Cargo storage device

Abstract

A goods storage device (1) has a number of storage channels (3) in which goods can be stored one behind the other in a storage direction in rows, wherein each storage channel has an allocation end at which a respective allocation device is arranged, wherein the storage channels are arranged parallel to one another, each having a storage region for supporting the goods, which storage region is inclined at an acute angle α to the horizontal plane in the storage direction towards the allocation end, characterized in that each allocation device has an allocation region which forms a stop for the respective storage channel, the dispenser (15) dispensing the goods along the allocation region (13) in an allocation direction transverse to the storage direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a goods storage device having a number of storage channels.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Various storage types are known for storing goods, such as pharmaceuticals in a pharmacy. In so-called goods automatic storage systems, a robot fills storage areas, such as a channel storage system having storage channels, with goods.

[0003] Particularly suitable for so-called fast-moving goods are inclined shelving boxes, in which individual goods are accommodated in channels separated by lateral boundaries and arranged side by side on a storage area inclined with respect to the horizontal. The withdrawal of the bottom article at the dispensing end is accomplished by releasing the article so that it slides along the channel in the longitudinal direction, while the remaining articles follow and stop. Typically, similar articles are included in each channel. For example, the articles have cubic packaging, in which identically formatted packaging is introduced into channels whose width matches the size of the packaging. Such a storage area can also store different shapes (e.g., cylinders) and different formats of goods within the same channel.

[0004] Typically, once a predetermined number of goods has been withdrawn from a storage channel, the robot fills the storage location. To this end, the robot is filled with one or more articles to be refilled, and the robot approaches the supply end of the corresponding storage area in order to deliver the articles.

[0005] At the dispensing end of the channel is a controlled dispensing device, which can dispense the lowermost article in a row at a time, while the remaining row of articles in the channel slides downward due to gravity. For example, the dispensed article can be transferred to a conveyor belt of a withdrawal device. DE 20 2009 000 153 U1 describes such an inclined shelving box and its dispensing apparatus.

[0006] However, it has proven to be disadvantageous for goods having a particularly high turnover rate to store them by means of a robot, or for the storage of other goods to be delayed due to the storage of these goods.

SUMMARY

[0007] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a goods storage device and a goods storage system that are particularly advantageously suitable for the storage of goods having a very high turnover rate.

[0008] The goods storage device according to the invention is defined by the features of claim 1. The goods storage system according to the invention is defined by the features of claim 18.

[0009] The goods storage device according to the application has a number of storage channels in which goods can be stored one behind the other in a row in a storage direction. The storage channels each have a dispensing end at which a dispensing device is arranged accordingly, wherein the storage channels each have a storage region for supporting the goods, which storage region is inclined at an acute angle a to the horizontal plane in the storage direction towards the dispensing end, the storage channels being arranged parallel to one another. The application is characterized in that each dispensing device has a dispensing region which forms a stop for the respective storage channel, wherein the dispenser dispenses the goods along the dispensing region in a dispensing direction transverse to the storage direction.

[0010] Since the dispensing region forms a stop for the respective storage channel and the storage region of the storage channel is arranged inclined at an acute angle to the horizontal plane and towards the dispensing end, the goods slide along the storage region towards the dispensing region and against the dispensing region. This allows the goods to be dispensed individually along the dispensing region in an advantageous manner by means of the dispenser. By dispensing the goods transverse to the storage direction, the goods can be dispensed relatively quickly and in a controlled manner. The goods storage device according to the application is particularly suitable for a pharmacy storage system for pharmaceuticals. Since in such a storage system it must be ensured that a controlled quantity of goods is dispensed, the design of the dispensing device according to the application is advantageous, since the goods can be dispensed very quickly without the risk of two packages of goods being dispensed at once.

[0011] In the context of the present application, the goods being stored one behind the other in a row on the storage region in the storage direction is to be understood to mean that the goods each rest on the storage region and against the adjacent goods, wherein the main part of the weight force of the goods is absorbed by the respective storage region.

[0012] Preferably, the storage region is arranged at an angle a to the horizontal plane of 10° ≤ a ≤ 50°, preferably 30° ≤ a ≤ 45°. It is particularly preferred that the angle a is 38°. This angle has proven to be particularly advantageous for automatic sliding, while preventing an excessive weight of the row of goods from being exerted on the respective goods being dispensed.

[0013] The storage regions of the storage channels are preferably arranged in parallel. Thereby, the storage channels can in particular be arranged one above the other.

[0014] Preferably, the storage channels are open towards the operating side.

[0015] The operating side can be arranged substantially at the end of the storage channel facing away from the dispensing end. It has proven to be particularly advantageous, however, for the operating side to be located at a side of the storage channel. In other words: The operating side is located on a longitudinal side of the storage channel, so that goods can be inserted into the storage channel from the side in an advantageous manner. This design has proven to be particularly advantageous, since the operating side of the upper storage channels, in particular, is not at too great a height for comfortable operation. In addition, several goods can be inserted into the storage channel simultaneously in an advantageous manner in the case of an operating side located on a longitudinal side of the storage channel

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the application, it is provided that the individual storage channels have a lateral guide wall. By means of the lateral guide wall, the goods stored in the storage channel can be arranged in rows in an advantageous manner, since the guide wall ensures that the goods form and are guided into an orderly row. In the design in which the operating side of the storage channel is located on the longitudinal side, the corresponding guide wall is preferably arranged on the longitudinal side opposite the operating side.

[0017] It can also be provided that, in addition to the inclination towards the dispensing end, the storage region is also inclined towards the guide wall. The storage region can be inclined to the guide wall at an angle β to the horizontal, wherein 10° ≤ β ≤ 20°.

[0018] The inclination of the storage region towards the guide wall ensures that the goods come into contact with the guide wall and are reliably guided by the guide wall in the case of a sliding movement of the goods in the storage direction when being dispensed.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the application, it is provided that the guide wall has a predetermined distance to the dispensing region in the storage direction in order to form a dispensing opening for dispensing the goods. In other words: The guide wall ends at a predetermined distance to the dispensing region, so that a dispensing opening is formed through which the goods can be dispensed.

[0020] In the goods storage device according to the application, it can also be provided that the guide walls of the storage channels each have a protruding rib arranged along the longitudinal direction of the guide wall for guiding the goods. In other words: The goods arranged in the storage channel do not rest against the guide wall completely, but only against the protruding rib and are guided by the protruding rib of the guide wall. This embodiment has proven to be particularly advantageous, since excessive friction of the goods against the guide wall can be avoided, while reliable guidance of the goods is ensured.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the application it is provided that at the dispensing end of a storage channel a hold-down device is arranged which is arranged above the storage area of the storage channel and exerts a force on the goods resting on the storage area towards the storage area. Of course, it is also possible that at the dispensing end of each storage channel a corresponding hold-down device is arranged which is arranged above the respective storage area of the corresponding storage channel and exerts a force on the goods resting against the storage area towards the storage area. The hold-down device can be used to ensure that the goods arranged at the dispensing end of the storage channel and resting against the dispensing area can be safely displaced in a direction transverse to the storage direction during dispensing by the dispenser and, for example, are not in danger of tilting.

[0022] For example, the hold-down device can be rotatably mounted on the guide wall.

[0023] The hold-down device can provide the force towards the storage area by means of gravity. This configuration of the hold-down device proves to be particularly advantageous, wherein the hold-down device can be provided in a structurally simple manner. Of course, the force towards the storage area can also be provided in other ways, for example by means of a spring force.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment of the application it is provided that the size of the dispensing opening is adapted to the goods. For this purpose, for example, a displaceable plate arranged on the guide wall can be provided via which the size of the dispensing opening can be changed.

[0025] In the goods storage device according to the application it can be provided that at the end of the respective storage channel facing away from the dispensing end a stop is arranged which serves as an end stop for the goods being pushed away from the dispensing end in the storage direction. In other words: for example, when the goods are pushed away from the dispensing end by an operator in the storage direction, the stop ensures that the goods do not fall at the end of the corresponding storage channel facing away from the dispensing end.

[0026] Preferably, it is provided that along the storage direction at a predetermined distance from the dispensing area of one storage channel a holder is arranged which is arranged above the storage area at a predetermined distance from the storage area and, when actuated, is movable towards the storage area in order to hold the goods. Of course, it is also possible that along the storage direction at a predetermined distance from the dispensing area of each storage channel respectively one holder is arranged which is arranged above the respective storage area at a predetermined distance from the storage area and, when actuated, is movable towards the storage area in order to hold the goods. Thereby, the holder can be used to push the goods away from the dispensing area in the storage direction along the storage area and the goods can be held by means of the holder. This can create a gap in the row of goods into which a new good can be inserted. This can ensure that the goods can be inserted at a comfortable height for the operator. Furthermore, the storage channel can be designed to be relatively long, without the resulting height of the end facing away from the dispensing end causing problems during operation.

[0027] Preferably, it is provided that the dispenser has at least one protrusion which pushes the goods against the dispensing area in the dispensing direction for dispensing. The construction of such a dispenser proves to be particularly advantageous for the individual removal of goods from the corresponding storage channel.

[0028] In this regard, it can be provided that the dispenser has an annular cam belt, wherein strands of the cam belt extend in recesses of the dispensing area and at least one cam of the cam belt forms the at least one protrusion. The construction of the dispenser as an annular cam belt has the particular advantage that the goods can be dispensed very quickly, in addition, the dispenser can be provided in a structurally simple manner.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the application, the goods storage device has a dispensing shaft into which the dispensing device dispenses the goods, wherein a conveyor belt for conveying the dispensed goods is arranged below the dispensing shaft. In other words: The goods dispensed from the storage channel fall easily through the dispensing shaft onto the conveyor belt and can be further conveyed.

[0030] For example, the goods storage device can have a dispensing lift with a conveyor cage into which the conveyor belt leads.

[0031] The application also relates to a goods storage system having a device for storing goods, which device has at least one robot and several main storage channels for storing goods, wherein the at least one robot operates at least one end of the storage of the main storage channels and wherein the goods stored in the main storage channels can each be dispensed via a storage channel dispensing end, wherein the goods storage system additionally has a goods storage device according to the application. In a conventional goods storage system which is suitable for the common and rapid movement of goods, it is thus possible to additionally provide a goods storage device according to the application in order to store particularly rapidly moving goods. The goods storage device according to the application can be used as a kind of bypass to the conventional storage, wherein the storage is carried out by means of the at least one robot. In such a goods storage system, the goods storage device according to the application is particularly suitable for storing similar goods in one storage channel. The operator can store these particularly rapidly moving goods in large quantities in a simple manner, so that they can also be dispensed very quickly, thus ensuring a rapid turnover of the goods.

[0032] In the goods storage system according to the application, it is possible to provide a conveyor belt for receiving the goods dispensed from the main storage channels and a dispensing lift with a conveyor cage into which the conveyor belt leads, the dispensing shaft of the goods storage device leading onto the conveyor belt directly in front of the dispensing lift. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] In the following, the application is described in more detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a goods storage system according to the application with a goods storage device according to the application is shown;

[0035] Figure 2 A further schematic perspective view of a goods storage system according to the application is shown;

[0036] Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of a goods storage device according to the application is shown;

[0037] Figure 4 A schematic detailed view of the dispensing end of a goods storage device according to the application is shown;

[0038] Figure 5 A schematic detailed view of the retainer of a goods storage device according to the application is shown;

[0039] Figure 6 A schematic detailed view of the end of the storage channel facing away from the dispensing end of a goods storage device according to the application is shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A goods storage system 100 according to the application is shown schematically in perspective. The goods storage system 100 has several inclined shelves 105 forming a main storage channel for storing goods. The end for storage, which is not shown in the drawing, is operated by a robot. The goods 200 stored in the main storage channel can be dispensed via a storage channel dispensing end 110 and fall onto a conveyor belt 120. The goods 200 dispensed from the main storage channel are transported by means of the conveyor belt 120 to a dispensing lift 125 and are conveyed through a lift opening 130 into a not illustrated conveying cage.

[0041] The inclined shelves 105 are located in a closed, cabinet-like housing 135.

[0042] A goods storage device 1 according to the application is arranged on the side of the cabinet-like housing 135.

[0043] The goods storage device 1 according to the application has several storage channels 3, which are arranged above one another parallel to one another. Each storage channel 3 has a storage area 5 on which goods 200 can be placed. In the storage direction (indicated by the arrow) the goods 200 can be stored one after the other in a row in each storage channel 3. Figure 1

[0044] The storage channel 3 has a dispensing end 7 and an end 9 opposite the dispensing end 7.

[0045] ​The storage channel 3 is inclined towards the dispensing end 7 and is arranged at an acute angle a to the horizontal. Thereby, the goods 200 arranged in the storage channel 3 slide due to gravity towards the dispensing end 7. The angle a can be for example 38°.

[0046] Each storage channel 3 has a dispensing device 11 at the dispensing end 7. The dispensing device 11 has a dispensing area 13 forming a stop for the respective storage channel 3. The goods 200 can be dispensed via a dispenser 15 along the dispensing area 13 in a dispensing direction transverse to the storage direction.

[0047] The dispensed goods 200 fall into an axis 17 which can be best seen in Figure 2 The axis 17 is arranged near the conveyor belt 120 of the goods storage system 100 so that the goods dispensed by the goods storage device 1 according to the invention fall or slide onto the conveyor belt 120 and remain directly in front of the elevator opening 130.

[0048] A shelf 19 can be arranged in the axis 17, inclined towards the conveyor belt 120 and reducing the fall height of the goods 200 dispensed from the upper storage channels 3. Also, the shelf 19 can prevent a jam of goods from occurring before the dispensing end 7 of the lowest storage channel 3.

[0049] To this end, the shelf 19 can be inclined downwards not only towards the conveyor belt 120 but also away from the dispensing end 7 of the corresponding storage channel 3 so that the shelf 19 is inclined in both directions.

[0050] The dispenser 15 has a cam belt 21 extending in the dispensing area 13 which dispenses the goods 200 abutting the dispensing area 13 transversely to the storage direction through a dispensing opening 23. The dispensing opening 23 is formed between the dispensing area 13 and a lateral guide wall 25 of the respective storage channel 3.

[0051] The dispensing opening 23 of the respective storage channel 3 can be adapted to the size of the goods 200 and to this end, the guide wall 25 each has a displaceable plate 27 displaceable in the storage direction.

[0052] At the dispensing end 7 of each storage channel 3, a hold-down device 29 is arranged which is rotatably mounted on the associated guide wall 25. The hold-down device 29 is arranged above the storage area 5 of the corresponding storage channel 3 and exerts a force towards the storage area 5 on the goods resting on the storage area 5. The force is provided by the weight of the hold-down device 29 which holds the goods 200 in the dispensing position. This ensures that when the goods 200 are dispensed by means of the dispenser 15, they do not tilt or rise so that a reliable dispensing is ensured.

[0053] Along Figure 1 and Figure 4The observation direction of the observation direction observation, the guide wall 25 extends along the longitudinal direction of the respective storage channel 3 on the rear side of the storage channel 3. Thereby, the front-facing side of the storage channel 3 is open and forms an operating side. From this side, the goods 200 can be easily inserted into the storage channel 3. From Figure 1 It can be seen from

[0054] The storage area 5 is inclined towards the guide wall 25 at an angle β, which is best seen in Figure 6 wherein the angle β can be between 10° and 20°. This ensures that the goods 200 resting on the storage area 5 are reliably brought to bear against the guide wall 25 in order to be guided in the longitudinal direction by the guide wall.

[0055] It can be seen from Figure 5 and Figure 6 that the guide wall 25 each has a rib 25a extending in the longitudinal direction of the guide wall 25 against which the goods 200 are guided.

[0056] Figure 5 Details of the storage channel 3 are shown schematically. A holder is arranged at a predetermined distance from the dispensing area 13 in each storage channel 3 in the storage direction, which holder 33 is mounted to the underside of the storage channel 3 located thereabove. The holder 33 is arranged above the respective storage area 5 and is movable towards the storage area 5 when actuated. As can be seen in Figure 5 the goods 200 can be held in a position by means of the holder 33. Thereby, when storing the goods 200, a row of goods 200 can be pushed up in the longitudinal direction away from the dispensing end 7 and held in said position by means of the holder 33. Thereby, the area between the goods 200 held by means of the holder 33 and the dispensing end 7 becomes free, into which area a new goods 200 can be inserted. The now longer row of goods 200 can then be pushed up again and held by the holder 33 in order to insert further goods 200. This allows the goods 200 to be stored at a convenient operating height in the goods storage device 1 according to the invention.

[0057] The holder 33 can be held in its initial position by means of a magnet, in which initial position the holder is not folded down towards the storage area 5 to hold the goods 200. In this way, the holder 33 can easily be moved from its initial position towards the storage area 5 for holding the goods 200.

[0058] A stop 35 is arranged at the end 9 facing away from the dispensing end 7, which stop 35 serves as an end stop for the goods 200 being pushed away from the dispensing end 7 in the storage direction. This ensures that no goods 200 can fall at the end 9 facing away from the dispensing end 7 when the goods 200 are pushed upwards.

[0059] For example, the cam belt 21 of the dispenser 15 can have two cams via which the goods 200 can be pushed through the dispensing opening 23. The dispenser 15 can have sensors which sense the position of the cams at least at one position during a cycle. Moreover, sensors can be provided which sense the dispensing of the goods 200. Said sensors can be arranged, for example, at the dispensing opening 23.

[0060] For example, from Figure 3 It can be seen that a confirmation button 37 can be provided for each storage channel 3 by means of which the operator confirms the loading of the corresponding storage channel 3, so that the goods storage system 100 according to the application receives the information that goods can be dispensed from this storage channel 3. In addition, the confirmation button 37 can also indicate via an integrated light that the storage channel 3 is empty and needs to be refilled.

[0061] The goods storage device 1 according to the application can also be implemented independently of the goods storage system 100.

[0062] By means of the goods storage device 1 according to the application, particularly fast-moving goods can be dispensed in an advantageous manner, since they can be stored in large quantities in the storage channels 3 without the need for, for example, mechanical hands for storage.

[0063] List of reference signs

[0064] 1 goods storage device

[0065] 3 storage channel

[0066] 5 storage area

[0067] 7 dispensing end

[0068] 9 opposite end

[0069] 11 dispensing device

[0070] 13 dispensing area

[0071] 15 dispenser

[0072] 17 shaft

[0073] 19 shelf

[0074] 21 cam belt

[0075] 23 dispensing opening

[0076] 25 lateral guide wall

[0077] 25A rib

[0078] 27 displaceable plate

[0079] 29 depression device

[0080] 31 platform

[0081] 33 retainer

[0082] 35 stop

[0083] 37 confirmation button

[0084] 100 goods storage system

[0085] 105 tilt shelf

[0086] 110 storage aisle dispensing end

[0087] 120 conveyor belt

[0088] 125 dispensing lift

[0089] 130 lift opening

[0090] 135 cabinet housing

[0091] 200 goods

Claims

1. A goods storage installation (1) having a number of storage channels (3) in which goods (200) can be stored one behind the other in rows in a storage direction, wherein Each storage channel (3) has a dispensing end (7) at which a dispensing device (11) is arranged, and wherein the storage channels (3) each have a storage area (5) for supporting the goods (200), which storage area is inclined at an acute angle a to the horizontal plane in the storage direction towards the dispensing end (7), the storage channels (3) being arranged parallel to one another, characterized in that Each dispensing device (11) has a dispensing area (13) which forms a stop for the respective storage channel (3) such that the goods slide along the storage area (5) to the dispensing area (13) and abut against the dispensing area (13), a dispenser (15) dispensing the goods along the dispensing area (13) in a dispensing direction transverse to the storage direction, wherein the storage areas (5) of the storage channels (3) are arranged in parallel and the storage channels (3) are arranged one above another, wherein the goods storage device further comprises a pressing-down device (29) arranged at the dispensing end (7) of one of the storage channels (3) or at the dispensing end (7) of each of the storage channels (3), the pressing-down device being arranged above the respective storage area (5) of the corresponding storage channel (3) and exerts a force on the goods (200) abutting against the storage area (5) towards the storage area (5), and wherein the dispenser (15) has an annular cam belt, wherein strands of the cam belt extend in recesses of the dispensing area (13) and at least one cam of the cam belt pushes the goods (200) abutting against the dispensing area (13) in the dispensing direction in order to dispense.

2. The goods storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage channels (3) are open towards an operating side.

3. The goods storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The operating side is located at a side of the storage channels (3).

4. The goods storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Each storage channel (3) has a lateral guide wall (25).

5. The goods storage device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The guide wall (25) has a predetermined distance to the dispensing area (13) in the storage direction to form a dispensing opening (23) for dispensing the goods (200).

6. A goods storage device according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that, Each storage channel (3) has a lateral guide wall (25) which is arranged on a side of one of the storage channels (3) facing away from the operating side.

7. The goods storage device of claim 4, wherein, The guide wall (25) each has a protruding rib arranged in the longitudinal direction of the guide wall (25) for guiding the goods (200).

8. The goods storage device of claim 4, wherein, The pressing-down device (29) is rotatably mounted on the guide wall (25).

9. The goods storage device of claim 1, wherein, The pressing-down device (29) provides the force towards the storage area (5) by means of gravity.

10. The goods storage device of claim 5, wherein, The dispensing opening (23) is dimensioned to the goods (200).

11. The goods storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A stop (35) is arranged at an end (9) of each storage channel (3) facing away from the dispensing end (7), the stop (35) serving as an end stop for the goods (200) pushed away from the dispensing end (7) in the storage direction.

12. The goods storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A holder (33) is arranged at a predetermined distance from the dispensing area (13) of one of the storage channels (3) in the storage direction, or a holder (33) is arranged at a predetermined distance from the dispensing area (13) of each storage channel (3) in the storage direction, the respective holder (33) being arranged at a predetermined distance above the respective storage area (5) and being movable toward the storage area (5) when actuated in order to hold the goods (200).

13. The goods storage device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, A dispensing shaft is also included into which the dispensing device (11) dispenses the goods (200), wherein a conveyor belt (120) for conveying the dispensed goods (200) is arranged below the dispensing shaft.

14. The goods storage device of claim 13, wherein, A dispensing lift (125) having a conveying cage is also included into which the conveyor belt (120) opens.

15. Goods storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage areas (5) for supporting the goods (200) are angled at an angle of 10° < a < 50° to the horizontal.

16. A goods storage system (100) having means for storing goods, the means having at least one robot and a number of main storage aisles for storing goods, wherein, The at least one robot is operated for at least one end of the storage of the main storage channel, and wherein the goods stored in the main storage channel can each be dispensed via a storage channel dispensing end (110), characterized in that a goods storage device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and 15 is also included.

17. The goods storage system of claim 16, wherein, A conveyor belt (120) for receiving goods dispensed from the main storage channel is also included, as well as a dispensing lift (125) having a conveying cage into which the conveyor belt (120) opens, the goods storage device (1) also including a dispensing shaft into which the dispensing device (11) dispenses the goods (200), the dispensing shaft opening onto the conveyor belt (120) directly in front of the dispensing lift (125).

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