Method for operating a warehouse system and warehouse system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a storage system (2), comprising a plurality of aisle racks (5), which each comprise a storage rack (10) and a vehicle (50) which is movable along the storage rack (10) in a longitudinal direction (X), wherein the vehicles (50) each have a lifting device (40), which each comprises a receiving device (45) for receiving a load (60), which is movable in a vertical direction (Z), wherein electrical energy generated by one of the vehicles (50) in one of the aisle racks (5) during operation is supplied to a further aisle rack (5). The invention also relates to a storage system (2), comprising a plurality of aisle racks (5), which each comprise a storage rack (10) and a vehicle (50) which is movable along the storage rack (10) in a longitudinal direction (X), wherein the vehicles (50) each have a lifting device (40), which each comprises a receiving device (45) for receiving a load (60), which is movable in a vertical direction (Z), wherein the storage system (2) is operable using the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for operating a warehousing system comprising multiple drive-in racks / rack aisles, each drive-in rack including storage racks and vehicles movable longitudinally along the storage racks, wherein each vehicle has a lifting device, and the lifting device includes a receiving device movable vertically. The invention also relates to a warehousing system operable using the method according to the invention. Background Technology

[0002] Warehousing systems are used in technical facilities, such as production workshops, to store raw materials and finished products until they are transported for subsequent applications, such as processing or shipping. To facilitate the transport of these raw materials and products, they are placed in or on transport pallets. These transport pallets can be, for example, boxes, cartons, or pallets.

[0003] This type of warehousing system includes multiple storage racks, each with multiple layers arranged vertically and staggered, i.e., stacked one on top of the other. Each layer has multiple storage compartments for receiving transport racks, with the compartments on one layer arranged side-by-side. This system with multiple stacked layers allows for the accommodating of a large number of transport racks within a relatively small footprint.

[0004] For storing goods in storage cells and retrieving goods from storage cells, racking operation devices are known. A racking operation device is a vehicle capable of moving longitudinally along storage racks in a drive-in racking system. The racking operation device includes lifting equipment, which correspondingly includes receiving equipment for receiving goods, and this receiving equipment is capable of moving vertically.

[0005] Electrical energy is needed to accelerate a vehicle in the longitudinal direction, and electrical energy is generated when the vehicle brakes in the longitudinal direction. Electrical energy is needed to lift goods in the vertical direction, and electrical energy is generated when goods descend in the vertical direction.

[0006] A electrically driven rack operating device is known from DE 10 2010 020 124 B4. The rack operating device is movable on the ground and is used to lift and move objects vertically.

[0007] A storage system and a method for operating the storage system are known from DE 10 2016 003 665 A1. The storage system has multiple passageways through which vehicles can move.

[0008] A storage system with multiple storage locations for individual items is known from AT 516 633A1. Multiple automated racking operation devices are provided for storing and retrieving individual items.

[0009] A rack storage system having multiple rack units is known from AT 502 079A1. Here, each rack unit has an inherent movable rack operating device with a drive motor.

[0010] An industrial facility with a rack warehouse is known from DE 10 2009 024 357 A1. Goods can be stored in and retrieved from the rack warehouse. The rack warehouse has multiple electrically driven rack operating devices.

[0011] A warehouse for goods is known from WO 2008 / 031608 A1, in which a racking operating device is used for transporting goods. Here, the racking operating device travels on rails and has a travel mechanism with a drive motor. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The purpose of this invention is to improve the method for operating a warehousing system and the warehousing system itself.

[0013] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a method for operating a warehousing system having the features described in claim 1. Advantageous designs and improvements are the subject of the dependent claims. This objective is also achieved by a warehousing system having the features described in claim 10. Advantageous designs and improvements are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0014] A method for operating a warehousing system is proposed. The warehousing system includes multiple drive-in racks, each comprising storage racks and vehicles capable of moving longitudinally along the racks. Each vehicle has a lifting device, which includes receiving devices for receiving goods. The receiving devices are designed, for example, in the form of platforms and are capable of vertical movement. Electrical energy generated by one vehicle in one of the drive-in racks during operation is supplied to the other drive-in racks.

[0015] The method according to the invention converts and stores the temporarily free kinetic and potential energy of a vehicle during operation into electrical energy. This stored energy can be later accessed. Therefore, the energy requirements of the storage system are advantageously reduced. Furthermore, the peak power requirements of the storage system are minimized, and thus the required connection power is advantageously reduced. Based on past experience, in a storage system, not all vehicles operate simultaneously, or rarely at all. The method according to the invention is particularly capable of supplying the generated electrical energy to drive-through racks where vehicles are not currently operating. Electrical energy supplied to other drive-through racks can be stored, for example, in an energy storage device or converted into potential energy within those racks.

[0016] According to an advantageous design of the invention, each drive-in rack in the rack system has an intermediate circuit capacitor. Here, electrical energy generated by one of the vehicles in one drive-in rack during operation is stored in the intermediate circuit capacitor of the other drive-in rack. By distributing electrical energy across multiple intermediate circuit capacitors, the required capacitance of the intermediate circuit capacitors in each drive-in rack is reduced.

[0017] Preferably, the intermediate circuit capacitors of the drive-in racks are electrically connected to each other. Therefore, the intermediate circuit capacitors of these drive-in racks form a parallel circuit.

[0018] According to an advantageous design of the invention, each drive-in rack in the rack system has a rechargeable battery. Here, electrical energy generated by one of the vehicles in one drive-in rack during operation is stored in the battery of the other drive-in rack. By distributing electrical energy across multiple batteries, the required capacity of the batteries in each drive-in rack is reduced.

[0019] Preferably, the batteries in the drive-in racks are electrically connected to each other. Therefore, the batteries in these drive-in racks form a parallel circuit.

[0020] According to another advantageous design of the invention, the electrical energy generated by one vehicle in one of the drive-in racks during operation is used to drive another vehicle in the other drive-in rack in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, energy buffering is unnecessary. The electrical energy generated in one drive-in rack is converted into kinetic energy in the other drive-in rack.

[0021] According to another advantageous design of the invention, the electrical energy generated by one of the vehicles in one of the drive-in racks during operation is used to power the receiving device of the lifting device that drives the vehicle in the other drive-in rack in a vertical direction. Therefore, energy buffering is unnecessary. The electrical energy generated in one drive-in rack is converted into potential energy in the other drive-in rack.

[0022] According to another advantageous improvement of the invention, the electrical energy generated by one of the vehicles in one of the drive-in racks during operation is used in another drive-in rack to move goods from a lower storage cell to an upper storage cell. Here, the upper storage cell is vertically further from the ground than the lower storage cell. This allows the electrical energy generated in one drive-in rack to be converted into potential energy in the other drive-in rack by moving the goods upwards.

[0023] According to another advantageous improvement of the invention, the electrical energy required for the operation of one of the vehicles in one of the drive-in racks is generated in a separate drive-in rack by moving goods from an upper storage cell to a lower storage cell within that separate drive-in rack. Here, the upper storage cell is vertically further from the ground than the lower storage cell. This allows the electrical energy required in one drive-in rack to be generated in the separate drive-in rack through potential energy conversion by moving the goods downwards.

[0024] The warehousing system according to the invention includes multiple drive-in racks, each comprising a storage rack and a vehicle capable of moving longitudinally along the racks. Each vehicle has a lifting device, which includes a receiving device for receiving goods. The receiving device is designed, for example, in the form of a platform and is capable of vertical movement. Thus, the warehousing system according to the invention can operate using the method according to the invention.

[0025] In the storage system according to the invention, the kinetic and potential energy temporarily free during vehicle operation can be converted into electrical energy and stored. Energy stored in this way can be later accessed. Therefore, the energy requirements of the storage system are advantageously reduced. Furthermore, the peak power requirements of the storage system are minimized, and thus the required connection power is advantageously reduced. Electrical energy supplied to additional drive-in racks can be stored in those racks, for example, in an energy storage device or converted into potential energy.

[0026] According to another advantageous design of the invention, the warehousing system includes an order system for sending logistics orders to a control unit and a control unit for coordinating received logistics orders and sending individual orders to various drive-in racks.

[0027] This invention is not limited to the combination of features in the claims. For those skilled in the art, particularly for purposes proposed and / or by comparison with the prior art, other reasonable combinations of features in the claims and / or individual claims and / or the specification and / or the drawings are possible. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings. The drawings are merely schematic illustrations of the subject matter of the invention. Wherein:

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a drive-in racking system is shown; and

[0030] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the warehousing system is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a drive-in rack 5 is shown. The drive-in rack 5 includes storage racks 10 and vehicles 50. The storage racks 10 are erected on the ground 70. The drive-in rack 5 is part of a storage system 2. The storage system 2 includes multiple drive-in racks 5, which are designed at least substantially the same as the drive-in rack 5 shown herein.

[0032] Vehicle 50 is designed as a racking operation device. Vehicle 50 can move longitudinally in the X direction along the storage rack 10 within the drive-in rack 5. Vehicle 50 has a lifting device 40, which includes a receiving device 45 for receiving goods 60. The receiving device is designed in the form of a platform and can move vertically in the Z direction. Goods 60 are, for example, boxes, cartons, or pallets containing products.

[0033] The vertical direction Z is perpendicular to the ground 70° where the storage rack 10 is located. The longitudinal direction X is perpendicular to the vertical direction Z and parallel to the ground 70°. The transverse direction is perpendicular to the vertical direction Z and also perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X.

[0034] The storage rack 10 includes multiple layers 11, 12, 13, and 14, currently designated as layer 11, layer 12, layer 13, and layer 14. These layers 11, 12, 13, and 14 are arranged staggered from each other vertically, i.e., stacked one on top of the other. Layer 11 is located at the bottom, facing the ground 70. Layer 14 is located at the top, away from the ground 70.

[0035] Each of layers 11, 12, 13, and 14 has multiple storage compartments 20 for receiving goods 60. The storage compartments 20 of a layer 11, 12, 13, and 14 are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction X. By combining the movement of the vehicle 50 along the longitudinal direction X with the movement of the receiving device 45 along the vertical direction Z, each storage compartment in the storage compartment 20 can be reached for the storage and retrieval of goods 60.

[0036] The drive-in racking system 5 also includes a transfer station 55. The transfer station 55 is located below the layers 11, 12, 13, and 14 of the storage racking system 10. Therefore, the transfer station 55 is farther from the ground in the vertical direction Z than the storage cells 20 in the layers 11, 12, 13, and 14 of the storage racking system 10.

[0037] To facilitate warehousing, goods 60 are placed on transfer station 55 and moved from there to receiving device 45 on vehicle 50. Subsequently, goods 60 on receiving device 45 are moved to storage cell 20 and introduced into storage cell 20.

[0038] To facilitate outbound shipment, goods 60 are moved from storage compartment 20 to receiving device 45 of vehicle 50. Subsequently, goods 60 located on receiving device 45 are moved to transfer station 55 and placed there.

[0039] Vehicle 50 has an electric drive system for moving in the longitudinal direction X. Electrical energy is required to accelerate vehicle 50 in the longitudinal direction X. When vehicle 50 brakes in the longitudinal direction X, electrical energy is generated regeneratively.

[0040] The lifting device 40 of the vehicle 50 has an electric drive to move the receiving device 45 in the vertical direction Z. Electrical energy is required to raise the receiving device 45 in the vertical direction Z. When the receiving device 45 lowers in the vertical direction Z, electrical energy is generated regeneratively.

[0041] The drive-in rack 5 has a power supply unit for supplying electrical energy to the vehicle 50, and particularly to the lifting equipment 40. The drive-in rack 5 also has an intermediate circuit capacitor for storing electrical energy. Optionally, the drive-in rack 5 also has a rechargeable battery for storing electrical energy.

[0042] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of storage system 2 is shown. Storage system 2 currently includes three components, such as... Figure 1 The drive-in rack 5 is designed as shown in the diagram. Therefore, the drive-in rack 5 has a power supply unit for transmitting electrical energy, an intermediate circuit capacitor for storing electrical energy, an optional rechargeable battery for storing electrical energy, and storage rack 10 and vehicle 50.

[0043] The intermediate circuit capacitors of each drive-in rack 5 are electrically connected to each other. Therefore, the intermediate circuit capacitors of the drive-in rack 5 form a parallel circuit. The optional batteries of each drive-in rack 5 are also electrically connected to each other. Therefore, the batteries of the drive-in rack 5 also form a parallel circuit.

[0044] The warehousing system 2 includes an order system 81 and a control unit 82. The order system 81 sends logistics orders, specifically orders for storing goods 60 and orders for retrieving goods 60, to the control unit 82. The control unit 82 coordinates the received logistics orders and sends individual orders to each drive-in rack 5.

[0045] Control unit 82 coordinates received logistics orders, specifically ensuring that the electrical energy generated by one vehicle 50 in one drive-in rack 5 during operation is supplied to the other drive-in rack 5. Control unit 82 also coordinates received logistics orders so that the electrical energy required by one vehicle 50 in one drive-in rack 5 during operation is generated in the other drive-in rack 5. Therefore, individual orders are kinematically adjusted so that the generated electrical energy is largely retained within the storage system 2.

[0046] For example, the order system 81 sends a logistics order to the control unit 82 to retrieve goods 60. Then, the control unit 82 sends a separate order to one of the drive-in racks 5 to move goods 60 from storage cell 20 to transfer station 55. Electricity is generated when this separate order is executed. Additionally, the control unit 82 sends supplementary separate orders to other drive-in racks 5 to move goods 60 from a lower storage cell 20 to an upper storage cell 20. Electricity is used when this separate order is executed.

[0047] For example, the order system 81 sends a logistics order to the control unit 82 to store goods 60. Then, the control unit 82 sends a separate order to one of the drive-in racks 5 to move goods 60 from transfer station 55 to storage cell 20. Executing this separate order requires electrical energy. Additionally, the control unit 82 sends supplementary separate orders to other drive-in racks 5 to move goods 60 from upper storage cell 20 to lower storage cell 20. Executing these separate orders generates electrical energy.

[0048] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0049] 2. Warehousing System

[0050] 5. Drive-in racking

[0051] 10. Warehouse racking

[0052] 11 First Floor

[0053] 12 Second layer

[0054] 13 Third Floor

[0055] 14 Fourth Floor

[0056] 20 storage compartments

[0057] 40 Lifting Equipment

[0058] 45 Receiving equipment

[0059] 50 vehicles

[0060] 55 Transfer Station

[0061] 60 Goods

[0062] 70 Ground

[0063] 81 Order System

[0064] 82 Control Unit

[0065] X Vertical direction

[0066] Z (vertical direction)

Claims

1. A method for operating a warehousing system (2), the warehousing system comprising: Multiple drive-in racks (5), each drive-in rack including a storage rack (10) and a vehicle (50) capable of moving along the storage rack (10) in the longitudinal direction (X), wherein, Each vehicle (50) has a lifting device (40), which includes a receiving device (45) for receiving goods (60), and the receiving device is movable in the vertical direction (Z). Its features are, The electrical energy generated by one of the vehicles (50) in operation of one of the drive-in racks (5) is supplied to the other drive-in rack (5). Each drive-in rack in (5) has an intermediate circuit capacitor. The electrical energy generated by one of the vehicles (50) in operation in one of the drive-in racks (5) is stored in the intermediate circuit capacitor of the other drive-in rack (5).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intermediate circuit capacitors of the drive-in rack (5) are electrically connected to each other.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each drive-in rack in (5) has a rechargeable battery. The electrical energy generated by one of the vehicles (50) in operation from one of the drive-in racks (5) is stored in the battery of another drive-in rack (5).

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The batteries in the drive-in shelving (5) are electrically connected to each other.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The electrical energy generated by one of the vehicles (50) in one of the drive-in racks (5) during operation is used to drive another vehicle (50) in the longitudinal direction (X).

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The electrical energy generated by one of the vehicles (50) in one of the drive-in racks (5) during operation is used to drive the receiving device (45) of the lifting device (40) of another vehicle (50) in the vertical direction (Z).

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The electrical energy generated by one of the vehicles (50) in operation in one of the drive-in racks (5) is used in another drive-in rack (5) to move goods (60) from the lower storage cell (20) to the upper storage cell (20), wherein, The upper storage cell (20) is further from the ground (70) in the vertical direction (Z) than the lower storage cell (20).

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, By moving goods from the upper storage cell (20) to the lower storage cell (20) in another drive-in rack (5), the electrical energy required for the operation of one of the vehicles (50) in one of the drive-in racks (5) is generated in this other drive-in rack (5), wherein, The upper storage cell (20) is further from the ground in the vertical direction (Z) than the lower storage cell (20).

9. A warehousing system (2), comprising: Multiple drive-in racks (5), each drive-in rack including a storage rack (10) and a vehicle (50) capable of moving along the storage rack (10) in the longitudinal direction (X), wherein, Each vehicle (50) has a lifting device (40), which includes a receiving device (45) for receiving goods (60), and the receiving device is movable in the vertical direction (Z). Its features are, The storage system (2) can operate using the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The warehousing system (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The warehousing system (2) includes: An order system (81) for sending logistics orders to the control unit (82), and Control unit (82) for coordinating received logistics orders and sending individual orders to each drive-in rack (5).

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