Warehouse for storing and retrieving goods or containers arranged on load carriers

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a warehouse designed for the storage and retrieval of goods or packages of goods arranged on load carriers by means of a distribution vehicle, comprising a rack, wherein the rack has aisles accessible by the distribution vehicle and storage positions for the load carriers arranged adjacent to the aisles, wherein guide rails running parallel to each other are arranged along the aisles, within which the distribution vehicle is guided by its rollers, and wherein each guide rail has two or more rail elements, each forming a section of a running surface for the rollers of the distribution vehicle. Such a warehouse is known, for example, from EP 3 699 112 B1.

[0002] Such warehouses serve to automatically place load carriers with goods or packages of goods onto or from storage locations, particularly using a distribution vehicle. These warehouses often have several floors or levels, each subdivided into aisles and storage locations. A warehouse can therefore extend over several floors or levels and, for example, occupy a footprint of several hundred square meters.

[0003] The rail elements exhibit the usual manufacturing tolerances regarding their length. This can result in adjacent rail elements having a gap at their ends, forming a slot or groove in the running surface. When the delivery vehicle rolls over this groove, an impact is transmitted to the vehicle, which can lead to noise and, in the long term, damage to the vehicle's components. Furthermore, such impact stress can cause goods or packages transported on a load carrier by the delivery vehicle to shift, become damaged, or fall off. Additionally, manufacturing tolerances affecting the length of the rail elements can limit the possibility of precise assembly of the rack.For example, manufacturing tolerances in the longitudinal direction can accumulate to such an extent that the rail elements are misaligned in the area of ​​intersecting lanes.

[0004] Measures to reduce noise and vibrations in the area of ​​successive rail elements in such a warehouse are already described in EP 3 699 112 B1 and DE 10 2014 114 978 A1.

[0005] Against this background, the present invention is based on the technical problem of providing a warehouse of the type mentioned at the outset that enables safe and wear-free operation of a distribution vehicle and precise assembly of the frame.

[0006] The technical problem described above is solved by a warehouse according to claim 1. Further embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the description below.

[0007] The invention relates to a warehouse equipped for the storage and retrieval of goods or packages of goods arranged on load carriers by means of a distribution vehicle ("shuttle"), with a frame, wherein the frame has aisles accessible by the distribution vehicle and storage places for the load carriers arranged adjacent to the aisles, wherein guide rails running parallel to each other are arranged along the aisles, within which the distribution vehicle is guided by rollers of the distribution vehicle and wherein each guide rail has two or more rail elements, each forming a section of a running surface for the rollers of the distribution vehicle.The bearing assembly according to the invention is characterized in that the facing end faces of adjacent rail elements are spaced apart, wherein at least one end face of at least one rail element is chamfered, and wherein a wedge-shaped compensating element is arranged in the space between the end faces, which forms a section of the running surface and bears against the end faces. The compensating element can, in particular, be flush with the end faces.

[0008] The compensating element allows for the compensation of length tolerances in the rail elements. Due to its wedge shape, the compensating element can compensate for both oversize (i.e., rail elements that are too long) and undersize (i.e., rail elements that are too short). This is because the wedge shape of the compensating element allows for the bridging of various gaps between the end faces of the rail elements by means of lateral movement of the compensating element.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the warehouse, both facing end faces of the adjacent rail elements can be chamfered. In particular, the rail elements can be designed to be mirror-symmetrical about a plane running transversely to the longitudinal extent of the rail elements. According to alternative embodiments of the warehouse, only one end face of a rail element can be chamfered, while the end face of the rail element opposite the chamfered side remains unchamfered.

[0010] It can be provided that the opposing end faces of the adjacent rail elements define a wedge-shaped recess in which the compensating element is positioned, wherein a wedge angle of the recess corresponds to a wedge angle of the compensating element. Accordingly, the shape of the compensating element is adapted to the shape of the opposing end faces, so that a flush fit between the rail elements and the compensating element arranged between the rail elements can be achieved in a simple manner.

[0011] At least one chamfered end face of the rail element can form an angle relative to a longitudinal extent or longitudinal axis of the running rail that is not equal to 90°. In particular, each rail element can have a chamfered end face at each of its two opposite ends, each of which forms an angle relative to a longitudinal extent or longitudinal axis of the running rail that is not equal to 90°.

[0012] The compensating element can have opposite end faces with which the compensating element rests against the end faces of the rail elements.

[0013] At least one chamfered end face of the compensating element can form an angle relative to a longitudinal extent or axis of the guide rail that is not equal to 90°. In particular, both opposite end faces of the compensating element can form an angle relative to a longitudinal extent or axis of the guide rail that is not equal to 90°.

[0014] The compensating element can have a mirror-symmetrical basic shape. This allows for the specification of a compensating element that is easy to manufacture and install.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the warehouse, the compensating element may have a central section that abuts, at least partially, the end faces of the rail elements, and the compensating element may have at least one projecting tab extending across the width of the running rail, which is formed adjacent to the central section. The tab may serve to handle the compensating element during assembly and / or disassembly.

[0016] In particular, the compensating element may be provided with two tabs facing away from each other, adjacent to the central section and projecting across the width of the guide rail. These tabs can serve to fix the compensating element in the transverse direction.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, at least one tab of the compensating element can be designed to be narrower than the central section. The narrower shape of the tab improves the handling of the compensating element while simultaneously reducing material usage and weight.

[0018] To ensure the smoothest possible rolling over the compensating element, the section of the running surface formed by the compensating element can be arranged at the same level as the sections of the running surface formed by the rail elements. In particular, the section of the running surface formed by the compensating element and the sections of the running surface formed by the rail elements can transition seamlessly into one another, i.e., with flush top surfaces.

[0019] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. These schematically depict: Fig. 1 shows a section of a plane of the warehouse in a top view; Fig. 2 shows a section of a guide rail in a top view without a compensating element; Fig. 3 shows a section of the guide rail made of Fig. 2 in a top view with compensating element; Fig. 4 the compensating element in another position; Fig. 5 the compensating element in another position; Fig. 6 the compensating element in a top view; Fig. 6 another compensating element in a top view; Fig. 7 a section of a running rail in a top view without compensating element.

[0020] Figure 1 The figure shows a storage level E of a warehouse 1 in a section of a top view. Warehouse 1 has a plurality of such storage levels E, which are arranged one above the other perpendicular to the image plane, i.e., in a vertical direction.

[0021] The warehouse 1 is equipped for the storage and retrieval of goods 3 or packages of goods 3 arranged on load carriers 2 by means of a distribution vehicle 4 ("shuttle").

[0022] Warehouse 1 has a frame 5, which forms the static basic structure of the warehouse.

[0023] The rack 5 has aisles 6 accessible by the distribution vehicle 4 and storage locations 7 for the load carriers 2 arranged adjacent to the aisles 6. The storage locations 7 are indicated by the dashed lines, which show a grid-like arrangement of the storage locations 7.

[0024] Along the lanes 6, parallel running rails 8 are arranged. As shown in the schematic view. Figure 1 As can be seen, the lanes 6 and their running rails 8 intersect in the area of ​​intersections 9.

[0025] The distribution vehicle 4 is guided within the running rails 8 by its running rollers 10.

[0026] Each running rail 8 has two or more rail elements 11, each forming a section of a running surface 12 for the running rollers 10 of the distribution vehicle 4 ( Figure 2 ).

[0027] How Figure 2 As can be seen, the facing end faces 13 of successive rail elements 11 have a distance 14 from each other. In this case, both end faces 13 of the adjacent rail elements 11 are chamfered. "Chamfered" here means that the respective end face 13 is not perpendicular, but rather oblique to the longitudinal direction L of the guide rail 8. The distance 14 therefore decreases over a width B of the rail elements 11.

[0028] In the space between the facing end faces 13 of the adjacent rail elements 11, a wedge-shaped compensating element 15 is arranged, which forms a section of the running surface 12 and lies flush against the end faces 13 of the adjacent rail elements 11 ( Fig. 3 ).

[0029] The compensating element 15 therefore bridges and fills the gap 14 formed between the facing end faces 13 of the adjacent rail elements 11, so that a substantially closed running surface 12 is formed for the running rollers 10 of the distribution vehicle 4.

[0030] In this case, the opposing end faces 13 of the adjacent rail elements 11 define a wedge-shaped recess 16 in which the compensating element 15 is positioned. A wedge angle 17 of the recess 16 corresponds to a wedge angle 18 of the compensating element 15, with the wedge angles 17 and 18 being located in the Figures 6 and 7 are shown.

[0031] Figure 3 shows a fully assembled state of the compensating element 15 between the rail elements 11, wherein in the Figure 3 In the example shown, the rail elements 11, viewed in their longitudinal direction L, each have exactly the intended nominal dimension. The compensating element 15 is, in this case, positioned essentially midway between the rail elements 11, viewed in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction L.

[0032] Figure 4 shows a fully assembled state of the compensating element 15 between the rail elements 11, wherein in the Figure 4 In the example shown, the rail elements 11 are undersized in their longitudinal direction L, i.e., they are too short. In this case, the compensating element 15 is further recessed into the wedge-shaped recess 16 formed between the end faces 13 in order to compensate for the difference compared to the Figure 3to bridge the larger gap between the end faces 13 and to provide a substantially closed running surface 12 despite the insufficient length of the rail elements 11.

[0033] Figure 5 shows a fully assembled state of the compensating element 15 between the rail elements 11, wherein in the Figure 5 In the example shown, the rail elements 11 have an excess length L, i.e., they are too long. In this case, the compensating element 15 is displaced from the wedge-shaped recess 16 formed between the end faces 13 to compensate for the excess length compared to the Figure 3 and Figure 4 to bridge the smaller gap between the end faces 13 and to provide a substantially closed running surface 12 despite the excessive length of the rail elements 11.

[0034] The Figure 6AFigure 15 shows the compensating element 15 in a single top view. The compensating element 15 has opposite end faces 19, which are straight and with which the compensating element 15, in the fully assembled state, abuts the end faces 13 of the rail elements 11 in a linear fashion.

[0035] The compensating element 15 is designed in a mirror-symmetrical manner.

[0036] The chamfered end faces 19 of the compensating element 15 form an angle 20 relative to a longitudinal extent L of the guide rail 8, which is not equal to 90°. In the present example, the angle 20 is approximately 80° and the wedge angle 18 is approximately 20°. According to alternative embodiments, for example, the wedge angle can be up to approximately 45°.

[0037] The Figure 6B shows an alternative design of the compensating element 15, which differs from the compensating element 15 by a wider central section 21. Figure 6A differs. For example, the warehouse 1 can have two or more compensating elements 15 which have the same angles 20 and wedge angles 18, but have a different width central section 21 in order to bridge larger gaps between the rail elements 11 if necessary.

[0038] In Figure 7 The angles 22 formed between the end faces 13 of the rail elements 11 and the longitudinal direction L, as well as the wedge angle 17 bounded by the end faces 13, are shown. Angles 20 and 22 are equal in measure or have the same magnitude. Angles 17 and 18 are equal in measure or have the same magnitude.

[0039] The compensating element 15 has a central section 21 that abuts, at least partially, the end faces 13 of the rail elements 11. The compensating element 15 is a flat sheet metal strip, preferably of uniform material thickness. Two tabs 23, 24, projecting beyond the width B of the guide rail 8 and adjacent to the central section 21, are incorporated into the flat sheet metal strip. The tabs 23, 24 are preferably narrower in plan view than the central section 21.

[0040] The compensating element 15 can be fixed by clamping it in the transverse direction using the tabs 23, 24, or using only one of the tabs 23, 24. In this process, the respective tab 23, 24 rests with its underside on a surface located on a component of the frame 5. Simultaneously, the tab is clamped against the surface by applying pressure to its upper surface. This pressure on the upper surface of the tab 23, 24 can be exerted, for example, by a screw, preferably by the underside of a screw head.

[0041] Alternatively, the compensating element 15 can be glued to a component of the frame 5 with a surface arranged underneath it. Reference symbol list

[0042] 1 Warehouse 2 Load carrier 3 Goods / Packaging 4 Distribution vehicle 5 Rack 6 Aisle 7 Storage space 8 Running rail 9 Intersection 10 Roller 11 Rail element 12 Running surface 13 End face 14 Spacing 15 Compensating element 16 Recess 17 Wedge angle 18 Wedge angle 19 Angle 20 Angle 21 Center section 22 Angle 23 Tab 24 Tab B Width L Longitudinal extent / Longitudinal direction / Longitudinal axis

Claims

1. A warehouse - configured for storing and retrieving, by means of a distribution vehicle (4), goods (3) or bundles (3) of goods arranged on load carriers (2), - having a rack (5), - wherein the rack (5) has aisles (6), along which the distribution vehicle (4) can travel, and has storage spaces (7), arranged adjacent to the aisles (6), for the load carriers (2), - wherein arranged along the aisles (6) are rails (8), which run parallel to each other and within which the distribution vehicle (4) is guided via rollers (10) of the distribution vehicle (4), and - wherein a respective rail (8) has two or more rail elements (11), each forming a portion of a running surface (12) for the rollers (10) of the distribution vehicle (4), characterized in that - mutually facing end faces (13) of adjacent rail elements (11) are at a distance (14) from each other, - wherein at least one end face (13) of at least one rail element (11) is beveled, and - wherein arranged between the end faces (13) is a wedge-shaped compensation element (15), which forms a portion of the running surface (12) and contacts the end faces (13).

2. The warehouse as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that both mutually facing end faces (13) of the adjacent rail elements (11) are beveled.

3. The warehouse as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the mutually facing end faces (13) delimit a wedge-shaped recess (16), in which the compensation element (15) is positioned, - wherein a wedge angle (17) of the recess (16) corresponds to a wedge angle (18) of the compensation element (15).

4. The warehouse as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one beveled end face (13) of the rail element (11) encloses an angle (22), relative to a longitudinal extent (L) of the rail (8), which is not equal to 90°.

5. The warehouse as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compensation element (15) has mutually remote end faces (19), via which the compensation element (15) contacts the end faces (13) of the rail elements (11).

6. The warehouse as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that at least one beveled end face (19) of the compensation element (15) encloses an angle (20), relative to a longitudinal extent (L) of the rail (8), which is not equal to 90°.

7. The warehouse as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compensation element (15) has a mirror-symmetrical basic shape.

8. The warehouse as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the compensation element (15) has a central portion (21) which contacts, at least partially, the end faces (13) of the rail elements (11), - wherein the compensation element (15) has at least one tab (23, 24) which adjoins the central portion (21) and projects beyond a width (B) of the rail (8).

9. The warehouse as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that - the compensation element (15) has two mutually remote tabs (23, 24) which adjoin the central portion (21) and project beyond the width (B) of the rail (8) and / or - at least one tab (23, 24) of the compensation element (15) is narrower than the central portion (21).

10. The warehouse as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the portion of the running surface (12) formed by the compensation element (15) is arranged at the same height as the portions of the running surface (12) formed by the rail elements (11), - wherein the portion of the running surface (12) formed by the compensation element and the portions of the running surface (12) formed by the rail elements (11) transition into one another, in particular without discontinuities.