Shelf for a rack region and method for producing a shelf
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ADVASTORE SE
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-24
Smart Images
Figure EP2024072717_27022025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Shelf for a shelving area and method for producing a shelf
[0002] The present invention relates to a shelf for a shelving area of a storage system, a shelving system and a method for producing a shelf.
[0003] High-bay warehouses, in particular, provide numerous storage locations on shelves or shelves. Such high-bay warehouses are typically equipped with stacker cranes for storing and retrieving goods.
[0004] For example, DE 20 2004 002 338 U1 shows a system for operating a shelf. This involves a storage and retrieval machine that can serve multiple stacked shelf levels.
[0005] Due to the increasing demand for storage space and the increasing frequency of storage and retrieval, the efficient construction and operation of such shelving systems is of utmost importance. In particular, the shelves that form the individual storage areas in such a shelving system are often complex and heavy. Furthermore, shelving systems in shelving systems are often difficult to install when used in conjunction with automated storage and retrieval systems, which in turn results in a loss of efficiency.
[0006] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to solve the above problems.
[0007] The present invention solves these problems with a shelf having the features of claim 1, with a shelving system having the features of claim 9 and with a method for producing a shelf having the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.
[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a shelf for a shelving area of a storage system is provided. The shelf may comprise a storage section having a first cover layer side and a second cover layer side, wherein the storage section is configured to receive goods on the first cover layer side. The shelf may comprise a rail section having a contact side and an opposite underside, wherein the rail section is configured to at least partially support a shuttle. The first cover layer side and the second cover layer side may be provided opposite one another in a first direction. A storage section cavity may be formed between the first cover layer side and the second cover layer side. A first reinforcing element may be arranged in the storage section cavity.The reinforcing element may be formed from predominantly cellulose and / or lignin-containing material, in particular cardboard and / or paper and / or carton.
[0009] Compared to the prior art, the present invention offers the advantage that the shelf is particularly lightweight. Furthermore, a rail section is integrated into the shelf so that a storage and retrieval machine, such as a shuttle, can be guided along the rail section. This means that when the shelf is assembled, a travel path for a storage and retrieval machine can be automatically defined at the same time, without the travel path and the shelf having to be assembled separately. This eliminates the need to align a rail section relative to the shelf. Thus, the above shelf can achieve weight savings compared to known shelves while simultaneously integrating a rail section and a storage section. Furthermore, cost-effective assembly of the shelf together with a rail section can be achieved. The shelf preferably weighs approximately 40 kg.The shelving area or shelf of a storage system can define a storage area in which a large number of different goods can be stored. For example, the shelving area can consist of a large number of different shelf levels arranged one above the other (i.e. in the vertical direction). Each shelf level can have a shelf that defines a storage area for goods on that level. The shelving area can, for example, have vertical supports that support the individual shelves. The shelves can be designed so that goods can be stored individually on them. In other words, the shelf can not have predetermined storage areas, but rather a continuous storage section (see below). The storage system can be a fully automated storage system that includes the shelving area.Furthermore, the storage system can comprise a rail system on which at least one shuttle (storage and retrieval machine) can travel. In the shelf area, the rail system can be implemented by the rail section of the shelves. Therefore, a separate rail system is only necessary outside the shelf area in the storage system. This can simplify assembly of the storage system as a whole, since the rail systems in the shelf areas do not have to be provided separately. The storage section can be part of the shelf. A first cover layer side can be formed on the storage section, onto which the goods to be stored and / or retrieved can be placed. The first cover layer side can be a flat, homogeneous and continuous surface. In other words, the first cover layer side can be free of any type of boundaries and / or subdivisions that define specific storage areas. Rather, the goods can be individually, i.e.Depending on the properties of the respective goods, such as dimensions and sensitivity, the goods can be placed on the first cover layer side of the storage section. For this purpose, a shuttle can be moved along the shelf and, at a corresponding location, store or retrieve goods on the first cover layer side of the storage section. The second cover layer side can define an underside of the storage section. In other words, the first cover layer side and the second cover layer side can face each other in the first direction. The first direction can run along the direction of gravity. Accordingly, the first cover layer side can be an upper side of the shelf and the second cover layer side can be an underside of the shelf. The rail section can be designed to provide support for a shuttle. More precisely, the rail section can have a contact side that can come into direct contact with a shuttle.The rail section can be part of a rail system. A shuttle can travel on a rail system through a rack warehouse or storage system. In particular, the rail section cannot be just any section of a shelf or shelf, but is an element specifically designed to support a shuttle. Two shelves can be arranged opposite each other on one level of the rack area. A travel path for the shuttle can be formed between the two shelves. The two shelves can be opposite each other with their respective rail sections. Thus, the shuttle, which has four wheels, for example, can travel with two wheels on the rail section of one shelf and with the other two wheels on the rail section of the other shelf. Therefore, the rail section of each shelf can at least partially support the shuttle.In this case, “support” can be understood to mean that the weight of the shuttle is taken up by the rail section. The rail section can be formed integrally with the storage section. In other words, the shelf can provide both the storage section and the rail section. This eliminates the need for separate installation of a rail path along a shelf. Furthermore, weight savings can be achieved by forming a storage section cavity between the first cover layer side and the second cover layer side. This offers significant weight savings compared to a fully solid storage section. This makes transport of the shelf more efficient and reduces the weight of the entire shelf area. The storage section cavity can have a rectangular cross-section. This allows good rigidity of the storage section to be achieved due to its geometric properties.Stiffness is a quantity in technical mechanics. It describes the resistance of a body to elastic deformation imposed by external load (force or moment) and conveys the relationship between the load on a component and its deformation. In order to nevertheless ensure sufficient stability of the storage section, a first reinforcing element can be provided in the storage section cavity. The reinforcing element can be designed to prevent or limit deformation of the shelf (in particular plastic deformation) when a product bears its weight. The reinforcing element can, for example, be an element that is provided on the first cover layer side or the second cover layer side and prevents deformation, in particular bending, of the same.Furthermore, the reinforcing element can be a strut that connects the two cover layer sides to one another in order to prevent the respective cover layer side from bending. As a result, the storage section can be sufficiently stable to accommodate goods thereon without undergoing plastic deformation and, at the same time, have a lower weight, which is achieved by the storage section cavity. The first reinforcing element can protrude into at least one adjacent cavity. For example, a rail section cavity can be formed in the rail section. The first reinforcing element can also protrude into the rail section cavity. In other words, only the first reinforcing element can be provided (i.e., as the only reinforcing element). A one-piece reinforcing element can thus be provided that is arranged in both the storage section cavity and the rail section cavity.The reinforcing element can thus be designed as a single piece. This can increase the torsional rigidity of the reinforcing element. Furthermore, the insertion of the reinforcing element into the cavities can be simplified. Thus, the shelf can be designed exclusively to be used as a shelf or compartment. In particular, lightweight panels, in particular from the furniture or construction industry, are not suitable for use as a shelf or compartment. In particular with regard to deflection, lightweight panels from the furniture or construction industry cannot be used as a shelf or compartment. Therefore, the term shelf in itself already implies technical suitability for use as a shelf in a shelf. Preferably, the reinforcing element is made predominantly from cellulose and / or lignin-containing material, in particular cardboard and / or paper and / or carton.This can result in weight savings. Furthermore, the use of predominantly cellulose- and / or lignin-containing materials, particularly cardboard and / or paper, can provide suitable reinforcement of the filing section without significantly increasing the overall weight of the bundle. According to DIN 6730, paper can have a basis weight of 7 g / m². 2 up to 225 g / m 2 Cardboard, on the other hand, can have a basis weight of 225 g / m 2or more. Cardboard, cardboard, and paper are flat materials that essentially consist of fibers of plant origin or cellulose and are formed by dewatering a fiber suspension on a sieve. The resulting fiber fleece is compacted and dried. This means that a particularly positive CO2 footprint can be achieved for the production of the shelf, especially through the use of recycled paper. Furthermore, the use of material that predominantly contains cellulose and / or lignin, in particular cardboard and / or paper and / or carton, is significantly less energy-intensive compared to producing the reinforcing element from sheet metal or another metal. In addition, the reinforcing element can be manufactured particularly easily from material that predominantly contains cellulose and / or lignin, in particular cardboard and / or paper and / or carton.
[0010] Preferably, a rail section cavity is formed between the contact side and the underside. In other words, the rail section can also define a cavity. This allows the overall weight of the shelf to be further reduced. In other words, a rail section cavity can be provided between the contact side and the opposite underside. The contact side and the underside can be opposite each other in the first direction. The contact side and the underside can be parallel to each other. This makes it possible to achieve sufficient geometric rigidity of the rail section, even if a cavity is provided in its interior. Preferably, the rail section cavity has a rectangular cross-section. Preferably, the rail section cavity has a smaller internal volume than the storage section cavity.The internal volume can be the volume at least partially enclosed by the respective section. Since the rail section has a smaller cross-sectional area than the storage section, a smaller rail section cavity is sufficient to provide geometric rigidity for the rail section. Furthermore, the rail section must support a lower load than the storage section. Therefore, a smaller rail section cavity can save material for constructing the shelf.
[0011] Preferably, the contact side and the first cover layer side are spaced apart from one another in the first direction. Furthermore, the first cover layer side and the contact side can be parallel to one another. The first direction can extend along the direction of gravity. The first direction can be orthogonal to the cover layer side and the contact side. In other words, the contact side of the rail section can be arranged lower in the vertical direction than the cover layer side of the storage section. Thus, a shuttle traveling on the rail section can be arranged lower in the vertical direction compared to the first cover layer side. As a result, the shuttle can advantageously place the goods it is transporting onto the storage section. In other words, the height difference between a transport area of the shuttle for goods and the storage section can be reduced.
[0012] Preferably, a second reinforcement element is arranged in the rail section cavity. Preferably, the same reinforcement element (adapted to the possibly smaller rail section cavity) can be arranged in the rail section cavity as in the storage section cavity. This allows manufacturing costs to be further reduced through the use of similar reinforcement elements. Furthermore, by arranging a reinforcement element in the rail section cavity, the rail section can be designed to be stiffer and more stable overall, so that even a heavily loaded shuttle can travel over it without any problems without excessive deformation of the rail section.
[0013] Preferably, the first reinforcement element differs from the second reinforcement element. This allows for the different loads for the support section and the rail section to be accommodated. The rail section is subjected to more dynamic loads and possibly torsional loads, whereas the support section is subjected to static loads. Furthermore, the support section is preferably a statically overdetermined system, which is why fewer moment loads occur here compared to the rail section.
[0014] The reinforcement elements can differ in terms of their properties. This allows the different requirements of the storage section and the rail section to be taken into account. For example, in the rail section, dynamic loads are generated by a shuttle traveling over it, which must be absorbed in a different way than static loads, which act on the storage section due to the weight of the goods. By individually adapting the respective reinforcement elements to their respective area of application, a further increase in efficiency can be achieved. For example, the reinforcement element can differ in terms of its geometric design. For example, the second reinforcement element can have a smaller extension in the first direction than the first reinforcement element (in an installed state).This allows for optimal adaptation to the rail section cavity.
[0015] The reinforcing element preferably has a honeycomb structure. The honeycomb structure can have a plurality of individual honeycombs. A honeycomb can be a cell in a pattern of flatly arranged cavities. For example, honeybees use wax-molded honeycombs in their nests to raise brood and store food. By providing the honeycomb structure in the storage section cavity and / or in the rail section cavity as the first reinforcing element and / or as the second reinforcing element, an increase in strength can be achieved without an excessive increase in weight. The individual honeycombs of the honeycomb structure can be arranged seamlessly next to one another. The honeycombs can all have the same cross-section. This makes it particularly advantageous to manufacture the honeycomb structure.
[0016] The honeycomb structure preferably has openings that are continuous in the first direction. In other words, the reinforcing element can be arranged in at least one of the cavities such that at least one opening in the honeycomb structure runs along the first direction. In other words, the reinforcing element can be continuous in the first direction. This allows for optimal force absorption from one side of the cavity to the other side of the cavity.
[0017] The honeycomb structure preferably comprises a plurality of honeycombs, each with a hexagonal cross-section. Of all possible cell shapes that can be arranged in a continuous row, hexagonal honeycombs have the best wall material-to-volume ratio. Therefore, this shape represents an optimal one. Consequently, optimal lightweight construction can be achieved while simultaneously supporting maximum loads. The honeycomb structure is preferably arranged in an upright position in the respective cavity.
[0018] Preferably, each honeycomb has a honeycomb width of 14 to 20 millimeters, preferably 16 to 18 mm, more preferably approximately 18 mm. It has been found that the optimum stiffness of the shelf for use in a shelf can be achieved in the range of 14 mm to 20 mm. The honeycomb width of 16 mm to 18 mm provides the effect that an optimal ratio of material from the reinforcing element to achievable stiffness of the reinforcing element can be achieved. The value of 18 mm honeycomb width has proven to be particularly advantageous when using the second reinforcing element or the first reinforcing element, which protrudes into the rail section cavity, in the rail section cavity. This honeycomb width has shown that even dynamic loads that arise when a shuttle travels over the rail section can be optimally damped.The honeycomb width can be a diameter of a circle placed on the cross-section of a honeycomb in such a way that it represents the average distance of all points of the honeycomb edge from the center (i.e. a point on the honeycomb axis) of the honeycomb.
[0019] Preferably, a ratio of an extension of the shelf in a third direction, which is orthogonal to the first direction, to an extension of the shelf in a second direction, which is orthogonal to the first and third directions, is in a range from 5 to 10, preferably from 6 to 7. The second direction R2 can be the direction in which the storage section adjoins the rail section. The range from 5 to 10 has proven advantageous for a shelf that includes a reinforcing element made of paper or cardboard, since the desired stability can still be achieved. The range from 6 to 7 is advantageous for high travel speeds of a shuttle, since this minimizes vibrations, thus preventing goods on the storage section from being accidentally displaced due to vibrations.
[0020] Preferably, a ratio of an extension of the storage section in a second direction, which is orthogonal to the first direction, to an extension of the rail section in the second direction is in a range from 10 to 15, preferably from 11 to 12. The range from 10 to 15 offers the advantage that the shuttle has a sufficient support surface on the rail section and can simultaneously fully serve the storage section (i.e. can store and retrieve goods). The range from 11 to 12 provides an optimum between storage surface for goods and space for a shuttle. Preferably, the first cover layer side is formed on a first cover layer. Preferably, the second cover layer side is formed on a second cover layer. The cover layer can form the storage section. Furthermore, the cover layer can surround the storage section hollow space at least in sections. Preferably, the cover layer can be formed from a sheet metal.The storage section cavity can be formed between the cover layers. The distance between the cover layers can be the clear distance between the first cover layer and the second cover layer.
[0021] Preferably, the reinforcing element is in contact with the first cover layer and the second cover layer. In other words, the reinforcing element can be provided in the storage section cavity such that the cavity is completely filled by the reinforcing element. The direct contact between the first reinforcing element and the first cover layer and the second cover layer can ensure optimal force transfer or force transmission between the first cover layer and the second cover layer. This can increase the overall stability of the shelf. Furthermore, vibrations that can arise due to small movements of one of the cover layers can be avoided or dampened. Analogously, the second reinforcing element can be in contact with a layer comprising the contact side and an opposite layer comprising the underside.This allows the hollow space in the rail section to be completely filled by the second reinforcement element. This also has the advantage of reducing the noise generated by a shuttle traveling on the rail section.
[0022] Preferably, the first cover layer and / or the second cover layer have a thickness of 1 mm in the first direction. In other words, the layer can have a material thickness of 1 mm. This allows a shelf to be formed from a relatively thin-walled material that is nevertheless sufficiently stable to accommodate goods. Likewise, the first layer of the rail section, which comprises the contact side, and / or the second layer of the rail section, which comprises the underside, can also have a layer thickness of 1 mm.
[0023] Preferably, the first cover layer and the second cover layer are made of galvanized steel. This allows a relatively inexpensive material to be used to create the storage section. Likewise, the first layer and the second layer of the rail section can also be made of galvanized steel.
[0024] The shelf is preferably integrally formed. In other words, the shelf can be formed in one piece. In particular, the first cover layer side and the second cover layer side of the storage section as well as the first layer and the second layer of the rail section can be formed from one material (i.e., in one piece or integrally). Thus, the rail section and the storage section can be formed integrally in such a way that the two cannot be separated from one another without destruction. In this way, relative positioning between the rail section and the storage section can be realized in such a way that incorrect orientation is not possible. Thus, errors during assembly or installation of the storage system can be ruled out from the outset or at least reduced. Furthermore, the strength of the shelf as a whole can be increased by an integral design of the storage section and the rail section.Preferably, the rail portion and the storage portion can be formed from the same layer. More specifically, the storage portion and the sliding portion can be formed from the same sheet metal, which is bent to form the storage portion and the rail portion.
[0025] Preferably, the first cover layer and the second cover layer are arranged parallel to one another. This allows the overall shape of the shelf to be simplified. In other words, the storage section can have a rectangular shape in cross-section. Preferably, the rail section can have a rectangular shape in cross-section. Preferably, the contact side and the underside of the rail section are arranged parallel to one another. This also allows the rail section to be designed simply.
[0026] Preferably, a transition cavity is formed between the storage section cavity and the rail section cavity. The transition cavity can be different from the storage section cavity and / or the rail section cavity. Since in the region of the transition cavity, neither a shuttle is moved on the shelf nor are goods deposited there, the requirements for this transition cavity or the area adjacent to the transition cavity can be low. Therefore, it is not necessary for the transition cavity to contain the same reinforcing element as in the storage section cavity and / or the rail section cavity. This allows a simpler reinforcing element or no reinforcing element at all to be provided in the transition cavity. This allows the shelf to be designed to be lighter overall, and manufacturing can be simplified.Furthermore, the transition cavity can be used to compensate for tolerances during the manufacturing of the first and / or second reinforcement elements. This allows the reinforcement elements to be manufactured more cost-effectively and simplifies the assembly of the shelf.
[0027] Preferably, the transition cavity is unfilled. In other words, there can be no reinforcing element and / or other device in the transition cavity. This can, on the one hand, simplify assembly of the shelf because, if the first reinforcing element and the second reinforcing element are provided in both the storage section cavity and the rail section cavity, both reinforcing elements can be inserted without problem. If both hidden elements were in contact with each other, inserting the reinforcing element into the respective cavities can be more difficult. Preferably, the reinforcing element is fixed in the storage section cavity and / or the rail section cavity using a 1-component PUR surface adhesive. This can prevent slipping of the respective reinforcing elements. In other words, an optimal position of the reinforcing element in the respective cavity can be ensured.
[0028] Preferably, the ratio of the extension of the storage section cavity in the first direction to the extension of the rail section cavity in the first direction is in a range from 3 to 4, preferably approximately 3.7. Surprisingly, the ratio of 3 to 4 has been found to provide optimal vibration damping when a shuttle travels over the rail section. A ratio of approximately 3.75 has been found to allow even particularly heavy piece goods to be stored on the storage section without causing damage or excessive deformation of the storage section. Furthermore, this ratio allows heavy goods to be easily transported dynamically on the rail section by a shuttle without causing excessive noise emissions or vibrations.
[0029] The shelf preferably has a holding section that protrudes in a first direction from the first cover layer side. The storage section can have a first edge and a second edge. The first edge and the second edge can be spaced apart in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. The rail section can be provided on the first edge of the storage section. The holder section can be provided on the second edge of the storage section. The holding section can protrude vertically upwards from the first cover layer side in the first direction (i.e., in the direction of gravity). In other words, the holding section can protrude from an upper side of the shelf. The holder section can thus serve to prevent goods or piece goods that are stored on the storage section from being pushed over the storage section and thus falling off the shelf.This reduces the operational reliability and susceptibility to errors of the storage system. Preferably, the first cover layer side and the second cover layer side are connected by a rear vertical section. The rear vertical section can thus be provided on the second edge of the storage section. The rear vertical section can be aligned at an angle of 90° to the first cover layer side and / or to the second cover layer side. This allows the storage section to achieve increased geometric rigidity for the storage section, so that it can hold even heavy goods.
[0030] Preferably, the first cover layer side of the storage section and the contact side of the rail section are connected by a first front vertical section. The first front vertical section can have a shorter extension in the first direction than the rear vertical section. In other words, the first front vertical section can connect the rail section to the first cover layer side of the storage section. Preferably, the first front vertical section is aligned at a 90° angle to the first cover layer side and / or to the contact side of the rail section. This makes it possible to achieve high stability of the shelf. Furthermore, the rail section can thus be designed as a step on the shelf. This makes it possible to achieve high rigidity of the shelf.
[0031] Preferably, the contact side of the rail section and the underside of the rail section are connected by a second front vertical section. The second front vertical section can be parallel to the first front vertical section. The second front vertical section can be aligned at an angle of 90° to the contact side of the rail section and / or to the underside of the rail section. This allows a high rigidity of the shelf to be achieved.
[0032] The first front vertical section is preferably designed to at least partially guide a shuttle. In other words, a shuttle can rest on the contact side of the rail section and be guided by the first front vertical section. If, for example, the shuttle cannot run straight, the first front vertical section can guide the shuttle so that it runs on the contact side of the rail section as desired. In other words, two oppositely arranged shelves can create a rail system or a travel path for a shuttle, in which the shuttle can be guided by the front vertical sections of the two shelves in a direction orthogonal to the direction of gravity (i.e. in the second direction). This means that the shuttle does not have to be completely maneuverable itself, but can be guided by the shelf (more precisely, by the first front vertical section).
[0033] Preferably, the second cover layer side and the underside lie in the same plane. In other words, the second cover layer side and the underside can be flush with one another. The second cover layer side of the storage section and the underside of the rail section can be designed integrally and, for example, be formed from the same sheet metal or the same metal plate. In other words, the rail section can be arranged flush with a surface of the storage section. This allows an L-profile to be formed in a cross-section of the shelf. This offers particular stability advantages due to the geometric shape of a step as well as easier manufacturing of the shelf.
[0034] According to a further aspect, a shelf area of a storage system is provided, comprising a plurality of shelves according to any one of the above embodiments.
[0035] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a storage system is provided with a shelf area according to the above embodiment and a process area. The process area and the shelf area can be directly adjacent to one another. In other words, the storage system can be a black box system that receives goods containers on an input side and can make individual goods available on an output side. The process area can be the area in which at least one goods container is processed in order to obtain at least one individual item. The shelf area can be the area in which the goods are placed in the shelf area based on goods information. Furthermore, the storage system can have a control unit that can determine or obtain goods information for the at least one item.
[0036] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a shelf, in particular according to one of the above embodiments, is provided. The method may comprise the following steps: providing a metal sheet, shaping the metal sheet to form a first cover layer side of a storage section and a contact side of a rail section, shaping the metal sheet to form a storage section cavity adjacent to the first cover layer side and the second cover layer side, and inserting a reinforcing element into the storage section cavity.
[0037] In one embodiment, two metal sheets are used to form the shelf. In other words, a first metal sheet and a second metal sheet can be used. The metal sheets can both be metal sheets and have identical properties. The first metal sheet can form an upper part of the shelf. The lower metal sheet can form a lower part of the shelf. The first metal sheet and the second metal sheet can contact each other in the area of the rear vertical section or in the area of the support section, as well as in the front vertical section.
[0038] During forming, the two sheets are preferably placed on top of one another and an adhesive (e.g. metal adhesive) is provided at the contact points. The two sheets preferably overlap in sections. To hold the sheets in position, at least one weld point can be provided, which fixes the sheets in position at least temporarily. Preferably, only one weld point is provided per contact side per shelf. This can be sufficient to fix the sheets in position. It should be noted that this process can also be applied if only a single sheet is used. The shelf formed in this way can then be heated to activate the adhesive. This allows the contact points of the two sheets or the individual sheet to be connected in such a way that the shelf is permanently formed. The shelf can be heated in a press. The press can exert pressure on the shelf at the same time or subsequently.This ensures that the shelf is created in the desired shape. Furthermore, the pressure exerted by the press allows the contact points to be sufficiently bonded with the adhesive. The shelf is then cooled. Preferably, the pressure from the press is also exerted on the shelf while it is cooling. This allows for an even stiffer shelf with high torsion resistance.
[0039] Preferably, a single, integral metal sheet is used to form the shelf. This eliminates the need for joining any multiple components.
[0040] Preferably, the metal sheet is bent five times. This creates an L-shaped shelf, which offers advantageous stability.
[0041] Preferably, two free ends of the metal sheet contact each other after forming. This contact point is preferably formed at the second front vertical section. In this area, the shelf is most resilient and the fewest forces are dissipated. Therefore, a butt joint in this area is not subjected to high loads and can therefore be durable.
[0042] Preferably, the method further comprises gluing the reinforcement element into the storage section space. Analogously, the method may also comprise gluing a reinforcement element into the rail section cavity. According to a further aspect of the present invention, a use of a shelf according to one of the above embodiments in a shelving area is provided.
[0043] Individual features and embodiments can be combined with other features and other embodiments of the present invention to form new embodiments. Features and advantages mentioned in connection with the individual features or embodiments also apply analogously to the new embodiments. The embodiments and advantages mentioned in connection with the device also apply analogously to the method, and vice versa.
[0044] In the following, preferred embodiments are described in detail with reference to the attached figures:
[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic and perspective view of a shelf according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] Figure 2 is a schematic and perspective view of a shelf area according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] Figure 3 is a schematic and perspective view of a portion of a storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-section of a shelf according to an embodiment of the present invention
[0049] Figure 5 is a perspective and schematic view of a reinforcing element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a schematic and perspective view of a shelf according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a shelf 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The shelf 1 has a storage section 4 and a rail section 8. Goods can be individually deposited on the storage section 4. The rail section 8 is designed to guide and support a shuttle as an example of a storage and retrieval machine. The rail section 8 is provided integrally on the storage section 4. The storage section 4 has a first cover layer side 5 on its upper side in the vertical direction (i.e., in the direction R1). A second cover layer side 6 opposite the first cover layer side 5 is oriented downwards in the first direction R1. Analogously, the rail section 8 has a contact side 9 oriented upwards in the first direction R1, and an opposite underside 10. The designations top and bottom refer to an operating state, i.e.to an installed state of the shelf 1. A storage section cavity 11 is provided between the first cover layer side 5 and the second cover layer side 6. In other words, the storage section, which is formed as a profile element with the cover layer side 5 and the second cover layer side 6 as a boundary, can have an interior space. A first reinforcing element 12 can be arranged in this interior space. In the present embodiment, the reinforcing element 12 is formed from predominantly cellulose- and / or lignin-containing material, in particular cardboard and / or paper and / or carton. The reinforcing element 12 contacts both the first cover layer side 5 and the second cover layer side 6. This allows a stable storage section 4 to be realized. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a rail section cavity 13 is formed between the contact side 9 of the underside 10 of the rail section 8.A second reinforcement element 14 is arranged in the rail section cavity 13. In another embodiment, not shown, the first reinforcement element 12 is arranged both in the rail section cavity 13 and in the storage section cavity 11. The second reinforcement element 14 is made of paper and / or cardboard. The second reinforcement element 14 contacts both the contact side 9 and the underside 10. The shelf 1 can have an extension in a second direction R2 (i.e., orthogonal to the first direction R1) of 545 mm. The rail section can have an extension of 45 mm in the second direction. Furthermore, the rail section can extend in a third direction R3, which is orthogonal to the first direction R1 and to the second direction R2. The shelf can have an extension in the third direction R3 of 3391 mm.The rail section 8 can have an extension in the first direction R1 of 20 mm. The shelf 1 can have an extension in the first direction R1 of 40 mm. With the above dimensions, the shelf has a weight of approximately 40 kg.
[0051] Figure 2 is a schematic and perspective view of a shelf area 2 with a plurality of shelves 1 in an assembled state. Furthermore, Figure 2 shows that goods are individually arranged on the storage section 4 of the shelves 1. The goods 7 are freely arranged on the storage sections of the shelves 1, without the storage sections 4 being subdivided in any way or having any kind of defined storage areas. Furthermore, it can be seen that two shelves 1 are arranged opposite one another in a shelf level. The shelves 1 face each other with their respective rail sections 8. Thus, the rail sections 8 of the two shelves 1, which are opposite one another in a shelf level, form a rail system on which a shuttle with four wheels can travel (see the central area of Figure 2). The shuttle can move in the third direction R3.Furthermore, it can be seen in Figure 2 that in the shelf area several shelf levels are arranged one above the other (ie in the first direction R1).
[0052] Figure 3 is a schematic and perspective view of a shelf area 2 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. In the shelf area shown in Figure 3, only one shelf level is equipped with shelves 1. It can be seen here that shelves are always arranged either with their rail section 8 facing one another, or with their storage sections 4. Between the shelves 1, which face one another with their rail section 8, a larger distance is formed compared to the shelves 1, which face one another with the storage section. Furthermore, it can be seen in Figure 3 that vertical (i.e. running in the first direction) support pillars are provided, to which the shelves 1 are attached.Since the shelves already include a storage section 4 for goods and a rail section 8 for the supply of a shuttle, only the shelves 1 need to be attached to the vertical posts to form the shelving area. Depending on the design, load capacity, and height of the shelving area, additional cross bracing can then be provided using beams or tensioning elements.
[0053] Figure 4 is a schematic cross section through a shelf 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In other words, Figure 4 shows a cross section through a profile that forms the shelf 1. The storage section 4 has, as in the previous embodiments, a first cover layer side 5 and an opposite second cover layer side 6. Likewise, the rail section 8 of the present embodiment also has a contact side 9 and an opposite underside 10. The shelf 1 thus formed has an L-shaped cross section. The underside 10 and the second cover layer side 6 run continuously and in one and the same
[0054] Level. The first reinforcement element 12 is arranged in the storage section cavity 11. The second reinforcement element is arranged in the rail section cavity 13. A transition cavity 19 is formed between the storage section cavity 11 and the rail section cavity 13. The transition cavity 19 is empty in the present embodiment, so that the first reinforcement element 12 and the second reinforcement element 14 are spaced apart from one another (i.e., are not in direct contact with one another). This can prevent vibrations that are introduced into the second reinforcement element 14, for example, when a shuttle travels over the rail section 8, from being passed on to the first reinforcement element 12. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the shelf has a rear vertical section 16 that connects the first cover layer side 5 to the second cover layer side 6.The rear vertical section 16 extends in the first direction R1. Furthermore, the shelf 1 of the present embodiment has a first front vertical section that connects the contact side 9 of the rail section 8 to the first cover layer side 5. The first front vertical section 17 extends in the first direction R1. The contact side 9 is connected to the underside 10 of the rail section 8 via a second front vertical section 18. The second front vertical section 18 extends in the first direction R1. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the shelf is formed from only one metal sheet, which is bent repeatedly until the profile body is formed, which forms the storage section 4 and the rail section 8 (i.e., the shelf 1). In the present embodiment, the ends of the metal sheet meet at the second front vertical section 18.In this area, the ends of the metal sheet overlap. This prevents the profile from opening and creates a sufficiently large surface for connecting the ends of the metal sheet. Furthermore, the lowest load on the shelf exists in the second front vertical section 18, so that a break in the connection can be avoided in this area. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the shelf has a holding section 15 which projects away from the first cover layer side 5 in the first direction R1. In the present embodiment, the holding section 15 is formed continuously with the rear vertical section 16. The holding section 15 prevents goods 7 from being pushed out beyond the storage section 4. This can prevent goods from falling off the shelf 1.
[0055] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a honeycomb structure as encompassed by the second reinforcing element 14 in the first reinforcing element 12. The honeycomb structure comprises a plurality of individual honeycombs, each of which has a hexagonal shape and is directly adjacent to one another.
[0056] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a shelf with an open profile. Therefore, the first reinforcement element 12 and second reinforcement element 14 are visible. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, it can be seen that the metal sheets are butt-jointed at the second front vertical section 18, thus forming the profile that forms the shelf 1.
[0057] List of reference symbols:
[0058] 1 shelf
[0059] 2 shelf area
[0060] 3 storage system
[0061] 4 storage section
[0062] 5 first top layer side
[0063] 6 second top layer side
[0064] 7 goods
[0065] 8 rail section
[0066] 9 Contact page
[0067] 10 Subpage
[0068] 11 Storage section cavity
[0069] 12 first reinforcement element
[0070] 13 Rail section cavity
[0071] 14 second reinforcing element
[0072] 15 stopping section
[0073] 16 rear vertical section
[0074] 17 first front vertical section
[0075] 18 second front vertical section
[0076] 19 Transitional cavity
[0077] R1 first direction
[0078] R2 second direction
[0079] R3 third direction
Claims
Claims 1. Shelf (1) for a shelf area (2) of a storage system (3), comprising a storage section (4) having a first cover layer side (5) and a second cover layer side (6), wherein the storage section (4) is designed to receive goods (7) on the first cover layer side (5), a rail section (8) having a contact side (9) and an opposite underside (10), wherein the rail section (8) is designed to at least partially support a shuttle, wherein the first cover layer side (5) and the second cover layer side (6) are provided opposite one another in a first direction (R1), wherein a storage section cavity (11) is formed between the first cover layer side (5) and the second cover layer side (6), wherein a first reinforcing element (12) is arranged, and wherein the first reinforcing element (12) is formed predominantly from cellulose and / or lignin-containing material, in particular cardboard and / or paper and / or carton.
2. Shelf (1) according to claim 1, wherein a rail section cavity (13) is formed between the contact side (9) and the underside (10), wherein a second reinforcing element (14) is preferably arranged in the rail section cavity (13).
3. Shelf (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein the rail section cavity (13) has a smaller internal volume than the storage section cavity (11).
4. Shelf (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first reinforcing element (12) differs from the second reinforcing element (14).
5. Shelf (1 ) according to , wherein the reinforcing elements (12, 14) differ in terms of their properties.
6. Shelf (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein a transition cavity (19) is formed between the storage section cavity (11) and the rail section cavity (13).
7. Shelf (1) according to claim 6, wherein the transition cavity (19) is unfilled.
8. Shelf (1) according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein a ratio of the extension of the storage section cavity (11) in the first direction (R1) to an extension of the rail section cavity (13) in the first direction (R1) is in a range of 3 to 4, preferably approximately 3.
7.
9. Shelf (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact side (9) and the first cover layer side (5) are spaced apart from one another in the first direction (R1).
10. Shelf (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing element (12, 14) has a honeycomb structure.
11. Shelf (1) according to claim 10, wherein the honeycomb structure has openings which are continuous in the first direction.
12. Shelf (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the honeycomb structure comprises a plurality of honeycombs, each honeycomb having a hexagonal cross-section.
13. Shelf (1) according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein each honeycomb has a honeycomb width of 14 to 20 millimeters, preferably of 16 mm to 18 mm, more preferably of approximately 18 mm.
14. Shelf (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a ratio of an extension of the shelf (1) in a third direction, which is orthogonal to the first direction, to an extension of the shelf (1) in a second direction, which is orthogonal to the first and third directions, is in a range from 5 to 10, preferably from 6 to 7.
15. Shelf (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a ratio of an extension of the storage section (4) in a second direction, which is orthogonal to the first direction, to an extension of the rail section (8) in the second direction is in a range from 10 to 15, preferably from 11 to 12.
16. Shelf (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first cover layer side (5) is formed on a first cover layer.
17. Shelf (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second cover layer side (6) is formed on a second cover layer.
18. Shelf (1) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the reinforcing element (12, 14) is in contact with the first cover layer and the second cover layer.
19. Shelf (1) according to one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the first cover layer and / or the second cover layer has a thickness of 1 mm in the first direction.
20. Shelf (1) according to one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the first cover layer and the second cover layer are formed from galvanized steel.
21. Shelf (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing element (12, 14) is fixed in the storage section cavity (11) and / or the rail section cavity (13) by means of 1-component PUR surface adhesive.
22. Shelf (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shelf (1) is integrally formed.
23. Shelf (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first cover layer and the second cover layer are arranged parallel to each other.
24. Shelf (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact side (9) and the underside (10) of the rail section (8) are arranged parallel to one another.
25. Shelf (1) according to one of claims 2 to 24, wherein a ratio of the extension of the storage section cavity (11) in the first direction to an extension of the rail section cavity (13) in the first direction is in a range of 3 to 4, preferably approximately 3.
26. Shelf (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shelf (1) has a holding portion (15) which protrudes in the first direction (R1) from the first cover layer side (5).
27. Shelf (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first cover layer side (5) and the second cover layer side (6) are connected by a rear vertical section (16).
28. Shelf (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first cover layer side (5) of the storage section (4) and the contact side (9) of the rail section (8) are connected by a first front vertical section.
29. Shelf (1) according to claim 28, wherein the first front vertical section (17) is designed to guide a shuttle at least partially.
30. Shelf (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact side (9) of the rail section (8) and the underside (10) of the rail section (8) are connected by a second front vertical section (18).
31. Shelf (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second cover layer side (6) and the underside (10) lie in the same plane.
32. Shelf area (2) of a storage system (3) comprising a plurality of shelves (1) according to one of the preceding claims.
33. Method for producing a shelf (1), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: Providing a metal sheet, Forming the metal sheet so that a first cover layer side (5) of a storage section (4) and a contact side (9) of a rail section (8) are formed, Forming the metal sheet so that a storage section cavity (11) is formed adjacent to the first cover layer side (5), Inserting a reinforcing element (12, 14) into the storage section cavity (11).
34. A method according to claim 33, wherein a single integral metal sheet is used to form the shelf (1).
35. A method according to claim 33 or 34, wherein two free ends of the metal sheet contact each other after forming.
36. A method according to any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the metal sheet is bent five times.