Storage arrangement, in particular picking rack

Abstract

Specialist arrangement, in particular mobile order picking equipment with: - a racking system and - several shelves which are vertically connected to the racking system to form product compartments, wherein - at least one of the shelves is guided in a vertical direction and can be fixed in an upper load-bearing position as well as in a lower load-bearing position, - the displacement from the upper load-bearing position to the lower load-bearing position occurs by overcoming a supporting or restoring force and - the support or restoring force is generated by fluid-mechanical means, in particular by incorporating a gas spring.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a compartment arrangement that provides several vertically arranged compartments for storing goods. In particular, the invention relates to a shelf, for example a picking shelf, in which the base of a compartment can be lowered, so that in the lowered position, for unloading and, if necessary, also loading, there is ergonomically advantageous access to the area above the lowered shelf.

[0002] The invention is based on the objective of demonstrating solutions by which a compartment arrangement of the above-mentioned type, in particular a mobile picking rack, can be created that enables advantageous goods handling, that can be manufactured advantageously and cost-effectively from a manufacturing point of view, and that is characterized by high robustness.

[0003] This problem is solved according to the invention by a compartment arrangement comprising: - a racking system and - several shelves which are vertically integrated into the racking system to form product compartments, wherein - at least one of the shelves is guided in a vertical direction and can be fixed in an upper load-bearing position as well as in a lower load-bearing position, - the displacement from the upper load-bearing position to the lower load-bearing position occurs by overcoming a restoring or supporting force and - the restoring or supporting force is generated by fluid-mechanical means, in particular by a gas spring or piston / cylinder device.

[0004] This advantageously enables the creation of a shelf arrangement in which a shelf compartment loaded with heavy individual items or a heavy assortment of several items can be lowered vertically, quietly and smoothly, with a favorable speed profile, to a position from which the item(s) or assortment can be easily removed. The shelf can initially remain in this lowered position and be reloaded in the same position. Reloading can be carried out in such a way that the shelf's restoring force is not yet exceeded. After releasing the locking mechanism, the shelf can then be raised independently or with moderate effort.The mechanism is designed and coordinated in such a way that no surprisingly high speeds are reached when the shelf is raised without a load. Instead, a moderate to brisk, yet overall smooth, movement occurs during lowering and raising under any load condition. In particular, the support and restoring force of the system according to the invention is coordinated with the weight of the mechanism and the weight of the shelf in such a way that the retraction of an unloaded shelf can be accomplished either independently after unlocking or with only slight manual assistance.

[0005] The locking and unlocking of the mechanism is preferably achieved by integrating the corresponding clamping, locking, detent, or holding mechanism into that component, in particular the piston / cylinder assembly—and, in turn, especially the gas spring assembly. The forces supporting the shelf are then coupled via the same element that also generates the restoring or supporting force. This results in particularly advantageous system rigidity, since all load-bearing components of the mechanism are always under load, and the release or locking occurs in the area of ​​the system's last kinematic links relative to the stationary environment—in particular, between the piston rod and the cylinder.

[0006] The mechanism for lowering and raising the shelf can be unlocked by means accessible from the front of the shelf assembly. The mechanism can be designed so that the shelf can be locked in any desired intermediate position. The means interact with braking or locking devices to secure the shelf in a user-defined intermediate position. This locking can be achieved by clamping, locking, latching, or valve mechanisms.

[0007] The relocation mechanism is preferably designed such that the shelf can be lowered almost completely onto the shelf of the compartment below. Partial lowering of the compartment below, even if it is not completely empty, is also possible. It is also possible to load and thus secure goods, especially cartons, in the shelf below by lowering the shelf in a defined manner.

[0008] According to a particular aspect of the present invention, the lowering mechanism is designed such that the restoring force is generated in conjunction with the compression of a pressure medium, in particular a gas. The shelf is preferably moved vertically downwards, overcoming a minimum load on the shelf. This minimum load can be tailored to the application of the shelf arrangement and is preferably in a range designed for handling goods weighing between 10 kg and 40 kg, in particular 15 kg. The lowering mechanism can thus be designed such that the vertically upward supporting or restoring force generated by it is approximately 150 N. This results in the shelf lowering automatically when the lowering mechanism is released, even if it is loaded with goods weighing more than 15 kg.For lighter goods, the lowering process can be manually assisted. Alternatively, the design can be such that only the shelf's own weight is compensated, thus ensuring "weight neutrality" for the shelf. The lowering process is such that, regardless of the weight of the goods resting on the shelf, no impermissible lowering speeds are reached. The overall mechanism is designed so that its support force increases during lowering to a value that prevents the shelf from lowering too quickly. This is preferably achieved through fluid-mechanical damping devices or braking mechanisms that ultimately generate braking forces that increase with the speed and convert or recuperate the work done during the lowering process into heat or other forms of energy.

[0009] The repositioning mechanism can also be used so that the shelf is loaded with goods in the lowered position. Then, as long as the weight force generated by the goods is below the level of the restoring force, the shelf can be gently and dampened upwards by unlocking the repositioning mechanism, reaching its upper end position smoothly. The restoring force is preferably set to a value that ensures that a lowered shelf, unlocked when the load is below the minimum required, is gently lifted and moved into the upper load-bearing position.

[0010] The vertical movement of the shelf is preferably dampened, as mentioned above, and occurs by overcoming forces that vary according to the movement speed. This prevents excessively rapid lowering under heavy loads and also prevents the unloaded or partially loaded shelf from rising too quickly from the lower to the upper position. The movement mechanism is designed to ensure an advantageous speed profile for the shelf's movement in both directions.

[0011] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the displacement mechanism can be designed such that the vertical displacement of the shelf occurs by overcoming forces that increase as it approaches the lower support position. This makes it possible to approach the lower end position of the shelf particularly smoothly.

[0012] According to a particular aspect of the present invention, the compartment arrangement, and in particular its displacement mechanism, is designed such that the restoring force is generated using at least one gas spring. This gas spring preferably comprises an outer tube and a piston rod guided within this outer tube. Within the outer tube, a pressure chamber is defined in conjunction with the piston rod and, optionally, a piston, in which a pressure medium is contained. This pressure medium generates a force acting between the outer tube and the piston rod. This force, in further interaction with the displacement mechanism, generates the restoring force that counteracts the vertical lowering of the shelf. The overall construction can be designed such that the force generated by the gas spring corresponds to the restoring force at a 1:1 transmission ratio, i.e.,A direct kinematic 1:1 coupling of the shelf to the piston rod or outer tube of the gas spring exists. It is also possible to design the displacement mechanism so that the coupling of the shelf to the movable structure of the gas spring involves a transmission mechanism, particularly one with non-linear characteristics. Depending on the design of the transmission mechanism, the movable components of the gas spring, whose displacement is either smaller or larger than the vertical displacement of the shelf, then move. The displacement mechanism can be designed to utilize multiple gas springs. These gas springs can then be arranged, particularly in the inner corner area of ​​the frame or on the underside of the movable shelf, in such a way that they do not protrude above the upper part of the frame.

[0013] The displacement mechanism is preferably designed in such a way that it prevents tilting, jamming or blocking of movement even when the vertically movable shelf is subjected to non-centric loading, and guides the shelf correctly vertically even when subjected to non-centric loading.

[0014] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the compartment arrangement according to the invention, the displacement mechanism is designed such that the gas spring is connected to the shelf via a bridge structure. The bridge structure can be designed such that its height corresponds to the height of the compartment located above the shelf. The term "bridge structure" becomes particularly clear in conjunction with the illustrations explained below and specifically includes a structure that engages two spaced-apart edge zones of the shelf and comprises a connecting element that extends above and over the goods receiving area. Preferably, the gas spring engages the bridge structure at a position whose vertical projection onto the shelf lies in the region of the shelf's center of gravity.

[0015] The shelf is preferably designed such that it has a substantially rectangular outer contour, with the point of application of the gas spring to the bridge structure preferably being located above the intersection of the shelf's diagonals. The gas spring is preferably housed in a guide structure; this guide structure can, in particular, comprise two coaxially nested tube sections, thereby forming a tube-in-tube guide.

[0016] The integration of the displacement mechanism into the shelf arrangement can be advantageously achieved by designing this displacement mechanism as a module that is mounted on an upper section of the racking system, in particular the frame forming the corners of the racking system. The racking system can be designed such that its upper section provides mounting sections compatible with complementary mounting sections of the displacement mechanism. The design of the racking system can be specifically chosen such that, in a racking system without shelf displacement mechanisms, the racking system is closed off at the top by lateral brackets. These brackets can be replaced by brackets that then provide additional attachment points, particularly for a crossbar supporting the central gas spring.

[0017] It is possible to design the relocation mechanism such that, particularly in the upper position of the shelf, the gas spring and the guide tube housing it can be folded into a horizontal orientation, so that these components of the relocation mechanism do not protrude significantly upwards above the frame. This design is particularly advantageous when the shelf arrangement is configured as a mobile order picking cart. In this state, the order picking cart can then be pushed into a high-bay aisle, a container, or the cargo area of ​​a truck. The order picking cart can either have its own wheels or be designed in its lower section so that it can be picked up and transported, for example, by material handling equipment such as a pallet truck or a hand pallet jack.

[0018] Further details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the drawing. It shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a compartment arrangement according to the invention in a state with the shelf of the uppermost shelf compartment raised; Fig. 2 a perspective representation of the specialist arrangement according to Fig. 1 in a state with the shelf of the top shelf compartment lowered; Fig. 3 a perspective representation of the displacement mechanics of the compartment arrangement according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in a state with the shelf raised; Fig. 4 a perspective representation of the displacement mechanics of the compartment arrangement according to Fig. 3 in a state with the shelf lowered; Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b and Fig. 5c a group of representations of the displacement mechanics of the compartment arrangement according to Fig. 3 to explain further constructive details of the same; Fig. 6 Two perspective drawings to illustrate a first variant of a triggering mechanism for the temporary release of the mechanism; Fig. 7 Two further perspective drawings to illustrate a second variant of a triggering mechanism for the temporary release of the mechanism; Fig. 8 an embodiment of a compartment arrangement according to the invention according to a second embodiment of the invention in which the vertical guidance of the shelf is accomplished by a joint device and the support or restoring forces are generated by gas springs which are integrated into a flat area located under the shelf and are coupled to the joint device.

[0019] The representation according Fig. Figure 1 shows a compartment arrangement or shelf according to the invention, comprising a frame assembly 1 and several shelves 2, which are vertically connected to the frame assembly 1 to form compartments WF1, WF2, WF3, WF4. (In this illustration, the lowest shelf position is shown without a shelf 2 for illustrative purposes only.) In this compartment arrangement, at least one of the shelves 2, in particular the uppermost shelf 2a, is guided in a vertically displaceable manner and is supported in the upper support position P1 shown here, as well as in a lower support position P2 (see also Figure 1). Fig. 2) can be determined.

[0020] The uppermost shelf 2a is moved from the upper support position P1 to the lower support position P2 by overcoming a support or restoring force F. This support or restoring force F is generated by fluid mechanics. In particular, the support or restoring force F is generated in conjunction with the compression of a pressure medium and / or the displacement of a fluid.

[0021] The shelf arrangement includes, in this illustration, braking or locking devices (not shown in further detail) for fixing the shelf 2a in an intermediate position desired by the user and preferably continuously selectable. The downward movement of the shelf 2a in the vertical direction occurs when a minimum load on the shelf 2a is overcome. This minimum load can be adjusted structurally by the design of the overall movement mechanism VM provided here. The support or restoring force of the movement mechanism VM, which supports and guides the shelf 2a, is set to a value that causes a lowered shelf 2a, which is unlocked when the load falls below the minimum load, to automatically raise itself again and move into the upper support position P1.

[0022] The vertical movement of shelf 2a is achieved by overcoming forces that vary according to the movement speed, resulting in a smooth start with moderate speeds and a gentle deceleration in the area of ​​the end positions P1 and P2. The movement mechanism VM can be designed, in particular, such that the vertical movement of shelf 2a occurs by overcoming forces that increase as it approaches the lower support position P2.

[0023] In the embodiment of the compartment arrangement shown here, the restoring force F is generated by means of at least one gas spring GS, which is housed in a tube guide 3. The gas spring GS is connected to the shelf 2a via a bridge structure 4. The bridge structure 4 comprises a left and a right side panel 4a, 4b, as well as a crossbeam 4c.

[0024] The bridge structure 4 is designed in such a way that it has a bridge height that corresponds to the height of the goods compartment WF1 located above the shelf 2a.

[0025] The gas spring GS is integrated into the displacement mechanism VM in such a way that it engages the bridge structure 4 at a position whose vertical projection onto the shelf 2a lies in the region of the centroid Z of the shelf 2a. In this embodiment, the shelf 2a has a substantially rectangular outer contour, and the gas spring GS is located vertically above the intersection of the diagonals of the shelf 2a.

[0026] The gas spring GS is housed in a guide structure, which here is designed as a tube guide 3. The tube guide 3 sits on a crossbar 4d, which bridges the upper area of ​​the frame assembly 1. The crossbar 4d is mounted on brackets 4e, 4f. These brackets 4e, 4f form the upper end brackets of the left and right side panels 1a, 1b of the frame assembly 1.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, a lockable gas spring GS is used, which releases its movement by actuating a release unit such as a Bowden cable or a hydraulic system. Accordingly, the user can lock the gas spring GS in any desired position by releasing the release mechanism.

[0028] The rack assembly 1 is designed as a lattice girder. It comprises the aforementioned left and right side panels 1a, 1b and a back panel 1c. The back panel 1c includes a grid. The side panels 1a, 1b are stiffened by diagonal braces, which form a railing system at the level of the product compartments WF1... The rack assembly 1 can also be designed differently. All side panels visible here can be designed as close-meshed grid structures, and the side panels 1a, 1b can also be formed by, in particular, transparent panel structures. Here, the rack assembly 1 has a tubular frame whose vertical supports extend in the vertical corner areas of the rack assembly 1.

[0029] For the presentation according to Fig. 2. The above statements apply accordingly. This illustration depicts the compartment arrangement in a state where the upper shelf 2a is vertically lowered and rests on the shelf 2b of the compartment located below the uppermost compartment. In this position, goods can be removed from or placed on shelf 2a. The lowered shelf 2a, in conjunction with the side panels 4a, 4b, and the crossbar 4c, forms a frontally open basket that is gripped centrally above the base of shelf 2a by the gas spring GS and the pipe guide 3 housing it.

[0030] In the embodiment shown here, the compartment arrangement comprises a total of four compartments WF1, WF2, WF3, and WF4. The corresponding shelves 2 and 2a are inserted into the frame assembly 1 at the same intervals. The uppermost shelf 2a can be lowered vertically from top to bottom to the height level of the stationary shelf 2 below it. The movable shelf 2a is supported laterally by a bridge. A displacement mechanism VM engages centrally with this bridge. The displacement mechanism VM includes a gas spring GS. The kinematic coupling of the gas spring GS with the shelf 2a is achieved with a 1:1 transmission ratio. The compression direction of the gas spring is parallel to the displacement direction of the shelf 2a. The line of force exerted by the gas spring GS passes through the centroid of the shelf 2a. The displacement mechanism VM is implemented as a single assembly.This assembly is mounted on the upper frame area of ​​the frame assembly 1.

[0031] The frame assembly 1 is covered in the area of ​​the displacement path of the side panels 4a, 4b and the shelf by transparent panels (not shown here), so that a penetration through the frame assembly 1 into the movement path area of ​​the movable components is avoided.

[0032] The shelf arrangement can be designed for payloads where lowering is required, within a weight range of, for example, 2 kg to 25 kg per shelf. The mechanism preferably compensates for at least the dead weight of the movable shelf, e.g., 15 kg (i.e., the gas spring is designed to withstand this weight).

[0033] The representation according Fig. Figure 3 shows the main components of the displacement mechanism VM according to the invention and the lifting basket 7 connected to it, which is formed by the shelf 2a, the side walls 4a, 4b and the crossbeam 4c.

[0034] The displacement mechanism VM with the attached lifting basket 7 can be integrated into the frame 1 of the compartment arrangement by placing the crossbar 4d, which carries the pipe guide 3, onto the upper brackets or upper end structures of the frame assembly 1 and coupling it to the frame assembly 1 in this area.

[0035] The pipe guide 3 comprises a guide tube 3a mounted on the crossbar 4d and a strut tube 3b running within it. The strut tube 3b is slotted along the length of the gas spring's stroke. A connecting section extends through this slot, supporting the gas spring GS. The piston rod GSb of the internal gas spring GS engages the strut tube 3b at an end opposite the slotted section. In this state, the gas spring GS is at its maximum extension.

[0036] The representation according Fig. Figure 4 shows the displacement mechanism VM and the basket 7 it supports in a state with the gas spring GS maximally compressed and the tube strut 3b thus maximally displaced vertically downwards. The slotted section of the tube strut 3b is submerged through the guide tube 3a until the end of the slot rests on the connecting section supporting the gas spring GS. (See also Figure 5c.)

[0037] The representations according to the Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b and Fig. Figure 5c illustrates further details of the displacement mechanism VM as used in the embodiment described above. The illustration according to Fig. Figure 5b shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the displacement mechanics according to Fig. 5a in the section plane AA. The representation according to Fig. Figure 5c shows constructive details regarding the integration of the gas spring GS into the displacement mechanism VM in the area of ​​the tube guide 3. The guide tube 3a is rigidly coupled to the crossbar 4d. The tube strut 3b is guided vertically within the tube guide 3a. A connecting section 3c, designed as a locking pin, is located in the tube guide 3a and is inserted through a hinge eye GSa of a standard gas spring GS. The gas spring GS is designed here for an example of 150 N. This locking pin fixes the outer tube of the gas spring GS vertically and immovably within the guide tube 3a. The locking pin extends through the slotted area of ​​the tube strut 3b. A guide bushing 3d is located in the guide tube 3a. The gas spring GS comprises a piston rod GSb and a piston GSc, which reaches its fully retracted end position here.

[0038] As shown in the illustration Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6, it is possible to provide actuating means 8 in the front area of ​​the compartment arrangement 1 by means of which the displacement mechanism VM can be moved into a release state or a locked state. In this embodiment, the actuating means 8 are designed as a push-button device. This is mechanically coupled to locking elements of the gas spring or the displacement mechanism via a Bowden cable 9. In the mechanism according to the invention, a lockable gas spring is used, which releases its movement by actuating a release unit such as a Bowden cable or a hydraulic system. Accordingly, the user can lock the gas spring GS in any desired position by releasing the actuating means. The fixing of the gas spring or the coupling of the components that are movable relative to each other and that carry the support forces (in particular, the gas spring) is controlled by a Bowden cable 9.The piston rod (with outer tube) is preferably engaged by a braking, clamping, or other holding mechanism integrated into the gas spring (GS), forming a single assembly with the gas spring. The gas spring (GS) thus constitutes a kinematic element whose locking or unlocking action controls the movement of the lowering device. The clamping or locking mechanism is designed to be actuated with minimal force. This clamping or locking mechanism can be combined with other valve mechanisms. This allows for unlocking or locking, and optionally, the lowering or raising speed can be adjusted by controlling a throttle valve, for example, by pressing a button and then depressing it further in a controlled manner.

[0039] As shown in the illustration Fig. Figure 7 illustrates that the release of the displacement mechanism can also be achieved by other pulling means, in particular by bands 10 that can be grasped in the front area of ​​the frame assembly 1. This band 10 is shown here only as a short strip; this strip extends vertically upwards from the position shown here to the upper end of the frame assembly 1 and can be grasped by the user at any height there. Pulling on this band then actuates the pull core guided in the Bowden cable 9. This then further actuates the locking mechanism of the displacement mechanism VM. This locking mechanism is integrated into the gas spring and selectively couples the piston rod to the outer tube by clamping. The release mechanism is reset by a spring device. The displacement mechanism is locked in its initial state.It is possible to integrate the locking or clamping mechanism into the gas spring or to use gas springs with an integrated locking mechanism.

[0040] The invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. Instead of a single gas spring, the restoring force can be generated by incorporating several gas springs. Instead of designing the displacement mechanism with a guide tube assembly vertically and centrally attached to a bridge above the shelf, joint mechanisms, in particular parallel link mechanisms, especially with gas springs integrated on both sides, can also be arranged in the side area of ​​the frame assembly or in the cheeks of the lifting basket.

[0041] A handle can be provided on the front of the movable shelf to facilitate lifting and lowering the vertically pre-tensioned shelf. The locking and unlocking mechanisms for the vertically movable shelf can be positioned near the handle so that they are activated when the front shelf handle is grasped. The handle can also be movably attached to the shelf. Moving the handle upwards relative to the shelf can initially unlock it, and then the shelf, even with goods on it, can be lifted with the assistance of the gas springs. The user is thus supported by the action of the gas springs when lifting the loaded shelf.To lower the shelf, the front lever can be easily tilted downwards against a stop. This tilting action unlocks the mechanism, and the shelf lowers either under the weight of the goods placed on it or, if necessary, with additional assistance from the user applying pressure to the lever. The movement of the shelf can be safely controlled and guided by gripping the lever.

[0042] It is possible to provide the components for an upper storage compartment with a selectively lowerable shelf as an assembly that is inserted into the rack in place of the top shelf or the two upper shelves, possibly using only—or especially for the vertical force transmission into the side frame—the existing standard supports of the conventional shelves. Two such inserts can also be inserted into the rack in a vertically sequential manner, i.e., stacked on top of each other, particularly in an embodiment where the displacement mechanism consists of two components arranged laterally to the shelf, especially those housed in flat box enclosures.

[0043] The representation according Fig.Figure 8 shows a second embodiment of a compartment arrangement or rack according to the invention, comprising a frame 1 and several shelves 2, which are vertically connected to the frame 1 to form compartments WF1, WF2, WF3, WF4. In this compartment arrangement, at least one of the shelves 2, here the uppermost shelf 2a, is guided in a vertically displaceable direction and can be fixed in the upper support position P1 shown here, as well as in a lower support position P2.

[0044] The uppermost shelf 2a is moved from the upper support position P1 to the lower support position P2 by overcoming a support or restoring force F. This support or restoring force F is generated by a hinge mechanism incorporating fluid-mechanical elements. In particular, the support or restoring force F is generated in conjunction with the compression of a pressure medium and / or the displacement of a fluid.

[0045] The shelf arrangement includes a braking or locking device B for fixing the shelf 2a, also in an intermediate position desired by the user and preferably continuously selectable. The shelf 2a moves downwards in a vertical direction when a minimum load on the shelf 2a is overcome. This minimum load can be adjusted structurally by the design of the overall movement mechanism VM provided here. The support or restoring force of the movement mechanism VM, which supports and guides the shelf 2a, is set to a value that causes a lowered shelf 2a, which is unlocked when the load falls below the minimum load, to automatically raise itself again and move into the upper support position P1.

[0046] The displacement mechanism comprises a pair of scissor joints coupled via a coupling shaft 10, ensuring tilt-free displacement of the shelf 2a. This coupling shaft 10 connects the links 11 of the two scissor joints. The links 11 are pivotally attached to the shelf 2 at the rear. The other links 12 of the scissor joints are guided in guides 14 via rollers 13. The links 12 are coupled to levers 16 via connecting rods 15. The levers 16 pivot in opposite directions, compressing or extending the gas springs GS attached to them. The gas springs GS are positioned flat beneath the shelf 2. The pivot pins of the levers 16 are located on the shelf plate 2, which also serves as the housing for the mechanism.

[0047] In this embodiment, two gas springs GS are provided, which pivot the two levers 16 apart and preload them outwards. The gas springs are equipped with integrated clamping, locking, or detent devices B that can be actuated via Bowden cables 9. The Bowden cables 9 are coupled to a lever 16 which can be actuated by a push button 8. The push button 8 is located next to a handle 17 and can be actuated by the user's thumb when the handle is grasped.

[0048] Shelf 2a and the two scissor hinges form an assembly that can be easily integrated into a rack, particularly a picking trolley, by placing it on a shelf. The side area of ​​the rack frame can be clad in the passage area of ​​shelf 2a; this cladding can be attached, in particular, to the lower guide rails 19.

[0049] As illustrated here, it is possible to use two identical gas springs (GS) with integrated locking devices. It is also possible to combine a gas spring (GS) with a hydraulic damper, in particular a damper or hydraulic cylinder with adjustable throttling, so that the lowering under load can be finely adjusted. It is also possible to integrate spring components into the mechanism by which a defined basic preload is achieved by a spring, in particular a coil spring, and the entire load is not borne by the gas spring. Thus, mechanical springs, gas springs, and hydraulic components can be integrated into the mechanism in parallel. Elastomeric end stops are preferably provided for the end positions, ensuring a silent stop when the end positions are reached.

Claims

[1] Specialist arrangement, in particular mobile order picking equipment with: - a racking system and - several shelves which are vertically connected to the racking system to form product compartments, wherein - at least one of the shelves is guided in a vertical direction and can be fixed in an upper load-bearing position as well as in a lower load-bearing position, - the displacement from the upper load-bearing position to the lower load-bearing position occurs by overcoming a supporting or restoring force and - the support or restoring force is generated by fluid-mechanical means, in particular by incorporating a gas spring. [2] Specialist arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by that the restoring force is generated in conjunction with the compression of a pressure medium. [3] Specialist arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat braking or locking devices are provided to fix the shelf in an intermediate position desired by the user. [4] Specialist arrangement according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the downward vertical displacement occurs while overcoming a minimum load on the shelf. [5] Specialist arrangement according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the restoring force is adjusted to a value which causes a lowered shelf, which is unlocked when the load is below the minimum load, to be lifted and moved into the upper load-bearing position. [6] Specialist arrangement according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the displacement of the shelf in a vertical direction takes place by overcoming forces which vary according to the displacement speed. [7] Specialist arrangement according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the displacement of the shelf in a vertical direction occurs by overcoming forces that increase as it approaches the lower support position. [8] Specialist arrangement according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the restoring force is generated using at least one gas spring. [9] Specialist arrangement according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the gas spring is connected to the shelf via a bridge structure. [10] Specialist arrangement according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the bridge structure has a bridge height that corresponds to the height of the goods compartment located above the shelf. [11] Specialist arrangement according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterized bythat the gas spring on the bridge structure acts at a position whose vertical projection onto the shelf lies in the area of ​​the shelf's center of gravity. [12] Specialist arrangement according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by that the shelf has an essentially rectangular outer contour and that the gas spring is located above the intersection of the shelf's diagonals. [13] Specialist arrangement according to at least one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by that the gas spring is housed in a guide structure. [14] Specialist arrangement according to at least one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by that the guide structure is designed as a pipe guide. [15] Specialist arrangement, in particular mobile order picking equipment with: - a racking system and - several shelves which are vertically connected to the racking system to form product compartments, wherein - at least one of the shelves is guided in a vertical direction and can be fixed in an upper load-bearing position as well as in a lower load-bearing position, - the displacement from the upper load-bearing position to the lower load-bearing position occurs by overcoming a supporting or restoring force and - the support or restoring force is generated by a piston / cylinder system through the displacement of a fluid. [16] Specialist arrangement according to claim 15, characterized by , that a holding device is provided which is designed in such a way that it can switchably lock the piston / cylinder system.

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