DE102020212346A1 - Storage and removal system and method for operating the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A storage and removal system for containers (5) comprises a lattice structure (6) with a large number of lattice cells, each lattice cell defining a storage shaft (4) of a container storage structure (3) arranged below the lattice structure (6), the storage shafts ( 4) are set up to receive a respective vertical stack of containers (5), and at least one transport robot (7) designed to move on the lattice structure (6) for handling the containers (5). With a view to effectively avoiding and increasing the process speed, at least one buffer chute (8) is provided for temporarily storing containers (5), the buffer chute (8) having a device (10) for stacking and/or unstacking containers (5) includes. Furthermore, a corresponding method for operating such a storage and removal system is specified.

Description

The invention relates to a storage and removal system for containers, comprising a lattice structure with a large number of lattice cells, each lattice cell defining a storage shaft of a container storage structure arranged below the lattice structure, the storage shafts being set up to each accommodate a vertical stack of containers, and at least one transport robot designed to move on the lattice structure for handling the containers.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a storage and removal system for containers.

For intralogistics systems, the basic rule is that the workplaces within these systems (such as picking stations, packing stations, etc.) are always very efficient if they are continuously supplied with source containers. As soon as the flow of source containers stops at a workplace, there will be idle times there, both for manned and robotic workplaces. Idle times result in costs and the delivery of goods is delayed.

The problem mentioned also occurs in a special form in modern storage and retrieval systems in the form of automated block storage - so-called grid stores. In this type of storage, storage containers are no longer stored in conventional racks, but the storage containers are stacked on top of each other in a self-supporting modular aluminum grid that forms vertical shafts of defined size. The stacks are arranged in rows in a longitudinal direction and in a transverse direction. The individual storage containers are accessed from above by means of suitable transport vehicles, which usually move on corresponding rails that are arranged on the rack structure in the form of a 2D matrix. Accordingly, no storage aisles have to be formed between the rows, which is why this storage structure offers a significant improvement in storage density. A number of supply shafts are usually provided on the sides of the block storage facility, via which the transport robots supply connected workstations with source containers. Automated block storage systems of this type are sometimes also known under the AutoStore® label.

If transport robots serve the source containers, delays in the supply of source containers to a work station can occur, for example due to traffic jams, inefficient control, etc. of the transport robots on the lattice structure. On the other hand, irregularities at the workplace (e.g. in the form of fluctuations in picking speed) can negatively affect the utilization of the transport robots on the grid structure. In particular, a temporary reduction in picking speed, for example caused by an employee temporarily doing a secondary job (often referred to as "added value"), can lead to underutilized transport robots on the lattice structure. In principle, any unequal workload between the workplace on the one hand and the transport robots on the other hand proves to be problematic with regard to the process speed.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of designing and developing a storage and removal system for containers of the type mentioned at the outset and a corresponding method for operating the same in such a way that idle times are effectively avoided and the process speed is increased overall.

According to the invention, the above object is achieved in terms of the device by the features of claim 1. According to this, the storage and retrieval system in question is characterized by at least one buffer shaft for temporarily storing containers, the buffer shaft comprising a device for stacking and/or unstacking containers.

• Entnahme von Behältern aus der Behälter-Lagerstruktur durch die Transportroboter entsprechend einem Arbeitsauftrag;
• Transport der entnommenen Behälter durch die Transportroboter zu dem Pufferschacht und Aufstapeln der Behälter von oben in dem Pufferschacht zur dortigen Zwischenspeicherung;
• Entstapeln der Behälter von unten durch die Einrichtung zum Auf- und/oder Entstapeln des jeweiligen Pufferschachts; und
• Zuführung der einzelnen entstapelten Behälter zu einem mit dem jeweiligen Pufferschacht gekoppelten Arbeitsplatz.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method for operating such a storage and removal system for containers according to the features of claim 11. After that, the procedure includes the following steps:

• removing containers from the container storage structure by the transport robots according to a work order;
• Transport of the removed containers by the transport robots to the buffer chute and stacking of the containers from above in the buffer chute for temporary storage there;
• Unstacking the containers from below by the device for stacking and/or unstacking the respective buffer shaft; and
• Feeding of the individually destacked containers to a workstation linked to the respective buffer shaft.

In a manner according to the invention, it has been recognized that the overall process speed can be increased by decoupling the work of the transport robots on the lattice structure from the workstations. According to the invention, such a process decoupling is achieved by the provision of one or more buffer shafts for intermediate storage of containers. Everyone the These buffer shafts are equipped with a device for stacking and/or unstacking containers (hereinafter referred to as stacking device). In this way it can be achieved that the transport robots can continuously deliver source containers, namely by filling the buffer shafts from above, and at the same time source containers can be processed continuously at the workstations, namely by removing them from the buffer shafts from below. As a result, the dependency of both components is significantly reduced and the performance can be kept high independently in both elements, ie on the side of the transport robot on the one hand and on the other hand at the workplace.

It should be emphasized at this point that the term workplace is to be understood in the broadest sense within the scope of the present invention and includes any process within the storage and removal system that includes the supply and processing of source containers. In concrete terms, a work station can be designed, for example, as an order-picking station, a picking station, a packing station or the like. In a broader sense, this also includes a workplace in production with e.g. assembly activities. A robot-operated workplace or a feed and transfer to an AGV (driverless transport system) are also conceivable.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the stacking device can be designed as an active element, which enables individual containers to be discharged downwards from the buffer shaft and/or individual containers to be received in the buffer shaft from below. For this purpose, the stacking device is preferably installed at the lower end of a respective buffer shaft. The transport robots can then fill the buffer shaft with containers from above like a conventional storage shaft. The built-in stacking devices can then be used to deliver individual containers from the stack downwards as required (e.g. to a conveyor system or other elements).

With regard to an efficient technical implementation, it can be provided that the stacking device includes a gripping device with support elements for holding containers inside the buffer shaft. The support elements can interact with webs arranged on the outside of the container.

Within the framework of a specific embodiment, the stacking device could also have two gripping devices with respective support elements. An operation could thus be implemented in which the height of the container stack within the respective buffer shaft is kept constant - regardless of the delivery of containers at the lower end of the stack - i.e. the height of the stack does not decrease with container delivery downwards. As a result, advantages can be realized in the control of the transport robots, since the current stack height does not have to be taken into account for each container delivery from a transport robot to a buffer shaft. In addition, it is possible that a transport robot can also deliver a container to the buffer shaft from above, while at the same time a container is delivered from below. In the embodiment mentioned, the buffer shaft would also have an additional device which is set up to bring the two stacks (resting on the respective support elements of the two gripping devices) together.

According to one embodiment, the gripping device can be designed such that the support elements can be moved from an active position in which a respective container is contacted and held within the buffer shaft to a passive position in which the container is released and vice versa. For example, in such an embodiment, a transport robot can lower a first container into the buffer shaft while the support elements are in the active position until the container is seated on the support elements. Alternatively, the lowering movement of the container by the transport robot could also be synchronized with a motor control of the support elements, namely in such a way that the support elements are initially in the passive position and are only brought into the active position when the container is positioned in a definable manner relative to the support elements. to fix the container in a defined position.

With regard to a particularly flexible operation, it can be provided that the gripping device is designed to be movable in the vertical direction. In this way, by appropriately raising or lowering the container stack within the buffer shaft using the gripping device, containers can be removed from below from the buffer shaft in a particularly simple manner or--as required--new containers can be inserted into the buffer shaft.

With regard to a particularly efficient connection of the buffer shaft to a workstation, it can be provided that a conveyor device is arranged inside the buffer shaft, which is set up to convey containers into and/or out of the buffer shaft. The conveyor device can be a roller conveyor, for example. Alternatively, the conveyor could, for example. Also as a belt, belt, link belt, chain conveyor or the like The conveying device could be positioned in a basic position at the level of the associated work station and connected to the work station via a conveying section that is connected to the conveying device. With a view to fully utilizing the capacity of the buffer shaft as an intermediate store, the basic position is preferably at the lower end of the buffer shaft.

With regard to a particularly flexible operation, it can be provided that the conveying device is designed to be movable in the vertical direction, so that the conveying device can move to the respective bottom container in the buffer shaft and “pick up” it. With a view to minimizing the construction effort, in an embodiment with a height-adjustable conveying device, the gripping device with the support elements can be designed to be static and fixedly mounted at a specific position within the buffer shaft.

As already mentioned, a buffer shaft can be connected directly to a workstation. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for a connection to a conveyor system or to a transport vehicle to be implemented, which in turn may be connected to a workstation.

With regard to efficient interaction of the buffer shafts with the transport vehicles on the lattice structure on the one hand and with connected workstations on the other hand, provision can be made for the buffer shafts to be integrated into the container storage structure on an outer edge of the lattice structure. Taking into account the special circumstances, in particular the respective space situation, the buffer shafts can also be arranged inside the container storage structure and/or completely outside the container storage structure.

In a preferred embodiment, the stacking devices are dimensioned and integrated into the buffer shaft in such a way that the lateral extent of the buffer shaft is limited overall to the size of a lattice cell of the lattice structure. In this way, conventional storage shafts, which are directly adjacent to a buffer shaft as part of the lattice structure, are not subject to any functional restrictions and can be used without restriction for storing stacks of containers. In the event that the stacking device of a buffer shaft is larger than a grid cell and protrudes into an adjacent storage shaft, it can be provided that at least the space above the affected storage shaft (which cannot be used for storing containers) on the grid structure is used, e.g. by arranging a charging station for transport vehicles there. Alternatively, it can be provided that a platform is arranged within an affected storage bay above the space required by components of the stacking device, so that the rest of the storage bay above the platform can be used as storage. In the event that the buffer shaft is positioned at the edge of the container storage structure, those components of the stacking device that protrude beyond a grid cell can advantageously be installed outwards (ie directed away from the container storage structure), since there in all As a rule, handovers or workstations are positioned anyway, so that no further storage space is lost accordingly.

As part of an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention for operating a storage and removal system, it can be provided that the buffer shaft is filled by the transport robots from above with containers in a predeterminable sequence. In this way, sequencing is possible. In this context, it is important that in logistical processes containers are often required in a specific order, for example in assembly processes or certain packaging processes. A distinction is made between a hard and a soft sequence. A soft sequence requires a certain number of containers. The order in which the set of containers arrive is not important, as long as all containers in the group arrive one after the other. In a hard sequence, it is important that the containers arrive strictly in a certain order. The sequencing can be achieved by the transport robots creating the required order on the lattice structure and gradually delivering the containers from above into a buffer shaft according to this order. Accordingly, the containers can be quickly removed from the respective workstation in the correct order.

With regard to an implementation that is as simple as possible in terms of control technology, one embodiment can provide that the operation of a buffer shaft by the transport robot on the one hand and the operation of the buffer shaft by the stacking device are decoupled from one another in terms of time. In other words, the buffer shaft is filled or emptied from above by the transport robots at a different time from the stacking or unstacking of containers in the respective buffer shaft from below by the stacking and/or unstacking device. Due to the temporal decoupling, a complex synchronization of the devices (i.e. transport robot on the one hand and stacking device on the other) can be omitted.

With regard to smooth operation, it can also be provided that the container within a buffer shaft can only be moved in one direction, namely either by the transport robots from above into the buffer shaft and by the stacking device from below out of the buffer shaft, or vice versa. Blockages can be effectively avoided by means of this one-way street regulation, which could otherwise result from a transport robot placing a container for retrieval on top of a container that is to be stored, as a result of which this would then no longer be accessible. However, in order to ensure maximum flexibility and efficiency, two buffer shafts could be assigned to a workstation, one of which is configured to bring source containers to the workstation, while the other of the two buffer shafts takes over the return of processed containers.

• 1 in einer schematischen Perspektivdarstellung den Grundaufbau eines Lager- und Entnahmesystems in Form eines Gridstore-Lagers,
• 2 in einer Perspektivdarstellung einen Pufferschacht eines Lager- und Entnahmesystems entsprechend einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,
• 3 in einer Seitenansicht eine Greifvorrichtung mit Auflageelementen eines Pufferschachts eines Lager- und Entnahmesystems entsprechend einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,
• 4 in einer schematischen Perspektivdarstellung sowie in einer Seitenansicht einen Pufferschacht eines Lager- und Entnahmesystems entsprechend einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung mit einer höhenverstellbaren Greifvorrichtung in einer ersten Position,
• 5 in einer schematischen Perspektivdarstellung sowie in einer Seitenansicht einen Pufferschacht eines Lager- und Entnahmesystems entsprechend einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung mit einer höhenverstellbaren Greifvorrichtung in einer zweiten Position,
• 6 in einer schematischen Perspektivdarstellung sowie in einer Seitenansicht einen Pufferschacht eines Lager- und Entnahmesystems entsprechend einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung mit einer höhenverstellbaren Fördereinrichtung in einer ersten Position, und
• 7 in einer schematischen Perspektivdarstellung sowie in einer Seitenansicht einen Pufferschacht eines Lager- und Entnahmesystems entsprechend einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung mit einer höhenverstellbaren Fördereinrichtung in einer zweiten Position.

There are now various possibilities for embodying and developing the teaching of the present invention in an advantageous manner. For this purpose, on the one hand, reference is made to the subordinate claims and, on the other hand, to the following explanation of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing. In connection with the explanation of the preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention based on the drawing, preferred configurations and developments of the teaching are also explained in general. Show in the drawing

• 1 in a schematic perspective view the basic structure of a storage and removal system in the form of a grid store warehouse,
• 2 in a perspective view a buffer shaft of a storage and removal system according to an embodiment of the invention,
• 3 in a side view a gripping device with support elements of a buffer shaft of a storage and removal system according to an embodiment of the invention,
• 4 in a schematic perspective view and in a side view a buffer shaft of a storage and removal system according to an embodiment of the invention with a height-adjustable gripping device in a first position,
• 5 in a schematic perspective view and in a side view a buffer shaft of a storage and removal system according to an embodiment of the invention with a height-adjustable gripping device in a second position,
• 6 in a schematic perspective view and in a side view, a buffer shaft of a storage and removal system according to an embodiment of the invention with a height-adjustable conveyor in a first position, and
• 7 in a schematic perspective view and in a side view, a buffer shaft of a storage and removal system according to an embodiment of the invention with a height-adjustable conveyor in a second position.

1 shows a schematic representation of the basic structure of a storage and retrieval system 1 in the form of a so-called Gridstore store 2. According to this basic structure, the Gridstore store 2 comprises a three-dimensionally organized container storage structure 3, which is specified by a framework that is usually manufactured as a lightweight construction , which defines a multitude of rectangular columns or shafts. These shafts specify storage locations arranged vertically one above the other and thus act as storage shafts 4 in which storage containers 5 (sometimes also referred to as 'bins') can be stacked one on top of the other up to a certain height.

The upper end of the container storage structure 3 is formed by a lattice structure 6 designed as a rail grid, on which a number of storage vehicles or transport robots 7 operate to operate the storage system 1 . The lattice structure 6 defines a multiplicity of lattice cells corresponding to the bearing columns 4 . The storage vehicles 7, which are designed to be able to move horizontally on the lattice structure 6, each comprise (in 1 (not shown) means for picking up, transporting and placing storage containers 5 stored in the container storage structure 3. In practice, these means usually include a lift with a gripping device for containers 5 arranged on it, so that the transport robots 7 can transport storage containers 5 from different depths out of a storage shaft 4 to a level above the lattice structure 6, as well as storage containers 5 from above the Lattice structure 6 can lower different depths in a storage shaft 4.

According to the invention, it is provided that the storage and removal system 1 comprises at least one buffer shaft for temporarily storing containers 5, the buffer shaft comprising a device for stacking and/or unstacking containers 5, as will be described in detail below.

2 shows such a buffer shaft 8 in detail, which is preferably at the edge of the 1 shown container storage structure 3 is arranged and there a conventional camp shaft 4 replaced. Accordingly, the in 2 to be recognized shelf stander 9 part of the container storage structure 3 according to 1 . It goes without saying that buffer shafts 8 can also be provided inside the container storage structure 3 instead of conventional storage shafts 4 . It is also possible to position the buffer shafts 8 partially or completely outside of the container storage structure 3, in which case the connection could be implemented, for example, by means of appropriate conveyor technology.

As already mentioned, a buffer shaft 8 differs from a conventional storage shaft 4 essentially by the integration of a device for stacking and/or unstacking containers 5 (hereinafter referred to as stacking device 10 for short) in the respective shaft. The stacking device 10 comprises several components, including a gripping device 11 with support elements 12 for the containers and an in 2 Conveying device 13 designed as a roller conveyor 14.

According to the 2 illustrated embodiment are introduced for the installation of the stacking device 10 in the buffer shaft 8 between the respective shelf uprights 9 rails 15. Along these rails 15, carriages 16, which are placed to the left and right of the roller conveyor 14, can be moved vertically by the drive motors 17. The lateral ends of the carriages 16 can be guided in the respective shelf uprights 9, whereby it should be noted that for a better representation in 2 a shelf upright 9 has been cut free. The roller conveyor 14 is connected to the carriage 16, as a result of which this can also be moved vertically. The stack of containers is held by the support elements 12 of the gripping device 11 already mentioned above. To identify containers 5, the structure shown has a barcode scanner 21, which identifies the container 5. However, this is not absolutely necessary for the process.

3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a gripping device 11 in a schematic side view. The support elements 12 of the gripping device 11 can be rotated about a horizontal pivot axis 19 by means of drive motors 18 . 3a shows the support elements 12 in an active position, in which the support elements 12 contact a container 5 and fix it in its position. According to the illustrated embodiment, the support elements 12 engage in a groove which is formed between two webs arranged at a distance from one another on the outer wall of the container 5 . Alternatively, a single web of the container 5 could simply rest on the support elements 12 .

3b 12 shows the support elements 12 in a passive position, in which the support elements 12 are pivoted away from the container 5. FIG. Correspondingly, the fixation of the container 5 is released, ie the container 5 is released and can be removed downwards, as described below with reference to FIG 4-7 is described.

the 4-7 show in addition to 2 a conveyor section 20 adjoining the conveyor device 14, via which the buffer shaft 8 is connected to a respective work station (not shown). the 4 and 5 show an embodiment in which the gripping device 11 is designed to be adjustable in height (e.g. by means of the in connection with 2 mechanism described), while the conveyor device 14 is firmly fixed in the buffer shaft 8 at a defined height. the 6 and 7 show the opposite case, ie the conveyor 14 is designed to be adjustable in height, while the gripping device 11 is fixed in height. Although not shown in the figures, it is of course also possible to design both components to be adjustable in height independently of one another.

4 shows a basic position in which the support elements 12 of the gripping device 11 are in the active position and fix the lowermost container 5a, whereby the entire stack of containers in the buffer shaft 8 is held in position. As in 4 As can be seen, the bottom container 5a of the container stack is positioned at a distance from the roller conveyor 14 in the vertical direction in the basic position. To retrieve the bottom container 5a, the gripping device 11 is lowered until the entire stack rests on the roller conveyor 14.

Then the support elements 12 are motorized into their passive position and the gripping device 11 is raised until the support elements 12 have reached the correct height in order to fix the next following container 5b. This state is in 5 shown. The support elements 12 are motor-driven back into their active position and the gripping device 11 is raised further until the bottom container 5a stands freely on the roller conveyor 14 and can accordingly be conveyed out via the conveyor section 20 (e.g. to a workplace). A batch process runs in reverse order.

In 6 the roller conveyor 14 is in its basic position at the height of the conveyor section 20. The support elements 12 of the gripping device 11 are in the active position and fix the bottom container 5a, whereby the entire stack of containers in the buffer shaft 8 is held in position. To swap out the bottom container 5a is the Roller conveyor 14 raised until the entire stack rests on the roller conveyor 14. In this position, the support elements 12 are brought into their passive position by a motor. This state is in 7 shown.

The roller conveyor 14 is then lowered until the next following container 5b has reached the correct height in order to be fixed by the support elements 12. The support elements 12 are motor-driven back into their active position and the roller conveyor 14 is lowered to the basic position. The stack of containers remains lying on the support elements 12, while the bottom container 5a stands on the roller conveyor 14 and can be conveyed out via the conveyor section 20 (e.g. to a workplace). A batch process runs in reverse order.

If there are several buffer shafts 8 at a workstation, they can be filled one after the other in accordance with the processes described above. If a buffer shaft 8 is drawn empty, it is filled again while the work station is supplied by a buffer shaft 8 that has already been filled in the meantime. In this way, the work of the robots on the lattice structure and the workstations are decoupled from each other and a buffer is created that makes this process decoupling possible. As an alternative to a buffer shaft 8, a spiral conveyor can also be used, which also enables buffering, but requires considerably more space for this.

With regard to further advantageous configurations of the device according to the invention, to avoid repetition, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the appended claims.

Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the above-described exemplary embodiments of the device according to the invention only serve to explain the claimed teaching, but do not restrict it to the exemplary embodiments.

Reference List

1

Storage and withdrawal system

2

Grid store warehouse

3

container storage structure

4

storage shaft

5

storage container

6

lattice structure

7

transport robot

8th

buffer shaft

9

shelf stander

10

stacking device

11

gripping device

12

support element

13

conveyor

14

roller conveyor

15

rails

16

trolley

17

drive motor

18

drive motor

19

pivot axis

20

conveyor line

21

Barcode scanner

Claims (14)

Storage and retrieval system for containers (5), comprising: a lattice structure (6) with a plurality of lattice cells, each lattice cell defining a storage shaft (4) of a container storage structure (3) arranged below the lattice structure (6), the storage shafts (4) are set up to receive a vertical stack of containers (5), and at least one transport robot (7) designed to move along the lattice structure (6) for handling the containers (5), characterized by at least one buffer shaft (8) for Temporary storage of containers (5), the buffer shaft (8) comprising a device (10) for stacking and/or unstacking of containers (5). storage and withdrawal system claim 1 , wherein the device (10) for stacking and/or unstacking of containers is designed in such a way that individual containers (5) are discharged downwards from the buffer chute (8) and/or individual containers (5) are received in the buffer chute ( 8) is enabled from below. storage and withdrawal system claim 1 or 2 , wherein the device (10) for stacking and / or unstacking of containers (5) comprises a gripping device (11) with support elements (12) for holding containers (5) within the buffer shaft (8). storage and withdrawal system claim 3 , wherein the gripping device (11) is designed such that the support elements (12) from an active position in which a respective container (5) is contacted and held within the buffer shaft (8) to a passive position in which the container (5) is released and can be moved vice versa. storage and withdrawal system claim 3 or 4 , wherein the gripping device (11) is designed to be movable in the vertical direction. Storage and retrieval system according to one of Claims 1 until 5 that inside the buffer chute (8), preferably at the lower end of the buffer chute (8), a conveyor device (13), preferably designed as a roller conveyor (14), is arranged, which is set up to transport containers (5) into the buffer chute (8) and / or promote out of the buffer shaft (8). storage and withdrawal system claim 6 , wherein the conveyor (13) is designed to be movable in the vertical direction. Storage and retrieval system according to one of Claims 1 until 7 , wherein the buffer shaft (8) is connected directly or indirectly to a workplace. Storage and retrieval system according to one of Claims 1 until 8th , wherein the buffer shaft (8) is integrated into the container storage structure (3) at an outer edge of the lattice structure (6). Storage and retrieval system according to one of Claims 1 until 9 , wherein the device for stacking and/or unstacking containers (5) is dimensioned and integrated into the buffer shaft (8) in such a way that the lateral extent of the buffer shaft (8) is limited overall to the size of a grid cell of the grid structure (6). . Method for operating a storage and removal system (1) for containers (2) according to one of Claims 1 until 10 comprising: removal of containers (5) from the container storage structure (3) by the transport robots (7) according to a work order; Transport of the removed containers (5) by the transport robot (7) to the buffer chute (8) and stacking of the containers (5) from above in the buffer chute (8) for temporary storage there; Unstacking the containers (5) from below by the device (10) for stacking and/or unstacking the respective buffer shaft (8); and feeding the individual unstacked containers (5) to a workstation coupled to the respective buffer shaft (8). procedure after claim 11 , wherein the buffer shaft (8) is filled by the transport robots (7) with containers (5) in a predeterminable order from above. procedure after claim 11 or 12 , wherein filling or emptying of the buffer shaft (8) from above by the transport robot (7) is separated in time from stacking or unstacking of containers (5) in the respective buffer shaft (8) from below by the device (10) for stacking - and/or unstacking is carried out. Procedure according to one of Claims 11 until 13 , wherein containers (5) are moved within a buffer shaft (8) in one direction only.

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