conveyors may in particular correspond to the rail system of the storage levels and include, for example, roller rails. The transport levels can be rigidly coupled with each other for simultaneous transport several load-carriers to allow in the vertical direction.

The vertical conveyors may further comprise a circulating traction mechanism, wherein on the traction means, the transport planes may be mounted. In particular, in this embodiment, the transport planes may be formed by a plurality of arranged on the traction means, superimposed rails whose distance in the vertical direction preferably corresponds to the distance between the rails of the storage levels. In this way, a faster transport of the load-carriers, in particular when forming the horizontal circulation is possible because when moving the vertical conveyor to a bearing plane distance again all the rails of the storage level and the vertical conveyor aligned. When making Therefore, the horizontal conveyor, the vertical conveyor must therefore only be driven in one direction without reversal of motion and not in each case go back and forth between the storage levels involved in the horizontal circulation of the horizontal circulation, in which a storage goods carrier of a storage level must be transported to another storage level.

Around on the vertical conveyors size To bear loads can the rails arranged below the rails, vertically on a support surface running Supported rollers be that by loading the rails in substantially horizontal Direction are pressed on the support surface. The support surface can in particular of a vertically extending in the field of vertical conveyors tread be formed on the sides of the storage system.

The handover of goods carriers between the storage levels and the transport levels to the vertical conveyor can be simplified by the fact that the load-carriers with Couplings are provided, through which the load-carriers of a storage level transmitting a horizontal force and solvable coupled to each other. In this embodiment, the driving force for moving the load-carriers at any point in the storage level in only one goods carriers be initiated to the load-carriers of a storage level together to move. Through the coupling, the movement of a load-carrier on the remaining goods carriers transferred to a storage level. About the remaining load carriers can then the respectively located at one end of the storage level engaged engaged goods carriers pushed onto a transport plane, the vertical conveyor or be moved from this to the storage level.

When Clutch for the goods carriers can in an advantageous development by a vertical movement two mutually coupled storage goods carrier relative to each other releasably designed mechanical coupling can be used. In a simple way this can be done be realized by a mounted on a load-carrier Coupling tab in the direction of the storage level a trained accordingly Coupling tab on the other load carrier in the horizontal direction engages by the two coupling tabs in the vertical direction be pushed into each other.

To the Drive the load-carriers a Lagergutebene, the horizontal conveyor a roller chain or a pair or a plurality of laterally mounted roller chains exhibit. You can do this the goods carriers be provided with a coupling element with the roller chain can be brought into engagement. The coupling element can, for example include a tooth profile that meshes with the roller chain. The Use of a roller chain together with a coupling element on the part of the carrier has the advantage that the distance of the load-carriers by the distance of the rollers and the teeth of the tooth profile is predetermined. In this way can the load-carriers do not remove from each other or beat each other while they are engage with the roller chain. In this case can the use of a coupling to the load carriers even be superfluous, since the load-carrier by the traction means are held in predetermined positions to each other.

Besides, you can the load-carriers spacers be provided to determine the distance of the load-carriers of a storage level. are the spacers are made of an elastically compressible material, can Intercepted shocks and damage be avoided with sensitive stored goods. The spacers are preferably provided with vertically extending ramps, Collisions of each located at the end of a storage level goods carriers with the goods carriers in the vertical conveyors to avoid.

in the Operation promotes one of the vertical conveyors the loader carrier intended for provision from its storage goods level to the staging station or from the staging station that storage level determined by the control unit for the carrier is. It can already at the staging station another goods carriers be provided for storage or retrieval while the goods carriers two storage levels in horizontal circulation to access the next to be provided goods carriers circulates. By This measure the access times are reduced again.

In order to further reduce the access times, the load-carrier already located at the supply station can already be picked up by the vertical conveyor, while it conveys the next load-carrier intended for provision from its storage level to the provisioning station. The two load-carriers can preferably be accommodated in different storage levels. From this point on, two load-carriers are transported simultaneously by the vertical conveyor. During transport of the storage goods carrier intended for provision to the provisioning station, the previous storage goods carrier is simultaneously transported away from the provisioning station and is immediately ready for storage after the transfer of the storage goods carrier intended for provision to the provisioning station. For this purpose, the vertical conveyor only needs the previous load carrier to the designated La for him Transporting the energy level. During the next horizontal circulation, the load-carrier is then fed into the storage area.

For access to a new one for deployment at the deployment station certain goods carrier becomes the previous carrier fed into the new horizontal circulation.

Around the horizontal circulation as possible perform quickly, this is preferably performed by two directly superposed Lagergutebenen.

The Storage system is preferably provided with a number of load-carriers, the least of the capacity of the storage area, so that the storage area is fully stocked. In addition, can in each vertical conveyor another Lagergutträ ger be stored to form a horizontal circulation. Another Load carrier can for deployment at the staging station or in one leading to the staging station Vertical conveyor be stored. By this additional load-carrier can the use of the space occupied by the storage system can be improved.

in the Below, the invention will be described with reference to an embodiment with reference to the drawings closer explained. In doing so, as in the above description of the different developments accomplished is, the individual features of these training in any Combination should be omitted if it is in the concrete application on those with these designs associated benefits does not matter.

It demonstrate:

1 a schematic perspective view of a horizontal circulation storage system according to the invention;

2 a further schematic perspective view of the horizontal circulation storage system of 1 ;

3 a schematic perspective view of a detail of the horizontal circulation storage system of 1 ;

4 a schematic perspective view of a load-carrier for the horizontal circulation system of 1 ;

5 a schematic plan view of load-carriers of a storage level;

6 to 11 schematic perspective views of the operation of the storage system according to the invention in the provision of load-carriers at a supply station.

First, the structure of a storage system according to the invention with reference to the 1 described.

The 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a horizontal circulation storage system according to the invention 1 , The horizontal circulation storage system 1 has a storage area 2 on. The storage area 2 lies between two vertical conveyors 3 . 4 extending in the longitudinal direction of the storage area 2 each at its end.

The storage area 2 is in a vertical direction plurality of storage levels 5 divided, each extending in a horizontal direction.

In the horizontal circulation storage system 1 is stored goods, such as assembly parts, tools or goods, in moving goods carriers 6 added. The load-carriers 6 are in the camp levels 5 of the storage area 2 arranged in the horizontal direction one behind the other and extend in the transverse direction preferably over the entire width of the storage area.

The load-carriers 6 are in the individual storage levels 5 by a support means, for example in the form of a rail system 7 held on which the load-carriers 6 Slidably support in the longitudinal direction. The rail system 7 has a plurality of superimposed, horizontally extending rails 7a on, with each storage level 5 by a pair of rails at the two in the transverse direction Q of the storage area 2 lying sides is formed.

Each storage level 5 is a horizontal conveyor 8th assigned by which the load-carriers 6 a storage level in the longitudinal direction L of the storage area, ie in the direction of or away from the vertical conveyors 3 . 4 , are displaceable. The horizontal conveyors 8th can thereby Zugmittelgetriebe 8a have, for example, in the transverse direction on each side of a storage level 5 , in the area of rails 7a , is arranged and extending in the longitudinal direction of the storage area 2 over a part of the storage level, preferably more than half of a storage level, close to the vertical conveyors 3 . 4 extends. In particular, the traction mechanism 8a roller chains 8b on both sides. As further in 1 is shown, each horizontal conveyor 8th or each traction mechanism 8a its own horizontal drive 8c exhibit.

The structure of the two vertical conveyors 3 . 4 is essentially the same, so that in the following example, only the structure of in 1 front vertical conveyor 3 has been received. For the construction, in 1 rear vertical conveyor 4 the following description applies accordingly.

The vertical conveyor 3 connects the longitudinal ends of the storage levels 5 in the vertical direction with each other so that the load-carriers 6 from a storage level 5 to another storage level below or above 5 can be transported. In this case, the vertical conveyor 3 built in one shaft and thus allows the movement of the load-carriers only in one direction. In the embodiment of 1 In addition, only one single load-carrier can be used 6 be received in a transport plane of the vertical conveyor.

The vertical conveyor 3 can have several transport levels one above the other 9 have, in each of which load-carrier 6 are receivable. The transport levels 9 can be from a rail system 10 with rails 10a be formed, in particular identical to the rail system 7 of the storage area 8th can be trained, as in 1 is shown. The distance of the transport planes 9 each other corresponds to the distance between the storage levels 5 ,

The vertical conveyor 3 can also have one or more traction mechanism 11 with one or more traction means 11a have, in which the support means, in particular the rail system 10 , is mounted circumferentially with the traction means. In particular, as with the rail system 7 of the storage area 2 on each side of the storage system 1 a traction mechanism 11a to be appropriate.

The vertical conveyor 3 extends over the entire height of the storage area 2 and is about the length of the traction device 11 with a variety of rails 10a at a distance 12 provided from each other, the preferably constant distance of the rails 7a the individual storage levels 5 equivalent. In this way, the rails are each 7a the warehouse levels 5 of the storage area 2 with the rails 10 the vertical conveying device 3 put into flight when these are at a distance 12 has moved on.

The vertical conveyor 3 includes in particular in the in 1 illustrated embodiment at the two lying in the transverse direction Q sides two vertically arranged traction mechanism 11 in the form of chains or belts which are spaced in the longitudinal direction L and between which the rails 10a extend in a horizontal direction. The load center of the traction mechanism 11 is the inside of the horizontal circulation storage system 1 facing, the empty strand of the outside. These two Zugmittelgetriebe are about a shaft 13 rigidly connected so that they always rotate at the same speed. About another gear 14 , For example, also a traction mechanism, are the traction mechanism 11 on the two transverse sides with each other and with a vertical drive 15 connected. In this case, preferably, each vertical conveyor 3 . 4 a separate vertical drive 15 assigned.

Be the vertical conveyors 3 . 4 actuated, so run the rails 10a with the traction means 11a vertically around. To facilitate this movement when the rail system 10 the vertical conveyor 3 one by the weight of a carrier 6 are loaded, are rolling in the vertical direction roles 16 provided on the rail system, which is located on a vertical tread 17 support. Preferably, on each rail 10a at least one such role 16 below the support surface 17 on which the load-carriers 6 rest, arranged so that they are weighted by the load carrier 6 against the tread 17 be pressed and bear part of the weight load.

To those of the vertical conveyors 3 . 4 be shortened paths and thus shortening the transport times, the number of successively can be arranged in a storage level storage goods carrier be greater than the height of the vertical conveyors, expressed in the number of this height one above the other can be arranged load carrier.

The load-carriers 6 of the horizontal circulation storage system 1 can, as in 1 is shown formed as open-topped container in which stored goods is inserted. However, it is also possible to use flat panels or closed containers.

Each load-carrier is preferably at its one longitudinal direction located end faces with at least one clutch 20 and at least one casserole 21 whose exact function is described in more detail below.

The control of the drives 8c . 15 the horizontal conveyors and vertical conveyors is controlled by a preferably programmable controller 18 , For example, a computer, which also takes over the warehouse management. The control unit 18 controls the drives 8c . 15 independently of each other and selects such a combination of these drives that on any storage product carrier in the storage area 2 can be accessed. Will be used instead of multiple drives 8c . 15 a central drive (or multiple central drives) used, so the control unit 18 also take over the control of the couplings, with which the drive movement of the drive is distributed to the individual storage levels and vertical conveyors.

The 2 shows in a schematic perspective view of the horizontal transfer system of 1 without the load-carriers 6 to explain the structure of the support structure in more detail. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals as in 1 used.

The storage area 2 is through a frame construction 25 formed the storage area 2 surrounds in the transverse direction. The frame construction 25 has several at a distance 26 arranged single frames 25a . 25b on, where the number and the distance 26 the single frame from the length of the storage area 2 in the longitudinal direction and its height and the expected load capacity results. The single frames 25a . 25b are made of four profile beams 27 constructed, wherein in each case a profile carrier at the bottom and on the ceiling of the storage area and a respective profile carrier is arranged on one side of the storage area, so that the storage area 2 from the profiled beams 27 is stretched and enclosed. On the side profile beams 27 are horizontally longitudinally extending side members 28 attached, which the proppant 7 the individual storage levels 5 wear. The drives 8c The horizontal conveyors are preferably on a lateral profile carrier 27 at the warehouse area 2 mounted away from the side. The drives 15 for the vertical conveyors 3 . 4 are on one of the ceiling beams 27 appropriate.

In each case a frame is at the two in the longitudinal direction of the horizontal circulation storage system 1 located ends of the storage area 2 arranged. On the side profile beams 27 these frames are the vertical conveyors 3 . 4 appropriate. The traction mechanism 14 with the rail system 10 and the treads 17 for the roles 16 is pre-assembled to a one-piece module, which is arranged identically on each side in pairs at the end and on the side profile beams 27 is attached. The treads 17 are doing of vertical profile beams 28 formed the weight of the load carrier 6 on the vertical conveyors 3 . 4 and preferably are part of the pre-assembled module.

In 3 is a detail of the lower portion of one side of the vertical conveyor 3 shown in a schematic perspective view. The same reference numerals as above are used.

As in 3 can be seen, the traction means runs 11a in the area of the storage area 2 under a cover facing the interior of the horizontal circulation storage system 30 having a longitudinally-opening gap 31 on the flanks 32 of the traction device 11a , preferably a chain, leaves open. At the mutually facing flanks of the traction device 11a are fasteners 33 attached to the rails 10a with the traction means 11a connect.

The roles 10d the transport levels or the rail system 10 are arranged so that they have a bearing surface 34 for the load-carriers 6 form and in alignment with the bearing surface formed by the rollers of the storage area side rail system 34 can be brought. When circulating the rails 10 with the traction means 11a has the bearing surface 34 on the opposite side of the rail lift down accordingly, as the rails 10a together with the traction means 11a about roles 35 be deflected at the two ends located in the vertical direction of the rail lift.

As in 3 it can also be seen that the rails are 7a of the storage area 2 top with a cover 36 provided, which at a distance above the support surface 34 parallel to the roles 7d of the rail system 7 runs. In this way, extending in the longitudinal direction by a receiving groove 37 formed in the retaining projections 38 , on the lower surfaces of which the load-carriers 6 on the proppant 7 . 10 support, are guided.

The structure of the load-carrier will now be with reference to the 4 explained. It shows the 4 a load-carrier 6 as with the horizontal circulation storage system 1 according to one of the above figures, in a schematic perspective view. 5 shows the load-carriers 6 a storage level in a plan view. It will be the reference numerals of 1 to 3 used, as far as the corresponding elements in terms of function and structure match.

At its lateral side surfaces 40 is the storage container 6 with a longitudinally extending over the entire depth of the storage container holding projection 38 Mistake. As stated above, the storage container is based 6 with the retaining projection 38 on the proppants 7 . 10 from. Furthermore, the loader carrier 6 a tooth profile 39 on, the tooth shape and division are dimensioned so that it with the configured as a roller chain traction means 19 the horizontal conveyor 8th engaged.

At its one longitudinally facing end face 41 - in 4 is only one of the two faces visible - is the load-carrier 6 on each side with the coupling 20 and the casserole 21 Mistake.

The coupling 20 is designed as a projecting angle profile, which in the longitudinal direction of the end face 41 protrudes, and a clutch bag with a vertically opening in the transverse direction and inward opening gap 42 forms. At the in 4 not shown back end face of the load-carrier 6 is a pair of corresponding counter-coupling 50 ( 5 ), which is configured, in the gap 42 to intervene by also forming as a coupling tab with an angle profile with a transverse opening gap. As further in 5 can be seen, is also on the rear end face a pair of ramp surfaces in the same place as on the end face 41 intended.

5 shows the clutch 20 and the counter-coupling 50 engaged with each other, so that the load-carriers 6 a storage level 5 a horizontal force, in particular a tensile force, transferring connected to each other.

The casseroles 21 two neighboring goods carriers 6 lie opposite each other and serve as a buffer and spacers between the goods carriers. In particular, they can be made of a plastic such as hard rubber.

As in 4 it can be seen, the ramp surfaces flatten 21 in each case in the direction perpendicular to the edges and have in their central region the greatest thickness, so that the load-carriers can move in the vertical direction without snagging past each other.

The coupling 20 and the counter-coupling 50 are easily detached from each other when the two load-carriers, for example by the vertical conveyors 3 . 4 , move away from each other in the vertical direction relative to each other. In addition, a load-carrier can be transported past another in a vertical direction, without the clutch 20 . 50 hinders this movement, as the angle profiles simply move past each other in and out of the horizontal overlap.

The following is the function of the horizontal circulation storage system 1 as it is in the 1 to 5 is shown, based on 6 to 11 explained. The 6 to 11 show in a schematic perspective view only the load-carriers 6 in the horizontal circulation storage system 1 without the in the 1 to 5 shown components of the horizontal circulation storage system 1 in order to be able to better represent the movement sequence during storage and retrieval of stored goods.

The storage area 2 can be seen on the storage levels one above the other in storage levels and in the storage levels arranged one behind the other. At the two ends of the storage area are the two vertical conveyors 3 . 4 , Beyond the front vertical conveyor 3 there is a staging station 60 at which the load-carriers 6 for access from outside the horizontal circulation storage system 1 to be provided. The level of the deployment station 60 aligns with a warehouse level. At this point either stored goods can be loaded or unloaded manually or automatically. The vertical conveyor 3 is located between the storage area 2 and the staging station 60 , The storage area 2 sits down in the in the 6 to 12 illustrated embodiment with at least one, preferably two or more storage levels 5 continues below the deployment station level.

As in 6 it can be seen, is every storage location of the storage area 2 occupied with a load carrier. In addition, there is in each case another load-carrier in a vertical conveyor 3 . 4 and another load-carrier 6a in the staging station 60 so that the horizontal circulation system 1 a load-carrier 6 more than can be accommodated in the storage area.

At the beginning of the example described loading and unloading process is a previously provided storage goods carrier 6a in the staging station 60 , About the control unit 18 which the drives 9 . 15 of the horizontal circulation storage system 1 (see. 1 and 2 ) is controlled by an operator 62 given that for access in the staging station 60 next the loader carrier 6b is determined. Thereupon the control unit transfers 18 the horizontal circulation storage system 1 in a state in which a horizontal circulation of the load-carriers 6 through at least two storage levels 5a . 5b takes place.

For this purpose, the vertical conveyors 3 . 4 each driven in opposite directions, so that the transport planes of the front vertical conveyor 3 for example, down and the rails of the rear vertical conveyor 4 move upwards. Once a transport plane of the front vertical conveyor 3 with a rail 7 the storage level 5a in which is the intended for the provision of goods 6b is, is the horizontal conveyor 8th this storage level put into operation and the load-carriers 6 This storage level are in the direction of the vertical conveyor 3 moves while at the same time the load-carrier 6d from the rear vertical conveyor 4 from the transport level into the situation level of the storage area 2 is pulled.

In the embodiment described above, the horizontal force for moving the load-carriers of a storage level at any point of the storage level in Lagerbe rich 2 be initiated because over the ramp surfaces 21 and the couplings 20 . 50 this power over all load carriers 6 is directed.

The horizontal conveyor 8th This storage level moves the load-carriers 6 towards the rear vertical conveyor 4 until the rearmost load carrier 6e completely on the vertical conveyor 4 lies and is moved upwards by this. In the course of this movement was the foremost load carrier 6f from the front vertical conveyor 3 in the storage area 2 transferred. As soon as the foremost load-carrier 6d completely on the front vertical conveyor 3 and thus the rearmost load carrier is completely in the storage area 2 is, this moves down to a storage level down. At the same time there is an opposite movement in one to the storage level 5a adjacent storage level 5b , for example, the underlying storage level instead.

7 shows the state in which the foremost load-carrier 6d the storage level 5a completely on the front vertical conveyor 3 and the rearmost load carrier 6e the storage level 5b completely on the rear vertical conveyor 4 lie.

Next, the front vertical conveyor moves simultaneously 3 down and the rear vertical conveyor 4 up. As soon as the load carriers 6d . 6e on the vertical conveyors in the vertical direction from their respective storage levels 5a . 5b remove, they automatically uncouple from the storage goods carriers remaining in the storage levels. In the course of the transport of the front load carrier 6d to the lower level 5b and the rear load-carrier 6e to the upper level 5a These automatically lock them into the storage goods carriers already present in the respective storage levels 6 one. Subsequently, the levels become again, as in above 6 described is moved in a horizontal direction. In the course of this movement in the storage area 2 enter the load carriers 6d and 6e in engagement with the respective horizontal conveyors. So is a paternoster-like horizontal circulation 65 the goods carrier 6 through the storage levels 5a . 5b produced until the intended for the provision of goods 6b from the to the staging station 60 adjacent vertical conveyor 3 is taken over. This situation is in the 8th shown.

To the intended for the provision of goods 6b to the staging station 60 At first, it is currently being transported to the staging station 60 load carriers located 6a on the one transport plane of the vertical conveyor 3 transferred. For example, the load-carrier 6a , as in 9 shown below the transport level of the next intended to be provided for the provision of goods 6b be encouraged. Subsequently, the vertical conveyor moves 3 again, until the intended for the provision of goods 6b at the level of the staging station 60 comes to rest and in the horizontal direction to the staging station 60 can be transported. The previously provided load-carrier 6a is doing over the level of the staging station 60 transported out and is available for the next horizontal circulation.

The transport of a goods carrier 6 from the vertical conveyor 3 to the staging station 60 takes place via the horizontal conveyor of the aligned with the staging station storage level. Due to the coupled together load-carriers, a load-carrier can move over the vertical conveyor to the supply station 60 pushed or pulled away from it when the transport levels are aligned with the storage levels.

The basis of the 6 to 10 Sequence repeats itself when, starting from the situation of 11 in which the goods carrier intended for provision 6a at the staging station 60 is ready by the operator 62 a next load carrier 68 is determined for provision. The arrow 70 schematically shows the way this load-carrier 6e to the staging station 60 , For this purpose, the horizontal circulation 65 in the warehouse levels 5c and 5d in the by the arrows 71 indicated direction of the counter-rotating horizontal conveyors 8th these two storage levels and the two vertical conveyors 3 . 4 generated.

Since the vertical conveyors 3 . 4 is provided with a plurality of transport planes, it is not necessary that these in a horizontal circulation 65 reversing operated as an empty rail 10 a storage level 5 is always available as soon as a load-carrier has been transported from this level by one level or an integer multiple of a level.

The horizontal circulation 65 does not have to be through two immediately adjacent storage levels 5 but can also bridge several intermediate storage levels. However, they are located on a horizontal circulation 65 involved levels further apart, so the horizontal circulation takes 65 longer, because of the vertical conveyors 3 . 4 a greater distance in the vertical direction is to bridge.

Finally, in a simplified embodiment of the horizontal circulation storage system 1 two adjacent storage levels 5 By means of a drive driven in opposite directions be firmly coupled to each other, and from the outset set a circuit. In this case, however, is the horizontal circulation storage system 1 each with only an even number of storage levels 5 to provide.

Instead of the clutch 20 and the counter-coupling 50 In the embodiment described above, a coupling can also be provided, which produces an engagement between a load-carrier and the traction means. This can be done, for example, by a bolted chain as a traction device, in which each load-carrier is latched.

Claims (23)

Horizontal circulation storage system ( 1 ) for storage by means of load carriers ( 6 ) stored goods, with a storage area ( 2 ), which has several superimposed, horizontally extending storage levels ( 5 ), in each of which several load-carriers ( 6 ) are arranged one behind the other, with two vertical conveyors ( 3 . 4 ) between which the storage area ( 2 ), and which the warehouse levels ( 5 ) in the vertical direction, with horizontal conveyors ( 8th ), each at a storage level ( 5 ) and by which the load-carriers ( 6 ) in the storage levels ( 5 ) in the direction of the vertical conveyors ( 3 . 4 ) are movable, characterized in that a control unit ( 18 ) and that the horizontal circulation storage system ( 1 ) from the control unit ( 18 ) is convertible into a state in which two storage levels ( 5a . 5b ; 5c . 5d ) and the two vertical conveyors ( 3 . 4 ) are driven in pairs in opposite directions and a horizontal circulation ( 65 ) for the carriers ( 6 ) over the two storage levels ( 5a . 5b ; 5c . 5d ) and the vertical conveyors ( 3 . 4 ) form. Horizontal circulation storage system ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage levels ( 5 ) are designed independently drivable. Horizontal circulation storage system ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that each storage level at least one own horizontal drive ( 8c ) assigned. Horizontal circulation storage system ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that a central horizontal drive ( 8c ) provided via couplings having a plurality of storage levels ( 5 ) can be connected in a motion-transmitting manner. Horizontal circulation storage system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage levels ( 5 ) by a rail system ( 7 ) and the load-carriers ( 6 ) of a storage level ( 5 ) on the rail system ( 7 ) horizontally movable support. Horizontal circulation storage system ( 1 ) according to claim 5 , where the load-carriers ( 6 ) by means of roles in a storage level ( 5 ) are movably supported. Horizontal circulation storage system ( 1 ) according to claim 6, wherein the rail system ( 7 ) Includes roller rails. Horizontal circulation storage system ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical conveyors ( 3 . 4 ) each have a plurality of superimposed transport planes. Horizontal circulation storage system ( 1 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the vertical conveyor ( 3 . 4 ) a rail system ( 10 ), on which one of the vertical conveyor ( 3 . 4 ) Promoted load-carrier ( 6 ) is supported. Horizontal circulation storage system ( 1 ) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the rail system ( 10 ) of the vertical conveyor ( 3 . 4 ) Has rollers on which the load-carrier ( 6 ) on the vertical conveyor ( 3 . 4 ) is supported. Horizontal circulation storage system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the vertical conveyors ( 3 . 4 ) at least one traction mechanism ( 14 ) on which the rails of the rail system ( 10 ) of the vertical conveyor ( 3 . 4 ) are attached. Horizontal circulation storage system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the rails of the rail system ( 7 ) of the vertical conveyor ( 3 . 4 ) by vertically on a support surface ( 17 ) running roles ( 16 ) at least in the one with the storage area ( 2 ) overlapping area are supported. Horizontal circulation storage system ( 1 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the distance ( 12 ) of the transport levels the distance of the storage levels ( 5 ) corresponds. Horizontal circulation storage system ( 1 ) according to claim 8 or 13, characterized in that the transport planes of a vertical conveyor ( 3 . 4 ) are coupled with each other in a motion-stable manner. Horizontal circulation storage system ( 1 ) according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the load-carriers ( 6 ) with couplings ( 20 . 50 ), by which the load-carriers ( 6 ) transferring a horizontal force to a storage plane and detachably coupled to one another. Horizontal circulation storage system ( 1 ) according to claim 15, characterized in that the couplings ( 20 . 50 ) by a vertical movement of two mutually coupled load-carriers ( 6 ) Is configured releasably relative to each other. Horizontal circulation storage system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the number of storage levels ( 5 ) is less than the number in a storage level ( 5 ) at the most acceptable load-carriers ( 6 ). Horizontal circulation storage system ( 1 ) according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the horizontal conveying devices ( 8th ) Roller chains and load carriers ( 6 ) have a tooth profile, and that the roller chain and the tooth profile in the storage area ( 2 ) arranged load carriers ( 6 ) are engaged with each other. Method for access to a storage goods carrier ( 6 ) of a horizontal circulation storage system ( 1 ), in which method the load-carriers ( 6 ) for storage and / or retrieval in each case in superimposed storage levels ( 5 ) are moved and by means of a vertical conveyor of the intended for the provision of load-carrier ( 6b ) by means of a vertical conveyor ( 3 ) to a relay station ( 60 ), characterized in that a horizontal circulation of load-carriers ( 6 ) of two arbitrary storage levels ( 5a . 5b ; 5c . 5d ) of the storage area ( 2 ) is formed by the load-carriers ( 6 ) through the two storage areas ( 5a . 5b ; 5c . 5d ) in each opposite direction substantially horizontally and at the two ends of the storage levels in the opposite direction substantially perpendicularly circulate until the vertical conveyor can access the specific load-carrier. Method according to claim 19, that the load-carriers ( 6 ) in a horizontal circulation ( 65 ) while at the staging station ( 60 ) a load-carrier ( 6a ) provided. Method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that after the transport of the goods carrier ( 6b ) to the staging station ( 60 ) a new horizontal circulation ( 65 ), in which the previously provided load-carrier ( 6a ) is fed. Method according to one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that the horizontal circulation ( 65 ) by two directly superimposed storage levels ( 5a . 5b ; 5c . 5d ) is formed. Method according to one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that each of the vertical conveyors during the horizontal circulation ( 65 ) is operated essentially without reversing movement.