DE202007006108U1 - Storage device for workpieces or pallets has separate vertical drive unit for each lifting table, each operable independently by control device - Google Patents

Abstract

The storage device (10) is for workpieces (50) of for pallets (12) which may carry workpieces. The storage structure (32) has several storage levels (14) one above the other. There is a separate vertical drive unit (26) for each lifting table (16, 18), each operable independently of the other by a control device (30).

Description

TECHNICAL TERRITORY

The The present invention relates to a storage device for workpieces or for with or without workpieces stocked Pallets with a storage construction with several, one above the other arranged storage levels, at least one loading or unloading vertically movable first lifting table, at least one loadable or unloadable vertically movable second lift table, one at each of the first and second lift table arranged input / ejection mechanism for inserting the workpiece or the pallet from the first lift table to a corresponding storage level the memory structure and for pushing out the workpiece or the pallet from a corresponding storage level to the second lift table or vice versa, a control device with a first control unit, which controls the vertical movement of the lifting tables, and a second Control unit that controls the horizontal movement of the input / ejection mechanism controls.

STATE OF TECHNOLOGY

In automated production lines, workpieces must be supplied or removed for installation or transported within the line or cached become.

In usually come here conveyor belts, feed chutes, Basket stack or pallet systems are used. The workpieces will be this by hand or by automatic handling systems such as Robots moved.

In many cases is a high storage capacity desired for example, during manual loading / unloading by a worker to relieve this or possible in automatic processes a big Decoupling of the processes to achieve. Frequently is for such feeding systems within an automated production line, however, not the needed space available.

PRESENTATION THE INVENTION

outgoing of the cited prior art is the present invention the technical problem or the problem underlying a Memory device of the type mentioned so on to develop that a space-saving design with high part density is possible, a high buffering performance is achieved, the decoupling loading and unloading is, a free access to the workpieces is possible and a total of flexible use regarding different workpieces or Pallets is given.

The Storage device according to the invention The type mentioned above is characterized by the features of the independent claim 1 given. Advantageous embodiments and developments are Subject of the independent Claim 1 dependent Claims.

The Storage device according to the invention for workpieces or Palettes are characterized by this from that for each lifting table each have a separate vertical drive unit available is, wherein the vertical drive units each independently can be acted upon by the control device.

Thereby, that for each lift table separately controllable vertical drive units are used, is the loading or unloading process of the individual storage levels completely decoupled. Access to any palette is always guaranteed.

A Particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that the storage structure has a square or rectangular floor plan and on two opposite sides one lifting table each or on three sides or on four sides respectively a lifting table with separate vertical drive unit is arranged.

A particularly advantageous embodiment is characterized by that at least one mobile feed store is present, from which a lifting table on the input / Ausschubmechanismus be equipped is or over the input / Ausschubmechanismus from the lifting table can be equipped. This mobile feed store can be loaded as part of a prefabrication. That's it Within the scope of a production line it is easily possible to implement a "just in sequence" assembly operation.

A structurally particularly advantageous embodiment is characterized from that the lifting tables are guided in linear guide, wherein advantageously Way the vertical drive unit as electromechanical Drive with geared brake motor with absolute encoder and frequency converter is formed in connection with toothed belt.

An advantageous development is characterized in that the lifting tables and the storage level have a roller bearing device for the workpieces or pallets, wherein according to a particular structural design, the roller bearing device is designed as laterally arranged roller strips. These roller bars practically form the storage level and, according to a particularly preferred embodiment, are height-adjustable on the storage device, so that an adaptation to different work piece heights is easily possible.

A particularly advantageous embodiment, the exact positioning ensures the workpieces to be transferred, is characterized by the fact that the lifting table has a centering device for centering a supplied workpiece or one supplied Pallet is present.

A proven, advantageous embodiment of the input / Ausschubmechanismus draws characterized by being this as a powered orbiting chain is designed with a roller bearing as a driver for transport the pallet in a corresponding existing on the pallet scenery temporarily intervenes.

In another variant of a further advantageous embodiment of the input / Ausschubmechanismus this is characterized by the fact that he a longitudinally displaceable Gripper, which is used to transport the pallet with a on the Pallet existing projection unit is engageable.

Of the Gripper can be connected to a pneumatic, hydraulic or electromechanical be operated cylinder connected.

On the side of the lift table on which a robot is used is the access for always free this robot. If a lift table is equipped by a worker, so there is a safety device on this side of the lift table, when moving the lifting table or the pallet or the workpiece the Access to the working area of the lift table locks. Light grids, Sliding doors, folding doors or The like can be used as shut-off devices.

According to one preferred embodiment are monitoring sensors on the memory device according to the invention present, which are in communication with the control device, and the correct positioning or location respectively the presence or absence of workpieces or Detect pallets.

A particularly preferred development, which has a high variability in terms Ensures the direction of the insertion or Ausschiebvorgangs, is characterized in that the storage device respectively formed on a complete storage level as a ball table, so that the workpieces or pallets in different horizontal directions can be ejected.

The storage device according to the invention offers, inter alia, the following advantages:
A high storage density is achieved by utilizing the room height. By separate drives there is a decoupling of the loading or unloading of the storage device, which has a favorable effect on the manufacturing processes. In the area of the lifting tables, free access from above to the workpieces is always possible. By using pallets as workpiece carriers, the system can also be used for a wide variety of workpieces (also in mixed operation). The storage device according to the invention requires a very small space requirement compared to other systems with the same high storage density.

Thereby, that the memory levels or the roller bars in their Height adjustable can be fixed, the system can be easily adapted to a wide variety of workpieces become. To load or unload the lift table can always on the right ergonomic height for the Be aligned operator. One access to any palette is possible at any time because the vertical drive units are completely decoupled. to Bearing control itself can easily be used by a PLC program become. A chaotic storage is possible as well a storage of equal parts per pallet.

In addition, can the pallet itself have a coding, so that the control the storage of workpieces can easily implement according to predetermined criteria.

Further embodiments and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the claims listed Features and by the embodiments given below. The features of the claims can be combined in any way as far as they are concerned not obviously mutually exclusive.

SHORT DESCRIPTION THE DRAWING

The Invention as well as advantageous embodiments and developments The same will be described below with reference to the drawings Examples closer described and explained. The The description and the drawing to be taken features can individually for themselves or applied to several in any combination according to the invention become. Show it:

1 highly schematic representation of a storage device with a storage structure with opposite lifting tables, each lifting table each having a separate controllable via a control device vertical drive unit,

2 highly schematic top view of the storage device according to 1 .

3 Schematic representation of a storage device with four lifting tables,

4 schematic side view of a constructional embodiment of a storage device with two lifting tables, wherein a lifting table is commissioned by a worker and the other lifting table is unloaded by a robot,

5 schematic plan view of the memory device according to 4 .

6 schematic side view of the storage device according to 4 seen from the workers' side,

7 schematic side view of the storage device according to 4 seen from the robot side,

8th schematic perspective view of the memory device according to 4 .

9 schematic perspective view of a storage device that is being loaded or unloaded by two robots,

10 schematic bottom view of a lift table with a first embodiment of an input / Ausschubmechanismus for transporting the pallet and

11 schematic bottom view of a lifting table with a second embodiment of an input / Ausschubmechanismus for transporting the pallet.

WAYS TO EXECUTE INVENTION

In the 1 and 2 is highly schematic a storage device 10 represented, in its middle a memory construction 32 comprising a plurality of memory levels arranged one above the other 14 has and has a rectangular plan. On the in 1 left side is a first lift table 16 and on the right side a second lift table 18 available. The first lift table 16 and the second lift table 18 are at the storage construction 32 height-displaceable in a linear guide (arrows V1, V2) out. Thereby each lifting table becomes 16 . 18 from a separate vertical drive unit 26 applied. The two vertical drive units 26 are independently of each other via a control device shown schematically 30 applied. The first lift table 16 is with workpieces 50 loaded (arrow B). The workpieces 50 are on a pallet 12 arranged. Below the first lift table 16 is a connected on / Ausschubmechanismus 20 present, by the controller 30 is applied, and upon reaching a predetermined height level of a memory level 14 causes the pallet 12 with the workpieces 50 to the storage level 14 is inserted (arrow H1 in 1 ). Once the pallet 12 of the first lifting table is stored, drives the first lifting table 16 back to its loading position (in 1 not shown).

On the opposite side on the second lift table 18 the unloading process takes place (arrow E). Also the second lift table 18 has an insertion / ejection mechanism on the underside 20 on, by means of which one with workpieces 50 loaded pallet after the second lift table 18 has reached the desired height, from the storage level 14 pushed out (arrow H2) and on the second lift table 18 is stored (arrow H2 in 1 ). Then the second lift table drives 18 in the vertical direction to its unloading position.

In 2 Dashed on the right is a mobile Zuführspeicher 24 shown schematically, by means of which it is easily possible to implement a "just in sequence" montage. The mobile feed store 24 This is loaded in a prefabrication and then immediately next to the second lift table 18 arranged. The input / output mechanism 20 in conjunction with the vertical drive unit 26 can now in the mobile Zuführspeicher 24 stored pallets 12 or workpieces 50 in accordance with the specified stock program and in the storage levels 14 the memory construction 32 store. Following this, the stored workpieces 50 or pallets 12 from the respective memory levels 14 according to the bearing control again on the first lifting table 16 be outsourced.

In 3 is shown schematically that it is also possible in principle, in addition to the first and second lift table 16 . 18 at the still free opposite sides each have a further lift table 22 to arrange. Thus, a total of four lift tables are available. It is also possible to work with three lifting tables.

It is possible, too implement a ball table variant in which the lifting tables to a predetermined circumferential pitch are arranged. The individual storage levels are designed as ball tables. The workpieces or the pallets can thus be pushed in / out in any horizontal directions.

In the 4 to 8th is a first constructional embodiment of a memory device 10 represented, in principle, the same Auf construction, as in 1 and 2 illustrated storage device 10 , The same components bear the same reference numerals and will not be explained again.

In the in the 4 to 8th dargestellen embodiment, the first lift table 16 from a worker 80 applied. The unloading process from the second lift table 18 takes over a robot 82 , The first and second lift table 16 . 18 are designed as a frame construction, wherein from the sides inward in the transport direction grid-shaped arranged bearing rollers 34 (please refer 5 ) are arranged, on which the pallets 12 are mounted displaceably in the horizontal direction.

In the 4 to 8th are individual workpieces not shown.

In the frame construction of the first and second lift table 16 . 18 is the input / Ausschubmechanismus arranged in the 4 to 8th not shown.

Inside the storage structure 32 are the pallets 12 in roll bars 36 guided laterally, which are parallel to the horizontal transport direction (see 6 and 7 ).

Furthermore, in 4 below the second lift table 18 a centering device 70 present, the second lift table 18 Centered when reaching the unloading position.

On the part of the worker 80 is above and in front of the first lift table 16 a security device 60 present, which is formed in the embodiment as a vertical sliding door. In addition, on the part of the worker 80 on the top side a visual display 62 available.

In 9 is a schematic perspective view of a storage device 10.1 shown in the case of both lifting tables 16 . 18 for loading and unloading of workpieces 50 robot 82 be used. The storage device 10.1 basically has the same structure as the memory device described above 10 , just with the addition that even below the first lift table 16 a centering device 70 is available.

In 10 is in a lower view of the first lift table 16 and from its position, a pallet stored in the storage structure at the storage level 12 shown schematically. The input / output mechanism shown in this embodiment 20.1 has a driven revolving chain 40 on, in the turning points over sprockets 42 is guided. On the chain 40 is an outwardly facing driver (arrow K) with a roller bearing 44 connected. The drive unit for a sprocket 42 is in 10 not shown. If the sprocket is driven, the chain and thus also the roller bearing moves 44 , The underside is on the pallet 12 on opposite sides in each case a backdrop 46 present, with that on the chain 40 connected roller bearings 44 engages and thus the pallet 12 transported in the transport direction H until the pallet 12 completely on the first lift table 16 is arranged, in which case the roller bearing 44 with the backdrop 46 disengages again.

A second embodiment of an input / Ausschubmechanismus for the pallet 12 is in 11 shown.

Here is a bottom view of the first lift table 16 and the palette positioned next to it 12 shown.

The input / output mechanism has a longitudinally displaceable (L) gripper 52 on top, with a bottom on the pallet 12 existing projection unit 56 can be brought into engagement. The gripper 52 itself is in turn to a cylinder shown schematically 54 connected, the longitudinal displacement L of the gripper and thus the transport movement H of the pallet 12 causes. The drive unit for the cylinder 54 and the associated control are in the 11 not shown.

Once the pallet 12 her position on the first lift table 16 has reached, the connection between gripper 52 and 56 solved. With the storage device according to the invention, a space-saving design with high part density is implemented, whereby a high flexibility is ensured by the decoupling of the loading or unloading via the separately controllable vertical drive units.

Claims (15)

Storage device ( 10 . 10.1 ) for workpieces ( 50 ) or with or without workpieces ( 50 ) equipped pallets ( 12 ) with - a memory construction ( 32 ) with a plurality of storage levels ( 14 ), - at least one loading or unloading vertically movable first lifting table ( 16 ), - at least one loading or unloading vertically movable second lifting table ( 18 ), - one at each of the first and second lift table ( 16 . 18 ) arranged on / Ausschubmechanismus ( 20 . 20.1 . 20.2 ) for inserting the workpiece ( 50 ) or the pallet ( 12 ) with or without workpieces from the first lift table into a corresponding storage level ( 14 ) of the memory structure ( 32 ) and for pushing out the workpiece ( 50 ) or the pallet ( 12 ) with or without workpieces from a corresponding storage level ( 14 ) on the second lift table ( 18 ) or vice versa, - a control device ( 30 ) with a first control unit, which controls the vertical movement of the lifting tables, and a second control unit, which controls the horizontal movement of the insertion / ejection mechanism, - characterized in that - for each lifting table ( 16 . 18 ) each have a separate vertical drive unit ( 26 ), the vertical drive units ( 26 ) each independently of the control device ( 30 ) can be acted upon. Memory device according to claim 1, - characterized in that - the memory structure ( 32 ) has a square or rectangular plan and on two opposite sides in each case a lifting table ( 16 . 18 ) or on three sides or on four sides in each case one lifting table ( 16 . 18 . 22 ) with separate vertical drive unit ( 26 ) is arranged. Memory device according to claim 1 or 2, - characterized in that - at least one mobile feed store ( 24 ) is present, from which a lift table ( 18 ) via the input / output mechanism ( 20 ) or via the input / ejection mechanism ( 20 ) from the lift table ( 18 ) can be equipped. Storage device according to one or more of the preceding claims, - characterized in that - the lifting tables ( 16 . 18 . 22 ) are guided in linear guides. Storage device according to one or more of the preceding claims, - characterized in that - the lifting tables ( 16 . 18 . 22 ) and the storage level ( 14 ) a roller bearing device for the workpieces ( 50 ) or pallets ( 12 ) exhibit. Storage device according to claim 5, - thereby marked that - the Roller bearing device as laterally arranged opposite Roller strips are formed. Memory device according to one or more of the preceding claims, - characterized in that - the altitude of the memory levels ( 14 ) is each variably adjustable. Storage device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a centering device is provided on the lifting table ( 70 ) is present for centering the lifting table in loading or unloading position or the supplied workpieces or pallets on the lifting table. Storage device according to one or more of the preceding claims, - characterized in that - the vertical drive unit ( 26 ) is designed as a transmission brake motor with toothed belt. Storage device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the insertion / ejection mechanism ( 20.1 ) as a driven circulating chain ( 40 ) with a roller bearing ( 44 ) is designed as a driver for transporting the pallet ( 12 ) into a corresponding one on the pallet ( 12 ) existing scenery ( 46 ) intervenes temporarily. Storage device according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, - characterized in that - the input / ejection mechanism ( 20.2 ) a longitudinally movable gripper ( 52 ), which is used to transport the pallet ( 12 ) with one on the pallet ( 12 ) existing projection unit ( 56 ) is engageable. Storage device according to claim 11, - characterized in that - the gripper ( 52 ) on a pneumatically, hydraulically or electromechanically operated cylinder ( 54 ) connected. Storage device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that - a security device ( 60 ) is present, which blocks the access to the working area of the lifting table when moving the lifting table or pallet or the workpiece. Storage device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that there are monitoring sensors connected to the control device ( 30 ) are in communication connection and monitor the correct position and positioning of the workpieces or the pallets. Storage device according to one or more of the preceding claims, - characterized in that - the storage device is in each case formed on a complete storage level as a ball table, so that the workpieces or pallets in different horizontal directions on or off can be pushed.