Transport vehicle for transporting piece goods, and method for manufacturing a cover element therefor

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport vehicle (1), in particular a storage and retrieval unit, which comprises: a base frame (2); running wheels (3) rotatably mounted on the base frame (2); a travel drive coupled to at least one running wheel (3); a transport device (5); an electronic control system; and at least one housing attached to the base frame, wherein the housing (6) has a cover element (7) which is at least partially made of a renewable raw material. The invention also relates to a storage system comprising such a transport vehicle (1) and to a method for manufacturing such a cover element (7) and such a transport vehicle (1).

Description

[0001] TRANSPORT VEHICLE FOR TRANSPORTING PIECE GOODS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A COVER ELEMENT THEREFOR

[0002] The invention relates to a transport vehicle, in particular a storage and retrieval machine, for transporting piece goods in a storage system, wherein the transport vehicle comprises a base frame, a plurality of running wheels rotatably mounted on the base frame, a travel drive coupled to at least one of the running wheels in order to move the transport vehicle, a transport device for receiving piece goods, in particular for placing and / or retrieving piece goods in a storage rack, control electronics for controlling the travel drive and at least one housing fastened to the base frame, wherein the travel drive and the control electronics are arranged within the at least one housing.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a storage system with a storage area and at least one such transport vehicle that can be moved in the storage area.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a cover element for a transport vehicle, in particular for a storage and retrieval machine, for transporting piece goods in a storage system and to a method for producing such a transport vehicle.

[0005] Finally, the invention relates to a use for such a cover element.

[0006] Transport vehicles movable along storage racks are known from the prior art, in particular from EP 2 351 698 A1, EP 2 526 032 A1, EP 2 530034 A1, EP 2 759 494 A1, CN 105836356 A, and WO 2013 / 013252 A1. These typically comprise a housing in which the drive and control electronics are arranged. To protect the drive and control electronics from external influences, such as contamination, the housing is closed by plastic cover elements.

[0007] In addition, the prior art, in particular EP 2 327 643 A1, EP 2 543 611 A1, EP 2 754 625 A1, EP 2 530035 A1, WO 2013 / 090970 A2,

[0008] EP 3 431 417 A1 and EP 3 286 111 A1 disclose storage systems with transport vehicles. These storage systems comprise storage racks arranged in pairs next to each other and a rack aisle extending between the storage racks. In the rack aisle, the transport vehicles can be moved along the storage racks. Since a large number of transport vehicles are typically used in such storage systems, a large number of cover elements and therefore a large amount of plastic are required.

[0009] The object of the invention is to provide an improved transport vehicle and storage system. In particular, the transport vehicle and storage system are intended to achieve increased ecological sustainability. A further object of the invention is to provide a method for producing a cover element and such a transport vehicle. Finally, the object of the invention is to provide a use for such a cover element.

[0010] The object of the invention is achieved with a transport vehicle of the type mentioned above, wherein the at least one housing has a cover element which is at least partially made of a renewable raw material.

[0011] One particular advantage achieved with the invention is the increased use of naturally renewable materials, thus creating an ecologically sustainable transport vehicle. Locally available renewable raw materials, such as local wood species, can be used in particular.

[0012] Advantageously, the housing, in particular the cover element, is detachable, for example, connectable to the base frame via a quick-release, screw or clip fastener.

[0013] Furthermore, it can be provided that the housing has several such cover elements.

[0014] Furthermore, the transport vehicle can have several, in particular two, identically designed housings. In this case, the drive and the control electronics can be arranged in the same housing or in different housings. For example, the drive can be arranged in a first housing and the control electronics in a second housing. It is also conceivable for a drive and / or control electronics to be arranged in each housing of the transport vehicle.

[0015] The transport vehicle can be a single-level or multi-level storage and retrieval machine that can be moved along the guideways of a storage rack. For this purpose, the guideways can be arranged as described below in relation to the storage system. Alternatively, the transport vehicle can also be a floor-based, particularly driverless, transport vehicle, for example, an automated guided vehicle (AGV) or an autonomous mobile robot (AMR).

[0016] The drive system of the transport vehicle preferably comprises a drive motor, in particular an electric one, which is coupled to at least one running wheel, for example via a drive shaft. It can also be provided that the drive system comprises several such drive motors, each of which is coupled to at least one running wheel.

[0017] The transport device is preferably designed for transferring piece goods between the transport vehicle and a storage rack, for example for storing and retrieving the piece goods, and / or a conveyor system, for example for receiving the piece goods from the conveyor system and / or for transferring the piece goods to the conveyor system.

[0018] It is advantageous if the cover element is made of wood or a wood-based material, especially plywood or molded plywood. This allows the cover element to be shaped and processed easily.

[0019] The cover element can be made, for example, from solid wood, particularly by machining. Alternatively, the cover element can be made from the wood-based material, particularly by compression molding.

[0020] In order to form electrical lines and / or data lines integrally with the cover element, the wood-based material can have a first layer, a second layer, and an intermediate layer arranged between the first and second layers, wherein the intermediate layer comprises at least one electrical conductor track. It is expedient for the first and second layers to each be made of an electrically insulating material. In this case, electrical contact with the at least one electrical conductor track can be established, for example, via connection holes or by piercing the first and / or second layer.

[0021] It is advantageous if a surface of the cover element has a curvature around at least one axis. Particularly preferably, the surface is designed as a free-form surface. This allows the cover element to provide, for example, a top wall and one or more side walls. The cover element is preferably a molded plywood, in particular one produced by compression molding.

[0022] Particularly preferably, the cover element has an L-shaped cross-section, in particular along a first cutting line. For this purpose, the cover element can have a base and a leg adjoining the base, which enclose an angle between 120° and 60°, in particular approximately 90°.

[0023] Furthermore, it can be provided that the cover element has a U-shaped cross-section, in particular along a second cutting line. For this purpose, the cover element can have a base and two (further) legs protruding from the base.

[0024] The second cutting line preferably runs orthogonally to the first cutting line. Thus, a cover element can be formed with a top wall provided by the base and three side walls provided by the legs.

[0025] It is advantageous if the cover element has one or more recesses, which extend through the cover element. This can, for example, reduce the weight of the transport vehicle.

[0026] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the transport vehicle has one or more lighting devices arranged within the housing and aligned with at least one of the recesses. The lighting device(s) can, for example, provide a visually perceptible status indicator for the transport vehicle. For this purpose, lighting devices of different colors can be used, for example.

[0027] To protect the transport vehicle, in particular the drive system, from overheating, it is preferably provided that at least one of the recesses is designed as a ventilation slot. Thus, when the transport vehicle is moving, an air flow can penetrate the housing via the ventilation slot and, for example, cool the drive system and / or the control electronics.

[0028] It is advantageous if at least one air guide element is arranged within the housing to direct the air flow from the ventilation slot to the drive and / or the control electronics. It is advantageous if the air guide elements are shaped in such a way that they generate a turbulent air flow within the housing, thereby achieving improved heat dissipation.

[0029] Advantageously, the cover element has a coating, in particular a flame-retardant and / or water-repellent coating. The coating is preferably applied to at least one side of the cover element, in particular to its upper side.

[0030] For example, the coating can be both flame-resistant and water-repellent. Alternatively, a flame-resistant first coating and a water-repellent second coating can be provided.

[0031] The coating preferably has a water-repellent structure and / or a water-repellent, particularly hydrophobic, material, for example wax, chitosan, fluoropor, or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the coating comprises a flame-resistant, particularly flame-retardant, material.

[0032] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the cover element has a printed coating, for example made of paper, cardboard or the like.

[0033] The coating or coatings can be applied to the covering element as a (final) covering layer(s), particularly during the compression molding of a plywood.

[0034] Preferably, the transport device comprises a receiving platform for receiving piece goods. Thus, piece goods can be placed on the receiving platform, optionally secured thereto, in particular by clamping, and transported by the transport vehicle. The receiving platform can comprise one or more piece goods supports. Depending on their length, a single piece goods item or multiple piece goods items can be transported on the receiving platform. Furthermore, the receiving platform can comprise a motorized conveyor device.

[0035] In order to transfer piece goods, for example, between a storage rack and the receiving platform or between a conveyor system and the receiving platform, it is preferably provided that the transport device has one or more piece goods transfer means that can be extended relative to the receiving platform. The piece goods transfer means preferably comprise opposing, extendable telescopic units, each with at least one transport element. Advantageously, the transport elements are each pivotally mounted on one of the telescopic units and can be folded out toward the other telescopic unit.

[0036] It may also prove advantageous if the covering element of the transport vehicle is designed as a shaped body, which shaped body according to a first embodiment comprises a base material, wherein the base material contains a wax and a filler, wherein the filler comprises or consists of a mineral filler and / or a fibrous material.

[0037] These materials offer the advantage that, due to the comparatively low melting point of wax, low energy input is required to produce molded bodies. In addition, these wax-based materials can be produced entirely from renewable raw materials and are fully recyclable.

[0038] It is also advantageous if the shaped body according to a second embodiment comprises a base material, wherein the base material contains a wax and a filler, wherein the filler comprises or consists of a mineral filler and / or a fiber material, and a shaped element, wherein the shaped element comprises or consists of a fiber material.

[0039] By using a molded element, high dimensional stability can be achieved even with thin material thicknesses. Thinner material thicknesses reduce the weight of the cover element and thus the housing.

[0040] It may be advantageous if the wax is present in the base material at a content of between 3% and 60% by weight, and the filler is present in the base material at a content of between 40% and 97% by weight.

[0041] "Wax" is a mixture of organic compounds or a single organic compound. Waxes can be, for example, aliphatic alcohols (more than 6 carbon atoms, especially more than 10 carbon atoms), aliphatic carboxylic acids, ketones, and long-chain hydrocarbons, or a mixture of several of these substances. The wax is optionally part of an organic binder, or the wax is the organic binder. The organic binder is optionally a liquid without suspended solids at a temperature between 50°C and 150°C, preferably between 70°C and 120°C. The organic binder is preferably free of polymers.

[0042] It may be beneficial if the wax is one or more of the following group: vegetable wax; animal wax; mineral wax; synthetic wax.

[0043] Examples of vegetable waxes are carnauba wax, candelilla wax, rice wax, castor wax, sunflower wax, and sugarcane wax. Examples of animal waxes are wool wax and beeswax. Examples of mineral waxes are paraffin wax and montan wax. An example of synthetic wax is stearin.

[0044] The mineral filler of the base material is optionally selected from one or more water-insoluble alkali and / or alkaline earth metal compounds. The mineral filler can be synthetically produced or obtained from a natural raw material, for example, from a rock. A preferred mineral filler is a magnesium or calcium compound, particularly preferably calcium carbonate.

[0045] Other usable mineral fillers are basalt, pumice, dolomite, glass, garnet, granite, kaolin powder, bone ash, marble, meerschaum, quartz, chamotte, whiting, silicon oxide, talc, volcanic ash, mica, barite.

[0046] The fiber of the base material can be one or more of the following groups: natural fibers, especially cellulose fibers, synthetic fibers, textile fibers, paper fibers, and recycled fibers. Preferred fibers are natural fibers, for example, bagasse; wood; cotton; hemp; flax; coconut; pineapple; palm; banana; seaweed; bamboo; reed; grass; straw; and bast.

[0047] It is also advantageous if the molded element comprises or consists of a fiber material. The molded element can enable mechanical stiffening of the base material. In addition, the molded element can protect the base material from liquids, for example, when a sprinkler system is activated. It is advantageous if the fiber material of the molded element is selected from one or more of: natural fibers, especially cellulose fibers; synthetic fibers, textile fibers; paper fibers; and recycled fibers.

[0048] Optionally, the fiber material of the molded element is a natural fiber or comprises such a fiber, wherein the natural fiber can be selected from one or more of: bagasse; wood; cotton; hemp; flax; coconut; pineapple; palm; banana; seaweed; bamboo; reed; grass; straw; bast. Fiber materials made of natural fibers allow for particularly advantageous compostability of the covering element.

[0049] Optionally, the fiber material is a waste material. Optionally, the fiber material of the molded element is a synthetic fiber or comprises such a fiber, wherein the fiber is selected from one or more of: viscose; nylon; polyester; aramid; and polyethylene.

[0050] Optionally, the fiber material of the molded element is or comprises a paper material. Optionally, the paper material can be selected from one or more of the following: stone paper; grass paper; bamboo paper. The paper material can optionally be pre-printed.

[0051] The fiber material of the molded element can be fiber mesh, felt or fabric.

[0052] The use of fiber materials promotes a reliable connection between the base material and the molded element.

[0053] In particular, this makes it possible to bond the base material and the molded element without an additional adhesive layer between the two materials. The liquid wax mass present during the molding process can partially penetrate the fiber material of the molded element, thus creating a strong bond.

[0054] It may also prove advantageous if the molded element has a sealing layer on its outwardly facing surface, which corresponds to the outer surface of the cover element.

[0055] The molded element can at least partially have a sealing layer. This sealing layer can, for example, have one or more of the following properties: water-impermeable, water-repellent. The sealing layer can be selected from one or more of the following: silicon oxide layer; dispersion varnish; wax layer, such as from the group consisting of vegetable wax, animal wax, mineral wax, synthetic wax; and metal layer.

[0056] A method for producing a cover element (molded body) for a transport vehicle may comprise the steps:

[0057] Providing a molded element comprising or consisting of a fiber material in a negative mold of the molded body,

[0058] Introducing a casting material into the negative mold, wherein the casting material contains a wax and a filler mixture, wherein the filler mixture comprises or consists of a mineral filler and / or a fiber material, and

[0059] Cooling the casting material to form the mold body.

[0060] The wax can be contained in the casting material in a concentration of between 3 and 60 percent by weight. The mineral filler can be contained in the casting material in a concentration of between 40 and 97 percent by weight.

[0061] The molded body can be formed using suitable molding processes. Possible embodiments include one or more of the following: injection molding; compression molding. The object is further achieved by utilizing the advantages and effects described above with an eager system of the type mentioned above, wherein the at least one transport vehicle is designed according to one of the aspects described above. The storage system advantageously comprises a plurality of such transport vehicles.

[0062] It is expedient if the storage system has a rack aisle unit arranged in the storage area. The rack aisle unit comprises two storage racks arranged next to one another, in particular a first and a second storage rack, each with storage channels arranged next to one another in superimposed rack levels, a rack aisle which extends between the storage racks in a longitudinal direction, and guide tracks which run in the longitudinal direction (of the rack aisle), wherein the at least one transport vehicle is movable along the guide tracks. Particularly preferably, the storage system comprises a plurality of such rack aisle units arranged in the storage area. A storage channel is understood to be a storage area, defined in particular by a control unit of the storage system, in which, for example, one piece of goods or several piece goods are placed one behind the other.The length of the storage channels corresponds to one shelf depth, while the width of the storage channels can be individually determined for each storage channel or is determined by a distance between cross beams of the storage rack.

[0063] It can be provided that each shelf level is assigned a transport vehicle or that the storage system comprises fewer transport vehicles than shelf levels.

[0064] It is advantageous if the rack aisle unit includes a transport vehicle lifting device, by means of which at least one transport vehicle can be transported between superimposed travel levels. This makes it possible, for example, to use fewer transport vehicles than storage levels.

[0065] For example, the transport vehicle serves precisely one shelf level at a time via its transport device. The transport vehicle is thus designed as a single-level storage and retrieval machine. Alternatively, the transport vehicle can have transport devices arranged one level above the other, so that several shelf levels can be served with one transport vehicle. In this case, the transport vehicle is designed as a multi-level storage and retrieval machine. The transport device or the transport devices arranged one level above the other can, for example, store one or more piece goods in the storage channels and / or retrieve them from the storage channels on both sides in a transverse direction.

[0066] It is advantageous that the guideways are arranged in pairs on superimposed travel levels. Preferably, first wheels of the transport vehicle's wheels are arranged on a first side of the transport vehicle, and second wheels of the transport vehicle's wheels are arranged on a second side of the transport vehicle. The first wheels rest so that they can roll on a first guideway of the guideways arranged in pairs. Furthermore, the second wheels of the transport vehicle's wheels rest so that they can roll on a second guideway of the guideways arranged in pairs. This is particularly advantageous if the transport vehicle is designed as a single-level storage and retrieval machine or with transport devices arranged one above the other in tiers.In this case, the first guide track can be arranged on a front longitudinal cross member of the first storage rack and the second guide track can be arranged on a front longitudinal cross member of the second storage rack.

[0067] Furthermore, it can be provided that the guideways are arranged on superimposed travel levels, with the first guideway being arranged on one of the front longitudinal beams and the second guideway being arranged on another of the front longitudinal beams of the first or second storage rack. This is particularly advantageous if a single multi-level storage and retrieval machine is provided in the rack aisle unit.If, however, a plurality of multi-level storage and retrieval machines are provided in the rack aisle unit, the first guide track for a first transport vehicle can be arranged on one of the front longitudinal beams and the second guide track for the first transport vehicle can be arranged on another of the front longitudinal beams of the first storage rack, the first transport vehicle being movable along these guide tracks, and the first guide track for a second transport vehicle can be arranged on one of the front longitudinal beams and the second guide track for the second transport vehicle can be arranged on another of the front longitudinal beams of the second storage rack, and the second transport vehicle can be movable along these guide tracks.

[0068] Alternatively, the guideways can be arranged on superimposed travel planes. In this case, the first guideway, in particular independent of the front longitudinal beams, is provided in the rack aisle, for example, on a guide rail arranged on a lower walkway in the rack aisle. The second guideway, in particular independent of the front longitudinal beams, is provided in the rack aisle, for example, on a guide rail arranged on an upper walkway in the rack aisle.

[0069] The data and / or power supply of the transport vehicles, in particular the drive system and / or the control electronics of the transport vehicles, can be provided, for example, via a conductor rail arrangement. The conductor rail arrangement is arranged on one of the front longitudinal beams and / or parallel to one of the guide rails for each travel level and extends over the entire length of the front longitudinal beam or guide rail.

[0070] The further object is achieved by utilizing the advantages and effects described above with a method for producing a cover element of the type mentioned above, wherein a plywood element, in particular a molded plywood element, is shaped and pressed to provide the cover element, in particular by compression molding. Optionally, as described above, it can be provided that several layers comprising a first layer, a second layer, and an intermediate layer are provided, wherein the intermediate layer comprises at least one electrical conductor track.

[0071] Furthermore, it can be provided that the plywood element is pressed with a cover layer. The cover layer can, for example, comprise a film, a paper, a flame-retardant material, a water-repellent material, and / or a water-repellent structure. The cover layer can, in particular, be colored and / or printed.

[0072] The further object is further achieved by utilizing the advantages and effects described above with a method for producing a transport vehicle, wherein a transport vehicle is provided with a base frame, a plurality of running wheels rotatably mounted on the base frame, a travel drive coupled to at least one of the running wheels, a transport device for receiving piece goods, control electronics for controlling the travel drive, and at least one housing fastened to the base frame, wherein the travel drive and the control electronics are arranged within the at least one housing and the housing is covered with at least one cover element which is made at least partially from a renewable raw material. In particular, a transport vehicle as described above can be produced by the method according to the invention.

[0073] To provide the cover element, it can be formed from solid wood, for example, by machining. Alternatively, the cover element can be manufactured as described above.

[0074] Preferably, the cover element, in particular on a first side, is provided with a coating, in particular a flame-retardant and / or water-repellent coating. The coating can be designed as described above.

[0075] Advantageously, the cover element is adapted to a shape of the housing (of the transport vehicle) by mechanical processing, in particular by machining and / or removal, and / or provided with recesses, preferably extending through the cover element. In order to provide the transport vehicle with, for example, a logo, an identification number, an identification marking, such as a barcode, or the like, it is preferably provided that one or more optically detectable markings are applied to the cover element, in particular by machining, removal, printing, and / or thermally. Thus, the transport vehicle can be identified, optionally automatically.

[0076] When applying markings thermally, for example, foils can be welded onto the cover elements or the optical markings can be burned into the cover elements.

[0077] Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by utilizing the advantages and effects described above with the use of a described cover element in a transport vehicle, in particular in a transport vehicle described above.

[0078] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.

[0079] They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

[0080] Fig. 1 a transport vehicle;

[0081] Fig. 2 a storage system in plan view;

[0082] Fig. 3 the storage system in front view;

[0083] Fig. 4 shows a section of a storage rack with a transport vehicle;

[0084] Fig. 5 shows a first embodiment of a cover element in cross-sectional view;

[0085] Fig. 6 shows a second embodiment of a cover element in cross-sectional view;

[0086] Fig. 7 shows a method for manufacturing the transport vehicle.

[0087] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations. The disclosures contained throughout the description can be applied mutatis mutandis to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure and, in the event of a change in position, is to be applied mutatis mutandis to the new position.

[0088] Fig. 1 shows a transport vehicle 1, which is designed as a single-level storage and retrieval machine.

[0089] The transport vehicle 1 comprises a base frame 2, a plurality of running wheels 3 rotatably mounted on the base frame 2, a drive 4 (not visible in Fig. 1) for driving at least one running wheel 3, a transport device 5 for receiving piece goods S, and control electronics (not shown) for controlling the drive 4. Furthermore, the transport vehicle 1 comprises a housing 6, wherein the drive 4 and the control electronics are arranged within the housing 6.

[0090] To seal the housing 6 from the outside and to protect components arranged within the housing 6, for example, from contamination, the housing is closed by a cover element 7. The cover element 7 is made at least partially from a renewable raw material.

[0091] The cover element 7 is preferably curved, in particular convex. The cover element 7 can have an L-shaped cross-section, as shown below in Fig. 5, so that a top wall and a side wall of the housing 6 can be provided by a single cover element 7.

[0092] Furthermore, the cover element 7 can have one or more optional recesses 8 extending through the cover element 7. These recesses 8 can, for example, form ventilation slots to ventilate the drive 4.

[0093] Optionally, one or more light sources can be arranged within the housing 6, which are aligned with the recesses 8 so that they can illuminate the housing 6 via the recesses 8.

[0094] Furthermore, it can be provided that one or more air guiding elements are arranged within the housing 6 in order to divert air from the ventilation slots.

[0095] As can be seen in Fig. 1, the transport vehicle 1 can have a further housing 6 of the same structure. For receiving piece goods S, the transport device 5 can comprise a receiving platform 9, in particular defining a receiving plane. As shown in Fig. 1, the receiving platform 9 can be formed, for example, by several, in particular two, piece goods supports.

[0096] In order to transfer the piece goods S between a storage rack 21 and the receiving platform 9, the transport device 5 can comprise one or more piece goods transfer means 10, which are mounted in particular extendable parallel to one another on the base frame 2.

[0097] The piece goods relocation means 10 preferably each comprise a telescopic frame 11 and carriages 12, 13 that can be extended horizontally relative to the telescopic frame 11. A first carriage 12 is displaceably mounted on the telescopic frame 11 via a guide arrangement. Furthermore, the second carriage 13 is displaceably mounted on the first carriage 12 via a guide arrangement. The first carriage 12 can be moved relative to the base frame 2 by means of a schematically illustrated drive device 14. In the example shown, the piece goods relocation means 10 are thus essentially designed as a telescopic unit or telescopic arm.

[0098] It is advantageous if a first belt 15 is deflected around a first roller mounted on the first carriage 12, is fastened with its first end to the base frame 2 and with its second end to the second carriage 13. Preferably, a second belt 16 is deflected around a second roller mounted on the first carriage 12, is fastened with its first end to the base frame 2 and with its second end to the second carriage 13. If the first carriage 12 is moved by the drive device 14, the second carriage 13 is also moved via the belts 15, 16, i.e., is either retracted or extended.

[0099] In order to transport piece goods S, the transport devices 5 can each comprise at least one transport element 17, which is arranged in particular on the second carriage 13. Each transport element 17 is preferably coupled to an electric drive motor and can be moved via the latter between a starting position and an actuating position. In the example shown, outer transport elements 17 arranged in end regions of the second carriage are in the actuating position and inner transport elements 17 arranged between them are in the starting position. Optionally, the cover element 7 can comprise an optical marking 18, for example a logo, an identification mark, a label or the like. The optical marking 18 can be applied to the cover element 7 during the production of the cover element 7 as described below.

[0100] Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show a rack aisle unit of a storage system, which comprises parallel storage racks 21 and a rack aisle 22 running along the storage racks 21 between them. The rack aisle unit is arranged in the storage area LB of the storage system.

[0101] The storage system further comprises at least one transport vehicle 1 movable in the rack aisle 22 for storing and / or retrieving the piece goods S in storage channels 24. In addition, the storage system can have a control unit 23.

[0102] Unit loads S include, for example, cartons or loading aids, such as trays or containers, which can be used to transport and store individual items or at least one carton per loading aid. Individual items, for example, from the textile or food industries, can be stored in the cartons.

[0103] Furthermore, the storage racks 21 can each comprise vertical front rack uprights 25 adjacent to the rack aisle 22 and vertical rear rack uprights 26 remote from the rack aisle 22. The front rack uprights 25 are connected to front longitudinal beams 27 extending horizontally in the direction of the rack aisle 22, and the rear rack uprights 26 are connected to rear longitudinal beams 28 extending horizontally in the direction of the rack aisle 22.

[0104] Between the longitudinal beams 27, 28, cross members 29 and / or storage shelves can be provided, which extend in the depth direction of a storage rack 21. The cross members 29 and / or the storage shelves can form a storage surface, in particular storage channels 24, on the top side.

[0105] As can be seen from a combination of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the storage racks 21 each form a plurality of rack levels, provided for example by the cross members 29 and / or storage floors, in which a plurality of storage channels 24 are arranged next to one another. Furthermore, it can be seen in Fig. 3 that, for example, a transport vehicle 1 can be arranged in each rack level. Fig. 4 shows an enlarged detail of the area of ​​one of the storage racks 21 and a transport vehicle 1. The travel drive 4 is coupled to at least one running wheel 3 in order to transmit a drive force to it and to move the transport vehicle 1 along the storage rack 21. The travel drive 4, shown in dashed lines, is arranged within the housing 6.

[0106] The wheels 3 are mounted on the base frame 2, in particular for rotation about a horizontal axis, and rest on a horizontal guide track 30, which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the storage rack 21. The guide track 30 is preferably formed by the front longitudinal cross member 27. Alternatively, the guide track 30 can also be mounted on the front longitudinal cross member 27.

[0107] As shown schematically in Fig. 4, the transport vehicles 1 can be supplied with energy and / or data via a conductor line arrangement 31, which is fastened to one of the front longitudinal cross members 27 or guideways 30 for each travel level FE and extends over the entire length of the longitudinal cross member 27. The transport vehicle 1 preferably comprises current collectors and thus contacts conductor lines of the conductor line arrangement 31 for the energy and / or data supply. The transport vehicle 1 can comprise a guide unit 32, which can be seen in Fig. 4. This is mounted on the base frame 2 via a bearing device and comprises guide wheels which can roll on guide sections facing away from one another in order to move the transport vehicle 1 in a guided manner on the travel movement along the storage rack 21.

[0108] Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a cover element 7. The cover element 7 has several layers 19, which are in particular bonded to one another, for example, glued together. The layers 19 can be made of wood, for example.

[0109] In addition, the cover element 7 can have a cover layer or a flame-retardant and / or water-repellent coating 20.

[0110] Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a cover element 7. In contrast to Fig. 5, the cover element 7 is designed as a molded body in this embodiment. The molded body comprises a base material 40 and an optional molded element 42.

[0111] It should be noted at this point that although the molded body is shown as a "layered model," in reality, a "sharp" boundary edge does not necessarily have to be created between the base material 40 and the optional mold element 42. Rather, such a boundary edge may be more likely to be "blurred." This is particularly true because a wax mass in liquid form during a molding process may partially penetrate into the optional mold element 42, in particular into a fiber material of the mold element 42.

[0112] The base material 40 contains wax and a filler, wherein the filler comprises or consists of a mineral filler and / or a fiber material.

[0113] The shaped element 41 comprises a fiber material or consists of a fiber material.

[0114] The wax is present in the base material at a concentration of between 3 wt% and 60 wt%, and the filler is present in the base material at a concentration of between 40 wt% and 97 wt%. In embodiments, the base material may contain between 3 wt% and 40 wt% wax and between 60 wt% and 97 wt% filler. In further embodiments, the base material may contain between 3 wt% and 30 wt% wax and between 70 wt% and 97 wt% filler.

[0115] The wax is a vegetable wax, animal wax, mineral wax or synthetic wax, as described above.

[0116] The mineral filler is a water-insoluble alkali and / or alkaline earth metal compound.

[0117] The fiber material of the base material 40 and / or the fiber material of the molded element 41 is selected from one or more of: natural fibers, in particular cellulose fibers; synthetic fibers, textile fibers; paper fibers; recycled fibers.

[0118] The fiber material of the molded element 41 can be in the form of fiber mesh, felt or fabric.

[0119] The molded element 41 can have a sealing layer 42 on its surface, as described above. Fig. 7 shows a method 100 for manufacturing the transport vehicle 1, wherein the transport vehicle 1 is provided 110 with the base frame 2, the running wheels 3, the drive system 4, the transport device 5, the control electronics, and the housing 6.

[0120] Furthermore, a cover element 7 is manufactured 120 from a renewable raw material, and the housing 6 is covered 130 or closed with it. In this case, several cover elements 7 can also be manufactured, and the housing(s) 6 can be covered with the cover elements 7.

[0121] In addition, the cover element 7 can be provided with the previously described cover layer or coating 20 during the manufacture 120 of the cover element 7.

[0122] With such a cover element 7, the housing 6 of the transport vehicle 1 can be covered or closed, thereby protecting components inside the housing 6 from external influences. On the other hand, the use of a renewable raw material can save a large amount of plastic, thus allowing the production of ecologically sustainable transport vehicles 1.

[0123] Finally, it should be noted that the scope of protection is determined by the patent claims. However, the description and drawings should be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions in their own right.

[0124] In particular, it is also noted that the illustrated devices may in reality comprise more or fewer components than shown. In some cases, the illustrated devices or their components may also be shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size. Reference symbols

[0125] 1 transport vehicle

[0126] Base frame

[0127] 3 Wheel

[0128] 4 Drive

[0129] 5 Transport device

[0130] 6 housings

[0131] 7 Cover element

[0132] 8 Recess

[0133] 9 Recording platform

[0134] 10 S tuck goods relocation medium

[0135] 11 Telescopic frame

[0136] 12, 13 sleds

[0137] 14 Drive device

[0138] 15, 16 belts

[0139] 17 Transport organ

[0140] 18 Marking

[0141] 19 shift

[0142] 20 Coating

[0143] 21 storage rack

[0144] 22 shelf aisle

[0145] 23 Control unit

[0146] 24 storage channel

[0147] 25,26 shelf supports

[0148] 27,28 Longitudinal cross member

[0149] 29 cross members

[0150] 30 guideway

[0151] 31 Conductor line arrangement

[0152] 32 management unit

[0153] 40 basic material

[0154] 41 Form element

[0155] 42 Sealing layer

[0156] 100 manufacturing processes

[0157] 110 Provision of the transport vehicle

[0158] 120 Making the cover element

[0159] 130 Covering the housing

[0160] FE driving level

[0161] LB storage area

[0162] S general cargo

Claims

Patent claims 1. Transport vehicle (1), in particular a storage and retrieval machine, for transporting piece goods (S) in a storage system, wherein the transport vehicle (1) comprises a base frame (2), a plurality of running wheels (3) rotatably mounted on the base frame (2), a travel drive (4) coupled to at least one of the running wheels (3), a transport device (5) for receiving piece goods (S), control electronics for controlling the travel drive (4) and at least one housing (6) fastened to the base frame (2), wherein the travel drive (4) and the control electronics are arranged within the at least one housing (6), characterized in that the at least one housing (6) has a cover element (7) which is at least partially made of a renewable raw material.

2. Transport vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover element (7) is made at least partially of wood or a wood-based material.

3. Transport vehicle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a surface of the cover element (7) has a curvature about at least one axis.

4. Transport vehicle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cover element (7) has one or more recesses (8) which pass through the cover element (7).

5. Transport vehicle (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that it has a lighting means which is arranged within the housing (6) and is aligned with at least one of the recesses (8).

6. Transport vehicle (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that at least one of the recesses (8) is designed as a ventilation slot.

7. Transport vehicle (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one air guiding element is arranged within the housing (6) in order to guide an air flow from the ventilation slots to the drive (4) and / or to the control electronics.

8. Transport vehicle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the covering element (7) has a coating (20), in particular a flame-retardant and / or water-repellent coating.

9. Transport vehicle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the transport device (5) has a receiving platform (9) for receiving piece goods (S).

10. Transport vehicle (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the transport device (5) has a piece goods displacement means (10) which can be extended relative to the receiving platform (9).

11. Transport vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the covering element (7) is designed as a shaped body, which shaped body comprises a base material (40), wherein the base material (40) contains a wax and a filler, wherein the filler comprises or consists of a mineral filler and / or a fiber material, and optionally a shaped element (41), wherein the shaped element (41) comprises or consists of a fiber material.

12. Transport vehicle (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the wax is contained in the base material in a content of between 3 wt.% and 60 wt.%, and the filler is contained in the base material in a content of between 40 wt.% and 97 wt.%.

13. Transport vehicle (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the wax is one or more from the following group: vegetable wax, such as carnauba wax, candelilla wax, rice wax, castor wax / castor wax, sunflower wax, Sugar cane wax, animal wax such as wool wax and beeswax, mineral wax such as paraffin wax, montan wax, synthetic wax such as stearin.

14. Transport vehicle (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the mineral filler is selected from one or more water-insoluble alkali and / or alkaline earth metal compounds.

15. Transport vehicle (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the fiber material of the base material (40) and / or the fiber material of the molded element (41) is selected from one or more of: natural fibers, in particular cellulose fibers; synthetic fibers, textile fibers; paper fibers; recycled fibers.

16. Transport vehicle (1) according to claim 11 or 15, characterized in that the fiber material of the molded element (41) is present as fiber mesh, felt or fabric.

17. Transport vehicle (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the shaped element (41) has a sealing layer on its surface.

18. Transport vehicle (1) according to one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that the transport vehicle is designed according to one of claims 3 to 10.

19. Eager system with a storage area (LB) and at least one transport vehicle (1) movable in the storage area (LB), characterized in that the at least one transport vehicle (1) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 18.

20. Storage system according to claim 19, characterized in that it has a rack aisle unit arranged in the storage area (LB), which comprises two storage racks (21) arranged next to one another, each with storage channels (24) arranged next to one another in superimposed rack levels, a rack aisle (22) which extends between the storage racks (21) in a longitudinal direction, and guide tracks (30) which run in the longitudinal direction, wherein the at least one transport vehicle (1) is movable along the guide tracks (30).

21. Storage system according to claim 20, characterized in that the guideways (30) are arranged in pairs in superimposed travel planes (FE), and first running wheels (3) of the running wheels (3) are arranged on a first side of the transport vehicle (1) and rest so as to roll on a first guideway (30) of the guideways (30) arranged in pairs, and second running wheels (3) of the running wheels (3) are arranged on a second side of the transport vehicle (1) and rest so as to roll on a second guideway (30) of the guideways (30) arranged in pairs.

22. Method for producing a cover element (7) for a transport vehicle (1), in particular a storage and retrieval machine, for transporting piece goods (S) in a storage system, characterized in that a plywood element is shaped and pressed to provide the cover element (7).

23. Method according to claim 22, characterized in that the plywood element is pressed comprising a cover layer.

24. A method for producing a transport vehicle (1), in particular a storage and retrieval machine, for transporting piece goods (S) in a storage system, in particular a transport vehicle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein a transport vehicle (1) is provided with a base frame (2), a plurality of running wheels (3) rotatably mounted on the base frame (2), a travel drive (4) coupled to at least one of the running wheels (3), a transport device (5) for receiving piece goods (S), control electronics for controlling the travel drive (4) and at least one housing (6) fastened to the base frame (2), wherein the travel drive (4) and the control electronics are arranged within the at least one housing (6), characterized in that the housing (6) is covered with at least one cover element (7) which is at least partially made from a renewable raw material.

25. Method according to claim 24, characterized in that the cover element is manufactured according to claim 22 or 23.

26. Method according to one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that the covering element (7) is provided with a coating (20), in particular a flame-retardant and / or water-repellent coating.

27. Method according to one of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that the cover element (7) is adapted to a shape of a housing (6) of the transport vehicle (1) by mechanical processing, in particular by machining and / or removal, and / or is provided with recesses (8), preferably extending through the cover element (7).

28. Method according to one of claims 22 to 27, characterized in that one or more optically detectable markings (18) are applied to the cover element (7), in particular by machining, removal, printing and / or thermally.

29. Use of a covering element (7) made at least partially from a renewable raw material, in particular a covering element (7) made according to one of claims 22 or 23, in a transport vehicle (1) for transporting piece goods (S) in a storage system, in particular in a transport vehicle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

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