Storage device and method for operating the storage device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a storage device comprising a product input port, a product output port, and a bulk storage device (1). The bulk storage device (1) comprises a loading space (2) positioned below a container stacking space (3) when viewed from the direction of gravity, and a plurality of container stacking spaces (3). The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a storage device for order picking that has excellent space utilization and high efficiency. To this end, the bulk storage device (1) comprises a first order picking space (5) positioned above the loading space (2) and designed to accommodate a container stack, and the order picking space (5) comprises an upper opening for taking out a container (4).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage device having a product inlet, a product outlet, and a bulk storage arrangement, wherein the bulk storage arrangement comprises a loading space positioned below container stacking spaces when viewed in the direction of gravity and a plurality of container stacking spaces.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for operating a storage device for temporarily storing products contained in stackable containers in a container stacking space of a bulk storage device, wherein the bulk storage device comprises a plurality of container stacking spaces, each container stacking space is designed to accommodate a container stack, a container is loaded from the bottom through a loading space of the container stacking space, and a container containing products to be removed from the storage is removed from the container stacking space.

[0003] Bulk storage, also known as bulk storage or stack storage, is a storage device in which containers are stored in the form of stacks within a container stacking space. To this end, containers are transported from a storage and retrieval station to and from the container stacking space via a loading space by a loading vehicle. The loading space is positioned above or below the container stacking space when viewed from the direction of gravity. If a specific container needs to be transported, the containers located above or below that specific container must be moved to another container stacking space until the loading vehicle can transport the desired container. In the case of a bulk storage device where the loading space is located below the container receiving space, the container or container stack is held within the container stacking space by a releaseable holding device. The holding device can be operated to be released by the loading vehicle. This allows for the achievement of high loading densities.

[0004] In the field of e-commerce, various transaction units (products) are handled and picked to fulfill customer-customized orders. Products are supplied onto pallets, separated, temporarily stored, retrieved, and picked. For temporary storage, transaction units are stored haphazardly on movable shelves. These shelves are moved by autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). Since the shelves are approximately 2.5 meters high, scaffolding is required to access the upper shelf sections. This is not only time-consuming but also increases the risk of accidents. Another disadvantage is that the full spatial volume cannot be utilized. Consequently, a significant amount of space above the shelves remains unused. Furthermore, the entire shelf must be moved even when only a single product needs to be retrieved. As a result, the volume of movement within the warehouse system becomes very high.

[0005] One alternative is the tug-of-war train. In this method, the tug-of-war train moves to the corresponding shelf, similar to a supermarket, and warehouse workers manually remove products from the shelf and load them onto the train. This means that a path must be secured between the shelves for the tug-of-war train to move, which consumes a significant amount of space. Additionally, the shelves must be filled manually. Consequently, a substantial amount of manpower is required.

[0006] Bulk storage devices are also used in the e-commerce sector. However, loading vehicles can only transport a small number of containers, for example, one, two, or four. Therefore, loading vehicles must frequently store, relocate, and retrieve these containers. This is time-consuming and inefficient.

[0007] Therefore, the objective of the present invention is to provide a storage device for order-picking that offers excellent space utilization and high efficiency.

[0008] In addition, the objective of the present invention is to provide a method for operating a storage device that exhibits high efficiency and requires minimal manpower.

[0009] Objectives are achieved by the subject matter of the patent described in claims 1 and 9.

[0010] To this end, the bulk storage device is provided with a first order picking space positioned above a loading space and designed to accommodate a stack of containers, and the first order picking space is provided with an upper opening for removing containers when viewed from the direction of gravity.

[0011] In the order picking area, containers are loaded from below through the loading area to form a container stack. The container stack is maintained by a holding device positioned above the loading area. The same applies to the container stacking area. Since the holding device is releaseable, containers can be removed downwards from the order picking area or the container stacking area.

[0012] In the order picking area, containers and the transaction units within them are filled according to the order specified by the product discharge port. Following this order, the top container located in the order picking area can be removed from the top. This allows access to the contents inside the removed container and enables picking to be performed according to the order specified by the product discharge port. The removed container can be temporarily stored, for example, and then later supplied back to the bulk storage unit via the inbound / outbound station.

[0013] For example, the order picking space may be supplied to the product discharge port or supplied by the product inlet port. To this end, the order picking space may be directly connected to the product inlet port and / or product discharge port, or may operate in conjunction with an appropriate transfer system. If the order picking space is supplied to the product discharge port, the container may be discharged via the transfer system. Conversely, if the order picking space is supplied by the product inlet port, the transfer system delivers the container to the order picking space. Alternatively, during the first period, the order picking space may be supplied by the product inlet port, and during the second period, the product discharge port may be supplied by the same order picking space. This eliminates the need for additional loading and unloading stations for the loading and unloading of containers in the bulk storage unit, thereby reducing space requirements.

[0014] Preferably, a work platform is positioned above the container stacking space, and a first order picking space extends through the work platform. The container stacking space is positioned below the work platform. The work platform may be designed as the ceiling or intermediate floor of a building. Since the order picking space extends through the work platform, a recess for the order picking space is formed in the work platform. A stack of containers placed in the order picking space protrudes through the recess. Furthermore, a warehouse worker may access the top container of the order picking space from the work platform to retrieve the corresponding products, or remove the container from the container stack to temporarily store it or transfer it to a conveyor belt or a similar device. Accordingly, the storage device according to the present invention may be adapted to the height of the hall, in which case a minimum height must be ensured above the work platform so that the warehouse worker can work and move. Alternatively, the work of the warehouse worker may be performed by a robot.

[0015] This allows for efficient use of storage space up to the ceiling height.

[0016] Preferably, the opening is at least partially defined by an order picking station. The order picking station can define the area of ​​the first order picking space, among other things, thereby preventing a warehouse worker from falling into the order picking space, which is typically designed in the form of a shaft. Additionally, the order picking station can handle containers and transfer them to other intralogistics equipment, such as a conveyor belt. This enables interaction with the bulk storage unit from both the upper and lower sides, thereby achieving high efficiency.

[0017] Preferably, the bulk storage device further includes a second order picking space having an opening at the top, in addition to the first order picking space. In the first order picking space, containers can be formed into a container stack according to the order specified by the product discharge port. When a product or transaction unit is discharged from the top container, the top container becomes an "empty" container. The "empty" container is then transferred to the second order picking space and reintroduced downward into the bulk storage device through the second order picking space. This forms a kind of circular structure, and as a result, high efficiency is achieved.

[0018] Preferably, the bulk storage device includes at least one sealing device configured to seal the atmosphere inside the bulk storage device from the outside atmosphere in relation to a first container stack placed in a first order picking space and / or a second container stack placed in a second order picking space. Depending on the structure and type of the bulk storage device, and considering the products to be stored in the bulk storage device, an internal atmosphere having, for example, flame-retardant properties may be formed inside the bulk storage device. To this end, the bulk storage device is equipped with a sealed outer shell and a lock for the container. Accordingly, the fire risk inside the bulk storage device can be kept low. To prevent the internal atmosphere from leaking out, at least one sealing device blocks the internal atmosphere from the outside atmosphere at least temporarily. For example, at least one sealing device may include a sealing lip that adheres to the outer surface of the container, thereby forming a seal between the opening and the container to prevent the leakage of the internal atmosphere.

[0019] Preferably, at least one sealing device is placed at the order picking station. This allows one to five, preferably three, containers at the top of a container stack within the order picking space to be used for sealing. Accordingly, the sealing device can be designed with a plurality of sealing rib arrangements that are in close contact with the container stack.

[0020] Alternatively, each container may be sealed by a cover equipped with a sealant of a suitable material, and the cover is placed on each container.

[0021] Preferably, the first order picking space and the second order picking space are separated from each other by at least one container stacking space. Accordingly, a container can be removed from the first order picking space, temporarily stored between the first order picking space and the second order picking space, and then transferred to the second order picking space. Since the order picking space and the container stacking space are configured to fit the dimensions of the container, excellent space utilization can be achieved. In addition, high efficiency can be achieved because the travel distance is kept short.

[0022] Alternatively, the two order picking spaces may be positioned adjacent to each other. In this case, for example, the top container located in the first order picking space may be accessed before the container is reintroduced into the bulk storage device through the second order picking space.

[0023] The storage device preferably includes an authentication device. The authentication device allows warehouse workers, customers, or users to authenticate themselves, ensuring that only authenticated individuals can access the contents of the storage device or bulk storage. Consequently, containers can be delivered to specific individuals only. Through this, the storage device can be used, for example, as a bank safety deposit box, and individual deposit boxes can be provided to customers. For example, an order picking station can be used for interaction between customers and the storage device. Accordingly, large-scale bulk storage devices can be installed in vaults, basements, or similar spaces, thereby optimizing space utilization.

[0024] The aforementioned objective is also achieved by the method of operating the storage device of the type mentioned above, wherein a container containing a product to be removed is preferably introduced from the bottom into the first order picking space of the bulk storage device according to a predetermined order by the product discharge port, and the container is removed from the first order picking space through the upper opening. This allows the product (also referred to as a transaction unit) to be removed from the container. When the top container of the container stack is removed, the next container containing the product can be introduced from the loading space into the order picking space according to the order determined by the product discharge port, thereby enabling access to the next top container. This process is repeated until order picking is completed. Thus, the time between the time of removing the first product from the first container and the time of removing the product from the second container is very short, thereby achieving high efficiency.

[0025] Preferably, access to the top container of a stack of containers placed in the order picking area is made through an opening from a work platform located above the container stacking space. The work platform may accommodate, for example, a conveyor, a conveyor belt, or other similar intralogistics equipment. This allows for direct picking or additional transfer of outgoing products. The work platform may be, for example, the ceiling of a building, allowing the entire space beneath the work platform to be filled with bulk storage. As a result, maximum space utilization becomes possible.

[0026] Preferably, the bulk storage unit includes an order picking station that at least temporarily interacts with a stack of containers within the order picking space. For example, the order picking station may retrieve the top container of the container stack for temporary storage or other handling. This is efficient as it automates an additional step in the container handling process.

[0027] Preferably, the bulk storage device has a second order picking space having an upper opening facing the order picking station, and at the order picking station,

[0028] a) A step of removing the top container from the container stack of the first order picking space,

[0029] b) the step of handling the container, and / or

[0030] c) A step of supplying the container from the top to the second order picking space is executed.

[0031] The steps can be performed in any order, and multiple steps may be performed simultaneously. The second order picking space allows "empty" containers, from which products have already been removed, to be transferred back to the bulk storage unit. Alternatively, "empty" containers may be transferred to another station in the bulk storage unit, for example, to be filled with new products. By combining the two order picking spaces within the order picking station, travel distances are shortened, thereby achieving high efficiency.

[0032] Preferably, during step b), the container is temporarily stored at a picking location. At this location, access to the interior of the container is possible without allowing external access to the first or second order picking space. Furthermore, at the picking location, the container can be positioned in an ergonomic location so that the operator can work comfortably. As an alternative to the operator, a robot may access the container or the interior of the container during step b).

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, the order picking station may operate in conjunction with a transfer system. The transfer system enables the container and / or products removed from the container to be removed from the order picking station, supplied to the order picking station, or temporarily stored in a buffer. Additionally, the transfer system enables the container to be transferred from a first order picking space to a second order picking space.

[0034] Preferably, containers within the loading space are handled by a loading vehicle, introduced into a first order picking space from bottom to top, and removed from a second order picking space from top to bottom. Here, "top" and "bottom" are based on the direction of gravity. Thus, the bulk storage device enables interaction from both the top and bottom sides, thereby achieving high efficiency.

[0035] Preferably, authentication is performed before the container is removed. Here, removal refers to removal from the order picking area. According to the present invention, for this purpose, an authentication device may be provided in the storage device, particularly in the order picking station. For authentication, for example, an ID card, PIN, password, etc., may be used. Authentication may optionally be performed during storage as well. For example, the authentication device may be placed in the order picking station. This means that the storage system can also be used for storing valuables, such as in a bank safety deposit box. Accordingly, a high level of security can be provided.

[0036] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments together with the attached drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a storage system.

[0038] Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a storage system.

[0039] FIG. 3 shows a first schematic cross-sectional view of the first sealing device.

[0040] FIG. 4 shows a second schematic cross-sectional view of the first sealing device.

[0041] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the second sealing device.

[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a storage device according to the present invention. The storage device includes a bulk storage device (1), and the bulk storage device (1) has a loading space (2) positioned below a plurality of adjacent container stacking spaces (3) when viewed from the direction of gravity. Containers (4) are positioned in the container stacking spaces (3) and each form a container stack. Additionally, a first order picking space (5), typically designed as a shaft, and a second order picking space (6), also typically designed as a shaft, are provided above the loading space (2). A stack of containers (4) is positioned in each of the order picking spaces (5, 6). Each order picking space (5, 6) has an opening (5a, 6a) at its upper end, and a container stack from each order picking space (5, 6) protrudes through the opening.

[0043] A loading vehicle (7) for transporting containers (4) is provided in the loading space (2). The loading vehicle (7) can retrieve containers (4) from the container stacking space (3) and the order picking space (5, 6), and vice versa. To do this, the containers (4) to be stored are lifted by the loading vehicle (7) until the containers (4) pass through a holding device (not shown). During the subsequent lowering process, the holding device grasps the container (4) at the bottom at that time and holds it in place.

[0044] To remove a container stack from one of the container stacking space (3) or two order picking spaces (5, 6), the loading vehicle (7) lifts the container stack until the bottom container (4) of the container stack is released from the holding device. Then, the holding device is kept open until the bottom container (4) passes through and descends, and then the next container (4) above it is grasped, so that the container (4) that was previously second to last becomes the bottom container (4).

[0045] Additionally, multiple containers (4) may need to be removed from the container stack. In this case, a control mechanism must be provided to keep the holding device open until a desired number of containers (4) are removed from each container stacking space (3).

[0046] The loading vehicle (7) is not used only to introduce the container (4) into the bulk storage device (1). It also serves to move the container (4) from one container stacking space (3) to another container stacking space (3) within the bulk storage device (1), to remove the container (4) from the bulk storage device (1), or to introduce the container (4) into the bulk storage device (1).

[0047] The aforementioned storage device includes, in addition to the illustrated bulk storage device (1), a product inlet (not illustrated) and a product outlet (not illustrated). At the product inlet, products are introduced into the storage device and removed from a delivery unit, such as a pallet. A number of similar products are placed on the delivery unit. The products are removed from the delivery unit and transferred to a container (4). The container (4) is transported into the bulk storage device (1) by a loading vehicle (7), which is designed, for example, as an unmanned transport vehicle. To this end, the loading vehicle (7) transfers the container (4) from the loading space to the container stacking space (3) or the first or second order picking space (5, 6). Each of the container stacking space (3) and the first and second order picking spaces (5, 6) can accommodate a plurality of containers (4) in the form of a container stack. For stacking, the container (4) has a stacking shape (not illustrated) that interacts with the stacking shape of another container (4) placed above and / or below the container (4) when viewed in the direction of gravity. Advantageously, all containers (4) have the same design.

[0048] The bulk storage device (1) has a work platform (8) positioned on top of at least some of the container stacking spaces (3). The work platform (8) has a recess through which order picking spaces (5, 6) protrude. The openings (5a, 6a) of the order picking spaces (5, 6) are defined by an order picking station (10). In this exemplary embodiment, the order picking station (10) defines the order picking spaces (5, 6) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0049] The bulk storage device (1) is equipped with a sealing device (9) placed within the order picking space (5, 6). The sealing device (9) is designed to seal the internal atmosphere provided within the bulk storage device (1), particularly within the container stacking space (3) and the order picking space (5, 6), from the external atmosphere outside the bulk storage device (1).

[0050] Arrows (11, 12, 13) indicate the movement of the container (4) through the order picking station (10). The container (4) is moved upward against the direction of gravity through the first order picking space (5) to reach the opening (5a), referencing the first arrow (11). At the order picking station (10), the container (4) is removed from the first order picking space (5) and moved, for example, from left to right, referencing the second arrow (12). In the area of ​​the second arrow (12), the container is temporarily stored at the picking position (14). The products contained in the container (4) are removed and picked. The empty container (4) is now introduced into the second order picking space (6) and placed from there into the bulk storage device (1) from top to bottom, referencing the arrow (13).

[0051] The loading vehicle (7) preferably stores the container (4) in the first order picking space (5) in the order specified by the product discharge port. At the order picking station (10), the top container (4) is transferred to the picking position (14). There, a warehouse worker (15) or a handling device (not shown), for example, a robot, picks the transaction unit by taking it out of the container (4). From the picking position (14), the container (4) is introduced into the second order picking space (6) through the opening (6a) and transferred back into the bulk storage unit (1). Thus, the loading vehicle (7) loads the container (4) into the first order picking space (5) and typically takes out the empty container (4) from the second order picking space (6).

[0052] In another exemplary embodiment, as part of a picking order, a certain number of containers (4) may be stored in the order picking space (5, 6) in an order specified by the product discharge port, and the containers (4) may be removed upward through the openings (5a, 6a) and temporarily stored outside the bulk storage device (1). When all containers (4) assigned to the picking order are removed from the order picking space (5, 6) and the picking order is completed, the containers (4) currently temporarily stored outside the bulk storage device (1) may be reintroduced into the bulk storage device (1) through the openings (5a, 6a) and the order picking space (5, 6). This allows individual picking orders to be processed using the order picking space (5, 6) according to the present invention. Thus, picking orders can be processed individually or as a plurality of combined picking orders.

[0053] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a storage device having a bulk storage device (1), and a work platform (8) having an order picking station (10) is positioned on the upper side of the bulk storage device (1). The order picking station (10) operates together with a first order picking space (5) and a second order picking space (6), and a container (4) is transported to the order picking station (10) through the first order picking space (5) and is removed from the order picking station (10) through the second order picking space (6). A picking position (14) is positioned between the two order picking spaces (5, 6). The container (4) is temporarily stored here so that a warehouse worker (15) can remove products, goods, transaction units, or similar items from the container (4).

[0054] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view along the direction of gravity of an order picking station (10) equipped with a sealing device (9). In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing device (9) is composed of a plurality of sealing lips (9) made of, for example, rubber or a similar material and positioned in a first order picking space (5) and a second order picking space (6). The sealing lips (9) adapt to the direction of movement of the container stack or container (4). Accordingly, the sealing lip (9) of the first order picking space (5) is tilted upward, and the sealing lip (9) of the second order picking space (6) is tilted downward. Additionally, the sealing lip (9) each contacts the wall (16) of the container (4) and the order picking space (5, 6) to provide a seal between the interior of the bulk storage device (1) and its periphery.

[0055] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic plan view of a sealing device (9), which is positioned between the vertical support elements (17) of the bulk storage device (1) and around each order picking space (5, 6). Additional container stacks are positioned at predetermined distances in the container stacking space (3) around each order picking space (5, 6).

[0056] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the sealing device (9) according to FIG. 3. For this purpose, the sealing device is designed as a cover (18) for each container (4). The cover (18) interacts with the wall (16) in the area of ​​the order picking station (10) to provide a seal. To access the interior of the container (4), the cover (18) must be removed. Before the container (4) is reintroduced into the bulk storage device (1), the cover (18) is placed on the container (4).

[0057] As an alternative to taking transaction units out of the container (4) at the picking location (14), the transaction units may be taken out directly from the top container (4) located in the first order picking space (5). Accordingly, there is no need to transport the container (4) to the picking location (14), and the container (4) may be transported directly from the first order picking space (5) to the second order picking space (6). In this case, the order picking spaces (5, 6) may be located immediately adjacent to each other without a container stacking space (3) being provided between them.

[0058] Additionally, the top container (4) of the container stack placed in the first order picking space (5) can be removed from the first order picking space (5) and made available for use for a longer period of time at a required point, such as a production line.

[0059] As described above, in addition to the possibility of reintroducing the “empty” container (4) from the order picking station (10) into the bulk storage device (1), there is also a possibility of using the “empty” container (4) for other purposes. For example, the “empty” container (4) may be stored in the storage device later or made available for use in separating the delivery unit.

[0060] For example, the storage device may be located below the production line, whereby each work station or required point is equipped with its own order picking station (10) having corresponding first and second order picking spaces (5, 6). This allows the storage device to directly provide the required products to the required location. To this end, the container (4) may be removed from the order picking station (10) and temporarily stored outside the order picking station (10). When the container (4) is emptied, the container (4) may be reintroduced into the bulk storage device (1) through the order picking station (10).

[0061] The work platform (8) can be designed, for example, as the ceiling or floor of a building. Thus, for example, the storage unit can be located in the basement, and the order picking station (10) can be provided on the ground floor. Accordingly, the storage unit, particularly the bulk storage unit (1), can completely fill the basement. Additionally, the order picking station (10) on the ground floor can be accessible, for example, without barriers.

[0062] The storage device may additionally include authentication options, so that the user must authenticate before the container (4) is transferred to the order picking station (10). The authentication options may include, for example, ID card verification, password query, PIN query, key-lock connection, or similar identification options. This enables the storage device to be used, for example, in connection with a bank safe deposit box. The bank safe deposit box may be placed, for example, inside the container (4) or formed by the container (4). To this end, the bulk storage device (1) is provided inside the safe deposit box so that the available space within the safe deposit box can be utilized efficiently.

[0063] The container (4) for use as a bank safety deposit box may include additional security measures, such as a lid having a lockable closure. Alternatively or additionally, a secure valuables box may be placed inside the container (4). As a result, excellent security is achieved.

[0064] In addition to the storage device having the two order picking spaces (5, 6) described above, the storage device may have additional order picking spaces (5, 6) (not shown), that is, at least two order picking spaces (5, 6). The order picking spaces (5, 6) (not shown) may be placed, for example, at an order picking station (10). For example, three order picking spaces (5, 6) may interact with the order picking station (10), in which case two order picking spaces (5, 6) supply containers (4) to the order picking station (10), and containers (4) are introduced into the bulk storage device (1) through the third order picking space (5, 6).

[0065] Statement pursuant to Article 19(1) of the PCT

[0066] Chinese Patent Publication CN 110 861 865 A (D1) is 3D shelf (1-1) including High-density three-dimensional warehouse (1A) having storage device (1) begins. 3D shelf (1-1) is a plurality Cargo compartment (5) additionally equipped, Cargo compartment (5) article (3) This palette (2) It can be stacked vertically on top. transport vehicle (10) is Cargo compartment (5) is provided to be movable from the bottom. Additional transport vehicle (15) is lower Cargo compartment (5) Upper and upper Cargo compartment (5) Provided at the intermediate level below. For example, in FIG. 31, the upper transport vehicle A comparable representation of (17) is also shown. Lower Cargo compartment Picked up in (5) article( 3) can be removed from the top. Therefore, this top area should be considered as an order picking space. Therefore, the corresponding order picking space of D1 cannot be loaded from the bottom through a loading space that also loads into the container stacking space.

[0067] In Fig. 2, U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2021 / 300678 A1 The number (D2) initiates a storage device, and includes Lifting absence (9) using Storage container (3) vertical stack (2) To save storage system (1) is in the city. Lifting absence (9) is Supporting factors (16) having push chain (15), scissor lift (19) or Telescopic lift (20) may be included, Lifting absence (9) is Support (4) It is possible to move horizontally in the X and Y directions below. Reference D2 is Support (4) The loading space below is not shown, and this is especially stack (2) This Support (4) It is evident from the fact that it is placed flat on the surface. Therefore, only loading from the top of the storage device is mentioned. Support (4) It does not appear possible to load from the area below.

Claims

Claim 1 A storage device comprising a product inlet, a product outlet, and a bulk storage device (1) - wherein the bulk storage device (1) comprises a loading space (2) positioned below a container stacking space (3) when viewed from the direction of gravity and a plurality of container stacking spaces (3), and wherein the container stacking space (3) is designed to be loaded from below through the loading space (2) - wherein the bulk storage device (1) comprises a first order picking space (5) positioned above the loading space (2) and designed to accommodate a container stack, wherein the first order picking space (5) is designed to load a container (4) from below through the loading space (2), and the first order picking space (5) comprises an upper opening (5a) for taking out the container (4). Claim 2 A storage device according to claim 1, wherein the work platform (8) is positioned above the container stacking space (3), and the first order picking space (5) extends through the work platform (8). Claim 3 A storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening (5a) of the first order picking space (5) is at least partially limited by the order picking station (10). Claim 4 A storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bulk storage device (1) has a second order picking space (6), and the second order picking space (6) has an upper opening (6a) for supplying a container (4). Claim 5 A storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bulk storage device (1) comprises at least one sealing device (9) configured to seal the atmosphere inside the bulk storage device (1) from the outside atmosphere in relation to a first container stack placed in the first order picking space (5). Claim 6 In paragraph 4, the bulk storage device (1) is configured to have at least one sealing device (9) configured to seal the atmosphere inside the bulk storage device (1) from the outside atmosphere in relation to a second container stack placed in the second order picking space (5), or the bulk storage device (1) is configured to have at least one sealing device (9) configured to seal the atmosphere inside the bulk storage device (1) from the outside atmosphere in relation to a first container stack placed in the first order picking space (5) and a second container stack placed in the second order picking space (6). Claim 7 In paragraphs 3 and 5 or paragraphs 3 and 6, the at least one sealing device (9) is a storage device placed in the order picking station (10). Claim 8 In claim 5, 6 or 7, the storage device, wherein at least one sealing device (9) is designed as a lip seal. Claim 9 A storage device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the first order picking space (5) and the second order picking space (6) are separated from each other by at least one container stacking space (3). Claim 10 A method for operating a storage device in which products contained in stackable containers (4) are temporarily stored in a container stacking space (3) of a bulk storage device (1), wherein the bulk storage device (1) is provided with a plurality of container stacking spaces (3), each container stacking space (3) is designed to accommodate a stack of containers (4), and the containers (4) are loaded from below through a loading space (2) of the container stacking space (3), and the containers (4) containing products to be removed from the storage are removed from the container stacking space (3), wherein the containers (4) containing products to be removed are preferably introduced into a first order picking space (5) of the bulk storage device (1) from below through the loading space (2) in a predetermined order by a product discharge port, and the containers (4) are removed from the first order picking space (5) through an upper opening (5a). Claim 11 A method for operating a storage device, wherein, in paragraph 10, the order picking station (10) is provided on a work platform (8) placed above the container stacking space (3), and the top container (4) of the container stack placed in the first order picking space (5) is supplied to the order picking station (10) through the opening (5a) of the first order picking space (5). Claim 12 In claim 11, the bulk storage device (1) has a second order picking space (6) having an upper opening (6a) facing the order picking station (10), and at the order picking station (10), a) a step of removing the top container (4) of the container stack from the first order picking space (5), b) a step of handling the container (4), and / or c) A method for operating a storage device, wherein the step of supplying a container (4) from the top to a second order picking space (6) is executed. Claim 13 A method for operating a storage device, wherein, in step b) the container (4) is temporarily stored at a picking position (14) in claim 12. Claim 14 A method for operating a storage device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the container (4) in the loading space (2) is handled by a loading vehicle (7), introduced into the first order picking space (5) from the bottom to the top, and removed from the second order picking space (6) from the top to the bottom. Claim 15 A method for operating a storage device, wherein in any one of claims 10 to 14, the authentication of the user (15) is performed before the container (4) is removed from the order picking space (5).

Images