Stacking column, buffer system with stacking column and method for adapting a buffer system

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a stacking column with a latch carrier and a plurality of latches arranged successively at defined intervals, wherein the latches are arranged between a first side wall and a second side wall of the latch carrier so as to be pivotable about a first axis of rotation such that the latches can each assume a rest position, a standby position, and a working position. In the rest position, a receiving section of a latch is arranged completely within the latch carrier; in the standby position, the receiving section partially protrudes from the latch carrier to receive a stored item; and in the working position, the receiving section protrudes completely from the latch carrier to hold a stored item.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a buffer system comprising at least two such stacking columns for holding stored goods, and to a method for adapting such a buffer system to changed storage conditions.

[0003] A wide variety of designs of stacking columns and buffer systems with stacking columns are known in the prior art, with known buffer systems often comprising several vertical stacking columns arranged to form a square. Depending on how the goods are to be stored, buffer systems are also known in which the stacking columns are arranged horizontally or diagonally. Buffer systems with stacking columns function according to the LIFO principle (LIFO: Last in - First out). In a load-free buffer system with vertical stacking columns, the lowest latch of each stacking column is in a standby position in which a stored item can be picked up for storage by a receiving section of the lowest latches. When a stored item is picked up, the corresponding latches are then moved from the standby position to the working position in which the stored item rests on the receiving section of the latches.By moving the latch from the standby position to the working position, the next higher latch on each column is moved from the rest position to the standby position, so that these latches can now pick up another item. However, if an item is removed from the buffer system, the latches on whose receiving section the removed item was resting return from the working position to the standby position, and the next higher latch on each stacking column returns from the standby position to the rest position.

[0004] To enable this change between the different positions of the latches, many stacking columns use closed linkages or connections between the individual latches, so that all latches are mechanically connected to one another, and the position of a subsequent latch is changed via the linkage or mechanical connection when loading or unloading a latch. Such a stacking column is known, for example, from DE 20 2020 104 669 U1.

[0005] The disadvantage of such stacking columns is that it is not possible to replace a single latch in the event of damage. This requires the entire latch chain to be removed and disassembled, which is a laborious process, and then reassembled after replacing the individual latch. Furthermore, stacking columns are known from DE 10 2016 106 587 A1 in which spring elements act on the latches to hold them in both the rest position and the operating position. However, these spring elements increase assembly effort and are subject to wear.

[0006] EP 1 648 801 B1 also discloses a stacking column in which the latches consist of a sheet metal blank, and a control arm is bent from the sheet metal blank, which acts on the subsequent latch when the latch position changes. A problem is that such a stacking column is not arbitrarily scalable. In particular, this latch design does not easily allow the distances between consecutive latches to be varied as desired.

[0007] WO 03 / 035517 A1 discloses a stacking column according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0008] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved stacking column and thus also an improved buffer system. In particular, the stacking column should be easier to repair if a latch is damaged. Advantageously, the stacking column can also be easily adapted to different required latch spacings. To achieve this object, a stacking column, a buffer system, and a method for adapting a buffer system are proposed according to the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims and the description, and are illustrated in the figures.

[0009] The proposed solution provides a stacking column comprising a latch carrier and a plurality of latches arranged successively at defined intervals. The latches are arranged between a first side wall and a second side wall of the latch carrier so as to be pivotable about a first axis of rotation such that the latches can each assume a rest position, a standby position, and a working position. In the rest position, a receiving section of a latch is arranged entirely within the latch carrier. In the standby position, the receiving section partially protrudes from the latch carrier to receive a stored item, in particular a body component. In the working position, the receiving section protrudes entirely from the latch carrier to hold a stored item.According to the invention, lever elements, each having a first lever section and a second lever section, are arranged between the first side cheek and the second side cheek so as to be pivotable about a second axis of rotation between two successive pawls, in particular between an upper pawl and a lower pawl of the stacking column, in such a way that a pawl of the stacking column, which is moved from the standby position into the working position, acts on the first lever section of a subsequent lever element in such a way that the subsequent lever element executes a pivoting movement about the second axis of rotation and the subsequent lever element acts with the second lever section on a subsequent pawl, as a result of which the subsequent pawl is moved from the rest position into the standby position.The proposed solution is advantageously based on a multiply decoupled and supported lever principle, in which the individual levers, particularly through their design and / or their weight design and / or their pivot point, effect the final and pre-adjustment of the individual latches when loading the latches with the components to be stacked. The limitation of the necessary angles of rotation is advantageously achieved via stops and / or shaped guides in the side walls of the stacking column. Advantageously, the lever elements also do not protrude from the latch carrier, in particular not even partially. The lever elements are thus advantageously arranged completely within the latch carrier. Incorrect operation of the lever elements, in particular incorrect operation due to inadvertent contact with part of a lever element, can thus advantageously be avoided.Furthermore, the latch carrier can be covered on three sides, which advantageously reduces contamination and associated wear.

[0010] Advantageously, the individual pawls of the stacking column are unconnected to one another, which means that there is no mechanically strong connection between the individual pawls. In particular, the individual pawls are not connected to one another by chains, cables, or other machine elements. This makes it easier to replace individual pawls in the event of damage, particularly since there is no need to remove them from and insert them into a pawl chain. Furthermore, in the event of damage, the separation of the pawls means that any damage that occurs is limited to a single pawl, so that damage can be localized more quickly. Another advantage, particularly to increase the aforementioned advantages, is that the pawls and the lever elements are unconnected to one another, which means that there is advantageously no mechanically strong connection between the pawls and the lever elements.A latch or a lever element can therefore advantageously be removed from the stacking column without having to loosen a connection between the latch and the lever element.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the stacking column, in an unloaded state, all latches of the stacking column, except for a first latch arranged at a first end of the latch carrier (in the case of a vertical stacking column, in particular a bottommost latch at the lower end of the latch carrier), are in the rest position, and the first latch is in the standby position. This enables loading of the first latch with a stored item, in particular with a component, in the unloaded state. The other latches do not hinder the loading of the first latch.

[0012] A further particularly advantageous embodiment of the stacking column provides that the pawls comprise a pawl base body. An advantageous embodiment provides that at least one further component is mounted on the pawl body, in particular at least one component serving as wear protection. This advantageously makes it possible to stack stored goods which, due to their material and / or their properties, for example their burrs, could destroy the pawl body during continuous operation. In particular, plastisol-coated pawls are provided as an advantageous embodiment variant. According to a further advantageous embodiment variant, plastic-encapsulated pawls are provided. According to a further advantageous embodiment variant, a stacking column with a central locking system for the pawls is provided. Such a central locking system is particularly advantageous for maintenance and / or transport purposes.According to a further advantageous embodiment, a stacking column is provided with multiple latches, in particular with double latches, i.e., in particular with two or more latches arranged next to one another, in particular to create a larger support surface. The latches arranged next to one another in this way are advantageously coupled to one another in such a way that they each assume the same position, but advantageously only one of the latches interacts with the lever elements.

[0013] According to the invention, a mass element is arranged on the latch base body. In particular, it is provided that the latch base body comprises at least one side cheek, wherein the mass element is advantageously arranged on this side cheek. In particular, the mass element is formed in two parts and is advantageously arranged to the right and left of the side cheek. Furthermore, it is particularly provided that the mass element is arranged behind the first axis of rotation on the latch base body, and the receiving surface is arranged in front of the first axis of rotation.

[0014] According to the invention, the mass element is designed and arranged on the latch base body in such a way that the mass element holds the associated latch in the rest position when unloaded. In particular, the latches of the stacking column each form a two-sided lever around the first axis of rotation, whereby the weight of the mass element must be overcome in order to move the respective latch from the rest position to another position.

[0015] It is further advantageous that the mass element is designed and arranged on the latch base body in such a way that the mass element moves the associated latch from the working position to the standby position when a stored item held by the receiving section is removed. The weight of the mass element thus advantageously moves a latch that is no longer under load from the working position. Advantageously, only the lever element associated with the latch prevents the latch from being moved directly from the working position to the rest position by the weight of the mass element.

[0016] Further advantageously, the mass element is designed and arranged on the latch base body in such a way that the mass element moves the associated latch from the standby position to the rest position when a stored item held by the receiving section of a preceding latch, or in the case of a vertical stacking column, a stored item held by the receiving section of a latch arranged directly below, is removed. In particular, it is provided that by moving the preceding latch from the working position to the standby position, the lever element acting on the latch is pivoted such that it no longer counteracts the weight of the mass element.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment, a respective latch, in particular the latch base body of the respective latch or the mass element arranged on the latch base body, comprises a lateral support element. The support element is advantageously formed integrally with the latch body, in particular by appropriately forming a sheet metal part.

[0018] Advantageously, the support element of a respective pawl is arranged in a recess in one of the side cheeks. Advantageously, the angle of rotation of a respective pawl is limited by the boundaries of the recess, which in particular form a stop for the support element, in particular when the pawl is in the working position and when the pawl is in the rest position. The stacking column accordingly has a plurality of recesses in at least one of the side cheeks of the pawl carrier, in particular corresponding to the number of pawls. The recesses are each designed in the shape of a circular arc, in particular as a slotted guide. The recess and the support element are advantageously coordinated with one another in such a way that the recess prevents a pawl from pivoting beyond the working position.In particular, the recess advantageously forms a first stop for the support element, which prevents a latch from moving from the standby position beyond the working position, and advantageously a second stop, which prevents a latch from moving from the standby position beyond the rest position. In particular, the recesses can also be designed as a guide for the respective support element, in particular as a slotted guide.

[0019] In particular, it is provided that the side cheeks of the pawl carrier each have a recess at defined intervals, whereby the minimum distance between two consecutive pawls, which cannot be undercut with the pawl carrier used, is determined. By appropriately designing the lever elements, in particular a corresponding length of the respective second lever section, this pawl carrier can be used for larger distances between consecutive pawls, whereby every nth recess, for example every second or every third recess, is not used. Advantageously, this allows for simple scalability to different component thicknesses as stored goods, in particular without replacing the pawl carrier and advantageously using the same pawls with a reduced number of pawls.

[0020] A further advantageous embodiment of the stacking column provides that the first lever section and the second lever section of a respective lever element of the stacking column enclose an angle of less than 180°, in particular less than 160°, with respect to one another. In particular, it is provided that the included angle is greater than 90°, in particular greater than 100°. The first lever section and the second lever section each run in a largely straight line and are therefore in particular free of curvature. In particular, the first lever section extends in a different direction of extension than the second lever section. Advantageously, this also makes it possible to realize distances between the pawls that are greater than the total length of a pawl of the stacking column, in particular many times greater than the total length of a pawl of the stacking column.With a comparatively slim and thus cost-effective design of the lever element, it is advantageously nevertheless realized that a pawl, which is moved from the standby position to the working position, acts on the first lever section of a subsequent lever element in such a way that the subsequent lever element executes a pivoting movement about the second axis of rotation, and the subsequent lever element thereby acts with the second lever section on a subsequent pawl, whereby the subsequent pawl is moved from the rest position to the standby position. The first lever section and the second lever section are advantageously located on the same side with respect to the second axis of rotation about which a respective lever element is pivotable.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the stacking column, the lever elements of the stacking column have a third lever section. The third lever section advantageously projects through a respective elongated hole in a rear wall of the latch carrier, wherein the elongated hole limits the pivotability of a respective lever element. The rear wall of the latch carrier has at least a number of elongated holes corresponding to the number of lever elements. In particular, the side cheeks of the latch carrier are connected to one another via the rear wall. The third lever section is advantageously arranged on the side opposite the first lever section and the second lever section with respect to the second axis of rotation, so that the third lever section on the one hand and the first lever section together with the second lever section on the other hand form a two-sided lever with respect to the second axis of rotation.Preferably, the third lever section extends through the elongated hole only to a small extent, in particular by a few millimeters, further in particular by 1 mm up to 20 mm (mm: millimeters).

[0022] In particular, it is provided that the rear wall of the latch carrier has an elongated hole at defined intervals, whereby the minimum distance between two consecutive latches, which cannot be undercut with the latch carrier used, is determined. By appropriately designing the lever elements, in particular a corresponding length of the respective second lever section, this latch carrier can be used for larger distances between consecutive latches, whereby every nth elongated hole, for example every second or every third elongated hole, is not used. Advantageously, this allows the stacking column to be easily scalable to different component thicknesses as stored goods, in particular without replacing the latch carrier and advantageously using the same latches with a reduced number of latches.

[0023] According to the invention, the latch base body has a first lever contact surface for contacting the first lever section. This first lever contact surface is advantageously located on the upper side of the latch base body, in particular outside the receiving section. Furthermore, this first lever contact surface is designed asymmetrically with respect to a longitudinal direction of the latch base body. The first lever contact surface has a width that is reduced compared to a width of the receiving section of the latch base body. In particular, the first lever contact surface shares an edge with one side of the latch base body. In particular, the surface of the latch base body has an L-shaped outline.According to the invention, the pawls in the stacking column alternately comprise a pawl base body whose first lever contact surface has a reduced width relative to a right side of the pawl base body, and a pawl base body whose first lever contact surface has a reduced width relative to a left side of the pawl base body. This advantageously saves material. Furthermore, more space is created for the movement of the lever elements.

[0024] It is further advantageous that the mass element arranged on a respective latch base body is arranged at least partially below the first lever contact surface. Further advantageously, a second lever contact surface for contacting the second lever section is provided on the underside of the latch, in particular of the latch base body. In particular, the second lever contact surface is arranged below the first lever contact surface.

[0025] The first lever section advantageously has a first contact point and the second lever section a second contact point. In the case of successive lever elements, the first contact point is advantageously arranged alternately on a first side of the first lever section and the second contact point is arranged alternately on a second side of the second lever section, and the first contact point is arranged alternately on a second side of the first lever section and the second contact point is arranged alternately on a first side of the second lever section. The contact points are formed in particular by contact elements, in particular by screws, introduced laterally into the respective lever section. In this respect, the lever elements can advantageously be initially manufactured identically for a specific pawl spacing.However, for every second lever element, the contact elements are inserted from a different side.

[0026] A further advantageous embodiment of the stacking column has a support plate and a support column arranged on the support plate. The pawl carrier is advantageously arranged on the support column, in particular detachably arranged, for example by means of a screw connection, thus advantageously enabling easy replacement of a pawl carrier. Particularly advantageously, the support plate comprises a square holder for holding a square tube as a support column, wherein the pawl carrier is advantageously arranged on the square tube. If necessary, the pawl carrier can be additionally secured to the square tube, in particular by means of a screw connection. The support plate is preferably a base plate, wherein the base plate is in particular a burnished part with generously burnt screw holes and pre-burned pin holes.

[0027] A buffer system for holding stored goods, also proposed according to the invention, comprises at least two stacking columns designed according to the invention, which can in particular have the features described above, individually or in combination. In particular, a buffer system with four stacking columns designed according to the invention is provided. Depending on the nature of the stored goods, however, even more stacking columns can be provided. Although buffer systems with horizontally or diagonally arranged stacking columns can be provided, buffer systems with vertically arranged stacking columns are particularly provided. For the assembly of the stacking columns to form a buffer system, it is provided in particular that the stacking columns are first roughly aligned on a base plate. Then, advantageously, a component to be stacked is inserted, and thereafter, advantageously, the stacking columns are finely adjusted.This is particularly advantageous when stacking columns are designed with a support plate. Each stacking column can then be advantageously pushed against the component with the support plate until only the minimum clearance required for free movement remains. Once the stacking columns are suitably positioned in this way, the support plates are advantageously tightened to the common base plate with screws, and the pre-burned pin holes are advantageously drilled and reamed together with the base plate.

[0028] Advantageously, the inventive design of the stacking column enables simple adaptation of such a buffer system, in particular adaptation in the event of a defective stacking column or to a changed component thickness of a component to be stored. The method proposed according to the invention for adapting a buffer system, in particular for adapting a buffer system to changed storage conditions, provides that the number of latches of a latch carrier is varied for adaptation and / or that at least one latch carrier of a stacking column is replaced with another latch carrier with different dimensions.In particular, thanks to the inventively provided design of the stacking columns and the inventively provided design of the buffer system, the following advantages are realized: Guarantee of quick and easy-to-install replacement of individual latches in the event of damage or malfunction; Guarantee of quick and easy-to-install replacement of individual stacking columns; Realization of different stacking distances through modular design of the stacking column; Possibility of fine adjustment of the individual stacking columns on a common base plate when forming a buffer system, whereby optimal adjustment of the stacking columns to the stored goods can be achieved.

[0029] In particular, the method provides for the targeted removal and replacement of individual latches of a stacking column. For this purpose, cover plates and pre-guide plates advantageously attached to the latch carrier must be removed, in particular unscrewed. Advantageously, the rod forming the axis of rotation for a latch can then be knocked out to one side, particularly using a drift, and the latch can be removed and replaced. If a mass element is already mounted on a new latch, the replacement time is advantageously shortened even further. This significantly reduces production downtime.

[0030] The method also advantageously provides for the replacement of entire stacking columns, particularly in particularly sensitive plant areas where long downtimes cannot be tolerated. Replacing a complete stacking column, which is advantageously pre-equipped with latches, is advantageously possible even faster. According to an advantageous embodiment, only the square tube needs to be unscrewed from the support plate. The square tube, including the latch support and any cover and pre-guide plates present, can then be removed. The newly equipped stacking column is then advantageously slipped over a square holder, advantageously pinned, and screwed into place.

[0031] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the method provides that a distance between the pawls is increased by removing at least one pawl between two pawls and by removing the lever elements between the pawls and inserting a lever element with larger dimensions. A further advantageous embodiment of the method provides that a distance between the pawls that is greater than a possible minimum distance is reduced by removing the lever element between two pawls and inserting at least one additional pawl between the pawls and by inserting lever elements with reduced dimensions between each two pawls. These advantageous adaptations of a buffer system are based in particular on the advantageous pawl carrier of the stacking column with its modular design.In particular, the holes and slots in the latch carrier, which are intended especially for the arrangement of the rotation axes and the recesses for receiving the support elements, are designed for the minimum possible component spacing. The latch carrier can therefore advantageously be manufactured by the meter, similar to square tubing, and stored and cut to the desired overall length. Depending on the required stacking spacing, some positions for latches or lever elements are advantageously simply left free during assembly. This means that latches are not actually installed everywhere where they could be installed - unless the minimum spacing is desired. This is also advantageously one reason why there are left- and right-hand latch base bodies and thus also lever elements.With small stacking distances, the latches and lever elements can advantageously move past each other without collision despite their proximity to each other.

[0032] Further advantageous details, features, and design details of the invention are explained in more detail in connection with the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures (Fig.: Figure). Fig. 1a; Fig. 1b shows a perspective view of a section of an embodiment of a stacking column designed according to the invention; Fig. 2a to Fig. 2c show details of the embodiment according to Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b; Fig. 3 in a perspective view, a section of a further exemplary embodiment of a stacking column designed according to the invention; Fig. 4 in a perspective view, obliquely from bottom to top, an exemplary embodiment of a latch for a stacking column designed according to the invention; Fig. 5 in a perspective view, an exemplary embodiment of a lever element for a stacking column designed according to the invention; Fig. 6 in a side view, a section of a further exemplary embodiment of a stacking column designed according to the invention, with one side cheek cut away; Fig. 7 in a perspective view, an exemplary embodiment of the interaction of the latches and lever elements of a stacking column designed according to the invention, without showing the latch carrier; Fig. 8 in a perspective view, a further exemplary embodiment of a stacking column designed according to the invention;Fig. 9 shows a perspective top view of another exemplary embodiment of a stacking column designed according to the invention; Fig. 10 shows details of the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 10 in a perspective view. Fig. 9 ; and Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a buffer system designed according to the invention.

[0033] In the various figures, identical parts are generally provided with the same reference symbols and are therefore sometimes explained only in connection with one of the figures.

[0034] In Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b a section of an embodiment of a vertical stacking column 1 is shown, wherein the lower part of the stacking column 1, as well as a covering of the latch carrier 2 of the stacking acid in Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b are not shown. Fig. 1a shows the stacking column 1 from the front and Fig. 1b shows the stacking column 1 from the rear. Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b and Fig. 2ceach show an enlarged section of the embodiment from Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b from different perspectives.

[0035] The stacking column 1 shown in these figures has a one-piece latch carrier 2 with a first side wall 4, a second side wall 5, and a rear wall 6. In this exemplary embodiment, the latch carrier 2 has a rectangular cross-section. A plurality of latches 3 are arranged in the space enclosed by the first side wall 4, the second side wall 5, and the rear wall 6, without a mechanical connection between the individual latches 3 by which the latches 3 would be coupled to one another. The latches 3 are arranged one after the other at defined intervals. In this exemplary embodiment, the intervals are equidistant, which is recommended in most cases.

[0036] Between each two consecutive pawls 3 of a stacking column 1, there is arranged a lever element 9 which is operatively connected to the adjacent pawls 3, but without being mechanically firmly connected to them. The pawls 3 are each arranged by means of a rod between the first side cheek 4 and the second side cheek 5, wherein the rod forms a first axis of rotation 7 for the respective pawl 3, about which the respective pawl 3 can be pivoted. The lever elements 9 are also each arranged by means of a rod between the first side cheek 4 and the second side cheek 5 of the lever elements 9, wherein the rod forms a second axis of rotation 13 for the respective lever element 9, about which the respective lever element 9 can be pivoted.

[0037] A particularly advantageous embodiment of a latch 3 for a stacking column 1 designed according to the invention is shown in Fig. 4shown in perspective from diagonally below to diagonally above. The pawl 3 comprises a pawl base body 30, which can in particular be formed from a one-piece sheet metal blank. The pawl 3 has two downwardly pointing side cheeks, through which a rod is guided as the first axis of rotation 7. Spacer bushings 36 are seated on the outer ends of the rod, which protrude through the side cheeks of the pawl base body 30. The spacer bushings 36 serve in particular for the central centering of the pawl 3 in the pawl carrier 2. The remaining free ends of the rod are seated in corresponding openings in the side cheeks 4, 5 of the pawl carrier 2 when the pawl 3 is mounted. The receiving surface 8 is located with respect to Fig. 4 in front of the rotation axis 7 on the top side of the latch body 30 and is in Fig. 4 not visible due to the chosen perspective.

[0038] The latch body 30 also has on its upper side a first lever contact surface 33, which Fig. 4 due to the chosen perspective is also not visible. The lever contact surface 33 is formed asymmetrically with respect to a longitudinal direction L of the latch base body 30 and has a width W2 which is reduced compared to a width W1 of the receiving section 8. With reference to the illustration in Fig. 4 The width W2 of the lever contact surface 33 of the latch base body 30 is reduced relative to the right side of the latch base body 30 compared to the width W1 of the receiving surface 8. As a result, a recess is formed on one side of the latch base body 30. In a stacking column 1, as in particular in Fig. 1a and Fig. 1bAs shown, it is provided that the pawls 3 each alternately have a pawl base body 30, the first lever contact surface 33 of which has a reduced width W2 with respect to a right-hand side of the pawl base body 30, and a pawl base body 30, the first lever contact surface 33 of which has a reduced width W2 with respect to a left-hand side of the pawl base body 30.

[0039] A mass element 31 is also arranged on the latch base body 30. The mass element 31 is, in this embodiment, as can be seen from Fig. 4 The mass element 31 is arranged on a side cheek of the latch body 31 via a screw connection 37. An extension of the side cheek extends through the mass element 31 and forms a lateral support element 32, wherein the support element 32 is designed to be pivotable in one of the positions shown, for example, in Fig. 1a and Fig. 1bshown recesses 20 of one of the side cheeks 4, 5 of the pawl carrier 2, and in particular to be guided, wherein advantageously the support element 32 in cooperation with the respective end of the recess prevents the pawl 3 from being moved from the ready position beyond the working position and from being moved from the ready position beyond the rest position.

[0040] A portion of the mass element 31 can be arranged below the first lever contact surface 33, with which the latch base body 30 can act on the first contact point 14 of a lever element 9. Furthermore, the latch base body 30 has, on its underside, next to the mass element 31, a second lever contact surface 34, onto which a lever element 9 can act with its second contact point 15 to pivot the latch 3.

[0041] A particularly advantageous embodiment of a lever element 9 is shown in Fig. 5 shown in perspective from diagonally above to diagonally below. The lever element 9 is arranged on a rod as the second axis of rotation 13. Proceeding from this, the lever element has a first lever section 10 and a third lever section 12. A second lever section 11 is also connected to the first lever section 10, wherein the first lever section 10 and the second lever section 11 enclose an angle of approximately 115° in this exemplary embodiment. The dimensions of the first lever section 10 and the second lever section 11 depend in particular on the distance d that two consecutive pawls 3 are to adopt from one another.

[0042] The first lever section 10 of the lever element 9 also has a first contact point 14, with which the lever element 9, which is arranged in the pawl carrier 2 so as to be pivotable about the second axis of rotation 13, contacts the first lever contact surface 33 of a pawl 3 upon appropriate deflection. In this exemplary embodiment, the contact point 14 is formed by a screw inserted laterally into the first lever section 10. Furthermore, the second lever section 11 has a second contact point 15, with which the lever element 9, which is arranged in the pawl carrier 2 so as to be pivotable about the second axis of rotation 13, contacts the second lever contact surface 34 of a pawl 3 upon appropriate deflection.In this embodiment, the second contact point 15 is formed by a screw inserted laterally into the first lever section 10, wherein the second contact point 15 and the first contact point 14 are each arranged on different sides of the lever sections 10, 11.

[0043] In Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 The left assemblies of latches 3 and lever elements 9 are shown. The right assemblies are exactly mirror images of the left ones. Left and right assemblies are arranged alternately.

[0044] In the case of lever elements 9 arranged one after the other in a latch carrier 2, as for example in the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1bIn the illustrated embodiment, the first contact point 14 is arranged alternately on a first side of the first lever section 10 and the second contact point 15 is arranged alternately on a second side of the second lever section 11, and the first contact point 14 is arranged alternately on a second side of the first lever section 10 and the second contact point 15 is arranged alternately on a first side of the second lever section 11. Furthermore, the first lever section 10 and the second lever section 11 are each not curved and thus have a different direction of extension. The first lever section 10 forms a first leg of the lever element 9, and the second lever section 11 forms a second leg of the lever element 9.

[0045] The lever elements 9 are also in accordance with the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1bshown embodiment is arranged in the latch carrier in such a way that the third lever section 12 of a respective lever element 9 extends through a slot 21 in the rear wall 6 of the latch carrier 2, wherein the slot 21 limits the pivotability of a respective lever element 9. As in Fig. 1b As can be seen, in the exemplary embodiment, only every second elongated hole 21 is penetrated by a third lever section. This is because the pawls 3 are not arranged at the minimum distance from one another. However, the elongated holes 21 are aligned accordingly, so that a simple adjustment of the pawl spacing d is possible.

[0046] The pawls 3 and the lever elements 9 are in the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b shown embodiment are each arranged pivotably in the pawl carrier 2 such that the pawls 3 can each assume a rest position C, a standby position B and a working position A, which is exemplified in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7is shown.

[0047] Fig. 6 shows a section of an embodiment of a stacking column 1 designed according to the invention, wherein the first side wall 4 of the latch carrier 2 in the illustration according to Fig. 6 is cut away to make the arrangement of the pawls 3 and the lever elements 9 more understandable. In Fig. 7 For this reason, the depiction of the latch carrier 2 has been completely omitted.

[0048] As in Fig. 6As shown, in the rest position C, a receiving section 8 of a pawl 3, which is designed to hold a stored item, in particular to hold a body component, is arranged completely in the pawl carrier 2, in which the pawl 3 is pivoted accordingly about its axis of rotation 7. In the standby position B, the receiving section 8 of a pawl 3 protrudes partially from the pawl carrier 2, so that a stored item introduced, for example, by means of an industrial robot, can be picked up by the pawl 3. In the standby position B, the pawl 3 has a pivot angle that is correspondingly different from the rest position C.In the working position A, the pivot angle of a latch 3 is further changed, so that the receiving section 8 of a respective latch 3 in the working position 8 protrudes completely from the latch carrier 2, allowing a stored item to rest on the receiving section 8 of the latch 3 and be held by the latch. In this embodiment, the latch 3 and thus its receiving section 8 are aligned horizontally, which is the norm for a vertical stacking column.

[0049] The lever elements 9 are arranged between the first side cheek 4 and the second side cheek 5 of the pawl carrier 2 so as to be pivotable about the second axis of rotation 13 such that a pawl 3, which is moved from the standby position B to the working position A, in particular by picking up a stored item, acts with the first lever contact surface 33 on the first contact point 14 of the first lever section 10 of a subsequent lever element 9, i.e. a lever element 9 arranged above the pawl 3. The action takes place such that the subsequent lever element 9 executes a pivoting movement about the second axis of rotation 13 and the subsequent lever element 9 acts with the second contact point 15 of the second lever section 11 on a subsequent pawl 3, i.e. a pawl 3 arranged above the subsequent lever element 9.This moves the following pawl 3 from the rest position C to the ready position B.

[0050] The mass element 31 arranged on the latch base body 31 of a latch 3 is now designed and arranged on the latch base body 30 in such a way that it moves the associated latch 3 from the working position A to the standby position B when a stored item 40 held by the receiving section 8 of the latch 3 is removed. The lever element 9, which contacts the first lever contact surface 34 of the latch 3 with the first contact point 14, is also pivoted in the process, as a result of which the second contact point 15 no longer contacts the second lever contact surface 35 of the latch 3 arranged above it. Due to the mass element 31 of this latch 3, this latch 3 is moved from the standby position B to the rest position C.The mass element 31 arranged on the pawl base body 31 of a pawl 3 is also designed and arranged on the pawl base body 30 in such a way that it holds the associated pawl 3 in a load-free state in the rest position C. The support element 32 arranged in a recess 20 of the pawl carrier 2 and arranged on a respective pawl base body 30 also prevents a pawl 3 from being pivoted from the ready position B beyond the rest position C, and that a pawl 3 from being pivoted from the ready position B beyond the working position A.

[0051] In Fig. 3A variant design for a stacking column constructed according to the invention is shown, wherein a wear protection 35 is arranged on each of the receiving sections 8 of the latches 3. This provides improved protection for the latches 3 against wear caused by the stored goods, particularly if the edges and / or surfaces of the stored goods are untreated and, in particular, not deburred.

[0052] In Fig. 8 A further embodiment of a stacking column 1 according to the invention is shown. The latch carrier 2 can be designed in particular as described with reference to Fig. 1a and Fig. 1bThe stacking column 1 also has a support plate 22 and a support column 23 arranged on the support plate 22, wherein the latch support 2 is arranged on the support column 23, in particular by screwing. A cover plate 25 is also arranged on the upper part of the latch support 2. The cover plate 25 prevents the rods forming the rotation axes 7, 13 of the latch assemblies and the lever assemblies from falling out laterally.

[0053] Details of the support plate 22 and the support column 23 are shown in Fig. 9 enlarged. As shown in Fig. 9As shown, the support column 23 in this embodiment is a square tube, wherein the square tube is mounted on a square holder 27 arranged on the support plate 22. The support column 23 also has holes 28, through which the latch carrier 2 can be fixed with screws. The support plate 22 also has holes 24, with which the stacking column 1 can be connected to form a buffer system 50, as in Fig. 11 shown as an example, can be screwed onto a base plate 29.

[0054] The Fig. 11 The buffer system 50 shown for holding storage goods 40, in particular body components, comprises four stacking columns 1, as in Fig. 10 shown from a top view. The stacking columns 1 are each screwed onto a base plate 29 with a support plate 22. The stacking columns 1 also have cover plates 25 on the side walls 4, 5 of the latch support 2, as shown in Fig. 8shown, with a pre-guide plate 26 arranged on each cover plate. The pre-guide plates 26 function, on the one hand, as pre-guides when inserting the stored goods 40 into the buffer system 50. Furthermore, the pre-guide plates 26 serve the purpose of securing the individual parts of the stored goods 40 against slipping out in one direction.

[0055] The Fig. 11The buffer system 50 shown can be easily adapted to changing storage conditions by varying the number of latches 3 of a latch carrier 2. Another adaptation option is to replace the latch carrier 2 of a stacking column 1 with a different latch carrier 2, for example, in the event of damage. However, all latch carriers 2 of the buffer system 50 can also be replaced with latch carriers with different dimensions in order to adapt the buffer system 50 to changing storage conditions. For example, longer latch carriers can be provided if a larger quantity of goods is to be temporarily stored by the buffer system 50.

[0056] Thanks to the design of the pawl carriers 2 with a number of recesses 20, elongated holes 21 and receptacles for the rods acting as rotation axes 7, 13 aligned to a minimum distance, a distance between the pawls 3 of a stacking column 1 of the buffer system 50 can also be increased by removing a desired number of pawls 3 between two pawls 3, removing a corresponding number of lever elements 9 between the pawls 3 and inserting lever elements 9 with larger dimensions into the pawl carrier 2.

[0057] Accordingly, a distance between the pawls 3 can be reduced by removing the lever elements 9 between each two pawls 3 and inserting a desired and possible number of additional pawls 3 between the pawls 3 and inserting lever elements 9 with reduced dimensions between each two pawls 3.

[0058] The exemplary embodiments shown in the figures and explained in connection with them serve to explain the invention and are not limiting thereof. List of reference symbols

[0059] 1 Stacking column 2 Latch support 3 Latch 4 First side wall 5 Second side wall 6 Rear wall 7 First pivot 8 Support section 9 Lever element 10 First lever section 11 Second lever section 12 Third lever section 13 Second pivot 14 First contact point 15 Second contact point 20 Recess 21 Slot 22 Support plate 23 Support column 24 Hole 25 Cover plate 26 Pre-guide plate 27 Square holder 28 Hole 29 Base plate 30 Latch base body 31 Mass element 32 Support element 33 First lever contact surface 34 Second lever contact surface 35 Wear protection 36 Spacer bushing 37 Screw connection 40 Storage goods 50 Buffer system A Working position B Standby position C Rest position L Longitudinal direction of a pawl base body (30) d Distance between two consecutive pawls (3) W1 Width of the receiving section W2 Width of the lever contact surface (33)

Claims

1. Stacking column (1) comprising a pawl carrier (2) and a plurality of pawls (3) arranged in succession at defined intervals, which are arranged between a first side wall (4) and a second side wall (5) of the pawl carrier (2) so as to be pivotable about a first axis of rotation (7) in such a way that the pawls (3) can each assume a rest position (C), a ready position (B) and a working position (A), wherein in the rest position (C), a receiving section (8) of a pawl (3) is arranged completely in the pawl carrier (2), in the ready position (B), the receiving section (8) partially protrudes from the pawl carrier (2) for receiving a stored item (40), and in the working position (A), the receiving section (8) projects completely out of the latch carrier (2) for holding a stored item (40), wherein lever elements (9) are arranged in each case between two successive pawls (3) between the first side wall (4) and the second side wall (5), which each have a first lever section (10) and a second lever section (11), wherein the lever elements (9) are arranged to be pivotable about a second axis of rotation (13) in such a way that a pawl (3), which is moved from the ready position (B) into the working position (A), acts on the first lever section (10) of a subsequent lever element (9) in such a way that the subsequent lever element (9) executes a pivoting movement about the second axis of rotation (13) and the subsequent lever element (9) thereby acts with the second lever section (11) on a subsequent pawl (3), whereby the subsequent pawl (3) is moved from the rest position (C) into the ready position (B), wherein the pawls (3) comprise a pawl base body (30) on which a mass element (31) is arranged, wherein the mass element (31) is designed and arranged on the pawl base body (30) in such a way that the mass element (31) holds the associated pawl (3) in a load-free state in the rest position (C), characterized in that the pawl base body (30) has a first lever contacting surface (33) for contacting the first lever section (10), which is designed asymmetrically with respect to a longitudinal extension direction (L) of the pawl base body (30) and has a width (W2) which is reduced with respect to a width of the receiving section (8), wherein the pawls (3) alternately have a pawl base body (30) whose first lever contact surface (33) has a reduced width (W2) with respect to a right-hand side of the pawl base body (30), and a pawl base body (30) whose first lever contact surface (33) has a reduced width (W2) with respect to a left-hand side of the pawl base body (30).

2. Stacking column (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mass element (31) is further designed and arranged on the pawl base body (30) in such a way that the mass element (31) moves the associated pawl (3) from the working position (A) to the ready position (B) when a stored item (40) held by the receiving section (8) is removed.

3. Stacking column (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the mass element (31) is further designed and arranged on the pawl base body (30) in such a way that the mass element (31) moves the associated pawl (3) from the ready section (B) to the rest position (C) when a stored item (40) held by the receiving portion (8) of a preceding pawl (3) is removed.

4. Stacking column (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pawls (3) each comprise a lateral support element (32), wherein the support element (32) is arranged in a recess (20) of one of the side walls (4, 5), and wherein the recess (20) and the support element (32) are matched to one another in particular in such a way that the recess (20) prevents a pawl (3) from pivoting beyond the working position (A).

5. Stacking column (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first lever section (10) and the second lever section (11) of a lever element (9) enclose an angle of less than 180° to each other, the first lever section (10) and the second lever section (11) in particular each extending in a straight line.

6. Stacking column (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever elements (9) have a third lever section (12), the third lever section (12) in each case projecting through an elongated hole (21) in a rear wall (6) of the pawl carrier (2), the elongated hole (21) limiting the pivotability of a respective lever element (9).

7. Stacking column (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mass element (31) is arranged at least partially below the first lever contacting surface (33) and the pawl base body (30) has a second lever contacting surface (34) on its underside for contacting the second lever section (11).

8. Stacking column (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first lever section (10) has a first contacting point (14) and the second lever section (11) has a second contacting point (15), the first contacting point (14) being arranged on a first side of the first lever section (10) and the second contacting point (15) being arranged on a second side of the second lever section (11) and the first contacting point (14) being arranged on a second side of the first lever section (10) and the second contacting point (15) being arranged on a first side of the second lever section (11) in the case of successive lever elements (9) in alternation.

9. Stacking column (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a carrier plate (22) and a carrier column (23) arranged on the carrier plate (22), wherein the pawl carrier (2) is arranged on the carrier column (23).

10. Stacking column (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the carrier column (23) is a square tube, the square tube being attached to a square holder arranged on the carrier plate.

11. Buffer system (50) for holding stored items (40), characterized by at least two stacking columns (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

12. Method for adapting a buffer system (50) according to claim 11, in particular for adapting a buffer system to changed storage conditions, characterized in that the number of pawls (3) of a pawl carrier (2) is varied and / or at least one pawl carrier (2) of a stacking column (1) is exchanged for another pawl carrier (2) with changed dimensions.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that a distance between the pawls (3) is increased by removing at least one pawl (3) between two pawls (3) and removing the lever elements (9) between the pawls (3) and inserting a lever element (9) with larger dimensions; or in that a distance between the pawls (3) is reduced by removing the lever element (9) between two pawls (3) and inserting at least one additional pawl (3) between the pawls (3) and inserting lever elements (9) with reduced dimensions between two pawls (3) in each case.