BLOCK STORAGE ARRANGEMENT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a block storage arrangement having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a block bearing arrangement is known, for example, from EP 3 782 930 A1.

[0003] A similar block bearing arrangement is known from EP 3 782 928 A1.

[0004] A block storage system is used to store a large number of containers. The containers can be arranged in stacks, with each stack located in a container receiving area. Containers are loaded into a receiving area from below, using gravity and a loading vehicle. Similarly, containers are removed from the receiving area by gravity, also from below, using the loading vehicle.

[0005] The frame assembly separates the container receiving spaces from the loading area. It serves several purposes. Firstly, it must provide the block storage arrangement with a certain degree of mechanical stability so that the containers are held securely in the container receiving spaces. Secondly, it is often used to accommodate a holding device that holds the bottommost container of a stack of containers in the container receiving space.

[0006] A block storage arrangement and the containers it accommodates must be adapted to each other. If the container storage spaces have too large a footprint, too much space is wasted. Furthermore, it is difficult to hold the containers in the container storage spaces in the direction of gravity. If the containers are too large, they cannot be stored in the container storage spaces.

[0007] BE 661 864 A discloses a frame consisting of bars 1 and cube-shaped connecting links. Four bars are grouped together. The group has a square plate with a central hole at both ends. This allows several groups to be connected to each other in the longitudinal direction of the bars. The cube-shaped connecting links can be used to attach additional bars to the bars perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the bars.

[0008] DE 2 116 707 B1 shows a node connection for demountable truss structures, in which a cube-shaped node piece has an engagement hole with internal thread on each of its six sides, into which a cap screw can be screwed, protruding from an end face of a hollow bar.

[0009] CN 105501953 A shows a separating and feeding device for mechanical workpieces with a carrier platform and a feeding unit above the carrier platform. A transport platform is arranged between the carrier platform and the feeding unit. The feeding unit has several arms that can be pivoted into an opening formed between frame parts to hold a workpiece.

[0010] The invention is based on the object of creating a flexible solution for the frame arrangement.

[0011] This object is achieved in a block storage arrangement with the features of claim 1

[0012] A distinction is made here between the node elements, which are arranged at the corners of the container receiving spaces, and the supports that connect adjacent node elements to one another. Four node elements with four supports then form a rectangle, with a large number of such rectangles then forming the frame arrangement. The rectangle then simultaneously forms an opening through which containers can be moved in the direction of gravity from below from the loading space into the container receiving space or, conversely, from the container receiving space downwards into the loading space. Since the node elements and the supports are separate from one another, adaptation to different container sizes can be achieved relatively quickly by selecting different supports. The supports can be designed as flat elements, for example as sheet metal, so that their production is relatively simple and a change in geometry can be achieved with little effort.The node elements can be used regardless of the size of the base area of ​​the container receiving spaces, so that the same node elements can be used in different embodiments of block storage arrangements.

[0013] A stand is arranged between adjacent container receiving spaces, with a node element forming a support structure for the stand. The stands serve to stabilize a stack of containers arranged within a receiving space. It is not strictly necessary to have a stand at every corner of the receiving space. In many cases, it is sufficient to have a stand at diagonally opposite corners. The node element then forms the base for the stand. Since the node element is strong enough to withstand the necessary forces, it provides sufficient stability.

[0014] Between each container receiving chamber and the loading chamber, a container holding device is arranged, which has a flap that can be pivoted about a horizontal axis, the flap being mounted in a node element. The node element thus performs an additional function: it serves to receive at least part of the container holding device.

[0015] Preferably, a node element is connected in a first direction to an adjacent node element via a first support, and is connected in a second direction to another adjacent node element via a second support. The two supports do not have to be identical. A high degree of flexibility can be achieved by varying the supports.

[0016] It is particularly preferred that the first beam is longer and thinner than the second beam. The four node elements are then arranged at the corners of a rectangle with a long side and a short side. The first beams are located on the long side and the second beams on the short side. Since the second beam is used to support the block bearing arrangement on a floor, it is thicker and therefore more stable than the first beam.

[0017] Preferably, the node element has an arm for each support, and the support is connected to the arm. The arm of the node element then forms part of the longitudinal or transverse side of the rectangle. In this way, relatively high stability can be achieved.

[0018] Preferably, the node element has a guide for the support on at least one arm. This facilitates assembly. The support can be aligned with the node element using the guide and then connected to the node element.

[0019] Preferably, the support has a support end face that is connected to an arm end face of the arm. The connection between the support and the node element is then made at the end face. This eliminates any protruding or overlapping parts that could interfere with the assembly or operation of the block bearing arrangement.

[0020] Preferably, the support has at least one slot-like through-hole extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the support, with a joining element guided through a web between the through-hole and the support end face. This makes it possible to mount the joining element in such a way that it does not protrude beyond the support or the node element. The joining element therefore does not subsequently impede the operation of the block bearing arrangement.

[0021] Preferably, the node element has a body formed as a cast part. A cast part is relatively easy to manufacture and provides the necessary mechanical stability.

[0022] Preferably, the node element has a support surface with a bore. The support rests on the support surface. The bore forms a passage through which cables or other functional elements can be routed.

[0023] The node element preferably has an opening on its lower side in the direction of gravity, through which a flap actuating mechanism acts on the flap. The node element allows, for example, the passage of a holding finger which holds the flap open when a stack of containers is lowered to receive a container. The flap also allows the passage of an element which causes the flap to open. The opening is adapted to the respective flap actuating mechanism. Preferably, the flap is held in the node element by a flap holding element fastened in the node element, which has a recess which receives the flap when the flap is pivoted from a holding position into a release position. When the flap is in its release position, then, in simple terms, there is a smooth surface along which a container can slide.The flap does not protrude, thus preventing the container from snagging on the flap when it is to be removed from the container receiving area.

[0024] Preferably, the flap retaining element forms a support for a closing spring acting on the flap. The closing spring loads the flap in a direction in which it protrudes into an opening between the container receiving space and the loading space. If the flap retaining element also forms a support for the closing spring, the assembly of the flap with all its functionalities becomes relatively simple.

[0025] Preferably, the flap retaining element projects beyond at least one end face. The flap retaining element then forms a guide against which a support can be brought into contact in order to align it with the node element.

[0026] The invention is described below using a preferred embodiment in conjunction with the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 a highly schematic representation of a block bearing arrangement, Fig. 2 a part of a frame arrangement, Fig. 3 a node element in perspective view and Fig. 4 the node element in perspective view from below.

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a highly schematic block storage arrangement with several container receiving spaces 2 and a loading space 3 arranged below the container receiving spaces. A frame arrangement 4 is arranged between the container receiving spaces 2 and the loading space 3. Fig. 2 shows part of this frame arrangement 4.

[0028] The frame arrangement 4 has node elements 5 ( Fig. 2 und 3 ) which are arranged at corners of the container receiving spaces, wherein two adjacent node elements 5 are detachably connected to a common support 6, 7.

[0029] The node elements 5 are all constructed identically. The beams, however, consist of first beams 6 that connect a node element 5 to an adjacent node element 5a in a first direction, and second beams 7 that connect the node element 5 to another adjacent node element 5b in a second direction.

[0030] The first supports 6 are longer than the second supports 7. The first supports 6 are, for example, thinner than the second supports 7.

[0031] The first beams 6 and the second beams 7 are designed as sheets, which, for example, have a thickness in the range of 5 mm to 30 mm.

[0032] The node element 5 has an arm 8 for each support, and the support 6, 7 is connected to the arm 8. The node element 5 has a guide 9, 10 for the support 6, 7 on at least one arm 8. The guide 9, 10 makes it easier to position the respective support 6, 7 on the node element 5 and thus facilitates the assembly of the support 6, 7 on the node element 5. Each support 6, 7 has a support end face which is connected to an arm end face 11 ( Fig. 3 The arm 8 is connected to the support. Two bores 12, 13 are arranged in the end face of the arm, which may be internally threaded, so that the support 6, 7 can be connected using screws 14, 15 as joining elements. To allow the screws to be mounted, each support 6, 7 has an elongated through-hole 16, 17 for each joining element. The elongated through-holes 16, 17 extend longitudinally along the support 6, 7, and the screws 14, 15 are guided by a web 18 between the through-hole 16, 17 and the end face of the support. The screws 14, 15 are designed so that they do not protrude laterally beyond the support 6, 7. Another type of fastening is also possible, for example a threaded hole in the support 6, 7 and a corresponding opening in the node element 5 through which a joining element can be guided.

[0033] The node element 5 has a body 19, which is preferably formed as a cast part. The cast part can be formed, for example, as a cast steel, cast aluminum, spheroidal graphite iron, or cast stainless steel.

[0034] Between adjacent container receiving spaces 2 there is a stand 20 ( Fig. 1 ) is arranged, which rests on the node element 5. The node element 5 thus forms a support device for the stand 20. For this purpose, the node element 5 has a support surface 21 with a bore 22. The bore 22 can be used to guide cables or other functional elements through and through the stand 20.

[0035] Between each container receiving space 2 and the loading space 3, a container holding device is arranged, which has a flap 23 pivotable about a horizontal axis, wherein the flap is mounted in a node element 5. In many cases, such a flap 23 will be provided at all four corners of a container receiving space 2. However, this is not absolutely necessary. In some cases, it will be sufficient to provide such a flap 23 at two diagonally opposite corners.

[0036] The node element 5 has an opening 24 on its lower side in the direction of gravity, through which a flap actuation mechanism (not shown) acts on the flap 23. The node element 5 can then simultaneously form a guide for the flap actuation mechanism. The position of the opening depends on the type of flap actuation mechanism used.

[0037] The flap 23 is held in the node element 5 by a flap holding element 25 fastened in the node element 5. The flap holding element 25 has a recess 26 which is adapted to the shape of the flap 23 and receives the flap 23 when the flap 23 is moved from a holding position (in Fig. 3 (shown) is pivoted into a release position. In the release position, flap 23 is approximately perpendicular to the one shown. Fig. 3 The depicted holding position has been pivoted upwards.

[0038] The flap retaining element 25 can form a support for a closing spring 27 acting on the flap 23.

[0039] The flap retaining element 25 extends over at least one end face 11 and thus forms the guide 9, 10 for the supports 6, 7 as already described above.

Claims

1. Block storage arrangement (1) having a plurality of container receiving spaces (2), a loading space (3) arranged under the container receiving spaces (2) and a frame arrangement (4) between the container receiving spaces (2) and the loading space (3), wherein a stand (20) is arranged and a container holding device is arranged between each container receiving space (2) and the loading space (3), which container holding device has a flap (23) which can be pivoted about a horizontal axis, characterized in that the frame arrangement (4) has junction elements (5) which are arranged at corners of the container receiving spaces (2), a node element (5) forming a standing device for the stand (20), two adjacent node elements (5) being releasably connected to a common carrier (6, 7) and the flap (23) being mounted in a node element (5).

2. Block storage arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that a node element (5) is connected in a first direction via a first carrier (6) to an adjacent node element (5a) and is connected in a second direction via a second carrier (7) to another adjacent node element (5b).

3. Block storage arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the first carrier (6) is longer and thinner than the second carrier (7).

4. Block storage arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the node element (5) has an arm (8) for each carrier (6, 7) and the carrier (6, 7) is connected to the arm (8).

5. Block storage arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the node element (5) has a guide (9, 10) for the carrier (6, 7) on at least one arm (8).

6. Block storage arrangement according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the carrier (6, 7) has a carrier end face which is connected to an arm end face (11) of the arm (8).

7. Block storage arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that the carrier (6, 7) has at least one slot-like through-opening (16, 17) which extends essentially in the longitudinal direction of the carrier support (6, 7), wherein a joining element (14, 15) is guided by a web (18) between the through-opening (16, 17) and the support end face.

8. Block storage arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the node element (5) has a body (19) which is designed as a cast element.

9. Block storage arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the node element (5) has a standing surface (21) with a bore (22).

10. Block storage arrangement according to one of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the node element (5) has, on its lower side in the direction of gravity, an opening (24) through which a flap-actuating mechanism acts on the flap (23).

11. Block storage arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the flap (23) is held in the node element (5) by a flap-holding element (25) which is fastened in the node element (24) which has a recess (26) that receives the flap (23) when the flap (23) is pivoted out of a holding position into a release position.

12. Block storage arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that the flap holding element (25) forms an abutment for a closing spring (27) acting on the flap.

13. Block storage arrangement according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the flap holding element (25) projects beyond at least one end side (11).