Interface for centering and support, and storage rack with such interface

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a mechanical centering and support interface (1) comprising: an upper first bearing portion (2) configured to abut against an upper portion of a vertical surface of a support column; a lower second bearing portion (6) configured to abut against a lower portion of the vertical surface of the support column; a support portion (4) with an upper support surface (FS) configured to positively support a load (W); a connecting centering portion (3) connecting the first bearing portion (2) and the proximal end (40) of the support portion (4) and having an upper guide surface (FG) for positively centering the load towards the support portion (4) upon load movement due to gravity; a reinforcement portion (5) connecting the support portion (4) and the second bearing portion (6).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure is in the field of warehouses, including storage racks, which typically comprise a vertical structure formed by a set of vertical uprights, often in the form of vertical metal sections.

[0002] Spacer devices, such as crosspieces or similar devices, connect the support columns. These spacer devices are distributed along the height of the vertical structure to ensure the stability of the storage rack. The spacer devices leave free storage rack spaces between them along the height of the storage rack, and these storage rack spaces are configured to support loads stacked at different height levels within the rack between the rack uprights.

[0003] To this end, a pair of mechanical interfaces are secured to the columns to ensure centering and support of various loads within the various storage rack spaces. [Background technology]

[0004] In the prior art known to the applicant, the mechanical connecting devices connecting the rack to the load are generally in the form of brackets, and conventionally each bracket comprises a cross section having three portions, namely: - an upper bearing part adapted to bear flat against two coplanar lateral surfaces of the two posts, ensuring the attachment of a mounting element, often a bracket, by means of rivets; a support extending substantially cantilevered from the support column, typically in a horizontal or near-horizontal direction and therefore substantially perpendicular to the first bearing part, and terminating in a free end; a connecting and centering portion that connects the bearing portion and the support portion, the connecting and centering portion having a guide surface that is inclined toward the support portion;

[0005] Each bracket extends longitudinally in a horizontal direction X and perpendicularly in a vertical direction Z1. The cross sections of the three sections are determined in a plane parallel to YZ. The inclined guide surfaces form ramps configured to ensure centering of the load by gravity, especially when the load is offset in the horizontal direction Y during unloading.

[0006] Such prior art brackets are conventionally obtained as a single piece by preforming, typically by roll forming techniques, on a metal sheet to form the three parts of the bracket.

[0007] This geometric shape in three parts (bearing, support, and connection) is codified in the field of storage systems that include racks and are served by a transport system that includes an automated guided vehicle, which can pick up and place items in the racks. Such storage systems are called ASRS, an abbreviation for "Automated Storage and Retrieval System."

[0008] Such a storage system is disclosed in particular in patent document 1 filed by the applicant.

[0009] As can be seen in the drawings of Patent Document 1, each bracket is formed as a single piece from a preformed metal sheet, the cross section of which consists of the three aforementioned sections which are used respectively to mount the bracket, to center the load, and finally to support the centered load.

[0010] As disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,929,999, an automated guided vehicle is configured to remove receptacles of products or items supported by brackets in storage racks and transport them to another location, typically another storage location or order preparation station, where the items are intended to be collected for assembly of an order for an end customer.

[0011] For this purpose, the automated guided vehicles can include robots with means of locomotion and guidance within the warehouse, either "shelf" robots that can move longitudinally in the aisle separating two racks, i.e., across the floor of the warehouse and capable of carrying a considerable load, or, in a preferred manner, robots that can move across the floor but also have mechanical climbing means that allow them to move vertically on the racks.

[0012] In this last configuration, the robot may have a chassis equipped with lifting means. Typically, at least two motorized cogwheels are configured to mesh with links of a substantially taut roller chain or teeth of a toothed rack extending along the shelf support. The cogwheels may typically have axes substantially perpendicular to the axes of the trolley drive wheels.

[0013] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, the trolley of the automated guided vehicle further has a gripping device including a support movable relative to the chassis, the support configured to move from a retracted loading position for holding a bin on the chassis of the vehicle, in which the support is typically housed on the chassis, and configured to move to an extended unloading position, in which the movable support typically extends in a cantilevered manner from the chassis to unload / set down the bin onto one of a pair of brackets of a storage rack.

[0014] Thus, an autonomous robot may also have movement and orientation means that allow it to move in three dimensions. In addition to the two planar dimensions typically associated with the floor on which the robot moves, there is a third vertical dimension associated with the rack the robot can ascend and descend. In this configuration, the robot has movement and elevating means and can move vertically by ascending and descending on warehouse shelves. Examples of this technology are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,229,499, but also in U.S. Pat. No. 6,229,499, ... and U.S. Pat. No. 6,229,499.

[0015] The present disclosure is in no way limited to storage systems that include this type of automotive vehicle that moves in three dimensions.

[0016] Therefore, from the viewpoint of the movement of the automated guided vehicles, their path can be in only two dimensions, i.e., in a plane. To this end, the autonomous vehicles have movement and orientation means that can enable such movement in these two dimensions. The floor of a warehouse, or more generally the floor of a warehouse system, may constitute the plane along which the autonomous vehicles move. One example illustrating this technology is available in U.S. Pat. No. 6,275,999. According to another known configuration, racks arranged in a warehouse define a flat surface on top thereof, on which the autonomous vehicles can also move. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,275,999 illustrates this technology.

[0017] The applicant is concerned with such storage and transport systems, and more particularly with systems involving automated vehicles that move in three dimensions.

[0018] By way of non-limiting indication, the receptacle may be a bin having a bottom wall and four side walls, typically having dimensions of 650 mm x 450 mm (length x width). The height of the bin may vary. The length (650 mm) typically extends parallel to the longitudinal direction X of the bracket, i.e., in the depth direction of the storage rack, parallel to the direction of insertion or extraction during loading or unloading operations.

[0019] A pair of brackets can be sized to support a single bin. Each bracket in the pair then typically has a length slightly greater than the length of the bin (650 mm). A pair of brackets may also be sized to support two bins side-by-side, at two offset positions along the length of the bracket. Each bracket is then typically sized to have a length slightly greater than twice the length of the bin (650 mm x 2, or 1300 mm).

[0020] Such storage and transport systems (including automated guided vehicles) are typically configured to support "light" loads, i.e., 30-40 kg per bin, typically 34 kg under operating conditions.

[0021] A pair of brackets for supporting one bin must be able to support a load of 34 kg and the repetitive loading / unloading operations associated with this load, while a pair of brackets for supporting two bins side by side must be able to withstand twice that load of 68 kg and the repetitive loading / unloading operations associated with this load.

[0022] Such storage and transport systems, especially storage racks carrying such bins, must be capable of supporting a load under safety buffer conditions, taking into account the potential increase in mass of the product contained in the bins when a fire extinguishing system sprays water onto the storage rack supporting the bins. Under safety buffer conditions, it is generally believed that the bins and the water-immersed product (contained in the bins) may reach a load of 100 kg. Such an increase in mass is particularly observed when the product or item contained in the receptacle has packaging made of a water-retentive material, typically cardboard or similar material capable of absorbing large amounts of water.

[0023] A pair of brackets for supporting one bin must be able to support a load of 100 kg, while a pair of brackets for supporting two bins side by side on the brackets must be able to withstand a load of 200 kg under safety buffer conditions.

[0024] Therefore, the sheet from which the bracket is made is typically designed to be thick enough to provide bracket rigidity that meets the following specifications: - not only to avoid deterioration / deformation of the brackets during use, but also to avoid fatigue under repeated stresses during operations of loading and unloading loads (i.e. bins filled with product), typically by a robot, on the brackets of a rack; - Under safety buffer conditions, take into account the mass increase, especially due to water spray.

[0025] Therefore, according to the prior art bracket designs (three-part cross section) described above, it is common to provide sheet metal (typically steel) having a thickness of about 2 mm (or more) to meet such specifications. Such a thickness to meet such specifications results in a linear density in the longitudinal direction X of the bracket of 1.8 kg / m or more, typically 1.8 kg / m to 2.4 kg / m. The inventors have observed that these brackets can account for nearly half of the weight of a storage rack (i.e., including the vertical supports, spacer devices, and vertical structure with said brackets).

[0026] In general, there is a constant need to reduce the amount of metal used in the manufacture of storage racks, the goal being to achieve economic savings as well as reduce the inherent environmental impact.

[0027] However, from Patent Document 8, a mechanical support interface formed by a single piece is known, which is obtained by roll-forming a metal sheet until a tubular metal section is obtained, which makes it possible to achieve improved performance in terms of rigidity, especially for "triangular hollow" metal sections. In particular, to obtain the hollow metal section, the roll-forming process provides for connecting two ends of the metal sheet, each consisting of a first edge of the sheet and an opposite, U-shaped second edge that surrounds this first edge and closes the hollow metal section. The two connected ends form a protrusion towards the rear of the interface, perpendicular to the support, which protrusion is configured to pass through a notch formed in the support.

[0028] Thus, US Pat. No. 6,299,649 discloses a support and centering interface comprising the following components separated by parallel folding / bending lines: - Inclined connecting centering section, - support part, - reinforcement, - A (single) support configured to provide continuous support against the vertical face of the support along the height of the support.

[0029] The inventors have found that the length of the deployed sheet of such a metal interface with a closed section is important.

[0030] Also known from patent document 9 is an interface comprising: - a one-piece body obtained by folding a metal sheet to form a first part, a connecting centering part, a support part and a reinforcing part, terminating in a second part, the different parts being separated by fold / bend lines; - Two support flanges that allow the main body to be securely attached to the two shelf posts.

[0031] Also known from US Pat. No. 5,999,233 is a support interface formed by a metal section from a sheet metal (or several metal sheets) with a closed cross section, except for a base having a continuous slit between two edges intended to engage with a mounting element. The preformed / roll-formed sheet thus defines a centering part, a support part and a reinforcing part, demarcated by parallel fold / bend lines.

[0032] According to the inventors' observations, in both Patent Document 9 and Patent Document 10, the preformed sheet defining the support, centering and reinforcing portions and forming the integral body cannot be fixed directly to the surface of the support column, but can only be fixed by specific attachment means at the interface, i.e. the support flange in Patent Document 9 or the attachment element in Patent Document 10. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0033] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 072432 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2018 / 189110 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2020 / 056175 [Patent Document 4] European Patent Application Publication No. 3288865 [Patent Document 5] International Publication No. 2022 / 089811 [Patent Document 6] International Publication No. 2007 / 149712 [Patent Document 7] International Publication No. 2015 / 104263 [Patent Document 8] German Patent Application Publication No. 102016120869 [Patent Document 9] Spanish Utility Model No. 1073137 [Patent Document 10] Swiss Patent Application Publication No. 551327 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0034] The present disclosure relates to a centering and support interface that is mechanical and configured to be cantilevered laterally from a storage rack column to ensure centering and support of a load on the storage rack.

[0035] A load can include a receptacle and the products or items contained within or on the receptacle. Typically, such a load can have a mass of 100 kg or less per receptacle, particularly per bin. A load can also include a receptacle, such as a pallet, that supports the products or items. Such a load can be much larger than 100 kg, for example, weighing 1 ton or more.

[0036] Receptacle is understood to mean any type of container or support capable of receiving and storing a product or item, in particular a bin, tray, or container of any type and shape, although this list is not intended to be exhaustive.

[0037] The present disclosure further relates to a storage rack comprising: - a vertical structure including a set of vertical supports; - a spacer system comprising one or typically several spacer devices distributed along the height of the vertical structure, the or each spacer device mechanically interconnecting the vertical struts and comprising in particular: - one or more pairs of mechanical interfaces according to the present disclosure.

[0038] The or each pair includes a first interface and a second interface cantilevered relative to a support post, the supports of the first interface and the second interface being oriented towards each other and configured to ensure: - centering the load inserted and placed between the first interface and the second interface by the effect of the connecting centering parts of the two interfaces, forming an inclined ramp; and then - supporting a load supported by the two supports of the two interfaces on both sides of the load.

[0039] The present disclosure further relates to a storage system comprising a storage rack according to the present disclosure and one or more receptacles configured to be supported within the storage rack, wherein the or each receptacle is supported by interface supports of a pair of interfaces.

[0040] The present disclosure finds particular application in the field of storage systems comprising at least one storage rack having at least one interface according to the present disclosure, at least one receptacle that can be stored on the rack, and a transport system including at least one automated guided vehicle, the transport system being capable of grasping and placing the receptacle in the rack.

[0041] Throughout this application, the term mechanical interface specifically refers to a mechanical connection device in the context of this disclosure, while the term bracket more generally refers to a mechanical connection device within the framework of the prior art.

[0042] This disclosure significantly improves this situation.

[0043] According to a first aspect, in order to ensure centering and support of a load on a rack, a centering and support interface is proposed, which is mechanically configured to be fixed laterally cantilevered from a support column of the rack, the support column extending in a vertical direction Z1, said interface comprising: - an upper first bearing portion configured to abut against an upper portion of the vertical surface of the support column to ensure attachment of the interface to the support column; - a lower second bearing part configured to abut against a lower part of the vertical surface of the support column; a support having an upper support surface configured to positively support the load, the support extending from a proximal end to a distal end at increasing distances from the first bearing portion and the second bearing portion; a connecting centering portion connecting the first bearing portion and the proximal end of the support portion, the connecting centering portion having an upper guide surface that ensures that movement of the load due to gravity centers the load towards the support portion; a reinforcing portion connecting the distal end of the support portion and the second bearing portion to form a reinforcing leg;

[0044] The features described in the following paragraphs may be implemented in any order, either independently of one another or in combination with one another.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the interface is made of metal, typically steel, and the interface has a linear density in the longitudinal direction X1 of less than or equal to 1.5 kg / m, in particular between 0.8 kg / m and 1.3 kg / m.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the interface comprises a body made in one piece formed by a continuously extending preformed metal sheet, forming, from top to bottom along the direction of the struts, the following in sequence: - a first bearing part; - connecting centering part, - support part, - reinforcement, and - Second bearing part.

[0047] The first bearing portion, the connecting centering portion, the support portion, the reinforcing portion, and the second bearing portion are each defined by folding / bending lines of the metal sheet that are oriented along the longitudinal direction of the interface and parallel to one another, and include: - a first fold / bending line between the first bearing part and the connecting centering part; - a second fold / bending line between the connecting centering part and the support part; - a third fold / bend line between the support part and the reinforcement part; a fourth fold / bend line between the reinforcement part and the second bearing part.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the metal sheet is less than or equal to 1.5 mm, typically between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, in particular the thickness of the metal sheet is less than or equal to 1 mm, more particularly between 0.5 mm and 1 mm.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the developed length of the metal sheet in a cross section perpendicular to the fold / bending line is between 170 mm and 210 mm.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the first bearing part and / or the second bearing part are provided with several mounting tabs and are configured to ensure mounting of a metal section forming a support post having mounting openings by inserting one or more mounting tabs into one or more mounting openings of this metal section.

[0051] According to one embodiment, at least one of the downwardly directed tabs is configured to hook into the mounting opening and includes a lift-prevention device including a resilient tooth configured to abut the upper edge of the mounting opening and resist unhooking of the mounting tab.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the first bearing part and / or the second bearing part include openings for attachment members such as rivets.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the first bearing part is double-skinned, obtained by folding a metal sheet onto itself, the mounting opening traversing the two skins.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the first bearing part and the second bearing part are coplanar and extend in a plane X1Z1 parallel to the vertical plane of the support where the first bearing part and the second bearing part abut at two positions on the support that are offset along the vertical direction Z1 of the support.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the connecting centering part extends from the first bearing part to the proximal end of the support part in a direction inclined at an angle A1 between 25° and 45°, for example 33°, with respect to the vertical direction Z1, ensuring a downward inclination of the guide surface towards the support part.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the connecting centering portion extends from the first bearing portion to the proximal end of the support portion in a direction inclined at an angle A10 between 45° and 65° with respect to a horizontal direction Y1, the horizontal direction Y1 being perpendicular to the first bearing portion and the second bearing portion.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the support extends from its proximal end to its distal end at a downward inclination at a non-zero angle A2 between 0° and 5° relative to a horizontal direction Y1, the horizontal direction Y1 being perpendicular to the first bearing portion and the second bearing portion.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the reinforcing portion extends from the distal end of the support portion to the second bearing portion, approaching the second bearing portion, inclined downward at an angle A3 of 5° to 30° relative to the horizontal direction Y1, the horizontal direction Y1 being perpendicular to the first bearing portion and the second bearing portion.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the interface extends longitudinally in a horizontal direction X1 parallel to the first bearing part and the second bearing part, and along the direction X1 includes: - an open first end configured to allow insertion or extraction of a load by movement of the load along the direction X1; a closed second end, the second end comprising stop means projecting upward from the connecting centering part and / or the support part and configured to stop the load upon insertion of the load along the direction X1.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the stopping means comprises: - a first stop formed by a tab of sheet metal and protruding from the connecting centering part via a fold / bend line between the first stop and the connecting centering part; - a second stop formed by a tab of a metal sheet and protruding from the support through a fold / bending line extending between the second stop and the support, Advantageously, the tab forming the first stop and the tab forming the second stop have two overlapping portions of the tabs fixed to each other by at least one connection point fixing the tabs to each other, this connection point being typically obtained by welding, clinking (press joining) or stapling.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the interface may consist of the body being formed by a preformed metal sheet and made in one piece.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the interface may consist, in cross section in a plane parallel to the plane Y1Z1, of five parts: - a first bearing part; - connecting centering part, - support part, - reinforcement, - Second bearing part.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the second bearing portion extends between the fourth fold / bend line and the lower free end of the preformed metal sheet.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the first bearing portion extends between the first fold / bend line and the upper free end of the preformed metal sheet.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the first bearing portion and the second bearing portion extend outward in two opposite directions from the first fold / bend line and the fourth fold / bend line, respectively.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the cross section of the preformed metal sheet in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the fold / bend lines is an open cross section.

[0067] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a storage rack comprising: - a vertical structure with a set of vertical supports, - a spacer system comprising one or more spacer devices arranged along the height of the vertical structure and mechanically interconnecting the supports; - one or more pairs of interfaces according to the present disclosure, wherein the or each pair of interfaces comprises: a first interface fixed to at least two columns of a vertical structure by a first bearing portion and a second bearing portion; a second interface fixed to at least two other columns of the vertical structure by a first bearing portion and a second bearing portion; The support portion and the connecting centering portion belonging to the first interface and the second interface, respectively, are oriented towards each other and are configured to ensure: - centering a load inserted and placed between the first interface and the second interface by virtue of the connecting centering portion of the two interfaces; - supporting a load supported by the two supports of the two interfaces on both sides of the load.

[0068] According to a third aspect, the present disclosure relates to a storage system for a warehouse, comprising: a receptacle; and at least one storage rack according to the present disclosure, the storage rack including several pairs of interfaces distributed along a height of the storage rack, each receptacle configured to be supported simultaneously on both sides of the receptacle by a support portion of a first interface and a support portion of a second interface, respectively. The storage system can have a transport system including at least one automated guided vehicle, the transport system configured to grasp and place the receptacle within the storage rack.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the storage system, the vertical structure of the storage rack, in particular at least one support column, includes a toothed rack extending along the height of the vertical structure or a tensioned chain extending along the height of the vertical structure, and the at least one automated guided vehicle has a chassis carrying a mechanism for moving across a horizontal surface such as a floor, and lifting means including at least one gear configured to engage with a link of the toothed rack or tensioned chain so that the automated guided vehicle can ascend and descend the vertical structure of the storage rack.

[0070] The at least one automated guided vehicle may include a deployable loading / unloading system configured as follows: - loading the receptacle from a retracted first position on the chassis to a deployed second position in which the receptacle is centered and then supported by simultaneously resting on the first interface and the second interface; or - Pulling out the receptacle from the second position where it is placed on the first interface and the second interface of the pair of interfaces, and loading the receptacle into the pulled-in first position.

[0071] The present disclosure has particular application to loads including one or more receptacles held by a pair of mechanical interfaces supporting the receptacles, for loads of 100 kg per supported receptacle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0072] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a storage rack according to the present disclosure including a pair of mechanical interfaces according to the present disclosure, the first interface and the second interface being mechanical and oriented towards each other and configured to ensure guidance and support of a load, such as a receptacle (either empty or filled with product). [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a top view of the storage rack of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A] 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of a mechanical interface according to the present disclosure, obtained from a metal sheet with a thickness of 0.6 mm (±0.05 mm), comprising, from top to bottom: - first bearing part (in particular double skin), - connecting centering part, - support part, - reinforcement part, - second bearing part. [Figure 2B] 2B is a detail view of FIG. 2A showing a first bearing part obtained by folding the sheet onto itself to form a double skin, the first bearing part including openings through the two skins for attachment by rivets. [Figure 3A] 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of a mechanical interface according to the present disclosure obtained from a metal sheet with a thickness of 0.8 mm (±0.05 mm), comprising, from top to bottom: a first bearing part with one skin, a connecting centering part, a support part, a reinforcement part, a second bearing part. [Figure 3B] 3b is a detail view of FIG. 3a showing the first bearing part with one outer skin, the first bearing part including openings for attachment by rivets; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a mechanical interface according to a third embodiment, comprising a first bearing portion and a second bearing portion each including a first mounting tab configured to be inserted into a first opening in the upper portion of a metal section of a support and a second mounting tab configured to be inserted into a second opening in the lower portion, the first bearing portion including, among other things, resilient teeth of an anti-lifting device that engage with an upper edge of the first opening to prevent inadvertent disengagement from the first mounting tab. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a 1315 mm long interface (straight) according to a first embodiment configured to support two receptacles, specifically two bins (650 mm x 450 mm), along the length of the interface. [Figure 5B] A detailed view showing the fixation at the clamping point (or welding point) between the folded tab of the first stopper extending through the connecting centering portion and the folded tab of the second stopper extending through the support portion. [Figure 6A]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a length of interface (straight) configured to support two receptacles, specifically two bins (650 mm x 450 mm), along the length of the interface. [Figure 6B] A detailed view illustrating the folded tabs of the first stopper extending through the connecting centering portion and the folded tabs of the second stopper extending through the support portion, with the first stopper and second stopper overlapping. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a 657 mm long interface (straight) according to a third embodiment configured to support a single receptacle, specifically a single bin (650 mm x 450 mm), along the length of the interface. [Figure 7B] A detailed view illustrating the folded tabs of the first stopper extending the connecting centering portion and the folded tabs of the second stopper extending the support portion, with the first stopper and second stopper partially overlapping. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0073] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent from reading the following detailed description and examining the accompanying drawings.

[0074] The following figures and description are in most cases inherently specific in nature and therefore serve not only to provide a better understanding of this disclosure but also, where appropriate, to contribute to its definition.

[0075] The present disclosure therefore relates to a centering and support interface 1 that is mechanical and configured to be fixed so as to be laterally cantilevered from the rack's columns M1, M2, M3, M4 to ensure centering and support of a load W on the rack extending in a vertical direction Z1.

[0076] In FIG. 1A, generally, a horizontal direction X1 extends along the length of the mechanical interface 1, and a horizontal direction Y1 extends perpendicular to the direction X1.

[0077] In FIG. 1A, a pair of two interfaces 1 are shown, each interface 1 including: - an upper first bearing part 2 adapted to abut against the upper part of the vertical surface of the support to ensure attachment of the interface to the support; - a lower second bearing part 6 adapted to abut against the lower part of the vertical face of the support column.

[0078] The first bearing portion 2 is typically fixed to the support column by a mounting member such as a rivet or by a mounting tab, which will be described below. The second bearing portion 6 does not necessarily have to be fixed to the support column, but only needs to be in contact with the support column. However, the second bearing portion may also be fixed to the support column by a mounting member such as a rivet or by a mounting tab, which will be described below.

[0079] Each interface 1 may be fixed to a pair of posts, i.e., a first post M1 (or M3) and a second post M2 (or M4), typically at longitudinally offset positions along the interface 1. The interface may be coupled to two posts at each longitudinal end of the mechanical interface 1.

[0080] The first bearing part 2 is the upper part and is intended to ensure attachment of the interface to the support pillars and is configured to simultaneously support both the upper part of the vertical surface of the first support pillar M1 (or M3) and the upper part of the vertical surface of the second support pillar M2 (or M4).

[0081] The second bearing portion 6 is configured to be supported simultaneously by two pillars (M1 and M2 or M3 and M4) at the lower part of the vertical surface of the first pillar M1 (respectively M3) and the lower part of the vertical surface of the second pillar M2 (respectively M4).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the first bearing part 2 and the second bearing part 6 are coplanar and extend in a plane X1Z1 parallel to the vertical plane of the support pillars M1 (or M2), M3 (or M4), and the first bearing part 2 and the second bearing part 6 are supported at two positions on the support pillars (in particular the first support pillar M1 or the second support pillar M2) offset along the vertical direction Z1 of the support pillars M1, M2.

[0083] The height of the mechanical interface that can extend between the first bearing part 2 and the second bearing part 6 is typically between 7 cm and 11 cm, in particular between 8 cm and 10 cm, for example 89.2 mm (Figure 2A) or 93.3 mm (Figure 3A).

[0084] Such an interface further comprises a support part 4 with an upper support surface FS configured to ensure support of a load W. The support part 4 extends from a proximal end 40 to a distal end 41, spaced apart from the first bearing part 2 and the second bearing part 6.

[0085] The support 4 can extend from the proximal end 40 to the distal end 41 at an angle A2 that is inclined downward relative to the horizontal direction Y1, strictly greater than 0°, typically between 0° and 5°, and particularly between 1° and 3°, such as 2°. The selection of a non-zero angle is particularly important for centering the load to be stored on the rack. The direction Y1 is perpendicular to the first bearing 2 and the second bearing 6. The length of the support 4 from the proximal end 40 to the distal end 41 can be between 2 cm and 6 cm, particularly between 3 cm and 5 cm, for example 4 cm.

[0086] The interface 1 further provides a coupling centring part 3 that connects the first bearing part 2 with the proximal end 40 of the support part 4. The coupling centring part 3 has an upper guide surface FG that ensures centering of the load on the support part 4 via gravity load transfer.

[0087] For this purpose, the connecting centering part 3 can extend from the first bearing part 2 to the proximal end 40 of the support part 4 in a direction inclined relative to the vertical direction Z1, typically at an angle between 25° and 45°, for example 33°, to ensure a downward inclination of the guide surface FG towards the support part 4.

[0088] In particular, the connecting centering part 3 can extend from the first bearing part 2 to the proximal end 40 of the support part 4 in a direction inclined at an angle A10 between 45° and 65° with respect to the horizontal direction Y1, the direction Y1 being perpendicular to the first bearing part 2 and the second bearing part 6. The size of the connecting centering part 3 in the direction Y1 can be between 25 mm and 60 mm, for example, 32.1 mm in FIG. 2A, or 55 mm in one not shown example.

[0089] In all cases, the inclination angle A10 between the connecting centering part 3 and the horizontal direction Y1 is greater than the inclination angle A2 between the support part 4 and the horizontal direction Y1, which inclination angle A2 can be zero or preferably non-zero.

[0090] During the unloading operation, if centering is not successful, the guide surface FG cooperates with the load W to move it along the direction Y1 and away from the support posts connected to the first bearing part 2 and the second bearing part 6.

[0091] The reinforcing part 5 connects the distal end 41 of the support part 4 and the second bearing part 6 to form a reinforcing leg. The size of the interface in the direction Y1 can be 50 mm to 90 mm, in particular 60 mm to 80 mm, for example 74.5 mm in Figures 2A and 3A. This size is measured between the distal end 41 of the support part, the zone where the reinforcing part 5 and the distal end 41 are joined, on the one hand, and a plane passing through the first bearing part 2 and the second bearing part 6, on the other hand.

[0092] The reinforcing portion 5 can extend from the distal end 41 of the support portion 4 to the second bearing portion 6, approaching the second bearing portion 6 and inclining downward at an angle A3 between 5° and 30° with respect to the horizontal direction Y1, particularly when the direction Y1 is perpendicular to the first bearing portion 2 and the second bearing portion 6.

[0093] In general, the mechanical interface consists of five parts, which in cross section in a plane parallel to the plane Y1Z1 include: - a first bearing part 2, - connecting centering part 3, - support part 4, - reinforcement part 5, - second bearing part 6;

[0094] Such a design for the five-part interface 1 according to the present disclosure makes it possible to significantly reduce the mass of the mechanical interface, in particular in order to comply with the prescribed specifications relating to the maximum mass of the load under operational and / or safety buffer conditions, and compared to the three-part designs of the prior art, such as those in brackets.

[0095] For example, for the application of mechanical interfaces, in particular for supporting receptacles such as bins (650 mm x 450 mm), and in order to comply with the aforementioned conditions, i.e., a maximum of 34 kg under operating conditions and a maximum of 100 kg under safety buffer conditions, it is advantageous to obtain a linear density in the direction X1 along the length of the interface of less than or equal to 1.5 kg / m, in particular between 0.8 kg / m and 1.3 kg / m per 100 kg.

[0096] These linear density values ​​compare favorably with the linear density of prior art brackets, which must be 1.8 kg / m or greater, and very often 1.8 kg / m to 2.4 kg / m, along the longitudinal direction X of the bracket to meet these same specifications. This is a significant improvement, as the mass of an interface according to the present disclosure can be advantageously twice as light as a prior art bracket for the same effect and same material of interface / bracket, typically metal, typically steel, particularly galvanized steel, which has a density of 7 to 8, typically 7.8.

[0097] The mechanical interface 1 may comprise (or consist of) a body made in one piece formed by a continuously extending preformed metal sheet, typically along the struts M1;M2;M3;M4, typically continuously from top to bottom (in a plane parallel to the plane Y1Z1) to form the following cross section: - a first bearing part 2, - connecting centering part 3, - support part 4, - reinforcement part 5, - second bearing part 6;

[0098] Also, the first bearing part 2 and the second bearing part 6 extend outward in two opposite directions from the first fold line 23 and the fourth fold line 56, respectively, i.e. upwards from the first fold line 23 for the first bearing part 2 and downwards from the fourth fold line 56 for the second bearing part; - The cross section of the preformed metal sheet in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the fold / bend lines is an open cross section.

[0099] In general, and as shown in particular by way of example in the figures, the first bearing part 2, the connecting centering part 3, the support part 4, the reinforcement part 5 and the second bearing part 6 are defined respectively by mutually parallel fold / bending lines 23, 34, 45, 56 of a metal sheet (typically steel, in particular galvanized steel) oriented along the longitudinal direction X1 of the interface and comprising: a first fold / bending line 23 between the first bearing part 2 and the connecting centering part 3, a second fold / bending line 34 between the connecting centering part 3 and the support part 4, - a third fold / bending line 45 between the support part 4 and the reinforcement part 5, a fourth fold / bending line 56 between the reinforcement part 5 and the second bearing part 6;

[0100] The formation of said mechanical interfaces according to the present disclosure, in particular the fold / bend lines 23, 34, 45, 56, can typically be obtained by cold roll forming techniques, in particular at low cost.

[0101] The metal sheet can have a thickness of 1.5 mm or less, typically 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. In particular, the thickness of the metal sheet is 1 mm or less, more particularly between 0.5 mm and 1 mm. Figures 2A and 2B show one embodiment of a mechanical interface with a thickness of 0.6 mm ± 0.05 mm. Figures 3A and 3B show another embodiment of a mechanical interface with a thickness of 0.8 mm ± 0.05 mm. Both of these two examples in Figures 2A, 2B and 3A, 3B satisfy the aforementioned specifications (support for receptacles such as 650 mm × 450 mm bins, a maximum of 34 kg per bin under operating conditions, and a maximum of 100 kg per bin under safety buffer conditions).

[0102] These thickness values ​​should be compared to the 2 mm minimum thickness of prior art brackets while meeting the same specifications. Thus, as an example, the 0.8 mm thickness value according to the present disclosure in Figures 3A and 3B is reduced by a ratio equal to 2.5 compared to the prior art having a thickness value of 2 mm.

[0103] It should be noted that according to the present disclosure, the unfolded length of the sheet in a cross section perpendicular to the fold / bend lines 23, 34, 45, 56 can typically be between 170 mm and 210 mm. Such a range of values ​​is indeed lower when compared to the unfolded length in a cross section perpendicular to the fold / bend lines of the sheet of prior art brackets, but only by a ratio of 1.5.

[0104] As can be seen, the gain in reduced caliper (typically 2.5) from the design of the present disclosure is proportionally much greater than the increase in the deployed length of the sheet (typically 1.5). As a result, the advantageously desired mass loss from reduced caliper from the present disclosure significantly outweighs the undesirable mass increase from increased deployed length, thereby advantageously enabling reduced mass, e.g., linear densities of 0.8 kg / m to 1.3 kg / m to be achieved from the present disclosure, compared to the range of 1.8 kg / m to 2.4 kg / m in the prior art, while still meeting the above specifications.

[0105] Generally, the first bearing part 2 and / or the second bearing part 6 may be fixed to the support posts M1, M2, M3, M4 or even other beams of the rack, typically by means of attachment members such as rivets. For this purpose, the first bearing part 2 and / or the second bearing part 6 are provided with openings O2 for attachment members such as rivets.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the first bearing part 2 may be a double-skinned part obtained by folding a metal sheet onto itself, with the attachment opening O2 crossing the two skins. Such an embodiment makes it possible to strengthen the first bearing part, in particular against the risk of deformation / tear of the sheet in the contact area between the interface and the attachment member. Such an embodiment is shown for illustrative purposes in FIG. 2B, in which the thickness of the metal sheet is only 0.6 mm, while still complying with the aforementioned specifications. Such an embodiment is particularly applicable when a single-skinned first bearing part would be at risk of deformation / tear at the attachment.

[0107] According to one or more embodiments, and as particularly shown in the figures, the second bearing portion 6 can extend between the fourth fold / bend line 56 and the lower free end of the preformed metal sheet.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the first bearing portion 2 extends between the first fold / bending line 23 and the upper free edge of the preformed metal sheet.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the mechanical interface 1 extends longitudinally along a horizontal direction X1 that is parallel to the first bearing part 2 and the second bearing part 6, and the interface 1 can include along the longitudinal direction X1: an open first end E1 configured to allow insertion or extraction of a load by moving the load along the direction X1, in particular by sliding the load over the connecting centering part and / or by sliding the load over the support part; a closed second end E2 projecting upwards from the connecting centering part 3 and / or the support part 4 and provided with stop means B3, B4 configured to ensure stop of the load during insertion of the load along the direction X1.

[0110] 1B, a load W, particularly a receptacle, is inserted between a pair of interfaces 1A, 1B by moving the load along X1 in a direction from the first end E1 to the second end E2 of the interface 1. Note that the insertion of the load, particularly a receptacle, is performed from one side of the rack, on the side of the open first end E1, which is open in the sense that there are no stops at this end. The stops B3, B4 at the second end E2 are for safety and to ensure the load is stopped.

[0111] In addition, the stopping means B3, B4 may include: a first stop B3 formed by a tab of sheet metal and projecting from the connecting centering part 3 via a fold line between the first stop B3 and the connecting centering part 3; a second stopper B4 formed by a tab of sheet metal and protruding from the support part 4 via a fold line extending between the second stopper B4 and the support part 4;

[0112] The fold / bending lines between the first stop B3 and the connecting centering portion 3 or between the second stop B4 and the support portion 4 are typically oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X1 of the interface 1.

[0113] The tab forming the first stop B3 and the tab forming the second stop B4 can have two overlapping tab portions, in particular two overlapping tab portions in the Y1 and Z1 directions. According to one advantageous embodiment, the two tabs forming the two stops B3 and B4 are fixed to one another by at least one connection point that secures the tabs to one another, typically obtained by welding, clinking (press bonding), or stapling. Such connection points that secure the tabs of the stops to one another strengthen the mechanical interface 1.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the first bearing part 2 and / or the second bearing part 6 are provided with several mounting tabs 7 configured to ensure mounting of a metal section forming a post having mounting openings along its height by inserting one or more mounting tabs into one or more mounting openings in the metal section.

[0115] These tabs 7 are typically fabricated integrally with the metal sheet, point downward, and are configured to hook into the mounting openings of the posts. Thus, posts M1, M2, M3, and M4 typically take the form of metal sections. Each interface 1, 1A, and 1B, particularly the right or left, can have two pairs of tabs: a first pair of tabs 7 configured to hook into two mounting openings at two height levels of the first post M1 (or M3), and a second pair of tabs 7 configured to hook into two mounting openings of the second post M4 (or M5). As shown in FIG. 7B, the two tabs of each pair are disposed on the first bearing portion 2 and the second bearing portion 6, respectively.

[0116] According to one embodiment, at least one of the downwardly disposed tabs 7 is configured to hook into the mounting opening and can advantageously be provided with an anti-lifting device comprising a resilient tooth 8 configured to abut the upper edge of the mounting opening and oppose the unhooking of the mounting tab 7, as can be seen, for example, in Figure 4. The resilient tooth 8 can typically be made integral with the metal sheet.

[0117] The present disclosure further relates to a storage rack comprising: - vertical structures, including a set of vertical supports M1, M2, M3, M4, usually in the form of vertical metal sections; a spacer system, typically comprising one or more spacer devices distributed along the height of the vertical structure and mechanically interconnecting the supports M1, M2, M3, M4; - one or more pairs of interfaces 1 according to the present disclosure.

[0118] The or each pair of interfaces includes: a first interface 1A fixed by a first bearing 2 and a second bearing 6 to at least two supports M1, M2 of a vertical structure; - a second interface 1B fixed by a first bearing part 2 and a second bearing part 6 to at least two other supports M3, M4 of the vertical structure.

[0119] The two left and right interfaces 1A and 1B are oriented longitudinally along the direction X1 and are typically symmetrical with respect to each other at a central plane of symmetry between the two interfaces 1A and 1B.

[0120] The support portion 4 and the connecting centering portion 3 that are part of each of the first interface 1A and the second interface 1B are oriented toward each other and are configured to reliably center a load W inserted and positioned between the first interface 1A and the second interface 1B by the action of the connecting centering portions 3 of the two interfaces 1A, 1B, and to support the load W supported by the two support portions 4 of the two interfaces 1A, 1B, respectively, on both sides of the load.

[0121] The present disclosure further relates to a storage system for a warehouse, the storage system including at least one storage rack according to the present disclosure including a receptacle and several mating interfaces distributed along the height of the storage rack, and at least one transport system including one (or more) automated guided vehicles, the transport system configured to grasp the receptacle and place it within the storage rack.

[0122] Each receptacle is configured to be supported simultaneously on both sides of the receptacle by the support portion 4 of the first interface 1A and the support portion 4 of the second interface 1B, respectively.

[0123] The automated guided vehicle may have means for movement and positioning within the storage system. In particular, it may have two-dimensional means for movement in a horizontal plane and / or three-dimensional means of movement. According to the latter variant, the vehicle can move vertically along the rack support.

[0124] For this purpose, the vertical structure of the storage rack, in particular at least one support column, can include a toothed rack CR1, CR2 extending along the height of the vertical structure, or a taut chain extending along the height of the vertical structure.

[0125] The automated guided vehicle has a chassis carrying a mechanism for moving, in particular across the floor, and lifting means including at least one gear configured to engage with a toothed rack CR1, CR2 or a link of a taut chain so that the automated guided vehicle can move up and down the vertical structure of the storage rack.

[0126] The automated guided vehicle is equipped with a deployable loading / unloading system that is configured as follows: - loading the receptacle from a retracted first position on the chassis to a deployed second position in which the receptacle is centered and supported by simultaneously resting on the first interface 1A and the second interface 1B; or - Pulling out the receptacle from the second position where it is placed on the first interface 1A and the second interface 1B of the pair of interfaces 1A, 1B, and loading the receptacle into the pulled-in first position.

[0127] An interface according to the present disclosure, or a storage rack according to the present disclosure, or a system for transporting a load W according to the present disclosure is applicable to loads including one or more receptacles held by a pair of mechanical interfaces supporting the one or more receptacles, up to a maximum of 100 kg per supported receptacle, particularly under safety buffer conditions.

[0128] The load consists of receptacles in the form of receptacles weighing a maximum of 34 kg per receptacle under operating conditions, or a maximum of 100 kg per receptacle for loads equipped with safety buffers. Thus, a load equipped with safety buffers for an interface holding two bins of dimensions 650 mm x 450 mm and variable height can reach 200 kg when filled with water after activation of the automatic watering system.

[0129] Although the interface according to the present disclosure has been described above primarily in its application as a support for low loads (less than 100 kg per receptacle, in particular per bin), it will be understood that the present disclosure is not absolutely limited to supporting light loads, but is also suitable for supporting heavier loads such as pallets, and that substantial increases in mass can also be achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 1 Mechanical Interface 1A, 1B First and second interface 2 First bearing part 3 Connecting centering section 4 Support part 40, 41 (of the support) proximal end and distal end 5 Reinforcement 6 Second bearing part 23 First fold / bending line 34 Second Fold / Bend Line 45 Third Fold / Bend Line 56 Fourth Fold / Bend Line 7 Mounting tabs 8 Elastic teeth (lifting prevention device) FS support surface (support part 4) FG guide surface (connection centering part 3) E1 First end (open) E2 Second end (closed) B3 Stopper (connection centering part) B4 Stopper (support part) M1, M2, M3, M4 struts ETR spacer device O2 mounting opening

Claims

1. A mechanical centering and support interface (1) configured to be cantilevered laterally from the support columns (M1, M2, M3, M4) of a rack extending in a vertical direction (Z1) to ensure centering and support of a load (W) on said support columns, an upper first bearing part (2) adapted to abut against the upper part of the vertical face of the support to ensure the attachment of the interface to the support; a lower second bearing part (6) adapted to abut the lower part of the vertical face of said column; a support (4) with an upper support surface (FS) adapted to support said load (W) securely, said support (4) extending from a proximal end (40) to a distal end (41) at increasing distances from said first bearing part (2) and said second bearing part (6); a connecting and centring part (3) connecting the first bearing part (2) and the proximal end (40) of the support part (4), the connecting and centring part (3) having an upper guide surface (FG) that ensures that the load is centered towards the support part (4) as it moves due to gravity; a reinforcing part (5) connecting the distal end (41) of the support part (4) and the second bearing part (6) to form a reinforcing leg; The interface (1) comprises a body made in one piece formed by a continuously extending preformed metal sheet, which is arranged in the order from top to bottom along the direction of the struts (M1; M2; M3; M4): - a first bearing part (2), - connecting centering part (3), - support part (4), - reinforcement (5), and - forming a second bearing part (6), the first bearing portion (2), the connecting centering portion (3), the support portion (4), the reinforcing portion (5), and the second bearing portion are respectively defined by parallel folding / bending lines (23, 34, 45, 56) of the metal sheet oriented along the longitudinal direction of the interface; a first bending line (23) between the first bearing part (2) and the connecting centering part (3); a second fold / bending line (34) between said connecting centering part (3) and said support part (4); a third folding line (45) between said support part (4) and said reinforcement part (5); a fourth fold line (56) between said reinforcement part (5) and said second bearing part (6), the first bearing portion (2) and the second bearing portion (6) are on the same plane and extend in a plane X1Z1 parallel to the vertical plane of the columns (M1, M2) where the first bearing portion (2) and the second bearing portion (6) abut at two positions on the columns (M1, M2) offset along the vertical direction (Z1) of the columns (M1, M2); Interface.

2. 2. The interface according to claim 1, wherein the interface is made of metal, typically steel, and the interface has a linear density in the longitudinal direction of less than or equal to 1.5 kg / m, in particular between 0.8 kg / m and 1.3 kg / m.

3. 3. An interface according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the body is made in one piece formed from a preformed metal sheet.

4. An interface according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the metal sheet has a thickness of 1.5 mm or less, typically between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm.

5. 5. The interface according to claim 4, wherein the thickness of the metal sheet is less than or equal to 1 mm, in particular between 0.5 mm and 1 mm.

6. An interface according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the developed length of the metal sheet in a cross section perpendicular to the fold / bending line (23, 34, 45, 56) is between 170 mm and 210 mm.

7. 7. An interface according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first bearing part (2) and / or the second bearing part (6) comprises several mounting tabs (7) configured to ensure mounting of a metal section forming a post having mounting openings by inserting one or more of said mounting tabs into one or more mounting openings of said metal section.

8. 8. The interface of claim 7, wherein at least one of the downwardly directed tabs (7) is configured to hook into a mounting opening and comprises an anti-lifting device including a resilient tooth (8) configured to abut an upper edge of the mounting opening and resist unhooking of the mounting tab (7).

9. 9. The interface according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first bearing part (2) and / or the second bearing part (6) are provided with openings (O2) for attachment elements such as rivets.

10. 10. An interface according to claim 9, wherein the first bearing part (2) is a double skin obtained by folding the metal sheet onto itself, and the mounting opening traverses the two skins.

11. In a cross section seen on a plane parallel to the plane Y1Z1, the following five parts are defined: - a first bearing part (2), - connecting centering part (3), - support part (4), - reinforcement (5), and - a second bearing part (6), The interface according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising:

12. 12. An interface according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the connecting centering part (3) extends from the first bearing part (2) to the proximal end (40) of the support part (4) in a direction inclined at an angle A1 of 25° to 45°, for example 33°, relative to the vertical direction (Z1), ensuring a downward inclination of the guide surface (FG) towards the support part (4).

13. 13. The interface of claim 12, wherein the connecting centering portion (3) extends from the first bearing portion (2) to the proximal end (40) of the support portion (4) in a direction inclined at an angle A10 between 45° and 65° with respect to a horizontal direction (Y1), the horizontal direction (Y1) being perpendicular to the first bearing portion (2) and the second bearing portion (6).

14. 14. The interface according to claim 1, wherein the support portion (4) extends from the proximal end (40) to the distal end (41) at a downward inclination at a non-zero angle A2 between 0° and 5° with respect to a horizontal direction (Y1), the horizontal direction (Y1) being perpendicular to the first bearing portion (2) and the second bearing portion (6).

15. 15. The interface according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the reinforcing portion (5) extends from the distal end (41) of the support portion (4) to the second bearing portion (3) while approaching the second bearing portion (6), inclining downwards at an angle A3 of between 5° and 30° with respect to a horizontal direction (Y1), the horizontal direction (Y1) being perpendicular to the first bearing portion (2) and the second bearing portion (6).

16. It extends longitudinally in a horizontal direction (X1) parallel to the first bearing part (2) and the second bearing part (6), and along the direction (X1): an open first end (E1) configured to allow insertion or extraction of a load by movement of said load along a direction (X1); a closed second end (E2) comprising stop means (B3, B4) projecting upward from the connecting centering part (3) and / or the support part (4) and configured to stop the load upon insertion of the load along the direction (X1); An interface according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising:

17. The stopping means (B3, B4) a first stopper (B3) formed by a tab of said metal sheet and projecting from said connecting centering part (3) through a fold / bending line between said first stopper (B3) and said connecting centering part (3); a second stopper (B4) formed by a tab of said metal sheet and protruding from said support part (4) through a fold / bending line extending between said second stopper (B4) and said support part (4), 17. The interface according to claim 16, wherein the tab forming the first stop (B3) and the tab forming the second stop (B4) have two overlapping portions of the tabs (B3, B4) fixed to each other by at least one connection point that fixes the tabs (B3, B4) to each other, said connection point being typically obtained by welding, clinking (press joining) or stapling.

18. 18. An interface according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second bearing portion (6) extends between the fourth fold / bend line (56) and a lower free end of the preformed metal sheet.

19. 19. An interface according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or 11 to 18, wherein the first bearing portion (2) extends between the first fold / bend line (23) and an upper free end of the preformed metal sheet.

20. 20. The interface of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the first bearing portion (2) and the second bearing portion (6) extend outward in two opposite directions from the first fold / bend line (23) and the fourth fold / bend line (56), respectively.

21. An interface according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cross-section of the preformed metal sheet in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the fold / bend lines is an open cross-section.

22. 1. A storage rack comprising: a vertical structure comprising a set of vertical columns (M1, M2, M3, M4); a spacer system comprising one or more spacer devices (ETR) arranged along the height of said vertical structure and mechanically interconnecting said pillars (M1, M2, M3, M4); One or more interface pairs (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the or each interface pair is: a first interface (1A) fixed to at least two columns (M1, M2) of said vertical structure by said first bearing part (2) and said second bearing part (6); a second interface (1B) fixed to at least two other columns (M3, M4) of the vertical structure by means of said first bearing part (2) and said second bearing part (6); the support portion (4) and the connecting centering portion (3) belonging to the first interface (1A) and the second interface (1B), respectively, are oriented towards each other, - centering a load (W) inserted and placed between the first interface (1A) and the second interface (1B) by virtue of the connecting centering part (3) of the two interfaces (1A, 1B); - supporting the load (W) supported by the two supports (4) of the two interfaces (1A, 1B) on both sides of the load (W); It is configured as a storage rack.

23. 23. A storage system for a warehouse, comprising: a receptacle; and at least one storage rack according to claim 22, the storage rack including several pairs of interfaces distributed along a height of the storage rack, each receptacle being configured to be supported simultaneously on both sides of the receptacle by the support portion (4) of the first interface (1A) and the support portion (4) of the second interface (1B), respectively.

24. 24. The storage system of claim 23, further comprising a transport system including at least one automated guided vehicle, the transport system configured to grasp and place the receptacle within the storage rack.

25. 25. The storage system of claim 24, the vertical structure of the storage rack, in particular at least one of the columns, comprises a toothed rack (CR1, CR2) extending along the height of the vertical structure or a taut chain extending along the height of the vertical structure; said at least one automated guided vehicle having a chassis carrying a mechanism for movement across a horizontal surface such as a floor, and lifting means comprising at least one gear configured to engage with said toothed rack (CR1, CR2) or a link of said taut chain so that said automated guided vehicle can move up and down said vertical structure of said storage rack; The automated guided vehicle includes a deployable loading / unloading system comprising: - loading the receptacle from a retracted first position on said chassis to a deployed second position in which said receptacle is centered and then supported by resting simultaneously on the first interface (1A) and the second interface (1B), or a loading / unloading system for extracting a receptacle from a second position placed on the first interface (1A) and the second interface (1B) of a pair of interfaces (1A, 1B) and loading the receptacle into the first position where it is retracted; A storage system comprising:

26. Use of the interface of any one of claims 1 to 21, the storage rack of claim 22, or the storage system of any one of claims 23 to 25 for transporting a load (W), comprising one or more receptacles held by a pair of mechanical interfaces that support the one or more receptacles, for a load of up to 100 kg per supported receptacle.

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