Shelving for a shelf area and method of manufacturing the shelf - Patents.com

Abstract

A shelf (1) for a shelf area (2) of a storage system (3) is provided, the shelf (1) comprising a storage section (4) having a first cover layer side (5) and a second cover layer side (6), the storage section (4) designed to receive an item (7) on the first cover layer side (5), and a rail section (8) having a contact side (9) and an opposing underside (10), the rail section (8) designed to at least partially support a shuttle, the first cover layer side (5) and the second cover layer side (6) being provided opposite each other in a first direction (R1), a storage section cavity (11) being formed between the first cover layer side (5) and the second cover layer side (6), and a first reinforcing element (12) being arranged in the storage section cavity (11), the first reinforcing element (12) being made of paper and / or cardboard. Additionally, a method for manufacturing the shelf area (2) and shelf (1) is provided.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to shelves for shelving areas of a storage system, shelving systems and methods for manufacturing shelves.

[0002] In particular, in high bay warehouses, multiple storage locations are provided on shelves or racks, and such high bay warehouses are typically equipped with storage and retrieval machines for storing and retrieving items.

[0003] For example, DE 20 2004 002 338 U1 shows a system for manipulating shelves, for which purpose a storage and retrieval machine is provided which can maneuver several shelf levels arranged one above the other.

[0004] Due to the increasing demand for storage space and the increasing frequency of storage and retrieval, efficient construction and operation of such shelving systems is of paramount importance. In particular, the shelves forming the individual storage areas of such storage systems often have complex structures and are very heavy. Furthermore, the shelves in storage systems are often complex to assemble in combination with automated storage and retrieval machinery, resulting in reduced efficiency.

[0005] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to solve the above problems.

[0006] The present invention solves these problems by a shelf having the features of claim 1, a shelving system having the features of claim 9, and a method for manufacturing a shelf having the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a shelf is provided for a shelf area of ​​a storage system. The shelf may include a storage section having a first cover layer side and a second cover layer side, the storage section configured to receive an item on the first cover layer side. The shelf may include a rail section having a contact side and an opposing underside, the rail section designed to at least partially support a shuttle. The first cover layer side and the second cover layer side may be provided opposite each other in a first direction. A storage section cavity may be formed between the first cover layer side and the second cover layer side. A first reinforcing element may be disposed within the storage section cavity. The reinforcing elements may be formed primarily from cellulose and / or lignin-containing materials, in particular cardboard and / or paper and / or paperboard.

[0008] Compared to the prior art, the present invention has the advantage that the shelves are particularly light. Furthermore, the rail sections are integrated into the shelves, so that storage and retrieval machinery, such as shuttles, can be guided along the rail sections. This means that when the shelves are installed, a travel path for the storage and retrieval machinery can be automatically defined without the need to install the travel path and the shelves separately. This eliminates the need to align the rail sections with the shelves. As a result, the above-described shelves can achieve weight savings compared to known shelves that simultaneously integrate the rail sections and storage sections. Furthermore, cost-effective assembly of the shelves and rail sections can be realized. Preferably, the shelves have a weight of approximately 40 kg.

[0009] The shelving area or shelves of a storage system may define a storage area where various different items can be stored. For example, the shelving area may be a number of different shelf levels arranged one above the other (i.e., vertically). Shelves may be provided at each shelving level to define a storage area for items at this level. The shelving area may, for example, have vertical supports supporting individual shelves. The shelves may be designed so that items can be placed individually on them. In other words, the shelves may not have a defined storage area, but rather a continuous storage section (see below). The storage system may be a fully automated storage system including the shelving area. Furthermore, the storage system may include a rail system along which at least one shuttle (storage and retrieval unit) can travel. In the shelving area, the rail system may be realized by the rail section of the shelf. Thus, a separate rail system is only required outside the shelving area in the storage system. This may simplify the assembly of the entire storage system, since a rail system does not need to be provided separately in the shelving area. The storage section may be part of the shelf. The first cover layer side may be formed on the storage section, on which items to be stored and / or retrieved may be placed. The first cover layer side may be a flat, homogeneous, and continuous surface. In other words, the first cover layer side may be free of any kind of boundaries and / or divisions defining specific storage areas. Rather, items may be placed on the first cover layer side of the storage section individually, i.e., according to the characteristics of each item, such as size and sensitivity. To this end, a shuttle may be moved along the shelf to store or retrieve items on the first cover layer side of the storage section at corresponding points. The second cover layer side may define the underside of the storage section. In other words, the first cover layer side and the second cover layer side may face each other in a first direction. The first direction may extend along the direction of gravity. Thus, the first cover layer side may be the upper side of the shelf, and the second cover layer side may be the lower side of the shelf. The rail portion may be designed to provide support for the shuttle. More specifically, the rail section may have a contact side that may be in direct contact with the shuttle. The rail section may be part of a rail system. The shuttle travels through a rack storage or storage system on the rail system.In particular, the rail section is not any suitable part of a shelf or rack, but an element specifically designed to support the shuttle. Two shelves may be positioned opposite each other at one level of the shelf area. A shuttle movement path may be formed between the two shelves. The two shelves may be positioned opposite each other at their respective rail sections. This means that, for example, a shuttle with four wheels may move on the rail section of one shelf using two wheels and on the rail section of the other shelf using the other two wheels. Thus, the rail section of one shelf may at least partially support the shuttle. Here, support may be understood to mean that the weight of the shuttle is absorbed by the rail section. The rail section may be integrally formed with the storage section. In other words, the shelf may provide both the storage section and the rail section. This eliminates the need to install separate rail sections along the shelf. Furthermore, weight reduction may be achieved by forming a storage section cavity between the first cover layer side and the second cover layer side. This provides a significant weight reduction compared to a completely solid storage section. As a result, the transport of the shelves can be more efficient and the weight of the entire shelf area can be reduced. The storage cavity can have a rectangular cross-section. This allows for good storage rigidity through geometric characteristics. Rigidity is a parameter of engineering mechanics. It describes the resistance of a body to elastic deformation imposed by an external load (force or moment) and conveys the relationship between the load and its deformation on a component. To ensure sufficient stability of the storage, a first reinforcing element can be provided within the storage cavity. The reinforcing element can be designed to prevent or limit deformation (especially plastic deformation) of the shelf when weight is placed on it by an item. The reinforcing element can be, for example, an element provided on the first cover layer side or the second cover layer side to prevent deformation, especially bending. Furthermore, the reinforcing element can be a strut connecting the two surfaces of the cover layer to prevent each surface of the cover layer from bending. As a result, the storage can be sufficiently stable to hold items thereon without plastic deformation and, at the same time, have a lower weight than that achieved by the storage cavity. The first reinforcing element may protrude into at least one adjacent cavity. For example, a rail cavity may be formed within the rail.The first reinforcing element may also protrude into the rail cavity. In other words, only the first reinforcing element may be provided (i.e., as the only reinforcing element). In this way, a one-piece reinforcing element may be provided that is disposed both in the storage cavity and in the rail cavity. In this way, the reinforcing element may be designed as one piece. This may increase the torsional rigidity of the reinforcing element. Furthermore, insertion of the reinforcing element into the cavity may be simplified. This means that the shelf may be designed exclusively for use as a shelf or rack. In particular, light-weight boards from the furniture or construction industry are not suitable for use as shelves or racks. In particular, lightweight panels from the furniture or construction industry cannot be used as shelves or racks, in terms of distortion. Therefore, the term shelf itself implies technical suitability for use as or in shelves.

[0010] Preferably, the reinforcing elements are made primarily of cellulose and / or lignin-containing materials, in particular cardboard and / or paper and / or cardboard. This allows for weight reduction. Furthermore, the use of primarily cellulose and / or lignin-containing materials, in particular cardboard and / or paper and / or cardboard, allows for adequate reinforcement of the storage section without significantly increasing the total weight of the compartment stack. According to DIN 6730, paper has a weight of 7 g / m 2 ~225g / m 2 In comparison, cardboard has a mass per unit area of ​​225 g / m 2 It has a mass per unit area of ​​1000 or more. Cardboard, paperboard, and also paper are flat materials consisting essentially of plant-derived fibers or cellulose and formed by dewatering a fiber suspension on a sieve. The resulting fiber fleece is compressed and dried. This allows a particularly positive CO2 footprint to be achieved for the production of shelves, especially by using recycled paper. Furthermore, the use of materials containing primarily cellulose and / or lignin, especially cardboard and / or paper and / or paperboard, is significantly less energy intensive than producing reinforcing elements from sheet metal or other metals. Furthermore, reinforcing elements can be particularly easily produced from materials containing primarily cellulose and / or lignin, especially cardboard and / or paper and / or paperboard.

[0011] Preferably, the rail portion cavity is formed between the contact side and the underside. In other words, the rail portion may also define the cavity. This may further reduce the overall weight of the shelf. In other words, the rail portion cavity may be provided between the contact side and the opposing underside. The contact side and the underside may face each other in the first direction. The contact side and the underside may be parallel to each other. This may achieve sufficient geometric rigidity of the rail portion even when the cavity is provided therein. Preferably, the rail portion cavity has a rectangular cross section.

[0012] Preferably, the rail section cavity has a smaller internal volume than the storage section cavity. The internal volume may be at least the volume enclosed by each section. Because the rail section has a smaller cross-sectional area than the storage section, a smaller rail section cavity is sufficient to provide the geometric rigidity of the rail section. Furthermore, the rail section must absorb a lower load than the storage section. Therefore, a smaller rail section cavity may conserve material for constructing the shelf.

[0013] Preferably, the contact side and the first cover layer side are spaced apart in a first direction. Furthermore, the first cover layer side and the contact side may be parallel to each other. The first direction may extend along the direction of gravity. The first direction may be perpendicular to the cover layer side and the contact side. In other words, the contact side of the rail section may be positioned lower than the cover layer side of the storage section in the vertical direction. This means that the shuttle traveling on the rail section may be positioned lower than the first cover layer side in the vertical direction. This allows the shuttle to advantageously position the articles being transported on the storage section. In other words, the height difference between the transport area of ​​the article shuttle and the storage section may be reduced.

[0014] Preferably, a second reinforcing element is disposed within the rail portion cavity. Preferably, a reinforcing element (adapted to the potentially smaller rail portion cavity) can be disposed within the rail portion cavity as well as within the storage portion cavity. As a result, by using similar reinforcing elements, manufacturing costs can be further reduced. Furthermore, by disposing a reinforcing element within the rail portion cavity, the rail portion can be made stiffer and more stable overall, so that even a heavily loaded shuttle can easily ride over it without excessive deformation of the rail portion.

[0015] Preferably, the first reinforcing element is different from the second reinforcing element. This allows different loads for the storage section and the rail section to be taken into account. The rail section is subject to dynamic loads and possibly torsional loads, while the storage section is subject to static loads. Furthermore, the storage section is preferably a statically overdetermined system, which accounts for the lower moment loads here compared to the rail section.

[0016] The reinforcing elements can differ in terms of their properties. This allows the different requirements of the storage section and the rail section to be taken into account. In the case of the rail section, for example, the dynamic loads generated by the shuttle moving over it need to be absorbed differently than the static loads acting on the storage section due to the weight of the parts. A further improvement in efficiency can be achieved by individually adapting each reinforcing element to each area of ​​application. For example, the reinforcing elements can differ in terms of their geometric design. For example, a second reinforcing element can have a smaller extension in a first direction than the first reinforcing element (in the installed state). This allows for an optimal fit to the rail section cavity.

[0017] Preferably, the reinforcing element has a honeycomb structure. The honeycomb structure may have a large number of individual honeycombs. The honeycomb may be a cell with a cavity pattern arranged on a surface. For example, honeybees use honeycombs formed from wax in their nests for raising young and storing food. By providing a honeycomb structure as the first and / or second reinforcing element in the storage cavity and / or the rail cavity, increased strength can be achieved without an excessive increase in weight. The individual honeycombs of the honeycomb structure may be arranged without gaps. The honeycombs may all have the same cross section. This may make the honeycomb structure particularly advantageous to manufacture.

[0018] Preferably, the honeycomb structure has continuous openings in the first direction. In other words, the reinforcing element can be arranged in at least one of the cavities so that at least one opening of the honeycomb structure extends along the first direction. In other words, the reinforcing element can be continuous in the first direction. As a result, optimal force absorption from one side of the cavity to the other side of the cavity can be achieved.

[0019] Preferably, the honeycomb structure has a plurality of honeycombs, each honeycomb having a hexagonal cross section. Of all possible cell shapes that can be arranged in a row without gaps, the hexagonal honeycomb has the best ratio of wall material to volume. This shape therefore represents the optimum shape. Thus, an optimal lightweight construction can be achieved with maximum load-bearing capacity. Preferably, the honeycomb structures are arranged in an upright configuration within each cavity.

[0020] Preferably, each honeycomb has a honeycomb width of 14 to 20 mm, preferably 16 to 18 mm, and more preferably about 18 mm. It has been discovered that the 14 to 20 mm range provides optimal shelf stiffness for use in shelving. A honeycomb width of 16 to 18 mm provides the advantage of achieving an optimal ratio of reinforcing element material to the achievable stiffness of the reinforcing element. An 18 mm honeycomb width has proven particularly advantageous when using a second reinforcing element or a first reinforcing element that protrudes into the rail cavity. This honeycomb width has been shown to provide optimal damping even for dynamic loads that occur when a shuttle passes over the rail. The honeycomb width can be the diameter of a circle placed on the cross section of the honeycomb, such that it represents the average distance from the center of the honeycomb (i.e., a point on the honeycomb axis) to all points on the honeycomb's edges.

[0021] The ratio of the shelf's extension in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction to the extension in a second direction perpendicular to the first and third directions is in the range of 5 to 10, preferably 6 to 7. The second direction R2 can be the direction in which the storage section is adjacent to the rail section. A range of 5 to 10 has proven advantageous for shelves including reinforcing elements made of paper or cardboard, since the required stability can still be achieved. A range of 6 to 7 is advantageous for high shuttle travel speeds, since vibrations can be minimized here, thereby preventing items on the storage section from being unintentionally displaced by vibrations.

[0022] Preferably, the ratio of the extension of the storage section in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to the extension of the rail section in the second direction is in the range of 10 to 15, preferably 11 to 12. The range of 10 to 15 provides the advantage that the shuttle has a sufficient support surface on the rail section and can simultaneously fully serve the storage section (i.e., store and retrieve items). The range of 11 to 12 provides an optimal balance between storage space for items and space for the shuttle.

[0023] Preferably, the first cover layer side is formed on the first cover layer. Preferably, the second cover layer side is formed on the second cover layer. The cover layer may form a storage section. Furthermore, the cover layer may at least partially surround the storage section cavity. Preferably, the cover layer may be formed from a metal sheet. The storage section cavity may be formed between the cover layers. The distance between the cover layers may be a clear distance between the first cover layer and the second cover layer.

[0024] Preferably, the reinforcing element contacts the first and second cover layers. In other words, the reinforcing element can be provided in the storage cavity so that the cavity is completely filled by the reinforcing element. Direct contact between the first reinforcing element and the first and second cover layers can ensure optimal force transfer between the first and second cover layers. This can increase the overall stability of the shelf. Furthermore, vibrations that may be caused by small movements of one of the cover layers can be avoided or damped. Similarly, the second reinforcing element can contact both the layer including the contact side and the opposite layer including the underside. This means that the rail cavity can be completely filled by the second reinforcing element within the rail. In the case of a rail, this has the additional advantage of reducing the noise generated by the shuttle moving on the rail.

[0025] Preferably, the first cover layer and / or the second cover layer has a thickness of 1 mm in the first direction. In other words, the layer can have a material thickness of 1 mm. This allows the shelf to be formed with a relatively thin wall material while still being stable enough to hold items thereon. Similarly, the first layer of the rail portion including the contact side and / or the second layer of the rail portion including the underside can be formed with a layer thickness of 1 mm.

[0026] Preferably, the first and second cover layers are made of galvanized steel, which means that relatively inexpensive materials can be used to form the storage section. Similarly, the first and second layers of the rail section can also be made of galvanized steel.

[0027] Preferably, the shelf is integrally formed. In other words, the shelf can be formed in one piece. In particular, the first and second cover layer sides of the storage section and the first and second layers of the rail section can be formed from a single material (i.e., one piece or integrally). In this way, the rail section and the storage section can be integrally formed so that the two cannot be separated from each other in a non-destructive manner. In this way, the relative positioning between the rail section and the storage section can be achieved so that misorientation is not possible. This means that errors during assembly or installation of the storage system can be eliminated or at least reduced from the start. Furthermore, the integral design of the storage section and the rail section can increase the overall strength of the shelf. Preferably, the rail section and the storage section can be formed from the same layer. More specifically, the storage section and the rail section can be formed from the same sheet metal, which is bent to form the storage section and the rail section.

[0028] Preferably, the first cover layer and the second cover layer are arranged parallel to each other. This allows the overall shape of the shelf to be simplified. In other words, the storage section may have a rectangular cross section. Preferably, the rail section may have a rectangular cross section.

[0029] Preferably, the contact side and the underside of the rail section are arranged parallel to each other, which means that the rail section can also have a simple design.

[0030] Preferably, the transition cavity is formed between the storage cavity and the rail cavity. The transition cavity may be different from the storage cavity and / or the rail cavity. Because the shuttle is not moved on the shelf in the transition cavity area and no items are deposited there, the demands on this transition cavity or the area adjacent to the transition cavity can be lower. Therefore, the same reinforcing elements do not need to be provided in the transition cavity as in the storage cavity and / or rail cavity. This means that simpler reinforcing elements, or no reinforcing elements at all, can be provided in the transition cavity. As a result, the shelf can be designed to be lighter overall and manufacturing can be simplified. Furthermore, the transition cavity can be used to compensate for tolerances in the manufacturing of the first and / or second reinforcing elements. This means that the reinforcing elements can be manufactured more cost-effectively and the shelf can be assembled more easily.

[0031] Preferably, the transition cavity is not filled. In other words, there are no reinforcing elements and / or other devices in the transition cavity. On the other hand, this may simplify the assembly of the shelf if a first reinforcing element and a second reinforcing element are provided in both the storage cavity and the rail cavity, since both reinforcing elements can be inserted without difficulty. If both hidden elements were to come into contact with each other, it may be more difficult to insert the reinforcing elements into each cavity.

[0032] Preferably, the reinforcing elements are fixed to the storage cavity and / or rail cavity using a 1-K PUR surface adhesive, which prevents each reinforcing element from slipping, in other words, ensures optimal positioning of the reinforcing element within each cavity.

[0033] Preferably, the ratio of the extension of the storage cavity in the first direction to the extension of the rail section cavity in the first direction is in the range of 3 to 4, preferably about 3.7. A range of 3 to 4 has surprisingly been shown to provide optimal vibration damping as the shuttle passes over the rail section. It has been discovered that a ratio of about 3.75 allows even particularly heavy unit loads to be stored on the storage section without causing damage or excessive deformation of the storage section. Furthermore, this ratio also allows heavy items to be dynamically transported by the shuttle over the rail section without problems and without causing excessive noise emissions or vibrations.

[0034] Preferably, the shelf has a retaining portion protruding in a first direction from the first cover layer side. The storage portion may have a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end may be spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A rail portion may be provided at the first end of the storage portion. The retaining portion may be provided at the second edge of the storage portion. The retaining portion may protrude vertically upward from the first cover layer side in the first direction (i.e., in the direction of gravity). In other words, the retaining portion may protrude from the upper surface of the shelf. In this way, the retaining portion helps to prevent an item or pieces stored on the storage portion from being pushed beyond the storage portion and falling off the shelf. This may reduce the safety and susceptibility of errors in operating the storage system.

[0035] Preferably, the first cover layer side and the second cover layer side are connected by a rear vertical portion. Thus, the rear vertical portion can be provided at the second end of the storage section. The rear vertical portion can be oriented at a 90° angle relative to the first cover layer side and / or the second cover layer side. As a result, the storage section can achieve increased geometric rigidity, so that it can hold even heavy items.

[0036] Preferably, the first cover layer side of the storage section and the contact side of the rail section are connected by a first front vertical section. The first front vertical section may have a shorter extension in the first direction than the rear vertical section. In other words, the first front vertical section may connect the rail section to the first cover layer side of the storage section. Preferably, the first front vertical section may be oriented at a 90° angle relative to the first cover layer side and / or the contact side of the rail section. This allows for high shelf stability. Furthermore, in this way, the rail section may be designed as a step on the shelf. This allows for high shelf rigidity.

[0037] Preferably, the contact side of the rail portion and the underside of the rail portion are connected by a second front vertical portion. The second front vertical portion may be parallel to the first front vertical portion. The second front vertical portion may be aligned at a 90° angle to the contact side of the rail portion and / or the underside of the rail portion. This allows high rigidity of the shelf to be achieved.

[0038] Preferably, the first front vertical portion is designed to at least partially guide the shuttle. In other words, the shuttle can rest on the contact side of the rail portion and be guided by the first front vertical portion. For example, if the shuttle does not travel in a straight line, the first front vertical portion can guide the shuttle so that it travels as desired on the contact side of the rail portion. In other words, two opposite shelves can be used to create a rail system or movement path for the shuttle, along which the shuttle can be guided in a direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity (e.g., the second direction) by the front vertical portions of the two shelves. This means that the shuttle does not need to be completely maneuverable itself, but can be guided through the shelves (more precisely, through the first front vertical portion).

[0039] Preferably, the second cover layer side and the underside are flush with each other. In other words, the second cover layer side and the underside may be at the same height as each other. The second cover layer side of the storage section and the underside of the rail section may be integrally formed, for example, from the same sheet metal or the same metal plate. In other words, the rail section may be positioned at the same height as the surface of the storage section. This allows an L-shape to be formed in the cross section of the shelf. This provides the advantage of particular stability due to the geometric shape of the steps and easier manufacturability of the shelf.

[0040] According to a further aspect, a shelving area of ​​a storage system is provided comprising a plurality of shelves according to one of the above embodiments.

[0041] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a storage system comprises a shelf area and a process area according to the above embodiments. The process area and the shelf area may be directly adjacent to each other. In other words, the storage system may be a black box system that can receive containers of items on an input side and provide individual items on an output side. The process area may be an area where at least one container of items is processed to obtain at least one individual item. The shelf area may be an area where items are stored in the shelf area based on item information. Furthermore, the storage system may have a control unit that can determine or obtain item information for at least one commodity.

[0042] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a shelf, particularly according to one of the above embodiments, which may include providing a metal sheet, shaping the metal sheet to form a first cover layer side of a storage section and a contact side of a rail section, shaping the metal sheet to form a storage section cavity adjacent the first cover layer side and the second cover layer side, and inserting a reinforcing member into the storage section cavity.

[0043] In one embodiment, two metal sheets are used to form the shelf. In other words, a first metal sheet and a second metal sheet may be used. Both sheets may be metal sheets and have the same properties. The first sheet may form the top of the shelf. The bottom sheet may form the bottom of the shelf. The first and second sheets may contact each other in the area of ​​the rear vertical section or in the area of ​​the retainer, as well as in the front vertical section.

[0044] Preferably, the two sheets are placed on top of each other during the forming process, and an adhesive (e.g., a metal adhesive) is applied to the contact points. Preferably, the two sheets overlap in part. To hold the sheets in place, at least one weld may be provided to at least temporarily secure the sheets in place. Preferably, only one spot weld is provided on each contact side of each shelf. This may be sufficient to secure the sheets in place. It should be noted that this method may also be used when only one sheet is used. The shelf thus formed may then be heated to activate the adhesive. This allows the contact points of the two sheets or individual sheets to bond, thus permanently forming the shelf. The shelf may be heated in a press. The press may simultaneously or subsequently apply pressure to the shelf. This may ensure that the shelf is manufactured to the desired shape. Furthermore, the pressure applied by the press may sufficiently bond the contact points using the adhesive. The shelf is then cooled. Preferably, pressure is also applied by the press to the shelf during cooling. This allows for even more rigid shelves, which are highly resistant to twisting.

[0045] Preferably, a single, integral metal sheet is used to form the shelf, which means that no joining operations are required to assemble any multiple components.

[0046] Preferably, the metal sheet is bent five times, which allows an L-shaped shelf to be formed with advantageous stability.

[0047] Preferably, the two free ends of the metal sheets come into contact with each other after forming. This contact point is preferably formed at the second front vertical section. This is the area where the shelf is least sensitive and where the least force is distributed. Therefore, the butt joint in this area is not subjected to high loads and can therefore be durable.

[0048] Preferably, the method further comprises adhering a reinforcing element to the storage cavity. Similarly, the method may also comprise adhering a reinforcing element to the rail cavity.

[0049] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided the use of a shelf according to one of the above embodiments in a shelf area.

[0050] Individual features and embodiments may be combined with other features and other embodiments of the invention to form new embodiments. Features and advantages mentioned in connection with individual features or embodiments apply equally to the new embodiments. Embodiments and advantages mentioned in connection with devices also apply equally to methods, and vice versa. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0051] Preferred embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are schematic and perspective views of a shelf according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1A-1C are schematic and perspective views of a shelf area according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic and perspective view of a portion of a storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a shelf according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are perspective and schematic views of a reinforcing element according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are schematic perspective and schematic diagrams of a shelf according to one embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a shelf 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The shelf 1 has a storage section 4 and a rail section 8. Articles can be individually placed in the storage section 4. The rail section 8 is designed to guide and support a shuttle, as an example of a storage and retrieval unit. The rail section 8 is provided integrally with the storage section 4. The storage section 4 has a first cover layer side 5 on its upper side in the vertical direction (i.e., direction R1). A second cover layer side 6 opposite the first cover layer side 5 faces downward in the first direction R1. Similarly, the rail section 8 has a contact side 9 facing upward in the first direction R1 and an opposing lower side 10. The designations upper and lower indicate the operating state, i.e., the installed state, of the shelf 1. A storage section cavity 11 is provided between the first cover layer side 5 and the second cover layer side 6. In other words, the storage section formed as an outline element bounding the cover layer side 5 and the second cover layer side 6 may have an internal space. The first reinforcing element 12 may be disposed in this internal space. In this embodiment, the reinforcing element 12 is formed from a material containing mainly cellulose and / or lignin, in particular cardboard and / or paper and / or paperboard. The reinforcing element 12 contacts both the first cover layer side 5 and the second cover layer side 6, thereby realizing a stable storage section 4. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a rail section cavity 13 is formed between the underside 10 and the contact side 9 of the rail section 8. The second reinforcing element 14 is disposed in the rail section cavity 13. In another embodiment (not shown), the first reinforcing element 12 is disposed in both the rail section cavity 13 and the storage section cavity 11. The second reinforcing element 14 is formed from paper and / or cardboard. The second reinforcing element 14 contacts both the contact side 9 and the underside 10. Shelf 1 may have an extension in second direction R2 (i.e., perpendicular to first direction R1) of 545 mm. The rail portion may have an extension in the second direction R2 of 45 mm. Additionally, the rail portion may extend in a third direction R3 perpendicular to first direction R1 and second direction R2. The shelf may have an extension in third direction R3 of 3391 mm. Rail portion 8 may have an extension in first direction R1 of 20 mm. Shelf 1 may have an extension in first direction R1 of 40 mm. With these dimensions, the shelf has a weight of approximately 40 kg.

[0053] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a shelving area 2 having multiple shelves 1 in an assembled state. It can also be seen in FIG. 2 that items are individually arranged on the storage sections 4 of the shelves 1. Items 7 are freely arranged on the storage sections of the shelves 1, without the storage sections 4 being subdivided or having defined storage areas. It can also be seen that two shelves 1 are arranged opposite each other on one shelf level. The shelves 1 face each other with their respective rail sections 8. This means that the rail sections 8 of two shelves 1 facing each other on one shelf level form a rail system along which a four-wheeled shuttle can travel (see the central area of ​​FIG. 2). The shuttle can move in a third direction R3. FIG. 2 also shows that multiple shelf levels are arranged one above the other (i.e., in the first direction R1) in the shelving area.

[0054] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a shelving area 2 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. In the shelving area shown in FIG. 3, only one shelf level is attached to the shelves 1. Here, it can be seen that the shelves are always arranged with their rail sections 8 facing each other or with their storage sections 4. A larger distance is formed between shelves 1 facing each other with rail sections 8 compared to shelves 1 facing each other with storage sections. Also in FIG. 3, it can be seen that vertical (i.e., extending in the first direction) support columns are provided to which the shelves 1 are fixed. Since the shelves already include storage sections 4 for the articles and rail sections 8 for the supply shuttles, only the shelves 1 need to be attached to the vertical columns to form the shelving area. Depending on the design, load capacity, and height of the shelving area, further cross-bracing can be provided in this way using beams or clamping elements.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-section through a shelf 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In other words, FIG. 4 shows a cross-section through the contours forming the shelf 1. As in the previous embodiment, the storage section 4 has a first cover layer side 5 and an opposing second cover layer side 6. Similarly, the rail section 8 in this embodiment also has a contact side 9 and an opposing underside 10. The shelf 1 thus formed has an L-shaped cross-section. The underside 10 and the second cover layer side 6 are continuous and run in the same plane. A first reinforcing element 12 is disposed within the storage section cavity 11. A second reinforcing element is disposed within the rail section cavity 13. A transition cavity 19 is formed between the storage section cavity 11 and the rail section cavity 13. In this embodiment, the transition cavity 19 is empty, so that the first reinforcing element 12 and the second reinforcing element 14 are spaced apart (i.e., do not directly contact each other).

[0033] This can prevent vibrations transmitted to the second reinforcing element 14 from being transmitted to the first reinforcing element 12, for example, when a shuttle passes over the rail portion 8. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shelf has a rear vertical portion 16 connecting the first cover layer side 5 to the second cover layer side 6. The rear vertical portion 16 extends in a first direction R1. Furthermore, the shelf 1 in this embodiment has a first front vertical portion connecting the contact side 9 of the rail portion 8 to the first cover layer side 5. The first front vertical portion 17 extends in the first direction R1. The contact side 9 is connected to the underside 10 of the rail portion 8 via a second front vertical portion 18. The second front vertical portion 18 also extends in the first direction R1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shelf is formed from only one metal sheet, which is bent until the outer body is formed and forms the storage portion 4 and the rail portion 8 (i.e., the shelf 1). In this embodiment, the ends of the metal sheets meet at the second front vertical portion 18. In this region, the ends of the metal sheets overlap. This prevents the profile from opening and creates a large enough area for connecting the ends of the metal sheets. Furthermore, the second front vertical portion 18 is subjected to the lowest load on the shelf, so that failure of the area connection can be avoided in this region. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shelf has a retaining portion 15 that protrudes away from the first cover layer side 5 in the first direction R1. In this embodiment, the retaining portion 15 is formed continuously with the rear vertical portion 16.The retaining portion 15 prevents the item 7 from being pushed beyond the storage portion 4. This prevents the item from falling off the shelf 1.

[0056] 5 is a schematic diagram of a honeycomb structure in which a first reinforcing element 12 is surrounded by a second reinforcing element 14. The honeycomb structure has a plurality of individual honeycombs, each having a hexagonal shape, directly adjacent to one another.

[0057] 6 is a schematic and perspective view of a shelf with an open profile. Thus, the first reinforcing element 12 and the second reinforcing element 14 are visible. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it can be seen that the metal sheets are butt-jointed and fastened together at the second front vertical portion 18, thus forming the profile that forms the shelf 1.

[0058] List of reference symbols: 1 shelf 2 shelf area 3. Storage System 4 Storage section 5 First cover layer side 6 Second cover layer side 7 Goods 8 Rail section 9 Contact side 10 Bottom 11 Storage cavity 12 First Reinforcing Element 13 Rail cavity 14 Secondary Reinforcing Element 15 Holding part 16 Rear vertical section 17 First forward vertical section 18 Second forward vertical section 19 Transition Cavity R1 First direction R2 Second direction R3 Third direction

Claims

1. A shelf (1) for a shelf area (2) of a storage system (3), comprising: a storage section (4) having a first cover layer side (5) and a second cover layer side (6), said storage section (4) being designed to receive an item (7) on said first cover layer side (5); a rail portion (8) having a contact side (9) and an opposing underside (10), said rail portion (8) designed to at least partially support a shuttle; The first cover layer side (5) and the second cover layer side (6) are provided opposite each other in a first direction (R1), A storage cavity (11) is formed between the first cover layer side (5) and the second cover layer side (6), a first reinforcing element (12) is disposed within said storage cavity (11); Shelf (1), wherein said first reinforcing element (12) is formed mainly from a cellulose and / or lignin-containing material, in particular cardboard and / or paper and / or paperboard.

2. 2. The shelf (1) according to claim 1, wherein a rail cavity (13) is formed between the contact side (9) and the underside (10), and a second reinforcing element (14) is preferably arranged in the rail cavity (13).

3. The shelf (1) of claim 2, wherein the rail cavity (13) has a smaller internal volume than the storage cavity (11).

4. 4. A shelf (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first reinforcing element (12) is different from the second reinforcing element (14).

5. A shelf (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the reinforcing elements (12, 14) differ with respect to their properties.

6. The shelf (1) of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein a transition cavity (19) is formed between the storage cavity (11) and the rail cavity (13).

7. The shelf (1) according to claim 6, wherein the transition cavity (19) is unfilled.

8. 8. The shelf (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the ratio of the extension of the storage cavity (11) in the first direction (R1) to the extension of the rail cavity (13) in the first direction (R1) is in the range of 3 to 4, preferably about 3.

7.

9. The shelf (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the contact side (9) and the first cover layer side (5) are spaced apart from each other in the first direction (R1).

10. 10. A shelf (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the reinforcing elements (12, 14) have a honeycomb structure.

11. 11. The shelf (1) of claim 10, wherein the honeycomb structure has continuous openings in the first direction.

12. 12. The shelf (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the honeycomb structure comprises a plurality of honeycombs, each honeycomb having a hexagonal cross section.

13. A shelf (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein each honeycomb has a honeycomb width of 14 to 20 mm, preferably 16 to 18 mm, more preferably about 18 mm.

14. 14. The shelf (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the ratio of the extension of the shelf (1) in the third direction perpendicular to the first direction to the extension of the shelf (1) in a second direction perpendicular to the first and third directions is in the range of 5 to 10, preferably 6 to 7.

15. 15. The shelf (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the ratio of the extension of the storage section (4) in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to the extension of the rail section (8) in the second direction is in the range of 10 to 15, preferably 11 to 12.

16. 16. The shelf (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first cover layer side (5) is formed on a first cover layer.

17. 17. The shelf (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the second cover layer side (6) is formed on a second cover layer.

18. 18. Shelf (1) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the reinforcing elements (12, 14) are in contact with the first cover layer and the second cover layer.

19. 19. The shelf (1) according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the first cover layer and / or the second cover layer has a thickness of 1 mm in the first direction.

20. 20. The shelf (1) according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the first cover layer and the second cover layer are made of galvanized steel.

21. The shelf (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the reinforcing elements (12, 14) are fixed to the storage cavity (11) and / or the rail cavity (13) by means of a 1-K PUR surface adhesive.

22. The shelf (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the shelf (1) is integrally formed.

23. 23. The shelf (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the first cover layer and the second cover layer are arranged parallel to each other.

24. 24. The shelf (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the contact side (9) and the underside (10) of the rail portion (8) are arranged parallel to each other.

25. 25. The shelf (1) of any one of claims 2 to 24, wherein the ratio of the extension of the storage cavity (11) in the first direction to the extension of the rail cavity (13) in the first direction is between 3 and 4, preferably about 3.

26. The shelf (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the shelf (1) comprises a retaining portion (15) protruding in the first direction (R1) from the first cover layer side (5).

27. 27. The shelf (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the first cover layer side (5) and the second cover layer side (6) are connected by a rear vertical portion (16).

28. 28. The shelf (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the first cover layer side (5) of the storage section (4) and the contact side (9) of the rail section (8) are connected by a first front vertical section.

29. 29. Shelf (1) according to claim 28, wherein the first front vertical portion (17) is designed to at least partially guide a shuttle.

30. 30. The shelf (1) of any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the contact side (9) of the rail portion (8) and the underside (10) of the rail portion (8) are connected by a second front vertical portion (18).

31. 31. The shelf (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the second cover layer side (6) and the underside (10) are flush with each other.

32. A shelf area (2) of a storage system (3) comprising a plurality of shelves (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 31.

33. A method for manufacturing a shelf (1), comprising the steps of: Providing a metal sheet; forming the metal sheet so as to form a first cover layer side (5) of the storage section (4) and a contact side (9) of the rail section (8); forming the metal sheet such that a storage cavity (11) is formed adjacent the first cover layer side (5); Inserting reinforcement elements (12, 14) into said storage cavity (11); A method for manufacturing a shelf (1), in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 32, comprising:

34. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein a single, integral metal sheet is used to form the shelf (1).

35. 35. A method according to claim 33 or 34, wherein after forming, the two free ends of the metal sheet are in contact with each other.

36. 36. The method of any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the metal sheet is bent five times.

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