Operating station and storage system

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating station (100) for a conveying device (200), comprising a stationary operating unit (102) and a mobile operating unit (104) associated with the stationary operating unit (102), wherein the stationary operating unit (102) comprises at least one safety-related safety device (106) operable by a user, wherein the mobile operating unit (104) is physically separable from the stationary operating unit (102), and wherein the mobile operating unit (104) comprises a user interface (108) operable by the user for the manual control of at least one non-safety-related function of the conveying device (200). The invention further relates to a storage system (300) with such an operating station.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an operator station for a conveying device, in particular for a storage conveying device. The invention also relates to a storage system with such an operator station and with at least one conveying device, preferably in the form of a stacker crane.

[0002] It is known to arrange operating stations in the form of external control stations outside of danger zones, where the conveying device executes travel, lifting, and / or lowering commands. The operating station, in the form of an external control station, is thus positioned in an area that is safe for the user (operator), often also referred to as the user's work and / or traffic area.

[0003] Concepts for access control or for safe entry into the danger zone for maintenance purposes can be found in the publications EP 3 505 466 A1 or DE 20 2021 103 304 U1.

[0004] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an operating station and a storage system that offers a simplified operating concept for the user while complying with the necessary safety measures.

[0005] This problem is solved by an operator station with the features of claim 1 and by a storage system with the features of claim 9. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] In the context of this disclosure, the term "operating station" does not necessarily refer to a stationary element. Rather, the operating station can also be a suspended or cantilevered element. The only essential requirement for the operating station is that it comprises a stationary operating component fixed in the warehouse.

[0007] An operator station is a location from which the conveying device can be controlled. Examples of operator stations include an external control station, an emergency control station, and a driver's platform mounted on the conveying device. An external control station is a location outside the conveying device's danger zone from which its movements can be controlled. An emergency control station is an operator station on the conveying device or within its danger zone from which the conveying device can be controlled in the event of a malfunction (emergency) or during maintenance work. A driver's platform mounted on the conveying device is a protected platform from which its movements can be controlled.

[0008] The operating station for a conveying device according to the invention is characterized by a stationary operating unit to which a mobile operating unit is assigned. The stationary operating unit comprises at least one safety-related safety device that can be operated by a user, wherein the mobile operating unit is physically separable from the stationary operating unit, and wherein the mobile operating unit comprises a user interface operable by the user for the manual control of at least one non-safety-related function of the conveying device.

[0009] Such a semi-mobile approach, with stationary and mobile control units, offers the following advantages: The stationary control units remain fixed in positions within the warehouse that are defined as "safe" locations and are outside the danger zone. A single mobile control unit can be assigned to several stationary control units, allowing it to be moved from one stationary control unit to another. The mobile control unit can then be connected to the desired stationary control unit, while the other control units could also be disconnected in this case. This semi-mobile approach ensures that the safety-relevant function(s) remain an integral part of the stationary control unit.Therefore, no further safety features are needed on the conveyor itself.

[0010] For conveyor systems used to operate racking, it has proven advantageous to select a safety device from the group comprising emergency stop buttons, operating mode selector switches (e.g., in the form of a key switch), and enabling switches. It is also possible for several of the aforementioned elements to be present in the stationary operating unit.

[0011] To make operation as simple as possible for the user, it has proven preferable for the mobile control unit to be equipped with a microprocessor, with the user interface preferably taking the form of an input device or a touchscreen, and for the mobile control unit to be configured to establish and at least temporarily maintain a communication link with a programmable logic controller (PLC) of the conveyor. This communication link can be wired or wireless, for example. A wired connection can be implemented, for example, via a LAN or Ethernet connection (Locally Area Network; standard according to IEEE 802.3, in particular 802.3bd and later, preferably 802.3de (as of 2022)).A wireless connection is preferably implemented using WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network; standard according to IEEE 802.11, in particular IEEE 802.11-2012 and later, preferably IEEE 802.11-2016; preferably IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.11ad or IEEE 802.11ah). This direct connection between the mobile control unit and the programmable logic controller (PLC) of the conveyor is particularly useful for time-critical applications, such as buttons on the user interface of the mobile control unit that trigger tap commands or manual reset. Travel, lifting, and / or lowering commands should therefore be executed in real time whenever possible.Here, a communication protocol according to HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is preferably used, as this ensures that all data is transmitted in a way that is as secure as possible against eavesdropping and forgery.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, the mobile control unit can be configured to establish and at least temporarily maintain a communication connection with a higher-level visualization server, which in turn communicates with a programmable logic controller (PLC) of the conveyor. This allows the status of the storage system or conveyor to be displayed on the mobile control unit via a web browser. The connection to the visualization server is preferably either wired via Ethernet (standard according to IEEE 802.3, in particular 802.3bd and later, preferably 802.3de (as of 2022)) or wireless via WLAN (standard according to IEEE 802.11, in particular IEEE 802.11-2012 and later, preferably IEEE 802.11-2016; preferably IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.11ad or IEEE 802.11ah).

[0013] This connection between the mobile control unit and the visualization server is typically used for time-insensitive applications, such as messages or other display values, with HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) being the preferred communication protocol for transmission. The communication link between the visualization server and the programmable logic controller (PLC) is preferably implemented via an OPC UA connection (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture; a standard for data exchange as a platform-independent, service-oriented architecture (SOA)). In both cases, the transmission protocol is characterized by its high level of security against eavesdropping and tampering.

[0014] The number of buttons or switches can be reduced, for example, by omitting a separate operating mode selector switch. The operating mode selector switch allows the conveyor to be switched between automatic operation, in which the conveyor automatically performs storage and / or retrieval operations in the warehouse, and manual operation, in which travel, lifting, and / or lowering commands, as well as commands for adjusting the load-handling attachment (e.g., channel truck, satellite cart, or load forks), are manually entered and then executed. To increase safety, however, automatic operation can only be activated in very specific situations or configurations, namely when no person is in the danger zone of the warehouse or the conveyor.

[0015] In this context, it is advantageous if the stationary control unit includes a first interface part of an operator interface, if the mobile control unit includes a second interface part of the operator interface that complements the first interface part, and if automatic operation of the conveyor is only possible when the first and second interface parts are coupled. The operator interface can be implemented, for example, by electrical contacts that must be in physical contact. Alternatively, the operator interface can be established by detection via Bluetooth (Bluetooth 4.0 and higher, in particular Bluetooth 4.2 smart, preferably Bluetooth 5).4) or by means of RFID (radio-frequency identification), preferably NFC (near field communication), so that pairing of the mobile control unit with the stationary control unit can also take place when the mobile control unit is not in physical contact but is nevertheless in the vicinity of the stationary control unit.

[0016] To increase safety within the warehouse, it has proven advantageous to automatically switch the conveyor from automatic to manual operation when the operator interface is disconnected. This eliminates the need for a separate operating mode selector switch (e.g., a key switch) and saves space.

[0017] To meet the normative requirements for access security, it has proven advantageous for the mobile control unit to include a first interface part of an access interface, which is associated with a repelling protective device adjustable between an open and a closed position. Coupling the first interface part of the access interface with a second interface part that complements the first then causes the repelling protective device to move to the open position. Thus, the mobile control unit itself can provide a key or act as a key to gain access to a hazardous area, for example, for maintenance purposes.The access interface is preferably implemented as a wireless interface, with data exchange (key exchange) preferably taking place via Bluetooth or RFID or preferably via NFC.

[0018] Preferably, the manual control of the at least one non-safety-related function involves travel commands for the conveyor. However, lifting and lowering commands can also be issued and executed by the conveyor. Additionally, commands can be issued to the load-handling device and subsequently executed by it, for example, moving a satellite cart or load fork into or out of a storage compartment.

[0019] The advantages, advantageous designs and effects explained in connection with the operating station according to the invention apply in the same way to the storage system according to the invention, which includes such an operating station.

[0020] The storage system according to the invention therefore has an operator station and a conveying device assigned or assignable to the operator station for storing and retrieving goods, in particular unit loads.

[0021] The at least one safety-relevant safety device, which can be operated by a user, is preferably wired to an input card of a programmable logic controller (PLC) of the conveyor system. Communication preferably takes place via Ethernet (standard according to IEEE 802.3, in particular 802.3bd and later, preferably 802.3de (as of 2022)). This ensures that safety-relevant signals are transmitted reliably and are not lost due to a connection interruption, as could occur with a wireless connection.

[0022] The mobile control unit can also be equipped with a microprocessor and include a user interface, preferably in the form of an input device or a touchscreen. The mobile control unit for controlling the conveyor is configured to establish and maintain a communication link with the conveyor's programmable logic controller (PLC) directly, at least temporarily. Such a connection is used particularly for time-critical applications, such as pressing buttons for travel, lifting, and / or lowering commands. Manual resetting of the conveyor is also possible in this way. The connection between the mobile control unit and the programmable logic controller is preferably implemented via the HTTPS communication protocol to ensure the most secure data transmission possible against eavesdropping and tampering.

[0023] The mobile control unit is specifically configured to establish and at least temporarily maintain a communication connection with a higher-level visualization server, which in turn communicates with a programmable logic controller (PLC) of the conveyor. This connection is used for non-time-critical applications, such as messages or other display values. The connection between the mobile control unit and the visualization server is preferably implemented using the HTTPS communication protocol, ensuring data transmission is secure against eavesdropping and tampering. The connection between the visualization server and the programmable logic controller of the conveyor is preferably established using a communication protocol based on the Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (SO).In this case, the programmable logic controller preferably only accepts connections with "Security Policy" "Signing and Encryption", which also ensures that data is transmitted in a way that is secure against eavesdropping and forgery.

[0024] The stationary control unit preferably comprises a first interface part of an operator interface, wherein the mobile control unit comprises a second interface part of the operator interface that is complementary to the first interface part. Automatic operation of the conveyor is only possible if the first interface part and the second interface part are coupled together.

[0025] It is possible that when the operator interface is disconnected, the conveyor will automatically switch from automatic operation to manual control operation.

[0026] It is possible for the mobile control unit to be used as a key for access to the hazardous area. In this context, it is advantageous to have a repelling protective device (for example, a mesh fence with a lockable access gate) that can be adjusted between an open and a closed position. This device separates the user's work and / or traffic area from the hazardous area where the conveying equipment is located and performing its tasks. The mobile control unit comprises a first interface element of an access interface for the repelling protective device. Coupling this first interface element of the mobile control unit with a second interface element of the access interface, which is complementary to the first and associated with the repelling protective device, causes the repelling protective device to move from the closed position to the open position.

[0027] The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those subsequently mentioned in the figure description and / or shown in the figure alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments that are not explicitly shown or explained in the figure, but which can be derived and generated from the explained embodiments by separate combinations of features, are also to be considered as encompassed and disclosed by the invention.

[0028] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the following description of preferred embodiments, and the drawings. Herein: Fig. 1 a schematic top view of a storage system with an operating station (operating point), Fig. 2 a schematic view of an operator station (control panel), in which the individual components involved in the control and communication links are additionally illustrated, and Fig. 3 a schematic view of the repelling protective device and the access process using the mobile control unit of the operating station Fig. 2.

[0029] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a top view of a storage system 300, which in this case is configured as a high-bay warehouse. The high-bay warehouse comprises several rows of racks, with a conveyor 200 located between each pair of racks. This conveyor 200 is shown as an example of a storage conveyor, specifically a stacker crane. The conveyor 200 can move along the aisles between the racks and is shown here, again as an example, as an aisle-bound stacker crane. It is possible to use conveyors 200 that can change their aisle. The area in which the conveyor 200 executes its commands is designated as the danger zone 304. Within this danger zone 304, the conveyor 200 automatically executes storage commands when operating in automatic mode.Users may only remain outside the danger zone 304 when the automatic operation of the conveyor 200 is activated. Users are therefore free to move within the work and / or traffic area 302, which is separated from the danger zone 304 by a deflecting protective device 136. For maintenance purposes or to rectify malfunctions, the danger zone 304 can be accessed via one or more access doors 138, but only when the conveyor is no longer in automatic operation or at least part of the danger zone 304 is blocked from storage commands by the stacker conveyor.

[0030] In this case, each conveying device 200 is assigned its own operating station 100, which can also be understood as an operating point, since it does not necessarily have to be a "station on the ground". Such an operating station 100 is in Fig. 2 illustrated in more detail.

[0031] In this case, it is composed of at least two parts: a stationary operating unit 102 and a mobile operating unit 104. The mobile operating unit is designed in the manner of a tablet computer or a smartphone. In any event, the mobile operating unit 104 is associated with the stationary operating unit 102. It can be seen that the stationary operating unit 102 has means for actuation, which in this case are designed as safety-relevant safety devices 106 that can be actuated by a user.By way of example, the safety devices 106 shown include an emergency stop button 110, which immediately brings the conveyor 200 to a standstill; an operating mode selector switch 112, which is designed as a key switch by way of example, which allows the conveyor 200 to be switched from automatic operation to manual control operation; and an enabling switch 114, with which a user, for example, authorizes the movement of a drive. In particular, it can also be used to confirm that the conveyor 200 should return to automatic operation.

[0032] When the key switch 112 is flipped, the key can be removed from the keyhole of the key switch 112 and used as a key to unlock the access door 138 to the danger zone 304. Using the mobile control unit 104, a user can then manually issue travel commands, lifting commands, lowering commands, or commands for the load-handling device, which are then executed directly by the conveyor 200. For this purpose, the mobile control unit 104 is equipped with a microprocessor, and a user interface 108 is provided for the manual control of at least one non-safety-related function of the conveyor 200; in this case, the user interface is implemented by a touchscreen 118.

[0033] In Fig. Figure 2 further illustrates that the mobile control unit 104 for controlling the conveyor 200 is configured to establish and at least temporarily maintain a communication link 116 with a programmable logic controller 122 of the conveyor 200. In this way, time-critical applications, such as issuing commands to adjust the conveyor 200, can be carried out almost in real time.

[0034] Furthermore, the mobile control unit 104 is configured to establish and at least temporarily maintain a communication connection 120 with a higher-level visualization server 124, which is also in communication connection 126 with the programmable logic controller 122 of the conveyor 200. In this way, the current status of the storage system 300 can be displayed on the touchscreen 118 of the mobile control unit 104 via a web browser. The communication connection 120 via the visualization server 124 is used for non-time-critical applications, such as messages or other display values.

[0035] Furthermore, it can be seen that the safety-relevant safety devices 106 are directly and via wired connections to input cards 140 of the programmable logic controller 122 of the conveyor 200. This cable connection also ensures connection reliability, so that the connection cannot fail and thus safety-critical applications can be executed immediately and reliably if required.

[0036] With the in Fig. In the semi-mobile approach of an operating station (operating station 100) shown in Figure 2, an additional safety concept can also be implemented. For this purpose, the stationary operating unit 102 comprises a first interface part 128 of an operating station interface, while the mobile operating unit 104 comprises a second interface part 130 of the operating station interface, complementary to the first interface part 128. Automatic operation of the conveyor 200 is only possible if the first interface part 128 and the second interface part 130 are coupled together. In this case, the coupling is achieved via electrical contacts, although wireless coupling is also possible. Thus, if the mobile operating unit 104 is physically connected to the stationary operating unit 102, the conveyor 200 can be operated in automatic mode.Furthermore, it is possible that when the operator interface is disconnected, the conveyor automatically switches from automatic to manual operation. Thus, if a user removes the mobile control unit 104 from its holder in the stationary control unit 102, this is equivalent to the key switch 112 being flipped. Therefore, in this configuration, the key switch can be omitted.

[0037] In Fig. Figure 3 shows the storage system 300, which comprises a protective guard 136 and an access door 138. The protective guard 136 is implemented as a grille, and the access door is normally closed and can only be opened in manual operation mode. Due to the physical removal of the mobile control unit 104 from the stationary control unit 102, the conveyor 200 is in manual operation mode. The mobile control unit 104 can communicate with a locking device of the access door 138 via a wireless communication link. In other words, an access interface exists, formed by a first interface part 132 of the mobile control unit 104, and by a second interface part 134 of the access interface, which is complementary to the first interface part 132 and associated with the protective guard 136.If the first interface part 132 is coupled with the second interface part 134 (optionally with additional "digital" key exchange), the access door 138 is unlocked, and thus the repelling protective device 136 is moved to the open position. A user can then enter the danger zone 304, whereby the mobile control unit 104 can then communicate with the conveyor 200 so that it executes the corresponding commands. This is facilitated by a small antenna on the conveyor 200. Fig. 3 illustrated.

[0038] After leaving the danger zone 304, after closing and locking the access door 138 and after inserting the mobile control unit 104 into the stationary control unit 102, the automatic operation of the conveyor 200 can then be restarted. REFERENCE MARK LIST: 100 operating stations 102 stationary control unit 104 mobile control unit 106 Safety device 108 User interface 110 Emergency stop buttons 112 operating mode selector switches 114 Enabling switches 116 (first) communication link (mobile control unit and PLC) 118 Touchscreen 120 (second) communication link (mobile control unit and visualization server) 122 programmable logic controller (PLC) 124 visualization servers 126 (third) communication link (visualization server and PLC) 128 first interface part (operating station interface) 130 second interface part (operating station interface) 132 first interface part (access interface) 134 second interface part (access interface) 136 repellent protective device 138 Entrance door 140 Entrance card 200 Conveyor equipment (especially storage and retrieval machines) 300 storage system 302 Work and / or traffic area 304 Danger area QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 505 466 A1

[0003] DE 20 2021 103 304 U1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Operating station (100) for a conveyor device (200), which comprises a stationary operating part (102) and a mobile operating part (104) assigned to the stationary operating part (102), wherein the stationary operating part (102) comprises at least one safety-relevant safety device (106) that can be actuated by a user, wherein the mobile operating part (104) is physically separable from the stationary operating part (102), and wherein the mobile operating part (104) comprises a user interface (108) that can be operated by the user for manually controlling at least one non-safety-relevant function of the conveyor device (200). [2] Control station (100) according to claim 1, characterized by that the safety device (106) is selected from the group comprising emergency stop button (110), operating mode selector switch (112) and enabling button (114). [3] Control station (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the mobile operating part (104) is provided with a microprocessor, and that the mobile operating part (104) for controlling the conveyor device (200) is set up in such a way as to directly establish and at least temporarily maintain a communication connection (116) with a programmable logic controller (122) of the conveyor device (200). [4] Control station (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by in that the mobile operating part (104) is configured to establish and at least temporarily maintain a communication connection (120) with a higher-level visualization server (124), which is in a communication connection (126) with a programmable logic controller (122) of the conveyor device (200). [5] Control station (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat the stationary operating part (102) comprises a first interface part (128) of an operating station interface, that the mobile operating part (104) comprises a second interface part (130) of the operating station interface that is complementary to the first interface part (128), and that automatic operation of the conveyor device (200) is only possible if the first interface part (128) and the second interface part (130) are coupled to one another. [6] Control station (100) according to claim 5, characterized by that when the control station interface is uncoupled, the conveyor device (200) automatically switches from automatic mode to manual control mode. [7] Control station (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized byin that the mobile operating part (104) comprises a first interface part (132) of an access interface which is associated with a repellent protective device (136) which can be adjusted between an open position and a closed position, wherein the coupling of the first interface part (132) of the access interface to a second interface part (134) of the access interface which is complementary to the first interface part (132) causes the repellent protective device (136) to be transferred into the open position. [8] Control station (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the manual control of the at least one non-safety-relevant function is formed by travel commands for the conveyor device (200). [9] Storage system (300) comprising an operating station (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8 and a conveyor device (200) assigned or assignable to the operating station (100) for storing and retrieving goods. [10] Storage system (300) according to claim 9, characterized by that the at least one safety-relevant safety device (106) that can be actuated by a user is coupled by wire to an input card (140) of a programmable logic controller (122) of the conveyor device (200). [11] Storage system (300) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by that the mobile operating part (104) is provided with a microprocessor and comprises a user interface (108), and that the mobile operating part (104) for controlling the conveyor device (200) is set up in such a way as to directly establish and at least temporarily maintain a communication connection (116) with a programmable logic controller (122) of the conveyor device (200). [12] Storage system (300) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized byin that the mobile operating part (104) is configured to establish and at least temporarily maintain a communication connection (120) with a higher-level visualization server (124), which is in a communication connection (126) with a programmable logic controller (122) of the conveyor device (200). [13] Storage system (300) according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized by that the stationary operating part (102) comprises a first interface part (128) of an operating station interface, that the mobile operating part (104) comprises a second interface part (130) of the operating station interface that is complementary to the first interface part (128), and that automatic operation of the conveyor device (200) is only possible if the first interface part (128) and the second interface part (130) are coupled to one another. [14] Storage system (300) according to claim 13, characterized bythat when the control station interface is uncoupled, the conveyor device (200) automatically switches from automatic mode to manual control mode. [15] Storage system (300) according to one of claims 9 to 6, characterized bythat a rejecting protective device (136) is provided which is adjustable between an open position and a closed position and separates a working and / or traffic area (302) of the user from a danger zone (304) in which the conveyor device (200) is located, that the mobile operating part (104) comprises a first interface part (132) of an access interface of the rejecting protective device (136), wherein the coupling of the first interface part (132) of the mobile operating part (104) to a second interface part (134) of the access interface which is complementary to the first interface part (132) and assigned to the rejecting protective device (136) causes the rejecting protective device (136) to be transferred into the open position.

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