EP2044580A1

EP2044580A1 - Device and method for the automated moving of articles in and out of storage

Info

Publication number: EP2044580A1
Application number: EP07786073A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Claus Fischer
Original assignee: Nobab GmbH
Current assignee: Nobab GmbH
Priority date: 2006-07-24
Filing date: 2007-07-14
Publication date: 2009-04-08
Also published as: WO2008011997A1; DE102006034757A1; DE102006034757B4

Abstract

Device (10) for the automated moving of articles (12) in and out of storage, particularly a packaging station, having a closed storage space (14), wherein a storage surface (16) for storing articles (12) is disposed, wherein the storage space (14) is enclosed by a housing (20), which has at least one closable opening (26) for placing articles (12) into the storage space (14) and/or for removing articles (12) from the storage space (14), wherein the device (10) has a transport device (28) having a transport region (30) for receiving an article (12) and having a displacement device (32) for displacing the article (12) relative to the transport region (30), wherein the storage surface (16) has at least one recess (34), into which at least part of the displacement device (32) can engage from below. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for the automated moving of articles (12) into and out of a storage space (14) that has a housing (20).

Description

Device and method for the automated storage and retrieval of objects

The present invention relates to an apparatus for automated storage and retrieval of objects, in particular a parcel station, with a closed storage space in which a storage area for depositing objects is arranged, wherein the storage space is enclosed by a housing, the at least one closable opening to Introducing objects in the storage room and / or to remove objects from the storage room.

The invention further relates to a method for automated storage and retrieval of objects in a storage room with a housing, comprising the following steps:

- Providing a storage area in the storage room, and

- Providing a closable opening in the enclosure. Such an apparatus and method are known from US 2001/0034665 Al.

The volume of goods that are not purchased directly from the store but ordered and delivered by mail has increased significantly in recent years. The reasons for this include, among other things, the improved ability to place orders over the Internet, as well as the increased use of Internet sales platforms, where private individuals and small businesses can also offer their goods to a broad public.

Conventional use of the transit route means that the consignor can only consign a consignment at certain opening hours of the logistics company and that the consignee can only accept the consignment at specific delivery times of the logistics company. These timeslots can be difficult to reconcile with a normal daily routine, especially among working people. A solution to provide devices for automated storage and retrieval of items that have become known under the term "parcel station" and will be referred to below with this term.

In the simplest case, the parcel station offers a recipient the possibility that his consignment is deposited in the parcel station and can be picked up there by the recipient around the clock. A parcel station can also offer a sender the opportunity to store a shipment in the parcel station, the shipment is then picked up at the usual working hours of the shipping company from the parcel station and put on the shipping route. Depending on requirements, such parcel stations can be set up at central points within a city, but also in residential areas.

In this sense, a packet station with a plurality of predefined compartments is proposed in the aforementioned US 2001/0034665 Al. I want one The logistics company stores the consignment in the parcel station and provides the recipient of the consignment with access authorization, for example in the form of a number code or a chip card. If the recipient wants to pick up his shipment, the parcel station recognizes on the basis of the access authorization, which consignment is to be output to the recipient. In the parcel station, the compartment with the desired shipment is relocated so that it comes to rest in front of a closed opening in the parcel station. Subsequently, the parcel station releases the portion of the closable opening required to remove the desired shipment. After removal of the shipment, the opening is closed again. (A comparable parcel station is also known from WO 2005/111954 A1.)

However, it is disadvantageous that the sizes of the individual compartments are fixed or can be reconfigured only with considerable effort. If, for example, the situation arises that all large compartments are occupied, while a number of smaller compartments are still free, then even a larger object can no longer be stored, even if the total volume available in the small compartments would provide sufficient space , In addition, it is disadvantageous that always at least one compartment must be provided in order to receive a package of maximum permissible size. However, since such a package is rarely sent out in practice, this compartment usually leaves unused storage space.

Furthermore, it is known from the field of loading technology of ship or aircraft containers to transport a container on a vehicle with a stable grid frame. In order to receive the container at a delivery station or to deliver it to an extinguishing station, the container can be lifted by means of a plurality of rolling elements which are guided through the openings in the grid rack. The roller elements are then driven to relocate the container relative to the grid rack.

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention an inexpensive device and a method for automated storage and retrieval of objects, without being tied to a fixed compartmentalization. In particular, the device should be suitable for storing and retrieving objects with different sizes and / or with different shapes.

This object is achieved according to one aspect of the invention with a device of the aforementioned type, which further comprises a transport device with a transport region for receiving an object and with a displacement device for displacing the article relative to the transport region, and wherein the bearing surface has at least one recess, in which at least a part of the displacement device can engage from below.

The object of the invention is also achieved by a method of the type mentioned above, further comprising the following steps:

- Providing a transport device with a transport area for receiving an object and with a displacement device for moving the object relative to the transport area, and

- Providing at least one recess in the bearing surface into which at least a part of the displacement device can engage from below.

A special feature of the invention is the fact that the transport device can store an object automatically on a storage area and can automatically outsource a stored on a storage space object. In order to be able to use different areas of a storage area, which may be designed in particular like a shelf, for the storage of objects, the transport device can be moved within the storage space.

In order to place an object, which is located on the transport device, on the storage area, the transport device initially moves in the vicinity of the desired Storage area. In the next step, the transport device introduces at least part of the displacement device into the recess from below, so that the part of the displacement device projects beyond a plane formed by the bearing surface. Thereafter, the displacement direction is actuated to move the article from the transport area over the storage area. Preferably, the article does not contact the bearing surface but is carried by the displacement device. When the article has reached its target position above the bearing surface, the portion of the displacing device is removed from the recess. As a result, the object lowers on the storage area and comes here to rest. The transport device can then perform the next storage or removal process.

Similarly, the transport may outsource an item from the storage area. For this purpose, the transport device moves in the vicinity of the desired storage area, where the object to be outsourced is located. Then, a part of the displacement device is inserted into a recess below the object from below, so that the object is at least partially lifted off the bearing surface and thus at least partially supported by the displacement device. By means of an actuation of the displacement device, the object is then moved from its position over the bearing surface to the transport region. Finally, the part of the displacement device is removed from the Aufnehmung.

The proposed device is relatively easy to implement because the bearing surfaces have only recesses for engagement of the displacement device, but do not have to have even transport or displacement means. Since the consignor or the receiver gives up or picks up the item at the closable opening, direct access to the storage area is neither necessary nor necessary.

Since the storage and retrieval of the items takes place within the closed storage room, which is not accessible to the sender or the recipient, a division into compartments is not required. This allows a particularly flexible use of the storage space to the effect that basically objects of any kind Shape and size can be stored and outsourced at any point, provided, of course, that the appropriate location on the storage area with respect to the already stored objects provides sufficient space. In particular, large and small items can be stored and stored in any ratio, if there is still room on the storage area.

The proposed device thus offers improved use of the existing storage space and is not dependent on a division into subjects.

Thus, the above task is completely solved.

In one embodiment of the invention, the bearing surface has at least two recesses, wherein the part of the bearing surface, which has the at least two recesses, forms a continuous bearing surface.

In other words, there is no separating element between the two recesses, in particular no dividing wall, so that at this point an object which completely or partially covers the at least two recesses can be stored. The at least two recesses are preferably arranged in rows and / or rows, and more preferably in a matrix-like arrangement of rows and rows. This results in a variety of places where an item can be stored. Since the individual recesses are not separated by separating elements, a particularly good use of the storage space is possible.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the displacement device is designed such that it can simultaneously engage with the at least two recesses.

This offers, among other things, the following advantages. On the one hand, if an object lying on the bearing surface covers a plurality of recesses, the transport device can attack the object at several points, and thus the publishers ensure that the item is moved by the relocating facility. On the other hand, an object can be displaced on the bearing surface without the transport device or the displacement device having to be repositioned: If the displacement device engages in the recesses over a distance of 100 cm, for example, an object, for example 40 cm long, can travel continuously along be moved to the said route. In this case, it is preferred that the displacement device can simultaneously engage with recesses which are part of a row and / or part of a row of recesses, and in particular are arranged in a matrix-like manner.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the transport device is permanently arranged in the storage room.

This means that it is neither necessary to move the transport device out of the storage room nor to use it for other purposes outside the storage room. Since it is the task of the transport device to move objects within the storage space, in particular to store and resume from a certain area of the storage area, the transport device can be realized relatively inexpensively.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the displacement device has a plurality of rotatable and / or displaceable movement elements, of which at least one is drivable.

If the displacement device has a plurality of movement elements, each of which is rotatable and / or displaceable, the displacement of the object relative to the transport region can be realized particularly favorably. This is particularly the case when the moving elements are relatively small in relation to the object to be displaced, so that the object is carried by several moving elements at the same time. The size of one of the movement elements, which are preferably formed in the same design, can also be understood as a grid dimension of the transport device. In this case, in particular the width of the movement element is decisive, ie the extension of the movement element perpendicular to a movement direction made possible by the movement elements. The smaller the grid is selected, the more accurately an object, in particular a small object, can be selectively stored and retrieved without moving along with another object.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the movement elements with upper sides, which face an object to be displaced, describe parts of a substantially planar support area.

As a result, an object can be deposited particularly well on the usually flat bearing surface or be picked up by it. It is not necessary that the entire top describes a flat support area. Rather, it is sufficient for the displacement of a larger object, if subregions of the tops of several movement elements describe a substantially flat support area.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the movement elements are rotationally symmetrical, in particular with a curved, preferably concave support area.

If the movement elements are rotationally symmetrical, ie in particular as rollers or rollers, objects can be displaced particularly easily by a rotation of the movement elements. A cylindrical design of the movement elements is sufficient, in particular, if objects with flat surfaces, for example substantially parallelepipedic packages, are to be expected. However, in the case of special packaging forms, such as for example in the case of reel dispatches, there is the possibility that the object on the transport device is displaced transversely to the direction generated by a rotation of the movement elements. through a curved support area of the movement elements can be ensured that even special packaging forms a defined position, based on the transport device accept. If a concavely arched bearing area is used, then, for example, a roller shipment will be stored at the lowest point of the curvature and thus occupy a defined position.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the movement elements are arranged line by line and / or in rows.

The more moving elements - with the same width of the transport device - are arranged in a row, the finer is the grid dimension of the transport device and allows objects to selectively store and retrieve, without moving along with other adjacent other objects. The width is to be understood in a direction perpendicular to a movement direction made possible by the movement elements.

The more moving elements - with the same length of the transport device - are arranged in one row, the smaller the individual movement elements can be formed if necessary, so as to achieve a particularly homogeneous displacement movement of the object. The length is to be understood in a direction of movement made possible by the movement elements.

Preferably, the moving elements are arranged in a matrix with a plurality of rows and a plurality of rows, so as to achieve a particularly high degree of flexibility with regard to the reception of various objects and a secure displacement of an object on the transport device.

In a further embodiment of the invention, at least part of the movement elements are assigned to one or more groups and the movement elements of a group can be driven selectively. By defining groups of movement elements and driving them in a targeted manner, there are many possibilities for relocating one or more objects on the transport device. In each case, the movement elements of a row are preferably defined as a group. This results in the following possibilities:

If an object is located on at least two rows or groups of moving elements, rotation of the object on the transport device can be achieved by driving the groups in different directions.

If there are several objects on the transport device, one of the objects can be selectively displaced by the targeted actuation of one or more groups.

If the displacement device engages in an area of the storage area where a plurality of objects are stored, one of the objects can be selectively displaced to the transport area of the transport device by targeted actuation of one or more groups.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the transport device has a displacement device, which is designed for a displacement of the article on the transport device transversely to a movement direction made possible by the movement elements.

In order to achieve a particularly space-saving arrangement of the objects on the bearing surface to each other, a displacement device can be used, which positions the object before storage at a defined location on the transport device, for example. At the edge. The term "transverse" should be understood to mean a direction which can not be achieved solely by an actuation of the movement elements, that is to say in particular a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement made possible by the movement elements Article on the transport device can preferably be realized by means of a mechanical stop or by means of at least one position detection sensor.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the transport device has at least two parts connected via a joint, each having at least one driven movement element, wherein the first part has the transport region and the second part at least one movement element intended for engagement in the at least one recess.

Thus, the engagement of a part of the displacement device in the at least one recess can be realized structurally simple. Of course, it is also conceivable to extend or fold out the displacement device.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the parts are pivotable relative to one another in a first relative position, in the upper sides of the movement elements of both parts together a substantially flat contact area is described.

This makes it possible to transfer an object from the transport surface in the area above the storage area or in the reverse direction particularly easy.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the parts are pivotable relative to each other in a second position, in which both parts are substantially parallel to each other.

The advantage of such an embodiment is that the second part, if it is not needed to engage in recesses of the bearing surface, can be positioned to save space. Of course, depending on the design of the device, an angle, such as 30 °, 45 ° or 90 ° with respect to the said parallel position can be set as a rest position. In a further embodiment of the invention, the opening forms an entrance into a lock.

The lock prevents a user of the device from gaining access to the storage room when the lockable opening is opened. For this purpose, the lock on a locking device which locks an access from the lock into the storage room, as long as the closable opening is open or there is an unexpected / unauthorized object in the lock. This can ensure that a user receives only the item assigned to him, but not access to other items in the storage room.

In the lock, the article to be stored can also be oriented in such a way that it occupies as little space as possible on the storage surface after transfer to the transport device and after storage by means of the transport device. Often the occupancy of a storage space on the storage area is determined by the width of the stored object relative to the access side of the storage area. An object to be stored should therefore rest on the bearing surface with as short a side as possible, unless other dimensions (height, length) speak against such an orientation. In this context, in particular a vertical edging is advantageous if the object has sufficient stability in this position.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the lock has a data acquisition unit for detecting data related to an article to be stored or outsourced.

In particular, the data acquisition unit detects one or more data types from the following group during storage or retrieval: date, time, weight of the object, at least one dimension of the object, identification of the user, at least one image of the object, barcode on the object, dispatching / destination address. This can be a good documentation regarding the delivery as well as the collection of the consignment. The recorded data can be used to advantage especially when handling complaints.

In a further embodiment of the invention, which in itself is an inventive development of the known device, the device has a collecting container for receiving objects, wherein the collecting container has at least one movable partitioning device, the recording of objects in a locked position only in allows a first portion of the collecting container and in a release position, an additional, second portion of the collecting container for receiving objects releases.

Such a collecting container has the advantage that the device can also pick up items that are not to be stored in the storeroom retrievable in addition to the items to be stored, but that are provided for shipping. If a user wants to give up an item for shipping, the item is introduced through the opening in the device. The object is not stored on a storage area, but spent from above, for example. Through an opening in a partition in the storage room in the collection container.

The at least one partitioning device causes the newly introduced object does not fall too deep in the collection container, since the article could be damaged. Rather, the object is already stopped at the partitioning device or lands on objects that have already been stopped by the partitioning device.

Only when the first subregion is filled to a certain degree - this can be detected, for example, by means of a sensor - does the partitioning device open, and the objects slip into the second subregion. The objects are particularly gentle in the second sub-area, when the partitioning does not jerky opens. Preferably, the dimensions of the first and second portions are selected so that after opening the partitioning device, the upper layer of the articles is not substantially lower than the height of the partitioning device, so that further articles that are brought into the collecting container again only a small amount Go through fall height. The items in the collection can then be easily removed by the logistics company and placed on the shipping route.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the collecting container on several Partitioniereinrichtungen, which are arranged in such a cascade that a gradually increasing area of the collecting container for receiving objects can be released.

This configuration causes the items to gradually slip deeper into the collection container as the number of items in the collection container increases, but at no time does any of the items fall above a fall height that could result in damage to the item - if properly packaged ,

In a further embodiment of the invention, the second portion is at least partially disposed below the first portion.

While it is fundamentally conceivable to move the objects from one partial area to the other by means of a mechanical device, in this embodiment the displacement of the objects is effected by means of gravity, so that an additional device can be dispensed with.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the encasement is designed as a container, preferably with standardized dimensions, in particular a 20 'or 40' container. As a result, the device is particularly easy to transport and can also be flexibly placed in different locations. Due to the standardized dimensions of the casing, all transport equipment for container transport can be used directly for transporting the device.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the device has a memory for storing in each case a position and at least one dimension of the stored objects.

Basically, it is sufficient for each stored item to store information that allows the item within the store to be located. In order to enable a rapid swapping of an article, it is advantageous to store the position of each stored article. The knowledge of the position of the object in the storage space or on the storage area allows the transport device to drive directly to this point and to outsource the object.

The search for a free storage space for a stored object can in principle be carried out by means of at least one sensor. If the sensor is attached to the transport device, then the transport device can pass by the bearing surface and thus recognize free storage bins. Detection of free storage bins can also take place by means of sensors in the area of the storage area, which indicate the occupancy of a certain area of the storage area.

The proposed embodiment also offers the advantage that free spaces between the stored objects can be determined from the knowledge of the positions and dimensions of the stored objects. During storage, it is then first determined on the basis of the stored data at which position on the storage area the item to be stored is to be stored preferably, so that the available storage area is well utilized. In a further embodiment of the invention, the device has a microcontroller, which is designed for calculating optimized positions of the stored objects and for outputting control instructions to the transport device for a rearrangement of objects.

Optimized positions of stored objects relative to starting positions of these objects should be understood as meaning that the available storage area is better utilized, in particular by gaps which can not be used for storage of objects, for example because the width of such a space is substantially smaller as the width of a motion element, can be reduced or avoided.

The proposed rearrangement may relate both to individual objects but also to all objects within the storage room. The rearrangement is preferably carried out when no object is to be stored or retrieved. By means of the rearrangement, an effective use of the storage space can be achieved.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the particular combination given, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in more detail in the drawing and are explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a - partially opened - inventive device;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a transport device according to the invention with a displacement device; FIG. 3a shows a cylindrical movement element;

Fig. 3b is a rotationally symmetrical motion element with concave

Surface;

Fig. 3c, a rotationally symmetrical motion element with convex

Surface;

4a shows a transport device according to the invention, for the outsourcing of a

Moved object to a storage area;

Fig. 4b, the transport device of FIG. 4a with partially unfolded

Displacement device;

FIG. 4c shows the transport device according to FIG. 4b, wherein the displacing device has engaged from below in recesses of the bearing surface;

FIG. 4d shows the transport device according to FIG. 4c, wherein the object has been displaced from the bearing surface to the transport region by an actuation of the displacement device;

5a shows a collecting container with objects in a first partial area;

FIG. 5b shows the collecting container according to FIG. 5a, in which a first partitioning device has released a second partial region; FIG.

5c, the collection container of Figure 5b, in which objects are in the first and in the second part.

5d shows the collection container according to FIG. 5c, in which a second partitioning device has released a third subregion; and Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a control of the transport device.

1 shows a device 10 for the automated storage and retrieval of objects 12. In the embodiment shown here, this is a parcel station. The device 10 has a closed storage space 14, in which a storage area 16 for depositing objects is arranged. The bearing surface 16 extends over a plurality of shelf-like arranged bearing elements 18. It should be noted that for clarity, only the bearing elements 18 are shown on a wall, but not the bearing elements on the opposite wall.

The storage space 14 is enclosed by a housing 20, wherein for better clarity, a wall element and a ceiling element are shown transparent. To the storage room 14 a lock 22 and a collecting container 24 adjoin. The collecting container 24 is shown here only schematically and is described in more detail in Figures 5a to 5d.

The casing 20 has a closable opening 26 for introducing articles 12 into the lock 22 and from there into the storage space 14 and / or for removing articles 12.

In the storage room 14, a transport device 28 is permanently arranged. The transport device 28 has a transport region 30 for receiving an object 12 and a displacement device 32 for displacing the article 12 relative to the transport region 30. The transport device 28 is explained in more detail in FIG.

The bearing surface 16 has a plurality of elongate recesses 34, in the embodiment shown here in each case six recesses 34 per bearing element 18. The recesses 34 are formed such that at least a portion of the displacement Ein- direction 32 can engage from below into the recesses 34. The interaction between the recesses 34 and the displacement device 32 is explained in more detail in FIGS. 4a to 4d.

On the device 10, an operator terminal 36 is arranged with a screen, a card reader, a keypad and an output slot. The operator terminal 36 is associated with a control device (not shown), which is designed to control the transport device 28. In this embodiment, the control unit is also designed to control the function of the lock 22 and the collecting container 24.

In addition, the control unit controls a data acquisition unit 38, which is arranged in the lock 22 and detects data of the incoming and outgoing articles 12. The data acquisition unit 38 is further configured to monitor that there are no illegal objects 12 and / or persons in the lock 22. Furthermore, the control unit determines suitable areas on the bearing surface 16 for the storage of the articles 12.

By means of a dashed line, a locking device 40 is shown in a first intermediate wall 42, which prevents access to the storage space 14 in the locked state. The lock is activated in particular when the opening 26 is open or when unauthorized objects 12 or persons are in the lock 22.

A second intermediate wall 44 has an opening 46, through which objects 12 can be brought into the collecting container 24.

The device 10 offers a variety of functional possibilities, in particular the following: 1. If a logistics company would like to store items 12 in the storage room 14 for collection, the user first identifies himself at the operator terminal 36. For example, the apparatus 10 recognizes that items 12 are to be stored, based on information stored in the user identifier. The user then places one of the articles to be stored 12 in the lock 22, from where the article 12 is stored in the storage room 14 after a transfer to the transport device 28. The position of the stored article 12 is stored in the control unit and reported back to the user as needed.

2. If a user wishes to place an item 12 for shipping, this process is initiated via the operator terminal 36. In the simplest case, the closable opening 26 opens, the user brings the article 12 into the lock 22, the opening 26 closes, the locking device 40 opens and the article 12 to be shipped is moved onto the transport region 30 of the transport device 28. The transport device 28 then moves to the opening 46 and moves the object 12 into the collecting container 24, for example by a displacement device or by tilting the transport device 28. In principle, it is also possible to use the displacement device 32 for this process, if necessary previous rotation of the transport device 28 about a vertical axis. The operator terminal 36 is here also designed to query the sender address and destination address, as well as using data from the data acquisition unit 38, in particular of weight and dimensions, to display the shipping costs and, if necessary, to accept a corresponding amount of money.

3. To outsource an article 12 from the storage room 14, the user identifies or identifies the user the item to be picked 12 via the operator terminal 36. On the basis of information stored in the control unit for this item 12, the transport device 28 fetches the corresponding item from the storage area 16 and spends it through the opened locking device 40 into the lock 22. After the locking device 40 has been closed again, the opening 26 opens, so that the user can remove the object 12 from the lock 22.

With the proposed device 10, it is possible to load and unload articles 12 of various sizes and shapes without requiring subdivision into trays. Since the user does not gain access to the storage room 14, it can be ensured that the user only receives an item 12 assigned to him. Since the storage of objects 12 takes place through the lock 22, it is possible in principle for various logistics companies to store items 12 for pickup. In principle, it is of course also conceivable that a logistics company stores the objects 12 directly on the bearing surface 16 and transmits the corresponding positions of the stored objects 12 to the control unit. However, the advantage of the proposed device 10 lies precisely in the fact that the storage and retrieval process takes place fully automatically and is accurately documented by means of the data acquisition unit 38. In particular, the accurate data collection makes it possible to quickly process complaints, damage reports and loss reports based on reliable data.

2 shows a transport device 28 with a displacement device 48. The transport device 28 has two parts 52, 54 connected via a joint 50. The parts 52, 54 are pivotable about a pivot axis 56 relative to each other.

Each part 52, 54 has a plurality of rotatable moving elements 58 (only a few of which have been provided with reference lines for purposes of example). The movement elements 58 are in lines - indicated by the arrow 60 - and in rows - indicated by the arrow 62 - arranged. In the embodiment shown here, all movement elements 58 are driven. Here, each of the rows 62 forms a group of movement elements 58 which is selectively drivable. This means that the moving elements 58 of a row can be actuated specifically and independently of the other rows. The movement elements 58 describe with upper sides 64, which face an imaginary object 12 to be displaced, parts of a substantially flat support area 66, which is here indicated by way of example with a dashed border.

The movement direction 68 made possible by the movement elements 58 is symbolized by a broad arrow. By means of an optional displacement device 48, which here has a carrier element 70 and a retractable and retractable slide 72 and is shown only simplified, an object 12 can also be displaced transversely to the direction of movement 68 on the transport region 30.

The parts 52, 54 are pivotable relative to one another in a first relative position, in which the upper sides 64 of the movement elements 58 of both parts 52, 54 jointly describe a substantially flat support region 66. The parts 52, 54 are also pivotable relative to each other in a second position, in which both parts 52, 54 are substantially parallel to each other.

Fig. 3a shows a moving element 58, which is designed as a cylinder. In order to be able to reliably move objects which can move simultaneously transversely to the direction of movement 68 when moving in the direction of the direction of movement 68, for example roller packages, rotationally symmetrical movement elements 58 can preferably be used.

Particularly preferred is a concavely curved bearing surface 74, as shown in Fig. 3b. In this embodiment, a reel-to-reel will center in the center of the moving elements 58 so that it can be moved by manipulating a group of moving elements 58 on the transport 28 without the risk of the reel-to-reel crossing along the direction of travel 68 rolls down to the direction 68 of the movement elements 58. In principle, however, a convex curvature of the support surface 74 is possible, as shown in Fig. 3c. It is also conceivable for a secure positioning of roll transmissions, to set the axes of rotation 76 of the movement elements 58 obliquely. In addition, a curvature may extend over only a portion of the support surface 74.

The basic procedure for the storage and retrieval of objects 12 will now be illustrated by means of an example according to FIGS. 4 a to 4 d, with an article 12 being removed from a storage surface 16. In the figures, an object 12 is shown, as well as a bearing surface 16 with a plurality of recesses 34. The recesses 34 shown here are arranged in a matrix-like manner in nine rows and nine rows. Furthermore, a transport device 28 with a transport area 30 and a transfer area 32 is shown. For further details regarding the transport device 28, reference is made to the explanation for FIG. 2, wherein the transport device 28 shown here has no displacement device 48.

In the starting position according to FIG. 4 a, an object 12 is mounted on the bearing surface 16. The transport device 28 has positioned itself in front of the corresponding region of the bearing surface 16.

To outsource the article 12, first, as shown in Fig. 4b, the displacement device 32 is pivoted.

In the end position according to FIG. 4 c, the upper sides 64 of the movement elements 58 in the transport region 30 and on the displacement device 32 form a substantially flat support region 66. The movement elements 58 engage in the recesses 34, so that a part of the movement elements 58 is in contact with the Item 12 occurs. The object 12 then rests at least partially and in particular completely on the movement elements 58. In order to move the object 12 now, the displacement device 32 is actuated, that is, the movement elements 58 required for the displacement are set in rotation. (In this case, the front and middle rows are driven to displace the article 12). In this way, the article reaches the transport region 30, as shown in Fig. 4d. The displacement device 32 can now be swiveled back and the article 12 can be transported to the lock 22 or to the opening 26.

It will now be explained with reference to FIGS. 5a to 5d how the objects 12 are moved, which are moved through the opening 46 into the collecting container 24.

FIG. 5a shows a collecting container 24, which has three partitioning devices 74 each with two pivoting elements 76. All three partitioning devices 74 are in a locked position. This means that objects 12 which pass through the opening 46 can collect in the first partial region 78, but can not reach the second partial region 80, the third partial region 82 or the fourth partial region 84.

If some objects 12 have now accumulated in the first subregion 78, so that the first subregion 78 is filled to a certain degree, the upper partitioning device 74 changes from a blocking position into a release position, as shown in FIG. 5b. Following gravity, the objects 12 now move into the second subarea 80. In doing so, the articles 12 pass through only a fraction of the total height of the collecting container 24. Thus, the first subarea 78 is again essentially free and can receive further objects 12 which are moved through the Opening 46 enter the collection container 24.

5c now illustrates the situation in which further objects have been brought into the collecting container 24 and now again the first partial region 78 is substantially filled. The middle partitioning device 74 then changes from its blocking position to a release position, so that the third subregion 82 is released. The objects 12 now also move in accordance with gravity into the third subregion 82, see FIG. 5d. The first subarea 78 is in turn free for receiving further objects 12.

In this way, the collecting container 24 can be efficiently filled without the articles 12 having to cover a drop distance at which damage - in spite of proper packaging - would be possible. The logistics company can easily remove the objects 12 located in the collecting container 24, for example, through a door.

Fig. 6 shows a simplified representation of a control of the transport device 28. The control is carried out via a control unit 86 which is in communication with the operator terminal 36, the data acquisition unit 38, the transport device 28 and a memory 88 for storing the position and at least one dimension the stored items 12 is. To carry out the desired tasks, the control unit 86 has a microcontroller 90, which is designed in particular as a microprocessor.

In order to outsource, for example, an article 12, the control unit 86 receives information from the operator terminal 36, retrieves the position of the desired article 12 from the memory 88 and controls the transport device 28 accordingly to outsource the desired article 12.

If an object 12 is to be stored, the control unit 86 retrieves the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 38, determines from the information stored in the memory 88 a suitable area on the bearing surface 16 for supporting the object 12 and controls the transport device 28 for supporting the object 12 at. In this embodiment, the microcontroller 90 is configured to calculate optimized positions of the stored articles 12 and to output control instructions to the transport device 28 for relocation of articles 12. As already explained above, this makes it possible to optimize the occupancy of the bearing surface 16.

If an article 12 is to be received merely for further shipping, the control unit 86 retrieves information from the operator terminal 36 and from the data acquisition unit 38 and controls the transport device 28 in such a way that the desired article 12 is brought into the collecting container 24.

The proposed device thus opens up a variety of functions and provides a good use of the available storage space. Furthermore, a particularly good documentation on the storage and retrieval of objects is possible.

Claims

claims

1. Device (10) for the automated storage and retrieval of objects (12), in particular parcel station, with a closed storage space (14), in which a storage area (16) for depositing objects (12) is arranged, wherein the storage space ( 14) is enclosed by a casing (20) which has at least one closable opening (26) for introducing articles (12) into the storage space (14) and / or for removing articles (12) from the storage space (14), characterized by a transport device (28) with a transport region (30) for receiving an object (12) and with a displacement device (32) for displacing the article (12) relative to the transport region (30), wherein the bearing surface (16) has at least one recess (34) into which at least a part of the displacement device (32) can engage from below.

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the bearing surface (16) has at least two recesses (34), wherein a part of the bearing surface (16) which has the at least two recesses (34) forms a continuous bearing surface ,

3. Device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the displacement device (32) designed such that it can be in engagement with the at least two recesses (34) at the same time.

4. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transport device (28) is arranged permanently in the storage space (14).

5. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the displacement device (32) has a plurality of rotatable and / or has movable movement elements (58), of which at least one is drivable.

6. Device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the movement elements (58) with upper sides (64) facing an object to be displaced (12) describe parts of a substantially planar support area (66).

7. Device (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the movement elements (58) are designed rotationally symmetrical, in particular with a curved, preferably concavely curved bearing surface (74).

8. Device (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the movement elements (58) are arranged line by line and / or in rows.

9. Device (10) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that at least a part of the movement elements (58) are associated with one or more groups and a group of movement elements (58) is selectively drivable.

10. Device (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the transport device (28) has a displacement device (48) for a displacement of the article (12) on the transport device (28) transversely to one of the Movement elements (58) enabled movement direction (68) is formed.

11. Device (10) according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the transport device (28) at least two via a joint (50) connected parts (52, 54), each having at least one driven movement element (58), wherein a first part (52) the transport area (30) and a second part (54) has at least one for engaging in the at least one recess (34) certain movement element (58).

12. Device (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the parts (52, 54) are pivotable in a first relative position to each other in the upper sides (64) of the moving elements (58) of both parts (52, 54) together essentially flat support area (66) describe.

13. Device (10) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the parts (52, 54) are pivotable relative to each other in a second position, in which both parts (52, 54) are substantially parallel to each other.

14. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the opening (26) forms an input into a lock (22).

15. Device (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that the lock (22) has a data acquisition unit (38) for detecting data to be stored or outsourced article (12) related data.

16. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by a collecting container (24) for receiving objects (12), with at least one movable partitioning device (74) in a blocking position, the inclusion of objects (12) only in a first portion (78) of the collecting container (24) and in a release position, an additional, second portion (80) of the collecting container (24) for receiving objects (12) releases.

17. Device (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that the collecting container (24) has a plurality of partitioning devices (74) which are arranged in such a cascade that a gradually increasing loading rich of the collecting container (24) for receiving objects 12 is releasable.

18. Device (10) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the second portion (80) is at least partially disposed below the first portion (78).

19. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the casing (20) is designed as a container, preferably with standardized dimensions, in particular a 20 'or 40' container.

20. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized by a memory (88) for storing a respective position and at least one dimension of the stored articles (12).

21. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized by a microcontroller (90), which is used to calculate optimized positions of the stored objects (12) and to output control instructions to the transport device (28) for a relocation of objects ( 12) is formed.

22. A method for automated storage and retrieval of objects (12) in a storage room (14) with a housing (20), comprising the following steps:

Providing a bearing surface (16) in the storage space (14),

- Providing a closable opening (26) in the housing (20), characterized by - Providing a transport device (28) with a transport region (30) for receiving an object (12) and with a displacement device (32) for displacing the article (12) relative to the transport region (30), and

- Providing at least one recess (34) in the bearing surface (16) into which at least a part of the displacement device (32) can engage from below.