Damping element for damping vibrations on a storage rack

Abstract

The invention relates to a damping element (1) for damping vibrations on a storage rack (20). According to the invention, the damping element (1) has a housing (2) and a granular damping means filled into the housing (2), it being possible to frictionally and / or interlockingly fasten the damping element (1) to the storage rack (20) solely by virtue of a shape and / or a material of the housing (2). The invention is also directed to an arrangement and to a storage system (100) comprising such a damping element (1).

Description

[0001] Damping element for dampening vibrations on a storage rack

[0002] The invention relates to a damping element for damping vibrations on a storage rack according to the preamble of claim 1, an arrangement with such a damping element according to claim 6 and a storage system with such a damping element according to claim 8.

[0003] Vibrations occurring on a storage rack can cause undesirable movement of the goods stored on the rack. In particular, slipping and twisting of the stored goods, and the associated change in their position on the rack, are undesirable. Such moving goods are also referred to as "dancing totes."

[0004] A change in the position of the stored goods can lead to collisions between the stored goods and the handling equipment used for their removal, such as a storage and retrieval machine, when they are removed from the storage rack. This can cause damage to the stored goods and / or the handling equipment. This can subsequently lead to a failure of the handling equipment, which, for example, limits the throughput of a storage system and the process reliability during its operation.

[0005] In addition, changes in the position of the stored goods on the storage rack detected by sensors can lead to an unplanned interruption and thus disruption of the storage system's operations. The position of the stored goods on the storage rack must then be corrected, for example, manually, before the storage system can resume operations.

[0006] For this reason, the object of the present invention is to dampen vibrations occurring on a storage rack.

[0007] This object is achieved by the damping element having the features of claim 1, the arrangement having the features of claim 6, and the storage system having the features of claim 8. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims and the description. According to the invention, a damping element for damping vibrations on a storage rack is provided, wherein the damping element has a housing and a granular damping agent filled into the housing, and wherein the damping element can be fastened to the storage rack in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner exclusively based on a shape and / or a material of the housing.

[0008] In other words, due to the shape and / or material of the housing, the damping element can be securely and easily attached to the storage rack without additional fastening means. A force-fitting fastening preferably involves clamping the housing to the storage rack. A form-fitting fastening preferably involves a housing section resting against a contour on the storage rack corresponding to this housing section. The corresponding housing section can engage with the contour on the storage rack.

[0009] In this context, the shape of the housing refers to the entire outer contour of the housing. The shape of the housing therefore includes all external surfaces. The shape and size of the damping element, in particular of the housing, are preferably designed based on the geometric conditions of the storage rack and / or the vibrations to be dampened.

[0010] The housing material, particularly in the areas intended for fastening the damping element, has comparatively low flexural rigidity and comparatively high elasticity. In particular, the housing or the areas intended for fastening are made of plastic.

[0011] The housing comprises a preferably cup-shaped receiving area that serves to accommodate the granular damping agent. An inner surface of the receiving area that faces the granular damping agent is not counted as part of the housing's fastening shape. The receiving area has an opening so that the housing can be easily filled with the granular damping agent. The opening can preferably be closed with a cover belonging to the damping element. Alternatively, a contour on the storage rack can be used to close the receiving area. The granular damping agent is used to dampen the vibrations occurring on the storage rack. The vibrations are first transferred from the storage rack via the housing to the granular damping agent.The movement of the granular damping agent within the housing, and in particular the friction between the individual damping agent grains, creates a damping effect. This reduces the intensity or amplitude of the vibrations. As a result, the vibrations on the storage rack are attenuated or compensated for.

[0012] The vibrations occurring in the storage rack are induced in particular by a handling device and / or transport vehicle and / or conveyor device moving past the storage rack. The vibrations are caused in particular by unevenness on a travel path, for example, a warehouse floor or a rail, which is encountered by tires, wheels, or rollers used to move the handling device, transport vehicle, or conveyor device. The handling device can be a single-level storage and retrieval machine described below or a multi-level storage and retrieval machine described below. The transport vehicle can be an automated guided vehicle (AGV). The conveyor device can be a lift or a conveyor belt.

[0013] With the damping element according to the invention, vibrations induced in the storage rack can be easily dampened. Slipping or twisting, i.e., changes in the position of the stored goods on the storage rack, can thus be reduced or even prevented. This prevents disruptions to storage operations or damage to the stored goods and / or the handling equipment used to remove the stored goods from the storage rack. The throughput of a storage system and the process reliability during its operation can thus be increased thanks to the damping element according to the invention.

[0014] It is particularly advantageous that the housing has two wing-like clamping elements with which the housing can be fastened to the storage rack.

[0015] In addition to the above-described receiving area, the housing comprises two additional areas, which preferably serve exclusively to attach the damping element to the storage rack. The housing is preferably constructed as a single piece, meaning the receiving area and the wing-like clamping elements form a single component. Alternatively, the housing can also be constructed in multiple parts.

[0016] Each of the two wing-like clamping elements is a flat element that protrudes or protrudes from the remaining parts or areas of the housing, i.e., extends away from them. Preferably, the wing-like clamping elements are arranged at a distance from one another on the receiving area and protrude parallel therefrom.

[0017] The wing-like clamping elements are flexible and, for this reason, particularly flat. An inner surface and an outer surface of the wing-like clamping elements are thus large relative to a front surface connecting the inner and outer surfaces. The inner surface of one wing-like clamping element and the inner surface of the other wing-like clamping element are preferably opposite each other.

[0018] The specific shape of the wing-like clamping elements depends on the geometric conditions of the storage rack or the area of ​​the storage rack to which the damping element is to be attached. An additional fastening element, such as a nipple, can be provided on the wing-like clamping elements, particularly on their inner or outer surface, to create a positive connection with the storage rack.

[0019] It is conceivable that the housing has more than two wing-like clamping elements. Alternatively or additionally, the housing may have clamping elements of a different shape.

[0020] A clamping effect is preferably created by the wing-like clamping elements, in an assembled state, pressing with their outer surface outwards against a surface on the storage rack with which they are in contact. During the fastening to the storage rack, i.e. during assembly of the damping element, the inner surfaces of the wing-like clamping elements are moved towards each other and released after the damping element has been positioned accordingly on the storage rack. Since the wing-like

[0021] If clamping elements want to move away from each other, the clamping can also be referred to as pressure clamping.

[0022] It is also possible that the clamping effect is created by the wing-like clamping elements, in the assembled state, each pressing inward with their inner surface against a surface on the storage rack with which they are in contact. During attachment to the storage rack, the inner surfaces of the wing-like clamping elements, in contrast to the previously described embodiment, are moved away from each other and released after the damping element has been appropriately positioned on the storage rack. Since the wing-like clamping elements tend to move toward each other, the clamping can also be referred to as a tension clamp.

[0023] Advantageously, the housing is an injection-molded part.

[0024] The housing is then comparatively lightweight. Furthermore, the material thickness can be easily varied in different areas of the housing. This makes it possible to create optimal clamping properties for the clamping elements, regardless of the material thickness intended for the receiving area.

[0025] The injection-molded design of the housing also allows for relatively free design and adaptation to the existing conditions of the storage rack. Furthermore, this type of manufacturing process facilitates the one-piece construction of the housing and the provision of additional fastening elements.

[0026] The optional cover is also preferably designed as an injection-molded part.

[0027] Advantageously, a grain shape and / or grain size or grain size of the granular damping agent is dependent on the vibration frequency to be damped. In other words, geometric properties of the granular damping agent, such as the shape and / or size of the damping agent grains, are selected depending on the vibration frequency to be damped. In particular, a small grain size or small grain size is provided for high vibration frequencies to be damped, and a large grain size or large grain size is provided for low vibration frequencies to be damped.

[0028] If different vibration frequencies to be damped occur, an average of the vibration frequencies to be damped can serve as the basis for selecting the geometric properties. Alternatively, granular damping agents with different geometric properties can be used to accommodate some or all of the vibration frequencies to be damped. Such a mixture of different geometric properties is particularly suitable for damping a broad range of vibration frequencies.

[0029] It is also conceivable that several damping elements are attached to a storage rack, each of whose granular damping means has different geometric properties.

[0030] The housing, which can be filled through the opening, makes it possible to easily replace the damping agent and thus react to changes in the vibration frequency to be damped on the storage rack.

[0031] In addition, it is advantageously provided that the granular damping agent comprises a powder, in particular flour, and / or a granulate, in particular a rubber granulate, and / or sand.

[0032] The granular damping agent can therefore also comprise a mixture of powder and granules, powder and sand, granules and sand, or powder, granules, and sand. The design of the granular damping agent or the composition of the mixture depends in particular on the vibration frequency to be damped.

[0033] The invention further relates to an arrangement comprising a storage rack having storage spaces for stored goods and a damping element according to the invention, wherein the damping element is fastened to the storage rack in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner.

[0034] A single damping element according to the invention or multiple damping elements according to the invention can be attached to the storage rack. Due to the simple attachment of the damping element to the storage rack, it is possible to retrofit a storage rack already in operation with a damping element.

[0035] The storage locations for the goods are arranged next to each other on the storage rack and on several levels above each other. The goods can be pallets, containers, crates, boxes, bags, and / or individual items.

[0036] The arrangement according to the invention has the advantage over a storage rack without a damping element that vibrations occurring on the storage rack are dampened and, if necessary, completely compensated. The arrangement can comprise additional storage racks with and / or without damping elements.

[0037] Advantageously, it is provided that the damping element is arranged on or in a support pillar and / or a cross member and / or a longitudinal member of the storage rack.

[0038] In other words, the at least one damping element is preferably arranged on or in a structural element of the storage rack. The structural element then belongs, in particular, to a framework or supporting structure of the storage rack. In addition to the aforementioned structural elements, the storage rack may have further structural elements, such as stiffening struts, as well as other elements, such as cladding.

[0039] The support pillar is a vertical structural element of the storage rack and is connected to the warehouse floor, particularly via an anchor. The crossbeam, also known as the transverse brace, and the longitudinal brace, also known as the longitudinal brace, are horizontal structural elements of the storage rack and run essentially perpendicular to the support pillars and essentially perpendicular to each other. One or more crossbeams and / or one or more longitudinal beams can form a storage location for the stored goods.

[0040] The damping element can also be attached to the storage rack in such a way that it is arranged simultaneously in or on a support pillar and a crossbeam, simultaneously in or on a support pillar and a longitudinal beam, simultaneously in or on a crossbeam and a longitudinal beam or simultaneously in or on a support pillar, a crossbeam and a longitudinal beam.

[0041] By arranging the damping element in or on a structural element, the vibrations can be effectively dampened before they are transmitted to the stored goods.

[0042] The invention further relates to a storage system with an arrangement according to the invention and a storage and retrieval machine that can be moved along the storage rack and with which the stored goods can be transported.

[0043] The storage and retrieval machine, which can be moved along the storage rack, can transport the stored goods between the individual storage locations of the storage rack, and preferably between the individual storage locations and the storage and retrieval locations of the storage rack. Furthermore, the storage and retrieval machine can be designed to transport the stored goods from the storage rack to another storage rack provided in the arrangement.

[0044] In addition to the storage and retrieval machine, further handling devices and / or transport vehicles and / or conveyor devices can be provided in the storage system. The storage system is preferably a partially automated and more preferably a fully automated storage system. In the context of the invention, partially automated is understood to mean that some of the handling devices and / or transport vehicles and / or conveyor devices used in the storage system are operated automatically. In the context of the invention, fully automated is understood to mean that all of the handling devices and / or transport vehicles and / or conveyor devices used in the storage system are operated automatically. Vibrations occurring on the storage rack are generated in particular by the handling devices and / or transport vehicles and / or conveyor devices present in the storage system and passing by the storage rack, and are then induced into the storage rack.

[0045] It is particularly advantageous that the storage and retrieval machine is a single-level storage and retrieval machine that can be moved on two rails, wherein the rails run between two storage racks arranged parallel to one another and separated from one another by a rack aisle, and one of the two rails is fastened to one of the adjacent storage racks, and wherein the damping element is arranged on or in one of the two rails.

[0046] The damping element can also be attached to the storage rack in such a way that it is arranged simultaneously in or on one of the two rails and a support pillar and / or a cross beam and / or a longitudinal beam.

[0047] The single-level storage and retrieval machine, also known as a shuttle, preferably serves only a single shelf level of the storage rack. However, the single-level storage and retrieval machine can also be designed to serve a few, particularly two or three, shelf levels. The rails are located in one of the shelf levels assigned to the single-level storage and retrieval machine. The vibrations generated by the movement of the single-level storage and retrieval machine are induced via the two rails into the respective storage rack connected to the rail.

[0048] The single-level stacker crane can load and unload goods on both sides of the rack aisle using a load-handling device. The single-level stacker crane can move between rack levels using an optional lift provided in the storage rack.

[0049] To power the single-level storage and retrieval machine, at least one conductor line preferably runs along the rails, eliminating the need for the single-level storage and retrieval machine to be equipped with a battery. In addition, a conductor line running along the rails or a signal transmission system integrated into the conductor line used for the power supply can be used to transmit control signals. Alternatively, control signals can be transmitted wirelessly.

[0050] Alternatively, the storage and retrieval machine can also be a multi-level storage and retrieval machine. This comprises a lower chassis, at least one mast, and a lifting carriage with a load-handling device that can be moved along the mast. The multi-level storage and retrieval machine is typically single-track rail-guided and, in contrast to the previously described design of the storage and retrieval machine, serves many, preferably four or more, or all of the levels of a storage rack. The multi-level storage and retrieval machine can also serve storage racks arranged in multiple rack aisles.

[0051] The multi-level storage and retrieval unit, also known as a stacker crane or storage and retrieval unit, may have an upper chassis in addition to the lower chassis, which is located at an end of the mast facing away from the lower chassis. The multi-level storage and retrieval unit can be guided along a head beam via guide rollers provided on the upper chassis. The multi-level storage and retrieval unit may include additional components, such as a hoist with a rope or chain drive, access ladders, and power supply lines.

[0052] The multi-level storage and retrieval machine is movable in three spatial directions or axes. The lower chassis, in particular with the wheels provided thereon, serves to move the multi-level storage and retrieval machine along a rail, which is arranged in particular in a rack aisle on a warehouse floor. The mast, arranged on the lower chassis and essentially vertically to the rail, serves to raise and lower the lifting carriage along the mast. The load handling device of the lifting carriage can be moved essentially vertically to the rail and essentially vertically to the mast, i.e., transversely to a direction of travel of the multi-level storage and retrieval machine, and serves to pick up and deliver the stored goods.

[0053] The vibrations generated by the movement of the multi-level storage and retrieval machine are induced, in particular, via the rail into the warehouse floor and from the warehouse floor, on which the storage rack is located, into the storage rack itself. Of course, it is conceivable that both single-level and multi-level storage and retrieval machines are used in a warehouse system.

[0054] Further details of the invention emerge from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawing, in which

[0055] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the damping element according to the invention,

[0056] Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention,

[0057] Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the storage system according to the invention and

[0058] Fig. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of the storage system according to the invention.

[0059] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the damping element 1 according to the invention.

[0060] The damping element 1 serves to dampen vibrations on a storage rack 20 and has a housing 2 with a receiving area 8 for accommodating granular damping material. The receiving area 8 is cup-shaped in the present case, but can also have a different shape. The receiving area 8 can be filled with the granular damping material via an opening 3 and can optionally be closed with a cover 7 (see Figure 2).

[0061] The illustration does not depict the granular damping agent filled in the housing 2. However, this is required for damping vibrations occurring on a storage rack 20. The vibrations are initially transmitted from the storage rack 20 via the housing 2 to the granular damping agent. A movement of the granular damping agent in the housing 2 or in the receiving area 8, and in particular, a rubbing of the individual damping agent grains against one another, creates a damping effect. This reduces the intensity or amplitude of the vibrations. As a result, the vibrations on the storage rack 20 are also attenuated or compensated.

[0062] The grain shape and / or grain size of the granular damping agent can depend on the vibration frequency to be damped. The granular damping agent can comprise a powder, in particular flour, and / or a granulate, in particular rubber granulate, and / or sand.

[0063] The damping element 1 can be fastened to the storage rack 20 in a force-fitting and form-fitting manner exclusively due to the shape and / or material of the housing 2. For this purpose, the housing 2 has two wing-like clamping elements 4 in addition to the receiving area 8. The wing-like clamping elements 4 are arranged at a distance from one another on the receiving area 8 and protrude parallel therefrom. The damping element 1 can be fastened to a storage rack (see Figures 2 to 4) in a force-fitting manner using the wing-like clamping elements 4.

[0064] With such a fastening, in the assembled state shown in Figure 2, an outer surface 4b of the clamping element 4 presses outward against a surface 22a of the storage rack 20 with which it is in contact, thereby creating a clamping effect. During the assembly of the damping element 1 on the storage rack 20, the inner surfaces 4a of the two wing-like clamping elements 4 were moved toward each other and released after the damping element 1 was appropriately positioned on the storage rack 20.

[0065] Alternatively, a damping element 1 can be provided, in which the clamping effect is created by the wing-like clamping elements 4, in the assembled state, each pressing inward with their inner surface 4a against the surface 22a. During the fastening to the storage rack 20, the inner surfaces 4a of the wing-like clamping elements 4 are moved away from each other, in contrast to the previously described embodiment, and are released after the damping element 1 has been appropriately positioned on the storage rack 20.

[0066] The wing-like clamping elements 4 are flexible and, in particular, flat. The inner surface 4a and one outer surface 4b of the wing-like clamping elements 4 are thus large relative to an end surface 4c connecting the inner surface 4a and outer surface 4b. The inner surface 4a of one wing-like clamping element 4 and the inner surface 4a of the other wing-like clamping element 4 are opposite each other.

[0067] In this case, two nipples 6 are arranged on each of the wing-like clamping elements 4 or their outer surface 4b, which additionally enable a positive fastening of the damping element 1 to the storage rack. The nipples 6 are optional fastening elements.

[0068] On the outside of the housing 2 and in this case in the area of ​​the receiving area 8, a recess 5 is also provided, which can be used for a positive fastening of the damping element 1 to a storage rack 20 (see Figures 2 to 4).

[0069] The housing 2 is formed as a single piece. Alternatively, the housing 2 can also be formed in multiple parts. The housing 2 can, for example, be formed as an injection-molded part.

[0070] Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention.

[0071] The arrangement according to the invention comprises, in addition to the damping element 1, a storage rack 20, wherein the damping element 1 is fastened to the storage rack 20, more precisely to a support pillar 22 of the storage rack 20.

[0072] The housing 2 of the damping element 1 is designed as shown in Figure 1. In this case, the damping element 1 also comprises a cover 7, with which the receiving area 8 is releasably closed. Alternatively, it is possible for the receiving area 8 to remain open or for the damping element 1 to be positioned on the storage rack 20 such that the receiving area 8 is closed by a contour on the storage rack 20.

[0073] As already described in relation to Figure 1, the clamping effect in this case results from the fact that the two wing-like clamping elements 4 each exert a compressive force on the surface 22a on the support pillar 22 via their outer surfaces 4b.

[0074] Each nipple 6 engages in a hole 22b provided on the support pillar 22 to positively secure the damping element 1 in a vertical direction. A bulge on the support pillar 22 engages in the recess 5 provided on the housing 2 to positively secure the damping element 1 in a horizontal direction.

[0075] Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the storage system 100 according to the invention.

[0076] The storage system 100 comprises two storage racks 20 that are spaced apart from each other and separated by a rack aisle 103. In the view shown, only one rack level of the two storage racks 20 is visible. However, the storage racks 20 have additional rack levels below and / or above the rack level shown.

[0077] Each of the storage racks 20 has a plurality of support pillars 22, a plurality of crossbeams 23, and a plurality of longitudinal beams 24. The support pillars 22 are arranged vertically on the storage rack 20. In the view shown, only their cross-section is visible. The crossbeams 23 are arranged horizontally on the storage rack 20 and substantially perpendicular to the support pillars 22. The longitudinal beams 24 are also arranged horizontally on the storage rack 20 and substantially perpendicular to the support pillars 22 and crossbeams 23. Since this is a schematic view, not all of the support pillars 22, crossbeams 23, and longitudinal beams 24 are shown.

[0078] The storage system 100 also includes a single-level storage and retrieval machine 102', which is designed as a single-level storage and retrieval machine 102', which can be moved on two rails 101 in the rack level shown. Additional single-level storage and retrieval machines 102' can be provided in the other rack levels of the storage rack 20 (not shown).

[0079] A rail 101 is arranged and secured to each of the two storage racks 20. When the single-level storage and retrieval machine 102' moves along the rails 101, vibrations may occur that are transmitted from the respective rail 101 to the respective storage rack 20.

[0080] One of the four damping elements 1 provided is arranged on and secured to a support pillar 22. Each of the damping elements 1 can be designed, for example, like the damping element 1 described in Figure 1. The granular damping means can be designed the same or differently.

[0081] It is possible that further damping elements 1 are provided on the storage rack 20, which are then arranged and fastened, for example, in or on a cross member 23 or in or on a longitudinal member 24.

[0082] Figure 4 shows a schematic sectional view of a further embodiment of the storage system 100 according to the invention.

[0083] In contrast to the embodiment of the storage system 100 shown in Figure 3, in which the damping elements 1 are arranged on the support pillars 22 of the storage rack, in the embodiment of the storage system 100 shown here the damping elements 1 are arranged on the rails 101 of the single-level storage and retrieval machine 102' and the support pillars 22, but are only attached to the rails 101.

[0084] Four damping elements 1 are provided per rail 101, i.e. a total of eight damping elements 1. The damping elements 1 are arranged in pairs on the rail 101 and on both sides of a support pillar 22.

[0085] List of reference symbols

[0086] 1 damping element

[0087] 2 housings

[0088] 3 Opening

[0089] 4 wing-like clamping element

[0090] 4a Inner surface (wing-like clamping element)

[0091] 4b Outer surface (wing-like clamping element)

[0092] 4c Front face (wing-like clamping element)

[0093] 5 Recess

[0094] 6 nipples

[0095] 7 lids

[0096] 8 Mounting area (for the granular damping agent)

[0097] 20 storage shelves

[0098] 22 supporting pillars

[0099] 22a Area (supporting pillars)

[0100] 22b Hole (support pillar)

[0101] 23 Crossbeam

[0102] 24 Longitudinal cross member

[0103] 100 storage system

[0104] 101 Rail

[0105] 102 storage and retrieval machine

[0106] 102' single-level stacker crane

[0107] 103 shelf aisle

Claims

Patent claims 1. Damping element (1) for damping vibrations on a storage rack (20), characterized in that the damping element (1) has a housing (2) and a granular damping agent filled into the housing (2), and in that the damping element (1) can be fastened to the storage rack (20) in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner exclusively due to a shape and / or a material of the housing (2).

2. Damping element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (2) has two wing-like clamping elements (4) with which the housing (2) can be fastened to the storage rack (20).

3. Damping element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing (2) is an injection-molded part.

4. Damping element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a grain shape and / or a grain size or grain size of the granular damping means is dependent on a vibration frequency to be damped.

5. Damping element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the granular damping agent comprises a powder and / or a granulate and / or sand.

6. Arrangement with a storage rack (20) which has storage spaces for stored goods, and a damping element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the damping element (1) is fastened to the storage rack (20) in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner.

7. Arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that the damping element (1) is arranged on or in a support pillar (22) and / or a cross member (23) and / or a longitudinal member (24) of the storage rack (20).

8. Storage system (100) with an arrangement according to claim 6 or 7 and a a storage and retrieval machine (102) which can be moved along the storage rack (20) and with which the stored goods can be transported.

9. Storage system (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that the storage and retrieval machine (102) is a single-level storage and retrieval machine (102') which can be moved on two rails (101), wherein the rails (101) run between two storage racks (20) which are arranged parallel to one another and separated from one another by a rack aisle (103), and one of the two rails (101) is fastened to one of the adjacent storage racks (20), and wherein the damping element (1) is arranged on or in one of the two rails (101).

Images