WO2020259766A1

WO2020259766A1 - Apparatus and method for transporting loads in a storage and removal system

Info

Publication number: WO2020259766A1
Application number: PCT/DE2020/200039
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marco Gebhardt
Original assignee: Gebhardt Foerdertechnik Gmbh
Priority date: 2019-06-24
Filing date: 2020-05-27
Publication date: 2020-12-30
Also published as: DE102019209097A1

Abstract

With regard to putting loads into storage in a particularly time-saving and space-saving manner, a transport apparatus (1) for loads (2) in a storage and removal system (3) is configured such that a transfer device of a load-receiving means of the transport apparatus (1) is set up, in order to convey a load (2) from a receiving platform (9) of the load-receiving means to a predefinable target storing position within a particular storage channel (10), to carry out the following steps: • extending a telescopic unit (11) in an opposite direction to the particular storage channel (10) to such an extent that a transport finger (15, 15') is positioned behind a side wall, facing away from the storage channel (10), of the load (2), • transferring the transport finger (15, 15') from a passive retracted position into an active actuation position, and • moving the telescopic unit (11) in the direction of the particular storage channel (10) in one go to such an extent that the load (2) is positioned at the target storing position. Furthermore, a corresponding method for transporting loads (2) in a storage and removal system (3) is specified.

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TRANSPORTING LOADED GOODS IN A STORAGE AND REMOVAL SYSTEM

The invention relates to a transport device for cargo in a storage and removal system, the storage and removal system having at least one storage rack extending in a longitudinal direction, the storage rack having a plurality of storage channels in one or more stacked rack levels, each storage channel having one or has several parking spaces for cargo. The transport device comprises a transport unit, which is set up to move in the longitudinal direction along the storage rack, and a load-handling device assigned to the transport unit with a pick-up platform for picking up loads and with a transfer device for moving loads from the pick-up platform to one each particular storage channel and possibly from the respective storage channel onto the receiving platform, the transfer device having a telescopic unit that can be extended into the storage channel and at least one transport finger arranged on the telescopic unit, the transport finger between an active actuation position in which the transport finger can be gripped a load protrudes towards the receiving platform, and a passive retreat position, in wel cher the transport finger is withdrawn from the receiving platform, is adjustable.

The present invention also relates to a corresponding method for transporting loads in a storage and removal system.

Devices and methods of the type in question are already known from the prior art in different configurations. These are especially designed for use in storage and removal systems in which the rack aisles between two adjacent storage racks are single-deep (i.e. the rack aisles are designed to be slightly wider than one load) and the storage racks are each double-deep (i.e. two loads fit one behind the other into a storage channel). This results in the fundamental problem of storing double-deep of a single-deep transport unit. To solve this problem, transport devices in the form of so-called shuttles are known from practice, in which the telescopic unit, in addition to a pair of fixed rails which laterally limit the receiving platform, a sword extending into the respective shelf with a total of three pairs of movable, ie, mutually displaceable Has slide rails. Even though this solution enables the load to be picked up quickly, the device proves to be disadvantageous in particular with regard to the high mechanical complexity associated with the three moving parts of the extending blades. In addition, it is more difficult to drive the transport fingers, which have to be supplied with energy and control signals via the three moving parts. Finally, there is another disadvantage from the high space requirement of the three-part swords and the associated increased stand between adjacent storage channels, which results in a reduced storage capacity and thus increased costs.

Against this background, it is fundamentally desirable to reduce the number of moving parts of the telescopic unit and, if possible, to use two-part extendable swords (i.e. with two moving parts on each side). A transport device in which such a telescoping unit is used is known from EP 2 351 698 B1. With this transport device, both the mechanical complexity and the space requirement are reduced compared to the previously described solution with three-part swords. However, the telescopic unit of the Transportvor device described in EP 2 351 698 B1 requires additional transport fingers on the inner parts of the swords (ie on the furthest extending parts) in order to be able to push out the load so far that a rear parking space of a double-deep storage channel can be reached easily and without further measures. Specifically, a total of four pairs of transport fingers are provided, which results in increased mechanical effort and greater susceptibility to failure.

Another transport device is known from EP 3 286 111 B1. In this device, a narrow sword with only two extendable Tei sources is also used. At the same time, the telescopic unit only needs each side of the sword two transport fingers. This is achieved through a change of grip, ie a change of the transport fingers on the shelf. Specifically, the load is first vorverla Gert by means of a first pair of fingers in the storage channel to an intermediate position. The first pair of fingers is then deactivated and the telescopic unit is moved back. Finally, a second pair of fingers is used to shift the load from the intermediate position to the final storage position. In this respect, the particular disadvantage is the increased time required for storage, which results from reaching around in the storage rack.

The present invention is now based on the object of specifying a transport device and a method for transporting loads in a storage and removal system of the type mentioned, according to which a particularly time- and space-saving storage of loads is made possible with constructively simple means.

According to the invention, the above object is achieved by a transport device having the features of claim 1 and by a method having the features of claim 12.

According to this, the transport device according to the invention is designed and developed in such a way that the transfer device is set up to carry out the following steps to transport a load from the receiving platform to a predefinable target parking space within a respective storage channel:

Extending the telescopic unit in an opposite direction turned away from the respective storage channel so far that the transport finger is positioned behind a side wall of the load facing away from the storage channel,

Moving the transport finger from the passive retreat position to the active actuation position, and

Move the telescopic unit in the direction of the respective storage channel in one go until the load is positioned on the target parking space.

Furthermore, the method according to the invention is designed and developed in such a way that the transfer device for conveying a of the load from the receiving platform to a predefinable target parking space within a respective storage channel, the following steps are carried out:

In the manner according to the invention, it has been recognized that a load can be stored with a simple mechanism and nevertheless without intermediate positioning of the load in the storage rack. For this purpose, in accordance with the invention, an essential work step is carried out at the beginning of the storage process, which consists in the telescoping unit first moving out in the opposite direction, i.e. in the direction facing away from the storage channel in which storage is to take place. This step opens up the possibility of already positioning the load well on the receiving platform of the transport unit on a suitable transport finger. The load can then be moved in one go, i.e. in particular, without time-consuming intermediate positioning in the storage rack, be outsourced to a final position. Depending on the arrangement of the transport fingers on the telescoping unit, double-deep storage can be implemented in this way without any problems. The advantage of this approach to the prior art is faster storage and thus more throughput with simple mechanics at the same time.

Consequently, with the transport device according to the invention and the fiction, contemporary method for transporting loads in a storage and removal system with structurally simple means, a particularly time- and space-saving de storage of loads is enabled.

All types of pallets, containers, trays and cardboard boxes can be used as cargo for receiving stored goods. With regard to the telescopic unit, from a structural point of view it can be provided that it is constructed in three parts, with a pair of fixed rails, a pair of first slide rails and a pair of second slide rails. The fixed rails can extend in a transverse direction (z) that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (x) and laterally delimit the receiving platform. The first slide rails can be arranged on the inside of the fixed rails, ie facing the receiving platform, and can be designed to be displaceable in the transverse direction (z) relative to the fixed rails. In a similar manner, the second slide rails can be arranged on the first slide rails and can be designed to be displaceable relative to the sen in the transverse direction (z).

With a view to the smoothest possible operation of the telescopic device, it can be provided that linear guides are provided between the fixed rails and the first slide rails and between the first slide rails and the second slide rails. In this case, synchronous operation is advantageously implemented in such a way that the second slide rails move at twice the speed as the first slide rails (overdrive).

With a view to the simplest possible access to the respective cargo, it can be provided that the transport fingers are arranged on the second slide rails. To ensure sufficient flexibility with regard to the target parking spaces that can be reached within a storage channel, it is advantageous to provide several pairs of transport fingers, the pairs being offset from one another in the transverse direction (z) on the telescoping unit. According to a specific embodiment, it could be provided, for example, that the telescopic unit, viewed in the transverse direction (z), has a pair of front, a pair of middle and a pair of rear transport fingers.

According to an advantageous embodiment it can be provided that the storage channels each have a plurality of parking spaces arranged one behind the other in the transverse direction (z). Alternatively or in addition, it can be provided that the transport unit with the receiving platform is designed for a single-deep or multi-deep receiving of cargo. It should be expressly pointed out at this point that the invention is not subject to any restrictions that a use of the transport device according to the invention in storage and Ent removal systems of various types (for example with double-deep aisle combined with four-deep storage racks) is possible.

A main area of application of the transport device according to the invention arises in any case for storage and removal systems with a plurality of storage racks arranged adjacent to one another, which are arranged at a distance from one another in the transverse direction (z), in such a way that a shelf lane results between the storage racks in which the Wrong transport unit. In such a constellation, when a transport device according to the invention is used, the basic problem arises that the slide rails of the telescoping unit engage in the opposite storage rack adjacent to the storage aisle in the work step of the initial extension in a direction opposite to the storage channel. In order to ensure that the slide rails can engage unhindered in the storage rack opposite the respective storage channel, it can be provided in the context of an advantageous embodiment that the storage channels on both sides of the rack aisle are matched to one another both in terms of their positioning and in terms of their dimensions,

With a view to the most universal possible use of the transport device, it can be provided that the transport unit is designed as a one-level shuttle, OLS, as a multi-level shuttle, MLS, as a storage and retrieval unit or as a piece goods lifter.

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

1 shows a schematic view of a section of a shelf storage facility with a transport device in an initial position according to an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2 shows, in a schematic view, the detail according to FIG. 1 with the

Transport device after executing a movement of the telescopic unit in an opposite direction,

Fig. 3 in a schematic view of the detail according to FIG. 1 with the

Transport device after activation of the transport fingers,

FIG. 4 shows, in a schematic view, the detail according to FIG. 1 with the

Transport device when pushing out the load to a target parking space,

FIG. 5 shows, in a schematic view, the detail according to FIG. 1 with the

Transport device after deactivation of the transport fingers, and

Fig. 6 in a schematic view of the detail according to FIG. 1 with the

Transport device in one end position after completion of the entire storage process.

1 to 6 show a schematic representation of a Ausführungsbei game of a transport device 1 according to the invention for loads 2 in a storage and removal system 3. The storage and removal system 3, shown only in part, comprises a plurality of storage racks extending in a longitudinal direction (x) 4, wherein in Figs. 1 to 6 only two adjacent te, in a transverse direction (z) spaced storage racks 4 are shown. An aisle 5, in which the transport device 1 operates, is formed between the storage racks 4.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the transport device 1 comprises a transport unit 6, which is designed as a so-called OLS (One-Level Shuttle) and is attached in a manner known per se by means of wheels 7 on corresponding ones Storage racks 4 arranged horizontal rails 8 in the rack aisle 5 moves. Alternatively, the transport unit 6 could just as well be designed as an MLS (multi-level shuttle), as a storage and retrieval unit or as a piece goods lifter.

Regardless of the specific configuration, the transport unit 6 always includes a load handling device with a pick-up platform 9 for picking up a load 2 and a transfer device for conveying loads 2 from the pick-up platform 9 into a storage channel 10 of the storage rack 4. The transfer device includes a Telescopic unit 11 which can be extended into storage channel 10. Telescopic unit 11 comprises two rails 12, 12 'which are fixedly arranged on transport unit 6 and extend in the transverse direction (z) and which, viewed in the direction of travel (x) of transport device 1, support receiving platform 9 at the front and border at the back.

Furthermore, the telescopic unit 11 comprises first slide rails 13, 13 ', which are arranged on the fixed rails 12, 12' facing the receiving platform 9 and are designed to be displaceable in the transverse direction (z) relative to the fixed rails 12, 12 ' , and second slide rails 14, 14 ', the rails on the first slide 13, 13', facing the receiving platform 9, are arranged and in the transverse direction (z) relative to the first slide rails 13, 13 'are slidably leads out. The operation of the first slide rails 13, 13 ‘of the second slide rails 14, 14‘ is described in more detail below.

Fig. 1 shows the transport device 1 in an initial position in which a load 2 to be stored is located on the receiving platform 9 and the Telesko pieinheit 11 is completely retracted.

Fig. 2 shows the decisive step of the storage process by means of the inventive transport device 1. Contrary to the functionality of the solutions known from the prior art, the telescopic unit 11 of the transfer device does not initially move in the direction of the storage channel 10 in which the cargo 2 is to be stored . Rather, the transfer device is configured in such a way that, in a first step, the telescoping unit 11 initially moves in an opposite direction, ie in a direction away from the storage channel 10. The movement in the opposite direction is carried out until the transport fingers 15, 15 ', which are arranged on both sides of the receiving platform 9 on the respective second slide 14, 14', are positioned behind a side wall of the load 2 facing away from the storage channel 10. The transport fingers 15, 15 'are then moved from the passive retracted position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 into an active actuation position, as shown in FIG. Accordingly, the transport fingers 15, 15 'grip the load 2.

In a next step, shown in FIG. 4, the telescopic unit 11 is extended in the direction of the storage channel 10, the transport fingers 15, 15 'pushing the load 2 into the storage channel 10. The telescopic unit 11 is moved in an intermediate position in one go without depositing the cargo 2 until the cargo 2 is positioned on its predeterminable target parking space within the Lagerka channel 10. In other words, the load 2 can be swapped out to double-deep in one swing up to the end position. In this respect, particularly quick storage is possible. Due to the overall shorter movements of the slide rails, storage can even take place faster than with the transport device described in EP 3 286 111 B1.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, in which the storage rack 4 has double-deep storage channels 10, the load 2 is stored in the rear (i.e. the one facing away from the rack aisle 5) parking space. In the illustrated snapshot, the first and the second slide rails 13, 13 ‘, 14, 14‘ of the telescopic unit 11 are in a fully extended state.

Although in the embodiment shown in the figures, the shelf aisle 5 is single-deep and the storage channels 10 are double-deep, it is understood that the invention is not limited to such a configuration. An adaptation to a combination of a double-deep shelf aisle and a quadruple-deep shelf is easily possible, with the number of transport fingers having to be increased accordingly. In addition, combinations such as a compartment-deep aisle and a triple-deep shelf or a double-deep aisle and a six-compartment deep shelf also conceivable. It is essential in all configurations that the telescoping unit initially runs sufficiently far in the opposite direction until one of the transport fingers is positioned behind the cargo 2 (ie on the rear of the cargo 2 facing away from the storage channel 10 in which it is to be stored).

Fig. 5 shows the transport device 1 in a snapshot after the positioning of the load 2 on the target parking space and after deactivation of the transport fingers 15, 15 ‘, i.e. the transport fingers 15, 15 'have been moved back from the active actuation position shown in FIG. 4 into the passive retracted position.

6 shows the transport device 1 in an end position with the telescoping device 11 fully moved in, so that the transport device 1 can move freely along the rack aisle 5 and is available for transporting further cargo.

With regard to further advantageous embodiments of the Trans port device according to the invention and the method according to the invention for transporting cargo in a storage and removal system, reference is made to the general part of the description and the attached claims to avoid repetitions.

Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the exemplary embodiment described above only serves to discuss the teaching claimed, but does not restrict it to the exemplary embodiment.

Reference symbol l iste

1 transport device

2 cargo

3 storage and removal system

4 storage rack

5 rack aisle

6 transport unit

7 wheels

8 runway

9 recording platform

10 storage channel

11 telescopic unit

, 12 ‘fixed rail

, 13 ‘first slide rail

, 14 ‘second slide rail

, 15 ‘transport finger

Claims

Expectations

1. Transport device for cargo (2) in a storage and removal system (3), the storage and removal system (3) having at least one storage rack (4) extending in a longitudinal direction (x), the storage rack (4) has a plurality of storage channels (10) in one or more stacked shelving levels, each storage channel (10) having one or more storage spaces for cargo (2), comprising:

a transport unit (6) which is set up to move in the longitudinal direction (x) along the storage rack (4), and

a load handling device assigned to the transport unit (6) with a holding platform (9) for holding loads (2) and with a transfer device for conveying loads (2) from the holding platform

(9) into a respective storage channel (10) and possibly from the respective storage channel

(10) onto the receiving platform (9), the transfer device having a telescopic unit (11) which can be extended into the storage channel (10) and at least one transport finger (15, 15 ') arranged on the telescopic unit (11), the transport finger (15 , 15 ') between an active actuation position, in which the transport finger (15, 15') for gripping a load (2) protrudes towards the receiving platform (9), and a passive retraction position, in which the transport finger (15, 15 ') ) is withdrawn from the receiving platform (9), is adjustable,

d u r c h e n g e n n n e n n e n n e t, that the transfer device is set up to carry out the following steps in order to transport a load (2) from the receiving platform (9) to a predeterminable target parking space within a respective storage channel (10):

Extending the telescopic unit (11) in an opposite direction facing away from the respective storage channel (10) so far that the transport finger (15, 15 ‘) is positioned behind a side wall of the load (2) facing away from the storage channel (10),

Bringing the transport finger (15, 15 ') from the passive retraction position to the active actuation position, and Moving the telescopic unit (11) in the direction of the respective Lagerka channel (10) in one go until the cargo (2) is positioned on the target parking space.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the telescopic pieinheit (11) comprises the following:

a pair of fixed rails (12, 12 ‘) which extend in a transverse direction (z) which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (x) and laterally delimit the receiving platform (9),

a pair of first slide rails (13, 13 ') which are arranged on the fixed rails (12, 12') facing the receiving platform (9) and are designed to be displaceable in the transverse direction (z) relative to the fixed rails (12, 12 ') are, as well

a pair of second slide rails (14, 14 ') which are arranged on the first slide rails (13, 13') facing the receiving platform (9) and are displaceable in the transverse direction (z) relative to the first slide rails (13, 13 ') are executed.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that between the fixed rails (12, 12 ') and the first slide rails (13, 13') and between the first slide rails (13, 13 ') and the second slide rails (14, 14 ') each linear guides are provided.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the at least one transport finger (15, 15 ‘) is arranged on the second slide rails (14, 14‘).

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that several pairs of transport fingers (15, 15 ‘) are provided, the pairs in the transverse direction (z) offset from one another on the telescopic unit (11) are arranged.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the telescopic unit (11) seen in the transverse direction (z) has a pair of front, a pair of middle and a pair of rear transport fingers (15, 15 ').

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the storage channels (10) each have several in the transverse direction (z) one behind the other at ordered parking spaces.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the transport unit (6) with the receiving platform (9) is designed for a single-deep or for a multi-deep receiving of cargo (2).

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the storage and removal system (3) has a plurality of adjacent zuei nander storage racks (4) which are spaced apart in the transverse direction (z), such that between the storage racks (4) there is a shelf aisle (5) in which the transport unit (6) operates, the storage channels (10) on both sides of the shelf aisle (5) being coordinated with one another in terms of their positioning and dimensions so that the Execution of the step of extending the telescopic unit (11) in an opposite direction facing away from the respective storage channel (10), the telescopic unit (1 1) can unhinderedly intervene in the storage rack (4) opposite the respective storage channel (10).

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the transport unit (6) is designed as a one-level shuttle, OLS, as a multi-level shuttle, MLS, as a storage and retrieval unit or as a piece goods lifter.

11. Storage and removal system, comprising at least one Transportvor direction (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A method for transporting loads (2) in a storage and removal system (3), the storage and removal system (3) having at least one storage rack (4) extending in a longitudinal direction (x), the storage rack (4) has a plurality of storage channels (10) in one or more stacked shelving levels, each storage channel (10) having one or more storage spaces for cargo (2), wherein a transport unit (6) is provided which moves in the longitudinal direction (x) along the storage rack (4), and

wherein a load handling device assigned to the transport unit (6) is provided, with a receiving platform (9) for receiving cargo (2) and with a transfer device for conveying cargo (2) from the receiving platform (9) into a respective storage channel (10) and optionally from the respective storage channel (10) onto the receiving platform (9), the transfer device having a telescopic unit (11) that can be extended into the storage channel (10) and at least one transport finger (15, 15 ') arranged on the telescopic unit (11) , wherein the transport finger (15, 15 ') between an active actuation position, in which the transport finger (15, 15') for gripping a load (2) protrudes towards the receiving platform (9), and a passive retraction position, in which of the transport fingers (15, 15 ') from the receiving platform

(9) is withdrawn, is adjustable,

it is noted that the transfer device carries out the following steps in order to convey a load (2) from the receiving platform (9) to a predefinable target parking space within a respective storage channel (10):

Extending the telescopic unit (11) into one of the respective storage channels

(10) facing away from the opposite direction so far that the transport finger (15, 15 ‘) is positioned behind a side wall of the load (2) facing away from the storage channel (10),

Bringing the transport finger (15, 15 ‘) from the passive retraction position to the active actuation position, and

Moving the telescopic unit (11) in the direction of the respective Lagerka channel (10) in one go until the cargo (2) is positioned on the target parking space.