Storage system, storage carriers, and procedures and operation of a storage system

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage system (1) with pallet-like storage carriers (2) designed for loading with goods and arranged along at least one straight line, wherein all storage carriers (2) can be selectively moved stepwise in one of two opposite directions along the straight line with identical increments. A storage carrier (2) for the storage system (1) can be selectively moved stepwise in one of two opposite directions along the straight line with identical increments within the storage system (1). Furthermore, in a method for operating a storage system (1), at least one, several, or all of the storage carriers (2) are selectively moved stepwise in one of the two opposite directions along the straight line with identical increments.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a storage system with pallet-like storage carriers, which are designed for loading with stored goods and are arranged along at least one straight line. The invention further relates to a storage carrier for such a storage system and a method for operating such a storage system.

[0002] DE 10 2005 046 821 A1 discloses a horizontal circulation storage system in which a paternoster-like horizontal circulation of storage carriers through storage levels is provided. Furthermore, vertical conveying devices with circulating traction elements are provided.

[0003] In contrast, WO 2024 / 018054 A1 concerns a hanging bag storage system in which hanging bags are placed into a rail-like network for storage via a ring conveyor system, which may be designed similarly to a paternoster lift.

[0004] Furthermore, DE 101 57 121 A1 discloses a dynamic storage and material flow system with a vertical paternoster system. The paternoster system is deflected outwards in the lower part of the storage system to allow for an entry and exit nose for loading or unloading carrying units.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to create an improved bearing system.

[0006] This problem is solved by a storage system with pallet-like storage carriers designed for loading with goods and arranged along at least one straight line, wherein all storage carriers can be selectively moved stepwise or sequentially in either of two opposite directions along the straight line with identical step sizes. Furthermore, the problem is solved by a storage carrier for a storage system that can be selectively moved stepwise in either of two opposite directions along the straight line with identical step sizes. Finally, the problem is solved by a method for operating a storage system in which at least one, several, or all of the storage carriers are selectively moved stepwise in either of the two opposite directions along the straight line with identical step sizes.

[0007] According to the invention, all storage carriers of the storage system can be selectively moved stepwise or sequentially in one of two opposite directions along the straight line along which they are arranged in sequence, with identical step spacing. Due to the identical step spacing during the stepwise movement of the storage carriers, fixed, predefined positions are established for the storage carriers within the storage system, which the storage carriers occupy before and after the movement. The number of steps by which a storage carrier is moved during a movement operation can, in principle, be arbitrary, as long as it remains within the storage system, and can be one or more steps. In particular, the total distance by which a storage carrier is moved during a movement operation is always an integer multiple of the step spacing. Because the positions orSince the positions of the storage carriers in the storage system are predetermined and therefore known when using the system, the identification of individual storage carriers is significantly simplified. Consequently, access to stored storage carriers is easier and considerably faster than with conventional storage systems. This simplifies the overall process of storing, retrieving, and relocating goods within the system.

[0008] Preferably, the storage system has at least one conveying device with actuators that can be moved in either of the two opposite directions parallel to the straight line, each of which is equipped to releasably grip one of the storage carriers, wherein, to move storage carriers along the straight line in one of the two directions, at least one of the actuators grips one of the storage carriers and the conveying device moves by at least one step and in this direction.Accordingly, a preferred method for operating a storage system comprises the steps of gripping a pallet-like storage carrier with at least one actuator of a conveying device that is optionally movable in either of the two opposite directions parallel to the straight line, moving the conveying device in one of the two opposite directions by at least one step size, wherein the actuator holds the storage carrier during the movement of the conveying device, and releasing the actuator from the storage carrier after the movement of the conveying device has been completed. Advantageously, in such cases, the storage carrier has at least one drive pin or at least two drive pins arranged successively parallel to the straight line, so that an actuator can grip the storage carrier at this drive pin.The conveying device can grasp the storage carrier held by the actuator and, in doing so, move it along the way. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, the conveying device can fulfill three fundamental functions. These include capturing storage carriers by grasping them with the actuators, transporting storage carriers by moving the conveying device, whereby storage carriers grasped by the actuators of the conveying device are moved in the same direction as the conveying device itself, and fixing the grasped storage carriers after they have been moved. In contrast to, for example, known belt drives, a movable conveying device can also be more easily extended in the case of attachments to the storage system, so that it can also move storage carriers to or into these attachments.

[0009] In general, the conveying device can have a base body of any shape, suitable for attaching actuators, and which can be hollow inside. For example, the base body can be an elongated or rod-like element, or it can be made of profiled sheet metal with, for example, a rectangular cross-section. To guide the conveying device during movement, the storage system can have several rollers on which the conveying device rests with one lower surface, supporting the conveying device, and / or which contact the conveying device with only one side surface, and / or with two side surfaces. Advantageously, the conveying device extends along the entire length of the storage system so that storage carriers can be moved along this entire length with one and the same conveying device.The actuators are arranged at regular intervals along the entire length of the conveyor system on its base. This ensures that each of the storage carriers lined up along the straight path can, in principle, be gripped by one of the actuators.

[0010] If the storage carrier has only one drive pin, this pin is positioned centrally on the storage carrier to prevent torques or other forces that could impede its movement. Specifically, if the storage carrier is moved horizontally, the drive pin is located on an upper or lower surface of the carrier. In the case of two or more drive pins, these are preferably also located on an upper or lower surface of the storage carrier and are arranged sequentially parallel to the linear axis.

[0011] Preferably, the actuator has a linearly extendable and retractable element or a gripping arm. It can be designed for active or clamping gripping of the storage carriers using a gripper, or it can grip the storage carriers passively, for example, by establishing a simple positive fit with a part of the storage carrier, such as a drive pin, without exerting any clamping forces. The advantage of passive gripping of the storage carrier by the actuator is that complex, error-prone, and costly mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic devices for generating clamping forces during gripping can be completely eliminated.Because the actuator does not have to generate any forces when positively gripping the storage carrier, it is not subjected to excessive loads, which reduces wear on the actuator and increases its service life.

[0012] Particularly preferably, at least one of the actuators is individually controllable, or all or several of the actuators are individually controllable. Accordingly, in a preferred method, at least one of the actuators is individually controlled, or several or all of the actuators are individually controlled. In this way, the storage system can be configured to move individual storage carriers along the straight line, or to move several or even all storage carriers simultaneously along the straight line, depending on which and how many of the actuators are individually controlled to grip storage carriers. Thus, moving individual or simultaneous...Simultaneous movement of multiple storage carriers along a straight line creates gaps or shifts existing gaps within a single strand or series of storage carriers, and allows for the rearrangement and relocation of storage carriers within a single strand. In particular, storage carriers can be compacted or thinned out section by section or at specific points within the strand. Conversely, when all storage carriers in a strand are moved simultaneously, the entire strand is moved in the respective direction parallel to the straight line, while maintaining any gaps between its storage carriers. With known belt drives, neither the creation or displacement of storage carriers nor the rearrangement and relocation of storage carriers within a single strand is possible, since belt drives always move all storage carriers.

[0013] An advantageous embodiment of the storage system comprises at least one transport device for transporting additional storage carriers into a strand along the straight line of storage carriers and / or for transporting storage carriers from this strand. Accordingly, in an advantageous embodiment of the method, before a storage carrier is gripped, at least one additional storage carrier is transported by a transport device into a strand along the straight line of storage carriers and moved out of the transport device during the movement of the conveying device. Alternatively or additionally, during the movement of the conveying device, at least one of the storage carriers is moved into a transport device and, after the actuator is released from the storage carrier, is transported away from the strand of storage carriers arranged along the straight line by the transport device.If the storage system has at least two transport devices, these can be arranged such that the respective directions in which the transport devices move the storage carriers are parallel to each other or form an angle, and in particular a right angle. For example, the transport device can be an elevator or lift with which storage carriers can be transported vertically between different storage levels located at different heights or levels. However, a transport device can also be provided for the horizontal transport of storage carriers within the same storage level, i.e., between rows or strings of storage carriers located in one and the same storage level.Naturally, a storage system can have at least one transport device for vertically transporting storage carriers as well as at least one transport device for horizontally transporting storage carriers. In particular, a transport device for vertical transport and / or a transport device for horizontal transport of storage carriers can be provided at each of two opposite ends of a storage system, so that the storage system as a whole can have a symmetrical design. Within the transport device, passive, i.e., unpowered, rollers of a roller conveyor can also be provided to assist in guiding the storage carriers. In addition to the passive rollers, the storage system can be equipped with actively powered rollers outside the transport device, which facilitate the movement or...Roller conveyors facilitate the transport of the storage carriers, or even make it possible, for example, in the absence of a conveyor system with actuators. Roller conveyors are particularly advantageous for moving storage carriers because the carriers essentially only have to overcome rolling friction.

[0014] For moving the storage carriers, it is generally sufficient if the storage carrier is provided with a single drive pin that actuators can engage. Nevertheless, storage carriers preferably have at least two drive pins arranged consecutively parallel to a straight line. Furthermore, the storage system is preferably configured such that, when one of the storage carriers is moved out of the transport device, an actuator engages the storage carrier at the drive pin of the storage carrier that is furthest forward in the direction of movement, and / or that, when one of the storage carriers is moved into the transport device, an actuator engages the storage carrier at the drive pin of the storage carrier that is furthest back in the direction of movement, of the drive pins of the storage carrier that are furthest forward in the direction of movement.Equally preferred is a method in which, when one of the storage carriers is moved out of the transport device of the storage carriers, an actuator grips the one of at least two drive pins of the storage carrier arranged one after the other parallel to the straight line, which is the foremost in the direction of the movement, and / or in which, when one of the storage carriers is moved into the transport device of the storage carriers, an actuator grips the one of at least two drive pins of the storage carrier arranged one after the other parallel to the straight line, which is the rearmost in the direction of the movement.In other words, when one of the storage carriers is moved out of and / or into the transport device, an actuator engages the storage carrier at the drive pin of the at least two parallel, successively arranged drive pins that, after the storage carrier is moved out of the transport device or before it is moved into the transport device, is located at the end of the row of drive pins furthest from the transport device. For example, the drive pin that is located at the end of the row of drive pins furthest from the transport device when the storage carrier is moved out of or into the transport device can be positioned off-center with respect to the storage carrier, while the other drive pin is positioned centrally with respect to the storage carrier.

[0015] Such embodiments of the storage system, the storage carriers, and the method enable a considerable time saving in the operation of the transport system. Specifically, if the guide device is dimensioned somewhat shorter than the overall length of the storage system, the guide device only needs to move a smaller distance than the constant, identical step required when moving storage carriers into the transport system. This allows for faster insertion of a storage carrier into the transport system. Consequently, the transport system can begin transporting the inserted storage carrier more quickly, and the guide device, which extends into the transport system, can also be removed from the transport system more quickly due to the shorter distance it has to travel. The same applies to removing storage carriers from the transport system.Because the guide device projects less far into the transport device in these embodiments, a free stroke of the transport device can begin even before the guide device has been completely removed from the transport device. During the insertion and removal of storage carriers from the transport device, the otherwise constant, identical step length for moving storage carriers is advantageously deviated from during these processes, and the shorter step length is used only to move the respective storage carrier being inserted or removed.

[0016] Advantageously, the storage system has at least one fixing device for securing at least one, several, or all of the storage carriers in a static state. Similarly, the storage carrier can advantageously have at least one fixing element provided for securing it in a static state within the storage system. It is also advantageous for the storage carriers to be fixed between movements. By means of a fixing device, storage carriers located in the storage system can be secured in a static state against unforeseen vibrations, such as those occurring during earthquakes. The fixing element of the storage carrier can be a fixing bolt similar to a drive bolt, to which the fixing device engages and which can be shorter than the drive bolt.While the drive pin is preferably arranged centrally on an outer surface of the storage carrier, as already mentioned, the fixing pin is preferably offset off-center in a direction transverse to the movement directions of the storage carrier so that it can be more easily reached by the fixing device. The fixing of the storage carriers by the fixing device preferably occurs before the actuator releases from the drive pin, and the release of the fixing device preferably occurs after the actuator has gripped the drive pin, so that a secure hold of the storage carriers within the storage system is ensured at all times. Furthermore, the fixing device can have at least one preload spring to maintain its fixing effect even in the event of unforeseen impairments.

[0017] It is also advantageous to have at least one holding location for at least one storage carrier in the storage system. Accordingly, in an advantageous method, at least one empty storage carrier is kept ready for loading with the respective goods or temporarily stored at a holding location in the storage system, and / or storage carriers are loaded with the respective goods at a holding location in the storage system before being placed in the row of storage carriers. Thus, the holding location can advantageously be used as a buffer position or temporary storage for loaded or unloaded storage carriers, so that storage carriers already placed in the storage system would not have to be removed from the storage system, particularly during storage and retrieval operations involving complex processes.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of a storage carrier, forklift pockets are formed on the carrier. Such forklift pockets prove useful not only for transporting the storage carrier removed from the storage system using forklifts. If the storage system has a roller conveyor, the forklift pockets can also be advantageously used to guide the storage carrier along this conveyor.

[0019] Furthermore, the storage system is preferably modular in design. For example, the storage system can be segmented according to a building block principle. Modular storage systems can be reconfigured as needed and offer great flexibility regarding expansions or reductions in size. Any transport equipment for the storage carriers can also be positioned anywhere and rearranged at a later date. Therefore, a modular storage system offers maximum flexibility in terms of design and subsequent modifications.

[0020] Particularly preferred in storage systems are storage carriers arranged along several staggered straight lines, all of which are parallel to each other. The staggering of these lines can be in a horizontal or vertical direction. Horizontally staggered lines can thus form horizontal storage levels within the system, while vertically staggered lines create storage levels or heights of varying heights. Naturally, staggered lines can be arranged in both horizontal and vertical directions, allowing the storage system to have multiple storage levels at different heights.

[0021] The invention is schematically illustrated in various embodiments in the drawings.

[0022] They show: Fig. 1 a storage system with transport facilities and holding area; Fig. 2 a storage carrier; Fig. 3 a conveying device with actuators; Fig. 4a) an actuator in the dissolved state, Fig. 4b) the actuator Fig. 4a) in the gripping state.

[0023] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows a storage system 1 for receiving pallet-like storage carriers 2 that can be loaded with stored goods. The storage system 1 has a storage area 3 in which storage carriers 2 can be accommodated at four vertically staggered heights or storage levels 4, 5, 6, 7. Of these four storage levels 4, 5, 6, 7, the following is shown in this case: Fig. 1. Only the lowest storage level 4 is fully equipped with storage carriers 2, wherein these storage carriers 2, which are located in the lowest storage level 4 of the storage system 1, are arranged in a straight line and form a string of storage carriers 2. On both sides of the storage area 3, a transport device or a lift 8 and a lift 9 are provided, with the aid of which storage carriers 2 can move between the storage levels 4, 5, 6, 7. At the foot end of the in the Fig. On the right side of lift 9, facing away from storage area 3, an area 10 is provided in which storage carriers 2, whether loaded with goods, empty, or to be loaded, can be positioned during loading and unloading into storage system 1. Conversely, on the side of the lift's foot end facing storage area 3, a holding area 11 is provided for empty storage carriers 2 or for storage carriers 2 that are temporarily stored there during loading, unloading, and rearrangement processes of storage system 1. Thus, holding area 11 serves as a buffer for storage carriers 2 during the operation of storage system 1.

[0024] The storage carriers 2 can be moved in either of two opposite horizontal directions along the straight line along which they are arranged. In the Fig. Figure 1 shows these two directions to the left and to the right, and these directions are indicated by a double arrow in the figure. The movement of the storage carriers 2 always occurs in integer steps with identical step sizes. As a result of this movement of the storage carriers 2 in integer steps with identical step sizes, a storage carrier 2, after being moved by n steps (where n is an integer), is always in a position that was previously occupied in this direction by the nth storage carrier 2 relative to the moved storage carrier 2. It is naturally assumed that this number n does not exceed the number of storage carriers 2 starting from the moved storage carrier 2 to the end of the row of storage carriers 2, and that all storage carriers 2 adjacent to the moved storage carrier 2 in the direction of movement are also moved accordingly.

[0025] When the storage carriers 2 are moved in the Fig. 1. To move even just one step to the left or right, the outermost storage carriers 2 of the string cross the respective edge of the storage area 3 and enter one of the lifts 8 or 9. Storage carriers 2 located in one of the lifts 8 or 9 can then be lifted from the lower storage level 4 to one of the three higher storage levels 5, 6, 7 and moved back into storage area 3 at the respective storage level 5, 6, 7. By successively replenishing storage levels 5, 6, 7 with further storage carriers 2, whereby storage carriers 2 already located at storage levels 5, 6, 7 are moved accordingly if necessary, a string of storage carriers 2 can also be formed at each of these storage levels. These, like the storage carriers 2 on storage level 4, are lined up along a straight line that is parallel to the straight line along which the storage carriers 2 of storage level 4 are lined up.

[0026] In particular, the storage carriers 2 of a strand do not need to be as in the Fig. 1 for the storage carriers 2 of the lowest storage level 4 shown are directly adjacent to each other or abutting each other. Rather, there can also be one or even several unoccupied positions or empty spaces between two storage carriers 2. By rearranging the storage carriers 2 of a strand, not only the positions of the storage carriers 2 can be changed, but also the positions of the empty spaces within a strand.

[0027] While with the in the Fig. 1 left lift 8 only storage carriers 2 already placed in storage system 1 between storage levels 4, 5, 6, 7 can be transported by means of the in the Fig. In addition, the right-hand lift 9 allows for the insertion or removal of additional storage carriers 2 into or out of storage system 1. To insert storage carriers 2 into storage system 1, they are first positioned in area 10, where they may be loaded with goods before being moved into lift 9 and from there to one of the storage levels 4, 5, 6, or 7, and then into storage area 3. Conversely, when removing storage carriers 2 from storage system 1, they are moved into lift 9 at one of the storage levels 4, 5, 6, or 7 and transported from there to the level of area 10, before being unloaded or transported further from lift 9. If necessary, storage carriers 2 can be temporarily stored at holding location 11, or empty storage carriers 2 provided at holding location 11 can be retrieved.

[0028] Storage system 1 is modular, meaning it can be easily expanded by adding modules, reduced by removing modules, or reconfigured by rearranging modules. For example, the overall length of storage system 1 can be increased by inserting suitable modules, allowing the same storage level 4, 5, 6, 7 to accommodate more storage carriers 2, or enabling a longer line of storage carriers 2 to be stored on levels 4, 5, 6, 7. Conversely, the overall length of storage system 1 can be shortened by removing modules, thus reducing the maximum number of storage carriers 2 on any given storage level 4, 5, 6, 7. Similarly, the number of storage levels 4, 5, 6, 7 can be increased by adding modules or decreased by removing modules.Furthermore, lifts 8 and 9 can be removed at any time or positioned at a different location within storage system 2. For example, the one in the . Fig. 1 left lift 8 removed from storage system 1 and the one in the Fig. One right-hand lift 9 could be positioned in the center of storage system 1 instead of at its edge. Due to the modular design of storage system 1, numerous possibilities for its modification and reconfiguration arise.

[0029] Fig. Figure 2 shows one of the pallet-like storage carriers 2 stored in storage system 1. Also in the Fig. The directions of movement in which the storage carrier 2 can be moved within the storage system 1 are indicated by a double arrow. Two opposite end regions of the storage carrier 2 are designed as forklift pockets 12 running parallel to the directions of movement. Furthermore, the storage carrier 2 has two drive pins 13 and 14 and two fixing pins 15. The drive pins 13 and 14 are arranged sequentially or one behind the other parallel to the direction of movement and centered transversely to the direction of movement. The two fixing pins 15 are also arranged sequentially or one behind the other parallel to the direction of movement, but eccentrically transversely to the direction of movement. In addition, the fixing pins 15 are shorter than the drive pins 13 and 14.

[0030] The end sections of the storage carrier 2, designed as forklift shoes 12, not only facilitate the transport of the storage carrier 2 outside the storage system 2, because they allow the storage carrier 2 to be easily and safely picked up by a forklift. Furthermore, the forklift shoes 12 also prove advantageous for moving the storage carrier 2 within the storage system 1, since the storage carrier 2, with the forklift shoes 12, can roll on rollers of any roller conveyor present in the storage system 1 without any obstruction. Roller conveyors are preferred in the storage system 1 because only rolling resistance needs to be overcome when moving the storage carrier 2 on the roller conveyor. For example, on each of the storage levels 4, 5, 6, 7 of the storage system 1, the Fig. 1. A roller conveyor with passive, non-driven rollers is provided, extending over the entire length of storage area 3 from lift 8 to lift 9. In lifts 8 and 9, however, lifting elements for the vertical transport of the storage carriers 2 are equipped with short roller conveyors featuring active, driven rollers. After the lifting elements are raised to one of the storage levels 4, 5, 6, 7, the respective roller conveyors of storage levels 4, 5, 6, 7 merge into the short roller conveyor of the lifting element, effectively extending the roller conveyor from storage area 3 into the respective lift 8, 9. This allows the storage carriers 2 to be easily moved into or out of the lift 8, 9. The movement of the storage carriers 2 into and out of the respective lift 8, 9 is actively supported by the active rollers of the short roller conveyor of the lifting element.

[0031] On each of the storage levels 4, 5, 6, 7 of storage system 1, there is one in the Fig. A conveying device 16, shown in Figure 3 and arranged below the storage carriers 2, is provided by means of which the storage carriers 2 can be moved parallel to the straight line and optionally in opposite directions. For this purpose, the conveying device 16 has a plurality of actuators 17 arranged on an elongated base body 18 of the conveying device 16. The conveying device 16, or rather its base body 18, extends parallel to the straight line along which the storage carriers 2 are arranged and essentially over the entire length of the storage area 3. In this case, the base body 18 is designed as a simple hollow profile with a rectangular cross-section, but it can, in principle, have any cross-sectional shape. Furthermore, a solid profile can also be used for the base body 18.By means of the actuators 17 attached at constant intervals on the base body 18, the conveying device 16 is able to grip the storage carriers 2 at one of their drive bolts 13, 14.

[0032] In the Fig. 4a) An actuator 17 is shown in a state detached from the drive bolts 13, 14. The actuator 17 has two spaced-apart and in the Fig. 4a) Fixed guide pins 19 projecting upwards from the base body 18 and a movable U-shaped coupling unit 20 with legs 21. The guide pins 19 are spaced apart transversely to the longitudinal direction of the base body 18 just far enough to allow drive pins 13, 14 of storage carriers 2 to engage between the guide pins 19. Furthermore, the width of the guide pins 19 in the longitudinal direction of the base body 18 is chosen such that it only slightly exceeds the diameter of the drive pins 13, 14. Conversely, the clear width of the U-shaped coupling unit 20 only slightly exceeds the width of the guide pins 19. The coupling unit 20 is movable transversely to the longitudinal direction of the base body 18 and arranged such that it can be positioned as shown in the Fig. 4b) shown can be brought into a state in which the guide pins 19 are received between the legs 21 of the U-shaped coupling unit 20. In this state, the base body 18, the guide pins 19 and the legs 21 of the U-shaped coupling unit 20 enclose a space that is open only at the top and in which a drive pin 13, 14 projecting from above into this space can receive one of the bearing carriers 2 with minimal play.

[0033] In order to move a storage carrier 2 by means of the conveying device 16, the conveying device is first moved in its longitudinal direction until one of the drive pins 13, 14 of the storage carrier 2 to be moved enters between the guide pins 19 of an actuator 17, whereby the actuator 17 moves the Fig. 4a) assumes the state shown with the coupling unit 20 retracted. The coupling unit 20 is then moved and the actuator 17 is moved into the position shown in the Fig. 4b) is transformed into the state shown. This causes the drive pin 13, 14, which projects from above into the space enclosed by the base body 18, the guide pin 19, and the legs 21 of the U-shaped coupling unit 20, to be gripped by the actuator 17 or coupled to the actuator 17. When the conveyor 16 now moves, the storage carrier 2, gripped by or coupled to its actuator 17, is pulled or carried along by the conveyor 16 via the drive pin 13, 14 and moved in the same direction as the conveyor 16 moves. After the storage carrier 2 has been moved, the coupling unit 20 of the actuator 17 moves back, and the actuator 17 again takes up the position in the Fig. 4a) shows the state in which it is released from the drive bolt 13, 14 and releases the storage carrier 2. The conveyor 16 can now be moved again without the storage carrier 2 being carried along.

[0034] Provided the actuators 17 can be controlled individually, it is possible in this way to move the entire string of storage carriers 2 or only parts of it, including and maintaining any gaps within the string. Furthermore, if gaps exist within the string, it is also possible to rearrange the storage carriers 2 as desired, as well as the gaps within the string.

[0035] For the above-described movement of the storage carriers 2 by means of the conveyor device 16, a single drive pin is in principle entirely sufficient. Nevertheless, for storage carrier 2 the Fig. 2 Two drive pins 13, 14 are provided because this allows for time savings when inserting and removing the storage carrier 2 into the lifts 8, 9. Specifically, if, for inserting the storage carrier 2 into one of the lifts 8, 9, the drive pin 13, 14 that is facing away from or further away from the lift 8, 9 in question is engaged by an actuator 17, the travel distance that the conveying device 16 has to cover to move the storage carrier 2 into the lift 8, 9 in question is shorter than if the actuator 17 engages the drive pin 13, 14 facing the lift 8, 9 in question. For example, if the storage carrier 2 of the Fig. Since the storage carrier 2 needs to be moved into the plane of the sheet for insertion into one of the lifts 8, 9, the actuator 17 engages the drive pin 14 and not the drive pin 13, i.e., the drive pin 14, which is furthest away from the lift 8, 9 and further back in the direction of movement. If the drive pin 13, which faces the lift 8, 9, were engaged, the conveying device 16 would have to travel a longer distance and move further into the lift 8, 9 than if it had engaged the drive pin 14, which faces away from the lift 8, 9. If the storage carrier 2 is to be moved into the lift 8, 9, the actuator 17 engages the drive pin 14 instead of the drive pin 13. Fig. Conversely, if the load carriers 2 are to be moved out of a lift 8, 9, i.e., out of the plane of the sheet, the actuator 17 advantageously engages the drive pin 14 and not the drive pin 13, i.e., the drive pin 14, which in this case faces the storage area 3 and is forward in the direction of movement, because the required travel distance for the conveyor 16 is then shortest. As a result of the shorter travel distance of the conveyor 16, the loading and unloading of the lifts 8, 9 with load carriers 2 can thus be accelerated, and because the conveyor 16 does not protrude far into the lifts 8, 9, the transport of the inserted load carrier 2 can also begin sooner. Overall, this results in a significant time saving in the operation of the storage system 1.

[0036] As in the Fig.As can be seen in Figure 3, the storage system 1 also has a fixing device 22 to securely hold storage carriers 2 between moving operations or stationary storage carriers 2 in the storage system 1 and to protect them from unforeseen vibrations.

[0037] The fixing device 22 is essentially an elongated hollow profile with a square cross-section in this case, extending below the storage carriers 2 parallel to the straight line along which the storage carriers 2 are arranged, and parallel to the conveyor 16. On one side facing the conveyor 16, U-shaped elements 23 are arranged, which are designed to receive the fixing bolts 15 of the storage carriers 2 between their legs. The fixing device 22 can be tilted about its longitudinal axis by means of, for example, a pneumatic actuator 24.

[0038] In the tilted position of the fixing device 22, the fixing bolts 15 of the storage carriers 2 are released from the U-shaped elements 23, and the respective storage carrier 2 can be moved as described. In the upright position of the fixing device 22, the fixing bolts 15 of the storage carriers 2 are located between the legs of the U-shaped elements 23, and the storage carrier 2 is thus fixed.

[0039] On storage levels 4, 5, 6, and 7, one or more fixing devices 22 can be provided in the storage system 1. Thus, a separate fixing device 22 can be provided for each position that a storage carrier 2 can occupy. Alternatively, one fixing device 22 can be provided for several storage carriers 2. Finally, the storage system 1 can also have a single fixing device 22 for all storage carriers 2 on a storage level 4, 5, 6, or 7.

[0040] Claims submitted now with the application and subsequently shall not prejudice the obtaining of further protection.

[0041] Should closer examination, particularly of the relevant prior art, reveal that one or more features are advantageous but not essential for the objective of the invention, a formulation is naturally being sought that no longer includes such a feature, especially in the main claim. Such a sub-combination is also covered by the disclosure of this application.

[0042] It should also be noted that the embodiments and variants of the invention described in the various embodiments and shown in the figures can be combined with one another in any way. Individual or multiple features are interchangeable. These combinations of features are also disclosed.

[0043] The cross-references cited in the dependent claims indicate the further development of the subject matter of the main claim by the features of the respective dependent claim. However, these are not to be understood as a waiver of the right to obtain independent, substantive protection for the features of the cross-referenced dependent claims.

[0044] Features disclosed only in the description, or individual features from claims comprising multiple features, may at any time be incorporated into the independent claim(s) as being essential to the invention for the purpose of distinguishing it from the prior art, even if such features were mentioned in connection with other features or achieve particularly favorable results in connection with other features. 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] DE 10 2005 046 821 A1

[0002] WO 2024 / 018054 A1

[0003] DE 101 57 121 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Storage system (1) with pallet-like storage carriers (2) which are intended for loading with storage goods and are arranged along at least one straight line, wherein all storage carriers (2) can be selectively moved stepwise in one of two opposite directions and along the straight line with identical step size. [2] Storage system (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the storage system (1) has at least one conveying device (16) with actuators (17) which can be moved in either of the two opposite directions parallel to the straight line, each of which is equipped to releasably grip one of the storage carriers (2), wherein, for moving storage carriers (2) along the straight line in one of the two directions, at least one of the actuators (17) grips one of the storage carriers (2) and the conveying device (16) moves by at least one step and in this direction. [3] Storage system (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that at least one of the actuators (17) can be controlled individually or that all or several of the actuators (17) can be controlled individually. [4] Storage system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the storage system (1) has at least one transport device (8, 9) for transporting additional storage carriers (2) into a strand along the straight line of storage carriers (2) arranged in a row and / or for transporting storage carriers (2) from this strand. [5] Storage system (1) according to claim 4 and one of claims 2 or 3, characterized by, that when one of the storage carriers (2) is moved out of the transport device (8, 9) an actuator (17) engages the storage carrier (2) at the one of at least two drive bolts (13, 14) of the storage carrier (2) arranged one after the other parallel to the straight line, which is the foremost in the direction of the movement, and / or that when one of the storage carriers (2) is moved into the transport device (8, 9) an actuator (17) engages the storage carrier (2) at the one of at least two drive bolts (13, 14) of the storage carrier (2) arranged one after the other parallel to the straight line, which is the rearmost in the direction of the movement. [6] Storage system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the storage system (1) has at least one fixing device (22) for fixing at least one of the storage carriers (2) or several storage carriers (2) or all storage carriers (2) in a stationary state. [7] Storage system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in the storage system (1) at least one holding space (11) for at least one storage carrier (2) is provided. [8] Storage system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the storage system (1) is modular. [9] Storage system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the storage carriers (2) are arranged along several staggered straight lines, all of which are aligned parallel to each other. [10] Storage carrier (2) for a storage system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which in the storage system (1) can be selectively moved stepwise in one of two mutually opposite directions along the straight line with identical step size. [11] Storage carrier (2) according to claim 10, characterized by, that the storage carrier (2) has at least one drive pin (13, 14) or at least two drive pins (13, 14) arranged one after the other parallel to the straight line. [12] Storage carrier (2) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by , that the storage carrier (2) has at least one fixing element (15) which is provided for fixing the storage carrier (2) in a stationary state in the storage system (1). [13] Storage carrier (2) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by , that forklift shoes (12) are formed on the storage carrier (2). [14] Method for operating a storage system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9 with at least one storage carrier (2) according to one of claims 10 to 13, in which at least one or more or all of the storage carriers (2) are selectively moved stepwise in one of the two mutually opposite directions along the straight line with identical step size. [15] Method for operating a storage system (1) according to claim 14 comprising the steps: a) Gripping a pallet-like storage carrier (2) with at least one actuator (17) of a conveying device (16) that can be moved in either of the two opposite directions parallel to the straight line; b) The conveying device (16) moves in one of the two opposite directions by at least one step, wherein the actuator (17) holds the storage carrier (2) during the conveying device (16) movement, c) Detaching the actuator (17) from the storage carrier (2) after the conveying device (16) has been carried out. [16] Method according to claim 15, characterized by , that at least one of the actuators (17) is controlled individually or that several or all of the actuators (17) are controlled individually. [17] Method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized by, that before step a) at least one additional storage carrier (2) is transported by a transport device (8, 9) into a string of storage carriers (2) arranged along the straight line and in step b) is moved out of the transport device (8, 9), and / or that in step b) at least one of the storage carriers (2) is moved into a transport device (8, 9) and after step c) is transported away from a string of storage carriers (2) arranged along the straight line by the transport device (8, 9). [18] Method according to claim 17 and one of claims 15 or 16, characterized by , that When one of the storage carriers (2) is moved out of the transport device (8, 9), the storage carriers (2) are gripped by an actuator (17) on the one of at least two drive bolts (13, 14) of the storage carrier (2) arranged parallel to the straight line that is the foremost in the direction of the movement, and / or that When one of the storage carriers (2) is moved into the transport device (8, 9) of the storage carriers (2) is gripped by an actuator (17) on the one of at least two drive bolts (13, 14) of the storage carrier (2) arranged parallel to the straight line that is the rearmost in the direction of the movement. [19] Method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized by , that the storage carriers (2) are fixed between displacement operations. [20] Method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized by , that at least one empty storage carrier (2) is kept ready or temporarily stored at a holding location (11) of the storage system (1) for loading with the respective stored goods and / or that on a holding area (11) of the storage system (1) storage carriers (2) are loaded with the respective stored goods before being placed in the row of storage carriers (2).

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