Shuttle system and method for operating a shuttle system

Abstract

A shuttle system shall comprise a racking system (1) and at least one shuttle (3), and furthermore horizontal and vertical guide and hold elements (6a, 6b).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a shuttle system and a method for operating a shuttle system according to the independent claims. State of the art

[0002] Shuttle systems are known from the prior art. Furthermore, shuttles capable of moving vertically upwards along suitable structures on the fronts of shelves, and thus "climbing," are also known from the prior art. A climbing vehicle is disclosed, for example, in WO 2019 / 130 298 A1.

[0003] German patent DE 10 2014 003 451 A1 discloses a storage and retrieval machine for a storage rack. The storage and retrieval machine comprises horizontal guide rails extending horizontally along the storage rack and a carriage that can travel horizontally along the guide rails.

[0004] DE 10 2023 122 254 A1 discloses a storage system with a storage facility that has a plurality of storage locations which in turn form a continuous storage level, and a plurality of shuttles that are movable along roadway sections on the storage level. Object of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. Solution to the task

[0006] The subject matter of the independent patent claims leads to the solution of the problem. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent patent claims.

[0007] A shuttle system according to the present invention comprises a racking system and at least one shuttle.

[0008] The shuttle is preferably a vehicle that can move driverless and preferably autonomously within the racking system, in particular within aisles of the racking system in a manner explained in more detail below, as well as outside the racking system by means of wheels on the floor.

[0009] The shuttle system preferably comprises several such shuttles. If the system's functionality and the procedure described below are described with regard to a single shuttle, the use of multiple shuttles is always included.

[0010] The racking system comprises multiple shelves with aisles between them, formed by two facing shelf fronts. The shelves can be high-bay racks, meaning their height can exceed 12 meters. They can be single- or multi-deep, with single-deep shelves being preferred.

[0011] The loading and unloading of goods into and out of the shelves, as described in more detail below, preferably takes place at the shelf fronts.

[0012] Each aisle has one of the two shelf fronts forming that aisle equipped with a plurality of guide and retaining elements from a first group of guide and retaining elements. These guide and retaining elements of the first group run horizontally.

[0013] Preferably, the aforementioned horizontally extending guide and retaining elements of the first group are vertically spaced apart from one another. Preferably, these guide and retaining elements cover substantially the entire height of the respective shelf front. Preferably, the aforementioned horizontally extending guide and retaining elements run parallel to one another.

[0014] The second of the two shelf fronts is equipped with a plurality of guide and retaining elements from a second group of guide and retaining elements. These guide and retaining elements of the second group run vertically.

[0015] Preferably, the aforementioned vertically extending guide and retaining elements of the first group are horizontally spaced apart from one another. Preferably, these guide and retaining elements cover substantially the entire length of the relevant shelf front. Preferably, the aforementioned vertically extending guide and retaining elements run parallel to one another.

[0016] The shuttle is configured to establish a functional connection with at least one guide and hold element, to be held by this guide and hold element, and to move along this guide and hold element. Depending on the orientation of the guide and hold element, this movement can be horizontal or vertical.

[0017] The shuttle is preferably configured to, depending on the task at hand (e.g., loading or unloading goods and thus, for example, moving to a specific storage location in the rack), to sequentially engage and move along both horizontal and vertical guide and hold elements. As explained in more detail below, the shuttle preferably establishes a connection to either one or more horizontal guide and hold elements or one or more vertical guide and hold elements at any given time. Therefore, apart from a "re-engagement" described in more detail below, there is preferably only one connection to at least one guide and hold element of a single group at any given time.Preferably, a functional connection to the guiding and holding elements of both groups exists only during the "grasping" process described in more detail below.

[0018] The functional connection can be of any type, for example, positive or force-fit. This can include gripping, hooking, interaction between gear and toothed rail, sliding rails and rail guides, and the like.

[0019] The shuttle can include a device for establishing a functional connection to the guide and restraint element. This functional connection enables the shuttle to move along the guide and restraint element in question.

[0020] Preferably, the shuttle includes at least two devices for establishing a functional connection. The presence of two such devices allows for a change of direction of movement and a "repositioning" of grip. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0021] The shuttle is designed to move vertically within the alleyway along the vertically oriented guide and support elements without making contact with the horizontally oriented guide and support elements. The shuttle is thus designed to "climb" vertically.

[0022] The shuttle is further configured to move horizontally within the alleyway along the horizontally running guide and holding elements without making contact with the vertically running guide and holding elements. The shuttle is thus configured to operate at different heights along the alleyway's length.

[0023] The shuttle is further configured to establish a functional connection to the guide and holding elements of one group for a change of direction of movement and to release any existing functional connection to the guide and holding elements of the other group. Preferably, the aforementioned steps are carried out in the aforementioned sequence.

[0024] For example, the shuttle can move along the floor into the aisle, make contact with one or more vertical guide and hold elements, move vertically upwards along the shelf front for a short distance, stop at a certain height, "engage" by making contact with one or more horizontal guide and hold elements on the opposite shelf front, and release contact with the vertical hold element(s) in order to then move along the horizontal guide and hold element(s) to its destination, e.g., a storage location in the shelf. There, goods can be stored or retrieved.

[0025] A change in the direction of movement here preferably means a change from a horizontal movement to a vertical movement and vice versa.

[0026] All guide and retaining elements are preferably guide and retaining elements for the shuttle. The guide and retaining elements can be integrated into or attached to components of the racking, such as uprights or struts, or at least run parallel to them. Furthermore, the guide and retaining elements can also be attached to the racking independently of uprights, struts, or the like.

[0027] It can be assumed that during vertical movement, the shuttle adheres to one or more vertical guide and support elements and moves accordingly along one or more vertical guide and support elements. The same applies to horizontal movement.

[0028] In general, each individual guide and hold element can be considered as a single element that performs both the guiding and holding functions. Alternatively, separate guide elements and separate hold elements can be used. In the latter case, the shuttle typically maintains contact with at least two such elements simultaneously for movement in a vertical or horizontal direction within the aisle: a horizontal guide element and a horizontal hold element. The same applies to vertical movement with separate guide and hold elements. The "guiding" and "holding" functions are ultimately required for both horizontal and vertical movement. Preferably, movement along only a single guide and hold element is only possible if the element in question is indeed a combined guide and hold element that performs both functions.

[0029] It is certainly conceivable that the shuttle, for the purpose of horizontal and / or vertical movement, could establish a functional connection with several identical devices, each connecting to two horizontal or vertical guide and hold elements. This can result in particularly secure guidance and / or holding, as well as the desired redundancy and safety.

[0030] It can be assumed that the guiding and retaining elements of both groups do not intersect. Within the same group, the guiding and retaining elements therefore preferably run parallel to each other. Intersections between guiding and retaining elements of different groups preferably do not exist.

[0031] It is conceivable that in each aisle, the first of the two rack fronts forming that aisle is equipped exclusively with a plurality of horizontally running guide and holding elements for the shuttle, and that the second of the two rack fronts is equipped exclusively with a plurality of vertically running guide and holding elements for the shuttle. All aisles in the racking system can be configured in this way.

[0032] The shuttle preferably includes multiple wheels, for example at least three or four wheels, possibly more, for driving on level ground. For example, the shuttle can use its wheels to drive on the floor of a warehouse.

[0033] It can be assumed that the guide and retaining elements are rigid. The guide and retaining elements, usually all of them, therefore do not include any moving parts, sections, or elements, such as switches or the like. As already described, a change of direction is not achieved via switches or the like, but by repositioning the grip.

[0034] It is conceivable that the shuttle has a drive system and / or an energy storage device. Preferably, the shuttle has both a drive system and an energy storage device. The drive system could, for example, be an electric motor. The energy storage device could, for example, be a battery or a capacitor designed for energy storage, sometimes called a "supercapacitor" or "ultracapacitor." Preferably, the provision of energy and the movement of the shuttles do not occur through or via the guide and restraint elements. The latter are therefore preferably passive. The present invention comprises, in addition to the aforementioned variants of the shuttle system, a method for operating such a shuttle system as described below. Features and details described above with regard to the shuttle system also apply to the method described below, and vice versa.

[0035] The procedure for operating the shuttle system involves storing cargo in a rack, retrieving cargo from a rack, and transporting cargo into and out of the aisles by at least one shuttle.

[0036] Outside the alleys, the shuttles preferably travel on the ground using their wheels, for example on the floor of a warehouse, such as in a warehouse pre-zone.

[0037] The cargo can be, for example, packaged or unpackaged goods. Boxes, cartons, pallets, and the like are also suitable. Cargo within the scope of the present invention includes any items to be transported by the shuttle.

[0038] The storage and retrieval of goods preferably takes place after the shuttle has reached its target position, in the form of a storage location in one of the racks, by moving along the guide and holding elements. The storage and retrieval of goods can be carried out using known storage and retrieval devices such as load handling devices, pushers, grippers, or the like. Such devices are known from the prior art.

[0039] It is conceivable that several shuttles operate in the same lane, utilizing both the first group of horizontal guide and support elements and the floor for horizontal movement within this lane. Alternatively, it is conceivable that only the first group of horizontal guide and support elements is used for horizontal movement within the lane.

[0040] It is conceivable that the shuttle could handle both ground-based transport to and from the aisles, for example in a storage pre-zone, as well as transport within the aisles to the storage locations of the goods. This could eliminate the need for separate transport or conveying equipment in the storage pre-zone.

[0041] The shuttles preferably move autonomously within and outside the aisles, including the storage area, using a warehouse management system or controlled by a warehouse management system and / or sensors within the shuttle. The same applies, of course, to multiple shuttles. Warehouse management systems and sensors that enable autonomous shuttle movement are known.

[0042] As previously described, the shuttles preferably include a device for establishing the functional connection to the guide and holding element. This device enables, for example, grasping, hooking, or the like, and subsequent movement along the guide and holding element(s).

[0043] Consideration can be given to selecting an aisle width that allows only one shuttle to enter the aisle at a time along its length. Such narrow aisles advantageously increase the storage density of the racking system. To keep storage and retrieval times low, the shuttles can move horizontally along the aisle at different heights, using various vertically spaced, horizontally running guide and support elements. By allowing multiple shuttles to move horizontally at different heights along different guide and support elements within the same aisle, any waiting times are effectively reduced without requiring an aisle width.

[0044] A narrow aisle, less wide than two adjacent shuttles, further enables the previously described change in direction of movement by establishing a functional connection to the guide and holding elements of one group and, preferably, subsequently releasing the existing functional connection to the guide and holding elements of the other group. Such a "re-engagement" of the shuttle from one rack front to the other is also simpler with regard to the design and load-bearing capacity of the necessary devices for establishing the functional connections the narrower the aisle.

[0045] It is therefore preferably intended that the width of the lane is less than the width of two shuttles standing side by side, and furthermore that the width of the lane is at least equal to the width of one shuttle. According to alternative embodiments, wider lanes are also possible, provided that it is possible to reposition oneself for changing direction.

[0046] In one embodiment of the method, it is conceivable that the shuttle establishes an operative connection to at least one guide and holding element in order to be held by at least one guide and holding element. and that the shuttle moves along this at least one guide and holding element, wherein the shuttle moves vertically within the aisle along the vertically extending guide and holding elements without making contact with the horizontally extending guide and holding elements, and wherein the shuttle moves horizontally within the aisle along the horizontally extending guide and holding elements without making contact with the vertically extending guide and holding elements, and wherein the shuttle, in order to change the direction of movement, establishes an effective connection to the guide and hold elements of one group and releases an existing effective connection to the guide and hold elements of the other group.

[0047] A change in the direction of movement here preferably means a change from horizontal to vertical movement or vice versa.

[0048] One implementation variant of the procedure may include the following steps: - An access request from an operator regarding the aisle is recorded. - All shuttles located in the alleyway leave the alleyway or switch to a crash-protected operating position.

[0049] The request for access can be indicated, for example, by registration, such as by pressing a button or similar means, or registered by suitable sensors. Numerous variations are conceivable for how the access request can be recorded.

[0050] Various operating positions secured against falls can be considered.

[0051] Such an operating position of the shuttle can be achieved, for example, by establishing a functional connection between the shuttle and the guide and holding elements of both groups on both sides of the aisle-forming rack fronts. This allows for simultaneous engagement or at least holding on vertically and horizontally oriented guide and holding elements.

[0052] An alternative, fall-protected operating situation can exist if all shuttles in the aisle for which an access request has been registered have left that aisle. If the operator enters the aisle only after the shuttles have left, there is no danger from moving shuttles within that aisle.

[0053] In one implementation variant of the method, it is conceivable that the shuttles move in only one direction along a majority of the guide and holding elements.

[0054] Therefore, a one-way street operation may be considered with regard to individual, some, or all of the guiding and stopping elements.

[0055] For example, it may be conceivable that the shuttles move in only one direction along some or preferably all of the vertically extending guide and retaining elements. In this case, an upward-moving shuttle cannot collide with a downward-moving shuttle along the same or the same vertically extending guide and retaining element(s). In such an embodiment, preferably a plurality of vertically extending guide and retaining elements are available for downward vertical movements of the shuttles towards the floor of the aisle, while a further plurality of vertically extending guide and retaining elements are available for upward vertical movements of the shuttles.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, it can be considered that the shuttles move in only one direction along some or preferably all of the horizontally running guide and holding elements. This way, horizontally running guide and holding elements at a certain height can be used for shuttles to travel to one end of the alley, while guide and holding elements at a different height can be used for shuttles to travel to the other end of the alley.

[0057] Even just a few guide and holding elements that are only used by the shuttles in one direction, thus acting as a one-way street, can significantly simplify warehouse control and considerably reduce the risk of errors and blockage situations that arise, for example, during evasive maneuvers, and especially collisions. Character description

[0058] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings; these show in: Fig. 1 two shelves 2 with an aisle 4 between them, which are suitable for being equipped with guide and holding elements 6 according to a variant of the present invention, as well as in Fig. 2 a schematically illustrated embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] The Fig. 1 represents a system known from the prior art, which in Fig. 2 according to a variant of the present invention. For the sake of clarity, not all identical features and details are provided with reference numerals. Features and reference numerals that are intended to clarify the following are designated by reference numerals. Fig. The points explained in section 1 also apply equally to those in Fig. 2. Embodiment of the invention shown.

[0060] The figures are schematic and, in particular, not to scale. Example of implementation

[0061] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a racking system 1 comprising two racks 2 with an aisle 4 between them. Each rack 2 has a rack front 5 facing the aisle 4. Goods 8 are stored in the racks 2 at storage locations, with only a few of these goods 8 being labeled with reference numbers. The goods 8 are accessible via the rack fronts 5 and can therefore be stored and retrieved via the rack fronts 5.

[0062] A floor 9 of alley 4 is indicated, as is a length 10 of alley 4. This length 10 of alley 4 defines the longitudinal direction. A width 11 of alley 4 is also indicated.

[0063] In Fig. Figure 2 also shows a shuttle 3. The shuttle 3 includes wheels 7, of which only two are visible due to the illustration. Furthermore, the shuttle 3 includes two devices 12a, 12b for establishing a functional connection.

[0064] On the shelf fronts 5, horizontally extending guide and holding elements 6a of a first group of guide and holding elements 6 and vertically extending guide and holding elements 6b of a second group of guide and holding elements 6 are shown schematically.

[0065] The horizontally extending guide and retaining elements 6a of the first group are vertically spaced apart from each other and essentially cover the entire height of the right-hand side. Fig. 2 shelf front shown 5 from.

[0066] The one on the opposite shelf front 5 (left in Fig. The vertically extending guide and retaining elements 6b of the second group (shown in Figure 2) are horizontally spaced apart from each other. They thus cover essentially the entire length 10 of the left side in Figure 2. Fig. 2. Shelf front 5 shown. For the sake of simplicity, in Fig. 2 only four of these vertically running guide and retaining elements 6b are shown.

[0067] Within the in Fig. In the aisle 4 shown in Figure 2, only guide and retaining elements 6 of one group are arranged on each of the two shelf fronts 5 forming this aisle 4. On the right in Fig. In the shelf front 5 shown in section 2, only horizontally running guide and retaining elements 6a are arranged, on the left in Fig. In the shelf front 5 shown in Figure 2, only vertically running guide and holding elements 6b are arranged. Referring to the figures, the functioning of the shuttle system according to the invention and the method according to the invention are explained as follows:

[0068] The shuttle 3 moves autonomously (in the manner described in more detail below) within the aisles 4 and with the help of the wheels 7 outside the aisles 4, for example in a (not shown) storage pre-zone or the like.

[0069] For the sake of simplicity, in Fig. Figure 2 shows only one shuttle 3, two shelves 2 and an aisle 4 between them. Preferably, however, the shuttle system 1 according to the invention comprises a plurality of shuttles 3, shelves 2 and aisles 4.

[0070] To load or unload cargo 8, shuttle 3 enters aisle 4 on floor 9. Depending on any shuttles 3 already in aisle 4 and / or other shuttles 3 scheduled to enter the same aisle 4, shuttle 3 moves a short distance into aisle 4. After entering, it either stops there or continues along floor 9 a short distance further into aisle 4 along longitudinal axis 10. In both cases, shuttle 3 stops at a position along longitudinal axis 10 and engages the cargo with its left-hand side. Fig. 2. Devices 12b shown for establishing an effective connection: one or two of the vertically extending guide and retaining elements 6b, which are located on the left in Fig. The shuttle 3 is located on the shelf front 5 shown in Figure 2. It then moves vertically upwards along at least one of these guide and holding elements 6b. Upon reaching its target height, the shuttle 3 stops. If its destination (for storing or retrieving cargo 8) is already directly in front of it, the shuttle 3 performs the necessary steps for storage or retrieval. Otherwise, it moves horizontally at its target height along the longitudinal direction 10 to the destination. To move in this longitudinal direction 10, a repositioning of the grip is performed. For this purpose, the right-hand grip is engaged. Fig. 2. Device 12a shown for establishing an active connection to one or more horizontally extending guide and retaining elements 6a, which are located on the right in Fig. The two components are arranged on the shelf front 5 shown in Figure 2. The shuttle 3 then releases the existing operative connection between the device for establishing an operative connection 12b and the at least one vertically extending guide and holding element 6b. The shuttle 3 then moves horizontally along the guide and holding element 6a it has just grasped, at its target height, to the target position. Storage or retrieval can then take place there.

[0071] Although only one preferred embodiment of the invention has been described and illustrated, it is obvious that a person skilled in the art can add numerous modifications without altering the essence and scope of the invention. In particular, the following modifications may be considered: The devices for establishing an active connection 12a, 12b and the guiding and holding elements 6a, 6b are in Fig. The two are only schematically indicated. Any facilities and elements can be meant here.

[0072] It may be conceivable that Shuttle 3 makes multiple turns within Alley 4 in order to reach its destination after entering Alley 4, or to leave Alley 4 again from its destination within the latter.

[0073] Shuttle 3 preferably comprises at least two devices 12a, 12b for establishing a functional connection. The in Fig. The shuttle 3 shown in Figure 2 includes on its left side such a device 12b in the form of two hook-like elements. On its right side, it includes such a device 12a in the form of a gripper.

[0074] Starting from the in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the shuttle 3 preferably comprises, generally on the left side, a single or multiple device or element for establishing an operative connection with the vertically extending guide and retaining elements 6b, and on the right side, a single or multiple device or element for establishing an operative connection with the horizontally extending guide and retaining elements 6a. Of course, it would also be conceivable to arrange the vertically extending guide and retaining elements 6b on the right and the horizontally extending guide and retaining elements 6a on the left. Accordingly, the shuttle 3 could then rotate 180° to engage the appropriate guide and retaining elements 6, or the devices for establishing an operative connection 12 could also be arranged in reverse on the shuttle 3.

[0075] In general, it can be assumed that the shuttle 3 has one or more devices 12b for establishing an active connection with one or more vertically extending guide and holding elements 6b. One or more such guide and holding elements 6b can therefore be grasped or contacted by one or more devices 12b for establishing an active connection. The same applies to the devices 12a for establishing an active connection with one or more horizontally extending guide and holding elements 6a.

[0076] If, for example, horizontally extending guide elements 6a and separate horizontally extending retaining elements 6a are arranged on the shelf fronts 5, the shuttle 3 preferably engages both a guide element and a retaining element 6a, each with a corresponding device 12a for establishing an operative connection. The same applies to separately designed vertically extending guide elements 6b and retaining elements 6b.

[0077] Also in one of Fig. In a different embodiment, where, for example, individual horizontally extending guide and retaining elements 6a are present on the shelf front 5 shown on the left, in addition to the vertically extending guide and retaining elements 6b, these guide and retaining elements 6 of both groups arranged on the same shelf front 5 preferably do not intersect. For example, the vertically extending guide and retaining elements 6b on the left side could be arranged in Fig. 2 be shorter, and a horizontally extending guide and holding element 6a could be arranged above these guide and holding elements 6b.

[0078] By eliminating intersections, the shuttles 3 do not need to change their direction of movement using failure-prone intersections. Instead of providing intersections for a change of direction, the present invention preferably uses a previously described repositioning mechanism.

[0079] Preferably, the width 11 of the aisle 4 is selected such that only one shuttle 3 can enter the aisle 4. The width 11 of the aisle 4 is therefore preferably slightly larger than the width of a single shuttle 3, but smaller than the width of two shuttles 3 standing side by side. This ratio is not apparent from the (not to scale) figures. In all embodiments of the invention, it is conceivable to use such narrow aisles 4 to increase storage density. Since the shuttles 3 can travel at different heights along the horizontally running guide and holding elements 6a in the aisles 4, no extended waiting times are to be expected, even with such narrow aisles 4.

[0080] Preferably, the shuttle system 1 comprises a warehouse management system that is integrated into Fig. 2 is not shown.

[0081] The Shuttle 3 can include sensors that enable or support autonomous movement. Such sensors are in Fig. 2 not shown. Reference symbol list 1 shelving system 2 shelves 3 Shuttle 4th alley 5 shelf front 6 Guide and holding element 7 wheel 8 cargo 9 Floor 10 Length / Longitudinal direction of the alley 11 Width of the alley 12 Device for establishing an effective connection

Claims

[1] Shuttle system comprising a racking system (1) and at least one shuttle (3), the shelving system (1) comprising a plurality of shelves (2) with aisles (4) in between, which are formed by two mutually facing shelf fronts (5), wherein in each aisle (4) a first of the two shelf fronts (5) forming this aisle (4) is equipped with a plurality of guide and retaining elements (6a) of a first group, wherein these guide and retaining elements (6a) of the first group run horizontally, and wherein the second of the two shelf fronts (5) is equipped with a plurality of guide and retaining elements (6b) of a second group, wherein these guide and retaining elements (6b) of the second group run vertically, wherein the shuttle (3) is configured to establish an operative connection to at least one guide and hold element (6) in order to be held on this at least one guide and hold element (6) and to move along this at least one guide and hold element (6), wherein the shuttle (3) is configured to move vertically within the lane (4) along the vertically extending guide and holding elements (6b) without making contact with the horizontally extending guide and holding elements (6a), and wherein the shuttle (3) is further configured to move horizontally within the lane (4) along the horizontally extending guide and holding elements (6a) without making contact with the vertically extending guide and holding elements (6b), and wherein the shuttle (3) is further configured to establish an effective connection to the guide and hold elements (6) of one group for a change of direction of movement and to release an existing effective connection to the guide and hold elements (6) of the other group. [2] Shuttle system according to claim 1, wherein the guide and retaining elements of both groups (6a, 6b) do not cross each other. [3] Shuttle system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein for each aisle (4) the first of the two shelf fronts (5) forming this aisle (4) is exclusively equipped with a plurality of horizontally extending guide and retaining elements (6a) for the shuttle (3), and wherein the second of the two shelf fronts (5) is exclusively equipped with a plurality of vertically extending guide and retaining elements (6b) for the shuttle (3). [4] Shuttle system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that this includes at least one shuttle (3) via a plurality of wheels (7) for driving on level ground. [5] Shuttle system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the shuttle (3) includes at least two facilities (12a, 12b) for establishing a functional connection. [6] Shuttle system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the width of the alley (4) is less than the width of two shuttles (3) standing side by side, wherein the width of the alley (4) is at least equal to the width of one shuttle (3). [7] Shuttle system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the shuttle (3) moves autonomously inside and outside the aisles (4) with the help of a warehouse management system and / or with the help of sensors. [8] Shuttle system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the guide and retaining elements (6) are rigid. [9] Shuttle system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the shuttle (3) has a propulsion system and / or an energy storage system. [10] Method for operating a shuttle system according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage of cargo (8) in a rack, the retrieval of cargo (8) from a rack and the transport of cargo (8) into and out of the aisles (4) is carried out by the at least one shuttle (3). [11] Method for operating a shuttle system according to claim 10, wherein wherein the shuttle (3) enters into an operative connection with at least one guide and holding element (6) in order to be held on at least one guide and holding element (6), and wherein the shuttle (3) moves along this at least one guide and holding element (6), wherein the shuttle (3) moves vertically within the lane (4) along the vertically extending guide and holding elements (6b) without making contact with the horizontally extending guide and holding elements (6a), and wherein the shuttle (3) moves horizontally within the lane (4) along the horizontally extending guide and holding elements (6a) without making contact with the vertically extending guide and holding elements (6b), and wherein the shuttle (3) enters into an effective connection to the guide and hold elements (6) of one group in order to change the direction of movement and releases an existing effective connection to the guide and hold elements (6) of the other group. [12] Method according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein several shuttles (3) operate in the same lane (4) and utilize the first group of horizontally extending guide and holding elements (6a), and preferably additionally a floor (9), for horizontal movement within this lane (4). [13] The method of claim 12, comprising the following steps: - An access request from an operator concerning the alley (4) is recorded. - All shuttles (3) located in the alley (4) leave the alley (4) or change to an operating position secured against falls. [14] Method according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized by that the shuttles (3) move in only one direction along a majority of the guide and holding elements (6).

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