Storage rack, stored goods carrier and method for controlling the power distribution

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage rack (100), in particular a vertical lift, comprising a housing (101) in which a plurality of storage areas (102) for stored goods carriers (103) are provided, which are arranged above one another and can be conveyed by an automatic transport device (105), an operating opening (106) for supplying anf removing stored goods (104) and a power supply device (10) for supplying the stored goods carrier (103) with power. The power supply device (10) has at least one main line (11) running on the storage rack (100), which is designed to guide current for supplying a plurality of stored goods carriers (103) with power. At least one transfer module (30) is provided, which automatically connects or disconnects the stored goods carrier relative to the main line (11) depending on the position of said stored goods carrier.

Description

[0001] Storage rack, storage goods carrier and method for controlling power distribution

[0002] The invention relates to a storage rack, in particular a vertical lift, for the automatic loading and unloading of stored goods, comprising a housing in which a plurality of stacked storage locations for storage goods carriers are provided, which can be conveyed by an automatic transport device, an access opening for the loading and unloading of stored goods, and a power supply device for supplying power to the storage goods carriers. Furthermore, the invention relates to a storage goods carrier and a computer-implemented method for controlling the distribution of the power load for such a storage rack.

[0003] In such automated storage racks, storage carriers for receiving the stored goods are loaded and unloaded via an access opening using an automatic transport device and delivered to or removed from the storage locations provided in the storage rack. Such storage carriers are also referred to as containers or trays. The transport device is usually arranged between the spaced-apart storage towers of the storage rack and has an extractor for feeding and removing the storage carriers. An operator can remove or place goods stored on the storage carrier via the access opening. Such an automated storage rack is known, for example, from EP 0 722 894 A1 or EP 1 934 120 B1.

[0004] DE 94 11 922 U1 describes an automatic storage rack that provides a power supply for stored goods carriers. The power supply comprises a plug located on the goods carrier and a corresponding socket located on the storage rack. The plug is engaged with the socket when the goods carrier is moved into a storage location for the goods carrier. The individual sockets are each supplied with power via a cable. The object of the invention is to propose a storage rack that supplies a large number of goods carriers with power in a simple design.

[0005] This object is achieved by a storage rack having the features of claim 1, a storage goods carrier according to claim 11 and a method according to claim 13.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] The storage rack according to the invention is characterized in that the power supply device has at least one main line running on the storage rack, which is designed to carry current for supplying current to a plurality of storage goods carriers, and in that at least one transmission module is provided which automatically connects or decouples the storage goods carrier to the main line depending on its position.

[0008] Because the main line can be used to centrally supply power to multiple storage carriers, the number of required cables is significantly reduced. This results in a simpler and more cost-effective design. Furthermore, the centralized routing of the power through the main line requires less space for the power supply device. The cross-section of the main line can be larger, reducing the resistance in the line and thus reducing heat generation.

[0009] In general, the term "main line" refers to an electrically conductive medium. In a preferred embodiment, the main line is designed to transmit three-phase or alternating current. Accordingly, the main line comprises, for example, several electrically conductive conductors or wires, with a phase conductor, a neutral conductor, and a protective conductor being provided for transmitting alternating current. In a further embodiment, the conductors or wires of the main line are designed to transmit three-phase current.

[0010] The main line can be made of copper or another conductive material. Furthermore, the main line and its conductors are usually surrounded by an insulating layer. In an advantageous embodiment, the transmission module comprises a contacting unit arranged on the storage goods carrier, which is designed to directly contact the main line. This results in a particularly simple design with few components. Furthermore, a plurality of connection points can be provided on the main line, allowing flexible assignment. The connection points are preferably each assigned to a storage location. The contacting unit can be designed to transmit three-phase current or alternating current.

[0011] In another advantageous embodiment, the transmission module comprises a connecting element connected to the main line and a contacting unit arranged on the storage goods carrier, which can be connected to the connecting element.

[0012] The connecting element can, for example, be a socket, comparable to a power outlet, which is electrically connected to the main line via an electrically conductive cable, also referred to below as the connecting conductor. The contacting unit, on the other hand, can be a plug that engages with the power outlet or the connecting element to establish electrical contact.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment, the main line is integrated into a busbar or a flat cable. The busbar and the flat cable are particularly suitable for transmitting high currents. Furthermore, they are characterized by a simple design.

[0014] The main line of the busbar, for example, consists of an electrical conductor. The busbar usually has an electrically insulating profile, which can be an extruded profile. The profile is usually rigid and made of plastic or aluminum. The aluminum profile additionally has insulation between the main line and the aluminum profile. The profile has a back and a front. Fasteners are arranged on the back to fix the busbar to the storage rack. On the front, which faces a storage location, recesses can be provided to enable direct contact with the main line. Furthermore, the recess can have a funnel-shaped insertion attachment.This is particularly advantageous when a connector is provided as a contacting unit, which is arranged on a storage goods carrier and serves to make direct contact with the main line. Contacting is achieved by the connector being brought into engagement with the main line through the recess.

[0015] The flat cable, on the other hand, is characterized by the fact that it can be designed to be flexible, similar to a cable. The main cable can have flexible wires surrounded by flexible insulation. An adapter can be attached to any point on the flat cable to make contact with the main cable. The adapter is designed to pierce through the insulation for electrical contact and to make electrical contact with the main cable. The flat cable is usually attached to a side of the storage rack wall facing the storage locations using a surrounding fastener. Furthermore, the flat cable is particularly suitable for transmitting three-phase current, as it simply has five wires arranged next to one another. It can be used to provide single-phase alternating current or three-phase alternating current simultaneously.

[0016] Both the busbar and the flat cable represent a particularly flexible option for electrifying storage carriers. The arrangement of the cutout in a busbar or the attachment of the adapter to a flat cable can be freely selected. Consequently, the storage locations to be powered can be freely selected and determined during on-site assembly of the storage rack. Furthermore, a multitude of cutouts can be provided on the busbar, arranged at a defined distance from one another.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment of the busbar, it has at least two busbar elements. The busbar elements can each be supplied with power via a feed element. The individual busbar element comprises a feed element that supplies the busbar element with power. The busbar elements can, for example, each supply up to five storage carriers with power simultaneously. The number of storage carriers to be supplied with power depends on the cross-section of the main conductor. With an appropriate cross-section of the main conductor, it is possible to supply up to 10, 20, or 30 storage carriers simultaneously. This embodiment further has the advantage that the power supply device can be divided into several separate circuits. These can be controlled and regulated separately from one another. Furthermore, if one circuit fails, only a portion of the power supply device is affected.This increases safety through additional overload protection devices.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment, comparable to the previously described busbar comprising busbar elements, the flat cable has at least two flat cable elements, wherein the flat cable elements can each be supplied with current via a feed element. As previously described, the flat cable is particularly characterized by its simple installation. This simple installation is achieved, among other things, by the simple and flexible attachment of the adapters. Accordingly, the flat cable is preferably laid across the entire height of the storage rack, in particular the installation shaft. If two flat cable elements are provided, they are laid parallel to one another. Only the adapters are attached at offset positions distributed across the height of the storage rack.

[0019] The contacting unit is advantageously a spring contact unit, a rocker contact unit, or an induction unit. With the spring contact unit and the rocker contact unit, a contacting pin can be located in a protected casing when the storage carrier is not in the storage location. This is the case, for example, during transport of the storage carrier to the access opening. With an induction unit, a first coil is located on the main line and a second coil on the storage carrier. This enables contactless power transmission. The power supply device advantageously has a central control unit. The central control unit can comprise a control device and is designed to communicate with a warehouse management program. The power supply device can also be supplied with power by the central control unit. Such a central control unit is also known, for example, as a "wall box."The wallbox is designed to supply the power supply device with power.

[0020] The transmission module can have a control unit for regulating the current through the transmission module and a communication unit that can be connected to the central control unit. The control unit can, for example, reduce or interrupt the current flow. The communication unit enables the control unit to be controlled centrally via the control unit. In one possible embodiment, the control unit is a controllable circuit breaker.

[0021] The power supply device advantageously comprises a power storage unit, in particular a rechargeable battery. The power storage unit is particularly advantageous when the power supply is interrupted for a longer period of time, for example in order to supply power to other storage goods carriers located in the storage rack as part of a centrally controlled load distribution. The power storage unit can, for example, be arranged on the storage goods carrier. In this case, the power storage unit is connected to the contacting unit. This is particularly advantageous since the current transmitted, for example, by a spring contact unit or by means of an induction unit is limited. Accordingly, the provision of a plurality of smaller power storage units is particularly advantageous. Alternatively, the power storage unit can be arranged between the main line and the connecting element.

[0022] The main line is advantageously located in an installation shaft. The installation shaft is arranged on a side of the shelving tower facing away from the transport shaft. Typically, only one wall is provided as part of the housing, which is directly or almost directly adjacent to the storage points. Installation space for a power supply device is usually not included. The installation shaft, however, is arranged additionally and parallel to the wall as a second wall. This doubles the installation shaft, so to speak. The installation shaft not only provides installation space for the power supply device but also offers fastening options for the power supply device. The installation shaft can also be retrofitted to an existing storage rack. Furthermore, it is also possible to install an installation shaft on an opposite shelving tower on a side facing away from the transport shaft.For this purpose, at least one conductive connecting element is provided, which supplies power to the power supply device in the installation shaft of the opposite shelving tower. The conductive connecting element is routed around the transport shaft on the outside of the housing.

[0023] A further aspect of the invention relates to a storage goods carrier for the previously described storage rack with a contacting unit.

[0024] Advantageously, at least one socket for connecting an electrical device or consumer is provided on the storage goods carrier.

[0025] A further aspect of the invention relates to a computer-implemented method for controlling the power distribution for a previously described storage rack. The first transmission module has a first controller unit and a first communication unit. The second transmission module has a second controller unit and a second communication unit. The method comprises the following steps: Step a) Determining the storage goods carriers to be supplied with power. Step b) Determining a maximum current load applied to the main line by the storage goods carriers to be supplied with power. Step c) Transmitting a signal to the communication units of the transmission modules assigned to the determined storage goods carriers for regulating the current by the respective controller units.

[0026] The process is characterized by the fact that the power distribution can be centrally controlled. A load distribution plan can thus be created individually for control purposes. For example, storage carriers can be temporarily supplied with power. Furthermore, the process provides additional preventive protection for the power supply device against overloading the main line.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment of the method, the central control unit communicates with a warehouse management program to determine the power load, with the respective power consumption being stored in the warehouse management program. The expected power load on the main line can be taken into account during storage. Accordingly, the storage carrier can be assigned to a circuit with sufficient capacity to prevent overload. Furthermore, time control can be achieved, for example, by storing and supplying power to refrigeration units in a circuit at staggered times.

[0028] Advantageously, the storage carriers to be supplied with power have a priority number, and in step c), the power distribution is determined based on the priority number. Power distribution can be automated and additional distribution can be made as needed. Furthermore, the priority number specifies a sequence for shutdown to protect against overloading the main line.

[0029] The invention is explained in more detail below using advantageous embodiments, which are schematically illustrated in the drawings. The combinations of features shown as examples in the embodiments can be supplemented or reduced by additional features depending on the specific application, if these can be omitted for the respective application. The drawings show:

[0030] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the storage rack according to the invention in a first embodiment,

[0031] Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of a storage goods carrier according to the invention;

[0032] Fig. 3 shows a cross section along the line EE in Fig. 2 through a spring contact unit of the storage goods carrier,

[0033] Fig. 4 is a cross-section along the line EE in Fig. 2 through a rocker contact unit, Fig. 5 is a cross-section along the line EE in Fig. 2 through an induction unit,

[0034] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the storage rack according to the invention in a second embodiment,

[0035] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the power supply device in the second embodiment;

[0036] Fig. 8 shows a cross section through the storage rack according to the invention in a third embodiment,

[0037] Fig. 9 is a plan view of an installation shaft with a power supply device in a third embodiment,

[0038] Fig. 10 a perspective detailed view of a storage goods carrier,

[0039] Fig. 11 is a cross-section along the line CC in Fig. 10 and

[0040] Fig. 12 is a cross-section along the line DD in Fig. 11 .

[0041] Fig. 1 shows the schematic structure of an automatic storage rack 100 designed as a vertical lift. The storage rack 100 has a first rack tower 108, a second rack tower 110, and a transport shaft 112 for an automatic transport device 105 arranged between the two rack towers 108, 110. The storage rack 100 is enclosed by a housing 101.

[0042] Each of the rack towers 108, 110 contains a plurality of stacked storage locations 102 for accommodating storage goods carriers 103. Storage goods 104, such as small parts, can be stored on the storage goods carriers 103. For storing the storage goods carriers 103 in the individual storage locations 102, the rack towers 108, 110 have side walls 109, 111 with pairs of opposing support supports 113 to form a storage location 102.

[0043] The side walls 109, 111, made of sheet steel, are each welded to uprights, preferably using projection welding. The support supports 113 are integrated into the respective side wall 109, 111 and pressed into them in a meandering shape. This ensures a comparatively rigid design of the side walls 109, 111. The support supports 113 are evenly distributed one above the other across the entire side wall 109, 111. The storage rack 100 has an access opening 106. The access opening 106 is arranged in the first rack tower 108 such that the side wall 109 laterally delimits the access opening 106. The access opening 106 allows the stored goods 104 to be placed on or removed from the storage goods supports 103. This process is also referred to as order picking. Furthermore, it is possible to feed or remove the storage goods carriers 103 via the access opening 106.

[0044] The storage rack 100 is controlled via a central control unit 60 with a control device 61 and an operating unit 114, which is arranged, for example, laterally next to the operating opening 106.

[0045] On a side of the rack tower 110 facing away from the transport shaft 112 is an installation shaft 115. A power supply device 10, which supplies power to the storage goods carriers 103, is arranged in the installation shaft 115. In the figures, the installation shaft 115 is arranged on a rear side of the storage rack 100, with the rear side of the storage rack 100 being a side facing away from the service opening 106 and the front side of the storage rack 100 being a side encompassing the service opening 106. However, it is also possible for the installation shaft to be partially arranged on the front side. In this case, the installation shaft 115 on the rear side is connected to the installation shaft 115 on the front side via a bridge having an electrical connection element. The bridge is arranged on the outside of the housing, comparable to the doubled installation shaft 115.The electrical connector connects the power supply device 10 on the rear side to the power supply device on the front side.

[0046] In Fig. 1, the side wall 111 is shown with a cutout A, so that the power supply device 10 can be seen in a first embodiment. In this embodiment, the main line 11 can be electronically connected directly via the transmission modules 30. In this case, the transmission module 30 has only one contacting unit 32 arranged on the storage goods carrier 103, which is shown in various embodiments in Figs. 2 to 5. Furthermore, the main line 11 extends along a vertical spatial direction Z over several bearing points 102 and is designed to supply a plurality of storage goods carriers 103 with power.

[0047] A top view of such a power supply device 10 is shown in Fig. 2, which shows a top view of the storage goods carrier 103. The contacting unit 32 enables current collection directly from the main line 11, which is arranged, for example, in a busbar 12, and transmits the current to an interface for a consumer, which is arranged on the storage goods carrier 103. The interface can be, for example, a socket 57. The transmission module 30 is thus designed to be engaged with the main line 11 when the storage goods carrier 103 is inserted into a storage location 102.

[0048] The busbar 12 can further have an insulating profile comprising cutouts on a front side. The cutouts allow electrical contact to be made with the main line 11 by means of the transmission module 30. Furthermore, the cutout can be provided with a funnel-shaped insertion attachment, which serves to facilitate the insertion of a contact pin 35, 37 of the contacting unit 32.

[0049] For this purpose, the contacting unit 32 is arranged in an area of ​​the storage goods carrier 103 facing the installation shaft 115. When the storage goods carrier 103 is moved to the storage location 102 along a horizontal direction Y by means of the extractor and reaches its final position, the contacting unit 32 connects to the main line 11 as described above.

[0050] The contacting unit 32 can have various configurations, which are illustrated, for example, in Fig. 3 to Fig. 5. Fig. 3 shows a spring contact unit 34, Fig. 4 shows a rocker contact unit 36, and Fig. 5 shows an induction contact unit 40.

[0051] The spring contact unit 34 shown in Fig. 3 has a spring contact pin 35 that is preloaded by a spring. The spring contact pin 35 can engage in a contact opening provided in the connecting element 31 and establish an electrically conductive contact. A sensor can also be arranged on the storage goods carrier 103. This sensor detects the distance to the installation shaft 115 when the storage goods carrier 103 is inserted and enables the spring contact pin 35 to extend with a working stroke dA.

[0052] The rocker contact unit 36 ​​shown in Fig. 4 comprises a contact pin 37, a pin 38, and a rocker 39. The contact pin 37 and the pin 38 are preloaded by a spring. The pin 38 is connected to the contact pin 37 via a rocker 39. The rocker 39 is mounted centrally between the pin 38 and the contact pin 37. If the pin 38 is pressed in, the rocker 39 levers the contact pin 37 out by a working stroke dA, so that the contact pin 37 can connect with, for example, the connecting element 31.

[0053] Fig. 5 shows the induction contact unit 40, which comprises two induction coils, namely a primary coil 41 and a secondary coil 42, which serve for contactless energy transmission. The primary coil 41 can serve as the connecting element 31, and the secondary coil 42 can serve as the contacting unit 32.

[0054] Another possible embodiment of the storage rack 100 is shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. In this view of the storage rack 100, the side wall 111 is shown with a cutout B, so that the power supply device 10 can be seen in a second embodiment.

[0055] In this embodiment, the power supply device 10 has a main line 11 arranged in a busbar 12 and a plurality of transmission modules 30. For example, a first transmission module 30a and a second transmission module 30b are shown in this figure. The transmission modules 30 each comprise a connecting element 31, which is connected to the main line 11 via a connecting conductor 33, and a contacting unit 32 (not shown in Fig. 7), which is arranged on a storage goods carrier 103. The contacting units 32 of this embodiment are comparable to the contacting units 32 described above. However, the contacting units 32 of this embodiment are designed to establish electrical contact with the connecting elements 31.The connecting conductor 33 is, for example, a copper power cable that includes a cable lug with an eyelet at one end, which is electrically connected to the connecting element 31 by means of a screw. The other end can be connected, for example, via an adapter 17 described below to a flat cable 16 or by means of another connection to the busbar 12 or the main line 11.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the busbar 12 further advantageously comprises a plurality of busbar elements 12a, 12b. The busbar elements 12a, 12b each comprise a feed-in element 13a, 13b, which is supplied with power via a supply line 14a, 14b, which in turn are connected to a so-called wall box 18. A single busbar element 12a, 12b can supply up to five storage goods carriers 103 with power simultaneously. However, the maximum number of storage goods carriers 103 that can be supplied with power depends on the busbar or flat cable used with a correspondingly configured wall box 18. In particular, the design of the cross-section of the current-conducting main line 11 limits the maximum number of storage goods carriers 103 to be supplied with current. The provision of a main line 11 with a larger cross-section for supplying current to 10, 20 or more storage goods carriers 103 is thus also conceivable.The busbar 12 as a whole can be scaled to any desired length by dividing it into several busbar elements 12a, 12b. Additionally, each busbar element 12a, 12b can be protected against overcurrent and / or fault current by a circuit breaker 59.

[0057] Fig. 9 shows a third embodiment of the storage rack 100 with a power supply device 10, which differs essentially from the second embodiment in that, instead of the busbar 12, a flat cable 16 surrounds the main cable 11. For this purpose, the flat cable 16 is additionally provided with an adapter 17, which is designed to contact the main cable 11 and thus establishes an electrical connection between a connecting conductor 33 and the main cable 11. For contacting, the adapter 17 pierces the insulation of the flat cable 16. The adapter 17 can advantageously be attached flexibly over the entire main cable 11. The transmission module 30 thus comprises, comparable to the second embodiment, a contacting unit 32 (not shown in Fig. 9) and, as previously described with reference to the second embodiment, a connecting element 31, which can be electrically connected to the contacting unit 32.

[0058] The power supply device 10, and in particular the main line 11 of the previously described embodiments, are designed in all embodiments to transmit alternating current, three-phase current, and / or direct current. For transmitting alternating current, the main line 11 has three conductors: a phase conductor, a protective conductor, and a neutral conductor. The phase conductor is the current-carrying conductor and can provide a neutral voltage between 110 V and 277 V, depending on the mains voltage and the country of use.

[0059] For the transmission of three-phase current, main line 11 has five conductors: three phase conductors, a protective conductor, and a neutral conductor. The three phase conductors are the current-carrying conductors and can provide between 208 V and 480 V, depending on the mains voltage and the country of use.

[0060] For the transmission of direct current, the main line 11 has an additional line. However, the transmission of direct current usually only serves to supply additional power to a converter without an additional rectifier and forms a so-called intermediate circuit. In this respect, the transmission of direct current via the main line 11 is intended as an additional circuit alongside the circuit for transmitting the aforementioned alternating current or three-phase current.

[0061] The current-carrying conductors are designed, for example, to conduct a current of between 25 A and 63 A. The Wallbox 18 monitors the fault current, overload current, and short-circuit current using a circuit breaker.

[0062] Furthermore, the transmission module 30 of all embodiments comprises a controller unit 50, a communication unit 52, and a power storage unit 54, which can be arranged on the connecting element 31 or the contacting unit 32. The controller unit 50 is designed to reduce or interrupt the current. The communication unit 52 is designed to communicate with a central control unit 60 and / or the wallbox 18. The power storage unit 54 can be an accumulator and preferably an accumulator with a bidirectional inverter, which is designed to store power and feed it back in.

[0063] The contacting unit 32 comprises, for example, a device socket 56, such as a cold appliance socket, a socket 57, such as a Schuko socket, and a circuit breaker 58 for protecting the end devices that receive power via the aforementioned sockets 56, 57, in order to provide power for end devices that are to be supplied with power on the storage goods carrier 13.

[0064] For electrically contacting the contacting unit 32 with the connecting unit 31 or directly with the main line 11, the latter may comprise, for example, a spring contact pin 35, a rocker contact unit 36 ​​or an induction contact unit 40, which are described in more detail below.

[0065] The central control unit 60 is connected to the control device 61 and, as previously described, controls the automatic transport device 105 for storing and retrieving the storage goods carriers 103. The lift control software and the warehouse management program are stored in the control unit 60.

[0066] The control unit 60 can be configured to additionally communicate with a communication unit 52 provided on the storage goods carrier 103. The communication can take place via a cable or via wireless data transmission and includes information as to whether the control unit 50 enables, blocks, or reduces current for supplying the storage goods carrier 103.

[0067] The control preferably serves to prevent the power supply device 10 from being overloaded if too many storage goods carriers 103 are to be supplied with power. To ensure load distribution, load management is enabled via the controller 50 and the central control via the control unit 60. For example, the storage goods carriers 103 can thus be supplied with power alternately. The power storage units 52 can additionally bridge the time between the periods in which power is available.

[0068] Furthermore, a priority number can be stored in the warehouse management program. For example, a storage device 103 with a terminal whose power supply may only be interrupted for a short time is assigned a high priority number. Accordingly, the central control unit 60 can take this priority number into account when distributing power and only briefly interrupt the power supply to the corresponding storage device 103.

[0069] The proposed storage rack 100 is characterized primarily by the fact that the centralized and decentralized control and power supply via the main line 11 require fewer copper conductors, thus enabling a resource-efficient and simpler design. Centralized control refers to control via the wallbox 18. Decentralized control refers to the storage goods carriers each having a control unit.

[0070] Furthermore, multiple storage locations 102 can be supplied with power simultaneously, creating a storage rack 100 in which a plurality of storage locations 102 can be constructed in a modular and flexible manner. The proposed power supply device 10 can supply power to a plurality of storage locations 102. Since the storage locations 102 are formed by the support supports arranged at a relatively short distance from one another, a plurality of storage locations 102 can also be provided that can be supplied with power. This creates a significantly more flexible storage rack 100, since the selection of the storage locations 102 can be freely and flexibly selected.

[0071] In all the above-described embodiments of the invention, the electrical connection and decoupling of the storage goods carrier (103) occurs when it is delivered to the storage location (102) or when it is removed from the storage location (102), which is carried out by the extractor of the transport device (105).

[0072] Power supply device Main line Busbar a Busbar element a Feed element b Busbar element b Feed element a Supply line b Supply line

[0073] Flat cable adapter wallbox

[0074] Transmission module a first transmission module b second transmission module connecting element contacting unit connecting conductor spring contact unit spring contact pin rocker contact unit

[0075] contact pin

[0076] Pen

[0077] seesaw

[0078] Induction unit primary coil secondary coil

[0079] Control unit

[0080] Communication unit 4 Power storage unit 6 Device socket 7 Socket 8 Circuit breaker 9 Circuit breaker 0 Central control unit 1 Control unit

[0081] 100 storage shelves

[0082] 101 housings

[0083] 102 storage location

[0084] 103 warehouse goods carriers

[0085] 104 stored goods

[0086] 105 Transport device

[0087] 106 Operating opening

[0088] 108 first shelf tower

[0089] 109 Side wall

[0090] 110 second shelf tower

[0091] 111 Side wall

[0092] 112 Transport shaft

[0093] 113 support pads

[0094] 114 Control unit

[0095] 115 Installation shaft dA working stroke

Claims

Claims 1. Storage rack (100), in particular a vertical lift, comprising a housing (101) in which a plurality of storage locations (102) arranged one above the other for storage goods carriers (103) which can be conveyed by means of an automatic transport device (105) are provided, an operating opening (106) for the supply and removal of storage goods (104) and a power supply device (10) for supplying power to the storage goods carriers (103), characterized in that the power supply device (10) has at least one main line (11) running on the storage rack (100), which is designed to carry power for supplying power to a plurality of storage goods carriers (103), and in that at least one transmission module (30) is provided which automatically connects or decouples the storage goods carrier (103) to the main line (11) depending on its position.

2. Storage rack (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission module (30) comprises a contacting unit (32) arranged on the storage goods carrier (103), which is designed to contact the main line (11) directly.

3. Storage rack (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission module (30) comprises a connecting element (31) connected to the main line (11) and a contacting unit (32) arranged on the storage goods carrier (103) which can be connected to the connecting element (31).

4. Storage rack (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the main line (11) is integrated in a busbar (12) or in a flat cable (16).

5. Storage rack (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that the busbar (12) has at least two busbar elements (12a, 12b), wherein the busbar elements (12a, 12b) can each be supplied with current via a feed element (13a, 13b), or that the flat cable (16) has at least has two flat cable elements, wherein the flat cable elements can each be supplied with current via a feed element.

6. Storage rack (100) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the contacting unit (32) is a spring contact unit (34), a rocker contact unit (36) or an induction unit (40).

7. Storage rack (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power supply device (10) has a central control unit (60).

8. Storage rack (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission module (30) has a control unit (50) for controlling the current through the transmission module (30) and a communication unit (52) which can be connected to the central control unit (60).

9. Storage rack (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power supply device (10) has a power storage unit (54).

10. Storage rack (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main line (11) is arranged in an installation shaft (115).

11. Storage goods carrier (103) for a storage rack (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage goods carrier (103) comprises a contacting unit (32).

12. Storage goods carrier (103) according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one socket (56, 57) for connecting an electrical device or consumer is provided on the storage goods carrier (103).

13. Computer-implemented method for controlling power distribution for a Storage rack (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first transfer supply module (30) has a first controller unit (50) and a first communication unit (52), wherein the second transmission module (30) has a second controller unit (50) and a second communication unit (52), and wherein the method comprises the following steps: a. determining the storage goods carriers (103) to be supplied with current; b. determining a maximum current load applied to the main line (11) by the storage goods carriers (103) to be supplied with current; c. transmitting a signal to the communication units (52) of the transmission modules (30) assigned to the specific storage goods carriers (103), for regulating the current by the respective controller units (50).

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the central control unit (60) communicates with a warehouse management program to determine the maximum power load, the power consumption quantity being stored in the warehouse management program.

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the storage goods carriers (103) to be supplied with electricity have a priority number and in step c) the determination of the distribution of the electricity takes place as a function of the priority number.

16. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

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