Storage lift for storing goods

Abstract

Storage lift (10) for storing goods (37), comprising a plurality of storage locations and an operating station (16) for storing and retrieving goods (37) located on a storage carrier (19), which is accessible via an operating opening (18), wherein a monitoring device (36) is provided for monitoring the operating opening (18), wherein the monitoring device (36) is configured to monitor the storage and retrieval of goods (37) and / or any intervention by an operator and / or an object in the operating station (18), and wherein the monitoring device (36) is formed from at least two electro-optical sensors (38, 40).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a storage lift for storing goods, comprising a plurality of storage places and an operating station for storing and retrieving goods located on a storage carrier, which is accessible via an operating opening.

[0002] Using a storage lift of the type described above, it is possible to automatically store and retrieve goods located on a storage carrier. For this purpose, the storage lift has an automated transport device that moves the storage carrier between a storage location and the operator station. At the operator station, an operator and / or a robot can remove the goods from the storage carrier for retrieval or place goods onto the storage carrier for storage. The storage and retrieval of goods is also referred to as order picking.

[0003] Currently, operators of storage lifts have to manually control all storage and retrieval processes and record them in warehouse management software. This leads to time-consuming work steps, an increased risk of errors, and inefficient use of warehouse resources.

[0004] To circumvent these disadvantages, DE 10 2018 115 697 A1 discloses a storage system with at least one withdrawal point, with at least one and preferably several storage carriers, wherein the at least one storage carrier can be moved to the withdrawal point and has a storage area that offers storage locations for storing goods, and with a detection device comprising at least one sensor unit and an evaluation device, wherein the sensor unit detects the entire storage area of ​​the storage carrier present at the withdrawal point. The sensor unit is configured to detect the heights of the stored goods on the storage area, and the evaluation device is configured to determine the surface geometry of the storage area with the stored goods present on the storage area from the heights of the stored goods. The evaluation device is also configured to detect the storage and retrieval of goods and to record this in a warehouse management system.

[0005] To comply with occupational safety regulations and prevent operator injuries, it is necessary that unauthorized access to the operating station, for example while the storage carrier is being inserted into the station, is detected and the storage lift is stopped immediately. To detect unauthorized access, it is known to install light barriers in the area of ​​the operating opening that detect access by an operator.

[0006] Therefore, known storage lifts have two systems: one for detecting unauthorized access by an operator and one for recording a picking process. This makes known storage lifts complex and expensive.

[0007] The present invention is based on the objective of creating a storage lift that enables automated order picking in a simple and cost-effective manner and at the same time detects unauthorized access to the stored goods.

[0008] To solve the problem, a storage lift with the features of claim 1 is proposed.

[0009] Advantageous designs of the storage lift are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, a storage lift for storing goods is proposed. The storage lift has a plurality of storage positions and an operating station for loading and unloading goods located on a storage carrier, which is accessible via an operating opening, wherein a monitoring device is provided for monitoring the operating opening, wherein the monitoring device is configured to monitor the loading and unloading of goods and / or any intervention by an operator and / or an object in the operating station, and wherein the monitoring device is formed from at least two electro-optical sensors.

[0011] The storage lift is characterized by its monitoring system with sensors integrated in the area of ​​the operating opening. These sensors enable real-time detection of whether and where goods are being stored and retrieved. Furthermore, the two sensors can detect whether an operator is accessing a storage carrier and / or the stored goods without authorization. For example, the two sensors can detect whether a person reaches into the lift or even enters it. The sensors capture the relevant data and output it as signals. Thus, the storage lift according to the invention enables automated order picking and access detection in a simple and cost-effective manner using only a system consisting of two sensors.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment, the sensors are arranged in the area of ​​the operating opening, particularly in an upper and / or lower area of ​​the operating opening, and / or one sensor is arranged on each of the opposite sides of the operating opening. For the purposes of this document, an area of ​​the operating opening is understood to be an area adjacent to the operating opening where the sensors are located. For example, this area could be a section of the housing of the storage lift directly adjacent to the operating opening and / or a frame surrounding the operating opening. Advantageously, the sensors monitor an operating level of the operating opening.

[0013] A storage lift is an automated storage lift that can be a vertical lift or a paternoster-style circulation system. The storage lift can also have a housing bounded by opposing side walls. The storage positions for the carriers can be formed by stacked and spaced carrier supports arranged in pairs on the opposing side walls of the housing.

[0014] The storage carrier can be designed as a tray or a box.

[0015] The two sensors offer the advantage of differentiating between operator access to the operating station, i.e., whether the operator is reaching into the station to load or unload goods, or whether the operator is accessing the station without authorization. If the operator reaches into the operating station while the lift is in operation, this is detected by the two sensors and evaluated by the control unit. Depending on the result, a stop category 0 to 2 can be initiated. If access is detected, the storage lift is locked until the person has exited. This would not work reliably with only one sensor, as it could be easily fooled. For example, if an operator reaches into the operating station with both hands in such a way that one hand is covered by the other, and then uses the covered hand to remove goods, a single sensor would not detect that anything has been removed.The two sensors advantageously monitor a spatial area formed within the operating opening. Advantageously, the two sensors define at least one monitoring plane extending along the operating opening, which is monitored by the two sensors. Furthermore, the two sensors can define a plurality of parallel monitoring planes extending along the operating opening, which are monitored by the two sensors. The monitoring plane(s) are advantageously identical to and / or parallel to the operating plane of the operating opening.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the monitoring device includes an evaluation unit that is connected to a control unit of the storage lift via signals and data. The evaluation unit is configured to generate a warehouse management signal characterizing the stored item during storage and retrieval, based on the signals and / or data generated by the sensors, and / or to generate a warning signal when an operator and / or an object interferes with the operating station. The sensors can generate electrical signals that are transmitted to the evaluation unit for analysis. Alternatively, the sensors can generate data, such as image data, that is transmitted to the evaluation unit. The warehouse management signal can include data on one or more items that have been stored and / or retrieved.

[0017] The evaluation unit and / or the control unit can be designed as a data processing unit with a computing unit, for example a CPU, and a storage unit. The control unit can also include an input and output device, for example a monitor and a keyboard and / or a mouse. The evaluation unit can be connected to the control unit via a data cable and / or wirelessly.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the control unit is configured to create a record of the stored goods in a warehouse management database based on at least one warehouse management signal, and to delete the retrieved goods from the warehouse management database, or to stop the storage lift based on a warning signal. Direct detection of the goods movement and its assignment to a warehouse management database eliminates the need for the operator to manually search for the correct entry screen. This saves time and reduces the risk of errors that can arise from human carelessness or incorrect assignment. Furthermore, it minimizes the operator's manual effort, as the assignment and posting are performed automatically. This significantly accelerates work processes and thus increases efficiency.Furthermore, all processes are automatically documented, improving the traceability of goods movements and optimizing warehouse data management. Finally, the operator's manual effort is minimized, as allocation and posting are automated. This significantly accelerates work processes and thus increases efficiency.

[0019] The control unit's storage device can house warehouse management software and a warehouse management database. Based on the warehouse management signal, the software can create a record of the stored goods in the database and delete the retrieved goods from the database, and / or stop the storage lift based on a warning signal. The combination of sensors and intelligent software partially automates the storage and retrieval process in the storage lift according to the invention. Thus, the combination of sensors, software, and automated user guidance enables seamless integration between physical goods movements and digital warehouse management.

[0020] The warehouse management signals generated by the evaluation unit are advantageously compared with the warehouse management database in the control unit to identify the relevant stored goods. This automated assignment reduces errors that can arise from incorrect entries or selection of the booking screen.

[0021] In an advantageous configuration, the control unit is configured to open at least one booking screen pertaining to the stored or retrieved goods based on at least one warehouse management signal. The automatic opening of the correct booking screen based on sensor data represents a significant time saving, as it reduces searching and manual selection and guides the operator through the process. Advantageously, the warehouse management software automatically opens the correct booking screen, which is directly tailored to the specific storage and retrieval operation. The seamless interaction between sensors, warehouse management database, and user interface creates an automation that significantly reduces the potential for errors while simultaneously increasing efficiency. Furthermore, the intuitive operation of the storage lift improves the user experience and facilitates the handling of complex warehouse structures.Furthermore, operators can concentrate on other tasks, as time-consuming search and input work is eliminated.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the warehouse management signal includes the position of the stored or retrieved goods on the storage carrier and / or the diameter of the stored or retrieved goods. The direct linking of the acquired sensor signals and / or data with the warehouse management database enables data-based assignment of the stored and / or retrieved goods. Thus, the sensors not only detect whether a stored item is being stored or retrieved, but also which item is involved. This enables context-aware process control.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the control device is configured to stop the storage lift based on the warning signal. This increases the operational safety of the storage lift.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, the sensors are arranged offset from each other along at least one direction of the storage lift. This offset enables the detection of storage and retrieval. Furthermore, the use of two sensors eliminates a blind spot in 2D analysis that can occur with a single sensor. Advantageously, a second sensor is arranged relative to a first sensor in the depth and / or height direction of the storage lift. For example, a second sensor is offset backwards relative to a first sensor in the depth direction and upwards in the height direction of the storage lift.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, a first sensor is arranged below the operating opening and a second sensor is arranged above the operating opening. This enables precise, real-time detection of whether goods are being stored or retrieved.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, a first sensor is arranged in front of the operating opening and a second sensor is arranged inside the operating station after the operating opening. This makes it possible to detect precisely and in real time whether an operator is accessing the operating station without authorization.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the electro-optical sensors are configured as lidar sensors. The lidar sensors generate laser beams that can be used to monitor the operating opening. In particular, the laser beams define a monitoring plane parallel to the operating opening.

[0028] The following section describes a storage lift and its other features and advantages in more detail using an exemplary embodiment, which is schematically illustrated in the figures. These figures show: Fig. 1. A front view of a storage lift; Fig. 2 a cross-section through the storage lift of Fig. 1 along line II-II in Fig. 1; and Fig. 3 a block diagram of a monitoring device and a control device of the storage lift.

[0029] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a storage lift 10 for storing goods not shown, which is designed as a vertical lift in this case. Alternatively, the storage lift can be designed as a carousel rack that operates according to the paternoster principle.

[0030] The storage lift 10 has a housing 12, which is bounded by opposing side walls 14, and an operating station 16 arranged on a front of the storage lift 10, which is accessible via an operating opening 18 for the storage and / or removal of goods 37 located on a storage carrier 19 by an operator and / or a robot.

[0031] Within the housing 12, a multitude of storage positions are provided for receiving storage carriers 19. The storage positions are formed by superimposed and spaced-apart carrier supports, which are arranged in pairs on the opposite side walls 14 of the housing 12.

[0032] For the transport of at least one storage carrier 19 between the operating station 16 and a storage location or between storage locations, the storage lift 10 has a transport device (not shown) which is movable in the vertical direction V.

[0033] The storage lift 10 also has a control device 20, which is located in Fig. Figure 3 is shown schematically. The control unit 20 controls the storage lift 10 and comprises a computing unit 22, such as a CPU, a storage unit 24, an input unit 26 in the form of a keyboard 28, and an output unit 30 in the form of a monitor 32. According to Fig. 1. The input and output devices 26, 30 are integrated into a control panel 34, which is located next to the operating opening 18. A warehouse management software and a warehouse management database are stored in the storage device 24.

[0034] In addition, the storage lift 10 has a monitoring device 36 for monitoring the operating station 16, which is designed to monitor the storage and retrieval of goods 37 located on the storage carrier 19 and / or any intervention by an operator and / or an object in the operating station 16.

[0035] According to the Fig. The monitoring device 36 comprises a first electro-optical sensor 38, a second electro-optical sensor 40, and an evaluation unit 42. Each of the sensors 40 is connected to the evaluation unit 42 via a data line 44, such as a data cable or radio, for signal and data transmission.

[0036] The first sensor 38 and the second sensor 40 are lidar sensors that generate perpendicularly emitting laser beams L to monitor the operating opening 18.

[0037] The sensors 38 and 40 are arranged offset from each other in the depth direction T of the storage lift 10. As particularly in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the second sensor 40 is arranged rearward in the depth direction T of the storage lift 10 relative to the first sensor 38. The first sensor 38 is located below and in front of the operating opening 18, while the second sensor 40 is located above the operating opening 18 and within the operating station 16. This offset allows for the detection of storage and retrieval. Furthermore, the use of two sensors 38 and 40 eliminates a blind spot in the 2D view that can occur with a single sensor.

[0038] The evaluation unit 42 is configured to generate a warehouse management signal characterizing at least one stored item 37, based on the signals and / or data generated by the sensors 38, 40 during storage and retrieval, and / or to generate a warning signal when an operator and / or an object interferes with the operating station 16. The warehouse management signal can indicate the position of the stored item 37 on the storage carrier 19 and / or the diameter of the stored item 37.

[0039] The evaluation unit 42 transmits the warehouse management signal and / or the warning signal to the control unit 20. For this purpose, the evaluation unit 42 and the control unit 20 are connected to each other via a data line 44, such as a data cable or radio, as shown in Fig. 3 is evident.

[0040] Control unit 20 is configured to create the stored goods item 37 in the warehouse management database and delete the removed goods item 37 from the warehouse management database based on at least one warehouse management signal. For this purpose, control unit 20 loads the warehouse management database into the processing unit 22, which, based on the warehouse management signal, creates the stored goods item 37 in the warehouse management database upon storage or deletes the stored goods item 37 in the warehouse management database upon removal. The warehouse management signals generated by evaluation unit 42 are compared by control unit 20 with the warehouse management database to identify the affected stored goods item 37. This automated assignment reduces errors that can occur due to incorrect entries or selection of the posting screen.

[0041] The control unit 20 is also configured to open at least one booking screen relating to the stored or retrieved goods 37 and to display it on the monitor 32, based on at least one warehouse management signal. For this purpose, the control unit 20 loads the warehouse management software into the computing unit 22, which selects the corresponding booking screen based on the warehouse management signal and displays it on the monitor 32.

[0042] Furthermore, the control device 20 is also configured to stop the storage lift 10 based on the warning signal.

[0043] The combination of sensors and intelligent software partially automates the storage and retrieval process of the storage lift 10. This integration of sensors, software, and automated user guidance enables seamless integration between physical goods movements and digital warehouse management. Automatically opening the correct booking screen based on sensor data saves considerable time by reducing search and manual selection and guiding the operator through the process. The control unit 20 automatically opens the correct booking screen, tailored to the specific storage and retrieval operation. This seamless interaction between sensors, the warehouse management database, and the user interface creates an automation that significantly reduces the potential for errors while simultaneously increasing efficiency.Furthermore, the intuitive operation of the Lagerlift 10 improves the user experience and simplifies the handling of complex warehouse structures. In addition, operators can concentrate on other tasks, as time-consuming search and data entry processes are eliminated. Reference symbol list 10 storage lift 12 cases 14 Side wall 16 operating stations 18 Operating opening 19 storage carriers 20 Control unit 22 computing units 24 Storage device 26 Input device 28 keyboard 30 Output device 32" monitor 34 Control panel 36 Monitoring device 37 Stored goods 38 first sensor 40 second sensor 42 Evaluation unit 44 data lines V Vertical direction T Depth direction L Laser beams 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 2018 115 697 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Storage lift (10) for storing goods (37), comprising a plurality of storage places and an operating station (16) for storing and retrieving goods (37) located on a storage carrier (19), which is accessible via an operating opening (18), wherein a monitoring device (36) is provided for monitoring the operating opening (18), wherein the monitoring device (36) is configured to monitor the storage and retrieval of goods (37) and / or the intervention of an operator and / or an object in the operating station (18), and wherein the monitoring device (36) is formed from at least two electro-optical sensors (38, 40). [2] Storage lift according to claim 1, characterized by, that the monitoring device (36) has an evaluation device (42) which is connected to a control device (20) of the storage lift (10) via signals and data, wherein the evaluation device (42) is configured to generate a storage management signal characterizing the stored item (37) on the basis of the signals and / or data generated by the sensors (38, 40) during the storage and retrieval of at least one stored item (37), and / or to generate a warning signal when an operator and / or an object interferes with the operating station (16). [3] Storage lift according to claim 2, characterized by , that the control device (20) is set up to create the stored goods (37) in a warehouse management database based on at least one warehouse management signal and to delete the removed goods (37) in the warehouse management database or to stop the storage lift (10) based on the warning signal. [4] Storage lift according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that the control device (20) is set up to open at least one booking screen relating to the stored or retrieved goods (37) based on the at least one warehouse management signal. [5] Storage lift according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by , that the warehouse management signal includes a position of the stored or retrieved goods (37) on the storage carrier (19) and / or a diameter of the stored or retrieved goods (37). [6] Storage lift according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by , that the control device (20) is set up to stop the storage lift (10) based on the warning signal. [7] Storage lift according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sensors (38, 40) are arranged offset from each other along at least one direction of the storage lift (10). [8] Storage lift according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a first sensor (38) is arranged below the operating opening (18) and that a second sensor (40) is arranged above the operating opening (18). [9] Storage lift according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a first sensor (38) is arranged in front of the operating opening (18) and that a second sensor (40) is arranged after the operating opening (18) inside the operating station (16). [10] Storage lift according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the electro-optical sensors are designed as lidar sensors.

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