Mobile depot facility and method for operating same

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile depot facility (100) for storing and providing packages (500) at a location within a specified transfer period, having - a transfer device (110), - support element (210) and a store (250) for support elements, - a plurality of storage positions (200), - a connecting means (120) for connecting the depot facility (100) to an assigning means (300) for assigning package identification features to storage positions (200), and - a transport unit (150) which can move along a transport path (160) in the mobile depot facility (100) and which can bring the packages (500) into storage positions (200) of the depot facility, wherein - the transport of the packages (500) by the transport unit (150) within the depot facility (100) can be controlled while taking into consideration the storage positions (200) assigned to each package (500) using the package identification features.

Description

[0001] Mobile depot facility and procedures for its operation

[0002] Description:

[0003] The invention relates to a mobile depot facility for storing and providing several parcels within a specified handover period at a location and a method for operating the same.

[0004] Various concepts for the automatic storage and retrieval of parcels in a depot facility are known in the prior art. For example, EP 1 959 406 A1 shows a parcel station with lockers and a control unit for monitoring access authorizations.

[0005] European patent EP 1 438641 B1 discloses an electronic parcel locker system with a plurality of electronic parcel lockers, each of which is assigned an operating unit. This known electronic parcel locker system is characterized by a central control unit for controlling the operating units, the central control unit containing a means for variably assigning the parcel lockers to the operating units. The parcel locker system disclosed in this European patent has rigid lockers and is also stationary.

[0006] This patent application describes a mobile depot facility used to temporarily store parcels and make them accessible to a large number of recipients at a single location. Furthermore, the mobile depot facility functions to receive parcels from a large number of recipients at a single location, temporarily store them, transport them to a logistics location of a parcel service provider, and deliver them there.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a mobile depot facility and a method for operating it, with which the storage and provision of parcels can be carried out as automatically and / or autonomously as possible, efficiently and with the smallest possible ecological footprint. According to the invention, this object is achieved by a mobile depot facility having the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous developments of the mobile depot facility arise from subclaims 2-11. The object is further achieved by a method according to claim 12. An advantageous embodiment of the method arises from subclaim 13. The mobile depot facility disclosed in this application offers greater location flexibility and expandability. It can be set up temporarily at various locations in order to cover seasonal or regional peaks in parcel volumes.The adjustable parcel compartments can be adapted to different needs, allowing for flexible use depending on the size and volume of the parcel.

[0008] The term "mobile" in this context is not limited to the depot facility being self-propelled. Rather, the term "mobile" within the meaning of the invention implies that the depot facility is designed in such a way that its location can be changed (at any time). A change in location can occur, for example, if the dispensing unit is a vehicle, a component or trailer of a vehicle, or if it can be transported by a vehicle.

[0009] It is particularly advantageous to design the depot facility with dimensions that allow it to be transported in regular road traffic and, preferably, parked in regular parking spaces. Designing the dispensing unit with appropriate dimensions is advantageous.

[0010] In this application, parcels are understood to mean any physical objects that can be transported and preferably do not exceed certain dimensions and / or a certain weight.

[0011] This includes everyday items such as consumables or food, as well as technical items and equipment. The packages include unpackaged items, items packaged in product packaging, and items repackaged in additional transport packaging. In the case of packaged and repackaged items, the package comprises the packaging or outer packaging and the item packaged therein. It is also expedient to process unpackaged items, in particular goods, according to the invention. Letters as well as advertising materials and brochures may also be packages within the meaning of this application. Repackaging can be carried out either partially or completely. For example, opened transport boxes (above) are also included in the term outer packaging.

[0012] For the storage and provision of parcels, the parcels must be handed over to the depot facility or by the depot facility, whereby the handover may in particular be a delivery and / or a collection of the parcels.

[0013] This application concerns the handover of parcels to recipients and / or the handover of parcels by consignors. Unless it is specified that the handover is to a recipient, this also includes handovers by consignors. Likewise, unless it is specified that the handover is to a consignor, this also includes handovers to a recipient. In this application, handovers by consignors are also referred to as posting or acceptance, and handovers to recipients are also referred to as delivery.

[0014] Both natural persons and technical entities can be consignors in the context of the present application. Natural persons or technical entities that hand over parcels to the depot facility are also referred to as consignors in the context of the present application. Consignors refer in particular to those consignors who commission the transport of parcels, possibly including collection, and possibly payment, possibly even at a location where no depot facility is available. The present application includes embodiments in which the consignors of parcels are consignors. Recipients in the sense of the present invention are entities to which the mobile depot facility hands over or can hand over parcels or other objects. Both natural persons and technical entities can be recipients in the context of the present application.

[0015] The mobile depot device according to the invention for the storage and provision of several parcels within a specified handover period at one location has the following components:

[0016] - a transfer device for accepting and / or dispensing packages, - support elements and a storage for support elements, wherein the support elements have a support base for receiving a package and have an engagement structure along one opposite pair of sides and a sliding edge along the other opposite pair of sides,

[0017] - a plurality of storage positions, whereby the support elements can be pushed into the storage positions along their sliding edges,

[0018] - a connecting means for connecting the depot facility to an allocation means for allocating parcel identification features to storage positions,

[0019] - a transport unit that can move along a transport path in the mobile depot facility and can bring the packages into storage positions of the depot facility, wherein the transport unit has engagement elements arranged on at least one linear guide system that can engage in an engagement structure on at least one side of the support elements, and wherein the transport unit has at least one motor connected to the at least one linear guide system in order to displace the engagement elements in the direction of the storage positions.

[0020] The transport of the parcels by the transport unit within the depot facility can be controlled, taking into account the storage positions assigned to the respective parcels based on the parcel identification features. The transport unit is divided, for example, into an upper and a lower section, with the lower section responsible for movement along the transport route and the upper section for storing and retrieving the parcels. The linear guidance system is integrated, for example, into a ceiling of the upper section. The ceiling can have a geometry that matches the support element and, for example, can have a border that can be used to secure a support element resting on it against slipping.The engagement structure could be, for example, an engagement groove running along the side edge of the support element or a cutout in the contour in which the correspondingly designed engagement elements can be locked. The support elements are, for example, trough-shaped with a depth of 1 cm. The trough-like design refers to the cross-section (side view) of the support elements and serves both to limit the packages so that they cannot slip off, and to improve space-saving storage. The storage for the support elements could, for example, be a separate device. However, it is also possible to use the storage positions as storage for the support elements.The linear guidance system can be formed, for example, by linear guides consisting of a rail and a carriage that slides on the rail, spindle drives with a spindle and nut, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders with compressed air or hydraulic fluid to move a piston in a cylinder, linear motors mounted along a rail and capable of generating direct linear motion, belt drives with a toothed belt or a flat belt wound around pulleys, chain drives, or conveyor belts. The transport unit has a base that fits the carrier elements in order to safely transport the carrier elements with the packages on them. For a storage operation, the transport unit can drive to the storage area for carrier elements after the mobile depot facility has been informed that a storage operation is to take place and retrieve a carrier element there.To do this, the transport unit uses at least one motor to move the linear guide system forward far enough that the engagement elements arranged on the linear guide system can engage the engagement structure of a carrier element. The motor then moves the linear guide system back to its zero position, pulling the carrier element onto the transport unit. When moving back to the zero position, preferably another engagement element, which in the extended state was guided beyond the end point / transfer point of the linear guide system and was located on the underside, moves back over the end point / transfer point and engages the further engagement structure of the carrier element located opposite the first engagement structure. The transport unit then moves with the carrier element into the transfer device and is presented to the deliverer, who places the parcel to be shipped on the carrier element.The depot facility is then connected via a connecting means to an allocation means which allocates the parcels to storage positions based on parcel identification features and then receives a storage position allocated for this parcel to be stored. The depot facility then instructs the transport unit to travel to this storage position, whereupon the transport unit travels along its transport path within the depot facility until it reaches its designated position. It can be advantageous to check in advance whether the parcel has been placed correctly on the support element to prevent the package from falling off during transport. The parcel is generally correctly aligned when its mass point is closest to the base of the support element, i.e. the package lies flattest on the support element.After the transport unit with the carrier element and package has moved to the storage position, the conveyor belt is deflected / extended by the motor and the carrier element is pushed into the storage position.

[0021] For an issue process, the depot device first receives the assigned storage position from the allocation device via its connecting means and transmits it to the transport unit. The transport unit approaches the transmitted storage position in a similar manner with engagement elements extended to the end point / transfer point, moves the conveyor belt towards the zero position and pulls the carrier element out of the storage position and onto the transport unit via the engagement of engagement elements in the engagement structure of the carrier element. In the zero position, engagement elements are preferably inserted into the engagement structure of the carrier element on both sides. The transport unit then moves with the carrier element and package into the transfer device, reveals their package to the recipient, and waits until the recipient removes it or the transport unit receives a new instruction.After removing the package, the transport unit can move to the storage area for support elements and stow the support element there. In a preferred embodiment of the mobile depot facility, the linear guide system is a conveyor belt, the engagement elements are carriers arranged on the conveyor belt, and the engagement structure is an engagement groove with dimensions corresponding to the carriers. The conveyor belt represents a preferred embodiment, among other things, because it can exhibit high friction coefficients and can be integrated into the ceiling of the transport unit, onto which the support element can be placed.

[0022] An advantageous development of the mobile depot facility is characterized in that the transport unit further comprises at least one extendable / foldable extender which, in the extended / folded-out state, engages with the engagement structure of the support elements and is suitable for carrying the support elements beyond the end point / transfer point of the at least one linear guide system, in particular conveyor belt. The length of the extender exceeds a distance between the end point / transfer point of the linear guide system and an edge of the storage positions facing the transport path, and the gap between the transport unit and the storage position is bridged by driving a guide means connected to the extender. The guide means can, for example, be a (further) conveyor belt. However, lifting-cylindrical, (electro)magnetic and / or linear drives for the guide means are also possible.The extender can be switched, for example, between a submerged and raised position. The extenders ensure that the support elements are inserted sufficiently deep into the storage positions and that the transport unit can travel at high speeds along its transport path through the depot facility without getting stuck on inserted support elements. The extenders can, in particular, be connected to another conveyor belt, which is connected to its own motor. In a further development of this arrangement, the transport unit has three parallel conveyor belts, with engagement elements arranged on the outer conveyor belts and the middle conveyor belt connected to the extendable / foldable extender.During a delivery process, the extender, in a submerged position, follows the engagement elements arranged on the conveyor belts until they are near the transfer point. There, the extender can be lifted and moved upwards from its submerged position to engage the engagement structure of the support element. The extender can be activated, for example, via an electrical signal. The extender can consist, for example, of a rotatably mounted arm with an extendable cylinder on its side or two arms connected by a joint, with the joint being switched between an angled and extended position using a bistable magnet, for example. Alternative designs are also conceivable.In this example, extending the cylinder or stretching the joint would raise the rotatably mounted arm of the extender and insert it into the engagement structure and lock it in the engagement structure.

[0023] Likewise, during a retrieval process, the outer conveyor belts would be moved to their maximum deflection position, while the middle conveyor belt moves just far enough so that the extender, in the submerged (not raised) state, is located exactly below the engagement structure. This can be achieved, for example, with sensor support. The extender would be raised and the middle conveyor belt would retract to the transfer point of the conveyor belts. From here, the engagement elements arranged on the outer conveyor belts would engage the engagement structure and pull the carrier element onto the transport unit in the manner described above. From the point at which the engagement elements of the outer conveyor belts control the movement of the carrier element, the extender can be submerged / lowered again and return to its zero position.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transport path is designed as a transport aisle, and the transport unit can move mirror-symmetrically arranged engagement elements on both sides, with the axis of symmetry running along the transport aisle, in particular the center of the transport aisle. This allows the transport unit to perform storage and retrieval operations on both sides. The fact that the transport path is designed as a transport aisle means, in this case, that storage positions are located on both sides of the transport path. This embodiment increases the utilization of the limited space available in the depot facility and reduces the number of required transport paths.

[0025] The mobile depot facility according to the invention is characterized in a further development in that the storage positions are formed by support rails and that the transport unit has a means with which a vertical position of the transport unit can be changed. This simplifies the construction of the storage positions in the manner of a storage rack. For example, the transport unit is divided into an upper part and a lower part, wherein the lower part is responsible for movement along the transport path, for example by means of a drive train and associated wheels, while the upper part can be lifted from the lower part by means of a motor. The upper part includes a support surface for the carrier elements, a linear guide system, which can be integrated into the support surface, and preferably extenders.Additionally, it is preferred if the support rails are vertically equidistant and the distance between two adjacent support rails is less than 5 cm and preferably 3.5 cm. The smaller the distances between the support rails, the more efficiently the space of the storage rack can be used. In the exemplary embodiment of the two-part transport unit, the motor for adjusting the height of the upper part can be designed as a stepper motor, whereby the step size can be easily adjusted to the grid. In principle, the distance (the grid) can also be selected to be smaller. The height of the grid is influenced by.

[0026] - the height of the support element

[0027] - the necessary freedom of movement between two empty support elements (for example, 5 mm). The system itself can also be built in miniature. In this case, the minimum spacing of the grid would be less than 3.5 cm, for example, 3.5 mm, between two superimposed support rails. For example, a mobile depot facility can be adapted for the transport of letters. It is also conceivable to use two or more transport aisles with their own transport units and transfer devices in a mobile depot facility, wherein a first transport aisle has a grid of 3.5 cm and is suitable for all parcels within the meaning of this application, and wherein a second transport aisle has a grid of less than 3.5 cm, for example, 3.5 mm, and is primarily suitable for letters.

[0028] According to an advantageous development of the invention, a sensor unit is arranged in the transfer device of the mobile depot device, which can detect at least one package identification feature of a package to be stored. The assignment of the package to the storage position takes place taking into account the detected package identification feature, wherein at least one height of the package to be stored is detected. In particular, the maximum height of the package in the orientation in which it lies on the support element in the transfer device is detected. This development allows the selection of the storage position to be optimized. The combination of this feature in the mobile depot device with support rails arranged like storage shelves is particularly preferred. In this way, the number of packages that can be stored can be efficiently maximized.

[0029] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the carrier element has different friction coefficients at the sliding edges and the carrier base, with the friction coefficient of the carrier base being significantly higher than the friction coefficient of the sliding edges. This facilitates the insertion of the carrier element into the storage positions and prevents the package from slipping on the carrier base of the carrier element.

[0030] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transport unit has a holding means with which the carrier element is secured against displacement or lifting. In an advantageous further development of this mobile depot device, the holding means has a rail into which the sliding edge of the carrier element can be inserted. The rail holds the carrier element vertically along the sliding edge. This design prevents (accidental) removal of the carrier element in the transfer device by a recipient and prevents the carrier element from slipping along the transport path during transport.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for operating a mobile depot device, in particular a mobile depot device according to one of the previously described embodiments, is also provided. The method is characterized in that for a storage process of a parcel

[0032] - a transport unit removes a carrier element from a storage area for carrier elements and locks it in the transport unit,

[0033] - the transport unit moves into a transfer facility of the mobile depot facility,

[0034] - the transfer device is opened so that a consignor can place a parcel on the carrier base of the carrier element,

[0035] - the transport unit waits until the package is placed on the carrier element,

[0036] - a storage position assigned depending on at least one parcel identification feature is received,

[0037] - the transport unit is guided along a transport path in the mobile depot facility until the transport unit is in a position opposite the received storage position,

[0038] - a motor drives at least one linear guide system which engages via engagement elements in an engagement structure of the carrier element and the carrier element is pushed into the storage position on its sliding edges, and that for a retrieval process of a package,

[0039] - a storage position is received based on a parcel identification feature,

[0040] - the transport unit is guided along the transport route in the mobile depot facility until the transport unit is in a position opposite the received storage position,

[0041] - the motor drives at least one linear guide system, which engages via engagement elements in the engagement structure of the carrier element located in the storage position and which pulls the carrier element out of the storage position on its sliding edges and holds it on the transport unit, preferably locking it,

[0042] - the transport unit with the parcel moves into the transfer device of the mobile depot facility, - the transfer device is opened so that a recipient can remove the parcel and

[0043] - the transport unit brings the carrier element into the storage for the carrier elements.

[0044] According to an advantageous development of the method, during a storage process when pushing the support element into the storage position, before or while the engagement elements located on at least one linear guide system are released from the engagement structure at an end point / transition point of the linear guide system, at least one extender is unfolded / extended and raised so that it engages into the engagement structure from below and pushes the support element beyond the end point / transition point of the linear guide system into the storage position, wherein the extender is lowered before retraction, before the extender and the linear guide system return to their starting position, and during a retrieval process when pulling the support element out of the storage position, the extender is deflected in a lowered position until the extender would engage into the engagement structure of the support element if lifted from below,the extender is raised and then retracted until the engagement structure of the support element is located above the end point / turnover point of the linear guide system, wherein the at least one linear guide system equipped with engagement elements retracts until the engagement elements engage the engagement structure of the support element, so that the extender can be folded in / submerged and the support element is pulled onto the transport unit via the engagement elements and held, preferably locked.

[0045] The present invention is explained in more detail below using preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. However, it should be noted that the described embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and the invention is not limited thereto. One skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, changes, and variations of the present invention are possible that may deviate from the illustrated embodiment. Such modifications, changes, and variations are considered to be within the scope of the invention and are covered by the appended claims. One skilled in the art will be able to recognize various useful combinations of the features of the present invention depending on the specific requirements and circumstances.

[0046] A) Mobile depot device with a storage for support elements, in particular a mobile depot device according to one of the embodiments described in this application, wherein storage positions can be used as storage for the support elements.

[0047] B) Mobile depot device, in particular mobile depot device according to one of the embodiments described in this application, wherein two or more transport aisles with their own transport units and transfer devices are arranged in a mobile depot device, wherein a first transport aisle has a first grid and wherein a second transport aisle has a second grid, wherein the second grid is substantially smaller than the first grid.

[0048] C) Mobile depot device according to B), wherein the first transport aisle has a grid of 3.5 cm and is suitable for all parcels within the meaning of this application and wherein a second transport aisle has a grid smaller than 3.5 cm, for example 3.5 mm, and is mainly suitable for letters.

[0049] From the pictures shows:

[0050] Fig. 1 shows a mobile depot device according to the invention,

[0051] Fig. 2 a transport lane with storage positions arranged on both sides,

[0052] Fig. 3 shows a transport unit of a mobile depot device according to the invention,

[0053] Fig. 4 Carriers on two externally arranged conveyor belts for the

[0054] Transfer of a carrier element from a transport unit to a storage position (storage and retrieval),

[0055] Fig. 5 Extenders working synchronously with carriers in preparation for bridging a gap between transport unit and storage position,

[0056] Fig. 6 a view of a support element,

[0057] Fig. 7 a detailed view of a support element,

[0058] Fig. 8 Extenders that push a transport element beyond the transport unit,

[0059] Fig. 9 Extenders that push a transport element even further beyond the transport unit, Fig. 10 a side view of a middle conveyor belt with extender,

[0060] Fig. 11 an isolated view of the extender,

[0061] Fig. 12 an isolated view of another extender,

[0062] Fig. 13 a transport unit with extender,

[0063] Fig. 14 a transport unit with extended extender in engagement with

[0064] Support element.

[0065] First, the reference symbols are described in general terms. The individual symbols are referred to in the context of the respective illustrations. In the following illustrations, identical reference symbols are used to clearly identify corresponding elements.

[0066] In the embodiment of the mobile depot device 100 shown in Figures 1 to 11, the linear guide system 151 is a conveyor belt, the engagement elements 152 are carriers arranged on the conveyor belt, and the engagement structure 212 is an engagement groove with dimensions corresponding to the carriers. The transport unit 150 is configured to travel along a transport path 160 in the depot device 100 and to change its vertical position.

[0067] For a storage process, a transport unit 150, after the mobile depot device 100 has been informed that a storage process is to take place, moves to a storage area 250 for support elements 210 and removes a support element 210 there. To do this, the transport unit 150 first extends an extender 154 until it is located below an engagement structure 212 of a support element 210, activates the extender 154 to engage the engagement structure 212 and then moves a guide means 156 connected to the extender 154 back until the engagement structure 156 is located above one end point / transfer point 158 ​​of the linear guide system 151 and the engagement elements 152 arranged on the linear guide system 151 can engage the engagement structure 212 of a support element 210.

[0068] The motor then moves the linear guide system 151 back to its zero position, thereby pulling the carrier element 210 onto the transport unit 150. During the return to the zero position, a further engagement element 152, which in the extended state was guided beyond the end point / transition point 158 ​​of the linear guide system 151 and was located on the underside, preferably moves back beyond the end point / transition point 158 ​​and engages the further engagement structure 212 of the carrier element 210 located opposite the first engagement structure 212. The transport unit 150 then moves with the carrier element 210 into the transfer device 110 and is presented to the deliverer. The deliverer places the package 500 to be shipped onto the carrier element 210.The depot facility 100 is then connected via a connecting means 120 to an allocation means 300, which allocates the packages 500 to storage positions 200 based on package identification features, and then receives a storage position 200 allocated to this package 500 to be stored. The depot facility 100 then instructs the transport unit 150 to travel to this storage position 200, whereupon the transport unit 150 travels along its transport path 160 in the depot facility 100 until it reaches its specified position. After the transport unit 150 with the carrier element 210 and package 500 has approached the storage position 200, the conveyor belt is deflected / extended by means of the motor, and the carrier element 210 is inserted into the storage position 200. The extenders 154 are raised at the latest from the end point / transfer point 158 ​​and push the support element 210 completely into the storage position 200.

[0069] For an output process, the depot device 100 first receives the assigned storage position 200 from the allocation means 300 via its connecting means 120 and transmits it to the transport unit 150. The linear guide system 151 is moved to the maximum deflected position, while the guide means 156 connected to the extender 154 moves just far enough so that the extender 154, in the submerged (not raised) state, is located exactly below the engagement structure 212. The extender 154 is raised, and the middle conveyor belt is retracted to the end point / transfer point 158 ​​of the conveyor belts. From here, the engagement elements 152 arranged on the outer conveyor belts engage the engagement structure 212, and the carrier element 210 is pulled onto the transport unit 150 in the manner described above.From the point at which the engagement elements 152 of the outer conveyor belts control the movement of the carrier element 210, the extender 154 can be submerged / lowered again and returned to its zero position. In the zero position, engagement elements 152 are preferably inserted into the engagement structure 212 of the carrier element 210 on both sides. The transport unit 150 then moves with the carrier element 210 and package 500 into the transfer device 110, presents the package 500 to the recipient, and waits until the recipient removes it or the transport unit 150 receives a new instruction. After removing the package 500, the transport unit 150 can move to the storage area 250 for the carrier elements 210 and stow the carrier element 210 there.

[0070] Fig. 1 shows a mobile depot device 100 according to the invention, comprising a transfer device 110, support elements 210, a storage 250 for the support elements 210, a plurality of storage positions 200, a connecting means 120, and a transport unit 150 that can travel from the transfer device 110 to the storage positions 200. The mobile depot device 100 uses the connecting means 120 to communicate with an allocation means 300 in order to be able to allocate the storage positions 200 to packages 500 based on package identification features. A sensor unit 111 for detecting the height of a package 500 is shown in the transfer device 110.

[0071] Fig. 2 shows a transport path 160, here a transport aisle, with storage positions 200 arranged on both sides. An axis 161 is shown, which defines the three spatial directions relevant to the invention. The packages 500 are pushed into the storage positions 200 in the y and -y directions. The transport unit 150 can be moved in the x and -x directions in the transport aisle. The vertical position of the transport unit 150 along the z axis can be changed here by a motor (not shown). This does not necessarily mean that the entire transport unit 150 is moved in the z direction. It is conceivable to divide the transport unit 150 into an upper and lower part, whereby only the upper part can be changed in its vertical position.

[0072] Fig. 3 shows a transport unit 150 with two linear guide systems 151, here two conveyor belts, and a central guide means 156 connected to a carriage 157 of an extender 154 (see Fig. 5) that is hidden here, and here also implemented by a conveyor belt. The transport unit 150 has a trough shape on its upper side, wherein the edge of the trough is formed by rails 153 pointing in the y-direction, which prevent the support elements 210 from slipping in the direction of travel and removal in the z-direction. A support element 210 can be pushed into the rails 153 along sliding edges 213 and, in the pushed-in state, is secured, for example, against slipping during transport. The support element 210 is connected to the transport unit 150 in the deflected state.

[0073] Fig. 4 shows the transport unit 150 from Fig. 3, wherein the carrier element 210 is only indicated by dashed lines in order to be able to show the engagement of the engagement elements 152 located on the outer conveyor belts, here carriers, in the engagement structure 212, here engagement groove, of the carrier element 210.

[0074] The transport unit 150 shown in Fig. 5 additionally has extenders 154 for bridging a gap between the transport unit 150 and the storage position 200. The extenders 154 themselves hook into the engagement groove of the support element 210 from below. The extenders 154 have a common carriage 157 to which they are connected. The carriage 157 is embedded in the middle conveyor belt and is pulled along when the conveyor belt is activated. In the state shown in Fig. 5, the engagement groove is located just before the transfer point 158 ​​of the conveyor belts.

[0075] Fig. 6 shows a trough-shaped support element 210. The long side, along which opposite sliding edges 213 run, corresponds in length to the depth of the storage positions 200. The engagement structures 212, here engagement grooves, run opposite each other along the short sides.

[0076] Fig. 7 shows a corner of the support element 210 from Fig. 6 in detail. The sliding edge 213 is characterized in that its support surface runs essentially parallel to the support base 211 of the support element 210. Preferably, the support base 211 is designed with a higher coefficient of friction than the sliding edge 213, so that the support element 210 can be easily inserted into the storage positions 200, but the packages 500 cannot slip on the support base 211. In addition, the engagement groove for insertion and removal can be seen in more detail.

[0077] Fig. 8 shows how the extenders 154 push the carrier element 210 beyond the transport unit 150. The carriers, which previously pushed the carrier element 210, are now folded over the transfer point 158 ​​(not shown here) (see Fig. 5) of the conveyor belts onto the underside of the conveyor belts. This occurs synchronously with the sliding movement of the extender 154. The different acceleration values ​​​​generated during rotation are preferably also taken into account. It is possible to connect all three conveyor belts to a common motor (not shown here). Alternatively, it is possible to provide the middle conveyor belt with its own motor. In Fig. 9, the extenders 154 are deflected even further and locked in the engagement structure 212 of the carrier element 210 in order to push the carrier element 210 along its sliding edges 213 as deep as possible into a storage position 200 (not shown here) (see Fig. 2).

[0078] Fig. 10 shows a side view of a middle conveyor belt with extender 154. The lifting of the extender 154 takes place here by means of two arms 154.2, 154.3 connected via a joint 154.1. The lower end of the first arm 154.2 is connected to the carriage 157. The angle of the joint 154.1 can be varied via a mechanism connected to the carriage 157. This is preferably controlled electrically via electronics installed in the carriage 157 and not explained in detail here. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable to use a pressure cylinder or other alternatives known to those skilled in the art instead of the arms 154.2, 154.3. The second arm 154.3 is coupled laterally to the main arm 154.4 of the extender. The main arm 154.4, at the end of which there is a driver for engagement in the engagement groove, is connected to the carriage 157 for rotational movement. Stretching or bending the joint 154.1 changes the height of the main arm 154.4 of the extender 150 and causes it to rise or fall. The guide means 156 connected to the extender 154 is shown here as a conveyor belt, with the conveyor belt additionally supported by a guide rod with a guide bushing installed in the carriage 157 to stabilize the carriage 157.

[0079] In Fig. 11, the extender 154 is shown in isolation from a different perspective. Instead of the conveyor belt, all solutions known to those skilled in the art for implementing a linear guide 156 for the extender 154 are also conceivable, such as linear guides, spindle drives, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, linear motors, belt drives, or chain drives.

[0080] An extender 154 of an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in isolation from a perspective in Fig. 12. The extender 154 is moved back and forth as a unit, for example, with the aid of a linear guide (not shown) supported by lateral guide elements 154.8. Cams 154.7 attached to rigid rods 154.6 serve to engage in corresponding engagement structures 212 on support elements 210. The cams 154.7 are rotatably mounted and can be switched / activated between a working position in which they are locked in the engagement structure 210 and a rest position in which they are released from the engagement structure 210. This configuration of an extender 154 is particularly advantageous for the stability of the transport unit 150. The rods 154.6 are not necessarily rigid, but can, for example, be extendable telescopically. The rigid design of the rods 154.6 has, however, proven to be beneficial for the storage and retrieval of packages 500 or carrier elements 210.

[0081] Fig. 13 shows a transport unit 150 with an extender 154, as shown in Fig. 12. The extender 154 is vertically offset from two external linear guide systems 151, so that a carrier element 210 (not shown here) in a transport position on the transport unit 150 would rest only on the external linear guide systems 151 and the carrier element 210 would not rub against the extender 154.

[0082] The transport unit 150 proposed in Fig. 13 can be seen in Fig. 14 guiding a support element 210 beyond an end point / transition point 158 ​​(see Fig. 13) of the linear guide systems 151. The cams 154.7 arranged on the rigid rods 154.6 are locked in the working position in the engagement structure 212 of the support element 210.

[0083] The embodiments shown here are merely examples of the present invention and should therefore not be considered limiting. Alternative embodiments contemplated by those skilled in the art are equally encompassed within the scope of the present invention.

[0084] List of reference symbols:

[0085] 100 Mobile Depot Facility

[0086] 110 Transfer device

[0087] 111 Sensor unit

[0088] 120 lanyards

[0089] 150 transport units

[0090] 151 Linear guide system

[0091] 152 engagement element

[0092] 153 rails

[0093] 154 Extenders

[0094] 154.1 Joint

[0095] 154.2 Arm

[0096] 154.3 Arm

[0097] 154.4 Main arm

[0098] 154.6 Staff

[0099] 154.7 cams

[0100] 154.8 Guide element

[0101] 156 guidance tools

[0102] 157 sleds

[0103] 158 End point / Transfer point

[0104] 160 transport route

[0105] 161 Axis

[0106] 200 stock positions

[0107] 210 support element

[0108] 211 support floor

[0109] 212 Intervention structure

[0110] 213 sliding edges

[0111] 250 warehouses

[0112] 300 allocation tools

[0113] 500 packages

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Mobile depot facility (100) for storing and providing several packages (500) within a designated handover period at a location, comprising - a transfer device (110) for accepting and / or dispensing packages (500), - support elements (210) and a bearing (250) for support elements (210), wherein the support elements (210) have a support base (211) for receiving a package (500) and have an engagement structure (212) along one opposite pair of sides and sliding edges (213) along the other opposite pair of sides, - a plurality of storage positions (200), wherein the support elements (210) can be pushed into the storage positions (200) along their sliding edges, - a connecting means (120) for connecting the depot device (100) to an allocation means (300) for allocating parcel identification features to storage positions (200), - a transport unit (150) that can move along a transport path (160) in the mobile depot facility (100) and can introduce the packages (500) into storage positions (200) of the depot facility (100), wherein the transport unit (150) has engagement elements (152) arranged on at least one linear guide system (151) that can engage in an engagement structure (212) on at least one side of the support elements (210), and wherein the transport unit (150) has at least one motor connected to the at least one linear guide system (151) to displace the engagement elements (152) in the direction of the storage positions (200), - wherein the transport of the packages (500) by the transport unit (150) within the depot facility (100) is controllable taking into account the storage positions (200) assigned to the respective packages (500) on the basis of the package identification features.

2. Mobile depot device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the linear guide system (151) is a conveyor belt, the engagement elements (152) are carriers arranged on the conveyor belt and the engagement structure (212) is an engagement groove with dimensions corresponding to the carriers.

3. Mobile depot facility (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transport unit (150) further comprises at least one extendable / foldable extender (154) which, in the raised / activated state, engages in the engagement structure (212) of the support elements (210) and which is suitable for carrying the support elements (210) beyond an end point / transition point (158) of the at least one linear guide system (151), wherein the length of the extender (154) exceeds a distance between the end point / transition point (158) of the linear guide system (151) and an edge of the storage positions (200) facing the transport path (160), and by driving a guide means (156) connected to the extender (154), the gap between the transport unit (150) and the storage position (200) is bridged by the extender (154).

4. Mobile depot device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport unit (150) has three parallel conveyor belts, wherein engagement elements (152) are arranged on the respective outer conveyor belts and a middle conveyor belt is connected to the extendable / foldable extender (154).

5. Mobile depot device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport path (160) is designed as a transport lane and the transport unit (150) can move mirror-symmetrically arranged engagement elements (152) on both sides, wherein the axis of symmetry runs along the transport lane.

6. Mobile depot device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage positions (200) are formed by support rails and that the transport unit (150) has a means with which a vertical position of the transport unit (150) can be changed.

7. Mobile depot device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the support rails are distributed vertically equidistantly and the distance between two adjacent support rails is less than 5 cm and preferably 3.5 cm.

8. Mobile depot device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sensor unit (111) is arranged in the transfer device (110), which can detect at least one package identification feature of a package (500) to be stored, wherein the assignment of the package (500) to the storage position (200) takes place taking into account the detected package identification feature, wherein at least one height of the package (500) to be stored is detected.

9. Mobile depot device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier element (210) has different friction values ​​on the sliding edges (213) and the carrier base (211), wherein the friction value of the carrier base (211) is substantially higher than the friction value of the sliding edges (213), and is preferably so high that the packages do not move on the carrier element.

10. Mobile depot device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport unit (150) has a holding means with which the carrier element (210) is secured against displacement or lifting.

11. Mobile depot device (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that the holding means has rails (153) into which the sliding edges (213) of the carrier element (210) can be inserted.

12. Method for operating a mobile depot device (100), in particular a mobile depot device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for a storage process of a package (500) - a transport unit (150) removes a carrier element (210) from a storage (250) for carrier elements (210) and locks it in the transport unit (150), - the transport unit (150) moves into a transfer device (110) of the mobile depot device (100), - the transfer device (110) is opened so that a consignor can place a parcel (500) on the support base (211) of the support element (210), - the transport unit (150) waits until the package (500) is placed on the carrier element (210), - a storage position (200) assigned as a function of at least one parcel identification feature is received, - the transport unit (150) is controlled along a transport path (160) in the mobile depot device (100) until the transport unit (150) is in a position opposite the received storage position, - a motor drives at least one linear guide system (151) which engages via engagement elements (152) in an engagement structure (212) of the carrier element, and which pushes the carrier element (210) on its sliding edges (213) into the storage position (200), and that for a retrieval process of a package (500), - a storage position (200) is received based on a parcel identification feature, - the transport unit (150) is controlled along the transport path (160) in the mobile depot device (100) until the transport unit (150) is in a position opposite the received storage position, - the motor drives the at least one linear guide system (151) which engages via engagement elements (152) in the engagement structure (212) of the carrier element (210) located in the storage position (200) and which pulls the carrier element (210) out of the storage position (200) on its sliding edges (213) and holds it, preferably locked, on the transport unit (150), - the transport unit (150) with the package (500) moves into the transfer device (110) of the mobile depot device (100), - the transfer device (110) is opened so that a recipient can remove the package (500) and - the transport unit (150) brings the carrier element (210) into the storage (250) for the carrier elements (210).

13. A method for operating a mobile depot device (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that during a storage process when pushing the carrier element (210) into the storage position (200), before or while the engagement elements (152) located on at least one linear guide system (151) detach from the engagement structure (212) at an end point / transition point (158) of the linear guide system (151), at least one extender (154) folds out / extends and is raised so that it engages from below into the engagement structure (212) and pushes the carrier element (210) beyond the end point / transition point (158) of the linear guide system (151) into the storage position (200), wherein the extender (154) is lowered before retracting, before the extender and the linear guide system (151) return to their starting position drive back,and that during a retrieval process when pulling the support element (210) out of the storage position (200), the extender (154) is deflected in a lowered position until the extender would engage the engagement structure (212) of the support element (210) when lifted from below, the extender (154) is lifted and then retracted until the engagement structure (212) of the support element (210) is located above the end point / turnover point (158) of the linear guide system (151), wherein the at least one linear guide system (151) equipped with engagement elements (152) retracts until the engagement elements (152) engage the engagement structure (212) of the support element (210), so that the extender (154) can be folded in / submerged and the support element (210) can be moved over the engagement elements (152) is pulled onto the transport unit (150) and held, preferably locked.,

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