Laminate storage assembly

Abstract

To easily remove containers from container-stacked spaces.SOLUTION: The storage device includes: multiple container-stacked spaces; charging spaces therebelow; a rechargeable vehicle that can move inside the charging spaces; and a lifting device of a container 14. Each of the container-stacked spaces includes a holding device that has at least one holding element 10 on the bottom end in the gravity direction. By an operation device 12 provided on the rechargeable vehicle, the holding element 10 can move between the holding position where the container 14 positioned inside the container-stacked space is held against gravity and the releasing position where the container 14 passes the holding element 10 and can be transferred. The rechargeable vehicle includes at least one anchoring element 15 that can be moved to an anchoring position, and the anchoring element 15 interacts with the holding element 10 at the anchoring position and holds the holding element 10 at the releasing position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7c

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a stacked body storage assembly including a plurality of container stacking spaces, a charging space disposed below the container stacking spaces in the gravitational direction, and a rechargeable vehicle movable within the charging space. The rechargeable vehicle has a lifting device used to move containers into or out of the container stacking spaces. Each container stacking space has a holding device provided with at least one holding element at the lower end in the gravitational direction. The holding element is moved between a holding position where it holds the container disposed within the container stacking space against gravity by an operating device disposed on the rechargeable vehicle, and a release position where the container is moved beyond the holding element.

Background Art

[0002] In such a stacked body storage assembly, the containers are stacked in the container stacking spaces. Here, the container stacking spaces are preferably arranged in the form of a matrix having rows and columns. When the containers are stored in the container stacking spaces, the containers are placed on the lifting device of the rechargeable vehicle. Then, the rechargeable vehicle moves through the charging space until it is positioned below the predetermined or desired container stacking space. Thereafter, the lifting device lifts the container until it passes near the holding device. While the container is being lifted, the holding element moves to the release position. As soon as a part of the container that is within the holding device or that subsequently participates in holding the container within the holding device passes near the holding device, the holding element is moved back to the holding position. When the holding device lowers the container, the holding element engages with the container and fixedly holds the container against the influence of gravity. Then, the rechargeable vehicle leaves below the corresponding container stacking space. If one or several containers are already located in the container stacking space, as soon as the lifted container contacts the lowermost container of the stacked body, the entire stacked body is lifted and the lifting device is lifted. Otherwise, the storage process is the same.

[0003] The rechargeable vehicle is used again when removing containers from the container stack space. The rechargeable vehicle is driven from below the container stack space, and the lifting device is raised until it contacts the bottommost container of the container stack within the container stack space. The lifting device then raises the containers by stacking additional containers placed on top of it, as needed. As soon as the holding device is unloaded, the holding elements are moved to the release position. The container stack is then lowered. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] However, the retaining element must be held in the released position for the duration that the lower container passes through the retaining device.

[0005] The objective of this invention is to facilitate the removal of containers from a container stacking space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In the type of laminate storage assembly described at the beginning, this objective is achieved by the fact that the rechargeable vehicle has at least one fixed element that is movable to a fixed position, and in the fixed position, interacts with a retaining element that is located in a released position, and holds the retaining element in the released position.

[0007] Therefore, in addition to the actuator that moves the retaining element to the release position, a fixing element positioned on the rechargeable vehicle is also used. As soon as the retaining element is in the release position, it can be fixed in the release position by the fixing element, allowing the container to be removed to pass through the retaining device. As soon as the retaining element no longer needs to be held in the release position, its fixing element is removed, and as a result the retaining element can be moved back to the retaining position.

[0008] A rechargeable vehicle preferably has a controller that acts on a locking element when the retaining element is in the release position. In this way, the controller ensures a specific series of operations when a container is removed from the container stacking space. The actuator must first move the retaining element from the retaining position to the release position. Only then can the locking element be actuated to hold the retaining element in the release position.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the holding element is configured as two arm levers, with the first arm having a support surface for the container and the second arm, and the fixing element acting on the second arm. Subsequently, the fixing element is not positioned below the support surface of the container, and as a result, the movement of the container cannot be interrupted.

[0010] The retaining element is preferably located within a retainer positioned between the container stacking space and the charging space, and the fixing element can be moved within the intermediate space between the retaining element and the retainer, which is positioned in the released position. The retaining element is then supported on the retainer via the fixing element. For example, the retainer can be configured as a frame, which surrounds one or more openings at the lower end of one or more container stacking spaces.

[0011] The fixing element preferably has a tapered tip. This makes the fixing element easier to move. Even if the rechargeable vehicle is not precisely positioned at the desired location on the underside of the container stacking space, the fixing element can be moved to interact with the retaining element in the released position.

[0012] The retainer preferably has a guide for the retaining element, so that the tapered tip can enter the guide. When further movement is given, the retaining element is automatically guided to the desired position, in which position it can hold or fix the retaining element which is in the released position.

[0013] Preferably, this guide has a passage, which is located on the underside of the retaining element and outside the container's movement path. For example, the passage can be configured as a hole in the plate or some other part of the retainer.

[0014] In the non-operating position perpendicular to the direction of gravity, it is preferable that the fixed element does not protrude significantly beyond the rechargeable vehicle than in the operating position. If it is not necessary to fix the fixed element in the released position, the fixed element is inserted directly into the rechargeable vehicle. Ideally, the outer contour of the rechargeable vehicle refers to the contour of the rechargeable vehicle lateral to the direction of gravity, and is not enlarged by the fixed element in the non-operating position.

[0015] Here, it is preferable to guide the fixed element with a curved guide formed on the rechargeable vehicle. This is a simple option for moving the fixed element away from the contour of the rechargeable vehicle when lifted in the opposite direction to gravity, and for reintroducing it into the space within the contour of the rechargeable vehicle when lowered in the direction of gravity. The rechargeable vehicle itself is then configured relatively precisely to the requirements within the charging space, for example, with respect to the fact that the container stacking space is laterally bordered by supports that extend downward to a floor from which the rechargeable vehicle can be moved within the charging space.

[0016] Here, it is preferable to guide the fixed elements with curved guides formed on the rechargeable vehicle. This is a simple option for moving the fixed elements away from the contour of the rechargeable vehicle when lifted in the opposite direction to gravity, and for reintroducing them into the space within the contour of the rechargeable vehicle when lowered in the direction of gravity. The rechargeable vehicle itself is then configured relatively precisely to the requirements within the charging space, for example, with respect to the fact that the container stacking space is laterally bordered by supports that extend downward to a floor from which the rechargeable vehicle can be moved within the charging space. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. What is shown here is [Figure 1] A perspective conceptual view of a laminate storage assembly. [Figure 2] A perspective view of a frame assembly at the lower end of a container stacking space. [Figure 3] A diagram showing a rechargeable vehicle belonging to the laminate storage assembly. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram of a fixing device with a fixing element. [Figure 5a] A schematic diagram for explaining the movement of the fixing element. [Figure 5b] A schematic diagram for explaining the movement of the fixing element. [Figure 5c] A schematic diagram for explaining the movement of the fixing element. [Figure 6a] A diagram for explaining the storage of containers in a container stacking space. [Figure 6b] A diagram for explaining the storage of containers in a container stacking space. [Figure 6c] A diagram for explaining the storage of containers in a container stacking space. [Figure 6d] A diagram for explaining the storage of containers in a container stacking space. [Figure 7a] A schematic diagram for explaining the removal of a container from a container stacking space. [Figure 7b] A schematic diagram for explaining the removal of a container from a container stacking space. [Figure 7c] A schematic diagram for explaining the removal of a container from a container stacking space. [Figure 7d] A schematic diagram for explaining the removal of a container from a container stacking space. [Figure 8a] A schematic diagram for explaining the function of the fixing element. [Figure 8b] A schematic diagram for explaining the function of the fixing element. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Figure 1 shows a stacked storage assembly 1 with multiple container stacking spaces 2. Below the container stacking spaces 2, a charging space 3 is positioned in the direction of gravity. A frame assembly 4 is provided between the charging space 3 and the container stacking spaces 2. The laminate storage assembly 1 has multiple vertically positioned braces 5, which are connected to each other by horizontal cross braces 6, 7.

[0019] An opening 8 is formed at the bottom of each container stacking space 2, and this opening is provided in the frame assembly 4. Therefore, the frame assembly 4 has multiple braces 9 in the form of frame elements, which are, for example, screwed together. Retaining elements 10 are positioned at each corner of the frame elements. The four retaining elements of the frame elements then constitute a retaining device. The retaining elements 10 and their functions will be described in more detail below.

[0020] For clarity, the rechargeable vehicle 11 belonging to the laminate storage assembly 1 is not shown in Figure 1. The rechargeable vehicle 11 is shown in Figure 3. The rechargeable vehicle 11 has a lifting frame 12, which can be raised and lowered via a lifting drive mechanism not shown in further detail. The lifting frame 12 has a container footprint 13 on which a container 14, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, can be placed.

[0021] In addition to the lifting frame 12 and its lifting drive mechanism, the rechargeable vehicle 11 also has several fixed elements 15, which can be raised and lowered via a fixed element drive mechanism 16. The rechargeable vehicle 11 further has several wheels 17, 18, which can be used to move the rechargeable vehicle 11 within the charging space 3.

[0022] Each fixed element 15 is guided by a curved guide 16. The fixed elements 15 are positioned on a carrier 19 which is guided by the curved guide 16 via two rollers 20, 21. When the fixed element 15 is lifted by the fixed element drive 16, it is moved from the non-operating position in Figure 5a to the operating position in Figure 5c. Here it is moved outside the rechargeable vehicle 11 across the direction of gravity. When the fixed element 15 is lowered again, it is moved again inside the rechargeable vehicle 11 perpendicular to the direction of gravity. In this way, the fixed elements 15 are prevented from protruding onto the outer contour of the rechargeable vehicle 11 perpendicular to the direction of gravity as the rechargeable vehicle 11 moves within the charging space 3. The fixed element drive 16 acts on two fixed elements 15 simultaneously. For this purpose, the two fixed elements 15 are connected to each other via a cross member 22. The cross member 22 is then guided by a linear guide 23. The fixed element drive 16 may also be equipped with a cover in a manner not shown in more detail.

[0023] The fixed element 15 has a tapered tip portion 24, and its operating principle will be further explained below. It can also have a cylindrical shape or a polygonal cross-section.

[0024] Figure 6 shows how container 14 is stored in the container stacking space 2. As shown, an additional container 25 is already located within the container stacking space 2. This additional container 25 is supported on a retaining element 10 located at the corner of the retainer 9. Only a single retaining element 10 is shown.

[0025] The holding element 10 is configured as a two-arm lever having a first arm 26 having a container footprint 27 and a second arm 28. The holding element 10 is mounted so as to be able to pivot around an axis 29. Below the second arm 28, the retainer 9 has a guide 30 into which the fixed element 15 can enter when it is lifted. This guide 30 is positioned outside the movement path of the container 14.

[0026] Figure 6a shows the starting position, where container 14, to be stored in the container stacking space 2, moves from below towards container 25 already placed in the container stacking space 2. In Figure 6b, the new container 14 has made contact with container 25 already placed in the container stacking space 2.

[0027] Figure 6c shows how the two containers 14 and 25 are lifted together. Here, the newly stored container 14 comes into contact with the holding element 10, and more precisely, with the first arm 26 of the holding element 10, causing the holding element 10 to pivot from the holding position shown in Figures 6a to 6c to the release position shown in Figure 6d. In the release position of the holding element 10, the container 14 can be moved past the holding element 10. Here, the container 14, together with the lifting frame 12 that lifts the container 14, forms an actuator.

[0028] The newly stored container 14 is further lifted by the lifting frame 12 of the rechargeable vehicle 11 until the holding geometry 31 of the container 14 passes over the holding element 10. The holding element 10 then returns to the holding position (Figure 7a), thereby supporting the container 14 on the holding element 10. If necessary, the movement of the holding element 10 from the released position (Figure 6d) back to the holding position (Figure 7a) can be supported by a spring, which is not shown in more detail.

[0029] Figure 7 shows how container 14 is removed from the container stacking space 2. The lifting frame 12 is raised until it contacts container 14. Container 14 is then positioned on the container footprint 13. The retaining element 10 protrudes into a recess 32 at the bottom of container 14, which is located within the region of the retaining geometry 31.

[0030] If the lifting frame 12 is lifted further, the load on the holding element 10 is initially lifted by the container 14. In this case, there is no load on the holding element 10. If the lifting frame 12 is lifted further, the holding element 10 can be swung to the release position. In this case, the lifting frame 12 is equipped with an actuator on its own.

[0031] To prevent the holding element 10 from returning to its holding position when the lifting frame 12 is lowered, the fixing element 15 is activated at the position shown in Figure 7d.

[0032] The effect is shown in Figure 8. Figure 8a shows the retaining element 10 in the holding position, in which the container 14 is placed on the support surface 27 of the first arm 26. Figure 8b shows the release position in which the retaining element 10 is held by the fixing element 15. Here, the fixing element 15 is moved through a guide 30. The bottom of the guide 30 has a rounded or conical configuration, which facilitates the passage of the tip 24 of the fixing element 15. The guide 30 ensures that the fixing element 15 is moved between the retainer 9 and the second arm 28 of the retaining element 10 during the lifting process. Here, the fixing element 15 acts on the second arm 28, preventing the second arm 28 from pivoting again toward the retainer 9. Alternatively, other options can be used to hold the retaining element 10 instead of the retainer 9.

[0033] The lifting drive unit (not shown in further detail) and the fixed element drive device 16 of the lifting frame 12 are connected to a controller, which is also not shown in further detail. The controller ensures that the fixed element 15 can only be moved to the fixed position shown in Figure 8b when the holding element 10 is in the released position. For example, this can be ensured by using a sensor to determine the position of the holding element 10, or by monitoring the lifting path of the lifting device for the lifting frame 12, where the fixed element 15 is raised only when the lifting frame 12 has been lifted to the extent that it has swung the holding element 10 to the released position, i.e., the open position.

[0034] As is clear from Figure 8, the second arm 28 of the retaining element 10 abuts the retainer 9 from below in the direction of gravity when in the retaining position. The retainer 9 forms support for the fixed element 15 when the retaining element 10 is in the released position, and at the same time is used to restrict the movement of the retaining element 10 when it is in the retaining position. Since the fixed element 15 is supported by the retainer 9, it can be of relatively small size. The intermediate space between the retainer 9 and the second arm 28 of the retaining element 10 must be filled only when the retaining element 10 is in the released position shown in Figure 8b.

Claims

1. The stacked storage assembly (1) comprises multiple container stacking spaces (2), a charging space (3) located below the container stacking spaces (2) in the direction of gravity, and a rechargeable vehicle (11) that can move within the charging space (3), the rechargeable vehicle having a lifting device used to move containers into or out of the container stacking spaces (2), each container stacking space (2) having a holding device with at least one holding element (10) at its lower end in the direction of gravity, and the holding element (10) being moved by an actuator located on the rechargeable vehicle (11) between a holding position that holds a container placed in the container stacking space against gravity and a release position where the container is moved beyond the holding element, The rechargeable vehicle (11) has at least one fixed element (15) that is moved to a fixed position, and the fixed element (15) interacts with a holding element (10) that is in a released position at the fixed position of the fixed element (15) to hold the holding element (10) in the released position. A stacked storage assembly (1) is characterized in that the retaining element (10) is positioned in a holder (9) located between the container stacking space (2) and the charging space (3), and the fixing element (15) is movable within the intermediate space between the retaining element (10) and the holder (9) when in the released position.

2. The laminate storage assembly according to claim 1, wherein the rechargeable vehicle (11) has a controller that activates the fixing element (15) when the holding element (10) is in the release position.

3. The laminate storage assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the holding element (10) is configured as a lever having two arms, a first arm (26) and a second arm (28) having a support surface (27) for a container, and the fixing element (15) acts on the second arm.

4. The laminate storage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fixing element (15) has a tapered tip (24).

5. The laminate storage assembly according to claim 4, wherein the retainer (9) is provided with a guide (30) for the fixing element (15).

6. The laminate storage assembly according to claim 5, wherein the guide (30) has a passage, the passage is located below the retaining element (10) and outside the movement path of the container.

7. The laminate storage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fixed element (15) prevents the rechargeable vehicle (11) from protruding far beyond the operating position in a non-operating position perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

8. The laminate storage assembly according to claim 7, wherein the fixing element (15) is guided by a curved guide (16) formed on the rechargeable vehicle (11).

9. The stacked storage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lifting device comprises a lifting frame (12) having a container footprint (13), and the lifting frame (12) forms at least part of the actuator.

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