Storage and retrieval machine

Abstract

The invention describes a storage and retrieval machine (SRM) (1) for removing and storing items or containers to be filled or filled with items in spatially confined environments or in a shipping container (5) with a plurality of vertically arranged storage locations (6) one above the other in the direction of a Y-axis and horizontally arranged next to each other in the direction of a Z-axis and an X-axis for receiving at least one item or container or two items or containers arranged next to each other in the direction of the X-axis, wherein the RGB (1) has a carriage (3) movable along the X-axis and a mast (4) arranged approximately in the middle along the length of the carriage (3), the mast being perpendicular and parallel to the Y-axis, wherein a load handling device (LHD) (2) is arranged along the X-axis on each side of the mast, wherein the two LAGs (2) are connected to each other by means of a common lifting belt and are movable or traversable, wherein raising in the Y direction of the first LAG (2) causes the second LAG (2) to be lowered and vice versa, wherein the lifting belt is guided over the mast (4) and is driven by an electric motor, wherein the spatially confined environment or the sea container (5) has a side opening (8) arranged along the X-axis which corresponds at least to the dimensions of the LAGs (2) arranged side by side.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of storage and retrieval machines for storing and retrieving items in high-bay warehouses.

[0002] The invention describes in particular an improvement over known solutions for storage and retrieval machines that are arranged between two parallel high-bay warehouses.

[0003] Such high-bay warehouses, which are widespread in the prior art and extend both horizontally and vertically and are arranged in pairs parallel to each other, are often filled with goods or removed from them by a storage and retrieval machine moving between these high-bay warehouses.

[0004] Various types of storage and retrieval machines are known for this purpose.

[0005] With all known storage and retrieval machines, it is essential that, after retrieving or filling individual storage locations within the high-bay warehouse, they move to a designated station to pick up or drop off the corresponding goods or containers. This station requires a particularly large amount of space, especially for storage and retrieval machines with two load handling devices arranged side by side. Furthermore, a disadvantage of the known solutions is that, with two load handling devices arranged side by side along the length of the racking system, each device requires its own drive for height adjustment.

[0006] Based on the aforementioned prior art, the present invention aims to create a storage and retrieval machine for loading and unloading goods or containers in a high-bay warehouse, which does not require a so-called station, thus requiring extremely little space, which furthermore has an extremely compact design and low weight, which is also suitable for use in a sea container and in parallel high-bay warehouses arranged therein, which is also cost-effective and easy to manufacture and has a long service life with low energy consumption.

[0007] To solve this problem, a storage and retrieval machine with the features of claim 1 is proposed.

[0008] Such a storage and retrieval machine with two LAGs arranged side-by-side along an X-axis allows it to be installed and used inside a shipping container without a station required for loading and unloading the LAGs. For this to work, only a recess or opening needs to be formed in one side wall running along the X-axis, corresponding to at least the dimensions of two LAGs arranged side by side. Through this opening, the storage and retrieval machine, or rather its LAGs, can receive and store goods, and through it, the received and stored goods can be dispensed.

[0009] This eliminates the need for energy-intensive, heavy, and space-consuming drives, as the LAGs are connected and movable via a common lifting belt. Raising one LAG lowers a second, and vice versa. Both the small footprint and the weight compensation provided by this belt drive improve energy efficiency compared to conventional solutions. Alternatively, a chain drive or similar mechanism can be used instead of the belt drive.

[0010] The arrangement of the load handling devices side by side allows the shelf compartments to be positioned and accessed along the entire travel path of the RGB (Railway Storage and Retrieval System). This significantly improves space utilization compared to conventional solutions, which is particularly advantageous in confined storage environments, such as in a shipping container.

[0011] Due to these features, the RGB according to the invention has a significantly lower tare weight compared to solutions known in the prior art and can also be operated using a standard 230-volt power supply. The simultaneous use of the LAGs arranged side by side enables a particularly high throughput. For example, a 45-foot high-cube sea container is equipped with 420 storage containers measuring 400x600x220 mm and can achieve a throughput of more than 120 double cycles.

[0012] In particular, it can be preferably provided that the RGB with the LAGs can be moved between two rail systems that follow each other in the direction of the Z-axis and are arranged on the floor along the X-axis, wherein travel limiting stops with stop buffers are arranged at the beginning and end of the travel path.

[0013] The arrangement of such a rail system is known in itself and has proven to be a particularly simple and secure solution for moving the RGB, especially when using it inside a shipping container.

[0014] The stop buffers ensure that the travel distance cannot be exceeded.

[0015] Furthermore, it may be particularly preferred that the RGB and the LAGs are each driven by an electric motor and connected to and controlled by an intelligent control system, so that chaotic storage is possible.

[0016] The electric motor drives for moving the RGB mast and for raising and lowering the LAGs can also be connected to and controlled by an intelligent system, such as a computer control, so that, if desired, chaotic storage is also possible and it is ensured at all times that the appropriate storage location and quick access to this storage location are possible as quickly as possible.

[0017] Furthermore, it may be particularly preferred that the RBG and the LAGs can be switched and operated by means of a wired or wireless remote control unit.

[0018] As an alternative to or in addition to intelligent control, storage locations can also be stocked and unloaded using a wired or wireless remote control unit.

[0019] Furthermore, it may be particularly preferred that the LAGs are formed by belt conveyors, telescopic conveyors or a conveying device with a gripping device.

[0020] The use of belt conveyors, telescopic conveyors or a conveying device with a gripping device as a LAG is also known in itself and has proven its worth, depending on the desired application.

[0021] It may also be particularly preferred that the LAGs have holding devices, clamping devices or suction devices which can be adjusted from a non-engagement position to an engagement position in which they preferably engage on an end face or on one or two opposite side faces of the container or object, in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner.

[0022] Such holding devices, clamping devices or suction devices are also known per se and enable the RGB to be used with the LAGs depending on the desired goods that are to be supplied to or removed from storage.

[0023] The invention further relates to a sea container with at least two parallel rows of high-bay racking, each having a plurality of storage places for objects or containers arranged next to and above one another, and with a vertically extending mast movable on rails between two rows of racking along the longitudinal racking extension (X-axis), on which an adjustable LAG is arranged on each side, characterized by an RBG according to one of claims 1 to 6.

[0024] Such a shipping container according to the invention, incorporating an RGB with LAGs according to the invention, enables optimal space utilization and thus a particularly high storage capacity of the shipping container. Furthermore, it allows for particularly fast and efficient storage and order picking with minimal energy consumption. The combination according to the invention also enables a flexible and scalable, yet robust and durable construction at low manufacturing costs.

[0025] The storage and retrieval machine according to the invention, as well as a sea container according to the invention with high-bay racking and storage and retrieval machine, offer an innovative and efficient solution for storing goods in extremely confined spaces. Due to its compact design, high throughput, and low energy consumption, the range of possible applications is extremely diverse.

[0026] An embodiment of the invention is shown in the figures and described in more detail below.

[0027] It shows: Fig. 1 a sea container according to the invention with two parallel rows of high-bay storage and a storage and retrieval machine arranged between them in side view with side opening; Fig. 2 likewise on average AA; Fig. 3 an RGB with two LAGs.

[0028] The figures show an RGB 1 for the removal and storage of objects or containers to be filled or filled with objects in spatially confined environments, or, as shown in the figures, in a shipping container 5. The shipping container 5 contains high-bay racking with a plurality of storage locations 6 arranged vertically one above the other in the direction of a Y-axis and horizontally next to each other in the direction of a Z-axis and an X-axis. These locations serve to hold at least one object or container each, or two objects or containers arranged next to each other in the direction of the X-axis.

[0029] The RGB 1 has a carriage 3 that can be moved along the X-axis and a mast 4 that is arranged approximately centrally along the length of the carriage 3 and projects perpendicularly from it. In the exemplary embodiment, the carriage 3 can be moved along a rail system arranged on the floor of the confined space, or the shipping container.

[0030] A load-handling device 2 is arranged on each of the opposite sides of the mast 4. The two load-handling devices 2 are connected to each other by means of a common lifting belt and are movable, whereby raising the first load-handling device 2 causes the second load-handling device 2 to lower, and vice versa. This principle is comparable to a paternoster lift without a turning point. This makes it possible to use only extremely low-power electric motor drives and to operate them with a standard power supply of, for example, 230 volts. Due to the paternoster-like counterforce, i.e., when lowering one side, only a very small force is required when raising the load on the other side. As is particularly evident from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, a side wall opening 8 extending along the X-axis is formed in the side wall of the shipping container 5. The size of this side wall opening 8 must correspond at least to the dimensions of two adjacent LAGs 2, so that the rack storage locations 6 can be filled or removed from the side wall opening 8, or through the side wall opening into the shipping container 5.

[0031] Such an RGB with two adjacent LAGs 2 eliminates the need for a space-intensive station, as the loading and unloading of goods to and from the rack storage locations 6 is accomplished through the small side wall opening 8. The side wall opening 8 is also only present on one side wall of the shipping container, so that the space on the opposite side wall, which lacks a side wall opening 8, is filled with rack storage 6.

[0032] As especially from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, travel limit stops 7 with stop buffers are arranged at the beginning and end of the travel path. This allows for smooth approach to the travel limit.

[0033] In a familiar manner, both mast 4 and the LAGs 2 are each driven by an electric motor and can, if desired, be connected to and controlled by an electronic intelligent control system. This also enables chaotic storage. Alternatively, a wireless or wired remote control unit can be provided to control the RGB and the LAGs.

[0034] Furthermore, it can be provided in a manner known per se that the LAGs 2 are formed by belt conveyors, telescopic conveyors or a conveying device with a gripping device. The LAGs 2 can have holding devices, clamping devices or suction devices.

[0035] The invention is not limited to the embodiment shown, but is variable in many ways within the scope of the disclosure.

[0036] All new individual and combination features disclosed in the description and / or drawing are considered essential to the invention. Reference symbol list: 1 RGB 2 LAG 3 sleds 4 masts 5 sea containers 6 shelf storage spaces 7 path boundary markers 8 side opening

Claims

[1] Storage and retrieval machine (SRM) (1) for removing and storing items or containers to be filled or filled with items in confined spaces or in a shipping container (5) with a plurality of vertically stacked storage locations (6) arranged one above the other in the direction of a Y-axis and horizontally next to each other in the direction of a Z-axis and an X-axis for receiving at least one item or container or two items or containers arranged next to each other in the direction of the X-axis, wherein the SRM (1) has a carriage (3) movable along the X-axis and a mast (4) arranged approximately in the middle along the length of the carriage (3), the mast being perpendicular and parallel to the Y-axis, wherein a load handling device (LHD) (2) is arranged on each side of the mast along the X-axis, wherein the two LHDs (2) are connected to each other by means of a common lifting belt and are movable or moved,wherein raising in the Y-direction of the first LAG (2) causes a lowering of the second LAG (2) and vice versa, wherein the lifting belt is guided over the mast (4) and is driven by an electric motor, wherein the spatially confined environment or the sea container (5) has a side opening (8) arranged along the X-axis which corresponds at least to the dimensions of the LAGs (2) arranged side by side. [2] RBG according to claim 1, characterized by , that the RGB (1) with the LAGs (2) can be moved between two rail systems that follow each other in the direction of the Z-axis and are arranged on the floor along the X-axis, wherein travel limiting stops (7) with stop buffers are arranged at the beginning and end of the travel path. [3] RBG according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the RGB (1) and the LAGs (2) are each electrically movable or driven and connected to and controlled by an intelligent control system, so that chaotic storage is possible. [4] RBG according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the RBG (1) and the LAGs (2) can be switched and operated by means of a wired or wireless remote control unit. [5] RBG according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the LAGs (2) are formed by belt conveyors, telescopic conveyors or a conveying device with a gripping device. [6] RBG according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that the LAGs (2) have holding devices, clamping devices or suction devices which are adjustable from a non-engagement position to an engagement position in which they preferably engage on an end face or on one or two opposite side faces of the container or object, in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner. [7] Sea container (5) with at least two parallel rows of high-bay racking, each having a plurality of storage locations (6) arranged side by side and one above the other for items or containers, and with a vertically extending mast (4) movable on rails between the rows of racking along the longitudinal racking extension (X-axis), on which an adjustable LAG (2) is arranged on each side, characterized by an RBG (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6.

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