DE202012103138U1 - Box stacker - Google Patents

Abstract

Crate stacking device (1) with - a chassis (10) which can be moved along a first horizontal direction of movement (RL), - a vertical stacking device (30) coupled to the chassis (10), which is designed so that it is at least picks up a box (K) from below into a stack of boxes (S) located in the vertical stacking device and, when delivering boxes, delivers at least one box (K) located at the bottom of a stack of boxes (S), - a placement device (50), the placement device ( 50) and / or the vertical stacking device (30) in the first direction of movement (RL) relative to one another at least from a first position (I), in which the vertical stacking device (30) is arranged at least partially above the parking device (50), into a second position (II) are movable, in which the vertical stacking device (30) and the parking device (50) are arranged in relation to one another in such a way that the V Vertical stacking device (30) a stack of boxes (S) placed next to the storage device (50) on a storage floor (102) or lifted from the storage floor (102) ...

Description

The invention relates to a box stacking device, stacked with the boxes stacked in a warehouse and preferably can be unstacked for removal again. Moreover, the invention relates to a box stack with such a box stack arrangement and a method for stacking boxes and a method for unstacking boxes.

In many manufacturing companies, but also in many logistic companies and larger trading companies, there is a constant need to have at any time a relatively large number of standardized boxes in which goods can be stored and / or transported. To provide the required empty crates not only sufficient storage space must be provided, but also facilities to store the boxes as space-saving and effective as possible and to be able to outsource. In particular, in the food sector, for example in bakeries or butchers, it is also important to ensure that the storage of the boxes takes place under hygienic conditions. Since usually the boxes are first driven directly after use by a car wash and the cleaned boxes are stored to keep them ready when needed in a usable condition, must be given hygienic storage conditions.

A particularly space-saving solution is the storage of the boxes in the form of stacks, wherein advantageously, in order to avoid having to overcome large heights, the stacks are constructed from below. A suitable case stacking storage is used for example in the DE 198 49 391 A1 described. This box stacking storage has a frame in which by means of latching the box stacks are held in rows and columns next to each other at a distance above the ground. In a free space under the held boxes stack a transport device is arranged. This transport device has an example running parallel to the rows of boxes treadmill and is movable in the column direction, ie transverse to the rows, under the stored boxes. About another treadmill this transport device can be supplied to a number of new boxes. The transport device has a lifting device, which moves the treadmill with a row of boxes arranged thereon for storage upwards and pushes from below into the frame, that this row of boxes is held by the latches and the already above it, previously held by the latches on boxes the newly stored boxes are stored. In this way, the box stacks are enlarged from below until a maximum height is reached and the warehouse is full. In the reverse procedure, the boxes can be removed in rows again with the help of the transport device, in which case the pawls are opened to release the respective lowest box of a stack for a short time. This box storage works very well in principle, but has the disadvantage that the frame is installed firmly within the storage room and the entire floor area below the frame in which moves the transport device is relatively difficult to access for cleaning.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative to said crate stock.

This object is achieved by a box stacking device according to claim 1, a box pile storage according to claim 12 and by a method for stacking boxes according to claim 13 and a method for unstacking boxes according to claim 15.

The box stacking device according to the invention has on the one hand a chassis, which, for. B. by means of a suitable traversing device, along a first horizontal direction of movement is movable. In this case, the chassis can be designed so that it moves directly to the storage floor by the traversing device comprises, for example, a number of arranged on the frame wheels and possibly a motor drive. In principle, however, it is also possible to arrange the chassis indirectly, for example on rails or the like, on a storage floor of the storage space in an adjustable or movable manner.

Furthermore, the box stacking device has a vertical stacking device coupled to the chassis, which is designed such that it receives at least one box from below into a stack in a box receptacle and emits at least one box located at the bottom in a stack in a box delivery. A vertical stacking device is to be understood as a device by means of which boxes, as mentioned at the outset, can be stacked on top of each other, whereby the picking up of a box into the stack from below or the discharge from the stack downwards take place here. For this purpose, for example, this vertical stacking device can be movably coupled to the chassis in a vertical direction of movement, wherein the vertical movement can be controlled.

Finally, the box stacking device has a placement device, wherein the placement device and / or the vertical stacking device in the first horizontal movement direction relative to each other, at least from a first position in which the vertical stacking device at least partially is arranged above the Abstelleinrichtung, are movable in a second position in which the vertical stacking device and the Abstelleinrichtung are arranged to each other so that from the vertical stacking device a stack of boxes next to the Abstellinrichtung placed on a storage floor or lifted from the storage floor. For this purpose, for example, the parking device and / or the vertical stacking device each have suitable drive means to move these two components against each other. It is only important that in the second position, the vertical stacking device has sufficient ground clearance, so that it is down to a lower vertical position, ie, a position that is lower than a parking device of the parking device, movable.

Such a box stacking device allows a finished stack of boxes, i. H. when the stack has reached the desired or maximum height, instead of being stored in a permanent holder in a rack can now be stored directly on the storage floor. Conversely, this means that the storage floor in the areas where it is not just the case stacking device or boxes are already stored, free and therefore easily accessible. This greatly facilitates the cleaning of the area on the one hand. On the other hand, it is possible to use the storage area or the entire storage space, if this is temporarily not required for the storage of boxes, for other purposes, since the chassis together with the vertical stacking device and possibly also the parking device to an example lateral position can be moved in the storage room. In particular, if the chassis is constructed so that it can be moved directly with wheels or rollers on the storage floor, in the entire area of the box stacking device, in which the chassis usually moves, the bearing floor is completely free of structural elements, the cleaning or could affect other uses.

As will be explained later, the crate stacking apparatus is preferably constructed so that a plurality of crate stacks can be stacked or unstacked simultaneously (in parallel). For this purpose, the box stacking device or the vertical stacking device and the depositing device preferably have a plurality of box stacking locations.

Another advantage of this box stacking device is that no constructive static measures are required on the building itself in the upper area, for example, on the masonry or on the ceiling, unlike this would be required, for example, when using a bridge crane. It is sufficient if a storage room is available whose bottom has the required carrying capacity for the boxes or the crate stacking device. This makes the use of the invention in structurally simple constructed storage spaces possible without great technical and financial overhead.

An inventive box stack storage therefore only requires a suitable stack floor and a box stacking device arranged thereon according to the invention. In this case, it is possible for the crate stacking bearing to have several of the crate stacking devices according to the invention, for example in order to be able to operate separate areas in the crate stacking device separately. Likewise, the box stacking devices can also be arranged in the box stacking bearing to one another and cooperate so that they coordinate processed a common area, for example, by a box stacking device stores boxes and the other box stacking device, if necessary, outsourced boxes again. The functions between the box stacking devices can also be changed depending on the number and arrangement of the currently stored boxes. In particular, it can be achieved in this way that boxes stacked first in the box stacking storage are also first dismantled again. The box stackable storage may also have other accessories such as a number of transport routes, especially conveyor belts, switches, vertical conveyors, exits and entrances, possibly with locks, as well as car washes, testing facilities, etc.

• a) Es wird zunächst, z. B. über eine Fördereinrichtung, auf die Abstelleinrichtung eine Anzahl von Kisten zugeführt. Je nach Anzahl von Kistenstapelplätzen der Vertikalstapeleinrichtung können dabei gleichzeitig mehrere Päckchen von Kisten (z. B. zwei Kisten übereinander) oder auch mehrere Einzelkisten zugeführt werden. Eine „Anzahl von Kistenstapeln“ schließt dabei die Einlagerung nur eines Kistenstapels ein. Vorzugsweise werden aber aus Effektivitätsgründen gleichzeitig mehrere Kistenstapel gebildet bzw. aufgebaut.
• b) Mittels der Vertikalstapeleinrichtung werden die Kisten von der Abstelleinrichtung angehoben.
• c) Es wird auf die Abstelleinrichtung eine neue Anzahl von Kisten zugeführt.
• d) Die von der Vertikalstapeleinrichtung gehaltenen Kisten werden dann mittels der Vertikalstapeleinrichtung auf den neuen Kisten abgestellt und die neuen Kisten mit den darüber befindlichen Kisten wieder angehoben.
• e) Diese Schritte c) und d) werden schließlich wiederholt, bis eine bestimmte Stapelabbruchbedingung erreicht ist. Eine solche Stapelabbruchbedingung kann beispielsweise gegeben sein, wenn eine bestimmte Stapelhöhe erreicht ist oder keine einzulagernden Kisten mehr da sind.
• f) Danach werden die Abstelleinrichtung und/oder die Vertikalstapeleinrichtung relativ gegeneinander in der ersten Bewegungsrichtung um zumindest eine erste bestimmte Weglänge, nämlich so weit, dass die Vertikalstapeleinrichtung frei nach unten fahren kann, verfahren.
• g) Anschließend werden von der Vertikalstapeleinrichtung die Kistenstapel auf einem Lagerboden abgestellt.

By means of such a box stacking device, which as described above has a chassis with a vertical stacking device and a depositing device, boxes can be stacked according to the invention in a method with the following method steps for storage:

• a) It is first, z. B. via a conveyor, fed to the Abstellinrichtung a number of boxes. Depending on the number of box stacking stations of the vertical stacking device, several packages of boxes (eg two boxes one above the other) or even several individual boxes can be fed simultaneously. A "number of crate stacks" includes the storage of only one stack of crates. Preferably, however, several box stacks are formed or built up at the same time for reasons of effectiveness.
• b) By means of the vertical stacking device, the boxes are lifted by the Abstelleinrichtung.
• c) A new number of boxes is supplied to the storage facility.
• d) The boxes held by the vertical stacking device are then placed on the new boxes by means of the vertical stacking device and the new boxes with the boxes located above are raised again.
• e) These steps c) and d) are finally repeated until a certain Stack abort condition is reached. Such a stack termination condition can be given, for example, when a certain stack height is reached or no boxes to be stored are left.
• f) Thereafter, the stop device and / or the vertical stacking device relative to each other in the first direction of movement by at least a first predetermined path length, namely so far that the vertical stacking device can drive freely down process.
• g) Subsequently, the stack of boxes are placed on a storage floor of the vertical stacking device.

Finally, in a further step h), the chassis can then be moved by at least a second specific path length in the first direction of movement. This second specific path length can be, for example, a "box stack grid dimension" in which the stack of boxes in the first direction of movement are spaced apart from one another on the storage floor. Thereafter, the process is then repeated from step a) to build up a further stack of boxes (or a further series of box stacks).

• a) Es werden mittels der Vertikalstapeleinrichtung die Kistenstapel jeweils untenseitig, d. h. an ihren untersten Kisten oder darunter, ergriffen und von einem Lagerboden aufgehoben. Hierzu kann das Fahrgestell beispielsweise entgegen der ersten Bewegungsrichtung um die zweite bestimmte Weglänge, z. B. das Kistenstapelrastermaß, verfahren werden, so dass die Vertikalstapeleinrichtung den bzw. die zu entstapelnden Kistenstapel ergreifen kann. Die Kistenstapel werden dann zumindest so weit angehoben, dass ihre Unterkante in einer Höhe oberhalb der Abstelleinrichtung ist. Analog zur Einlagerung kann auch bei der Auslagerung bevorzugt eine Anzahl von Kistenstapeln gleichzeitig entstapelt werden, auch wenn – je nach Aufbau der Kistenstapelvorrichtung und/oder Lagersituation (z. B. wie viele Kistenstapel aktuell in einer zu entstapelnden Reihe stehen) – die Entstapelung nur eines Kistenstapels von der Erfindung umfasst wird.
• b) Es werden dann die Abstelleinrichtung und/oder die Vertikalstapeleinrichtung relativ gegeneinander um zumindest eine erste bestimmte Weglänge entgegen der ersten Bewegungsrichtung verfahren, so dass sich die Abstelleinrichtung nun wieder unter der Vertikalstapeleinrichtung befindet.
• c) Von der Vertikalstapeleinrichtung wird die Anzahl von Kistenstapeln auf der Abstelleinrichtung abgestellt.
• d) Mittels der Vertikalstapeleinrichtung wird dann jeweils ein Teilstapel der Anzahl von Kistenstapeln angehoben, so dass zumindest eine Kiste des jeweiligen Kistenstapels auf der Abstelleinrichtung verbleibt.
• e) Die auf der Abstelleinrichtung verbleibende jeweilige Kiste der Kistenstapel wird wegbefördert, z. B. auf eine Fördereinrichtung befördert, mit der die Kisten aus dem Lager abtransportiert werden können.
• f) Die Schritte c) bis e) werden so lange wiederholt, bis eine Entstapel-Abbruchbedingung erreicht ist. Diese Entstapel-Abbruchbedingung ist beispielsweise dann erreicht, wenn keine Kisten mehr aus dem Lager angefordert werden oder der Stapel aufgebraucht ist.

A method according to the invention for unstacking boxes by means of such a box stacking device during the removal of the boxes takes place in the reverse manner. That is, such a method comprises the following method steps:

• a) It is by means of the vertical stacking device, the box stack each below, ie at their lowest boxes or below, taken and lifted from a storage floor. For this purpose, the chassis, for example, counter to the first direction of movement to the second specific path length, z. As the Kistenstapelrastermaß be moved, so that the vertical stacking device can take the or to be unstacked box stack. The box stacks are then raised at least so far that their lower edge is at a height above the depositing device. As in the case of storage, a number of crate stacks may also be unstacked at the same time, even if - depending on the structure of the crate stacking device and / or storage situation (eg how many crate stacks are currently in a row to be destacked) - the unstacking of only one Box stack is covered by the invention.
• b) The setting device and / or the vertical stacking device are then moved relative to one another by at least one first determined path length counter to the first direction of movement, so that the setting device is now again below the vertical stacking device.
• c) From the vertical stacking device, the number of boxes stack is placed on the Abstelleinrichtung.
• d) By means of the vertical stacking device, in each case a partial stack of the number of box stacks is raised, so that at least one box of the respective stack of boxes remains on the setting-off device.
• e) The remaining on the Abstelleinrichtung each box crates is transported away, z. B. transported on a conveyor with which the boxes can be removed from the warehouse.
• f) Steps c) to e) are repeated until a de-stacking termination condition is reached. This destacking abort condition is achieved, for example, when no more boxes are requested from the warehouse or the stack is used up.

If the stack or boxes are completely destacked and more boxes are requested, then the process can again start with step a) and a next still in the warehouse located number of boxes stacks taken below and unstacked in the inventive way and outsourced.

It is therefore used for stacking boxes and / or destacking boxes each a box stacking device according to the invention.

The further claims and the following description contain particularly advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention, wherein in particular the claims of one category can also be developed analogously to the claims of one of the other categories. In addition, it is explicitly pointed out that only in a specific embodiment illustrated elements or features can also be combined in conjunction with other illustrated and / or described embodiments to achieve an advantageous effect, even if this combination is not explicitly shown.

Particularly preferably, the parking device is provided with a drive device for moving the parking device relative to the vertical stacking device in the first direction of movement. If the drive device can be moved in its position relative to the vertical stacking device, it is not necessary to move the vertical stacking device itself in a horizontal direction in order to bring the setting device and the vertical stacking device into the second position, in which the vertical stacking device places the stack of boxes next to the set-down device can park on a storage floor. This has the particular advantage that a stack of boxes, currently in the Vertical stacking device is held by this, must not be moved horizontally before it is parked on the stack floor. So it can not act on the stack of boxes acting in the horizontal direction centrifugal forces, so that the boxes are more secure on top of each other.

For this purpose, the parking device is preferably movably mounted in the first direction of movement on the chassis. Under a storage of the parking on the chassis is to be understood as a storage in the chassis. For example, the parking device can be coupled via rollers, rails and / or other guide elements to the chassis, preferably in the lower part of the chassis. This has the advantage that when the chassis is moved in the first direction of movement, for example after a finished stacking of crate stacks and putting down the stack of crates on the storage floor, the set-off device is automatically moved to set up the next stack of crates. In principle, however, it would theoretically also be possible for the parking device and the chassis with the vertical stacking device to be controlled synchronously with one another only in a suitable manner, but otherwise to be moved completely independently of one another on the storage floor or a suitable substructure such as rails or the like. The drive device for moving the parking device on the chassis can be, for example, drive rollers, lifting cylinders, a horizontal acting scissors mechanism (similar to a scissors lift) or the like.

The depositing device preferably has a transverse conveyor arranged thereon or in it, which is designed to transport boxes to be loaded or unloaded in a second direction transversely to the first direction. This is preferably a horizontal conveyor, for example a conveyor belt, a conveyor chain or the like. This cross conveyor can serve for the supply and discharge of boxes under the vertical stacking device.

As already mentioned above, the vertical stacking device very particularly preferably has a plurality of box stacking spaces arranged side by side transversely to the first direction of movement. That is, the vertical stacking device is formed so that a plurality of stacks of boxes can be formed and held side by side in the direction transverse to the first direction of movement. In this case, the placement device, in particular the cross conveyor, is then designed or so long that it extends in the first position of the placement device and vertical stacking device to each other continuously below the box stacking locations of the vertical stacking device. This construction has the advantage that a plurality of box stacks can be set up simultaneously or in parallel and can be positioned next to one another in each case in rows extending transversely to the first direction of movement. The chassis can then be moved stepwise in the first direction of movement from one row to the next, so as to place the boxes stack in a matrix form in rows and columns next to each other. In the reverse manner, at the same time, the crate stacks can be picked up and destacked row by row for removal from storage. As a result, a very high operating speed of the crate stacking device is achieved.

In order to transport boxes for removal from the chassis, in particular to the cross conveyor, and vice versa in a retrieval also transport boxes from the chassis, the box stacking device particularly preferably has a longitudinal conveyor running along the first direction of movement adjacent to the chassis. This may preferably be a straight line conveyor with a conveyor belt, a conveyor chain or the like. Alternatively, the chassis could also be moved in the box storage to a pickup station to build a number of boxes stack there and then turn off at a desired location in the camp. However, the use of a longitudinal conveyor is particularly effective and has the advantage that the chassis does not have to be moved with it held box stacks.

Particularly preferably, the chassis can be coupled via a guide device with one side of the longitudinal conveyor or the conveyor line to ensure in a simple manner that the chassis moves in the first direction of movement from one position to the next position parallel to the longitudinal conveyor. For example, the longitudinal conveyor may be coupled to a rail or the like, via which the chassis is coupled on one side with the longitudinal conveyor.

Especially with larger bearings, it is also possible that a longitudinal conveyor, for example, runs centrally between two bearing surfaces and on both sides of the longitudinal conveyor each chassis with parking facilities, especially transverse conveyors, and vertical stacking device are arranged.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the box stacking device has a stop device in order to stop a box running on the longitudinal conveying device next to the chassis in the first direction of movement at a position predetermined relative to the chassis. Preferably, this stopper device is on Chassis arranged because yes can change the current position of the chassis on the longitudinal conveyor. Particularly preferably, the box stacking device has a plurality, for example, coupled to the chassis, stopper devices. One of these stop devices is preferably arranged such that a box stopped therefrom is located at a transfer point for transferring a box from the longitudinal conveyor to the parking device, in particular to the transverse conveyor of the chassis. A further stop device is preferably located at a sufficient distance in the running direction of the incoming boxes in front of this transfer position in order to ensure that a subsequent box does not run onto a box currently to be transferred to the chassis or to the storage device.

In a preferred variant, the stop device, which holds the boxes at the transfer point, is formed so that it protrudes from above into the path of travel of the box. This makes it particularly easy to select by design of stoppers with different lengths or by approaching different stopper positions boxes of different heights, for example, only stop higher boxes at a certain point and pass through lower boxes, to then store them, for example, elsewhere.

For the transfer of the boxes between the longitudinal conveyor and the parking device, in particular the transverse conveyor of the chassis, the box stacking device preferably has a box transfer device. In this case, the box transfer device can be designed so that with their help, both the boxes are transferred from the longitudinal conveyor to the parking device and vice versa boxes are transferred in the removal of the Abstelleinrichtung on the longitudinal conveyor. In principle, it is also possible to provide different forms of transfer during storage and retrieval.

For example, in a preferred variant, the box transfer device can comprise a draw-in unit which pulls the boxes from the longitudinal conveyor onto the set-down device, in particular the transverse conveyor. In a particularly simple and safe variant, this is an infeed unit with a fall latch, which is driven by the depositing device in the horizontal direction under the boxes on the longitudinal conveyor, is pressed down against gravity and then within a box, preferably with the opening is down on the conveyor belt, tilts upwards and is locked. When returning the feeder unit, the box is then taken from the latch to the parking facility. For the return of boxes from the depositing device to the longitudinal conveyor, for example, the parking device, in particular the cross conveyor, at least one side be raised, so that this case latch of the intake unit is then overflowed to ausschlleusen the boxes on the longitudinal conveyor.

If, as provided in the preferred embodiment of the vertical stacking device, the vertical stacking device has a plurality of boxes stacked next to each other along the Abstelleinrichtung and thus several boxes are positioned on the Abstelleinrichtung, are preferably in the Abstellinrichtung, preferably on the cross conveyor, several stoppers that ensure that when transporting the boxes along the storage device or on the cross conveyor these are automatically positioned at the box stacking places or stopped at the correct distance from each other. Particularly preferred may be an additional position control by position and / or distance sensors, for example, with light or IR radiation sensors, take place. In order to ensure a safe transport of the boxes along the Abstelleinrichtung or on the cross conveyor, this is preferably provided with centering, which occur at least during the movement of the boxes on the Abstelleinrichtung or the cross conveyor in function, d. H. preferably folded up.

The vertical stacking device preferably has on a vertically movable stack holding frame movably mounted holding pawls which engage in a holding position for holding a box, namely the lowest box of a box stack, at a distance above the bottom of the box on two opposite side of the box. These retaining pawls are preferably controlled, for. B. motor adjustable, so that they can be moved out of a release position in which the holding pawls do not attack on a box in the holding position.

Particularly preferably, the stack holding rack has in each case on two opposite sides next to a box stacking place on which a box stack to be built or dismantled, pawl holders, on each of which the holding pawls are movably mounted, so that they protrude into the holding position in the box stacking space and on one side attack on the box, for example, grab under a protruding outside of the box collar of the box. In a preferred variant, in which the stack holding rack has a plurality of box stacking locations, some "middle" latch holders protrude between the box stacking spaces. Preferably, these middle pawl holders are designed in such a way that holding pawls extend on both sides (towards both box stacking places), so that right and left next to a box can be taken.

The pawl holders are formed at least in a lower region of the stack holding frame as partitions which delimit the crate stacking spaces from one another or laterally confine a crate stacking space. Particularly preferred are the pawl holders or the partitions which form the pawl holder, tapered towards the front and downwards. This facilitates centering of the boxes between the pawl holders on the respective box stacking station and thus the reception of a box or a complete stack by the vertical stacking device.

A holding pawl is preferably movably mounted on the pawl holder in such a way that, in the holding position, it is supported against an abutment against a force acting in the direction of gravity on the outer end acting on the crate. This has the advantage that no great motor power is required to hold the stack of boxes, but that it is sufficient if the abutment is stable enough.

The pawl holders and the holding pawls arranged thereon are preferably designed so that the distance between the upper edge of the extended holding pawls to the lowest point of the stack holding rack, for example to a lower edge of the pawl holder, a maximum of 7 cm, preferably a maximum of 6.5 cm. This ensures that the holding pawls in the lowest position of the vertical stacking device, in which the boxes are placed on the storage floor, maximum in the said distance of 7 cm, preferably not more than 6.5 cm above the ground, and thus also relatively Flat boxes, such as those currently used in bakeries, can be well received.

To ensure that the crate stacks do not exceed a prescribed maximum height, the crate stacking apparatus may include a height control device. This is preferably arranged directly on the chassis. In a particularly simple variant, a height control device can be realized with the aid of a cable, which is guided on rods with the desired maximum stack height over the stack holding frame and is coupled to a cable pull detector.

In particular, in the food sector, as already mentioned, special hygiene conditions for the boxes are to be observed. Even if the storage floor is cleaned regularly according to the hygiene regulations, it is still advantageous if the boxes used later for transport or storage of food are not placed directly on the ground, but first floor spacers are placed under the pile, so that the lowest, later for use, box is located on these floor spacers. These floor spacers or floor supports can be, for example, floor boxes which, in principle, can be designed in the same shape as the boxes to be stored and retrieved, which are provided for transport and storage of the food. These bottom boxes need only be suitably marked, for example colored in a different color, in order to mark them as such floor pads.

In the case of the method according to the invention, in this case the crates are stored when the stack abort condition is reached, for example when a maximum stack height is reached or when crates are no longer to be stored and the finished stacks are to be turned off be supplied by floor spacers, especially floor boxes. For example, a floor spacer may be transported to the crate stacking station in the same manner as a crate under the vertical stacker. Then, by means of the vertical stacking device, the boxes held by the vertical stacking device can be placed on the floor spacers and then the floor spacers with the boxes located above them are raised, before the setting device or the vertical stacking device are moved relative to one another by at least the first determined path length in the direction of movement and the vertical stacking device shuts off the stack of boxes together with the floor spacers on the storage floor. For this purpose, the box stacking device preferably has a bottom spacer bearing device in order to supply the bottom spacer to the vertical stacking device at a defined time. For example, a constructed in the same way as the box pile storage, only small-sized box storage be provided with floor boxes, where there is also a (smaller) box stacking device according to the invention is used to remove at the appropriate time floor boxes or unused used floor boxes again.

To carry out the methods already described, the box stacking device preferably has a control device which is connected directly or indirectly to the drive devices of the chassis, the vertical stacking device, the depositing device, in particular the cross conveyor, and possibly a conveyor, in particular the longitudinal conveyor. This control device controls the said components for storing boxes in the already described above Way with the steps a) to g) and / or to outsource crates according to steps a) to f).

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the attached figures with reference to a particularly preferred embodiment of a box stacking device. This also provides further details and advantages of the invention. Show it:

1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a box stacking device according to the invention in the empty state with a setting device in a forward position,

2 a perspective view of the box stacking device as in 1 , but partially broken to better illustrate the movement mechanics of the parking facility,

3 another perspective view of the box stacking device as in 2 but with the parking device in a rear position,

4 another perspective view of the box stacking device as in 1 during a filling with boxes,

5 to 12 a sequence of schematic representations of the lower portion of the box stacking device with the depositing device with the cross conveyor and the longitudinal conveyor to illustrate the process of storage of boxes,

13 and 14 schematic sectional views of a middle pawl holder with retaining pawls arranged therein in two different positions,

15 to 18 a sequence of further schematic representations of the lower portion of the box stacking device with the depositing device with the cross conveyor and the longitudinal conveyor to illustrate the process of storage of boxes,

19 a perspective view of the box stacking device as in the 1 to 4 in fully loaded condition,

20 to 22 a sequence of schematic sectional views in a direction parallel to the longitudinal conveyor running cutting direction, to illustrate the parking of boxes stacks on the storage floor,

23 a representation as in the 5 to 12 , but now in the removal of boxes from the cross conveyor on the longitudinal conveyor,

24 a schematic plan view of the box stacking device during a filling with boxes and a number of already parked on the storage floor box stacks,

25 a schematic representation of a box stack bearing from above with a box stacking device as in 24 ,

The preferred box stacking device shown in the figures 1 has a chassis according to the invention 10 and a vertical stacking device coupled thereto 30 on. This vertical stacking device 30 settles inside the chassis 10 move in a vertical direction between different height positions back and forth and this is suitably by a control device (in 1 not shown) controlled. The chassis 10 is, as will be described in more detail later, in a first direction of movement R _L , hereinafter also called the longitudinal direction R _L , on a storage floor 102 traversable.

Next to the chassis 10 is a horizontal longitudinal conveyor 80 with a conveyor belt running in the longitudinal direction R _L 81 arranged on which einzulagernde boxes K to the chassis 10 can be transported or outsourced boxes K from the chassis 10 can be carried away.

Inside the chassis 10 is below the vertical stacker 30 a parking facility 50 movably mounted. In this case, the parking facility 50 in the longitudinal direction R _L from a first position I in which the vertical stacking device 30 largely above the parking facility 50 is in a second position II be moved, in which the parking facility 50 in the longitudinal direction R _L seen behind the vertical stacking device 30 so that they are free until down to or just above the bottom of the warehouse 102 can be moved. The parking facility 50 is here with a cross conveyor 55 with two running in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction R _L transverse direction R _Q parallel, via a drive 57 driven belts 56 fitted.

In the illustrated embodiment, the chassis 10 , the vertical stacking device 30 and the parking facility 50 designed so that in the transverse direction R _Q five box stacks P are provided side by side to parallel, as will be explained in more detail later, to be able to build or unstack several box stack S simultaneously. It should be noted at this point that the number of boxes stacking places but in principle is arbitrary, ie the box stacking device 1 both fewer crate stalls P (in extreme cases only one) as well as considerably more Kistenstapelplätze P may have. It should also be mentioned at this point that other details of the box stacking device do not necessarily have to be present in the exact configuration explained in the figures, but also modifications of the various features are possible. For example, the parking facility must 50 as will be explained below, not necessarily within the chassis 10 be stored, but could also be freely movable on the floor of the warehouse 102 without a mechanical coupling with the chassis 10 be realized and only synchronized, for example, electronically to the chassis 10 be moved.

In 24 is the principle Einlagweise the boxes K using the box stacking device according to the invention 1 shown. As can be seen here, a plurality of boxes stack S are successively built in parallel in a row, then turned off and built a new series. Overall, then the boxes stack S are on a storage floor 102 in a matrix arrangement with rows R1, R2, R3,..., and a plurality of columns S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, wherein the number of columns S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 is the number of box stack locations P of the vertical stacker 30 equivalent.

As in particular from the 1 to 4 The chassis is easy to recognize 10 constructed here as a stable, assembled from tubular frame parts, a total of U-shaped, open towards the front frame. As the front of the chassis 10 is considered in this context, the page, after stacking boxes stack S and off the stack of boxes S on the storage floor 102 points to the stacked crate stacks S (see eg 24 ). The back of the chassis 10 is the side facing away from this front, at the frame of the chassis 10 closed is. When storing boxes K, the chassis moves 10 Accordingly, with the back side progressively in the first direction of movement R _L or longitudinal direction R _L from one position to the next position to each take boxes K, stack up to crates S and then turn off the stack of boxes S at this position on the storage floor. The boxes are in the embodiment shown in the figures in the preferred position upside down, ie with the bottom up and the opening down, stored.

The chassis 10 here has in particular an upper U-frame 11O and one below, just above the bottom, arranged lower U-frame 11U on, at all four corners, namely front by front supports 13V and behind by rear supports 13H , are interconnected. At the parallel to the longitudinal direction R _L extending sides of the chassis 10 are the supports 13V . 13H each for stabilization by cross member 12 interconnected. For further stabilization are the upper U-frame 11O and the lower U-frame 11U at the rear of the chassis 10 through additional vertical supports 18H interconnected. In addition, the two side parts or U-legs of the frame are approximately in the central region (seen in the longitudinal direction R _L ) by a holding frame consisting of a plurality of tubular frame parts 19 connected to each other, on which also the vertical stacking device 30 is held (see 20 to 22 ).

At the bottom U-frame 11U There is a wheel at each of the front corners 14 which is here in the lower ends of the front supports 13V is integrated. In addition, the chassis points to the lower U-frame 11U at the back in the middle a moving twin wheel 15 on which one about a motor 16 is driven. This twin wheel 15 is steerable, so that it can be ensured by appropriate control that the entire chassis moves exactly in the longitudinal direction R _L. Likewise, the front wheels can also 14 each driven separately by motor to provide for a parallel operation.

In addition, the chassis 10 with the help of guide hooks 6 or a leader block 7 , which is on the chassis 10 is attached and designed so that it is behind a guide rail 88 on the longitudinal conveyor 80 engages, parallel to the longitudinal conveyor 80 be guided. It can, for example, on the guide hook 6 or in the leader block 7 Also, electronic sensors may be incorporated to wheel the wheel based on readings from these sensors 15 appropriate to drive. Other sensors for distance measurement can alternatively or additionally be used.

For added safety are at the rear lower corners of the chassis 10 still support wheels 17 arranged, which do not touch the ground in normal operation, but are located just above the ground and serve only to assist in case of slight tilting of the chassis. In a variant of the chassis, these support wheels 17 also adjustable in height, so that they are always placed on the ground when just the vertical stacking device 30 is operating and stacking or destacking stack of boxes S, and the otherwise in a process of the chassis 10 are in an unloaded state in an upper state. Alternatively, support legs can be extended to provide a stable stand during the storage and removal of boxes K. This depends on how high the stack of boxes S are to be set up and how many box stacks P are served simultaneously.

The vertical stacking device 30 has a flat, upright aligned, stable stacking rack 31 on, which may for example be designed as a tubular frame. There is a wall at the front to the crates stacking P out 33 , For example, from thin sheet metal, in the rest against the stacked boxes K or Kistenstapel S. They also extend from the stack holding frame 31 to the front of the chassis 10 out between the box stacking spaces P or on the outside next to the outermost box stacking spaces P respectively pawl holder 40 , which are formed as a form of partitions between the box stacking spaces P and at which, as will be explained later, the holding pawls 43 for holding the boxes are movably mounted.

The stack holding rack 31 is respectively right and left about roles 32 between two vertical struts 18S extending between the upper U-frame 11O of the chassis 10 and the crossbars 12 on each side of the chassis 10 extend, guided in a vertical direction movable. The drive mechanism for vertical movement of the stack holding frame 31 is in the 21 to 23 shown schematically. As can be seen here, in an upper area on the mentioned holding frame 19 in the middle area immediately behind the stacking rack 31 in the U-shaped support frame 10 is fixed and this additionally stabilized, pulleys 34 arranged. Preferably located on the support frame 19 for the vertical stacking device 30 parallel two such pulleys 34 each at a distance inward from the right and left sides of the chassis 10 out. At least one, preferably both, the pulleys 34 is / are driven. With vertical stacking devices having more than five box stacking locations P, which are longer in the transverse direction R _Q , it is also possible to use more than two parallel (driven) deflection rollers 34 be used. About these pulleys 34 each runs a drawstring 35 , which on the one hand on the movable stack holding frame 31 and on the other hand on a counterweight 36 is fixed, with the mass of the counterweight 36 approximately the total mass of the empty vertical stacker 30 without boxes. This ensures that via a drive of the pulleys 34 only the work to lift the stack of boxes S must be applied. At the drawstring 35 it is preferably a dental tape. Alternatively, ropes or chains can be used.

To stabilize the vertical movement of the counterweight 36 this points to the two sides of the chassis 10 pointing towards extensions (not shown), at each end of which roles 37 (please refer 1 ) are arranged. These roles 37 are also in the vertical direction between two horizontal struts 18S led, located between the upper U-frame 10O and the crossbars 12 on the sides of the chassis 10 extend.

How very good in the 2 and 3 can be seen, the parking facility extends 50 with the cross conveyor 55 over the complete in the transverse direction R _Q extending width of the chassis 10 , The end is the parking facility 50 via plain bearings 53 on the two laterally extending U-legs of the lower U-frame 11U of the chassis 10 stored and so can from the front position I , as in 2 shown in the rear position II , as in 3 be shown, proceed. The adjustment between the positions I and II the parking facility 50 inside the chassis 10 takes place with a lying on the rear strut, ie at the U-bottom of the U-frame 11U on the one hand and at the parking facility 50 on the other hand arranged scissors mechanism 51 that's about a lift cylinder 52 driven can be adjusted. This scissor mechanism 51 works similar to a scissor lift and thus ensures easy positional adjustment of the parking facility 50 inside the chassis 10 , As in the 1 to 3 can be clearly seen, the cross conveyor points 55 the parking facility 50 here two parallel conveyor belts 56 on top of that by a motor 57 be driven synchronously in parallel, so that each boxes with their side edges on these ribbons 56 in the transverse direction R _Q on the Abstelleinrichtung 50 can be moved.

The operation of the box stacking device during storage of boxes K takes place in such a way that on the conveyor belt 81 of the longitudinal conveyor 80 K boxes K to the chassis 10 to get promoted. In the chassis 10 is the parking facility 50 when storing the boxes K in the front position I , The outside is on the chassis 10 in the longitudinal direction R _L seen behind this front position I a stopper device 85 arranged. This stopper device 85 has an arm 86 (Which is angled here in this embodiment) on, from the top in the way one on the treadmill 81 transported box K is einschwenkbar. The control of the position of the arm 86 done by means of a pneumatic cylinder 87 , Is the arm 86 the stopper device 85 drove down, so comes an incoming box K on this arm 86 and on the conveyor belt 81 in front of yourself in the front position I located parking facility 50 stopped. This position on the treadmill 81 in front of the chassis 10 , which moves permanently with the chassis, ie relative to the chassis 10 is stationary, but on the treadmill 81 in front of the chassis 10 with the current position of the chassis 10 is referred to below as the transfer position or transfer position T. At this transfer position T is with Help of a later explained transfer device 60 ensured that the boxes K to be stored are of the longitudinal conveyor 80 on the parking facility 50 be handed over.

The structure of the stopper device 85 at the transfer position T with a swinging arm from above 86 has the advantage that thus a selection of different boxes can be made according to their height, so that, for example, stopped only boxes K with a certain minimum height and the Abstelleinrichtung 50 of the chassis 10 be handed over, whereas lower boxes K are passed through and stored for example elsewhere.

By an additional stopper device 8th (in the following pre-stopper 8th called), here at the leader block 7 of the chassis 10 arranged, it is ensured that one on the conveyor belt 81 If necessary, the trailing box is stopped at a suitable distance in front of the transfer position T, so that it does not run onto a box that is currently being transferred. This pre-stopper 8th can be realized, for example, by a pen to be retracted from below into the box K or the like. This positioning of a trailing box K is especially good in 24 to recognize from above.

In 4 is the box stacking device 1 shown in a state in which already box stack with two boxes on the Abstelleinrichtung 50 were piled up and just another box K is transported to the storage.

Based on 5 to 18 Subsequently, the process of transferring boxes K from the longitudinal conveyor 80 on the cross conveyor 55 and the formation of the box stacks S by means of the vertical stacking device 30 explained in more detail. It will be in 5 with the empty box stacking device 1 began. A first box K will be here with Vorstopper shut down 8th (indicated by the arrow down) to the rear stopper device 85 passed through and there at the transfer position T fitting in front of the chassis 10 or the cross conveyor 55 the parking facility 50 on the treadmill 81 stopped. While handing boxes on the treadmills 56 of the cross conveyor 55 is the stack holding frame 31 the vertical stacking device 30 in an upper position.

In the parking facility 50 is below the top of the bands 56 of the cross conveyor 55 a transfer facility 60 arranged in the form of a feeder unit, the boxes K in the chassis 10 on the parking facility 50 draws. The transfer device 60 has a carriage for this purpose 61 on, at a lengthwise between the treadmills 56 extending track 62 parallel to the treadmills 56 below the top of the treadmills 56 in the direction of the longitudinal conveyor 80 is driven by a motor driven. This carriage 61 has a horizontal U-shaped, the longitudinal conveyor 80 open frame on. At the free to the longitudinal conveyor 80 pointing ends of the U-arms of the carriage 61 there is one hook each 63 , which in each case at a pivot point 64 is rotatably mounted (see, eg 1 and 5 ). The pivot points of the hooks 63 are on a common axis of rotation. These hooks 63 are triangular in each case designed so that they take in a normal position, they take under the influence of gravity by itself, with a tip above the top of the treadmills 56 sticking out. Here are the hooks 63 thus formed and arranged with a triangle tip so that they are in the direction of the longitudinal conveyor 80 a leading edge and on the longitudinal conveyor 80 pioneering side have a straight edge. The carriage 61 is so far over the side of the chassis 10 out beside the treadmill 81 the longitudinal conveyor 80 herausfahrbar that the hook 62 from below into one on the treadmill 81 engage in the transfer position T standing box. Because the leading edge of the hook 63 in the direction of the longitudinal conveyor 80 points, they can turn around the pivot 64 pressed down as they abut the side edge of the boxes K. Once the hook 63 pushed through under the side edge of the box K, they fold back upwards due to gravity. Swing back to a position below the top of the treadmill 56 is then no longer possible (see 6 ). This will when returning the carriage 61 the box K to be handed over to the treadmills 56 of the cross conveyor 55 the parking facility 50 passed over.

Subsequently, a new box K in the transfer position T on the treadmill 81 the longitudinal conveyor 80 be proceeded by the first Vorstopper 88 is moved back down and this box K then from the stopper device 85 is stopped in the transfer position T. This new box K is then using the transfer device 60 in the same way on the treadmills 56 pulled like the first box K, with the first box K with the coming box K automatically on the treadmills 56 further in the direction of the longitudinal conveyor 80 away side of the chassis 10 (as in 7 shown to the left) is pushed. To make sure that the boxes K are as accurate as possible along the treadmills 56 be moved, are located in parallel on both sides of the parking facility 50 centering 54 , where at least the front centering 54 , but possibly also both centering strips 54 , foldable is / are.

As in 7 In this way, a number of boxes K corresponding to the number of box stacking places P, ie here five boxes K, on the conveyor belts are shown in succession 56 of the cross conveyor 55 drawn. Subsequently, an exact positioning of the boxes K at the crate stacking places P must take place. For this, the treadmills 56 in a running direction T _E (see 8th ) are put into operation, so that the boxes K on the Abstelleinrichtung 50 further in the transverse direction R _Q to that of the longitudinal conveyor 80 away side of the chassis 10 move. At the same time, a stopper element is synchronized at each box stacking place P. 58 actuated. The stopper elements 58 are formed here in the form of pivotally mounted fingers, which from below over the upper edge of the treadmills 56 can be swung up (cf. 7 and 8th ). The synchronous movement of these stopper elements 56 via a hydraulic cylinder, which has a linkage with all stopper elements 58 is coupled. These stopper elements 58 engage from below in each case in a box K and ensure that the boxes K in the further process of treadmills 56 in the running direction T _E stop exactly at the crates P (see 9 ). In addition, it is then possible to check the correct position of the boxes K, in particular the distance of the boxes K from each other, by means of position detectors.

Subsequently, the stack holding frame 31 the vertical stacking device 30 moved to a lower position, wherein the pawl holder 40 with the retaining pawls located therein 43 between the boxes K or on the outside in each case next to the outermost boxes K are shut down (see 10 ). The latch holders 40 are doing with each flat, a kind of partition between the boxes forming enclosures 41 provided with the top, the front and bottom edges 41R this case 41 is formed tapered. This has the advantage that when shutting down the pawl holder 40 the boxes K are automatically centered again at the box stacking positions P. When shutting down under the upper edge of the male K boxes (or the lower edge of the yes upside-down boxes K) are each the pawls 43 which differ from the latch holders 40 extend from both sides into the crates P in, retracted. As soon as the pawls 43 below the edge of the boxes K to be stored, the holding pawls 43 extended so that they can intervene on the right and left at the box stacking spaces P under the upper edge of the boxes (see 11 ). Will then the stack holding rack 31 the vertical stacking device 30 move back up the boxes K are through the pawls 43 on both sides of the vertical stacking device 30 held and moved upwards (see 12 ), leaving the space on the parking facility 50 for the storage of further boxes K is free again.

The structure and operation of the pawl holder 40 with the pawls 43 will now again with the help of the 1 as well as the detailed representation in the 13 and 14 in the 11 marked pawl holder 40 explained in more detail. 13 sets the state while retracted holding pawls 43 and 14 the state with extended holding pawls 43 represents.

In the case 41 each latch holder 40 there is a stable traverse 49 , In the illustrated embodiment, the traverse 49 formed by a square tube. This traverse 49 is on the stack holding rack 31 attached, for example, at the bottom of the stack holding rack 31 firmly welded or bolted to it.

Inside the case 41 There is also a drive motor 48 or a pneumatic or hydraulic drive cylinder, here above the traverse 49 approximately in the middle of the pawl holder 40 is arranged. Below the crossbar 49 are located laterally in front and behind the case 41 each slot-like latch openings 42 through which the pawls 43 in the extended state out of the housing 41 stick out (see 14 ). Below the openings 42 are located in the housing 41 In stock 42W on which the pawls 43 when moving out of the latch openings 42 rest. The holding pawls 43 consist here of thick sheet metal pieces 43 extending in the longitudinal direction of the trusses 49 extend. They are about 6 cm wide in this longitudinal direction and about 8 mm thick across. The length of the retaining pawls 43 (Measured in the horizontal direction in the extended state transverse to the traverse) is about 6 cm. When extended, the retaining pawls protrude 43 about 3 cm out of the case. The clear dimension between two adjacent ratchet holders 40 is about 41 cm.

At its outside engagement end 44 are the holding pawls 43 Beveled downwards so that they can easily reach under the box edges when moving out and completely in the housing when retracted 41 behind the latch opening 42 lie. In the illustrated embodiment are located in the middle pawl holders 40 two pawls on each side 43 one at the front and one at the rear, closer to the stacking frame 31 , The outer pawl holder 40 point wise wise only on one side, namely on the side facing the respective outer box stack P point, corresponding holding pawls 43 on. It is clear that the pawl holder but also on each side more than two pawls or only a continuous longer holding pawl can have. Alternatively, pens can be used as holding pawls.

All latches 43 inside a latch holder 40 are with a rotation axis 46 coupled, in turn, with a stamp 47 connected to the drive 48 , For example, a hydraulic cylinder is coupled. Is the stamp 47 extended down, so are the retaining pawls 43 as in 13 folded up and are inside the case 41 of the latch holder 40 , Will now, as in 14 shown, the stamp 47 pulled upwards, also moves the axis of rotation 46 up under the traverse 49 , and the movable on the axis of rotation 46 attached holding pawls 43 swing through the latch openings 42 outward. They are then on the conditions 42W at the latch openings 42 stable. A force on the outside down on the mesh ends 44 the retaining pawls 43 presses, then acts so that the pawls 43 around these points of support 42W would be pivoted further down. However, in the illustrated preferred construction, in this position, the inside end abuts simultaneously 45 the retaining pawls 43 , which is at the axis of rotation 46 is mounted, from the bottom of the crossbar 49 at whose lower edge thus an abutment 49W offers. This has the advantage that the loaded retaining pawls 43 are kept purely mechanically due to their storage in the extended state and no motor, especially hydraulic power is needed to the box stack S in the vertical stacking device 30 to keep.

If there are a number of boxes K in the box stacks P between the pawls holders 40 held and was moved up (see 15 ), another set of boxes K on the conveyor belts 56 of the cross conveyor 55 be transferred to the parking facility. This is done in the same way as previously based on the 5 to 9 was explained. If this new box row on the cross conveyor 55 has been suitably positioned at the crate stacking P, the stack holding frame 31 shut down again, so that already at the box stacking P between the jack holders 40 kept boxes K on the on the parking 50 standing boxes K are parked (see 16 ). Subsequently, the stack holding frame 31 even further down, with the pawls 43 again, as is already the case 9 and 10 was retracted. This is the stack holding frame 31 moved to a position in which the latch openings 42 at the pawl holders 40 below the bottom edge of the on the parking 50 located boxes K are located (see 17 ). As based on the 11 to 14 explained, then the pawls 43 extended and the stack holding rack 31 together with the new boxes K or the box stacks S, which now consist of two boxes K, are again moved upwards, so that then another row of boxes K is placed on the storage unit 50 can be transported (see 18 ).

The storage of boxes K in the box stacks S by means of the vertical stacking device 30 Then continue until either boxes K no longer have to be stored or the stack of boxes S have reached the permitted height. This can be controlled by means of a height control device. In the present embodiment, a rope is used for this purpose 20 , which by means of the side of the chassis 10 arranged, upstanding rods 22 above the vertical stacker 30 is curious. The height of the bars is about 6 m. This rope 20 For example, on one side in or on one of the poles 22 with a train sensor 21 be connected, the output signal of which is fed to a suitable control device, so that this control device is signaled when the maximum stack height is reached. Such a condition in which the maximum stack height of a row of crate stacks S in the vertical stacker 30 is reached is in 19 shown. To be able to store more boxes K now, these boxes stack S of the vertical stacking device 30 be deposited on the floor of the warehouse, to then build a new set of box stacks S can.

Regarding the procedure when placing a box stack row on the storage floor 102 will be on the 20 and 21 directed. It shows the 21 a schematic section in the longitudinal direction R _L through the chassis, wherein in the vertical stacking device 30 a finished row of crates is S located. The stack holding rack 31 the vertical stacking device 30 is here in a position in which the pawls 43 under the bottom edge of the bottom box BK the box stacks S grab, which in this condition still on the Abstelleinrichtung 50 stand. The complete stack of boxes S are then from the vertical stacking device 30 raised a short distance, and the parking facility 50 together with the treadmills 56 will be in the back position II in the rear part of the chassis 10 moved by the scissors mechanism 51 (please refer 2 ) is brought together. Thus, the complete area is below the vertical stacker 30 free, so now the stack holding frame 31 the vertical stacking device 30 further down in a setting direction R _{A can be moved} to a settling position, in which the bottom box BK on the storage floor 102 touches down. When this settling position is reached, the pawls can 43 at the pawl holders 40 be retracted. Subsequently, the entire chassis 10 in the longitudinal direction R _L are moved away from the straight parked row of boxes stack S, as shown in 22 is shown. This is the chassis 10 preferably exactly that far that it is located at a next matching grid position at which the next row R1, R2, R3, ... of box stacks S is to be set up, as shown in FIG 24 is shown.

Then then the stack holding frame 31 with the pawl holders 40 upwards and with the help of the scissors mechanism 51 the parking facility 50 with the cross conveyor 55 back to the front position I in the chassis 10 be moved. The entire box stacking device 1 is then ready to build a new series of crates of stacks S, as previously explained.

A removal of boxes K from the box storage or a destacking of the boxes K done in the reverse manner. First, to accommodate a new set of box stacks S, the storage facility 50 in the chassis 10 in the rear position II be moved. The stack holding rack 31 the vertical stacking device 30 is driven all the way down, as in 22 is shown. Now, however, the chassis is moving 10 in the direction of the finished row R1, R2, R3, ... of box stacks S, in the direction of the longitudinal direction R _L , to receive a row R1, R2, R3,... of box stacks S. The pawl holders are driving 40 in each case between the boxes stack S. Then then the holding pawls 43 at the pawl holders 40 extended so that the bottom box of boxes stack S can be grasped, and the stack holding rack 31 is moved so far up that the parking facility 50 with the cross conveyor 55 again under the stacking rack 31 held box stack S can be moved. It will then be the crates on the treadmills 56 of the cross conveyor 55 the parking facility 50 turned off, like this in 20 is shown. The stack holding rack 31 with the pawl holders 40 then moves exactly to a box position up, with the pawls 43 are retracted. In this upper position, the retaining pawls 43 extended again and the stack holding rack 31 proceed upwards. Thus, the bottom row of boxes, currently on the ribbons 56 of the cross conveyor 55 stands, isolated. The remaining partial stacks TS are above in the vertical stacker 30 between the pawl holders 40 held.

Subsequently, the treadmills 56 of the cross conveyor 55 by means of the drive 57 so driven that the boxes K on the cross conveyor 55 opposite to the transverse direction R _Q to the longitudinal conveyor 80 transported and end discharged at the transfer position T. The stopper elements 57 have moved down so that they do not hinder the boxes K. In addition, the hooks 63 the transfer facility 60 to be overrun, is the entire cross conveyor 55 on the to the longitudinal conveyor 80 pointing side in the chassis 10 slightly raised in a tilting direction R _K. This also has the advantage that the boxes K at the transfer station T easier on the treadmill 81 the longitudinal conveyor 80 fold down.

To make sure the boxes K are properly on the treadmill 81 the cross conveyor 80 be positioned and not beyond the treadmill 81 can be tilted, located at the transfer point T a railing 83 , which is on outriggers 84 is attached to the chassis 10 are arranged and from there like a bridge on the treadmill 81 the longitudinal conveyor 80 over protrude. Thus, the railing is 83 always automatically at the transfer position T in front of the chassis 10 , The arm 86 the stopper device 85 located at the output of the boxes K in a swung-up state, so that the output boxes K in the longitudinal direction R _L on the longitudinal conveyor 80 can be forwarded and output end.

Of course, it is also possible in principle, the longitudinal conveyor 80 to operate backwards and to dispose of the boxes K at the same location from the warehouse at which they are also introduced. This ultimately depends on the structural conditions or the arrangement of the box storage.

In 25 is finally again schematically the arrangement of a box stacking device 1 , as previously explained, within a crate storage 100 shown. The box pile warehouse 100 here includes a storage room 101 with a storage floor 102 , On one side is the storage room 101 an entrance 103 , on which on the longitudinal conveyor 80 K boxes K are introduced, and on the other side an exit 104 on which boxes K are again outsourced. Furthermore, it is located here within the storage room 101 another floor box storage 106 , are stored in the floor boxes BK. This floor box storage 106 is via a feeder 107 and a switch 108 at the entrance 103 with the longitudinal conveyor 80 connected to floor boxes BK on the longitudinal conveyor 80 infiltrate. On the other side is the longitudinal conveyor 80 at a distance from the exit 104 over a switch 109 with a return device 110 connected, which in turn to the Bodenkistenlager 106 leads to BK bottom boxes from the longitudinal conveyor 80 back to the floor box camp 106 due. These floor boxes BK serve that for use in the food sector serving boxes not directly on the storage floor 102 be turned off. Therefore, it can be ensured that specially marked bottom boxes BK are always fed from the bottom box storage as the last lowest row of a stack of boxes. For example, this can be done the height control on the chassis 10 be set up to output a signal before the maximum bin stack height (minus one row of boxes) is reached. Via a control device 90 is then ensured that a number of floor boxes BK (see also the illustration in the 20 to 21 ), so that the box stacks S each contain a bottom box BK as the lowest box. Then the box stacks S are turned off. Conversely, in this case, when unstacking, it is ensured that the bottom row of boxes, namely the bottom boxes BK, of a box stack row are automatically returned to the bottom box store 106 be discharged. Of course, other suitable floor pads may be used instead of floor boxes BK.

As already mentioned, an inventive box pile storage 100 not just a box stacking device 1 , but also a plurality of such box stacking devices 1 have, for example, coordinated controlled to realize a first-in / first-out crate stock. Likewise, a crate stock still a variety of other components, for example, as in 25 symbolically represented, washes 105 , Sorting plants, control stations, etc.

All drive components within the box stacking device 1 , such as the drive 16 for moving the chassis 10 , the drive 52 for moving the parking facility 50 in the chassis 10 , the drive for the vertical stacking device 30 , in particular for height adjustment of the stack holding frame 31 and for extending and retracting the retaining pawls 43 , as well as the cross conveyor 55 , the longitudinal conveyor 80 , the switch 108 . 109 etc. can all be wireless or by cable, optical fiber etc. with a central control unit 90 be coupled, so by this control unit 90 coordinated all processes can be controlled. Such a control device can also be constructed decentralized from a plurality of sub-control units communicatively communicating with each other wirelessly or by cable or optical fiber in conjunction, so as to cooperate coordinated. In particular, a central control by a master control unit is possible, which coordinates the specifications for all other sub-control units.

As is immediately apparent, it is with a box stacking device according to the invention 1 it is possible to store a large number of boxes K in a very effective and space-saving manner, with no special design conditions for the storage space 101 must be given. It is sufficient, a flat floor storage 102 to provide. If this storage floor is not needed for storage of boxes, it can be shared for other purposes, since the storage floor apart from the space required for the chassis 10 and the longitudinal conveyor 80 is completely free. Furthermore, there is the advantage that even in case of power failure, cases or whole boxes of stacks can be removed from the warehouse manually or with a conventional forklift truck.

Finally, it is pointed out once again that the detailed methods and structures described above are exemplary embodiments and that the basic principle can also be varied within a wide range by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention, as far as it is specified by the claims is. Thus, for example, the storage and retrieval of one row of crates with individual crates is described in FIGS. It is also possible, however, always store or outsource rows of two or three boxes already packed one above the other. This depends primarily on the height of the boxes. For the sake of completeness, it is also pointed out that the use of indefinite articles does not exclude "a" or "one", that the characteristics in question can also be present multiple times. Similarly, the term "unit" does not exclude that it consists of several components, which may also be spatially distributed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Box stacker

6

guide hooks

7

guide block

8th

Stop device / Vorstopper

10

chassis

11O

upper U-frame

11U

lower U-frame

12

crossbeam

13V

front supports

13H

rear supports

14

wheel

15

Zwillingsrad

16

engine

17

training wheels

18H

vertical supports

18S

vertical struts

19

holding frame

20

rope

21

tension sensor

22

rods

30

Vertical stacker

31

Stack holding frame

32

roll

33

wall

34

guide rollers

35

tieback

36

counterweight

37

roll

40

jack holder

41

casing

41R

edge

42

jack openings

42W

In stock

43

retaining latches

44

engaging end

45

inside end

46

axis of rotation

47

stamp

48

drive motor

49

Traverse.

49W

abutment

50

switch-off

51

scissor mechanism

52

lifting cylinder

53

bearings

54

centering

55

cross conveyor

56

conveyor belts

57

Drive / motor

58

stopper member

60

Transfer device

61

carriage

62

runner

63

hook

64

pivot point

80

Longitudinal conveyor

81

conveyor belt

83

railing

84

boom

85

stopper means

86

poor

87

cylinder

88

guide rail

90

control device

100

Stacks of crates bearing

101

storage room

102

bearing housing

103

entrance

104

output

105

car wash

106

Floor box storage

107

feeding

108

switch

109

switch

110

Return means

I

first position

II

second position

BK

floor boxes

K

box

P

Box storehouses

R1, R2, R3, ...

Crate stack rows

R _L

first direction of movement / longitudinal direction

R _Q

second direction of movement / transverse direction

R _A

laying direction

R _K

tilt direction

S

stacks of crates

S1, S2, S3, S4, S5

Crate stack columns

T

transfer position

T _E

direction

TS

partial stack

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

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Cited patent literature

• DE 19849391 A1 [0003]

Claims (14)

Crate stacking device ( 1 ) with - a chassis ( 10 ), which is movable along a first horizontal direction of movement (R _L ), - one with the chassis ( 10 ) coupled vertical stacking device ( 30 ), which is designed so that it accommodates at least one box (K) from below in a box stack located in the vertical stacking device (S) and at a box delivery at least one in the bottom of a box stack (S) box located (K ), - a parking facility ( 50 ), wherein the storage device ( 50 ) and / or the vertical stacking device ( 30 ) in the first direction of movement (R _L ) relative to each other at least from a first position ( I ), in which the vertical stacking device ( 30 ) at least partially above the parking facility ( 50 ) is arranged in a second position ( II ) are movable, in which the vertical stacking device ( 30 ) and the parking facility ( 50 ) are arranged to one another such that from the vertical stacking device ( 30 ) a box stack (S) next to the storage device ( 50 ) on a storage floor ( 102 ) or from the storage floor ( 102 ) can be lifted. Box stacking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the depositing device ( 50 ) with a drive device ( 51 . 52 ) for moving the parking device ( 50 ) relative to the vertical stacking device ( 30 ) is provided in the first direction of movement (R _L ) and preferably on the chassis ( 10 ) is movably mounted in the first direction of movement (R _L ). Box stacking device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the depositing device ( 50 ) a cross conveyor ( 55 ) configured to transport boxes (K) to be stored or stored in a second direction (R _Q ) transversely to the first direction (R _L ). Crate stacking device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the vertical stacking device ( 30 ) has a plurality of in a transverse to the first direction of movement (R _L ) arranged side by side box stacking places (P). Box stacking device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by a movement along the first direction of movement (R _L ) next to the chassis ( 10 ) extending longitudinal conveyor ( 80 ). Box stacking device according to claim 5, characterized by a box transfer device ( 60 ) for the transfer of boxes (K) between the longitudinal conveyor ( 80 ) and the parking facility ( 50 ). Box stacking device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by a stop device ( 85 . 88 ) to one on the longitudinal conveyor ( 80 ) next to the chassis ( 10 ) in the first direction of movement (R _L ) extending box (K) at a relative to the chassis ( 10 ) to stop predetermined position. Box stacking device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the vertical stacking device ( 30 ) on a vertically movable stack holding frame ( 31 ) movably mounted holding pawls ( 43 ) engaging in a holding position for holding a box (K) at a distance above the bottom of the box (K) on two opposite sides on the box (K). Box stacking device according to claim 8, characterized in that the stack holding rack ( 31 ) Pawl holders extending adjacent to a crate stacking station (P) ( 40 ), on each of which holding pawls ( 43 ) are movably mounted, so that they protrude in the holding position in the box stacking place (P) and attack on one side of the box (K). Box stacking device according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that a holding pawl ( 43 ) is mounted so that they are in the holding position against a in the direction of gravity on the outer in the box (K) engaging end ( 44 ) acting force on an abutment ( 49 ) is supported. Box stacking device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by a control device ( 90 ), which with drive means of the chassis ( 10 ), the vertical stacking device ( 30 ) and the parking facility ( 50 ) is connected and this for the storage of boxes (K) controls such that a) on the Abstelleinrichtung ( 50 ) a number of boxes (K) is fed, b) the vertical stacking device ( 30 ) lifts the boxes (K), c) on the storage device ( 50 ) a new number of boxes (K) is supplied, d) the vertical stacking device ( 30 ) from the vertical stacking device ( 30 ) and then lift the new boxes (K) with the boxes (K) over them; e) repeat steps c) and d) until a stack termination condition is reached f) the parking facility ( 50 ) and / or the vertical stacking device ( 30 ) are moved relative to each other by at least a first determined path length in the first direction of movement (R _L ), g) the vertical stacking device ( 30 ) the box stacks (S) on a storage floor ( 102 ) turns off. Crate pile warehouse ( 100 ) with a box stacking device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 11. Use of a box stacking device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 11 for stacking boxes (K). Use of a box stacking device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 11 for destacking boxes (K).

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