WO2019037920A1

WO2019037920A1 - Docking station and method for loading and unloading a rack arranged in a transport vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2019037920A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/065929
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hermann Tenfelde
Original assignee: Daimler Ag
Priority date: 2017-08-22
Filing date: 2018-06-15
Publication date: 2019-02-28

Abstract

The invention relates to a docking station (10) for loading and unloading a rack (14) arranged in a transport vehicle (12), having at least two rack levels (22, 24), which are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction, having a drive (26) which has at least one first traction mechanism (30), which can be driven actively by a motor (28) and by means of which, as a result of the first traction mechanism (30) being driven, respective first load carriers (34) can be conveyed in the horizontal direction, along a first of the rack levels (22, 24), away from the rack (14), and having at least one second traction mechanism (38), which is spaced apart from the first traction mechanism (30) and by means of which, as a result of the second traction mechanism (38) being driven, respective second load carriers (42) can be conveyed in a horizontal direction, along the second rack level (24), in the direction of the rack (14), wherein the second traction mechanism (38) can be driven by the first traction mechanism (30) in passive fashion, via at least one coupling element (44), which is provided on the respective first load carrier (34) and can be made to interact with the traction mechanisms (30, 38).

Description

Docking station and method for loading and unloading a arranged in a transport vehicle shelf

The invention relates to a docking station and a method for loading and unloading a arranged in a transport vehicle shelf.

Due to the emerging change in the delivery of products or packages, especially on the so-called last mile, it is desirable to develop methods and devices for loading and unloading transport vehicles efficiently and effectively with products to be transported or distributed. The background to this is, in particular, that, for example, the delivery of parcels or foods in the last mile to respective consumers contributes significantly to the logistics costs incurred, so that overall logistics solutions from the goods distribution center to the customer are desirable in order to keep logistics costs as low as possible. For this reason, new transport vehicles and shelves or shelving systems are being developed for the logistics industry. To complete an entire logistics chain, a solution is needed to effectively and efficiently load and unload racking systems in parcel centers or distribution centers, for example. Usually in

Transport vehicles used laterally mounted shelves, between which there is a central aisle. In this aisle at least one person can stay and move to load and unload, for example, the side-mounted shelves. Usually, each place of the shelf in the transport vehicle, in particular in a parcel center, individually by a person and thus manually loaded and / or unloaded. From DE102012205812 A1 a shelf for a transport vehicle is known, whose shelves are coupled to each other in a kind paternosterartigem circulation system movable. However, the shelves must be manually loaded and unloaded. This process is very personal and time consuming and thus costly. The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a docking station and a method by means of which racks of transport vehicles can be loaded and unloaded particularly effectively and efficiently.

This object is achieved by a docking station having the features of patent claim 1 and by a method having the features of patent claim 9. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims.

The docking station according to the invention for loading and unloading in one

Transporting vehicle arranged shelves is characterized by at least two vertically superimposed shelf levels and a drive, which has at least one actively driven by a motor first traction means. The engine is part of the drive, for example. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the motor is designed as an electric motor. By the feature that the first traction means is actively driven by means of the motor, it is to be understood, for example, that the first traction means is coupled to the engine or, in particular, when the engine is activated and thus operated, the first traction means from the engine is driven. By means of the first traction means, a conveyance of respective first charge carriers in the horizontal direction along a first of the rack levels away from the shelf can be effected by driving the first traction means. In other words, the first

Carrying charge carriers in the horizontal direction along the first shelf level away from the shelf, the first traction means is driven by the motor. By conveying the first charge carriers in a horizontal direction along the first shelf plane away from the shelf, it is to be understood in particular that the first charge carriers are conveyed in a first direction coinciding with the horizontal direction.

The docking station according to the invention, which is also referred to as a docking station, further comprises at least one second traction means spaced from the first traction means, by means of which by conveying the second traction means a promotion of respective second charge carriers in the horizontal direction along the second shelf level to the shelf is effected , In other words, the second charge carrier in

horizontal direction along the second shelf level to promote towards the shelf, the second traction means is driven. By conveying the second charge carriers in the horizontal direction along the second shelf plane to the shelf, it is to be understood in particular that the second load carriers are in one of the first directions opposite and coincident with the horizontal direction second direction are promoted.

In this case, in the docking station according to the invention, the second traction means is passive over at least one provided on the respective first charge carrier and in,

in particular positive, cooperation with the first traction means and the second traction means can be brought movable coupling element of the first traction means. Under the feature that the second traction means is passively driven by the first traction means via the respective coupling element, is to be understood in particular that the second traction means is a non-driven or passively driven traction means, which, for example, not with the first traction means and not coupled to the engine, that is, decoupled from the first traction means and the engine, so that, for example, when the first traction means is driven by the engine, while no coupling element cooperates with the first traction means and the traction means, then if the second Traction means of the first traction means and is decoupled from the engine, the second traction means is not driven. The second traction means is then, for example, and only then driven by the first traction means when at least one of the first charge carriers provided coupling elements with the first traction means and with the second traction means cooperates, so then the second traction means on the coupling element, in particular form-fitting, with the first traction means is coupled. As a result, the second traction means via the coupling element and the first traction means driven by the engine, said coupling of the second traction means with the first traction means and thus the driving of the second traction means ends when the traction means initially coupling coupling element, for example, no longer with the Traction means cooperates or when no coupling elements interact with the traction means and thus the second traction means is decoupled from the first traction means.

As a result of the described passive drivability of the second traction means, the first traction means and the second traction means can be coupled or synchronized with each other in a particularly advantageous and demand-oriented manner so that, for example and only then, by means of the second traction means carriers are conveyed to the shelf of the transport vehicle or into the shelf of the transport vehicle be promoted when using the first traction means carriers are removed from the shelf of the transport vehicle or from the shelf of the transport vehicle. In this way, it can be avoided simply, weight and inexpensively that it too

Collisions between charge carriers and, as a consequence, disruption of loading and unloading occur. Furthermore, it is possible by means of the invention Docking the shelf of the transport vehicle particularly time and thus

cost-effective to load and unload. In the context of this loading and unloading the shelf of the transport vehicle is loaded with the second, designed for example as boxes or boxes load carriers, since the second charge carriers are conveyed by means of the docking station, in particular automatically, to or into the shelf. In this case, in particular at the same time, the first charge carriers, which may be designed, for example, as boxes or boxes, are discharged, so that the shelf, in particular at the same time, is discharged. The second charge carriers are, for example, equipped with products or foods and can, for example, in a parcel center or in a

Distribution center are equipped, especially before the transport vehicle is located in the parcel or distribution center. If the transport vehicle, for example, with the particular empty first charge carriers to the

or drove into the parcel center, so can the first empty

Load carriers are unloaded by means of the docking station from the transport train, in particular while the second loaded with products or food and thus full charge carriers are promoted in the shelf.

By means of the docking station according to the invention, the use of modern automated shelving systems can be realized without aisle, since the docking station according to the invention an automated or automatic

Shelf loading method and rack discharge method allows. By way of example, delivery scopes to be delivered by means of the transport vehicle and in particular by means of the second load carriers are pre-picked in the parcel center by the delivery of the second load carriers. For this purpose, the docking station is prepared or equipped as a rack system separate from the shelf of the transport vehicle in the parcel center with the stocked second load carriers by arranging the second load carriers in or on the docking station, for example. The charge carriers are, for example, parcel boxes, which

Scope of supply for end customers included. A respective content of the second charge carriers is for example digitally registered and provided for later delivery. Once all second load carriers have been provided for a new delivery in the docking station, upon arrival of the transport vehicle in the docking station

Package center are made a fast loading and unloading of, for example, designed as a van transport vehicle. For this purpose, the docking station is docked to the shelf in the camouflage vehicle, and a fully automated exchange of

Charge carrier can be done within a short time. Under the fully automated Replacement of the charge carriers is to be understood that by means of the docking station, the empty first load carriers from the shelf of the transport vehicle away and on

or be promoted to the docking station, and the populated and thus full second load carriers are conveyed by means of the docking station to or on the shelf of the transport vehicle. The first load carriers are empty because their delivery volumes were previously delivered. Thus, the first charge carriers are also referred to as returns. These returns are transported to the docking station, and in particular at the same time the new filled second

Carrier conveyed into the shelf of the transport vehicle, in particular pushed. This replacement of the load carriers is completed in a few minutes, so that the transport vehicle can leave the parcel center with the full second load carriers and deliver the second load carriers or their delivery scopes a few minutes after arriving in the parcel center with the empty first load carriers.

The shelf of the transport vehicle is designed, for example, as a horizontally circulating shelf system, which likewise has at least two shelf system levels arranged one above the other in the vertical direction. On the shelf system levels, for example, the first, empty charge carriers are arranged, which can be promoted by the shelving system in the docking station, and the second

Load carriers can be conveyed from the docking station to the racking system and in particular to the racking system levels. Thus, the first load carriers are unloaded from the transport vehicle, and the transport vehicle is loaded with the second load carriers. Under the feature that the shelf of the transport vehicle is designed as a horizontally encircling shelf system, is to be understood in particular that, for example, the second charge carriers can first be promoted from the second shelf level to a first of the shelf system levels. If, for example, the first shelf system level is completely equipped with second load carriers, then, for example, the second load carriers can be conveyed or moved from the first shelf system level in the vertical direction to the second shelf system level, so that then the second shelf system level can also be loaded or filled with the second load carriers. The charge carriers are, for example, boxes or are also referred to as boxes.

The new full boxes are conveyed by means of the docking station into the upper shelf level of the shelf of the transport vehicle, also known as the Vanregal. With each empty box, which from the lower Vanregalebene in also as docking station designated docking station is promoted simultaneously a full box in the upper Vanregalebene. The entering full box forces a horizontal one

Transverse conveying of all boxes in the upper level of the Vanregale by exactly one box position. The last box of this van rack level thus comes within the scope of the shelf box level converter. This box is thus transported vertically from the upper Vanregalebene in the lower shelf level in the van. As soon as this box enters the lower level of the van rack, this box forces a horizontal transport of all "empty" boxes by exactly one box position towards the docking station, and as soon as the last box in this row has reached the new position, it will come into engagement with the lower dock level and is transported from the van rack to the docking station, which in turn triggers the transport of a full box on the upper docking station level into the van racking system.

If the rack system is completely equipped with the second load carriers and if, for example, all the first, empty load carriers are unloaded from the rack system, a delivery run can be started by means of the transport vehicle, within the scope of which the delivery scopes of the second load carriers are delivered. As technical

The challenge with such horizontally circulating shelving systems was a sufficient synchronization of discontinuous motion sequences in the

Shelving system with the docking station or with in the docking station

identified running sequences, this technical challenge can be solved by means of the docking station according to the invention. Through the use of the actively driven or driven first traction means in combination with the passively drivable second traction means and in interaction with the respective, in cooperation with the first traction means and the second traction means can be brought coupling element is a mechanical synchronization of movements between the traction means and in particular between the Docking station and the shelf of the transport vehicle generated or enforced. In the context of this mechanical synchronization, for example, one of the second load carriers is then and in particular only conveyed by the docking station into the rack of the transport vehicle when at least one of the first load carriers leaves the rack of the transport vehicle

Transport vehicle is promoted in the docking station. As a result, collisions and impoundments can be avoided.

This synchronization between the docking station and the shelf of the

Transport vehicle is realized in that the second traction means is then and only then driven when one of the coupling elements of the first charge carrier with the the first traction means and the second traction means cooperates, which is then and only then the case when at least one of the first carrier from the shelf of

Transport vehicle is promoted in the docking station. Will not be the first

Carrier conveyed from the shelf of the transport vehicle in the docking station, the second traction means is decoupled from the first traction means, so that the second

Traction means is not driven. As a result, none of the second load carriers from the docking station is promoted in the shelf of the transport vehicle, so it does not come to collisions and impoundments.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the first traction means and the second traction means are arranged in a common plane extending perpendicular to the horizontal direction. This allows the first traction means and the second traction means particularly advantageous over the respective coupling element of the respective first

Charge carrier are coupled together.

In another embodiment of the invention, at least one is in vertical

Direction above the second traction means arranged and spaced from the second traction means third traction means provided which can be driven by means of the second traction means. In this way, for example, an existing at least in vertical direction difference in height between the shelves of the docking station can be overcome particularly simple and inexpensive, so that, for example, arranged on the second shelf level second carrier can be promoted in the manner described on the traction means characterized in that the second traction means which is arranged for example in the region of the first shelf level, is driven by the respective coupling element of the first traction means.

Another embodiment is characterized in that the second traction means and the third traction means are arranged in a common, perpendicular to the horizontal direction extending plane. As a result, for example, the second

Traction means and the third traction means are particularly advantageous coupled to each other via the respective coupling element, since, for example, the respective coupling element can be particularly easily brought into cooperation with the second traction means and the third traction means.

In a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention is a

Traction drive provided over which the third traction means is driven by the second traction means. The traction mechanism drive has a coupled to the second traction means and the first traction wheel drivable by the second traction means, a second traction wheel coupled to the third traction means, of which the third traction means is drivable, and a fourth traction means, at least partially wound around the traction wheels and drivable by the second traction means via the first traction means, over which the traction wheel second drive wheel is drivable by the first drive wheel. In this way, for example, the second charge carriers can be promoted particularly advantageously by means of the third pulling means along the second rack level, for example by respective ones to the second

Charge carriers provided coupling elements which correspond, for example, the coupling elements of the first charge carriers, with the third traction means, in particular form-fitting, can cooperate. The first charge carriers and the second charge carriers are, for example, at least substantially identical in construction, so that the following and previous explanations of the coupling elements of the first charge carriers can be readily transferred to the second charge carriers or their coupling elements and vice versa. A conceptual

For example, distinction between the first and second charge carriers is only intended to conceptualize the second carriers carried on the shelf of the transport vehicle from the first

To distinguish carriers that are promoted by the shelf of the transport vehicle in the docking station. If, for example, the second charge carriers or their delivery scopes are delivered, so that the initially filled second charge carriers are empty, and if, for example, the initially empty first charge carriers are equipped with new delivery peripheries and thus filled, the first second charge carriers become the new first charge carriers, and the first first charge carriers become the new second charge carriers.

Thus, it is preferably provided that the third traction means is passively provided via at least one on the respective second charge carrier and in cooperation with the third traction means and the second traction means engageable coupling element of the second traction means is drivable. In this way, a defined and precise promotion of the second charge carriers can be ensured. The respective coupling element is

For example, a form-fitting element, which can interact, for example, positively with the respective traction means. In particular, for example, the respective coupling element is a role.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the respective charge carrier has at least one further roller, wherein the respective further roller and the respective coupling element are arranged in mutually different planes which for example, offset in the horizontal direction to each other. As a result, for example, the respective charge carrier can interact with the respective traction means via the respective coupling element and roll or roll over the respective further roller, for example at the respective shelf level, whereby a precise and defined guidance and conveying of the respective load carrier can be created.

Another embodiment is characterized in that the respective traction means is designed as a chain. In this way, a defined and precise promotion of the respective charge carrier can be ensured without it, for example, to a

Slipping of the traction means relative to the respective coupling element comes.

Finally, it has proved to be particularly advantageous if the first shelf level, by means of which the first load carriers are conveyed from the shelf of the transport vehicle into the docking station, is arranged vertically below the second rack level, by means of which the second load carriers from the docking station into the docking station Shelf of the transport vehicle to be promoted.

The invention also includes a method for loading and unloading in one

Transport vehicle arranged shelves by means of a docking station, in particular by means of a docking station according to the invention. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the docking station according to the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention and vice versa. In the context of the inventive method, the docking station has at least two vertically superimposed shelf levels and a drive with a traction means which is actively driven by a motor, whereby means of the first traction means respective first charge carriers in the horizontal direction along a first of the shelf levels of the Shelf away promoted. The docking station furthermore has at least one second traction means, which is spaced apart from the first traction means and is decoupled, for example, by the first traction means, which is driven by the method, whereby respective second trays in the horizontal direction along the second shelving plane to the shelf by means of the second traction means be promoted. In this case, the second traction means is passively driven by the first traction means via at least one provided on the respective first charge carrier coupling element, which cooperates with the first traction means and the second traction means, in particular each form-fitting manner. By this interaction of the respective coupling element with the first traction means and the second traction means are the traction means For example, at least temporarily coupled together via the respective coupling element.

It has been found to be particularly advantageous if the coupling element

positively cooperates with the first traction means and with the second traction means. For this purpose, for example, the respective coupling element engages in the respective traction means. If the respective traction means is designed, for example, as a chain, then the respective traction means has, for example, chain links connected to one another in an articulated manner, which delimit, for example, respective recesses. The recesses are

For example, so formed as through holes. In this case, for example, designed as a roller, disc or plate coupling element at least partially engage in the respective recess, whereby the coupling element cooperates positively with the first traction means and the second traction means. As a result, the traction means decoupled from each other via the coupling element are coupled together, so that the second traction means is driven via the coupling element of the first traction means when the first traction means is driven by the motor.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawing. The features mentioned above in the description and

Feature combinations as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures are not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in others

Combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the invention.

The drawing shows in:

Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a docking station according to the invention according to a first embodiment;

2 shows a detail of a schematic side view of the docking station

according to the first embodiment;

3 shows a detail of a schematic perspective view of the docking station according to the first embodiment; 4 shows a detail of a schematic side view of the docking station according to the first embodiment;

5 shows a detail of a further schematic side view of

Docking station according to the first embodiment;

6 shows a detail of a further schematic side view of

Docking station according to the first embodiment;

7 shows a detail of a schematic plan view of the docking station according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 shows a detail of a further schematic perspective view of FIG

Docking station according to the first embodiment;

9 shows a detail of a schematic side view of the docking station according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 10 a detail of a further schematic side view of the

Docking station according to the second embodiment;

1 is a schematic side view of a charge carrier to be conveyed by means of the docking station;

12 is a fragmentary schematic and sectional plan view of

Docking station according to the second embodiment;

13 shows a detail of a further schematic side view of

Docking station according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 14 a detail of another schematic side view of the

Docking station according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 15 a detail of a further schematic side view of the

Docking station according to the second embodiment; 16 shows a detail of a further schematic side view of

Docking station according to the second embodiment in a designated B in Figure 15 area.

FIG. 17 a detail of a further schematic side view of the

Docking station according to the second embodiment; and

FIG. 18 a detail of a further schematic side view of the

Docking station according to the second embodiment in a in Fig. 17 with

C designated area.

In the figures, the same or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

FIGS. 1 to 8 show a first embodiment of a docking station 10 as a whole for loading and unloading a rack 14 arranged in a transport vehicle 12 (FIG. 1). The rack 14 is designed as a horizontal revolving rack system and has two in the vertical direction arranged one above the other

Shelving system levels 16 and 18, wherein in Fig. 1, the vertical direction is illustrated by a double arrow 20. The shelf 14 is also referred to as an automatic non-sequential shelving system.

The docking station 10 is also referred to as a docking station and comprises at least two shelves 22 and 24 arranged one above the other in the vertical direction. In addition, the docking station 10 comprises a drive 26, which can be seen particularly well in conjunction with FIG Motor 28 has drivable first traction means 30. The first traction means 30 is a chain which wraps around at least one drive wheel and deflection rollers 32b, c formed as a gearwheel 32a and thereby, in particular a form-fitting manner, with the gearwheel 32a

interacts. The deflection rollers 32b, c are rollers without teeth, which guide the chain laterally and deflect. The deflection rollers 32b, c can be mounted rotatably or rigidly.

The motor 28 is for example part of the drive 26 and / or designed as an electric motor, by means of the motor 28, the gear 32a can be driven. Since the gear 32a cooperates positively with the traction means 30, the traction means 30 driven by the gear 32a when the gear 32a is driven by the motor 28. As will be explained in more detail below, by means of the first traction means 30 by driving the first traction means 30 promotion of respective first charge carriers 34 in the horizontal direction along the shelf level 22 of the shelf 14 away effected. In this case, in Fig. 1, the horizontal direction by a

Double arrow 36 illustrates.

The docking station 10 further comprises at least one of the first traction means 30

spaced traction means 38, which is formed for example as a chain and respectively, at least partially wraps around trained as deflection rollers 40 wheels. By means of the gears 32a and the guide rollers 32b, c and 40, the respective traction means 30 and 38 are deflected. By means of the second traction means 38, by conveying the second traction means 38, conveyance of respective second charge carriers 42 in the horizontal direction along the second shelf level 24 to the shelf 14 can be effected.

From Fig. 7 it can be seen that the respective charge carriers 34 and 42, for example, as a box or box is formed and respective

Coupling elements 44 which are formed, for example, as rollers. The coupling elements 44 can form fit with the traction means 30 and 38th

cooperate by the coupling elements 44 at least partially engage in respective, limited by respective chain links of the respective traction means 30 and 38 and formed, for example, as through holes recesses. Will thus

For example, the traction means 30 driven by the motor 28, while for example one of the coupling elements 44 of a designated 46 of the charge carrier 34 cooperates positively with the traction means 30, the charge carrier 46, which belongs to the charge carriers 34, by means of the traction means 30 in the horizontal direction conveyed along the shelf level 22 and thereby conveyed away from the shelf 14, so that the charge carrier 46 is conveyed in a coincident with the horizontal direction and in Fig. 2 by an arrow 48 illustrated first direction. The first direction points away from the shelf 14. For example, if one of the coupling elements 44 of a designated in Fig. 2 with 50 of the charge carrier 42 form-fitting together with the traction means 38, so for example, the respective charge carrier 50 by means of

Pulling means 38 in the horizontal direction along the shelf level 24 to the shelf 14 towards promoted and thereby in a direction shown in Fig. 2 by an arrow 53 and the first direction opposite second direction moves, the second direction points to the shelf 14. It can be seen particularly well from FIGS. 2 to 6 and 8 that the second traction means 38 is spaced from the first traction means 30, so that the second traction means 38 per se is decoupled from the traction means 30. In this case, the second traction means 38 can be driven passively by the first traction means 30 via the respective coupling element 44. In other words, the respective coupling element 44 can be brought into positive engagement with the traction means 30 and 38 by the respective coupling element 44 engaging in the respective recess. If, for example, at least one of the coupling elements 44 cooperates with the traction means 30 and 38, and if the traction means 30 is driven by the motor 28, the traction means 38 is driven by the traction means 30 via the respective coupling element 44. Thus, for example, the carrier 46 is conveyed in the first direction, and the carrier 50 is conveyed in the second direction. Thus, collisions and impoundments can be avoided.

The charge carriers 42 are equipped, for example, with delivery scopes and thus full load carriers, which are moved by the docking station 10 into the rack 14. As a result, the full charge carriers 42 can be distributed or delivered by means of the transport vehicle 12. The charge carriers 34 are empty charge carriers, for example, which are conveyed from the rack 14 into the docking station 10. Thereupon, for example, the charge carriers 34 can again be equipped with delivery circumferences and thus filled, whereupon the charge carriers 34 become, for example, second charge carriers. If the delivery scopes of the load carriers 42 are delivered, the load carriers 42 become empty and thus first

Charge carriers.

Since the shelf 14 is formed as a horizontally encircling shelf system, for example, the charge carriers 42 from the shelf level 24 first on the

Shelf system level 18 promoted. From the shelf system level 18, the

Load carrier 42 to the shelf system level 16, in particular in the vertical direction, transported and thereby lowered in particular. The empty load carriers 34 can then be conveyed, for example, from the shelf system level 16 to the rack level 22 and thus into the docking station 10.

Overall, it can be seen that the docking station 10 is designed for the designed as a flexible shelving system with circulating carriers or parcel boxes shelf 14. In the case of the rack 14, the transport of the load carriers 42 between the vertically offset shelf system levels 16 and 18 takes place independently of the horizontal movement of the load carriers 42 in the rack 14 to the maximum possible number To allow charge carriers 42 in the shelf 14, in particular in its volume. This feature requires during loading a special supply of the charge carriers 42 from the docking station 10 in the shelf 14. The docking station 10 should or may only introduce a carrier in the shelf 14, if at the same time a load carrier from the shelf 14 in the docking station 10 issued becomes. If this rule is disregarded, then, for example, at vertical transfer points at which the charge carriers are moved from the shelf system level 18 to the shelf system level 16 arranged therebelow, a collision of the charge carriers may occur. If, for example, the charge carrier 50 is conveyed into the rack 14, while a load carrier of the load carrier 42, designated 52, is still in the upper one

Shelf system level 18 is, it comes in the Umsetzbewegung to a collision between the charge carrier 52 and designated 54 of the charge carrier 42nd

The movement sequence of the charge carriers between the docking station 10 and the rack 14 takes place, for example, in the following manner: The load carrier 52 moves downwards and then pushes all the load carriers on the lower shelf system level 16 by exactly one charge carrier position horizontally. For example, a load carrier 34 designated 56 comes into engagement with the traction means 30 acting as a conveyor chain and is conveyed to the docking station 10. The transport movement of the load carrier 56 in the docking station 10 provides in the manner described for the transport of the load carrier 50 in the shelf 14. The carrier 50 pushes all upper, arranged on the upper rack system level 18 charge carriers on position, so then the carrier 54 on the bottom shelf system level 16 changes and pushes all lower, arranged on the shelf system level 16 carriers one position further. Then, for example, a carrier designated at 58 of the charge carrier 34 is conveyed into the docking station 10 and triggers a transport with a 60 in the sequence

designated the carrier 42 in the shelf 14 from. In other words, if and only if at least one of the respective charge carriers 42 is then transported by the docking station 10 into the rack 14 by means of the traction means 38, if at least one of the

Load carrier 34 is supported by the shelf 14 in the docking station 10, since then and only then at least one of the coupling elements 44 comes into cooperation with the traction means 30 and 38 and then and only then the aforementioned, at least one

Load carrier 42 is conveyed by means of the traction means 38 of the docking station 10 in the shelf 14.

In Fig. 2, for example, the carrier designated in Fig. 1 56 is the

Load carrier 46. The docking station 10 further includes at least one in vertical Direction above the second traction means 38 arranged and spaced from the second traction means 38 third traction means 62, which is also formed as a chain. Thus, the coupling elements 44 can also interact with the traction means 62 in the manner described. The traction means 62 wraps around guide rollers 64. Since the coupling elements can engage in the roller chain gaps on the

Kettenumlenkpunkten no gears in the same spaces intervene. This would lead to a collision of the gear teeth with the coupling elements.

The traction means 30, 38 and 62 are arranged in a common, perpendicular to the horizontal direction extending plane, so that, for example, the respective

Coupling element 44 simultaneously in the traction means 30 and 38 or in the

Traction means 38 and 62 can intervene. The traction means 38 and 62 are, for example passively driven and thus non-driven, free-running synchronization chains, which thereby can be mechanically synchronized with the traction means 30, that the respective coupling elements 44 engage in the traction means 30, 38 and 62.

Once, for example, the docking station 10 is docked to the shelf 14, the drive 26 starts, in particular the motor 28. Then starts, for example, a drive of the shelf 14, thereby for example to move the promoted on the shelf 14 carriers in the shelf 14 and in particular of the docking station 10 away in the shelf 14 and to move from the shelf 14 in the direction of the docking station 10. A position synchronization of the drive of the shelf 14 with the drive 26 of the docking station 10 is not required. The shelf 14 or its drive pushes, for example, arranged on the lower shelf system level 16

Charge carrier in the direction of the docking station 10 until, for example, at least one of the coupling elements 44 engages the traction means 30. Then, the respective charge carrier 34, whose coupling element 44 engages in the traction means 30, conveyed by means of the traction means 30 in the docking station 10, in particular pulled. In this case, the coupling element 44 also comes into cooperation with the traction means 38, since the coupling element 44 dips into the traction means 38 or engages. As a result, there is a positive connection between the coupling element 44 and the traction means 38, so that the traction means 38 is positively coupled via the coupling element 44 with the traction means 30. As a result, the traction means 38 is driven, so thereby, that the

Coupling element 44 of the respective upper charge carrier 42 cooperates with the traction means 38, the respective upper charge carrier 42 is conveyed by means of the traction means 38 in the direction of the shelf 14 and in the shelf 14. Further comes the respective coupling element 44 in engagement with the traction means 62, whereby the respective charge carrier 42 is guided and conveyed defined.

As soon as, for example, the charge carrier 46 leaves the traction means 30, so that the coupling element 44 no longer engages the traction means 30, the traction means 38 and 62 stop, so that no further carrier is conveyed by the docking station 10 into the rack 14. In particular, each charge carrier 34, which is conveyed into the docking station 10, conveys exactly one charge carrier 42 from the docking station 10 into the rack 14 or in the direction of the rack 14. The charge carrier 50 thus triggers, for example, a transport of the charge carriers in the rack 14 and ensures, for example, a transport of the load carrier 34, designated 67 in FIG. 2, into the docking station 10.

It can be seen particularly well from FIG. 7 that the respective charge carrier 34

or 42 other rollers 66 has. The coupling elements 44 and the rollers 66 are arranged in different planes, which are arranged, for example offset in the horizontal direction to each other. Thus, the rollers 66 engage when the coupling elements 44 engage in the respective traction means 30 and 38, not in the respective traction means 30 and 38, but the respective charge carriers 34 and 42, for example, roll on respective guide rails and thereby guided defined. For this purpose, for example, the respective roller 66 has a long axis, so that the respective roller 66 extends outside a respective chain guide plane in which the respective traction means 30 or 38 is arranged. The respective coupling element 44 is formed for example as a roller with a short axis, so that the respective

Coupling element 44 is within said chain guide level.

In other words, the conveyor chain and the synchronization chains are in the respective plane of the respective coupling element 44. Consequently, only the respective coupling element 44 is promoted and generates a positive and / or frictional connection with the respective traction means 30, 38 and 62. In this way a mechanical, timely control of the docking station 10 to the shelf 14 in the transport vehicle 12. As soon as, for example, the last of the carrier 42 is moved from the docking station 10 in the shelf 14, stops the described exchange of the charge carriers 34 and 42. Overall, it can be seen that in the manner described, the charge carriers 34 can be exchanged for the charge carriers 42 in a particularly timely and cost-effective manner. As a result, the docking station 10 is separated from the shelf 14, and the Shelf 14 is closed, for example, by means of a cover plate and made ready for use. The respective length and position of the synchronization chains is matched, for example, to the respective size of the respective charge carrier and the respective size of the chain pitch.

It can be seen particularly well from FIG. 3 that on both sides of the respective charge carrier 34 or 4, a respective traction means 30, 38 or 62 is provided. Alternatively, it is conceivable that only on one side a respective traction means 30, 38

or 62 is provided. From Fig. 4 is particularly well seen that the respective coupling element 44 cooperates with the traction means 30 and 38, since the respective coupling element 44 and the traction means 30, 38 and 62 are arranged in a common, perpendicular to the horizontal direction extending plane. However, the respective roller 66 is arranged offset and does not interfere with the respective traction means 30, 38 and 62, but can, for example, roll on a guide. In Fig. 4, a non-positive and / or positive synchronization path S is indicated, via which the respective coupling element 4 is both in engagement with the traction means 30 and with the traction means 38. Thus, the traction means 38 is driven via the coupling element 44 by the traction means 30, while the coupling element 44 is moved along or over the synchronization path S.

Particularly good from Fig. 5, the positive and / or non-positive coupling of the traction means 30 and 38 via the respective coupling element 44 can be seen. The synchronization distance S corresponds for example to the distance between identical rollers between two of the

Charge carriers 34 and 42, respectively. This ensures that the charge carriers 42 and 34 are displaced only one position at a time, so that for example only exactly one of the charge carriers 34 is conveyed into the rack 14, if only exactly one of the charge carriers 42 is conveyed into the docking station 10 ,

Fig. 6 shows a detail of the docking station 10 in the region of the upper shelf level 24, by means of which the filled charge carriers 42 are conveyed in the direction of the shelf 14.

9 to 18 illustrate a second embodiment of the docking station 10. In the second embodiment, a traction mechanism drive 68 is provided, via which the third traction means 62 can be driven by the second traction means 38. It is the

Traction drive 68 is preferably designed as a belt drive. The traction mechanism drive 68 has a first drive wheel 70 which is coupled to the second traction mechanism 38, in particular a form-fitting manner, and can be driven by the second traction mechanism 38, said traction wheel being, for example, as Gear is formed and engages in the form of a chain traction means 38. Furthermore, the traction mechanism drive 68 has a second drive wheel 72 coupled to the third traction mechanism 62, in particular a form-fitting manner, from which the third traction mechanism 62 can be driven. The drive wheel 70 is, for example, a toothed wheel which engages in the traction means 62 designed as a chain. Furthermore, the traction mechanism drive 68 comprises, for example, a belt designed as a drive, the drive wheels 70 and 72 respectively at least partially

wrap around and over the first drive wheel 70 of the second pulling means 38th

drivable fourth traction means 74, via which the second drive wheel 72 is drivable by the first drive wheel 70. The traction means 38 is thus a passive or passively driven chain for the lower shelf level 22, while the traction means 62 is a passive

or passively driven chain for the upper shelf level 24 is. Further, in Fig. 9, three pairs of mutually perpendicular directions x, y and z

illustrated. The x and y directions span together the horizontal plane into which, in particular, the x direction coincides with the horizontal direction, while, for example, the direction z coincides with the vertical direction. The aforementioned plane in which the traction means 30, 38 and 62 and the respective coupling element 44 are arranged is spanned, for example, by the directions z and x and thus also referred to as x-z plane.

If, for example, one of the coupling elements 44 engages in the traction means 30 and 38, the traction means 38 is driven by the traction means 30 via the coupling element 44 in the described manner. This is especially the case when the as well

Drive motor designated motor 28, the gear 32a, for example, via a traction means 76, for example, a belt, drives, whereby the traction means 30 is driven. Since the drive wheel 70 engages in the traction means 38, the traction wheels are driven by the traction means 38 and 72 and the traction means 74, whereby the traction means 62 is driven. As a result, for example, at least one of the charge carriers 42 can be conveyed by means of the traction means 62 in the direction of the shelf 14.

In this case, guide rails 78 and 80 can be seen particularly well from FIG. 9. The

Guide rail 78 belongs to the lower shelf level 22, so that, for example, the load carriers 34 are moved along the guide rail 78 and in particular can roll over the respective roller 66 on the guide rail 78. The respective guide rail 80 belongs to the upper shelf level 24, so that, for example, the load carriers 42 are moved along the respective guide rail 80 and in particular can roll on the guide rail 80 via the respective rollers 80 (66). From Fig. 10, the docking of the docking station 10 to the shelf 14 is particularly well recognizable. The charge carriers 42 are already on the docking station 10,

in particular on the upper shelf level 24, arranged and pre-commissioned. This means that the charge carriers 42 are already equipped with delivery scope to be delivered and thus filled. The load carriers 34 are initially still arranged in the rack 14 of the transport vehicle 12. After docking the docking station 10 to the rack 14, the load carriers 34 can be exchanged in the manner described by the charge carriers 42 by the load carriers 34 from the rack 14 into the docking station 10, and the load carriers 42 from the docking station 10 into the rack 14 be encouraged. In this case, a state is illustrated in Fig. 10, in which the docking station 10 is not yet coupled to the shelf 14. 1 1 shows the respective charge carriers 34 and 42 in a schematic side view, so that the coupling element 44 and the roller 66 can be seen particularly well from FIG. 11.

Like the first embodiment, the second embodiment of the

Completion of a logistics concept can be used to realize in particular a loading and unloading of the vehicle-side shelf 14 according to the so-called one-shot principle. As part of this one-shot principle, the charge carriers 34 are conveyed out of the transport vehicle 12, and the charge carriers 42 are conveyed simultaneously into the rack 14. This can be made particularly time-consuming and cost-effective by the automated docking station 10. The docking station 10 exchanges the empty ones

Load carrier 34 in the transport vehicle 12 through the pre-picked and thus filled carriers 42 in one operation. This exchange takes place automatically and self-synchronizing by means of the docking station 10, since the traction means 38 and 62 are then and only then driven if the respective coupling element 44 interacts with both the traction means 30 and the traction means 38 and thus one of the load carriers 34 in the docking station 10 is promoted.

Since the coupling elements 44 engage in the traction means 30 and 38, it is advantageous that the respectively newly incoming charge carrier is threaded into the exact correct chain link of the vehicle-side shelf 14. If this chain position missed, it may cause a malfunction in the shelf 14. This condition should also be met if the conveying speed of the charge carriers in the docking station 10 and on the shelf 14 are different.

Also in the second embodiment, the traction means 30, 38 and 62 are in the same xz-plane, so that formed as a passive conveyor chains traction means 38 and 42 only are then driven when at least one of the coupling elements 44 between the traction means 30 and 38 generates a coupling present in the form of a positive connection. For this purpose, the respective coupling element 44 in the aforementioned xz plane as the traction means 30, 38 and 62. In comparison, the respective roller 66 is further outward, so that the respective roller 66 passes by the traction means 30, 38 and 62.

As soon as a coupling element 44 of the traction means 30 enters the traction means 38, both traction means 38 and 62 are driven due to the coupling of the traction means 30 and 38 and due to the coupling of the traction means 62 via the traction mechanism 68 with the traction means 38. The docking station 10 is thereby docked to the built-in transport vehicle 12 shelf 14 so that, for example, each formed as a chain traction means of the shelf 14 the last load carrier on the bottom

Shelf system level 16 passed to the traction means 30 of the docking station 10.

The interaction of the coupling element 44 with the traction means 30 and 38 can be seen particularly well from FIG. 12. FIG. 12 shows particularly clearly that the respective roller 66 passes by the traction means 30 and 38. As a result, for example, the respective load carrier 34 can roll particularly well on the guide rail 78.

In Fig. 13 conveyor chains of the shelf 14 can be seen and designated 79, for example. A charge carrier of the charge carriers 34, designated 80 in FIG. 13, for example, waits on the shelf 14 for its further transport, in particular into the docking station 10. The load carrier 34, designated 82 in FIG. 13, leaves the rack 14 and is transported into the docking station 10. Once the coupling element 44 of

Load carrier 82 comes in cooperation with the traction means 38, the traction means 38 is driven via the coupling element 44 of the traction means 30. As soon as that

Coupling element 44 of the charge carrier 82 leaves the traction means 38 and / or 30 stops the trained as a passive conveyor chain traction means 38th

For example, a load carrier 42 denoted 84 in FIG. 13 awaits its transfer from the docking station 10 to the rack 14. A load carrier 42 labeled 86 in FIG. 13 is transferred from the docking station 10 to the rack 14.

A respective conveying movement of the upper, designed as a passive conveyor chain traction means 62 is thus controlled by the respective, out of the shelf 14 transported out charge carrier 34, which is particularly apparent from Fig. 13 and 14.

For example, a transported out lower charge carrier 82 starts over the described traction between the coupling element 44 and the traction means 30 and 38, the transport of the respective load carrier 42 from the docking station 10 in the shelf 14. The traction means 30, 38 and 62 of the docking station 10 are designed in their length and position so that each new Load carrier 42 synchronized from the docking station 10 in the respective conveyor chain 79 of the vehicle-side shelf 14 is immersed or inserted. It can be seen particularly well from FIGS. 15 and 16 that the conveyor chains 79 of the rack 14 convey the empty load carriers 34 to a transfer point to the traction means 30 of the docking station 10, this transfer point being designated P in FIG. The respective charge carrier 34 is not raised as usual in an upper shelf level, but moves relative to the image planes of Fig. 15 and 16 to the right in the traction means 30 of the docking station 10. As soon as the coupling element 44 engages in the traction means 30 and thus with this, for example is latched, the respective load carrier 34 is transported by means of the traction means 30 in the docking station 10 and thus leaves the shelf 14. A short time later, the coupling element 44 runs in the passive or passively driven traction means 38 and drives it over the

described positive connection.

From Fig. 17 and 18, the transfer of the respective charge carrier 42 from the docking station 10 to the shelf 14 is particularly well recognizable. As soon as, for example, the respective load carrier 34 extending on the lower rack system level 16 or on the lower rack level 22 drives the traction means 38 and 62 in the manner described, the respective, foremost new load carrier 42 on the upper rack level 24 is moved by exactly one position in the direction of Shelves 14 and moved to the shelf 14. As a result, for example, engages the respective coupling element 44 of the respective load carrier 42 in the respective conveyor chain 79 of the shelf 14 and is pushed in the shelf 14, in particular by means of its drive, again by one position. This triggers the transport of the last upper load carrier 42 on the shelf 14 to the lower shelf system level 16 and leads to the transfer of the next empty load carrier 34 to the docking station 10. The docking station 10 controls the transfer of the charge carriers 34 and 42 to all empty carriers 34 through the new, filled charge carriers 42 are exchanged and stop. For example, the entire process takes about 60 seconds.

Claims

claims

1 . Docking station (10) for loading and unloading a in a transport vehicle (12) arranged shelf (14), with at least two vertically stacked shelves (22, 24), with a drive (26), which at least one active by means of a Motor (28) drivable first traction means (30), by means of which by driving the first traction means (30) a promotion of respective first charge carriers (34) in the horizontal direction along a first of the shelf levels (22, 24) of the shelf (14) is feasible, and with at least one of the first traction means (30) spaced second traction means (38) by means of which by driving the second traction means (38) conveying of respective second charge carriers (42) in the horizontal direction along the second shelf level (24 ) to the shelf (14) is effected, wherein the second traction means (38) passively via at least one on the respective first charge carrier (34) provided and in cooperation mi t the coupling means (44) engageable by the traction means (30, 38) can be driven by the first traction means (30).

2. docking station (10) according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the first traction means (30) and the second traction means (38) are arranged in a common plane extending perpendicular to the horizontal direction.

3. docking station (10) according to claim 1 or 2,

characterized in that

at least one in the vertical direction above the second traction means (38) arranged and spaced from the second traction means (38) third traction means (62) is provided, which by means of the second traction means (38) is drivable.

4. docking station (10) according to claim 3,

characterized in that

the second traction means (38) and the third traction means (62) are arranged in a common plane extending perpendicular to the horizontal direction.

5. docking station (10) according to claim 3 or 4,

characterized in that

a traction mechanism drive (68) is provided, via which the third traction means (62) can be driven by the second traction means (38), wherein the traction mechanism drive (68) comprises:

- A first drive wheel (70) coupled to the second traction means (38) and drivable by the second traction means (38);

- A second drive wheel (72) coupled to the third traction means (62), of

which the third traction means (62) is drivable; and

- A the drive wheels (70, 72) at least partially wrapped and on the first drive wheel (70) of the second traction means (38) drivable fourth traction means (74) via which the second drive wheel (72) of the first drive wheel (70) drivable is.

6. docking station (10) according to claim 3 or 4,

characterized in that

the third traction means (62) passively via at least one provided on the respective second charge carrier (42) and in cooperation with the third

Traction means (62) and the second traction means (38) engageable coupling element (44) of the second traction means (38) is drivable.

7. docking station (10) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the respective traction means (30, 38, 62) is designed as a chain.

8. docking station (10) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the first shelf level (22) is arranged vertically below the second shelf level (24).

9. A method for loading and unloading in a transport vehicle (12) arranged shelf (14) by means of a docking station (10), which comprises:

- At least two vertically superimposed shelf levels (22, 24);

a drive (26) with a first traction means (30), which is actively driven by means of a motor (28), whereby by means of the first traction means (30) respective first charge carriers (34) in the horizontal direction along a first of the shelf levels (22, 24) are conveyed away from the shelf (14); and

at least one second traction means (38) spaced from the first traction means (30), whereby by means of the second traction means (38) respective second trays (42) in a horizontal direction along the second shelving plane (24) to the shelf (14 ), wherein the second traction means (38) is passively driven by the first traction means (30) via at least one coupling element (44) provided on the respective first load carrier (34) which is connected to the first traction means (30) and the second traction means (30) Traction means (38) cooperates.

10. The method according to claim 9,

characterized in that

the coupling element (44) cooperates in a form-fitting manner with the first traction means (30) and with the second traction means (38).