SHELVING SYSTEM WITH SHUTTLE VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a shuttle vehicle and a shelving system with a shuttle vehicle, and in particular to a shelving system with a shuttle vehicle in which a telescopic undercarriage technology is used for storing and retrieving heavy loads.

[0002] In existing warehouse systems, industrial trucks and storage and retrieval machines form the basis for loading and unloading items from storage locations in a warehouse system.

[0003] Document WO 2015 / 038999 A2 describes an automated storage and retrieval system comprising an autonomous transport vehicle having a frame forming a payload area and telescopic arms movably mounted on the frame, each telescopic arm being configured to extend and retract relative to the frame along an extension axis to facilitate transfer of at least one receiving surface to and from the payload area and transverse movement relative to the frame in at least one direction, i.e., at an angle to the extension axis, and at least one tab extending from each telescopic arm, the at least one tab extending in a direction transverse to the extension and retraction direction, and the at least one tab on one of the telescopic arms being aligned with the at least one tab on another of the telescopic arms. In particular, WO 2015 / 038999 A2 discloses a shuttle vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] However, such industrial trucks and storage and retrieval machines regularly require a lot of space and are limited in terms of storage depth.

[0005] In addition, such industrial trucks regularly require additional space for maneuvering, so that their use leads to a reduction in the capacity available for storage.

[0006] Accordingly, the technical problem of the present invention is to increase the flexibility and throughput of a storage system.

[0007] According to the present invention, this technical problem is solved with a shuttle vehicle according to claim 1.

[0008] The shuttle vehicle according to the invention can be moved within the shelving system for transporting stored goods. The shuttle vehicle comprises a chassis with wheels mounted thereon for moving the shuttle vehicle along rails of the shelving system. Furthermore, the shuttle vehicle comprises at least one telescopic rail mounted on the chassis such that its direction of travel deviates from that of the rails of the shelving system by a predetermined angle greater than zero, e.g., an angle of substantially 90°.

[0009] In addition, the shuttle vehicle includes a telescopic system for each telescopic rail with mounted telescopic wheels for extending and retracting the telescopic system along the associated telescopic rail relative to the chassis in a single plane. Furthermore, the telescopic system of the shuttle vehicle according to the invention includes a base support element to which the wheels are attached by means of wheel suspensions, as well as a lifting system for attaching a loading surface of the telescopic system to the base support system in a height-adjustable manner.

[0010] Furthermore, the technical problem of the present invention is solved by a shelving system according to claim 10.

[0011] The shelving system has at least one storage level in which a plurality of storage locations, storage spaces, or shelf locations are arranged at right angles. The shelving system also has at least one shuttle passage per storage level, running between opposite outer sides of the shelving system. The shuttle passage runs in a straight line along storage locations of the storage level. Furthermore, the shelving system has at least one shuttle vehicle according to the invention, which can be moved in at least one shuttle passage of the storage system for storing and retrieving stored goods.

[0012] Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0013] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings; Fig. 1 is a plan view of the shuttle vehicle according to the invention with the telescopic system retracted or extended; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the telescopic system according to the invention; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the shuttle vehicle according to the invention with the telescopic system extended for multiple-depth storage of transport containers; Fig. 4 is a view of the use of the shuttle vehicle according to the invention in a storage system according to the invention; Fig. 5 is a plan view of a storage system according to the invention; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the storage system according to the invention; and Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the storage system according to the invention with order-picking flow racks.

[0014] Fig. 1 shows a plan view of a shuttle system 10 according to the invention with retracted telescope system 12, Fig. 1(A) , and with extended telescopic system 12, Fig. 1(B) .

[0015] As in Fig. 1 As shown, the shuttle vehicle 10 is used to transport stored goods in a shelving system. It includes a chassis 12 with wheels 14-1, 14-2, 14-3, 14-4 mounted thereon to move the shuttle vehicle along rails 16-1, 16-2 of the shelving system.

[0016] As in Fig. 1(A) and in Fig. 1(B) As shown, the shuttle vehicle 10 contains at least one telescopic travel rail 18-1, 18-2, which is mounted on the chassis 12 such that its travel direction deviates from that of the travel rail 16-1, 16-2 of the shelving system by a predetermined angle greater than zero. For example, this angle has a value of substantially 90°, so that the travel directions of the travel rails 16-1, 16-2 extend to the two sides of the shuttle vehicle 10. However, according to the present invention, it is also possible to select a smaller or larger value for the angle in order to realize an extension direction that is oblique to the travel rails of the shelving system.

[0017] As in Fig. 1(A) und Fig. 1(B) As shown, the shuttle vehicle 10 also has a telescopic system 20 with telescopic wheels 22-1, 22-2, 22-3, 22-4 mounted thereon in order to extend and retract the telescopic system 20 along the associated telescopic travel rail or the associated vehicle rails 18-1, 18-2 relative to the chassis 12 in a plane.

[0018] According to the present invention, the telescopic system 20 has a single-acting design. This means that the telescopic arm is single-sectioned and can thus be moved in a single plane. This results in a generally very low structure for the shuttle vehicle, which is particularly important for increasing efficiency in the shelving system.

[0019] Furthermore, within the scope of the present invention, the shuttle vehicle 10 is designed as a heavy-duty shuttle vehicle.

[0020] In the heavy-duty variant, the extending and retracting telescopic system 20 runs on associated guide rails which are provided in the bearing system to absorb the forces acting by the load of the telescopic system 20.

[0021] For moving the telescopic system 20, a dedicated drive, such as a chain drive, can be provided on the shuttle vehicle 10. Alternatively, the telescopic system can be equipped with its own drive, such as an electric motor, which increases flexibility because there are no restrictions regarding the insertion depth into the shelving system.

[0022] By means of the combination of the chassis 12 and the telescopic system 20, the invention opens up the possibility of carrying out multi-depth storage in any desired variability.

[0023] Depending on the division, multiple-deep storage is possible in relation to the depth of the rack. Thus, if the length accessible by the telescopic system is equal to the storage depth, single-deep storage results. Similarly, if the length accessible by the telescopic system is equal to the double-deep storage depth, double-deep storage results, and so on.

[0024] As in the Fig. 1(A) und 1(B) As shown, for example, two storage containers 24-1, 24-2 can be used in a double-deep storage system. Shuttle vehicles load the storage system using the telescopic system 20 or remove storage containers using the telescopic system 20.

[0025] In the heavy-duty variant, the telescopic system 20 stores and retrieves the load using telescopic undercarriage technology.

[0026] In the heavy-duty version, the wheels 22-1, 22-2, 22-3, 22-4 of the telescopic system 20 run in rails of the shelving system in order to be able to accommodate heavy loads.

[0027] In the heavy-duty version, the vehicle shuttle 10 can weigh approximately 15 tons and store up to 6 meters deep. Narrow and wide products, such as stacks of chipboard, can be stored multiple-deep. With single-deep storage, for example, with up to 5.7 meters long, 2.1 meters wide, and 0.9 meters high, with a weight of approximately 15 tons; with double-deep storage, for example, with 2.8 meters long, 2.1 meters wide, and 0.9 meters high, each with a weight of approximately 4.5 to 7.5 tons; and with quadruple-deep storage, for example, with double-deep storage and two stacks next to each other, with 2.8 meters long and 1.1 meters wide. In the latter case, two packages can be stored next to each other and two behind each other, meaning each shelf box can hold four items of stored goods.

[0028] Furthermore, the shuttle technology according to the invention allows dynamic rack storage and order picking applications for heavy products weighing up to 15 tons, depending on the industry. A telescope 20 is used for undercarriage, lifting, and retrieval or storage. Shorter packages can be stored one behind the other. Access is variable in depth, allowing the required depth of storage and retrieval. If, for example, only the third of three packages is needed, packages 1 and 2 can be re-stored on the opposite side.

[0029] Furthermore, with the shuttle technology according to the invention, the throughput is higher due to the large number of shuttle vehicles than with conventional shelf vehicles, as a higher throughput is made possible by parallel operation. As explained in more detail below, several shuttle vehicles can be used per level of a shelf system, which can be moved vertically between individual levels of the shelf system using shuttle transfer units. The transfer units can be arranged on one or both sides of the shelf system. The transfer units are used to move the shuttle vehicles with or without a load. Alternatively, only products can be moved; in this case, one possible implementation would be to have a transfer unit for shuttles at one end of the shelf system and a transfer unit only for products on the other side or along the shelf.

[0030] The Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the telescope system 20 according to the invention.

[0031] As in Fig. 2 As shown, the telescopic system 20 includes a base support element 26 to which the wheels 22-1, 22-2, ... are attached by means of wheel suspensions 28-1, 28-2, ... Furthermore, the telescopic system 20 has a loading platform 30 attached to the base support element 26. The wheel suspensions 28-1, 28-2, ... are preferably designed such that the wheels 22-1, 22-2, ... can be pivoted along the direction of travel of the telescopic system 20.

[0032] As in Fig. 2 As shown, the telescopic system 20 also has a lifting system by means of which the loading surface 30 is attached to the base support system 26 in a height-adjustable manner. The lifting system is formed by a plurality of X-braces attached to the base support element 26 and to the loading surface 30, as well as a plurality of lifting columns 36 for positioning the loading surface 30 relative to the base support element 26. The lifting system can function mechanically, electrically, and / or hydraulically.

[0033] Furthermore, the design of the lifting system is not limited to X-bracing. Options also include linear lifting elements, eccentric lifting elements, or crank drives.

[0034] The Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the shuttle vehicle 10 according to the invention with double-deep storage with the telescopic system 20 extended.

[0035] As in Fig. 3 As shown, stored goods can be transported in load carriers 24-1, 24-2 with a predetermined length, height, and width. In single-deep storage, the loading area 30 of the telescopic system 20 has a length that is a multiple of the length or width of the load carriers, in particular a single length or width of the load carriers 24-1, 24-2.

[0036] As in Fig. 3 As shown, in the heavy-duty variant, the telescopic wheels 22-1, 22-2, ... of the telescopic system 20 can rest in corresponding telescopic rails of the storage system.

[0037] According to the invention, storage and retrieval is carried out by means of the telescopic system 20 of a shuttle vehicle 10 in a raised state. Containers 24-1, 24-2 are then lowered into a storage location of the shelving system, and the telescopic system 20 is retracted after being lowered.

[0038] As in Fig. 3 As shown, the shuttle vehicle 10 is equipped with a single-acting telescopic system 20, which can be extended to the right or left. Single-acting here means extending in one plane to achieve a minimum overall height. Likewise, the shuttle vehicle 10 according to the invention has drive motors 38-1, 38-2, 38-3, 38-4 associated with the wheels 40-1, 40-2, 40-3, 40-4 of the chassis 12. Also provided are a drive motor for the lifting drive in the case of an electric design of the lifting system and a drive motor for the telescopic system 20.

[0039] Alternatively, the conveyor technology could consist of several conveyor lines, e.g. four conveyor lines, depending on the load and weight with chain, toothed belt, etc.

[0040] In addition, the shuttle vehicle 10 can be equipped with a double-belt conveyor system, for which a drive motor is also provided. Preferably, two conveyor belts of the double-belt conveyor system are provided along each of the long sides of the loading area 30 of at least one telescopic system 20. Furthermore, the running surfaces of the double-belt conveyor system are preferably spaced apart from the surface of the loading area 30 of the telescopic system 20 at a predetermined distance greater than zero. This distance can, for example, have a value of 5 mm to 5 cm.

[0041] Another option for conveyor technology is the use of chain conveyors, toothed belts or conveyor belts.

[0042] As in Fig. 3 As shown, by combining a telescopic system 20 with a lifting drive, any number of goods can be stored in an angular rack in a single-acting manner with a low overall height, whereby the only limitation is the length of the telescopic system 20.

[0043] The shuttle vehicle 10 of the present invention also includes a controller. Preferably, the controller is supplied with data relevant to the movement sequence and the loading process via a wireless communication interface, e.g., WLAN, which is provided by an external control system of the shelving system.

[0044] An energy storage device, for example in combination with capacitor buffer technology, can be provided to supply power to the electrical consumers of the shuttle vehicle 10. Alternatively, power can be supplied via a power rail along a travel passage of the shuttle vehicle 10.

[0045] According to the present invention, the shuttle vehicle 10 may have a variable number of telescope systems 20 that can be operated independently of one another.

[0046] Fig. 4 shows the use of the shuttle vehicle according to the invention in a storage system according to the invention.

[0047] The Fig. 4 shows more clearly the positioning of the shuttle system 10 according to the invention relative to a storage box 32 of the shelving system.

[0048] As in Fig. 4 As shown, the shuttle vehicle 10 approaches the storage box 32 in such a way that the travel rails 18-1, 18-2 of the shuttle vehicle 10 are mutually aligned with the associated travel rails of the storage box 32. As soon as this alignment is achieved, the shuttle vehicle 10 stops and the telescopic system 20 can move into the storage box 32. In this case, a multiple-deep storage, in Fig. 4 a double-deep storage, limited only by the length of the telescopic system 20. Furthermore, the heavy-duty variant can be realized within the scope of the present invention, since the load and the resulting forces can be introduced directly into the storage system via the rails of the storage box 32, without additional forces acting on the shuttle vehicle 10.

[0049] The Fig. 5 shows a plan view of a shelving system according to the invention, which is operated together with at least one shuttle vehicle 10 according to the present invention.

[0050] As in Fig. 5 As shown, the shelving system 40 contains at least one storage level in which a plurality of storage boxes are arranged at right angles.

[0051] As in Fig. 5 As shown, the shelving system 40 includes at least one rectilinear shuttle passage 42-1, 42-2 per storage level between opposite outer sides of the shelving system 40, which extend along the storage boxes of each storage level.

[0052] In addition, the shelving system 40 according to the present invention includes at least one shuttle vehicle 10, as shown in Fig. 1 bis Fig. 3 described. The shuttle vehicle 10 can be moved in at least one shuttle passage 42-1, 42-2 of the storage system 40 in order to store and retrieve stored goods using the telescopic technology according to the invention.

[0053] Furthermore, according to the invention, the storage boxes are provided with telescopic rails on their underside, so that in the case of heavy loads, with the telescopic system 20 of the shuttle vehicle 10 extended, telescopic wheels 22-1, 22-2, 22-3, 22-4 rest on these telescopic rails. Furthermore, power rails can be provided in each shuttle passage 42-1, 42-2 to supply the shuttle vehicle 10 with power.

[0054] As in Fig. 5 As shown, at least one transfer system 44-1, 44-2, 44-3, 44-4 is provided on the outer sides of the shelving system 40 in order to transfer a shuttle vehicle 10 and / or stored goods in height relative to the individual storage levels of the shelving system 40.

[0055] As in Fig. 5 As shown, a transfer system 44-1, 44-2, 44-3, 44-4 serves a pre-zone 46 of the shelving system 40. A supply and a discharge conveyor system 48 is arranged opposite the lift system. The supply and discharge can take place on several levels, allowing multiple supply and discharge points to be implemented on one side, opposite each other, or on multiple sides.

[0056] As in Fig. 5 As shown, flow racks 50 can be arranged along the rack system 40, which can be filled on their upper side by means of a shuttle vehicle 10 and on the underside of which stored goods can be taken over by a shuttle vehicle 10.

[0057] The Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the shelving system according to the invention.

[0058] As in Fig. 6 As shown, transfer systems 44-1, 44-2, 44-3, 44-4 are each provided at the end of a shuttle passage. With the transfer systems 44-1, 44-2, 44-3, 44-4, shuttle vehicles 10 can be transported between levels of the shelving system 40 or to the pre-zone 46. According to the invention, a combination of product transfer and shuttle transfer can also be used. Since flow channels can be equipped along the long side of the shelving system 40, this offers the advantage of also enabling the possibility of combining them with standardized goods to create personnel picking stations.

[0059] Furthermore, according to the invention, shuttle vehicles 10 including stored goods can be transferred by the transfer systems 44-1, 44-2, 44-3, 44-4. Several shuttle vehicles 10 can be used per level of the shelving system 40. A combination of product and shuttle vehicle transfer is also possible.

[0060] In view of the Fig. 6 The shelving system 40 shown results in a standardized process as follows: The shuttle transfer unit or lift system brings the shuttle vehicle 10 into the pre-zone 46. There, the shuttle vehicle 10 picks up the product to be stored. The lift system 44-2, 44-4 brings the shuttle vehicle 10 with the product to the logistically correct level, where the shuttle vehicle 10 enters the level and then stores the product to be stored in the designated storage box. The reverse procedure can be used for retrieval.

[0061] By providing several lift systems, a route-optimized and redundant approach can be ensured.

[0062] As in Fig. 6 As shown, a further advantage of the present invention lies in the combination of the storage function with the picking function directly based on the shelving system 40 and / or a separate arrangement on the shelving system 40. This meets the increasing demands in the field of Industry 4.0 system solutions with regard to storage, buffering, picking, and an optimal solution for higher-level communication via WLAN. The shuttle technology according to the invention is characterized by lower energy consumption and a very gentle product handling solution.

[0063] Optionally, the shuttle vehicle 10 can be designed with and without chain conveyors, by means of which cargo can be transported onto the loading area.

[0064] In the area of the pre-zone 46, the shuttle vehicle 10, after the lift has transported it to the correct height, can deliver the stored goods to the conveyor system 48 on one side and pick up the load from the conveyor system 48 on the other side. The delivery and pick-up are carried out using telescopic technology or, if necessary, using a chain conveyor arranged on the shuttle vehicle 10. Conveyor system connections can be arranged multiple times one above the other or on one side. Connections to both ends of the rack or along the rack system 40 at the position of a storage space for transfer to a shuttle vehicle 10 are also possible.

[0065] According to the invention, if a very high throughput is required, one or more lift systems can be provided for transferring loads on one side of the shelving system 40. In this case, shuttle vehicles 10 on the respective levels simply transfer the load to the defined transfer station, preferably at the end of the shuttle passages 42-1, 42-2.

[0066] From there, the containers, products, etc. are then brought into the pre-zone 46 with the incoming and outgoing conveyor technology 48 by means of lift systems designed as load transfer systems.

[0067] A transfer of the shuttle vehicles 10 from one shuttle passage to another shuttle passage in a horizontal direction is also possible within the scope of the present invention, both in the heavy-load variant and in the low-load variant.

[0068] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the storage system according to the invention with order picking flow racks.

[0069] As in Fig. 7 As shown, according to the invention, one or more order picking flow racks can be combined with the shelving system 40. This results in a particularly advantageous storage and material flow control of the entire system. Likewise, the number of shuttle vehicles 10 used within the shelving system can be variably determined depending on the throughput requirements.

[0070] If picking flow racks or live racks are arranged along the shelving system 40 for order picking or for the transport and removal of load, these are filled on the upper side, i.e. the aisle side, by the shuttle vehicle 10. At the lower side, products can be removed from the containers or packages or directly. Empty load carriers can be returned via a flow rack section that drops down to the shuttle passage. In this case, the load is again taken over at the lower end by the shuttle vehicle 10 using the telescopic undercarriage technology. In this way, load can also be transported from one shelving system to another, optionally also using a driven conveyor system. If the interface to the shuttle vehicle 10 is designed using a driven conveyor system, the load can be taken over on the shuttle vehicle 10 using a double belt conveyor system.

[0071] For order picking, the flow racks are equipped with display systems such as "pick-by-light" or "pick-by-voice." Fully automated order picking using robot technology is also possible.

[0072] Overall, the present invention enables the use of a very low, single-acting undercarriage telescope, which, in combination with a shelving system 40, enables multi-depth storage. Furthermore, a flow rack can be actively operated during filling and removal using the telescopic system 20. As a result, the present invention creates multi-depth storage using the telescopic system 20, which can be raised and lowered via a lifting system on the shuttle vehicle 10.

Claims

1. Shuttle vehicle (10) for transporting stored goods in a shelving system, containing: a chassis (12) having wheels (14-1, ..., 14-4) mounted thereon in order to move the shuttle vehicle along guide rails (16-1, 16-2) of the shelving system; at least one telescopic guide rail (18-1, 18-2) which is mounted on the chassis (12) in such a way that its travel direction deviates by an angle of substantially 90° relative to those of the guide rails (16-1, 16-2) of the shelving system; wherein at least one telescopic system (20) is provided with telescopic wheels (22-1, ..., 22-4) mounted thereon in order to extend and retract the telescopic system (20) in a plane relative to the chassis (12) along the at least one telescopic guide rail (18-1, 18-2) having: a base support element (26) to which the telescopic wheels (22-1, ..., 22-4) are fastened by means of wheel suspensions (28-1, 28-2, 28-3); characterised in that the telescopic system comprises a lifting system in order to fasten a loading surface (30) of the telescopic system (20) to the base support element (26) in a height-adjustable manner.

2. Shuttle vehicle according to claim 1, characterised in that the lifting system comprises a plurality of scissor struts (34) that are fastened to the base support element (26) and to the loading surface (30) and a plurality of lifting columns for positioning the loading surface (30) relative to the base support element (26).

3. Shuttle vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the lifting system is a mechanical, electric and / or hydraulic lifting system.

4. Shuttle vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that it comprises at least one drive (38-1, ... , 38-4) for the shuttle vehicle and at least one drive for the lifting system.

5. Shuttle vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that it comprises at least one drive motor for extending the telescopic system (20) and which is mounted on the shuttle vehicle (10) or telescopic system (20).

6. Shuttle vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that it contains a controller which comprises an interface for wireless communication in order to carry out data communication with an external control system.

7. Shuttle vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that it comprises an energy accumulator or a sliding contact.

8. Shelving system, containing: at least one storage plane in which a large number of storage spaces are arranged at a right angle; at least one shuttle passage per storage plane that extends in a straight line between opposing outer faces of the shelving system and that extends along storage spaces of said storage plane; and a shuttle vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 7 which can be moved in at least one shuttle passage of the storage system for storing and retrieving stored goods.

9. Shelving system according to claim 8, characterised in that, at at least one storage space, telescopic guide rails are provided on the lower side such that, when the telescopic system (20) of the shuttle vehicle (10) is extended, telescopic wheels (22-1, ... , 22-4) of the telescopic system (20) lie on the telescopic guide rails.

10. Shelving system according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that busbars are provided along each shuttle passage in order to supply the shuttle vehicle (10) with energy.

11. Shelving system according to any of claims 8 to 10, characterised in that it comprises at least one transfer system on an outer face of the shelving system (40) in order to vertically transfer a shuttle vehicle (20) and / or stored goods.

12. Shelving system according to any of claims 8 to 11, characterised in that flow racks (50) are arranged along the shelving system, which flow racks can be filled at the upper side thereof by means of a shuttle vehicle (10) and stored goods can be taken at the lower side thereof by a shuttle vehicle (10).