Storage arrangement and method for operating a storage arrangement

Abstract

The present invention relates to a storage arrangement having a product entry, a product exit and a bulk-storage arrangement (1), wherein the bulk-storage arrangement (1) has a plurality of container-stacking spaces (3) and a loading space (2) arranged below the container-stacking spaces (3) - as seen in the direction of gravity. The problem addressed by the present invention is that of proposing a storage arrangement for an order-picking application which provides a good use of space and a high level of efficiency. For this purpose, the bulk-storage arrangement (1) has a first order-picking space (5), which is arranged above the loading space (2) and is designed to receive a stack of containers, wherein the order-picking space (5) has an upper opening for the removal of a container (4).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage arrangement having a product entry, a product exit and a bulk-storage arrangement, wherein the bulk-storage arrangement has a plurality of container-stacking spaces and a loading space arranged below the container-stacking spaces - as seen in the direction of gravity.

[0002] The invention further relates to a method for operating a storage arrangement in which products in a stackable container are temporarily stored in a container-stacking space of a bulk-storage arrangement, wherein the bulkstorage arrangement has a plurality of container-stacking spaces and each container-stacking space is designed to receive a stack of containers, wherein the container-stacking spaces are loaded with the containers from below through a loading space and wherein containers with products to be removed from storage are removed from the container-stacking space.

[0003] A bulk-storage arrangement, also referred to as bulk storage or stack storage, is a storage arrangement where containers are stored in the form of stacks of containers in container-stacking spaces. For this purpose, the containers are introduced and removed from a storage and retrieval station via a loading space by a loading vehicle into the container-stacking spaces. The loading space is arranged either above or below the container-stacking spaces - as seen in the direction of gravity. If a specific container needs to be removed, the containers located thereabove or therebelow must be moved to other container-stacking spaces until the loading vehicle can transport the desired container. In a bulk-storage arrangement where the loading space is located below the container receiving spaces, the containers or stacks of containers are held in the container-stacking space by a releasable holding arrangement. The holding arrangement can be actuated by the loading vehicle, in the sense of being releasable. A high packing density can be achieved therewith.

[0004] In the field of e-commerce, a large number of different trading units (articles) are handled and picked for customer-specific orders. The articles are delivered on pallets, separated, temporarily stored, retrieved and picked. For temporary storage, the trading units are stored chaotically in mobile shelves. The shelves are moved either by AMR (autonomous mobile robots). The shelves are approximately 2.5 m high, so the upper shelf compartments can only be reached with the help of treads. This is not only time-consuming, but also carries an increased risk of accidents. Another disadvantage is that it is not possible to use the entire space volume. This leaves a lot of space above the shelves unused. Also, an entire shelf must always be moved, even if only a single article needs to be removed. There is hence a high traffic volume inside the warehouse system.

[0005] One alternative is tugger trains. In this process, a tugger train travels to the corresponding shelves, similar to a supermarket, where a warehouse worker manually removes articles from the shelf and places them on the tugger train. This means that a path for the tugger train must be provided between the shelves, which results in a large amount of space being used. Also, the shelves need to be filled manually. Therefore, a large amount of manual labor is required.

[0006] Bulk-storage arrangements are also used in the field of e-commerce. However, the loading vehicle only transports a small number of containers, for example 1, 2 or 4. Therefore, the loading vehicle must frequently store, relocate, and retrieve the corresponding containers. This is time-consuming and inefficient.

[0007] The object of the present invention is thus to propose a storage arrangement for an order-picking application which provides a good use of space and a high level of efficiency.

[0008] The object is also to propose a method for operating such a storage arrangement that shows good efficiency and requires a low level of manual labor.

[0009] These objects are achieved by the subject matter of claims 1 and 9.

[0010] For this purpose, the bulk-storage arrangement has a first order-picking space, which is arranged above the loading space and is designed to receive a stack of containers, wherein the first order-picking space has an upper opening for the removal of a container - as seen in the direction of gravity.

[0011] The order-picking space is loaded with containers from below and through the loading space, so that a stack of containers is formed. The stack of containers is held in place by a holding arrangement above the loading space. The same applies to the container-stacking spaces. The holding arrangement is releasable, allowing containers to be removed downwards from the order-picking space or the container-stacking spaces.

[0012] The order-picking space is stocked with containers and the trading units arranged therein according to a sequence specified by the product exit. According to this sequence, the topmost container located in the order-picking space can be removed from the top. This allows access to the contents of the removed container and picking of a sequence specified by the product exit. The removed container can, for example, be temporarily stored and supplied to the bulk-storage arrangement at a later time via a storage and retrieval station.

[0013] For example, the order-picking space can serve a product exit, or be served by a product entry. For this purpose, the order-picking space leads directly into the product entry and / or product exit, or the order-picking space works in conjunction with an appropriate conveying system. In case of serving a product exit from the order-picking space, containers can be removed via the conveying system. If, on the other hand, the order-picking space is served by a product entry, the conveying system delivers containers to the order-picking space. Alternatively, the order-picking space can be served by a product entry in a first period, and the product exit can be served by the same order-picking space in a second period. This eliminates the need for additional storage and retrieval stations for storing and retrieving containers in the bulk storage, thus reducing the space requirement.

[0014] Preferably, a work platform is arranged above the container-stacking spaces, wherein the first order-picking space extends through the work platform. Container-stacking spaces are arranged below the work platform. The work platform can be designed as a ceiling or intermediate floor of a building. The order-picking space extends through the work platform, so that the work platform has a recess for the order-picking space. A stack of containers arranged in the order-picking space protrudes through this recess. Furthermore, a warehouse worker can access the topmost container of the order-picking space from the work platform and remove the corresponding articles, or remove the container from the stack of containers and temporarily store it or transfer it to a conveyor belt or the like. Accordingly, the storage arrangement according to the invention can be adapted to a hall height, wherein care must be taken to ensure a minimum height above the work platform so that a warehouse worker can work and move around there. Alternatively, the warehouse worker's tasks can also be performed by a robot.

[0015] This allows the storage space to be used efficiently, right up to the ceiling.

[0016] Preferably, the opening is at least partially limited by an order-picking station. The order-picking station can, among other things, limit a region of the first order-picking space, so that a warehouse worker cannot fall into the orderpicking space, which is usually designed as a shaft. The order-picking station can also handle containers and transfer them, for example, to other intralogistics equipment, such as conveyor belts. This allows interaction with the bulk-storage arrangement from both above and below, resulting in good efficiency.

[0017] Preferably, the bulk-storage arrangement has, in addition to the first order-picking space, a second order-picking space with an opening at the upper end. In the first order-picking space, containers can be formed into a stack of containers in the sequence specified by the product exit. When articles or trading units are removed from the topmost container, the topmost container becomes an "empty" container. The "empty" container is then transferred to the second order-picking space, wherein the "empty" container is reintroduced down into the bulk-storage arrangement through this second order-picking space. This creates a kind of cycle, which results in good efficiency.

[0018] Preferably, the bulk-storage arrangement has at least one sealing device configured to seal an atmosphere inside the bulk storage in connection with a first stack of containers arranged in the first order-picking space and / or with a second stack of containers arranged in the second order-picking space against an ambient atmosphere. Depending on the design and type of the bulkstorage arrangement, taking into account the products to be stored in the bulkstorage arrangement, the bulk-storage arrangement is exposed to an internal atmosphere that, for example, has fire-retardant properties. For this purpose, the bulk-storage arrangement has a tight shell and locks for containers. This keeps the risk of fire within the bulk storage low. To prevent the internal atmosphere from escaping, at least one sealing device seals the internal atmosphere from the ambient atmosphere, at least temporarily. The at least one sealing device has, for example, sealing lips that rest against outer surfaces of a container, thus creating a seal between the opening and the container, thereby achieving the escape of the internal atmosphere.

[0019] Preferably, the at least one sealing device is arranged in the orderpicking station. This allows the top one to five containers, preferably three containers, of a stack of containers in the order-picking space to be used for sealing. Accordingly, the sealing device can be designed as an arrangement of several sealing lips that rest against the stack of containers.

[0020] Alternatively, each container can be sealed by a cover with seals made of suitable material, which is placed on each container.

[0021] Preferably, the first and second order-picking spaces are spaced apart from each other by at least one container-stacking space. Thus, a container can be removed from the first order-picking space, temporarily stored between the first and second order-picking spaces, and then transferred to the second order-picking space. The order-picking spaces and container-stacking spaces are adapted to the dimensions of a container, thus achieving good space utilization. Also, distances are kept short, thus achieving good efficiency.

[0022] Alternatively, the two order-picking spaces can be arranged adjacent to each other. In this arrangement, for example, the topmost container located in the first order-picking space can be accessed before the container is introduced into the bulk storage via the second order-picking space.

[0023] The storage arrangement preferably comprises an authentication device. The authentication device allows a warehouse worker, customer or user to identify themselves, ensuring that only certified persons can access the content of the storage arrangement or bulk storage. Accordingly, containers can only be issued to specific people. This allows the storage arrangement to be used, for example, as a bank safe deposit box, wherein the individual safe deposit boxes are brought to the customer. For example, an order-picking station can be used for interaction between the customer and the storage arrangement. This allows a vault, basement, or similar space to be equipped with a correspondingly large bulk-storage arrangement, thus optimizing space utilization.

[0024] The above-mentioned object is further achieved by a method of the type mentioned at the outset, wherein the containers with products to be removed are preferably introduced from below into a first order-picking space of the bulk-storage arrangement in a sequence predetermined by the product exit, and wherein these containers are removed from the first order-picking space through an upper opening. This allows products - also referred to as articles or trading units - to be removed from the container. Once the topmost container has been removed from the stack, a further container with products can be introduced from the loading space into the order-picking space according to the sequence determined by the product exit, so that the next topmost container can be accessed. This process is repeated until order picking is complete. This means that little time elapses between the removal of a first product from a first container and the removal of a product from a second container, thus achieving good efficiency.

[0025] Preferably, access is gained from a work platform located above the container-stacking spaces through the opening to the topmost container of a stack of containers arranged in the order-picking space. The work platform can, for example, accommodate other intralogistics equipment such as conveyors, conveyor belts or the like. This allows the removed products to be directly picked or further transported. The work platform can, for example, be a ceiling of a building, so that the space below the work platform can be completely filled with the bulk-storage arrangement. This results in maximum space utilization.

[0026] Preferably, the bulk-storage arrangement includes an order-picking station that interacts at least temporarily with a stack of containers in the order-picking space. For example, the order-picking station can remove a topmost container from the stack of containers and temporarily store it or handle it in some other way. This automates a further step in the handling of the containers, which is efficient.

[0027] Preferably, the bulk-storage arrangement has a second order-picking space with an upper opening facing the order-picking station, wherein the following steps are carried out at the order-picking station: a) removing a topmost container of a stack of containers from the first orderpicking space, b) handling a container and / or c) supplying a container from above to the second order-picking space.

[0028] These steps can be performed in any order, wherein it is also possible to perform several steps simultaneously. The second order-picking space allows "empty" containers, from which products have already been removed, to be transferred back to the bulk-storage arrangement. Alternatively, "empty" containers can also be transported to another station of the bulk storage to be filled with new products, for example. By combining the two order-picking spaces in the order-picking station, short distances are achieved, resulting in good efficiency.

[0029] Preferably, during step b), the container is temporarily stored in a picking position. In this position, access to the inside of the container is possible without allowing external access to the first or second order-picking space. Furthermore, in the picking position, a container can be arranged in an ergonomic position, so that working is comfortable for the logistician. As an alternative to the logistician, a robot can access a container or the inside of the container during step b).

[0030] Alternatively or additionally to the logistician, the order-picking station can work together with a conveying system. The conveying system allows containers and / or articles removed from a container to be removed from the order-picking station, supplied to the order-picking station and / or temporarily stored in a buffer. Furthermore, the conveying system allows a container to be transferred from the first order-picking space to the second order-picking space.

[0031] Preferably, containers in the loading space are handled by a loading vehicle, and are introduced into the first order-picking space from bottom to top and removed from the second order-picking space from top to bottom. The directions "top" and "bottom" refer to the direction of gravity. The bulkstorage arrangement thus allows interaction from the top and bottom, thus achieving good efficiency.

[0032] Preferably, authentication is performed before a container is removed. Removal refers to the removal from the order-picking space. According to the invention, the storage arrangement, in particular the order-picking station, can be equipped with an authentication device for this purpose. For authentication, an ID card, PIN, password or the like can be used, for example. Authentication can optionally be performed during storage. For example, the authentication device can be located at the order-picking station. This means that the storage system can also be used for storing valuables, such as those found in a bank safe deposit box. This allows for a high level of security.

[0033] The invention is described below in more detail with reference to a preferred exemplary embodiment in conjunction with the drawing, where: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a storage system in cross section; Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a storage system; Fig. 3 shows a first schematic sectional representation of a first sealing device; Fig. 4 shows a second schematic sectional representation of a first sealing device; Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a second sealing device.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a storage arrangement according to the invention in a sectional view. The storage arrangement comprises a bulk-storage arrangement 1 with a loading space 2, which is arranged below a plurality of adjacent container-stacking spaces 3 - as seen in the direction of gravity. Containers 4 are arranged in the container-stacking spaces 3, each forming a stack of containers. Furthermore, a first order-picking space 5, usually designed as a shaft, and a second order-picking space 6, also usually designed as a shaft, are provided above the loading space 2. Stacks of containers 4 are arranged in each of the order-picking spaces 5, 6. The order-picking spaces 5, 6 each have an opening 5a, 6a at their upper end, through which a stack of containers from the respective order-picking space 5, 6 protrudes.

[0035] A loading vehicle 7 which transports a container 4 is provided in the loading space 2. The loading vehicle 7 can retrieve containers 4 from the container-stacking spaces 3 and the order-picking spaces 5,6, and vice versa. For this purpose, the container 4 to be stored is lifted by the loading vehicle 7 until the container 4 has passed a holding device (not shown). During the subsequent lowering process, the holding device grips the then lowermost container 4 and holds it in place.

[0036] To remove a stack of containers from a container-stacking space 3 or one of the two order-picking spaces 5, 6, the loading vehicle 7 lifts the stack of containers until the lowermost container 4 of a stack of containers has been released from the holding device. The holding device is then held open until the lowest container 4 has been lowered past it and then grips the next container 4 above it, so that the previously penultimate container 4 then is the lowermost container 4.

[0037] It is also possible that several containers 4 may need to be removed from a stack of containers. In that case, a control mechanism must be provided, which keeps the holding device open until the desired number of containers 4 has been removed from the respective container-stacking space 3.

[0038] The loading vehicle 7 is not only used to introduce the containers 4 into the bulk-storage arrangement 1. It also serves to move the containers 4 within the bulk-storage arrangement 1 from one container-stacking space 3 to another container-stacking space 3, or to remove containers 4 from the bulk-storage arrangement 1, or to introduce containers 4 into the bulk-storage arrangement 1.

[0039] The storage arrangement described above includes, in addition to the bulk-storage arrangement 1 shown, a product entry (not shown) and a product exit (not shown). At the product entry, products are introduced into the storage arrangement and removed from a delivery unit, such as a pallet. A large number of similar products are arranged 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 1 by means of the loading vehicle 7, which is designed, for example, as a driverless transport vehicle. For this purpose, the loading vehicle 7 transfers the containers 4 from the loading space to the container-stacking spaces 3 or to the first or second order-picking space 5, 6. Each of the container-stacking spaces 3 and first and second orderpicking spaces 5, 6 is able to accommodate a plurality of containers 4 in the form of a stack of containers. For stacking, the containers 4 have a stacking geometry (not shown) which interacts with a stacking geometry of another container 4 arranged above and / or below the container 4, as seen in the direction of gravity. Expediently, all containers 4 are of the same design.

[0040] The bulk-storage arrangement 1 has a work platform 8 which is arranged above at least some of the container-stacking spaces 3. The work platform 8 has recesses through which the order-picking spaces 5 and 6 protrude. The openings 5a, 6a of the order-picking spaces 5, 6 are limited by the order-picking station 10. In the present exemplary embodiment, the order-picking station 10 limits the order-picking spaces 5, 6 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0041] The bulk-storage arrangement 1 has sealing devices 9 which are arranged within the order-picking spaces 5, 6. The sealing devices 9 are designed to seal off an internal atmosphere provided inside the bulk-storage arrangement 1, in particular the container-stacking spaces 3 and the order-picking spaces 5,6, from an ambient atmosphere outside the bulk-storage arrangement 1.

[0042] Arrows 11, 12, 13 show movements of a container 4 through the orderpicking station 10. The container 4 is moved upwards against the direction of gravity through the first order-picking space 5 until it reaches the opening 5a, see first arrow 11. At order-picking station 10, the container 4 is removed from the first order-picking space 5 and moved, for example, from left to right, see second arrow 12. In the region of the second arrow 12, the container is temporarily stored in a picking position 14. The products contained in the container 4 are removed and picked. The now empty container 4 is then introduced into the second order-picking space 6 and from there placed from top to bottom into the bulk-storage arrangement 1, see arrow 13.

[0043] The loading vehicle 7 stores container 4 in the first order-picking space 5 preferably in a sequence specified by the product exit. In the order-picking station 10, the topmost container 4 is transferred to the picking position 14. There, the warehouse worker 15 or a handling device (not shown), e.g., a robot, removes trading units from the container 4 and picks them. From the picking position 14, the container 4 is introduced into the second order-picking space 6 via the opening 6a and transferred back into the bulk-storage arrangement 1. The loading vehicle 7 hence loads the first order-picking space 5 with containers 4 and removes the usually empty containers 4 from the second order-picking space 6.

[0044] In a further exemplary embodiment, as part of a picking order, a certain number of containers 4 can be stored in the order-picking space 5, 6 according to the sequence specified by the product exit, wherein the containers 4 are removed upwards through the opening 5a, 6a and temporarily stored outside the bulk storage 1. Once all containers 4 assigned to the picking order have been removed from the order-picking space 5, 6 and the picking order has been completed, the containers 4, which are now temporarily stored outside the bulk storage 1, can be reintroduced into the bulk storage 1 through the opening 5a, 6a and the order-picking space 5, 6. This also allows individual picking orders to be processed using an orderpicking space 5, 6 according to the invention. Accordingly, it is possible to process picking orders individually or as several combined picking orders.

[0045] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the storage arrangement with the bulk-storage arrangement 1, on the top side of which the work platform 8 with the order-picking station 10 is arranged. The order-picking station 10 works together with the first order-picking space 5 and the second order-picking space 6, wherein containers 4 are brought to the order-picking station 10 through the first order-picking space 5 and removed from the order-picking station 10 through the second order-picking space 6. The picking position 14 is arranged between the two order-picking spaces 5 and 6. The container 4 is temporarily stored here so that products, articles, trading units or the like can be removed from the container 4 by a warehouse worker 15.

[0046] Fig. 3 shows a sectional view along the direction of gravity of the orderpicking station 10 with the sealing device 9. In the embodiment shown, the sealing device 9 consists of several sealing lips 9, for example made of rubber or the like, which are arranged in the first order-picking space 5 and the second order-picking space 6. The sealing lips 9 adapt to a direction of movement of the stack of containers or the containers 4. Thus, sealing lips 9 in the first order-picking space 5 are inclined upwards, while sealing lips 9 in the second order-picking space 6 are inclined downwards. Furthermore, the sealing lips 9 each rest against a container 4 and a wall 16 of the order-picking space 5, 6 in order to provide sealing between the interior of the bulk-storage arrangement 1 and its surroundings.

[0047] Fig. 4 shows a schematic top view of the sealing device 9, which is arranged between vertical support elements 17 of the bulk-storage arrangement 1 and around the respective order-picking space 5, 6. Further stacks of containers are arranged around the respective order-picking space 5, 6, at a predetermined distance in container-stacking spaces 3.

[0048] Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of the sealing device 9 according to Fig. 3. For this purpose, the sealing device is designed as a lid 18 for each container 4. The lids 18 interact with walls 16 in the region of the order-picking station 10, so as to provide sealing. To access the inside of the container 4, the lid 18 must be removed. Before the container 4 is reintroduced into the bulk-storage arrangement 1, the lid 18 is placed on the container 4.

[0049] As an alternative to removing trading units from the container 4 in the picking position 14, trading units can also be removed directly from the topmost container 4 located in the first order-picking space 5. This eliminates the need to transfer the container 4 to the picking position 14, and the container 4 can be transferred directly from the first order-picking space 5 to the second order-picking space 6. In such case, the order-picking spaces 5, 6 can also be located directly next to each other without a container-stacking space 3 being provided therebetween.

[0050] Furthermore, the topmost container 4 of the stack of containers arranged in the first order-picking space 5 can be removed from the first orderpicking space 5 and made available at a point of need, for example a production line, for a longer period of time.

[0051] In addition to the possibility described above of reintroducing an "empty" container 4 from the order-picking station 10 into the bulk-storage arrangement 1, there is also the possibility of putting the "empty" container 4 to another use. For example, the "empty" container 4 can be stored in the storage arrangement at a later time or made available for separating the delivery units.

[0052] For example, the storage arrangement can be located below a production line, wherein each workstation or point of need has its own orderpicking station 10 with corresponding first and second order-picking spaces 5,6. This allows the storage arrangement to provide required products directly where needed. For this purpose, the containers 4 can also be removed from the order-picking station 10 and temporarily stored outside the order-picking station 10. Once the container 4 is empty, it can be reintroduced into the bulkstorage arrangement 1 via the order-picking station 10.

[0053] The work platform 8 can, for example, be designed as the ceiling or floor of a building. Thus, for example, the storage arrangement can be located in a basement, wherein the order-picking station 10 is provided on the ground floor. Accordingly, the storage arrangement, in particular the bulk-storage arrangement 1, can completely fill the basement. Furthermore, the order-picking station 10 on the ground floor can, for example, be accessible without barriers.

[0054] The storage arrangement can further include an authentication option, so that a user must authenticate before containers 4 are transferred to the order-picking station 10. The authentication option can, for example, include an identification option such as ID card verification, password query, PIN query, a key-lock connection, or the like. This allows, for example, the use of the storage arrangement in conjunction with bank safe deposit boxes. The bank safe deposit boxes can, for example, each be arranged in or formed by a container 4. For this purpose, the bulk-storage arrangement 1 is provided within a vault, thus making good use of the space available in the vault.

[0055] Containers 4 for a bank safe deposit box application can include additional security measures, such as lids with lockable closures. Alternatively or additionally, a secure valuables box can be arranged in a container 4. This results in good security.

[0056] In addition to the storage arrangement described above with two orderpicking spaces 5,6, the storage arrangement can have further order-picking spaces 5,6 (not shown), i.e., at least two order-picking spaces 5,6. The orderpicking spaces 5,6 (not shown) can also be arranged in an order-picking station 10, for example. For example, three order-picking spaces 5,6 can interact with an order-picking station 10, wherein two order-picking spaces 5,6 supply containers 4 to the order-picking station 10, while containers 4 are introduced into the bulk-storage arrangement 1 through the third order-picking space 5,6. Claims 1.    A storage arrangement having a product entry, a product exit and a bulk-storage arrangement (1), wherein the bulk-storage arrangement (1) has a plurality of container-stacking spaces (3) and a loading space (2) arranged below the container-stacking spaces (3) - as seen in the direction of gravity, characterized in that the bulk-storage arrangement (1) has a first orderpicking space (5), which is arranged above the loading space (2) and is designed to receive a stack of containers, wherein the first order-picking space (5) has an upper opening (5a) for the removal of a container (4). 2.    The storage arrangement according to claim 1, wherein a work platform (8) is arranged above the container-stacking space (3) and wherein the first order-picking space (5) extends through the work platform (8). 3.    The storage arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening (5a) of the first order-picking space (5) is at least partially limited by an order-picking station (10). 4.    The storage arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bulk-storage arrangement (1) has a second order-picking space (6), wherein the second order-picking space (6) has an upper opening (6a) for the supply of a container (4). 5.    The storage arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bulk-storage arrangement (1) has at least one sealing device (9) configured to seal an atmosphere inside the bulk-storage arrangement (1) in connection with a first stack of containers arranged in the first order-picking space (5) and / or with a second stack of containers arranged in the second order-picking space (6) against an ambient atmosphere. 6.    The storage arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the at least one sealing device (9) is arranged in the order-picking station (10). 7.    The storage arrangement according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the at least one sealing device (9) is designed as a lip seal. 8.    The storage arrangement according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the first and the second order-picking space (5, 6) are spaced apart from each other by at least one container-stacking space (3). 9.    A method for operating a storage arrangement in which products in a stackable container (4) are temporarily stored in a container-stacking space (3) of a bulk-storage arrangement (1), wherein the bulk-storage arrangement (1) has a plurality of container-stacking spaces (3) and each container-stacking space (3) is designed to receive a stack of containers (4), wherein the container-stacking spaces (3) are loaded with the containers (4) from below and through a loading space (2) and wherein containers (4) with products to be removed from storage are removed from the container-stacking space (3), characterized in that the containers (4) with products to be removed are preferably introduced from below into a first order-picking space (5) of the bulk-storage arrangement (1) in a sequence predetermined by the product exit, and in that these containers (4) are removed from the first order-picking space (5) through an upper opening (5a). 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein an order-picking station (10) is provided on a work platform (8) arranged above the container-stacking spaces (3) and wherein the topmost container (4) of a stack of containers arranged 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). 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the bulk-storage arrangement (1) has a second order-picking space (6) with an upper opening (6a) facing the order-picking station (10), and wherein the following steps are carried out at the order-picking station (10): a) removing a topmost container (4) of a stack of containers from the first order-picking space (5), b) handling a container (4) and / or c) supplying a container (4) from above to the second order-picking space (6). 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, during step b), the container (4) is temporarily stored in a picking position (14). 13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein containers (4) in the loading space (2) are handled by a loading vehicle (7), are introduced into the first order-picking space (5) from bottom to top, and are removed from the second order-picking space (6) from top to bottom. 14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein authentication of a user (15) is carried out before removal of a container (4) from the order-picking space (5).

Claims

1. A storage arrangement having a product entry, a product exit and a bulkstorage arrangement (1), wherein the bulk-storage arrangement (1) has a plurality of container-stacking spaces (3) and a loading space (2) arranged below the container-stacking spaces (3) - as seen in the direction of gravity, and wherein the container-stacking spaces (3) are designed to be loaded from below and through the loading space (2), characterized in that the bulk-storage arrangement (1) has a first order-picking space (5), which is arranged above the loading space (2) and is designed to receive a stack of containers, wherein the first order-picking space (5) is designed to be loaded with containers (4) from below and through the loading space (2), and wherein the first order-picking space (5) has an upper opening (5a) for the removal of a container (4).

2. The storage arrangement according to claim 1, wherein a workplatform (8) is arranged above the container-stacking space (3) and wherein the first order-picking space (5) extends through the work platform (8).

3. The storage arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein theopening (5a) of the first order-picking space (5) is at least partially limited by an order-picking station (10).

4. The storage arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 3,wherein the bulk-storage arrangement (1) has a second order-picking space (6), wherein the second order-picking space (6) has an upper opening (6a) for the supply of a container (4).

5. The storage arrangement according to any one of the precedingclaims, wherein the bulk-storage arrangement (1) has at least one sealing device (9) configured to seal an atmosphere inside the bulk-storage arrangement (1) in connection with a first stack of containers arranged in the first order-picking space (5) against an ambient atmosphere.

6. The storage arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the bulkstorage arrangement (1) has at least one sealing device (9) configured to seal an atmosphere inside the bulk-storage arrangement (1) in connection with a second stack of containers arranged in the second order-picking space (5) against an ambient atmosphere,or wherein the bulk-storage arrangement (1) has at least one sealing device (9) configured to seal an atmosphere inside the bulk-storage arrangement (1) in connection with a first stack of containers arranged in the first order-picking space (5) and with a second stack of containers arranged in the second order-picking space (6) against an ambient atmosphere.

7. The storage arrangement according to claims 3 and 5 or according toclaims 3 and 6, wherein the at least one sealing device (9) is arranged in the order-picking station (10).

8. The storage arrangement according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the atleast one sealing device (9) is designed as a lip seal.

9. The storage arrangement according to any one of claims 4 to 8,wherein the first and the second order-picking space (5, 6) are spaced apart from each other by at least one container-stacking space (3).

10. A method for operating a storage arrangement in which products in a stackable container (4) are temporarily stored in a container-stacking space (3) of a bulk-storage arrangement (1), wherein the bulk-storage arrangement(1) has a plurality of container-stacking spaces (3) and each container-stacking space (3) is designed to receive a stack of containers (4), wherein the container-stacking spaces (3) are loaded with the containers (4) from below and through a loading space (2) and wherein containers (4) with products to be removed from storage are removed from the container-stacking space (3), characterized in that the containers (4) with products to be removed are preferably introduced into a first order-picking space (5) of the bulk-storage arrangement (1) from below and through the loading space (2) in a sequence predetermined by the product exit, and in that these containers (4) are removed from the first order-picking space (5) through an upper opening (5a).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein an order-picking station (10) is provided on a work platform (8) arranged above the container-stacking spaces (3) and wherein the topmost container (4) of a stack of containers arranged 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).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the bulk-storage arrangement (1) has a second order-picking space (6) with an upper opening (6a) facing the order-picking station (10), and wherein the following steps are carried out at the order-picking station (10):a) removing a topmost container (4) of a stack of containers from the first order-picking space (5),b) handling a container (4) and / orc) supplying a container (4) from above to the second order-picking space (6).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, during step b), the container (4) is temporarily stored in a picking position (14).

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein containers (4) in the loading space (2) are handled by a loading vehicle (7), are introduced intothe first order-picking space (5) from bottom to top, and are removed from the second order-picking space (6) from top to bottom.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein 5 authentication of a user (15) is carried out before removal of a container (4) from the order-picking space (5).

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