Passive shelving system

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a passive racking system, in particular for a high-bay warehouse.

[0002] High-bay warehouses are a known technology for efficiently storing large quantities of goods or making smaller quantities available close to the recipient. A high-bay warehouse is a storage system that utilizes a high degree of space. However, such a warehouse requires significant investment. These systems are usually fully electronically managed with a warehouse management system. Goods are transported within the warehouse by storage and retrieval machines (e.g., shuttles). The increasing demand for goods and their rapid delivery, for example, through short-term deliveries, are becoming ever more important. Furthermore, the level of automation in such warehouses is also increasing. Therefore, defects or malfunctions of individual components or parts of the warehouse can lead to operational failures of entire warehouses. This, in turn, can have a significant impact on the replenishment of goods.

[0003] EP 3 992 116 A1 shows an automated small parts racking system with a large number of rack rows, between which one or more aisles are provided.

[0004] US 2019 / 0291955 A1 discloses a racking system into which one or more shuttles can be moved. US 2019 / 0291955 A1 discloses a passive racking system according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for operating the racking system.

[0005] US 7381022 B1 shows a storage and distribution system, with a variety of transport vehicles and a storage system.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a racking system that allows both fully automated management and increased reliability. This problem is solved with a racking system having the features of claim 1 and with a method for operating such a racking system having the features of claim 15.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a passive racking system, particularly for high-bay storage, is provided. The racking system can comprise a racking area with at least two shelves at different vertical positions. Furthermore, the racking system can comprise at least two rack rail sections, each extending along the at least two shelves, wherein the rack rail sections can be configured such that a shuttle can move horizontally along the rack rail sections. In addition, the racking system can comprise at least one passive access section connecting the rack rail sections and configured such that the shuttle can move through the access section from one rack rail section to another in a vertical direction.

[0008] Compared to the prior art, the present invention offers the advantage that the racking system can be designed to be completely passive. In other words, no active control of the racking system is necessary to provide a fully automated racking system. More precisely, the racking system can be operated by an actively controlled shuttle in such a way that the racking system does not have to perform any actively controlled actions and / or movements or the like. Rather, the racking system can be passive and is only controlled by certain interactions that can be effected by the shuttle. In other words, the racking system can be passively or indirectly controlled. A passive design can mean that no switches or levers are provided in the racking system that can influence the direction of movement of a shuttle. This allows the racking system to be operated more reliably.

[0009] This allows for a particularly robust and easy-to-control racking system. Furthermore, operating errors due to incorrect controls are eliminated, as the racking system does not require active or direct control. This increases the system's reliability, ensuring the safe loading and unloading of goods at all times.

[0010] A passive shelving system can be characterized by the absence of actuators. Furthermore, the shelving system may lack a power or data connection that would require it to be connected to a control unit or power source. "Passive" in this context means that the shelving system does not initiate any active interactions but merely reacts to interactions from external sources. In other words, the shelving system can only be controlled indirectly (for example, exclusively). This reaction can occur without the use of electricity (for example, purely mechanically). This, in turn, can increase the stability of the shelving system.

[0011] The shelving area can be the area in which goods or articles are stored. Furthermore, the shelving area can include transport sections, such as shelf rail sections, designed to allow a shuttle to automatically move goods into and out of the shelving area. The shelves of the shelving area can be horizontal structures on which goods can be placed. These shelves can be parallel to the horizontal. Additionally, the shelves can be arranged one above the other (i.e., in the direction of gravity or vertically). In other words, the shelves can be located at different vertical positions. Preferably, the shelving area has a plurality of shelves, each arranged at a different vertical position. Each shelf can define a shelf level, which defines a vertical position.Thus, the shelving area can have multiple shelf levels stacked on top of each other. The shelves can be supported by vertical uprights. Preferably, the shelves are essentially flat, allowing goods to be placed on them easily and remain in their position. "Flat" here means that the shelves have no structures or divisions. In other words, the shelves are designed to accommodate goods individually. Therefore, no prior definition of specific storage areas is necessary, and goods can be placed on the shelves completely flexibly. The shelves can define a continuous, flat surface onto which goods can be placed directly (i.e., without containers or the like). Preferably, the shelves are continuous and seamless.This allows the warehouse to be operated with high efficiency, as goods can be stored individually adjacent to neighboring goods. In other words, goods can be stored individually next to and / or behind each other on the shelves. Therefore, it is not necessary to determine in advance which goods should be stored in any pre-defined or limited storage areas of the shelving unit. Furthermore, the shelving units can accommodate goods without additional transport equipment such as crates or the like. This can further increase the efficiency of the storage system.

[0012] Rack rail sections can comprise one or more rails (for example, two parallel rails) on which a shuttle can travel, similar to a rail vehicle. These rack rail sections can run along or parallel to the shelves. Thus, a shuttle positioned on the rack rail sections can load and unload goods from the shelves. Preferably, the rack rail sections run horizontally. In other words, the rack rail sections can be considered horizontal if they deviate from the horizontal by no more than 5%. Therefore, a shuttle traveling on the rack rail sections cannot move to other rack rail sections on other shelf levels, as the rack rail sections only run horizontally. Thus, the shuttle can only move along the rack rail sections of a single shelf level.

[0013] To overcome height differences between shelves or rack rail sections, the racking system features a passive climbing area. This climbing area can be designed to move the shuttle vertically between different rack rail sections located at various vertical positions within the racking area. The passive climbing area is also designed as a passive element within which the shuttle can move. In other words, the climbing area itself does not cause the shuttle to move vertically. The climbing area can have four supports extending vertically. These supports can be braced with cross braces and define a rectangular base in plan view. In other words, the climbing area cannot be an elevator or similar mechanism that actively moves the shuttle vertically.Rather, the platform area allows the shuttle to move vertically through active operation. Therefore, the platform area is not an elevator, lifting device, or similar, as this would require active control. Specifically, the platform area is fixed to the racking area. For example, the platform area can include a guide element for the shuttle, enabling it to move safely in the vertical direction. This vertical direction does not have to be strictly vertical but can be at an angle between 0° and 90° to the horizontal. The passive platform area ensures simple and stable operation of the racking system, preventing malfunctions caused by an actively controlled platform.Furthermore, several shuttles can move within the same platform area.

[0014] The shuttle could, for example, be a wheeled storage and retrieval machine designed to pick up goods and store them in and out of the racking area. Such a shuttle could, for instance, have four wheels that can be guided on rails. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the shuttle could also be guided in other ways (such as by a monorail, electromagnetism, etc.). According to one aspect of the present invention, the passive racking system is paramount, which, by eliminating any active control, inherently prevents incorrect operation due to a faulty active control system. Therefore, the passive racking system can be operated particularly advantageously because, firstly, no active control (with the necessary sensors and actuators) is required, and secondly, no operator error can occur due to a faulty active control system of the passive racking system.

[0015] Preferably, the platform area is designed such that the shuttle can move exclusively in the vertical direction within the platform area. In other words, the vertical direction of movement can extend at an angle of substantially 90° to the horizontal. "Substantially" here means that a vertical extension of the vertical direction of movement is also assumed if it includes an angle to the horizontal of 88° to 92° (i.e., has a tolerance of ± 2°). This prevents the shuttle from moving diagonally from one shelf rail section to a vertically spaced shelf rail section. Consequently, space can be saved for the racking system, as a diagonal path for the shuttle is not required.

[0016] Preferably, the platform is designed so that the shuttle can move bidirectionally in the vertical direction. In other words, the shuttle can move both upwards (ascending in the vertical direction) and downwards (descending in the vertical direction) within the same platform. The vertical direction can correspond to the direction of gravity. Thus, a racking system can, for example, be designed with only one platform, freeing up more storage space. Alternatively, the racking system can be equipped with two platforms, each located at one end of a rack rail section.In this case, one lifting area can be responsible for upward movement of the shuttle in the vertical direction, while the other lifting area can be responsible for downward movement of the shuttle in the vertical direction. This allows for an effective circular flow of shuttles within the racking system. Furthermore, all lifting areas can be identically designed, which reduces production costs. However, multiple shuttles can also move vertically within a single lifting area. The directions of movement of the individual shuttles do not have to be identical. In other words, one shuttle in a lifting area can move upwards, while another shuttle in the same lifting area can move downwards.This is useful, for example, when multiple shuttles have different starting points and different destination points (i.e., different target levels in the storage area). This allows for efficient shuttle operation within the racking system and avoids unnecessary shuttle travel.

[0017] Preferably, the shelf rail sections run along a first longitudinal side of the shelves, and preferably, a longitudinally extending wall section is arranged on a second longitudinal side of the shelves, which is opposite the first longitudinal side. The shelves can have a plate-like structure, which has its greatest extent in a principal extension direction. The longitudinal side of the shelves can also run in this principal extension direction. The shelves and the shelf rail sections can be arranged relative to each other such that the shuttle passes along the longitudinal side of the shelves. A wall section can be arranged on the other longitudinal side of the shelves, i.e., the longitudinal side facing away from the shelf rail section. The wall section can project from the shelf. Preferably, the wall section, together with the shelf, can form a substantially L-shaped element.The wall section can be continuous or intermittent. It can serve as a reference point for a measuring device on the shuttle. Thus, as a shuttle passes the shelf, a detection unit can determine whether goods are present on the shelf and / or their position. If the shelf is empty, the shuttle's detection unit can measure the wall section. Since an evaluation unit (e.g., a control unit) knows the position of the wall section (i.e., the shelf depth), it can unambiguously determine the measurement result at which the detection unit measures the wall section, thereby confirming that the shelf is empty. If, for example, no wall section is present, the detection unit measures into empty space, and the result can vary depending on the surrounding area of ​​the shelf.This can make determining whether a shelf is empty or not more difficult and unreliable. Therefore, the wall section can serve both as a measuring point and to prevent goods from being pushed over the edge of the shelf.

[0018] Preferably, the shelf rail sections are directly connected to the shelves. In this case, the shelf rail sections can be flange-like elements projecting from the shelves. These rail sections can have a running surface on which the shuttle can travel. This running surface can have a different vertical position than the shelf surface; in particular, it can be lower than the shelf surface. This ensures that the shuttle can easily pick up goods from the shelf, as it prevents an edge from forming between the shelf and the shuttle. Alternatively, the shelf rail sections can be integral to the shelves. This ensures particularly easy assembly of the racking system, as the position of the shelf rail sections relative to the shelves does not require complex adjustment or measurement.Furthermore, assembly errors are avoided and stability is increased. This ensures the safe operation of the racking system.

[0019] Preferably, the platform section comprises vertical rail sections designed to allow the shuttle to move vertically along them. Moving along them can mean that the shuttle is in contact with the vertical rail sections during vertical movement. Furthermore, the shuttle can be in frictional and / or positive-locking contact with the vertical rail sections, or can be brought into contact with them. Thus, the vertical rail sections can be designed to absorb a force from the shuttle, enabling it to move upwards or downwards in the vertical direction. The vertical rail sections can be integrally formed with the platform section. This ensures that their position within the platform section is correct and prevents assembly errors.The vertical rail sections can be attached to or arranged on the supports of the access platform. Preferably, the access platform comprises four supports and four vertical rail sections.

[0020] Preferably, the vertical rail sections are designed as a rack and / or friction rail. The rack can have a series of projections, the teeth, into which a gear can engage. More precisely, the shuttle can have at least one gear that can be brought into contact with the rack or toothed rail. The geometry of the rack can correspond to the developed geometry of the shuttle's gear, with involute, cycloidal, or conchoidal teeth. The distance from one tooth to the next can be referred to as the pitch of the rack. The pitch divided by π yields the module of the rack. The module, or diameter pitch, is a measure of the size of the teeth of gears. Its value is typically based on the unit of length, millimeter, and is calculated by dividing the pitch circle diameter by the number of teeth. Preferably, the module is in the range of 1 to 8, more preferably from 4 to 6.The toothed rail can be a straight machine element with a series of projections into which the shuttle's gear can engage. The travel distance can be determined by the mean circumference of the driving gear's rim, the so-called pitch circle diameter D, and the number of its revolutions N, as a product of π × D × N. Alternatively or additionally, a friction rail can be provided as the vertical rail section, where the friction rail can provide a surface that can be in contact with a complementary element (for example, a rubber tire or the like) of the shuttle. A contact force between the shuttle and the vertical rail section can provide sufficient friction between the shuttle's wheel and the friction rail so that the shuttle can be moved vertically (i.e., in the direction of vertical movement) when the wheel is driven along the friction rail.Thus, a simply designed platform can be provided to move the shuttle vertically within the platform. Preferably, the toothed rail is positioned directly in the vertical direction of movement. This makes the toothed rail particularly easy to install. Preferably, the shuttle itself controls the movement, so it is not necessary to modify the guide provided by the toothed rail (e.g., by switches, curves, or the like).

[0021] Preferably, the platform area has at least one guide section with which the shuttle can engage during vertical movement. In other words, the platform area can have a guide section designed to guide and / or secure the shuttle. This guide section can be a groove or recess into which the shuttle can engage with a corresponding element. The guide section can also serve as a guide between two rack levels. At each position on a rack level, the guide section can release the shuttle, allowing it to easily extend or retract from the platform area. For example, the guide section could be a T-shaped recess into which a locking element of the shuttle can engage.In the areas corresponding to the height of the racking levels, the T-shaped recess can be open, allowing the shuttle to easily enter and exit the guide section. This secures the shuttle during movement between two racking levels. For example, in the event of a shuttle drive failure or a mechanical failure of the vertical rail sections, this prevents the shuttle from falling. Furthermore, the guide section defines the shuttle's position within the platform area, ensuring a high level of operational safety.

[0022] Preferably, the access area has at least one horizontal rail section designed to allow the shuttle to enter and exit the access area horizontally. This horizontal rail section can have a running surface on which the shuttle can be placed and moved, corresponding to that of the rack rail sections. Thus, a shuttle can travel horizontally on the rack rail sections and easily enter the access area (i.e., onto the horizontal rail sections). Similarly, the shuttle can exit the access area on the horizontal rail sections. Advantageously, the length of the horizontal rail sections is essentially the same as the length of the shuttle. In other words, the access area can have an extension in the horizontal direction of travel that is essentially the same as the length of the shuttle.This avoids an unnecessarily long access area and allows for optimal use of the available space. Alternatively or additionally, the access area can also be designed to be passable. In other words, the access area can be located between two racking sections and can be traversed horizontally by shuttles without moving vertically.

[0023] Preferably, the horizontal rail section is transferable from a horizontal movement position, in which the shuttle can move horizontally within the platform area, to a vertical movement position, in which the shuttle can move vertically within the platform area. In other words, the shuttle can move horizontally within the platform area (i.e., in the horizontal direction of movement) when the horizontal rail section is in the horizontal movement position. Similarly, the shuttle can only move vertically within the platform area (i.e., in a vertical direction of movement) when the horizontal rail section is in the vertical movement position. This allows a single space within the platform area to be used for both the horizontal and vertical movement of the shuttle, thus ensuring highly efficient use of the available space.In other words, the platform area can have compact dimensions, thus freeing up more space for the racking area. This can increase the efficiency of the racking system. The horizontal movement position can be an extended position of the horizontal rail section. The vertical movement position can be a folded-down position of the horizontal rail section. The platform area preferably has two horizontal rail sections per racking level. Therefore, the platform area is suitable for shuttles with two axles and four wheels. This ensures safe operation of the shuttle within the racking system.

[0024] Preferably, the transfer of the horizontal rail section from a horizontal to a vertical position occurs without active control of the racking system. Instead, the access area can be designed so that the transfer of the horizontal rail section from the horizontal to the vertical position, or vice versa, can be effected by the shuttle. More precisely, depending on the shuttle's direction of movement, the appropriate position of the horizontal rail section can be automatically provided. For example, a shuttle moving upwards in the vertical direction can encounter a rail section above it and move it from the horizontal to the vertical position. The shuttle can then pass over the horizontal rail section in the vertical direction.Therefore, no complex control system for the racking system is necessary to move the horizontal rail section into the desired position. Instead, this can be done automatically by the shuttle's movement. To enable automatic control of the access area by the shuttle, the access area can, for example, be equipped with actuators that translate the shuttle's movement into a suitable position on the horizontal rail section. The actuators are preferably of a mechanical design. More precisely, the actuators can be endpoints or contact points that the shuttle approaches, and depending on the direction in which the shuttle approaches them, the actuators can mechanically transmit control commands that move the horizontal rail section into the desired position (i.e., the horizontal or vertical movement position).This allows for particularly simple control of the racking system without the need for external active control via control units or the like.

[0025] Preferably, the horizontal rail section is mounted on the lifting area in such a way that it returns from the vertical to the horizontal position without external actuation. In other words, the horizontal rail section can be in a position of instability when in the vertical position. This means that the horizontal rail section moves from the vertical to the horizontal position without external actuation.

[0026] This can be achieved, in particular, without an additional element such as a spring or the like. For example, the shuttle can move the horizontal rail section into the vertical movement position to pass through it. The horizontal rail section can then return to the horizontal movement position on its own. Therefore, a particularly simple design of the lifting area is possible. This can be achieved by mounting the horizontal rail section so that it can rotate around a pivot point using a connecting element, preventing it from assuming a stable position in the vertical movement position. This can be achieved, for example, by one or more stops.

[0027] Preferably, the horizontal rail section is aligned with at least one shelf rail section in the direction of horizontal movement, so that the shuttle can travel from the horizontal rail section of the access area to the shelf rail section of the racking area and from the shelf rail section to the horizontal rail section. In other words, the horizontal rail sections of the access area can always be positioned at the same location relative to the shelf rail section of the same racking level when in the horizontal movement position. This offers the advantage that the shuttle can always enter and exit the access area without difficulty. For example, with prior art active elevator systems, it is often difficult to position the transport platform on which a shuttle is mounted relative to a shelf in such a way that the shuttle can enter and exit without difficulty.This problem does not arise in the present embodiment, since the horizontal rail section is always positioned in the same place in the horizontal movement position. Furthermore, the automatic return of the horizontal rail section to the horizontal movement position ensures that the shuttle can always enter the access area without difficulty. This increases operational reliability and reduces the susceptibility of the racking system to failure.

[0028] Preferably, the horizontal rail section in the vertical movement position is folded down, creating a vertical movement space for the shuttle in the access area. For example, the horizontal rail section can be folded down by approximately 90°, as in this position it occupies the least space in the vertical movement direction. This further optimizes space utilization, thus increasing the storage efficiency of the racking system.

[0029] Preferably, the horizontal rail section is pivotably mounted about a first pivot point in the platform area by at least one first arm. The first arm can, for example, be a cantilever-like element to which the horizontal rail section is attached at its outer end. The horizontal rail section can be rigidly connected to the first arm. Furthermore, the first arm can have a bend such that, in the horizontal movement position, the horizontal rail section is positioned above the first pivot point in the direction of vertical movement. This ensures that, in the vertical movement position (i.e., in the folded-down position of the horizontal rail section), the horizontal rail section is spaced orthogonally to the direction of vertical movement from the first pivot point, thus creating a particularly large space for vertical movement of the shuttle.In other words, by bending the first arm, the horizontal rail section can be folded far out of the operating area of ​​the platform, giving the shuttle sufficient space to move vertically. This further increases the space efficiency of the platform. Furthermore, the first arm can be designed with a first arm section connecting the first pivot point to the horizontal rail section and a second arm section connecting the pivot point to the opposite outer end of the first arm. The second arm section can be at least half the length of the first arm section. This ensures that the horizontal rail section remains in a folded position (i.e.,(in the vertical movement position) is in a mechanically unstable position and automatically folds back into the horizontal movement position after the shuttle has passed. This ensures the safe operation of the racking system.

[0030] Preferably, a third arm is provided in the lifting area, which has a first contact element at its outer end, and preferably the third arm is arranged below the horizontal rail section in the direction of horizontal movement. The third arm can thus support the horizontal rail section in addition to the first arm. It is preferably provided that the third arm is not rigidly connected to the horizontal rail section. Thus, when the horizontal rail section moves from the horizontal to the vertical position, the third arm can be displaced relative to the horizontal rail section. In particular, the third arm can be in contact with the horizontal rail section by means of the first contact element. The first contact element can project downwards from the horizontal rail section in the direction of vertical movement.During operation of the racking system, if a shuttle moves vertically from below towards the horizontal rail section, the shuttle can first make contact with the first contact element. As the shuttle then continues its upward movement in the vertical direction (i.e., towards the horizontal rail section), it can push the horizontal rail section away. In other words, the shuttle can move the horizontal rail section from the horizontal to the vertical position. The first contact element can be designed to make direct contact with the shuttle first. For example, the first contact element could be a rotatably mounted roller, thus reducing friction between the shuttle and the third arm.In other words, the contact element can come into contact with both the shuttle and the vertical rail section, preventing the shuttle from coming into direct contact with the horizontal rail section. This reduces maintenance and wear.

[0031] Preferably, the third arm is pivotally mounted about a second pivot point, which is spaced apart from the first pivot point. Preferably, the first and second pivot points lie on a straight line that is perpendicular to the horizontal or parallel to the direction of vertical movement. Thus, the horizontal rail section can be pivoted by a parallelogram-like linkage consisting of the first and third arms. Furthermore, the vertical movement position can be defined as an unstable position. This ensures that the horizontal rail section automatically returns from the vertical movement position to the horizontal movement position. This can increase operational reliability.

[0032] Preferably, a second arm is pivotably provided in the lifting area about a second pivot point, wherein the second arm preferably has a second contact element at its outer end and is arranged such that the second contact element is located below the horizontal rail section in the horizontal movement position, and wherein the second arm is preferably mounted so that it automatically returns to the horizontal movement position. The second arm can be moved into the vertical movement position together with the horizontal rail section. From the vertical movement position, the second arm can then automatically return to the horizontal movement position. For example, the second arm can be moved into the vertical movement position (i.e., deflected) simultaneously with the horizontal rail section by a shuttle. Thus, the second arm is inclined to move from the vertical movement position to another (i.e.,to return to the horizontal position). This can be achieved, for example, by having the second arm have a stop that allows a movement angle of less than 90° between the horizontal and vertical positions. In other words, the stop prevents a larger angular movement of the second arm. This ensures that the second arm always returns to the horizontal position. The second arm can be designed to return from the vertical to the horizontal position before the horizontal rail section does. In other words, the horizontal rail section may still be in the folded-down position, held there, for example, by the shuttle, while the second arm has already returned to the horizontal position.This offers the advantage that the second arm can provide an actuator that detects when the shuttle performs a specific movement. Thus, the second arm can be designed to move an adjacent horizontal rail section (i.e., not the horizontal rail section to which the second arm is attached) from the horizontal movement position to the vertical movement position if such a movement is initiated by the shuttle. For example, the second arm can be designed such that when a shuttle travels vertically from top to bottom and contacts the second arm, the underlying horizontal section can be moved from the horizontal movement position to the vertical movement position by a linkage mechanism (further details follow below).This ensures that a shuttle can easily travel vertically from top to bottom through the platform area. Furthermore, it is conceivable that when the shuttle travels vertically from below against the second arm, the connection mechanism can cause the underlying horizontal rail section to be moved from a vertical to a horizontal position. This allows the shuttle to selectively fold in and / or unfold horizontal rail sections within the platform area (i.e., from a horizontal to a vertical position or vice versa) to access specific racking levels. This enables a completely passive platform area without the need for external control.

[0033] Preferably, the platform area has at least one connecting mechanism that links a first arm of a first horizontal rail section to a second arm of an adjacent second horizontal rail section, such that when the second arm of the second horizontal rail section is deflected, the first horizontal rail section can be moved from the horizontal to the vertical position. In other words, the second arm can control an adjacent horizontal rail section. The second horizontal rail section can be positioned above the first horizontal rail section in the direction of vertical movement. For example, if a shuttle wants to disembark in the platform area, it can enter the platform area and enter the horizontal rail section (e.g., the first horizontal rail section).The shuttle can then move vertically upwards until it has moved the horizontal rail section above it (e.g., the second horizontal rail section) from its horizontal to its vertical position. Upon passing the second horizontal rail section, the second arm of the second horizontal rail section returns to its horizontal position, while the second horizontal rail section, including the guide rail, remains in its vertical position. The shuttle can then change its direction of travel vertically and move downwards. During this movement, the shuttle may collide with the second arm and / or the second contact element, deflecting the second arm downwards. Through the connection mechanism, the second arm can then move the first horizontal rail section from its horizontal to its vertical position.The deflection of the second arm (due to the shuttle) allows the first horizontal rail section to be held in the vertical position until the shuttle reaches the area of ​​the first horizontal rail section and holds the section itself in the vertical position (for example, by contacting the first contact element of the first horizontal rail section). When the second arm of the second horizontal rail section is no longer deflected by the shuttle, it can automatically return to the horizontal position. Once the shuttle passes the first horizontal rail section, it can make contact with the second arm of the first horizontal rail section to move the next horizontal rail section below it into the vertical position in the same manner. In this way, the shuttle can descend through the platform.

[0034] Preferably, the first and third arms are articulated together at one of their outer ends. This allows for a parallelogram-like movement structure during the folding motion of the horizontal rail section from the horizontal to the vertical position, ensuring particularly good guidance of the horizontal section. Furthermore, this prevents tilting or unwanted play in the system. As a result, the stability of the platform remains secure even after numerous repetitions of the movement.

[0035] Preferably, the racking system has at least one infeed and at least one outfeed track for shuttles, wherein the infeed and outfeed tracks are preferably directly connected to at least one access platform. The infeed and outfeed tracks can be arranged on the same level, in particular on only one level. In other words, the access platform can form an entrance and / or exit gate of the racking system. Preferably, the racking system can have two access platforms, one at each entrance and exit of the racking area. This allows travel distances to be efficiently shortened and ensures that the shuttle does not have to travel unnecessary distances.

[0036] Preferably, the racking system comprises a shuttle designed to move vertically within a platform by means of a vertical drive and horizontally within the racking area by means of a horizontal drive. The vertical drive can, for example, be at least one rubber wheel and / or a gear that interacts with the vertical rail section to enable the shuttle to move vertically within the platform. The shuttle can be designed to place and transport goods onto a goods storage area. In other words, the shuttle can only transport goods by placing them on the storage area. Transporting goods suspended beneath the shuttle is not possible.

[0037] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for operating one of the above-mentioned racking systems is provided. This method may include providing one of the above-mentioned racking systems. Furthermore, the method may include operating a shuttle in the access area so that it moves in the vertical direction. Preferably, the access area is controlled mechanically by the shuttle. In particular, the mechanical control of the access area can be carried out exclusively by the shuttle. Thus, no other mechanical control commands need to be transmitted to the access area or the racking system to store or retrieve goods. Therefore, a completely passive racking system can be operated. Only the shuttle can be an active part of the racking system. The racking system itself can be controlled solely by operating the shuttle.According to a further aspect of the present invention, a use of a racking system according to one of the above embodiments for the storage and / or order picking of goods is provided.

[0038] Features of individual embodiments can be combined with other features of other embodiments or with other embodiments to form new embodiments. The new embodiments exhibit the advantages and properties mentioned in connection with the features. Features and advantages mentioned in connection with the method also apply analogously to the device and vice versa.

[0039] Preferred embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. Fig. 1 shows a schematic and perspective view of a passive shelving system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows a perspective and schematic view of a shelf area of ​​a shelving system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view through a shelf area according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 shows a schematic and perspective sectional view through a shelf area according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 schematically shows a passive ladder area with a shuttle located therein according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a perspective and schematic detail view of a climbing area according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective detail view of a climbing area according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective sectional view of a component of a climbing area according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a schematic side view of a part of a ladder area according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a perspective schematic view of a climbing area according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11A and Fig. 11B These are schematic and perspective views of a climbing area in different operating positions. Figuren 12A and 12B These are schematic and perspective views of a part of a ladder area in different operating positions.

[0040] In the following figure descriptions, identical elements are designated with the same reference numerals. This also applies when identical elements are used in different embodiments.

[0041] Fig. 1 Figure 1 is a perspective and schematic view of a passive racking system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The racking system 1 comprises a racking area 2 and a platform area 6. In this case, the racking area 2 is directly connected to the platform area 6. Furthermore, an approach track 7 is shown, on which a shuttle 5 can move. The racking area 2 is only indirectly connected to the approach track 7. In other words, the racking area 2 is only connected to the approach track 7 via the platform area 6. Thus, the shuttle 5 must pass through the platform area 6 to reach the racking area 2. The racking area 2 has a plurality of shelves 3. The shelves 3 are arranged horizontally one above the other. In other words, each shelf 3 has a different vertical position. The shelves 3 are connected to shelf rail sections 4 (in Fig. 1 (not shown) assigned, so that the shuttle 5 can move along the shelves 3. The shuttle 5 is designed to store various goods 10 in or out of the shelves 3. In this embodiment, storage and retrieval means placing the goods 10 onto the shelves 3 and / or transporting them away. To enable the shuttle 5 to reach the various shelves 3, which are located at different vertical positions, the shuttle 5 can change its vertical position in the direction of vertical movement V by means of the climbing area 6. For this purpose, the shuttle can move vertically through the climbing area 6 under its own power. At a desired position in the vertical direction, the shuttle 5 can move onto the corresponding shelf rail sections 4 of the racking area 2 to reach the desired shelves 3. In this embodiment, the shuttle 5 moves strictly (i.e.,The shuttle moves (exclusively) vertically through the platform area. On the horizontal rail sections 4 in the rack area 2, the shuttle moves strictly (i.e., exclusively) horizontally.

[0042] Fig. 2 Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a shelf area 2 of a passive shelving system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure shown in Figure 2, the shelf area 2 is a shelving unit. Fig. 2 In the depicted shelf area 2, the shelf rail sections 4, which are assigned to the shelves 3, can be seen. The shelves 3 are arranged side by side on each shelf level. Each shelf 3 is assigned one shelf rail section 4, so that two opposing shelves 3 form a drive-over shelf rail section 4. Furthermore, in Fig. 2 A wall section 8 is identified, which is provided on each shelf 3. The wall section 8 is located on the shelf along one long side facing away from the shelf rail sections 4. This provides a defined measuring point for a sensor system of the shuttle 5. Thus, as the shuttle 5 passes by, the sensor system can easily detect whether goods are arranged on the shelf, where these goods are located, and / or whether the shelf 3 is empty.

[0043] Fig. 3 Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view through a shelf area 2 of an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 Three shelves 3 are shown arranged one above the other at different vertical positions. Each of these three shelves 3 is assigned shelf rail sections 4. In the present embodiment, the shelving area 2 also has a plurality of intermediate shelves 31. The intermediate shelves 31 are arranged at different vertical positions between two shelves 3. These intermediate shelves 31 differ from the shelves 3 in that no shelf rail sections 4 are assigned to them. Instead, these intermediate shelves 31 can be operated by the shuttle 5, which actively feeds the goods to be stored on the intermediate shelves 31 to them. This can be achieved, for example, by a lever mechanism or a gripping mechanism arranged on the shuttle 5. The intermediate shelves 31 are suitable, for example, for storing particularly light or small goods.For this purpose, it would not be economical to allocate 31 extra shelf rail sections (4) to the intermediate shelves. Furthermore, in . Fig. 3 Another level of the feed section 7 is shown schematically. According to one embodiment, the clear width between two adjacent shelves 3 (i.e., between two shelves 3, each having a shelf rail section 4) is approximately 653 mm.

[0044] Fig. 4 Figure 1 is a schematic and perspective sectional view through a shelf area 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the shelf rail sections 4 are integrally formed with the shelves 3. This allows the position of a driving surface 41, which is formed on the shelf rail sections 4, relative to the shelves 3 to always remain constant, regardless of who or how the shelf area 2 is assembled. The shuttle 5 can travel on wheels on the driving surfaces 41 of the shelf rail sections 4.

[0045] Fig. 5 Figure 6 is a schematic view of a section of a platform 6 with a shuttle 5 located therein. The platform 6 has a plurality of horizontal rail sections 11, two of which are assigned to each shelf level (i.e., a level of shelves). The shelf rail sections 11 are movably mounted in the platform 6. Consequently, the horizontal rail sections 11 can be folded down. More precisely, the horizontal rail sections 11 can be positioned in a horizontal movement position or in a vertical movement position. Furthermore, the platform 6 has vertical rail sections 12, by means of which the shuttle 5 can move in the vertical movement direction V. Thus, the shuttle 5 can move horizontally on the horizontal rail sections 11 and vertically on the vertical rail sections 12.In the present embodiment, the vertical rail sections 12 are designed as a toothed rail. A drive system 51 of the shuttle 5 can be engaged with this toothed rail. For example, the drive system 51 of the shuttle 5 can have a gear that can be engaged with the toothed rail (i.e., with the vertical rail section) 12.

[0046] Fig. 6 This is a perspective detail view of a section of the access area 6 with a shuttle 5 located therein. Furthermore, the following is shown in Fig. 6 In the depicted state, a drive system 51 of the shuttle 5 engages with the toothed rail 12. In this position, the shuttle 5 can be moved in the vertical direction by driving the drive system 51 of the shuttle 5. For example, the drive system of the shuttle 5 can rotate so that the drive system moves from a first position, in which the shuttle 5 can travel on the horizontal rail sections 11, to a second position, in which the shuttle 5 can be moved on the vertical rail sections 12. In the Fig. 6 In the position shown, the shuttle is in the second position.

[0047] Fig. 7 This is a perspective detail view of a lift area 6 with a shuttle 5 located therein. Compared to the one in Fig. 6 The configuration shown is in the Fig. 7 In the configuration shown, the drive system 51 of the shuttle 5 is rotated such that the gear of the drive system 51 is not engaged with the toothed rail 12. The drive system 51 as shown in Fig. 7 The shuttle 5 is shown in the first position. Rather, the drive system 51 of the shuttle 5 is in contact with the horizontal rail section 11 as a traction drive in order to move the shuttle 5 horizontally into or out of the platform area 6. Furthermore, in Fig. 7 It can be seen that the horizontal rail sections 11 extend into a movement area of ​​the shuttle 5, which extends in the vertical direction of movement V. Therefore, according to an advantageous embodiment, the horizontal rail sections 11 are movably mounted so that they can be folded down in the case of vertical movement of the shuttle 5 in the vertical direction of movement V, in order to clear the movement space for the shuttle 5. Consequently, a particularly compact lifting area 6 can be achieved.

[0048] Fig. 8 These are perspective and schematic views of a portion of a riser area 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention. More precisely, in Fig. 8 A horizontal rail section 11 is shown in detail from two different perspectives. To simplify the illustration, other components of the climbing area 6 have been omitted. The in Fig. 8 The illustration on the left shows the horizontal rail section 11 with its fastening 13 in a perspective shown obliquely from the front, whereas the one in Fig. 8 The illustration on the right shows the horizontal rail section 11 from a view obliquely from behind.

[0049] The horizontal rail section 11 is fixedly (i.e., immovably) connected to a first arm 21, which is rotatably mounted about a first pivot point 31 on a frame 13 of the lifting section 6. The first arm 21 is rotatably mounted about a first pivot point 31. Furthermore, the lifting section 6 has a third arm 23, which is pivotably mounted on the lifting section 6. More precisely, the third arm 23 is rotatably mounted about a second pivot point 32. In the horizontal movement position, the third arm 23 is arranged substantially parallel to the first arm 21. The third arm 23 has a first contact element 24 at one of its outer ends. In the present embodiment, the first contact element 24 is rotatably mounted on the third arm 23. In one embodiment, the first contact element 24 is a roller.During a vertical movement of the shuttle 5 upwards in the vertical movement direction V, the shuttle 5 can first come into contact with the first contact element 24 and thus push the horizontal rail section 11 upwards. At its second end, the third arm 23 has an arm connection element 25, which connects the first arm 21 to the third arm 23. Thus, by deflecting the third arm 23, the first arm 21 can be articulated to move the horizontal rail section into the vertical movement position (i.e., into the deflected position). Fig. 8 In both views, a portion of the lifting section 6 is shown, each comprising two horizontal rail sections 11 arranged one above the other in the vertical direction of movement V. The upper horizontal rail section 11 is only partially shown to illustrate elements of the invention. Furthermore, the lifting section 6 has a second arm 22, which is pivotally mounted on the frame 13 of the lifting section 6. The second arm 22 has a second contact element 30 at its outer end. The second contact element 30 is identical in design to the first contact element 24. The second arm 22 is rotatably arranged about the second pivot point 32. The second arm 22 also has a stop 26 that restricts the pivoting of the second arm 22 so that it automatically returns from the vertical movement position to the horizontal movement position when an external force on the second arm 22 is removed.This ensures that the second arm 22 always projects into the movement range in the vertical direction of movement V of the shuttle 5. A plurality of the structure described above (i.e., the horizontal rail section 11 and the associated linkage) are arranged one above the other in a lifting area 6. Fig. 8 This is shown schematically, in which a part of the linkage of another horizontal rail section 11 is shown above one horizontal rail section 11 together with its linkage. In the following, the horizontal rail sections 11 are referred to as the first horizontal rail section 11 and the second horizontal rail section 11, both of which are identical. For the sake of simplicity, the following is shown in Fig. 8 In the depicted arrangement, the first horizontal rail section (the lower one) is shown completely, whereas the second horizontal rail section (the upper one) is only partially shown. It can be seen that the second arm 22 is clearly visible in the second horizontal rail section. This second arm 22 is also present in the lower part of the first horizontal rail section 11. Fig. 8 present, but obscured by other components.

[0050] Fig. 9 Figure 1 is a schematic side view of the primary horizontal rail section and the second horizontal rail section 11. A connecting mechanism 27 is visible, which connects the first horizontal rail section 11 and the second horizontal rail section 11. When multiple horizontal rail sections 11 are arranged one above the other in the lifting area 6, all horizontal rail sections 11 are connected to each other. The connecting mechanism 27 comprises a first connecting arm 28 and a second connecting arm 29. The first connecting arm 28 and the second connecting arm 29 are connected to each other in such a way that they are movable relative to each other. More precisely, the first connecting arm 28 has an elongated hole into which the second connecting arm 29 engages. Furthermore, the first connecting arm 28 is connected to the second arm 22 of the second horizontal rail section 11.The second connecting arm 29 is connected to the first arm 21 of the first horizontal rail section 11. This establishes a mechanical connection between the second arm 22 of the second horizontal rail section 11 and the first arm 21 of the first horizontal rail section 11. Thus, a shuttle 5, traveling downwards in the vertical direction V within the lifting area 6, can deflect the second arm 22 of the second horizontal rail section 11. This deflection of the second arm 22 of the second horizontal rail section 11, via the connecting mechanism 27, actuates the first arm 21 of the first horizontal rail section 11, causing it to move the first horizontal rail section 11 from the horizontal to the vertical position. This allows the shuttle 5 to pass through the first horizontal rail section 11 in the vertical direction V.

[0051] Fig. 10 This is a perspective view of part of a climbing area 6 with a shelf area 3 in the background. Fig. 10 The first contact element 24 and the second contact element 30 are shown as they are arranged side by side under the horizontal movement section 11 in the horizontal movement position. Furthermore, in Fig. 10 to recognize that the first arm 22 and the third arm 23 lie essentially in one plane and are both arranged below the horizontal rail section 11 (in the horizontal movement position).

[0052] Figuren 11A und 11B each represents a part of the climbing area. The difference between Fig. 11A und 11B The position of the riser area is... Fig. 11A The horizontal rail section 11 is shown in the horizontal movement position. In other words, during the Fig. 1 In the arrangement shown, the shuttle 5 moves horizontally into or out of the lifting area 6. Fig. 11B In contrast, the riser area 6 is shown in the vertical movement position, in which the shuttle 5 can move in the vertical direction V. It should be noted that the in Fig. 11B The depicted position of the horizontal rail section 11 represents an unstable equilibrium state, and the horizontal rail section 11 does not remain in this position on its own, but falls back into the horizontal movement position. Furthermore, in Fig. 11B to recognize that the second arm 22 extends into the movement range of the shuttle 5, so that a shuttle 5 moving in the movement range contacts the second arm 22.

[0053] The same is true in Figuren 12A und 12B Each position of the riser area 6 is shown. Fig. 12A The climbing area is shown in the vertical movement position, whereas in Fig. 12B The climbing area is shown in the horizontal movement position. Unlike Figuren 11A und 11B is in the Figuren 12A und 12B The climbing area 6 is shown viewed from the rear. The connection between the first horizontal rail section 11 and the second horizontal rail section 11 by the connecting mechanism 27 is visible. Bezugszeichenliste:

[0054] 1 Passive shelving system 2 Shelf area 3 Shelf 4 Shelf rail sections 5 Shuttle 6 Passive climbing area 7 Infeed section 8 Wall section 10 Goods 11 Horizontal rail section 12 Vertical rail section 13 Frame 21 First arm 22 Second arm 23 Third arm 24 First contact element 25 Arm connecting element 26 Stop 27 Connecting mechanism 28 First connecting arm 29 Second connecting arm 30 Second contact element 31 First pivot point 32 Second pivot point Vertical movement direction

Claims

1. Passive shelving system (1), in particular for a high-bay warehouse, comprising: a shelf area (2) with at least two shelves (3) at different vertical positions, at least two shelf rail sections (4), which each run along the at least two shelves (3), wherein the shelf rail sections (4) are designed in such a way that a shuttle (5) can move horizontally on the shelf rail sections (4), at least one passive riser area (6), which connects the shelf rail sections (4) to one another and is designed such that the shuttle (5) can displace the riser area (6) from one shelf rail section (4) to another shelf rail section (4) in a vertical movement direction (V), wherein the riser area (6) has at least one horizontal rail section (11), which is designed such that the shuttle (5) can enter and exit the riser area (6) horizontally, and characterized in that the horizontal rail section (11) is folded down in the vertical movement position, so that a vertical movement space for the shuttle (5) is formed in the riser area (6).

2. Shelving system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the riser area (6) is designed such that the shuttle (5) can move bidirectionally in the vertical movement direction (V)3. Shelving system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the riser area (6) has vertical rail sections (12) which are designed such that the shuttle (5) can travel vertically thereon.

4. Shelving system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the horizontal rail section (11) can be transferred from a horizontal movement position, in which the shuttle (5) can move horizontally in the riser area (6), to a vertical movement position, in which the shuttle (5) can move vertically in the riser area (6).

5. Shelving system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a transfer of the horizontal rail section (11) from a horizontal movement position to a vertical movement position takes place without active control of the shelving system (1).

6. Shelving system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the horizontal rail section (11) is supported on the riser area (6) such that it returns from the vertical movement position to the horizontal movement position without external actuation.

7. Shelving system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the horizontal rail section (11) is mounted on the riser area (6) so as to be pivotable about a first pivot point (31) by at least a first arm (21).

8. Shelving system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a third arm (23) is provided in the riser area (6), which has a first contact element (24) at its outer end, and preferably the third arm (23) is arranged below the horizontal rail section (11) in the horizontal movement direction.

9. Shelving system (1) according to claim 8, wherein the third arm (23) is pivotally mounted about a second pivot point (32) which is spaced from the first pivot point (31).

10. Shelving system (1) according to claim 9, wherein the first pivot point (31) and the second pivot point (32) lie on a straight line which is vertical to the horizontal or parallel to the vertical movement direction (V).

11. Shelving system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a second arm (22) is provided in the riser area (6) so as to be pivotable about a second pivot point (32), wherein the second arm (22) has a second contact element (30) at its outer end and is arranged such that the second contact element (30) is arranged below the horizontal rail section (11) in the horizontal movement position, and wherein the second arm (22) is mounted in such a way that it automatically returns to the horizontal movement position.

12. Shelving system (1) according to claim 11, wherein the riser area (6) has at least one connecting mechanism (27) which connects a first arm (21) of a first horizontal rail section (11) to a second arm (22) of an adjacent second horizontal rail section (11), so that when the second arm (22) of the second horizontal rail section (11) is deflected, the first horizontal rail section (11) can be moved from the horizontal movement position to the vertical movement position.

13. Shelving system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shelving system (1) has at least one infeed section (7) and at least one outfeed section for shuttle (5), wherein the infeed section (7) and the outfeed section are preferably directly connected to at least one riser area (6).

14. Shelving system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shelving system (1) comprises a shuttle (5) which is designed to move vertically in a riser area (6) by means of a vertical drive and to move horizontally in the shelf areas (2) by means of a horizontal drive.

15. Method of operating a shelving system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises: Providing a shelving system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Operating a shuttle (5) in the riser area (6) so that it moves in the vertical movement direction (V), wherein the riser area (6) is controlled, in particular mechanically, by the shuttle (5).