MAINTENANCE SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORT AND STORAGE FACILITY

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a maintenance system (10) for a transport and storage facility comprising storage racks (2) arranged to form at least one traffic aisle (4), the maintenance system (10) comprising: - a base frame (11), - a mobile platform (12) for an operator, - a lifting device (13) interposed between the mobile platform (12) and the base frame (11), and configured to raise the mobile platform (12) and retract it towards the base frame (11), wherein the maintenance system (10) includes a vertical guidance and stabilization device (50) for the mobile platform (12), the vertical guidance and stabilization device (50) having at least one guide member configured to cooperate with a storage rack upright (21) opening onto the respective traffic aisle (4). Abstract Figure: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: MAINTENANCE SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORT AND STORAGE FACILITY technical field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of maintenance for warehouse transport and storage facilities, in particular for automated transport and storage facilities, commonly referred to as "Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems" and abbreviated as ASRS (in French, "Système Automatique de Stockage et de Retrait"). More specifically, this disclosure concerns a maintenance system for such a transport and storage facility. Previous technique

[0002] In the field of logistics, it is common practice to create storage facilities for items, for example in warehouses, that are compact and extend vertically in order to optimize the available storage space. Such a transport and storage facility generally comprises compactly arranged storage racks and aisles providing access to both sides of the storage racks. The storage racks are designed to hold and store items and, to this end, define within their structure consecutive columns of compartments, each compartment defining a storage location. These compartments are designed to hold bins or, more generally, receptacles, in which items are placed and stored. These items are then assembled to form orders.

[0003] Some storage facilities, known as ASRS, utilize automated guided vehicles, specifically configured for placing and retrieving items from said storage racks. Automated guided vehicles, hereinafter referred to by their abbreviation AGV, are generally robots that move autonomously without human intervention. AGVs can, for example, be shuttles, forklifts, stacker cranes, or other robots. AGVs can, for example, move in at least one direction, or even both directions, across a horizontal surface, which is typically the warehouse floor. Automated guided vehicles can also move vertically by climbing the storage racks. Such storage facilities are disclosed, in particular, by document WO 2019 / 072432.For this purpose, vehicles are typically equipped with climbing means such as motorized toothed wheels. engaging with a climbing element (typically a rack or roller chain) arranged along the height of a rack upright. Occasionally, a vehicle may become tilted and stuck at an angle, requiring recovery.

[0004] In such a case, a mobile elevating work platform is used, comprising an extendable structure mounted on a self-propelled or non-self-propelled chassis, to position a work platform at height that can accommodate an operator, particularly for carrying out maintenance work at height. The extendable structure is, for example, made up of articulated and / or telescopic arms. Such mobile elevating work platforms have the advantage of being flexible, notably being able to be easily moved from one traffic aisle to another. However, these mobile elevating work platforms do not allow access to great heights in the context of a compact transport and storage facility, unless they are stabilized by bulky means (in terms of weight and / or footprint), which in turn impacts the basic flexibility offered by this type of platform.

[0005] This mobile lifting platform is a flexible solution used by the present Applicant to carry out maintenance at height and in particular to allow the recovery of a vehicle stuck at height of an ASRS installation.

[0006] We still know of documents FR 2 919 591 B1 or DD 252 815 Al, an elevator installed in each of the traffic aisles, and used both to raise and lower articles in order to allow their placement and removal in and from the cells, and to carry out maintenance or assembly work at height by an operator.

[0007] In these documents, the lift comprises a supporting mast and a mobile work platform that translates vertically relative to the mast, guided by the mast. The mast is fixed at two vertical ends, respectively to the floor and the ceiling of the installation. The mast is mounted at two vertical ends on rails along the corresponding aisle, the rails being fixed respectively to the floor and the ceiling of the installation, so as to allow the lift to translate along the rails in the aisle. Anchoring the lift to the floor and ceiling ensures stability that allows loads to be raised and lowered to a considerable height, namely, exceeding ten meters. However, this is a bulky and inflexible solution, as it requires one lift per aisle, and, where necessary, the installation of rails on the floor and ceiling in all aisles.

[0008] According to the Applicant's findings, the ground rails also constitute obstacles to the movement of automatically guided vehicles of the ASRS installations: such a lift is a maintenance solution that is not very compatible with the ASRS installations.

[0009] There is therefore a need for a flexible and compact maintenance system to carry out maintenance work at height in a transport and storage facility. Summary

[0010] This disclosure improves the situation.

[0011] A maintenance system is proposed for a transport and storage installation comprising storage racks arranged to form at least one aisle between two respective storage racks. The storage racks have vertical uprights. The maintenance system comprises a base chassis adapted to travel on the ground in at least one aisle, a mobile platform for an operator, and a lifting device interposed between the mobile platform and the base chassis. The lifting device comprises at least a base portion fixed to the base chassis, a moving portion fixed to the mobile platform, and an extension mechanism configured to extend the moving portion vertically to raise the mobile platform and retract it towards the base chassis in a position that minimizes the vertical footprint of the maintenance system.The maintenance system includes a vertical guidance and stabilization device for the mobile platform, the vertical guidance and stabilization device comprising at least one guide element configured to cooperate with an upright facing the respective traffic aisle.

[0012] The maintenance system according to this disclosure offers the considerable advantage, firstly, of being mobile, flexible, and compact, and secondly, of being able to reach a greater height compared to a maintenance vehicle without a guidance and stabilization device. Indeed, the guidance and stabilization device provides greater stability to the maintenance system, allowing an operator to safely perform operations at height, while limiting the system's footprint and / or weight. Furthermore, such a maintenance system does not require the installation of additional infrastructure within the transport and storage facility, such as guidance or anchoring infrastructure on the floor or ceiling of the facility. In fact, the maintenance system can move freely within the traffic aisles..

[0013] In the following description, reference is made to a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction. The first direction coincides with a vertical direction extending, in particular, vertically from the floor of the transport and storage facility. The first direction is perpendicular to the second and third directions. The second direction is perpendicular to the third direction. It is therefore understood that the second and third directions direction form horizontal directions, here orthogonal to each other.

[0014] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other.

[0015] Advantageously, the mobile platform and / or the moving part of the extension mechanism may include the vertical guidance and stabilization device. Since the moving part of the extension mechanism is integral with the mobile platform, the guidance and stabilization device can be positioned on this moving part while simultaneously guiding and stabilizing the mobile platform during its extension and retraction. In short, the vertical guidance and stabilization device should advantageously be capable of rising and retracting with the chassis, accompanying the raising and lowering movement of the mobile platform to ensure its vertical guidance and stabilization. It is also possible for the mobile platform and the moving part of the extension mechanism to each respectively include a vertical guidance and stabilization device.

[0016] Advantageously, the vertical guidance and stabilization device includes a deployment mechanism configured to move said at least one guide member of the vertical guidance and stabilization device from a position clear of a post to a position engaged with the respective post. The implementation of a deployment mechanism advantageously reduces the overall size of the maintenance system when at least one guide member is not engaged with the respective post, particularly when the maintenance system is moving through a traffic aisle.

[0017] Advantageously, said at least one guide element is configured to provide linear guidance of the mobile platform along the respective upright. The guidance must, in particular, ensure that the guide element is supported against the moment while limiting friction between the guide element and the respective upright.

[0018] Said at least one guiding member of said vertical guidance and stabilization device may advantageously comprise at least one vertical guide wheel intended to roll against a post, the vertical guide wheel having an axis of rotation perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the post. Other guidance alternatives may be envisaged.

[0019] The guide element can be configured to provide linear ball bearing guidance of the moving platform along the respective upright. This type of guidance reduces friction and contact pressure between the surfaces of the guide element and the upright, thus providing precise movement of the guide element relative to to the amount.

[0020] The guide element can be configured to provide linear roller guidance of the moving platform along the respective upright. To this end, the guide element can comprise one or more cylindrical rollers. This type of guidance reduces friction between the guide element and the upright. This type of guidance has the advantage of being more durable and able to support heavier loads than ball bearings.

[0021] The guide element can be configured to provide linear sliding guidance of the moving platform along the respective upright. This type of guidance reduces friction between the sliding surfaces of the guide element and the respective upright. This type of guidance is particularly advantageous for applications requiring rapid and repetitive movements.

[0022] The guide element can be configured to provide magnetic linear guidance of the mobile platform along the respective upright. This type of guidance notably uses magnetic fields to support the load of the mobile platform. This type of guidance offers the advantage of limiting friction between the guide element and the upright, ensuring high precision and load capacity.

[0023] The guide element can be configured to provide linear sliding guidance of the moving platform along the respective upright. The guide element can be configured to cooperate with the respective upright in the form of a guide rail. In particular, the guide element and the respective upright are configured to be in surface-to-surface contact with each other so as to form a sliding joint. The guide element and the respective upright are, in particular, made of a material having a sufficiently low coefficient of friction to allow for proper operation of the sliding joint. The guide element and the guide rail can, for example, be made of steel. This solution has the advantage of being simple and inexpensive. It can be advantageous in applications requiring linear movements to travel long distances.

[0024] Advantageously, said vertical guidance and stabilization device includes a preload mechanism for applying pressure to said at least one guide member against a post. This compensates for any play between the guide member and the post along its length. In particular, when, as in the present disclosure, the aim is to reach high heights, the post may deflect relative to the first direction. The preload mechanism compensates for this deflection and ensures the stability of the mobile platform up to its maximum height.

[0025] The preload mechanism may include a spring element configured for elastically constrain said at least one guiding element on the upright by compensating for play in the height of the uprights.

[0026] Advantageously, the deployment mechanism may include an operating device configured to move said at least one spring member from a state of less constraint, or even unconstrained, in the disengaged position of said at least one guide member to a state of greater constraint of said at least one guide member, in the engaged position of the guide member.

[0027] Advantageously, the vertical guidance and stabilization device comprises at least one pair of guide elements. Each guide element of the pair of guide elements can, in particular, be configured to bear against a respective post in the same direction but in the opposite direction to the bearing of the other guide element of the pair of guide elements on a respective post. This ensures greater stability of the mobile platform during its vertical guidance. One pair, for example each pair, of the at least one pair of guide elements can advantageously be designed to cooperate with posts positioned respectively on either side of a respective traffic aisle. This ensures guidance of the mobile platform on either side of the respective traffic aisle.Alternatively, the guide members of a pair, in particular of each pair, of guide members may be intended to cooperate with the same upright, or with two uprights positioned on the same row of uprights.

[0028] The vertical guidance and stabilization device may comprise one pair of guide elements, two pairs of guide elements, or more than two pairs of guide elements. The number of pairs of guide elements, their configuration, and their positioning relative to the maintenance system are specifically adapted to ensure the vertical stability of the mobile platform and the moving part of the extension mechanism. The number of pairs of guide elements and their positioning may, in particular, correspond to the length of the mobile platform and the maximum height for the deployment of the moving part of the extension mechanism.

[0029] It is also possible to implement a guidance and stabilization device comprising an odd number of guide elements. The important point is that the number of guide elements, their configuration, and their positioning ensure the stability of the mobile platform, particularly in a plane substantially perpendicular to the first direction, during its vertical extension and retraction.

[0030] Advantageously, said maintenance system is such that the extension mechanism is configured to deploy the moving part to a maximum height of 10 m or more, in particular 12 m or more. The maintenance system may have a mass of 500 kg or less, and may have, Specifically, the base chassis has a maximum footprint of less than 1500 mm in length, and in particular 1200 mm, and less than 750 mm in width, in particular 700 mm. The footprint is defined as the maximum circumferential area occupied by the ground-based maintenance system. These characteristics ensure the flexibility and maneuverability of the maintenance system, thanks to its reduced footprint and weight, while still allowing for a high maximum height.

[0031] In particular, the overall dimensions of the maintenance system are advantageously such that they correspond to the overall dimensions of a conventional commercial mobile elevating work platform, as previously described. Specifically, the overall dimensions of the mobile platform can correspond to the overall dimensions of the basket and mast assembly of such a conventional mobile elevating work platform. This disclosure therefore makes it easy to adapt a commercial mobile elevating work platform, in particular by adding the vertical guidance and stabilization device, in order to raise the mobile platform to a greater height than the conventional mobile elevating work platform without requiring an increase in the ground footprint of the conventional mobile elevating work platform to ensure its stability.

[0032] The guide element can be configured to cooperate with different upright profiles. More specifically, the guide element can be configured to bear against at least one bearing surface of a respective upright, the bearing surface extending along a plane whose normal is perpendicular to the first direction. For example, the guide element can be configured to bear against a single bearing surface, or two bearing surfaces of a respective upright, or even more than two bearing surfaces. The cooperation of the guide elements with the bearing surfaces is particularly suitable for preventing movement of the guiding and stabilizing device in a plane perpendicular to the first direction when it is engaged on the uprights.

[0033] Advantageously, the base chassis includes two pairs of wheels for the system to move on the ground. The base chassis may or may not include a motorized vehicle.

[0034] Advantageously, said base frame is equipped with at least one horizontal guide device extending lengthwise along the base frame and configured to cooperate with storage rack elements at discontinuous positions along the length of the maintenance aisle in order to guide the maintenance system along the maintenance aisle. This makes it easier to correctly position the maintenance system in the maintenance aisle, thereby facilitating its maneuverability and engagement with the uprights.

[0035] The extension mechanism configured to deploy the mobile part upwards in order to mount the mobile platform and retract it towards the base chassis in the least vertically obtrusive position of the maintenance system may include at least one, for example one or more, telescopic mast or a scissor lifting mechanism.

[0036] According to another aspect, a transport and storage installation is proposed comprising storage racks having consecutive columns of compartments. In particular, each compartment defines a storage location intended to receive one or more items, for example arranged in a bin. The storage racks are arranged, in particular, to form at least one circulation aisle between any two respective storage racks. The storage racks have vertical uprights. The installation further includes a maintenance system as previously described, configured to travel in at least one circulation aisle. At least one guide element of the vertical guidance and stabilization device of the maintenance system is configured to cooperate with a storage rack upright opening onto a respective circulation aisle.

[0037] Advantageously, each of the at least one circulation aisle, between two respective storage racks, is formed of a plurality of consecutive vertical circulation columns, each vertical circulation column serving at least one respective column of storage cells. The installation further includes at least one automated vehicle configured to ascend or descend in a vertical circulation column. The vehicle may be an AGV, the acronym AGV standing for "Automated Guided Vehicle". Each of the at least one vehicle includes climbing means adapted to cooperate with the uprights of the storage racks adjoining said vertical circulation column. The maintenance system is then configured, in particular, to allow an operator to perform operations at height, especially assembly and / or maintenance operations, and in particular vehicle maintenance.Indeed, during operation, a vehicle can become stuck at height in a vertical traffic column, for example, due to a breakdown. It can happen, for instance, that the vehicle ends up at an angle, braced against the climbing elements, meaning that the vehicle's chassis is tilted relative to a horizontal plane perpendicular to its initial direction. The maintenance system allows an operator to intervene at height to free the vehicle. Furthermore, the maintenance system does not require the installation of ground-level infrastructure, such as guides or anchors, thus facilitating vehicle movement in the traffic aisles, and even under storage racks if necessary.

[0038] Advantageously, the climbing means of one of at least one vehicle Arranged within a vertical circulation column, the vertical guidance and stabilization device for the guided mobile platform, located in an adjacent circulation column, are configured to cooperate simultaneously with the same upright of one of the storage racks without hindering the movement of the respective vehicle or mobile platform relative to said upright, following the direction of the upright. This feature advantageously allows the maintenance system to be positioned as close as possible to a blocked vehicle for maintenance purposes.

[0039] According to another aspect, a maintenance method for an installation as previously described is proposed. The method comprises: - move the maintenance system to a vertical traffic column following a vertical traffic column in which a vehicle is blocked, - couple the guide element of the vertical guidance and stabilization device with a post facing the respective traffic aisle, - deploy the mobile platform at the level of the blocked vehicle.

[0040] The method according to this disclosure therefore offers the advantage of being easily implemented while ensuring the safety of an operator during work at height. The vehicle can be unlocked manually by an operator in one step. It is also possible to equip the platform with a gripper, particularly a robotic one, to ensure the unlocking and gripping of the vehicle. Brief description of the drawings

[0041] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent from reading the detailed description below, and from analyzing the accompanying drawings, on which:

[0042] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates a view of an example of a transport installation and storage according to a particular embodiment.

[0043] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a view of an example of a storage rack according to one embodiment.

[0044] [Fig.3] and [Fig.4] schematically illustrate respectively two views of an example of storage racks and a maintenance system according to one embodiment.

[0045] [Fig.5], [Fig.6], [Fig.7], [Fig.8] and [Fig.9] schematically illustrate a top view along a first vertical Z direction of examples of storage racks and the maintenance system according to one embodiment.

[0046] [Fig. 10] schematically illustrates a view from below along the first direction Z of an example of the maintenance system respectively in an engaged (Figure 10B) and disengaged (Figure 10A) configuration of guide elements of the maintenance system according to an embodiment.

[0047] [Fig. 11] schematically illustrates an enlarged view of a deployment mechanism and a pre-stressing mechanism for the maintenance system according to one embodiment.

[0048] [Fig. 12] schematically illustrates an enlarged view of a guide element of the maintenance system and a means of climbing a vehicle cooperating with the same amount of storage rack according to an embodiment.

[0049] [Fig. 13] schematically illustrates steps of a maintenance process according to one embodiment. Description of the implementation methods

[0050] Reference is now made to [Fig. 1], which schematically represents an example of a transport and storage facility 1, for example in a warehouse, according to one aspect of this disclosure. According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a maintenance system, in particular for such a transport and storage facility 1.

[0051] In the following description, reference is made to a first direction Z, a second direction X, and a third direction Y. In the examples shown, the first direction Z coincides with a vertical direction extending vertically from the floor of the transport and storage facility 1. The first direction Z is perpendicular to the second direction X and the third direction Y. The second direction X is perpendicular to the third direction Y. It is therefore understood that the second direction X and the third direction Y form horizontal directions, here orthogonal to each other.

[0052] The transport and storage installation 1 includes, in particular, at least two, and especially several, storage racks 2, which may also be referred to as "shelf space," intended to receive articles for storage. The storage racks 2 advantageously extend vertically along the first direction Z, up to a maximum height of 10 m or more, in particular 12 m or more, and preferably 14 m or more.

[0053] Figure 2 illustrates such a storage rack 2. Each storage rack 2 comprises consecutive columns of compartments 22, the compartments of each column of compartments 22 being stacked vertically. In particular, each compartment 22 defines a storage location intended to receive one or more items, for example, arranged in a bin. These items are then combined to form orders. More precisely, the consecutive columns of compartments 22 of each storage rack 2 extend along the third direction Y. Access to a compartment 22 for placing or removing an item and / or a bin can be gained from at least one side of the storage rack along the second direction X.

[0054] Each of the storage racks 2 has vertical uprights 21. The upright 21 includes in particular a straight post extending along the first direction Z. One lower end of the post is configured to be fixed to the floor. The storage rack 2 includes in particular at least two rows of uprights, in particular two rows of uprights, along the third direction Y. The uprights of each row of uprights are in particular regularly spaced along the third direction Y. Each upright 21 of one of the rows of uprights is aligned with an upright 21 of each of the other rows of uprights along the second direction X. Each bay 22 is delimited along the third direction Y by two successive uprights 21 of the same row of uprights. Each bay 22 may further be delimited along the second direction X by at least two uprights 21 along the second direction X from one and another row of uprights 21 respectively. In the example shown in [Fig.2], the storage rack 2 comprises two rows of uprights 21 along the third direction Y. The uprights 21 are kept parallel to each other along the first direction Z by a system of braces 23. .

[0055] The superimposed cells 22 can be defined, for each column of cells 22, by pairs of superimposed fastening interfaces. Each pair of fastening interfaces comprises a first fastening interface Eql, attached to at least two uprights 21 along the second direction X, and a second fastening interface Eq2 attached to at least two other uprights 21 along the second direction X, the at least two uprights 21 attached to the first fastening interface Eql being offset along the third direction Y from the at least two uprights 21 attached to the second fastening interface Eq2. The first fastening interface Eql and the second fastening interface Eq2 comprise support portions, projecting towards each other, for supporting a tray, or more generally a container, in said cell 22.

[0056] The storage racks 2 are arranged to form at least one aisle 4 for circulation between respective storage racks 2, in particular when aligned with each other. More specifically, as illustrated in [Fig. 1], at least one aisle 4 for circulation, in particular several aisles, extend along the third direction Y, between two respective storage racks 2. The two storage racks 2 are advantageously opposite each other and aligned with each other along the third direction Y. At least one aisle for circulation, in particular several aisles, extends along the second direction X between two rows of respective storage racks 2. Each row of storage racks 2 comprises a succession, along the second direction X, of at least two storage racks 2 separated from each other by aisles extending along the third direction Y.The two rows of storage racks are aligned with each other.

[0057] This previously described arrangement of the transport and storage facility with traffic aisles extending respectively along the second direction X and the third direction Y, makes it possible to facilitate movement within the transport and storage facility, and the placement and retrieval of containers or bins in and from the cells along a horizontal direction, here the second direction X.

[0058] Each of the at least one circulation aisle 4 between two respective storage racks 2, which extends in particular along the third direction Y, is formed of a plurality of consecutive vertical circulation columns. Each vertical circulation column serves at least one respective column of storage cells, for example, one column of storage cells of one of said two storage racks, or two columns of storage cells respectively of one and the other of said two storage racks.

[0059] The transport and storage installation 1 may further comprise at least one automated vehicle 3, preferably a plurality of vehicles. The vehicle 3 may be an AGV, the acronym AGV standing for "Automated Guided Vehicle". The vehicle 3 is configured to ascend or descend in one of the vertical circulation columns 4L. To this end, each of the at least one vehicle 3 comprises climbing means adapted to cooperate with uprights 21 of the storage racks 2 adjoining said vertical circulation column 4L. More specifically, the vehicle 3 may comprise a chassis and two climbing means on each side of the chassis along the second direction X. The climbing means are, for example, arranged at the four corners of the chassis and between the chassis and one of the storage racks 2 along the second direction X.The climbing means therefore make it possible to ensure movement along the first Z direction of the vehicle along the storage racks 2, typically cooperating with climbing elements arranged on the uprights 21 along the first Z direction.

[0060] The climbing means 31 may include at least one motorized gear, preferably several motorized gears, typically at the four corners of the vehicle chassis. The gear or each gear is configured to mesh with a climbing element 24, which may typically be a rack or a roller chain, extending along the height of a post 21. The vehicle can thus access one of the slots in the column of slots accessible from the respective vertical circulation column in order to place or retrieve a container or bin from the slot in the second direction X.To achieve this, the vehicle may include a gripping device comprising a support movable relative to the chassis which is configured to move from a retracted position for loading a bin onto the vehicle chassis and in which the support is housed on the chassis, to a deployed unloading position in which the movable support extends cantilevered from the chassis. chassis for unloading / depositing the tray and as for example known in itself from document EP3638607A1 of the present Applicant.

[0061] The transport and storage installation 1 further comprises at least one maintenance system 10 configured to travel in at least one traffic aisle 4. The maintenance system is specifically configured to allow an operator to perform operations at height, in particular assembly and / or maintenance operations, and especially vehicle maintenance. Indeed, during operation, the vehicle may become stuck at height in a vertical traffic column, for example, following a breakdown. For instance, the vehicle may end up at an angle, braced against the climbing elements, meaning that the vehicle chassis is inclined relative to a horizontal plane perpendicular to the first direction Z. The maintenance system 10 allows an operator to intervene at height to free the vehicle.

[0062] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate two views of two storage racks 2 delimiting a circulation aisle 4 between them and an example of a maintenance system 10 according to this disclosure, in particular for an intervention in said circulation aisle.

[0063] The maintenance system 10 comprises a base chassis 11 adapted for travel on the ground in at least one traffic aisle 4, a mobile platform 12 for receiving an operator, and a lifting device 13 interposed between the mobile platform 12 and the base chassis 11. The base chassis may include a motorized or non-motorized vehicle. The base chassis 11 may include two pairs of wheels 14 for the movement of the maintenance system 10 on the floor of the transport and storage facility. The mobile platform 12 notably comprises a base, extending substantially in a plane perpendicular to the first direction Z, and a guardrail, extending around the periphery of the base. The base and the guardrail form a basket for receiving the operator.

[0064] The lifting device 13 comprises at least a base part fixed to the base frame 11, a movable part fixed to the mobile platform 12, and an extension mechanism configured to extend the movable part vertically to raise the mobile platform 12 and retract it towards the base frame 11 in a position with minimal vertical obstruction of the maintenance system 10. The extension mechanism configured to extend the movable part vertically to raise the mobile platform 12 and retract it towards the base frame 11 in a position with minimal vertical obstruction of the maintenance system 10 may, in particular, include at least one, for example, one or more, telescopic masts or a scissor lift mechanism. Such a vehicle-mounted maintenance system capable of extending and retracting vertically offers the advantage of being mobile and flexible, thus facilitating movement and work at height within the installation. The maintenance system 10 can be easily moved, typically by repositioning the base frame, to the position with the least vertical footprint. Furthermore, such a maintenance system does not require the installation of structures, such as guides or anchors, on the floor or ceiling of the transport and storage facility. Consequently, this maintenance system facilitates the movement of AGV-type vehicles in the aisles and even under the storage racks, if applicable.

[0065] Furthermore, the maintenance system 10 includes a vertical guidance and stabilization device 50 for the mobile platform, comprising at least one guide member 51. The guidance and stabilization device includes at least one guide member 51 configured to cooperate with a storage rack upright 21 opening onto the respective traffic aisle 4. The vertical guidance and stabilization device is specifically configured to stabilize the mobile platform vertically by bearing against the uprights. This advantageously improves the stability of the maintenance system and consequently allows greater heights to be achieved with such a flexible and mobile maintenance system.

[0066] In summary, the maintenance system according to this disclosure offers the considerable advantage of being mobile, flexible, and compact, and of being able to reach a greater height compared to a maintenance vehicle without a guidance and stabilization device. Indeed, the guidance and stabilization device provides greater stability to the maintenance system, allowing an operator to safely perform operations at height while limiting the system's footprint and / or mass. Furthermore, such a maintenance system does not require additional infrastructure in the transport and storage facility. In fact, the maintenance system can move freely in the traffic aisles in both the second and third directions, respectively.

[0067] Preferably, said maintenance system 10 is such that the extension mechanism is configured to deploy the movable part to a maximum height of 10 m or more, in particular 12 m or more, and in particular 14 m or more. In this context, the base frame 11 may have a maximum footprint of less than 1500 mm in length, in particular 1200 mm, and less than 750 mm in width, in particular 700 mm. The maintenance system may have a height of 2200 mm in its least bulky vertical position. The base frame 11 may advantageously have a mass of 500 kg or less. Footprint is understood to mean the maximum circumferential area occupied by the maintenance system on the ground. These characteristics ensure flexibility and maneuverability of the maintenance system, due to an The maintenance system has a reduced footprint in terms of both ground area and weight, while still allowing for a high maximum working height. Furthermore, the maintenance system's footprint is advantageously such that it corresponds to that of a conventional commercial mobile elevating work platform, as previously described. In particular, the mobile platform's footprint can be compared to that of the basket and mast assembly of such a conventional mobile elevating work platform. This disclosure therefore allows for the easy adaptation of a commercial mobile elevating work platform, specifically by adding the vertical guidance and stabilization device, to enable the mobile platform to be raised to a greater height than the conventional mobile elevating work platform without requiring an increase in the conventional mobile elevating work platform's footprint for stability.

[0068] The vertical guidance and stabilization device is described in more detail below.

[0069] Reference is made to Figures 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, which schematically illustrate a top view of examples of two storage racks separating a circulation aisle 4 and a maintenance system 10 positioned in said circulation aisle 4. It should be noted that the various embodiments described below can be combined.

[0070] Generally, the mobile platform 12 and / or the moving part of the extension mechanism 13 may include the vertical guidance and stabilization device 50. Indeed, since the moving part of the extension mechanism is integral with the mobile platform, the guidance and stabilization device can be positioned on this moving part while allowing the guidance and stabilization of the mobile platform during its extension and retraction. In short, the vertical guidance and stabilization device should advantageously be capable of rising and retracting with the chassis, accompanying the raising and lowering movement of the mobile platform to ensure its vertical guidance and stabilization. Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8 schematically illustrate examples where the mobile platform includes the vertical guidance and stabilization device. [Fig.Figure 9 schematically illustrates an example where the moving part of the extension mechanism 13 includes the vertical guidance and stabilization device. It is also possible that the mobile platform 12 and the moving part of the extension mechanism 13 each include a vertical guidance and stabilization device (not shown in the figures).

[0071] Furthermore, the vertical guidance and stabilization device 50 preferably comprises at least one pair of guide members 51. Each guide member of the pair of guide members is, in particular, configured to bear on a respective upright 21 in the same direction but in the opposite direction to a support of the other guide element of the pair of guide elements on a respective post 21. This ensures better stability of the mobile platform when guiding the mobile platform in height.

[0072] The guide elements of a pair, in particular of each pair, of guide elements may be designed to cooperate with two uprights 21 positioned respectively on either side of a respective traffic aisle 4, as illustrated in Figures 5, 6, 7, and 9. This ensures guidance of the mobile platform on either side of the respective traffic aisle. Alternatively, the guide elements of a pair, in particular of each pair, of guide elements may be designed to cooperate with the same upright 21, or with two uprights 21 positioned on the same row of uprights. Figure 8 illustrates an example of a guidance and stabilization device comprising a pair of guide elements, each guide element of the pair being positioned respectively on either side of the same upright and designed to cooperate with said upright.

[0073] Furthermore, the vertical guidance and stabilization device 50 may comprise one pair of guide elements 51, two pairs of guide elements 51, or more than two pairs of guide elements. The number of pairs of guide elements, their configuration, and their positioning relative to the maintenance system are specifically adapted to ensure the vertical stability of the mobile platform and the moving part of the extension mechanism. The number of pairs of guide elements and their positioning may, in particular, correspond to the length of the mobile platform and the maximum height for the deployment of the moving part of the extension mechanism.

[0074] However, it is also conceivable to implement a guidance and stabilization device 50 comprising an odd number of guide elements 51, the important thing being that the number of guide elements 51, their configuration and their positioning ensures the stability of the mobile platform, in particular in a plane substantially perpendicular to the first direction Z, during its vertical extension and during its retraction.

[0075] Figures 5 and 6 schematically represent examples of a vertical guidance and stabilization device comprising two pairs of guide members. Generally, the two pairs of guide members can advantageously be spaced so as to cooperate with consecutive uprights in a row of uprights. The guide members of the two pairs of guide members can be arranged, for example, at the four corners of the moving platform.

[0076] Figures 7, 8 and 9 schematically represent examples of a vertical guidance and stabilization device comprising a pair of guiding elements. The The pair of guide members can be arranged at one end of the moving platform along the third direction Y, opposite the moving part of the extension mechanism, as illustrated in [Fig. 7]. In the example shown in [Fig. 7], the guide members of the pair of guide members are intended to cooperate with two uprights 21 positioned respectively on either side of a respective traffic aisle 4. The pair of guide members can alternatively be arranged at a substantially median position on the moving platform along the third direction Y, as illustrated in [Fig. 8]. In the example shown in [Fig. 8], the guide members of the pair of guide members are intended to cooperate with the same upright 21. The pair of guide members can alternatively be arranged at a substantially median position on the moving part of the extension mechanism along the third direction Y, as illustrated in [Fig. 9].In the example illustrated in [Fig.9], the guide members of the pair of guide members are intended to cooperate with two uprights 21 positioned respectively on either side of a respective traffic aisle 4.

[0077] As previously stated, it is also possible to implement more than two pairs of guide elements. For example, the vertical guidance and stabilization device may comprise three pairs of guide elements. The mobile platform can then extend lengthwise over three successive uprights.

[0078] Furthermore, the guide member 51 can be configured to cooperate with different upright profiles. More specifically, the guide member 51 can be configured to bear against at least one bearing surface of a respective upright, the bearing surface extending along a plane whose normal is perpendicular to the first Z direction. For example, the guide member can be configured to bear against a single bearing surface, or two bearing surfaces of a respective upright, or even more than two bearing surfaces. The cooperation of the guide members with the bearing surfaces is particularly suitable for preventing movement of the guiding and stabilizing device in a plane perpendicular to the first Z direction when it is engaged on the uprights.

[0079] When the guiding member is configured to bear against a single bearing surface, the plane of the bearing surface may advantageously have a component along the second direction X and a component along the third direction Y. Figure 6 illustrates such an example where the guiding and stabilizing device comprises four guiding members, each configured to bear against a single bearing surface of a respective upright. This configuration makes it possible to lock the movement of the guiding and stabilizing device in a plane perpendicular to the first direction Z when it is engaged on the uprights.

[0080] When the guiding element is configured to come against two bearing surfaces, The planes of the bearing surfaces are advantageously non-collinear with respect to each other. This configuration allows the movement of the guiding and stabilizing device to be locked in a plane perpendicular to the first Z direction when it is engaged on the uprights. Figures 5, 7, 8, and 9 schematically illustrate examples in which the guiding element is configured to bear against two bearing surfaces. The plane of one of the two bearing surfaces may have a normal perpendicular to the second X direction, while the plane of the other bearing surface may have a normal perpendicular to the third Y direction. Such an example is shown in [Fig. 5]. Alternatively, the planes of the two bearing surfaces may each have a component along the second X direction and a component along the third Y direction, as illustrated in Figures 7, 8, and 9.

[0081] Furthermore, the vertical guidance and stabilization device 50 may advantageously include a deployment mechanism 57 configured to move said at least one guide member 51 of the vertical guidance and stabilization device 50 from a position clear of an upright 21 to a position engaged with the respective upright 21. Figures 10A and 10B illustrate an example of a maintenance system 10, respectively, in a clear position and in an engaged position of the at least one guide member 51. The implementation of a deployment mechanism advantageously reduces the overall size of the maintenance system when the at least one guide member is not engaged on the respective upright, particularly when the maintenance system is moving through a traffic aisle.

[0082] The deployment mechanism may include, or even consist of, a mechanical deployment mechanism. A mechanical deployment mechanism is defined as a deployment mechanism capable of being manually triggered by an operator. For example, the deployment mechanism 57 may include at least one clamping device, such as a mechanical toggle clamp, configured to deploy or retract at least one guide member. The at least one guide member may, in particular, be mounted on a bar, the bar being mounted to the clamping device. The clamping device then allows the bar to be deployed and retracted. In particular, several guide members, for example two guide members, may be mounted on the same bar, as illustrated in Figures 10A and 10B.

[0083] However, other deployment mechanisms can be considered. For example, the deployment mechanism may include, or even consist of, a motorized deployment mechanism, an electromagnet deployment mechanism, or a hydraulic deployment mechanism comprising a hydraulic and / or pneumatic cylinder, for example.

[0084] In addition, the vertical guidance and stabilization device 50 may include a A prestressing mechanism 54 is designed to exert pressure on at least one guide member 51 against a post 21. This compensates for any play between the guide member and the post along its length. In particular, when attempting to reach high heights, as in this disclosure, the post may deflect in the first Z direction. The prestressing mechanism compensates for this deflection and ensures the stability of the moving platform up to its maximum height.

[0085] According to an embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 11], the preloading mechanism 54 comprises a spring member 55 configured to elastically constrain said at least one guide member 51 on the upright 21 by compensating for play in the height of the uprights 21. The deployment mechanism may include an operating device configured to move said at least one spring member 55 from a state of lesser constraint, or even unconstrained, in the disengaged position of said at least one guide member 51 to a state of greater constraint of said at least one guide member 51, in the engaged position of the guide member 51.

[0086] Furthermore, at least one guide element is advantageously configured to provide linear guidance of the mobile platform 12 along the respective upright 21. The guidance must, in particular, ensure that the guide element is supported against the moment while limiting friction between the guide element and the respective upright.

[0087] In particular, said at least one guide member 51 of said vertical guidance and stabilization device 50 may include at least one vertical guide wheel intended to roll against a post 21. The guide member 51 may, for example, include one or two guide wheels. The vertical guide wheel notably has an axis of rotation perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the post 21.

[0088] Alternatively, the guide member can be configured to provide linear ball guidance of the moving platform 12 along the respective upright 21. More specifically, the guide member may comprise balls arranged in a cage, and the respective upright may have at least one guide groove with a shape complementary to that of the balls to allow the balls to roll against at least one of the respective guide grooves. This type of guidance reduces friction and contact pressures between the surfaces of the guide member and the upright, thus providing precise movement of the guide member relative to the upright.

[0089] The guide element can be configured to provide linear roller guidance of the mobile platform 12 along the respective upright 21. For this purpose, the guide element may comprise one or more cylindrical rollers. This type of guidance makes it possible to reduce friction between the guide element and the upright. This type of This type of guidance has the advantage of being more durable and able to support heavier loads than ball bearings.

[0090] The guide element can be configured to provide linear sliding guidance of the mobile platform 12 along the respective upright 21. This type of guidance reduces friction between the sliding surfaces of the guide element and the respective upright. This type of guidance is particularly advantageous for applications requiring rapid and repetitive movements.

[0091] The guide element can be configured to provide magnetic linear guidance of the mobile platform 12 along the respective upright 21. This type of guidance notably uses magnetic fields to support the load of the mobile platform. This type of guidance offers the advantage of limiting friction between the guide element and the upright, ensuring high precision and load capacity.

[0092] The guide member can be configured to provide linear sliding guidance of the mobile platform 12 along the respective upright 21. The guide member can be configured to cooperate with the respective upright in the form of a guide rail. In particular, the guide member and the respective upright are configured to be in surface-to-surface contact with each other so as to form a sliding joint. The guide member and the respective upright are, in particular, made of a material having a sufficiently low coefficient of friction to allow for proper operation of the sliding joint. The guide member and the guide rail can, for example, be made of steel. This solution has the advantage of being simple and inexpensive. It can be advantageous in applications requiring linear movements to travel long distances.However, this solution is less precise and less wear-resistant than the other guiding solutions described previously.

[0093] Reference is made to [Fig. 12], which schematically represents an enlarged view of a guiding element cooperating with an upright 21. Preferably, and generally, the climbing means 31 of one of at least one vehicle 3 arranged in a vertical circulation column and the vertical guidance and stabilization device 50 of the mobile platform 12 guided in an adjacent circulation column are configured to cooperate simultaneously with the same upright 21 of one of the storage racks 2 without hindering the movement, along the direction of the upright 21, of the respective vehicle 3 or the respective mobile platform 12 relative to said same upright 21. This feature advantageously allows the maintenance system to be brought as close as possible to a blocked vehicle in order to perform maintenance on it.

[0094] The climbing means 31, in particular schematically illustrated in [Fig. 12], can be A motorized gear of the vehicle engages with a climbing element 24 attached to a post 21, in particular a rack (or roller chain), only on a first lateral portion of said climbing element, adjacent to the vehicle's circulation column, while a second lateral portion of said climbing element 24, adjacent to the circulation column within which the maintenance system is guided, is left free for the movement of said guide element 51, in particular a roller bearing against the guide. The guide element 51, and more generally the mobile platform, can thus be moved vertically within a circulation column without interfering with an AGV-type vehicle stopped in an adjacent circulation column.The rack comprises a main wall 25 extending along the first direction Z and opposite the vertical circulation column, and two lateral walls 26, each arranged at a respective end of the main wall 26 along the third direction Y. Each lateral wall 26 extends along the first direction Z and projects from the main wall along the second direction X. It is noted that said guide member 51 may be a roller comprising in particular: . - a first rolling surface 53 configured to ensure the guidance of the platform by cooperating in rolling with a first guide surface 27 of one of the lateral walls 26 of the rack, in order to ensure stabilization of the mobile platform along the second direction X, - a projecting shoulder 52 of the running surface 53 configured to cooperate with a second guide surface 28 of one of the side walls 26 of the rack in order to ensure stabilization of the moving platform along the third direction Y.

[0095] Furthermore, generally, said base frame 11 can be equipped with at least one horizontal guide device 60 extending lengthwise along the base frame 11 and configured to cooperate with storage rack elements 2, at discontinuous positions along the length of the maintenance aisle 4, in order to guide the maintenance system 10 along the maintenance aisle 4. This makes it easier to correctly position the maintenance system in the maintenance aisle 4, thereby facilitating the maneuverability of the maintenance system and its engagement with the uprights.

[0096] Figure 13 schematically illustrates a maintenance method, according to one aspect of this disclosure, for a transport and storage facility 1 when a vehicle is stuck high up in a vertical circulation column of the transport and storage facility 1.

[0097] In general, the process comprises: - move El the maintenance system 10 up to a circulation column vertical 41 following a vertical traffic column 41 in which a vehicle 3 is blocked, - couple E2, the guide element of the vertical guidance and stabilization device 50, with a post 21 opening onto the respective traffic aisle 4, - deploy E3 the mobile platform 12 at the level of the blocked vehicle 3.

[0098] The method according to this disclosure therefore offers the advantage of being easily implemented while ensuring the safety of an operator during work at height. The vehicle can be unlocked manually by an operator according to step E4. It is also possible to consider equipping the platform with a robotic gripper to ensure the unlocking and gripping of the vehicle.

Claims

Demands

1. Maintenance system (10) for a transport and storage installation (1) comprising storage racks (2) arranged to form at least one aisle (4) for circulation between two respective storage racks (2), the storage racks (2) having vertical uprights (21), the maintenance system (10) comprising: - a base frame (11) capable of traveling on the ground in the at least one aisle (4) for circulation, - a mobile platform (12) intended to accommodate an operator, - a lifting device (13) interposed between the mobile platform (12) and the base frame (11), the lifting device (13) comprising at least a base part integral with the base frame (11), a moving part integral with the mobile platform (12),and an extension mechanism configured to deploy the movable part vertically in order to raise the mobile platform (12) and retract it towards the base frame (11) in a position of least vertical obstruction of the maintenance system (10), characterized in that the maintenance system (10) comprises a vertical guidance and stabilization device (50) for the mobile platform (12), the vertical guidance and stabilization device (50) comprising at least one guide element (51) configured to cooperate with an upright (21) opening onto the respective traffic aisle (4), and in that the mobile platform (12) comprises a base extending substantially along a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, and a guardrail extending around the periphery of the base.

2. Maintenance system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the vertical guidance and stabilization device (50) includes a deployment mechanism (57) configured to move said at least one guide member (51) of the vertical guidance and stabilization device (50) from a position clear of an upright (21) to a position engaged with the respective upright (21).

3. Maintenance system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one guiding member (51) is configured to provide linear guidance of the mobile platform (12) along the respective upright (21).

4. Maintenance system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims preceding, in which said at least one guide member (51) of said vertical guide and stabilization device (50) comprises at least one vertical guide wheel intended to roll against an upright (21), the vertical guide wheel having an axis of rotation perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the upright (21).

5. Maintenance system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said vertical guidance and stabilization device (50) includes a preload mechanism (54) for exerting pressure on said at least one guide member (51) against an upright (21).

6. Maintenance system (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the preload mechanism (54) includes a spring member (55) configured to elastically constrain said at least one guide member (51) on the upright (21) by compensating for play in the height of the uprights (21).

7. Maintenance system (10) according to claims 2 and 6, wherein the deployment mechanism (57) comprises an operating device configured to move said at least one spring member (55) from a state of less constraint, or even unconstrained, in the disengaged position of said at least one guide member (51) to a state of greater constraint of said at least one guide member (51), in the engaged position of the guide member (51).

8. Maintenance system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical guidance and stabilization device (50) comprises at least one pair of guide members (51), intended to cooperate with uprights (21) positioned respectively on either side of a respective traffic aisle (4).

9. Maintenance system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said maintenance system (10) is such that the extension mechanism is configured to deploy the movable part up to a maximum height greater than or equal to 10 m, in particular greater than or equal to 12 m, the maintenance system (10) having a mass less than or equal to 500 kg, and having, in particular the base chassis (11), a maximum footprint: - less than 1500 mm in length, and in particular 1200 mm, - less than 750 mm in width, in particular 700 mm.

10. Maintenance system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base frame (11) comprises two pairs of wheels (14) for the circulation of the system (10) on the ground.

11. Maintenance system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said base frame (11) is equipped with at least one horizontal guide device (60) extending lengthwise along the base frame (11) and configured to cooperate with storage rack elements (2), of discontinuous positions along the length of the maintenance aisle (4) in order to ensure the guidance of the maintenance system (10) along the maintenance aisle (4).

12. Maintenance system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension mechanism configured to deploy the movable part vertically in order to raise the mobile platform (12) and retract it towards the base chassis (11) in the least vertically obtrusive position of the maintenance system (10) comprises at least one telescopic mast or a scissor lifting mechanism.

13. A transport and storage installation (1) comprising storage racks (2) having consecutive columns of slots, the storage racks (2) being arranged to form at least one aisle (4) of circulation between two respective storage racks (2), the storage racks (2) having vertical uprights (21), the installation (1) further comprising a maintenance system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims configured to travel in at least one aisle (4) of circulation, at least one guide member (51) of the vertical guide and stabilization device (50) of the maintenance system (10) being configured to cooperate with an upright (21) of a storage rack giving access to a respective aisle (4).

14. Installation (1) according to the preceding claim, each of the at least one aisle (4) of circulation, between two respective storage racks (2), being formed of a plurality of consecutive vertical circulation columns (41), each vertical circulation column (41) serving at least one respective column of cells, wherein the installation (1) further comprises at least one automated vehicle (3) configured to ascend or descend in a vertical circulation column (41), each of the at least one vehicle (3) comprising climbing means adapted to cooperate with uprights (21) of the storage racks (2) adjoining said vertical circulation column (41).

15. Installation (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the climbing means of one of at least one vehicle (3) arranged in a vertical circulation column and the vertical guidance device and stabilization (50) of the mobile platform (12) guided in an adjacent traffic column, are configured to cooperate simultaneously with the same upright (21) of one of the storage racks (2) without hindering the movement, along the direction of the upright (21), of the respective vehicle (3) or of the respective mobile platform (12) relative to said same upright (21).

16. A method for maintaining an installation (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 15, the method comprising: - move (El) the maintenance system (10) to a vertical traffic column (41) consecutive to a vertical traffic column (41) in which a vehicle (3) is blocked, - couple (E2) the guide element of the vertical guidance and stabilization device (50) with a post (21) opening onto the respective traffic aisle (4), - deploy (E3) the mobile platform (12) at the level of the blocked vehicle (3).