DE102012109162A1 - Method for removing individual container from flow rack, involves appearing extension of operating arm on container till contact between operating arm and movably arranged thrust and locking element in active lock - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves appearing the extension of an operating arm (16) on a container (5.1) till a contact between the operating arm and a movably arranged thrust and locking element (20) in active lock (10). The operating arm is extended by carrying thrust- and locking element which carries another container (5.2) and the former container. The lock is deactivated for releasing the former container. The operating arm is retracted for transferring the former container from a path (1) to a storage and retrieval machine (15).

Description

The invention relates to a method for removing individual containers from a flow shelf, in which the containers are stored directly behind one another on a composite of rollers or rollers web, which is sloping down to the discharge end and there in the conveyor cross-section movable barrier, wherein the removal is effected by a storage operating device which can be positioned opposite the removal end and which is provided with at least one operating arm that can be extended counter to the web direction and can be moved back with the web direction.

The invention is based on the object, a primary for low-weight, d. H. unfilled or filled only with light items container to provide suitable method for removing individual containers from a flow shelf, in the flow shelf no own drives such. As servomotors are required, and this is also suitable for use in conjunction with storage and retrieval devices that work for container removal with only horizontal paging movement with correspondingly short access times.

To solve this problem, a method with the features specified in claim 1 is proposed. Such a removal method for containers comprises at least the following steps:
In a first step, when the barrier is activated, the operating arm of the storage and retrieval unit (RBG) is extended along the first, ie foremost container until there is contact between the operating arm and a push and lock element movably mounted on the path.

In a second step and with further extension of the operating arm there is a take away the push and lock element, which in turn takes along the first or the second container and thus this and all on the conveyor line behind container arranged against the inclination of the web pushes something back.

In a third step, the lock is deactivated with the result that the first container is released and separated from the other containers. By contrast, at the time of deactivation of the barrier or immediately thereafter the second, subsequent container is blocked by the push and lock element. This has the consequence that the second container and all other containers of the conveyor line are provisionally retained.

Finally, in a fourth step, the operating arm moves back, wherein it entrains the vacant first container in the web direction, and finally transferred from the tail to the previously arranged storage and retrieval unit. At the same time or subsequently, the push and lock element releases the blockage of the second container so that it, and with it the container supported on its rear side, can move up until it engages the re-activated lock. Thus, the removal process is completed or can start over.

A special feature of the method is that in the second step for separating the first container all or, alternatively, all the containers are pushed back a short distance from the second container, ie opposite to the sloping roller conveyor. This pushing movement takes place through the push and lock element. The pushing back of a whole row of containers without an excessive amount of force succeeds primarily with such containers, which are either unfilled or filled only with light items, which is why the removal device described here is particularly suitable for these groups of containers.

The movement and drive energy required for the separation and removal of the containers comes exclusively from the stacker crane and its drive or positioning motors. For the flow rack itself and its individual roller conveyors, however, are no drives such. As electric motors or actuators required, whereby the flow shelf requires no electrical equipment. This leads to a simple construction of the removal device and makes the flow shelf less susceptible to interference.

Another advantage is that the storage and retrieval unit manages with an exclusively horizontal removal movement for the separation and subsequent removal of the foremost container. For storage of the foremost container, the storage and retrieval unit must not, as is often the case with such devices, perform a superimposed movement from first vertical lifting and then horizontal retraction. Since only a horizontal paging movement is required by the storage and retrieval unit, the retrieval with correspondingly short access times can be realized.

With a first embodiment, it is proposed that the container taken along by the pushing and blocking element against the sloping web is the first container, the catch being the catch.

According to a further embodiment, during the further extension of the operating arm, a retaining projection arranged on the pushing and blocking element moves between the first and the second container into the conveying cross section. Preferably, the retaining projection retains its moved into the conveyor cross section into position at least until the return of the operating arm.

According to a further embodiment, the retaining projection is moved into the conveying cross section by a lifting movement, and is moved out of the conveying cross section by a lowering movement.

According to a further embodiment, the distance between the barrier and the retaining projection is equal to or substantially equal to the length of the container.

According to a further embodiment, both the lock and the retaining projection are integrally formed on the push and lock element. The push and lock element may be designed as a plate, at one end of the lock, and at the other end of the retaining projection is integrally formed in each case.

It is also proposed that the push and lock element perform a movement approximated to a parallelogram guide. This movement can be z. B. by a trapezoidal arrangement, in which the connecting lines of each stacked trapezoidal points meet at a location above the track.

It is also proposed that, after the deactivation of the lock, a driver movably arranged on the operating arm moves into the distance between the first and the second container resulting from the pushing back of the containers, and that the driver moves the first container in the back when the operating arm is retracted Take the direction of the train. Preferably, the driver pivots from the side into the resulting distance between the first and second container.

Further details and advantages of the removal device and the extraction method that can be carried out with it are described below with reference to illustrative drawings. Show in it

1 in a side view reduced to the essential elements, the removal end of a roller conveyor together with a removal device movably arranged on the roller conveyor and parts of a storage and retrieval unit;

2 the sampling device at the beginning of the sampling process;

3 the situation at a later stage of the procedure;

4 the situation at a later stage in the procedure;

5 the situation at a later stage in the procedure;

6 the situation in a later stage of the procedure.

Based on 1 First, an explanation of the arrangement and the possible structural design required for the implementation of the method structural elements on a flow shelf and on this opposite positionable storage and retrieval unit (RGB).

Part of the flow rack is at least one roller conveyor 1 So one of successively arranged, freely rotatable rollers or rollers 2 compound conveyor line. In the flow rack as a whole is a plurality of such roller conveyors 1 parallel next to each other and arranged on several floors one above the other.

Every roller conveyor 1 is to their left on the drawings arranged discharge end 3 inclined downhill, so that on the rollers or rollers 2 resting container 5 under its own weight and the influence of gravity along the conveyor line to the removal end 3 roll or run.

The individual containers 5 are similar, ie they are the same design, each with identical dimensions. On their serving as a base underside, they can at least the two end faces with a step 4 be provided. The stage 4 represents a recess at the bottom of the container and improves the handling of the container, also in the context of the method described here.

At the end of withdrawal 3 the train 2 there is a lock 10 , which is movable by a lifting movement into the conveyor cross section, and by a lowering movement out of the conveyor cross section. Will the lock 10 activated, ie moved from below into the conveyor section of the web, so is the first, foremost container 5.1 blocked against further movement in the web direction R. With the conveyor cross-section is here and in the following of the containers 5 meant in its movement along the roller conveyor contour outline, which down through the conveyor plane, so the support plane 6 the roles 2 , is limited.

Is the lock 10 active, ie it protrudes into the conveyor cross section, so is the further movement of the first, foremost container 5.1 blocked. Since then all other containers 5 by mutual abutting directly or indirectly on the first container 5.1 As a result, the entire row of containers is blocked.

On that longitudinal section of the track 1 on which the container is 5.1 is a push and lock element 20 arranged the removal device. Essentially, the push and lock element 20 one below and along the track 1 extending plate, at one end of the barrier already described above 10 , and at the other end a retaining projection 21 is trained. Preferably are lock 10 and retention projection 21 one-piece components of the plate.

The container removal takes place by a targeted interaction between the push and lock element 20 and the at least one operating arm 16 of the storage and retrieval unit 15 , Both together therefore form the sampling device.

By moving the push and lock element 20 in relation to the stationary train 1 can the retention projection 21 by lifting into the conveyor cross section in, and move by lowering out of the conveyor section out. Similarly, by moving the push and lock element 20 in relation to the stationary train 1 the barrier 10 by lifting into the conveyor cross section in, and move by lowering out of the conveyor section out.

The movement of the push and lock element 20 is by coupling the movement of two operating arms 16 of the storage and retrieval unit 15 derived. By a temporary coupling takes the operating arm 16 when it is moved horizontally against the web direction R, the push and lock element 20 With.

The movement of the push and lock element 20 is only approximately horizontal. Exactly considered it is a superimposed movement of a horizontal and a pivoting or rotating movement.

To achieve the superimposed movement is the push and lock element 20 Part of a parallelogram or trapezoidal arrangement, which by four pivot points 31a . 31b . 31c . 31d is defined. The pivot points 31a and 31c are located at a near the discharge end 3 arranged first pivot lever 32 , and the pivot points 31b and 31d at a further upstream second pivoting lever 33 , The number of pivoting levers may also be greater and corresponding to the number of pivot points, however, a movement approximating a parallelogram guide will already move with the two pivoting levers 32 . 33 reached. The swivel lever 32 near the exit end 3 connects the fixed point 31a with the first on the push and lock element 20 arranged pivot point 31c , and the further upstream pivot lever 33 connects the fixed point 31b with the second on the push and lock element 20 arranged pivot point 31d ,

As with a trapezoid, the connecting line runs 32A the two pivot points 31a and 31c of the pivot lever 32 not parallel to the connecting line 33A the two pivot points 31b and 31d of the pivot lever 33 , 1 lets recognize that the connecting lines 32A . 33A in a place above the railway 1 to meet.

The different alignment of the connecting lines 32A . 33A As a result, it is in a web upstream, ie opposite to the web direction R and against the force of a return spring 39 directed movement of the push and lock element 20 from a certain distance to a lowering of the barrier formed at one end 10 comes, whereas at the other end of the push and lock element 20 arranged retaining projection 21 raising. By contrast, at the beginning of this path of movement of the push and lock element 20 the barrier 10 activated, whereas the retaining projection 21 not yet activated.

This from the movement geometry of the push and lock element 20 resulting property is exploited in the context of the removal method described here.

The drive of the push and lock element 20 takes place in the embodiment via a lever 35 , with the rear pivot lever 33 rotatably coupled. The lever 35 is at the bottom with its bottom end 31b stored, whereas its free upper end for contact with an operating arm described in more detail below 16 of the storage and retrieval unit 15 is trained. An advantage is when the lever 35 with a freely rotatable roller 36 is provided, against which the operating arm 16 with an end face formed at its free end 37 first abut and then push friction.

Of course, the operating arm 16 instead of against the lever 35 to work, also directly against the push and lock element 20 work. In this case, the role 36 directly on the blocking element 20 stored. But even in this case is enough for the operating arm 16 a purely horizontal extension and subsequent return movement.

For removal of the respective first container 5.1 is the stacker crane (RBG) 15 in an alley 7 , which are transverse to the removal end 3 the train 1 extends, movable in several coordinates arranged. The stacker crane 15 is opposite to every single lane 1 position of the feed store to remove containers from the respective web.

Part of the storage and retrieval unit 15 Here are two coupled operating arms 16 , These are retractable against the web direction R and extendable in the web direction R, wherein the one operating arm on one side, and the other operating arm on the other side of the container 5.1 located. Under the web direction R should be understood that direction in which the container 5 Gravitationally downhill along the railway 1 move.

The operating arms 16 are at their free end, each with a driver 17 Mistake. The driver 17 is designed to be movable in the conveying cross section, so as to be the first container 5.1 for pulling out of the roller conveyor 1 to reach behind.

Preferably, the movement of the driver 17 an outgoing by a servomotor in the RGB swing motion. The pivoting movement takes place about one on the operating arm 16 arranged, extending parallel to the operating arm axis 17A ,

The procedure of the procedure is in the 2 - 6 shown. These show the individual process stages in their time sequence.

In 2 the starting position is shown. The stacker crane 15 is in a position opposite to the withdrawal end 3 the roller conveyor 1 , The barrier 10 is active and blocks the first container 5.1 , so that all other containers back up on this. The retention projection 21 is lowered, so inactive.

In 3 the operating arm moves 16 opposite to the web direction R horizontally, with the front side 37 of the operating arm 16 sometime against the role 36 pushes, and it from then on to a corresponding movement of the push and lock element 20 comes, creating the retention projection 21 between the first 5.1 and second 5.2 Container lifts and becomes active while the lock 10 still blocked.

The 4 shows the state of maximum displacement of the push and lock element 20 , The retention projection 21 blocks the second container 5.2 in the area of that with the step 4 ( 1 ) provided leading edge, whereas the barrier 10 has already lowered so that the first container 5.1 under the influence of gravity to the removal end 3 rolls.

In this case adjusting distance A between the back of the first container 5.1 and the front of the second container 5.2 pivots the driver 17 around the axis 17A ( 1 ) one. The driver 17 thus engages behind the first container 5.1 , and with the return of the operating arm 16 This pulls the first container 5.1 active on a horizontal bin tray of the stacker crane 15 ,

5 shows for the return of the operating arm 16 that too from the return spring 39 applied thrust and locking element 20 with moved in the web direction R. Still protrudes the retention projection 21 in the conveyor section and holds the second container 5.2 and the trailing containers behind.

In 6 has the push and lock element 20 reached his starting position again. Just before, the retention advantage has 21 lowered and became inactive, causing everyone else on the train 1 existing container can move up under the influence of gravity. The first container 5.1 is located on the bin tray of the stacker crane 15 and is ready for further transport.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 Train, roller conveyor

2

 Rollers, rollers

3

 removal end

4

 step

5

 container

5.1

 first container

5.2

 second container

6

 support plane

7

 Alley for the storage and retrieval unit

10

 barrier

15

 Storage and retrieval unit (RBG)

16

 operating arm

17

 takeaway

17A

 axis

20

 Push and lock element

21

 Retaining projection

31a

 pivot point

31b

 pivot point

31c

 pivot point

31d

 pivot point

32

 pivoting lever

32A

 connecting line

33

 pivoting lever

33A

 connecting line

35

 lever

36

 role

37

 front

39

 return spring

A

 distance

L

 length

R

 web direction

Claims (11)

Method for removing individual containers ( 5 ) from a flow rack in which the containers ( 5 ) immediately after one another on a roll or roller ( 2 ) composite web ( 1 ) to be withdrawn ( 3 ) and a there in the conveyor cross-section movable barrier ( 10 ) sloping downwards, wherein the removal by a the withdrawal end ( 3 ) to positionable storage and retrieval unit ( 15 ), which with at least one against the web direction (R) extendable and retractable with the web direction (R) operating arm ( 16 ), characterized by the steps a) with active lock ( 10 ) Extending the operating arm ( 16 ) on the first, foremost container ( 5.1 ), up to a contact between the operating arm ( 16 ) and a movably arranged push and lock element ( 20 ) comes; b) further extension of the operating arm ( 16 ) with entrainment of the push and lock element ( 20 ), which in turn is the first ( 5.1 ) or the second ( 5.2 ) Carries container; c) deactivation of the lock ( 10 ) and thus release of the first container ( 5.1 ), the second container ( 5.2 ) at the time of deactivation or immediately thereafter by the push and lock element ( 20 ) is held back; d) Returning the operating arm ( 16 ) and transferring the first container ( 5.1 ) from the railway ( 1 ) on the stacker crane ( 15 ). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the push and lock element ( 20 ) the first container ( 5.1 ), whereby the lock ( 10 ) is the driver. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that during the further extension of the operating arm ( 16 ) on the push and lock element ( 20 ) arranged retaining projection ( 21 ) moves between the first and the second container into the conveyor cross section. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the retaining projection ( 21 ) its moved into the conveyor cross section into position at least until the return of the operating arm ( 16 ). Method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the retaining projection ( 21 ) is moved by a lifting movement into the conveying cross section, and is moved out of the conveying cross section by a lowering movement. Method according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the distance between the barrier ( 10 ) and the retaining projection ( 21 ) is equal to or substantially equal to the length (L) of the containers ( 5 ). Method according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that both the lock ( 10 ) as well as the retaining projection ( 21 ) on the push and lock element ( 20 ) are formed. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the push and lock element ( 20 ) performs a movement approximated to a parallelogram. A method according to claim 8, characterized in that the movement approximating a parallelogram is carried out by means of a trapezoidal arrangement in which the connecting lines ( 32A respectively. 33A ) of each stacked trapezoid points ( 31a . 31c respectively. 31b . 31d ) at a location above the track ( 1 ) to meet. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after deactivation of the lock ( 10 ) a movable on the operating arm ( 16 ) arranged driver ( 17 ) in the resulting distance (A) between the first and second container in moves, and that the driver ( 17 ) when returning the operating arm ( 16 ) the first container ( 5.1 ) in the web direction (R) entrains. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the driver ( 17 ) pivots from the side into the resulting distance (A) between the first and second container.

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