DE102006037719A1 - Shelf operation unit installing method for use in high shelf warehouse, involves pre-assembling component of shelf operation unit, where component is tested for functional efficiency, and component is mounted when testing is turned out - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves pre-assembling a component of a shelf operation unit (10). The pre-assembled component is tested for functional efficiency. The component is functionally mounted when the testing is turned out. The functional component is packed to send the shelf operation unit away from the warehouse. The error causing the function inefficiency is recognized and repaired if the components are not functional, and the functionally inefficient function is replaced by a functional component.

Description

The The present invention relates to a storage and retrieval unit as well a method for installing a stacker crane in a corresponding shelf storage.

in the State of the art storage and retrieval machines ("RBG") as rail-guided vehicles for operation of goods in a high-bay warehouse known. An RBG usually moves along three axes, namely along an x-axis (longitudinal direction; Driving unit), a y-axis (vertical direction, lifting unit) and a z-axis (aisle transverse direction; Load handling devices).

One RBG is an industrial truck, which a ground bound, free or on or along a rail movable conveyor which is essentially a horizontal and vertical in-house Transport of loads or - in the presence appropriate facilities - of persons serves. The RBG is often moved in a corridor between two shelves rail-guided.

One RBG usually includes a chassis, one or more (modular) mast parts, a hoist, a pallet truck, a control cabinet and a load handling device.

Under a load handling attachment ("LAM") becomes part of the RBGs understood which picks up and delivers storage units. One typical LAM for Pallets are e.g. a fork. A storage unit provides a handling unit (Pallet, container, etc.) which is e.g. be used in a high-bay warehouse. A storage unit is typically article-specific, but can also be mixed art. The storage unit comprises a storage aid and a loading (Content).

at Pallets are generally loaded with a load telescopic fork pair, in containers via e.g. a rolling up Belt conveyors, Drawbars, such as hooks, lasso or swivel arm, or by lifting table or shuttle.

Of the Pallet truck carries primarily (vertical) the to be conveyed Storage unit (load) and is equipped with the LAM. For a manual RBG is often additional there a passenger cabin (helm) provided. A lifting movement of the Lifting truck takes place e.g. above a rope or chain drive, which comes from the hoist, which usually stationary is attached to the mast, is driven.

Either the suspension, which is usually sitting on the rail or is guided along this as well as the hoist are over controlled by the control cabinet. The control cabinet contains i.a. a Control of the chassis and the hoist as well as e.g. safety switch or load measuring pin for detecting a floppy rope or an overload. On the pallet truck itself are usually Facilities for preventing a crash in case of rope or chain breakage intended. A drive is predominantly by regulated electric motors, the demands on a driving performance always get higher, to reduce game times and increase system performance. typical Performance data for one RBG, which is e.g. Euro pallets (800 × 1200 mm), wherein a useful force can be up to 1500 kg, lie at e.g. Speeds of 240 m / min in the longitudinal direction (x), 90 m / min in vertical direction (y) and 55 and 120 m / s in aisle transverse direction (z), loaded or reloaded. These values vary greatly with a RBG altitude and the Payload.

The Height of one RBG can be fast 45-55 m, especially if the RBG used in a high-bay warehouse is used in the pallets as storage units.

A conventional RBG 110 , which is modular, is exemplary in 3 shown.

The modular RBG 110 According to the prior art comprises a chassis 112 which is on a ground 114 a storage rack (not shown) along a running rail 116 Can be moved in the x-direction. Furthermore, the RBG includes 110 a modular mast 118 , which in the assembled state has a total height H _G , which can sometimes be up to 55 m.

The modular mast 118 can be an upper mast part 120 , a middle part of the mast 122 and a lower mast part 124 include. The different mast parts 120 to 124 are usually screwed together on a construction site (high-bay warehouse), as indicated by small arrows in the 3 are not specified. To the lower part of the mast 124 becomes a control cabinet 126 arranged in the here not shown in detail hoist is integrated. The hoist is equipped with a traction device 130 connected, which at a free end of the upper mast part 120 , which is connected to no other mast part, a deflection direction 132 for deflecting the traction means 130 having. At the opposite end of the traction device 130 is arranged a movable in the y direction lifting table, which has a LAM not shown here in detail.

At a like in 3 RBG is difficult to deliver the RBG from the manufacturer of the same to a customer due to the large size of the individual components.

traditionally, For example, the various components are in the form of assemblies, e.g. Floor crossmember, mast segment, pallet truck, control cabinet and hoist, delivered individually. Delivery is usually by truck or ship, whereby preferably containers are used. Associated assemblies need an RBG for reasons of space usually distributed to several trucks.

One Another problem is when lifting the RBG into one already in advance finished warehouse, such as in a warehouse of a high-bay warehouse, which is designed for handling pallets. The different Modules must then be collected in the order they are assembled. This is a lot of time, a lot of organization and the use of a crane, such as one Autocranes, connected for lifting the assemblies.

sensors and actuators of different assemblies must, after the assemblies - in the correct order - mechanical have been connected to each other, also electrically connected to each other are, i. You need to be wired. A wiring of the different modules can also be carried out only on the construction site itself, which in turn is associated with high costs, as the corresponding Technician all work, with the mechanical joining and related to the wiring, perform at the site of the construction site have to. To do this the technicians to the place of the customer (operator of the high-bay warehouse) to travel. An on-site troubleshooting can be quite difficult because the technicians on site do not have the same have technical aids, if necessary for troubleshooting or for a correct assembly are required and regularly available at the manufacturer's location are.

in the It is also common practice in the art to install the RBG already completely at the place of the manufacturer. This however, has the disadvantage that often used special transports Need to become, to transport the sometimes very long and large assemblies to be able to which in turn is associated with corresponding costs. Besides that is to lift a fully assembled RBG a very large mobile crane necessary, which is also reflected in high costs. One Another disadvantage of a completely assembled device is the fact that a Transport in the container, as e.g. is not possible with orders from overseas, is not possible.

It Therefore, an object of the present invention is an improved Providing method for installing (modular) storage and retrieval units. In particular, the RBG is to be modified such that the method easy to install.

These Task is according to the invention with a Method for installing a RBG solved, wherein the RBG components which consists of a group consisting of a chassis, a Travel drive, a one-piece or multi-part mast, a hoist, one with the hoist over a traction means connectable lift truck. and a switching device selected is, with the following steps: a) pre-assembly of the components of the RBG at a manufacturer of the RBG; b) testing the pre-assembled RBG on functionality; c) if testing proves that all components are properly assembled Are, packaging the pre-assembled functional RBG, around the RBG to send the warehouse to where it should be installed; and d) when testing turns out to be one or more components not working are, detecting and fixing an error that is inoperability or, if necessary, replace a malfunctioning one Component against a functional Component and return to Step b).

Further the above object is achieved by a RBG, which in a warehouse is operated rail-bound, whereby the RBG a chassis, a Mast, a hoist and a switching device for operation control of the RBG, wherein the mast and the switching device spaced each other on the chassis are fastened, and in particular the mast or the lower mast part are so short that a loading in one Container possible is.

The Invention has the advantage that the RBG is shipped tested, resulting in a higher quality and lower Costs are reflected. In order to install a RBG in a warehouse, it is no longer necessary Technician to send to the construction site, as the individual components of the RBG are already pre-assembled and tested, i. already work. Furthermore, a transport in the container is possible. A time for commissioning shortened at the construction site significantly as e.g. Troubleshooting is no longer necessary. An assembly time is shortened Significant because in particular the wiring with one of the most expensive Represents actions when assembling the individual modules. This in turn results in a reduction of assembly costs, so that the commissioning altogether cheaper fails.

According to one preferred embodiment the step a) a cabling of the individual components with one another, in particular with the switching device.

There Thus, the wiring is also done by the manufacturer, is a Troubleshooting for incorrect wiring much easier. The technician the manufacturer has all the necessary tools for troubleshooting to disposal. The device is accessible from all sides, which is not always the case on the construction site.

This Advantage manifests itself also in a further preferred embodiment, wherein the step a) a mechanical connection of the individual component with each other includes.

Further it is advantageous if the switching device spaced from the mast is arranged, wherein the mast and the switching device with the Chassis are connected.

By This measure mast and control cabinet are spatially separated from each other. Thus, the possibility is given, a (navigable) Assemble assembly, both the chassis and the lower mast part and the control cabinet, which probably the most important Components of an RBG.

Especially the switching device is rotatably connected to the chassis.

If the switching device, in particular the control cabinet, rotatable the landing gear is arranged, there is the possibility that the switching device while the transport a different position relative to the chassis (and to the mast) occupies, as e.g. while a transport in a container is the case.

Besides that is it would be an advantage if some of the RBGs tested as functional the components are dismantled.

On this way, the RBG can then better better e.g. in an overseas container be packed. In this case, preferably the upper mast part and dismantled the middle part of the mast.

According to one another preferred embodiment the packaged RBG is also sent to the warehouse and there in a warehouse as a whole in the warehouse levied. The lifting is preferably done by means of a crane.

If the RBG is raised as a whole, is no further assembly and Commissioning or no further testing of the RBG more necessary, so that after a lifting of the RBG the enterprise immediately took up can be.

at the RBG according to the present Invention, the hoist is preferably between the mast and the Switching device attachable to the chassis.

On this way, the RBG is short and can be particularly well in Stow containers.

According to one another preferred embodiment The RBG further comprises one or more components consisting of a Group consisting of a travel drive, a pallet truck and traction means consists.

Preferably the switching device is rotatably mounted on the chassis.

It it is understood that the above and the following yet to be explained features not only in the specified combination, but also in other combinations or alone, without to leave the scope of the present invention.

embodiments The invention are illustrated in the drawings and in the following description explained. Show it:

1 a schematic side view of a RBG according to the present invention;

2 a flowchart illustrating a method according to the present invention; and

3 a RBG according to the prior art.

In 1 is an RBG 10 shown in accordance with the present invention.

The RBG 10 According to the present invention comprises a chassis 12 which is on a hall floor 14 along a rail 16 leading to the landing gear 12 serves, is movable.

Furthermore, the RBG includes 10 a mast 18 which preferably builds so high in the y-direction that the RBG 10 fits in a container for shipment. This is a lower mast part 24 provided, which with the chassis 12 in advance, ie manufacturer, mechanically connected.

In addition, the RBG includes 10 a control cabinet 26 , and a hoist 28 , The hoist 28 is preferably between the mast part 24 and the control cabinet 26 arranged, which in turn are preferably spaced from each other.

The control cabinet 26 can be around an axis 36 turn as indicated by an arrow 38 implied is. The rotated position is indicated by a dash-dotted line 26 ' indicated, with the control cabinet 26 rotated 90 ° counterclockwise. If the hoist 28 not yet preassembled, could the control cabinet 26 also be rotated 90 ° clockwise (not shown). This would have the advantage that the longitudinal extent in the x direction of the RBG preassembled according to the invention 10 is further shortened, so that within a container, the space requirement is further reduced. In this case, however, would be the hoist 28 to be mounted on the construction site and electrically connected to the control cabinet 26 connect to. The chassis 12 has, for example, a length of 3500 to 6000 mm. The RBG 10 itself can have a width of up to 800 mm in order to be able to travel safely within a shelf aisle.

The RBG 10 further comprises a lift truck or table 40 , preferably with a LAM 42 , here telescopic forks for receiving pallets, is equipped.

There is also a travel drive 47 for driving wheels 46 intended. The drive 47 is here inside the landing gear 12 shown. However, it can also be arranged at a different location, such as within the mast part 24 , The drive 47 is with the control cabinet 26 electrically via a line 50 connected, as well as the hoist 28 electrically via a line 48 with the control cabinet 26 (in advance) is connected.

It is understood that a traction means is provided here, if the RBG 10 is put into operation. However, the traction means is not shown here for reasons of clarity and does not constitute an essential part of the invention.

From the 1 can be clearly seen how short the RBG 10 builds according to the present invention. In particular, reference is made to the longitudinal extension in the x direction. As the control cabinet 26 can be pivoted because it is not mounted as usual in the art on the mast, the longitudinal extent can additionally by screwing in the cabinet 26 in addition to be shortened when the hoist 28 first mounted on the construction site. Will the hoist 28 However, already pre-assembled by the manufacturer, so can the control cabinet 26 during a transport to the construction site in his with 26 ' clarified position pivoted. On the construction site itself, the control cabinet can 26 be pivoted back to the position in 1 is illustrated by a solid line. As a rule, rack aisles provide sufficient space for the control cabinet 26 in operation across the chassis 12 to be able to pivot.

Referring to 2 the process of the invention is shown.

In a step S1, the pre-assembly of such components of the RBG takes place 10 that are needed. Not always the same components are needed. Depending on the available space, eg within a shipping container, eg the hoist 28 mounted or not, as previously explained.

The Pre-assembly of step S1 is made by the manufacturer.

In A further step S2 tests whether the pre-assembly is successful was. While Pre-assembly will be selected Components both mechanically and possibly electrically with each other connected.

Does the Test unsuccessful, so in step S3 using suitable adjuncts, usually available from the manufacturer stand, an error detection performed. In this case, e.g. detected be that components were mated wrong or that one or more of the components are faulty. That's why be decided in a further step S4, whether a component exchange is required or not. If an exchange is required, this takes place in a step S5. Case no replacement required is, the detected error is corrected in a step S6. Subsequently, will again checked if all Components are functional are (step S2).

Finally it is found that all components of the RBG 10 are functional, then in a step S7, the packaging takes place to the RBG 10 to provide.

The The present invention thus provides a possibility of an RBG or its lower assembly (s) already in advance to assemble and test, so that this work at the site of the site omitted. At the construction site have to if necessary, only further mast elements are attached to the RBG. The RBG according to the invention can be just stow in a container and send, even if It should be used in a high-bay warehouse.

Claims (13)

Method for installing a storage and retrieval device ( 10 ), RBG, in a warehouse, in particular in a high-bay warehouse, the RBG ( 10 ) comprises at least one component consisting of a group consisting of a chassis ( 12 ), a traction drive ( 47 ), a one-piece or multi-part mast ( 18 ), a hoist ( 28 ), one with the pallet truck ( 40 ) via a traction means connectable lift truck ( 40 ) and a switching device ( 26 . 26 ' ) is selectable, with the following steps: a) pre-assembling (S1) the component of the RBG at a manufacturer of the RBG; b) testing (S2) the preassembled component for functionality; c) if, during testing, it turns out that the component is properly assembled, pack (S7) the pre-assembled functional component to ship the RBG to the warehouse where it is to be installed; and (d) when testing proves that one or more components are inoperable, detecting (S3) and remedying (S6) an error causing the malfunction, or possibly replacing (S5) a malfunctioning component with a functional one and returning to step b). The method of claim 1, wherein the step a) a wiring of the individual components with each other, in particular with the switching device ( 26 . 26 ' ). The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the step a) a mechanical connection of the individual components with each other includes. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching device ( 26 . 26 ' ) spaced from the mast ( 24 ), the mast ( 24 ) and the switching device ( 26 . 26 ' ) with the chassis ( 12 ) get connected. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching device ( 26 . 26 ' ) rotatable with the chassis ( 12 ) is connected. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in an RBG tested as functional ( 10 ) some of the components are disassembled to subsequently the RBG ( 10 ), especially in an overseas container to be able to pack. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaged RBG ( 10 ) also sent to the warehouse and there is levied in a warehouse, preferably by means of a crane, as a whole in the warehouse. Storage and retrieval unit ( 10 ), RBG, which is operated rail-bound in a warehouse, with a chassis ( 12 ), a mast ( 18 ), a hoist ( 28 ) and a switching device ( 26 ) for operation control of the RBG, the mast ( 24 ) and the switching device ( 26 ) spaced from each other on the chassis ( 12 ) are fastened. RBG according to claim 8, wherein the hoist ( 28 ) between the mast ( 24 ) and the switching device ( 26 ) on the chassis ( 12 ) is attachable. RBG according to one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the RBG ( 10 ) further comprises one or more components selected from the group consisting of a traction drive ( 47 ), a pallet truck ( 40 ), and traction means. RBG according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the switching device ( 26 ; 26 ' ) rotatable on the chassis ( 12 ) is attachable. RBG according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pre-assembled component is transported to the construction site. RBG according to claim 12, wherein the preassembled component is lifted at the site, in particular all mast parts be lifted.