Device for holding a container, as well as station and storage and withdrawal system with such a device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102023212898
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-18
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-06
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-12-18
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
The invention relates to a device for holding a container, comprising a container holder having two holding regions spaced apart from one another in order to hold a container in a space between the holding regions, wherein each holding region has at least one holding element which projects into the space and can be moved and has a bearing element for an upper edge of the container or a horizontal rib of the container which is formed in the region of the upper edge of the container.Furthermore, the present invention relates to a station for accessing a container and / or stored goods in a container, wherein the station comprises such a device, and to a storage and removal system having a grid structure with a plurality of grid cells, wherein each grid cell defines a storage column of a container storage structure arranged below the grid structure, and wherein the storage columns are configured to each receive a vertical stack of containers, and having such a device.It is known from practice to place containers on the container floor in the area of picking stations and to indicate them to a picking person. This has the consequence that the order picker, at a container height of 250 mm, for example, must engage down to exactly the same depth as in the case of a container 450 mm high, for example, in order to remove an object or a storage goods item from the container. This has a negative effect on the ergonomy of the workplace.The task of this is to display all containers with the upper edge of the container at the same height at the work station. In this case, the picking person does not have to grasp down unnecessarily far, and a gripper of a bot or of a transport vehicle for containers likewise only has to approach the same height level at all times. Thus, for such a process, the gripper does not have to leave the rack poster of a block store, for example, and is thereby guided continuouslyAccording to FIGS. 5 aand 5 bthere, EP 3 697 705 B1 discloses a device 2 for holding a container 30, wherein the device has a container holder with two holding regions 4 spaced apart from one another in order to hold a container 30 in an intermediate space between the holding regions 4, wherein each holding region 4 has a holding element 5 which projects into the intermediate space and can be moved with a bearing element 12 for an upper edge 18 of the container 30 or a horizontal rib 8 of the container formed in the region of the upper edge 18 of the container 30.The holding element 5 has a lower part 9 interacting with the container 30, which is coupled to the support element 12. The lower part 9 is coupled to the support element 12 via a screw connection and arranged to interact with the container 30 in a vertical downward direction during the insertion of the container 30 into the interspace between the holding regions 4 such that the holding element 5 with the support element 12 is moved into the interspace in order to provide the support element 12 for the container 30. In concrete terms, the holding element 5 is pivotably mounted on the holding region 4, wherein the support element 12 is still located outside the intermediate space before the container 30 is introduced into the intermediate space. During the insertion of the container 30 into the intermediate space, the support element 12 is pivoted-depending on the insertion depth of the container 30 reached-further and further into the intermediate space via contact with the lower part 9 until it is pivoted into its holding position at the end of the insertion of the container 30. From this moment on, the container 30 can rest with its rib 8 on the support element 12.If the container 30 is removed from the intermediate space again, the support element 12 pivots out of the intermediate space again on account of a spring force, so that removal of the container 30 from the intermediate space is possible without problems.A device of the type mentioned at the beginning can be used, for example, at a station of a storage and removal system for accessing a container or stored goods arranged in a container, in order to always keep containers of different heights of the same construction at a defined height level. This simplifies access by operating personnel in comparison with containers placed on the container base, since operating personnel do not have to grasp down as deeply as in the case of a 450 mm high container with the aid of such a device at a container height of 250 mm, for example.The object of the present invention is to specify a device and a method for holding a container and a station with such a device and a storage and removal system with such a station or device, according to which particularly secure holding of a container is made possible by means of structurally simple means.According to the invention, the above object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1, by a station having such a device having the features of claim 13 and by a storage and removal system having such a station or such a device having the features of claim 14.According to this, the device for holding a container according to claim 1 is designed and further developed in such a way that each holding element is designed and arranged in such a way that, during a downward vertical insertion of the container into the intermediate space, it is moved out of the intermediate space from a holding position by interaction with the container and, after a definable insertion depth of the container into the intermediate space is reached, back into the holding position into the intermediate space, such that the upper edge or a horizontal rib of the container formed in the region of the upper edge of the container rests on the support elements at the end of the insertion of the container into an inserted position of the container.In a manner according to the invention, it has first been recognized that by skillful configuration of each retaining element, the above object is achieved in a surprisingly simple manner. In a further manner according to the invention, it has then been specifically recognized that each holding element is designed and arranged in such a way that, depending on the requirement and operating situation, it either projects into the intermediate space in order to be in its holding position, i.e. a position in which it can hold a container at a predeterminable height level, or is moved out of the intermediate space in order to enable the container to be introduced into the intermediate space. In this case, the configuration and arrangement of each retaining element is realized in such a way that, when the container is introduced into the intermediate space, it is moved out of the intermediate space and, after a definable introduction depth of the container has been reached, it is moved back into the intermediate space in order to be in its retaining position again, which makes it possible to retain the container. When the holding element is moved out, it can be moved completely out of the interspace or at least to such an extent that insertion of the container into the interspace is possible without problems. In this case, the outward movement of each retaining element takes place by interaction with the container. In the position of the container inserted into the interspace, the upper edge or a rib of the container rests on the bearing elements in order to ensure a secure and stable holding of the container in the interspace. Due to the fact that this support is effected on the support elements with the upper edge or a rib of the container formed in the region of the upper edge of the container, the device is suitable for the use of containers of different heights, which, in the inserted position, project into the intermediate space to different depths corresponding to their height.In the device according to the invention, the holding elements are also in the holding position in a secure manner when the device is not used or when no container is located in the intermediate space. The holding elements are thus located in the intermediate space in the holding position as it were by default. Only during the entire process of inserting the container or during a temporal subsection of the process of inserting the container, i.e. not during the entire process of inserting the container, the holding elements are moved out of the interspace to such an extent that the container can be easily inserted into the interspace into its inserted position. The container can thereby push the holding elements out of the intermediate space in a quasi-pressing manner.Consequently, with the device according to the invention, with the station according to the invention and with the storage and removal system according to the invention, a device, a station and a storage and removal system are provided, according to which a particularly secure holding of a container is made possible by means of structurally simple means.In a concrete embodiment, each holding element can be designed and arranged in such a way that, during an upward vertical lifting of the container from the inserted position, it is moved out of the intermediate space from a holding position by interaction with the container and, after reaching a definable lifting height of the container, it is moved back into the holding position in the intermediate space. In order to enable a container to be easily removed from its inserted position, each holding element can be designed and arranged in such a way that it is moved out of the intermediate space even when the container is lifted from the inserted position. This allows particularly safe and comfortable use of the device.With regard to a flexible possibility for realizing the design and arrangement of the holding elements, the holding elements can each be movable out of the intermediate space and into the intermediate space in a translatory movement or in a swivelling movement. To realize a pivoting movement, a pivot bearing or a pivot axis can be realized, about which or about which the holding element can be pivoted. Depending on the individual requirements, a correspondingly particularly suitable type of movement can be realized.With regard to a particularly reliable mode of operation of the device, an elastic means can be assigned to each of the holding elements, so that the holding elements can be moved against the elastic means from their holding position out of the intermediate space and into the intermediate space by means of the elastic means. Such an elastic means, for example a spring, makes it possible in a particularly simple manner for each retaining element to be moved and stabilized in the interspace in its rest position or, when not in use, in its retaining position.In concrete terms, the holding elements can be securely prestressed in the direction of the intermediate space in each case by means of the elastic means.Furthermore, with regard to a particularly safe operating mode and thus with regard to a particularly safe holding of a container, the holding elements can each be arranged displaceably or pivotably in a housing. In the case of a pivotable arrangement, a pivot bearing or a pivot axis can be formed on or in the housing in order to mount the holding element in a reliably pivotable manner. By pivoting the holding element, the holding element can be pivoted when a container is introduced into the intermediate space in the housing. The holding position can reach the pivotable holding element in a state pivoted out of the housing. Such a housing offers, on the one hand, mechanical protection against damage to the holding elements by other moving functional elements and, on the other hand, protection against contamination of a movement mechanism of the holding elements. In this respect, a housing for the holding elements ensures particularly reliable operation of the device.In a concrete exemplary embodiment, the holding elements can each be designed in such a way that the interaction of the holding elements with the container takes place via contact between the container and the respective holding element. In this case, the container can push the holding elements out of the intermediate space at least until such an extent that the container can be introduced into the intermediate space without problem and in the required manner during the process of introduction or during a section of the process of introduction, starting from contact between container or a vertical rib of the container and holding element. Depending on the specific realization and arrangement of the holding elements, the holding elements can be moved at least partially out of the intermediate space in a translatory movement or in a pivoting movement.In a particularly secure manner, the holding elements can each have a contact element for the contact between container and holding element, wherein the contact element is formed above the support element in the vertical direction. Such a contact element can be designed to be particularly abrasion-resistant in comparison with the holding element in order to survive frequent use and frequent contact with a container as far as possible without damage. This ensures long-lasting safe operation of the device. The configuration of the contact element in the vertical direction above the support element enables the container to be contacted with the contact element as early as possible during the insertion of the container into the intermediate space. This makes it possible that even flat containers not as deep can be used with the device according to the invention, since a container in this case comes into contact with the contact element arranged above the support element immediately at the beginning of the introduction and can move the holding elements and for this purpose does not have to first enter far into the intermediate space.In a further specific exemplary embodiment, the contact element can be designed in the form of a latching element, such that the contact element is arranged above the upper edge of the container at the end of the introduction of the container. Such a latching element can be moved or snap-fit in the direction of the interior of the intermediate space by applying a spring force to the retaining element after the insertion process of the container into the intermediate space and thus after contact of the contact element with the container. This ensures that the container is fixed against undesired upward movement of the container in the vertical direction. Only after overcoming a resistance predetermined by the spring force can the container be removed upwards from the intermediate space against the resistance and thus against the spring force, wherein the holding element is moved out of the intermediate space in this case.In a further concrete manner, the support element and the contact element on the holding element can be spaced apart from one another in such a way that the upper edge of the container fits between the support element and the contact element in a recess formed between the support element and the contact element. By means of such a recess, the upper edge of the container is positioned and held in the intermediate space in a particularly secure manner in the inserted and held position of the container, since in this position neither a movement upward nor a movement downward are possible without a corresponding exertion of force.In a structurally particularly stable and simple manner, the retaining elements can each be formed integrally with the respective bearing element and the respective contact element. In this respect, the support element and the contact element can be formed integrally with the holding element. Furthermore, the support element and the contact element can be formed from the same material as the holding element, for example from metal or plastic.With a view to a problem-free resting of the container with the upper edge or the horizontal rib of the container on the support element, the support element can have a recess or groove open in the direction of the interspace for a vertical rib of the container. A vertical rib, which was in contact with the retaining element or the contact element, for example, when the container was introduced into the interspace, can be received in the cutout or groove in a secure manner during the bearing of the container on the bearing element in order not to interfere with the bearing of the container. The recess or groove stabilizes the container in the inserted and held position when the container comes to lie with its vertical rib in the recess or groove. An undesired movement of the container in a horizontal plane and perpendicular to the recess or groove is thus largely avoided.Embodiments of the present invention may provide a container holder or a device for holding a container in order to display containers of different heights always at the same height level at a workplace.There are now various possibilities for advantageously embodying and developing the teaching of the present invention. For this purpose, reference is made on the one hand to the subordinate claims and on the other hand to the following explanation of preferred exemplary embodiments of the teaching according to the invention with reference to the drawing. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred exemplary embodiments on the basis of the drawing, preferred embodiments and refinements of the teaching are also generally explained. The drawing shows FIG. 1 shows a perspective illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention, FIG. 2 shows a perspective illustration of the exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention from FIG. 1 with a container held in the device, FIG. 3 shows a perspective illustration of a retaining element of the exemplary embodiment from FIG. 1, FIG. 4 shows a perspective illustration of a holding element of the exemplary embodiment from FIG. 1 arranged in a housing, FIG. 5 shows a sectional side view of the housing according to FIG. 4 with the retaining element arranged therein, FIG. 6 shows a sectional side view of the exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention from FIG. 1 during the introduction of a container into the device, FIG. 7 shows a sectional side view of the exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention from FIG. 1 with a completely inserted container, and FIG. 8 shows a sectional illustration of the exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention from FIG. 1 in a phase of lifting the container out of the device.FIG. 1 shows a perspective illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention with a container 1 located above it. FIG. 2 shows a perspective illustration of the exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention from FIG. 1, wherein the container 1 is already inserted here into a container holder 2 of the device and is located in an inserted position.The container holder 2 comprises two holding regions 3 spaced apart from one another, wherein the holding regions 3 in this exemplary embodiment are each designed in the form of a vertical side wall of the container holder 2. In this exemplary embodiment, the container holder 2 is itself of container-like design and, in addition to the two vertical side walls, also has two vertical longitudinal walls which, together with the vertical side walls, form a frame of the container holder 2.Between the holding portions 3, a space 4 is formed to hold a container 1 in the space 4. FIG. 2 shows the container 1 in the intermediate space 4. each holding region 3 has two movable holding elements 5 which project into the intermediate space 4 and each have a bearing element 6 for an upper edge 7 of the container 1 or a horizontal rib 8 of the container 1 formed in the region of the upper edge 7 of the container 1. Each holding element 5 is designed and arranged in such a way that, during a downward vertical insertion of the container 1 into the intermediate space 4, it is moved-by a contacting interaction with the container 1-out of a holding position out of the intermediate space 4 and, after a definable insertion depth of the container 1 into the intermediate space 4 has been reached, back into the holding position into the intermediate space 4. FIG. 1 shows the holding elements 5 in this holding position projecting into the intermediate space 4.In addition to the horizontal rib 8, the container 1 additionally has vertical ribs 9 which are formed on the outside on a side wall of the container 1. If the container 1 is introduced into the intermediate space 4, the vertical ribs 9 of the container 1 first come into contact with the holding elements 5 and quite specifically with a respective contact element 10 of each holding element 5. If the container 1 is inserted further into the intermediate space 4, the holding elements 5 with their respective contact elements 10 and support elements 6 are pressed out of their holding position out of the intermediate space 4, wherein they are moved translationally in the horizontal direction into their housings 11.FIGS. 3 to 5 show in concrete terms a holding element 5 in each case, namely in a perspective illustration without housing 11, in a perspective illustration in a housing 11 and in a sectional illustration in a housing 11.The movement of the holding elements 5-by means of the introduction of the container 1-out of the intermediate space 4 accordingly takes place against the elastic force of the elastic means 12. Shortly before reaching the defined insertion depth of the container 1 in the intermediate space 4, i.e. in a phase of the insertion of the container 1, in which the rib 9 and the contact element 10 begin to release from their state of contact and at some time no longer contact, the contact element 10 and thus the holding element 5 are moved back into the intermediate space 4 by the elastic means 12 in their holding position. In this case, the contact element 10-as viewed in the vertical direction-is moved over the upper edge 7 of the container 1 and the support element 6 is moved under the upper edge 7 or under the horizontal rib 8.In this inserted position of the container 1, the upper edge 7 of the container 1 and the horizontal rib 8 pass into a recess 13 formed between the contact element 10 and the support element 6, wherein the horizontal rib 8 rests on the support element 6 and is held securely in the intermediate space 4 by this support element 6. The contact element 10 thus also has the function of a latching element or a latching nose. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the container 1 in its inserted position lies on a total of four support elements 6.It can be clearly seen in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 that each support element 6 has a cutout 14 for a vertical rib 9 of the container 1, said cutout opening in the direction of the intermediate space 4. The vertical rib 9, which initially comes into contact with the contact element 10 when the container 1 is introduced into the interspace 4, reaches this recess 14 at the end of the introduction of the container 1, namely when the holding element 5 is moved back into its holding position in the interspace 4 by the elastic means 12. Without this recess 14, the holding element 5 could no longer be moved into the holding position in the interspace 4 at the end of the insertion of the container 1, since the vertical rib 9 would then collide with the support element 6, which would prevent the movement of the holding element 5 into the interspace.It can be seen particularly well in FIGS. 3 and 4 that the holding element 5 has two lateral guide regions 15 formed by side walls in order to be guided on an inner wall 16 of the housing 11 in order to ensure a secure movement of a holding element 5 in its respective housing 11. Furthermore, the holding elements 5 are mounted in their respective housings 11 by means of a bolt 17, preferably screw bolts. Here, the bolt 17 is inserted through a passage in the rear wall of the housing 11 and screwed into the retaining element 5. The elastic means 12 is arranged around the bolt 17 and acts between the housing 11 and the holding element 5. the holding element 5 is thereby secured against unintentional dropping out of the housing 11. In the installed state of the housings 11, the holding element 5 is prestressed by the elastic means 12 in the direction of the intermediate space 4 and thus into its initial position and holding position.FIGS. 6 to 8 each show, in a sectional side view, the exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention from FIG. 1 in three different operating states, namely according to FIG. 6 during the introduction of the container 1 into the interspace 4, according to FIG. 7 when the container 1 is introduced into the interspace 4 and according to FIG. 8 during the lifting of the container 1 from the interspace 4. while the container 1 is introduced into the interspace 4, the holding element 5 is pushed into its respective housing 11 against the elastic means 12. The arrow shown in FIG. 6 indicates the vertically downward movement of the container 1. In the inserted state of the container 1 shown in Fig. 7, the retaining element 5 is pushed out of the housing 11 again by the elastic means 12 to be in its retaining position. The upper edge 7 of the container 1 rests with the horizontal rib 8 on the support element 6. In the operating state shown in FIG. 8, the container 1 is raised again from the intermediate space 4, wherein the retaining element 5 is pressed back into its housing 11 against the elastic means 12 via the contact element 10 by means of the upper edge 7 and the vertical ribs 9 of the container 1. Thus, the container 1 can be easily removed again from the intermediate space 4 and thus from the device and the container holder 2. The upward movement of the container 1 is indicated by the arrow shown in FIG. 8.The contact element 10 of the exemplary embodiment shown here has a rounded cross-sectional shape. In this respect, the surface of the contact element 10 is rounded off with a predeterminable radius and / or with a central flat region. The curvature formed thereby is oriented in the direction of the intermediate space 4. Alternatively, the contact element 10 can have a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape with an edge directed in the direction of the intermediate space 4.In principle, it is essential in embodiments of the device according to the invention that the container 1 cooperates with an upper part--seen in a substantially vertical direction--when being introduced into the intermediate space 4, namely with the contact element 10 or a latching nose of the movable holding element 5. In the inserted state, the container 1 then interacts with a lower part, namely with the support element 6 for the container 1.Furthermore, in embodiments of the device according to the invention, two ribs 8 and 9 of a container 1 can be used, which ribs are usually arranged in the same way for all containers 1. The horizontally extending rib 8 is always at the same distance from the upper edge 7 or the upper side of the container 1 at all container heights. The vertically extending rib 9 is likewise usually at the same position for all containers 1. Since the horizontal rib 8 is at the same vertical distance from the top edge 7 or the top side of the container 1 at usually each container height, each container 1 locks with its top edge 7 or top side at the same height in the inserted position.With regard to further advantageous embodiments of the teaching according to the invention, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the appended claims in order to avoid repetitions.Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the exemplary embodiments described above serve merely for explaining the claimed teaching, but do not restrict it to the exemplary embodiments.List of reference characters1 Container 2 Container holder 3 Holding region 4 Intermediate space 5 Holding element 6 Support element 7 Upper edge 8 Horizontal rib 9 Vertical rib 10 Contact element 11 Housing 12 Elastic means 13 Recess 14 Recess 15 Guide element 16 Inner wall 17 Bolt
Claims
Device for holding a container (1), comprising a container holder (2) with two holding regions (3) spaced apart from one another in order to hold a container (1) in an intermediate space (4) between the holding regions (3), wherein each holding region (3) has at least one holding element (5) which projects into the intermediate space (4) and can be moved and has a bearing element (6) for an upper edge (7) of the container (1) or a horizontal rib (8) of the container (1) which rib is formed in the region of the upper edge (7) of the container (1), characterized in that each holding element (5) is formed and arranged in such a way, during a downward vertical insertion of the container (1) into the intermediate space (4), it is moved-by interaction with the container (1)-out of a holding position out of the intermediate space (4) and, after a definable insertion depth of the container (1) into the intermediate space (4) has been reached, back into the holding position into the intermediate space (4) so that the upper edge (7) or a horizontal rib (8) of the container (1) formed in the region of the upper edge (7) of the container (1) rests on the support elements (6) at the end of the insertion of the container (1) in an inserted position of the container (1).Device according to claim 1, characterised in that each holding element (5) is designed and arranged in such a way that during an upwardly directed vertical lifting of the container (1) from the inserted position it is moved - by cooperation with the container (1) - out of a holding position out of the intermediate space (4) and, after reaching a definable lifting height of the container (1), back into the holding position into the intermediate space (4).Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the holding elements (5) can be moved in each case in a translatory movement or in a swivelling movement out of the intermediate space (4) and into the intermediate space (4).Device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the retaining elements (5) are each assigned an elastic means, with the result that the retaining elements (5) can each be moved against the elastic means out of their retaining position out of the intermediate space (4) and into the intermediate space (4) by means of the elastic means.Device according to claim 4, characterised in that the retaining elements (5) are each prestressed in the direction of the intermediate space (4) by means of the elastic means.Device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the retaining elements (5) are each arranged displaceably or pivotably in a housing (11).Device according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the retaining elements (5) are each designed in such a way that the retaining elements (5) interact with the container (1) via contact between container (1) and respective retaining element (5).Device according to claim 7, characterised in that the holding elements (5) each have a contact element (10) for the contact between container (1) and holding element (5), wherein the contact element (10) is formed above the support element (6) in the vertical direction.Device according to claim 8, characterised in that the contact element (10) is designed in the form of a latching element, so that the contact element (10) is arranged above the upper edge (7) of the container (1) at the end of the introduction of the container (1).Device according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the support element (6) and the contact element (10) on the holding element (5) are spaced apart from one another in such a way that the upper edge (7) of the container (1) fits between the support element (6) and the contact element (10) into a recess (13) formed between the support element (6) and the contact element (10).Device according to one of Claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the retaining elements (5) are each formed integrally with the respective bearing element (6) and the respective contact element (10).Device according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the bearing element (6) has a cutout (14) or groove, which is open in the direction of the intermediate space (4), for a vertical rib (9) of the container (1).Station for accessing a container (1) and / or stored goods in a container (1), wherein the station comprises an apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 12.Storage and removal system having a grid structure with a plurality of grid cells, wherein each grid cell defines a storage column of a container storage structure arranged below the grid structure and wherein the storage columns are configured to each receive a vertical stack of containers (1), and having an apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 12 or having a station according to Claim 13.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Bin holding device
EP3697705B1