Goods storage system

Abstract

The invention relates to a goods storage system having a plurality of vertical shafts, a controller, a plurality of storage goods carriers and at least one storage and retrieval machine, wherein: the storage goods carriers can be supported in each of the shafts at a plurality of vertically spaced support positions; the at least one storage and retrieval machine is designed to move, outside the shafts, in each case at least one storage goods carrier to be put into storage and to introduce the same from outside into a selected shaft; the controller is designed to cause the at least one storage goods carrier to be put into storage to be supported at a target position in the selected shaft, the controller selecting the target position from the plurality of vertical support positions according to: a total height of the storage goods carrier to be put into storage, including one or more storage goods possibly located thereon, and / or a total height of at least one storage goods carrier located in the selected shaft, including one or more storage goods possibly located thereon. The invention further relates to a storage goods carrier and a storage and retrieval machine for a goods storage system and to a method for storing storage goods in a goods storage system.

Description

[0001] New PCT Patent Application E4go GmbH

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Vossius Ref.: AJ2988 PCTS5

[0004] WAREHOUSE SYSTEM

[0005] The present invention is situated in the field of logistics. In particular, the present invention relates to the field of intralogistics, preferably the intralogistics of

[0006] 5 distribution and logistics centers.

[0007] In distribution and logistics centers, block storage systems are frequently used in addition to rack storage. Block storage systems generally consist of several stacks of containers arranged in a grid pattern, with access typically from above (above the stacks) or below (below the stacks). The stacks of containers can be freestanding or arranged in shafts, for example, along guide rails, guide pillars, or guide walls, thus preventing them from tipping over.

[0008] Various types of block bearings are known from the state of the art.

[0009] A well-known block storage system with bottom operation is, for example, the "Powercube" system.

[0010] 15 from Jungheinrich AG, Hamburg, Germany, also described in EP4 238 902 AI. In this system, all products are loaded into containers, e.g., boxes. These containers are loaded from below into a vertical chute. The uppermost container always rests directly on the container below it. The bottommost container in each chute is secured against falling out of the storage area by a latching system.

[0011] The containers are secured against falling out. They are loaded into and removed from a shaft from below using a vehicle that travels underneath the shafts. The vehicle moves on a rail system beneath the shafts and does not enter them. This system results in a significant loss of space if the goods being stored are shorter than the container. This reduces storage density, as a (often relatively large)

[0012] 25% of the container remains empty. Furthermore, storage is only possible in such a way that the upper container is supported by the lower one. Therefore, the height of the shafts, and thus of the block storage system, is limited. The maximum number of containers that can be stacked is the maximum capacity of the bottommost container. Additionally, this storage system is limited to stackable, box-shaped containers. Loading and unloading is very energy-intensive, as the entire stack of containers in a shaft must be lifted for each process. Using other storage carriers, such as trays with goods extending beyond the tray's edge (e.g., cardboard boxes), is not possible, as stacking cannot be achieved in this case.

[0013] 35 Another well-known block storage system is, for example, the "Autostore" system from Autostore Ltd., Vindafjord, Norway. Here, operation is from the top, meaning access is only possible to the uppermost container of a storage tower or shaft. Similar to the "Powercube," all products are placed in containers and stored within them. These containers are then lowered from top to bottom into their respective shafts by a suitable vehicle. The uppermost container always rests directly on the container below it; the containers are stacked on top of each other. This has the disadvantage that the entire mass of the stack rests on the bottommost container in each shaft. Therefore, the stack height, and consequently the overall block storage height, is limited by the stability of the bottommost container.The vehicle lowers a grabber with a winch into the shaft, where it can grasp the uppermost container and lift it upwards. The vehicle moves along a rail system above the shafts. This system also results in significant space loss if the goods being stored are shorter than the container. Storage is only possible in such a way that the upper container is supported by the lower one. Using other storage carriers, such as trays where the goods extend beyond the tray's edge (e.g., cardboard boxes), is not possible because stacking cannot be achieved. It is also not possible to position a container at the very top of a relatively empty shaft for direct access. On the contrary, each container retrieval requires the grabber to be lowered and then raised again to reach the uppermost, already stored container.

[0014] Furthermore, so-called shuttle warehouses or stacker crane warehouses are known. These feature a racking system with individual storage locations in which the storage carriers are stored horizontally, either single- or multi-deep. This is generally a rack storage system. This racking system is defined by a support surface for the storage carrier at each storage location and lateral partitions. The height of the storage location is fixed. If the storage carrier, including the goods, is lower than the fixed storage location height, the space above it is unused. One side of the storage location is open. This side contains the aisle for the handling equipment (e.g., shuttle or stacker crane) that stores and retrieves the storage carriers. The rack height is not adjustable. This results in a significant loss of space for shorter products. The shuttle or stacker crane requires space in front of each storage location for lateral movement, picking up, and delivering storage carriers.Space is also required in the storage area for picking up and dropping off the storage carriers. This space cannot be used for storage. Such a system often requires significantly more space than a block storage system. Generally, shuttle and stacker crane systems are less redundant, as certain components form a central hub through which all storage carriers must pass.

[0015] All these storage systems share the common flaw of being unable to utilize the available space fully for goods. This limits their storage density. Due to the large volume of goods to be stored, distribution and logistics centers, in particular, require an enormous amount of space. This is because all conventional storage systems require certain distances and clearances for loading and unloading into fixed storage locations, or the storage medium itself (e.g., containers) dictates the height and thus also represents a fixed storage location. In a classic block storage system, only containers are used as storage media and are stacked on top of or below each other in a shaft. This restricts the flexibility of the block storage system to the containers as storage media and necessitates a decanting process (loading the containers with goods) at the receiving end.This further reduces storage density, as the container space remains unused when the goods are low or when the container is nearly empty. Conversely, with tall goods, the container limits the maximum dimensions, as the goods must not exceed its height. The overall height of the container stack, and thus of the block storage system, is limited by the total weight, since the bottom container must always bear the entire load. Furthermore, the container stack hinders optimal fire protection and airflow, for example, in a refrigerated area.

[0016] The current state of the art lacks a system that enables higher storage density, is suitable for heavy loads, can be operated energy-efficiently, can be implemented at high heights, ensures good ventilation of the goods, and / or improved fire protection.

[0017] Therefore, there is a need for a storage solution (for example, a block storage or rack storage solution) or a warehouse system that can at least partially overcome the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, there is a need for a storage solution and / or a warehouse system that improves upon the state of the art in at least one of the following areas: higher storage density, higher turnover, simpler processes, greater automation, faster operations, simpler IT strategies, increased flexibility, and safer operation.

[0018] The aforementioned problems can be at least partially overcome, or the aforementioned need can be at least partially satisfied by the present invention.

[0019] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a storage system comprising a plurality of vertical shafts, a control unit, a plurality of storage carriers, and at least one operating device. The storage carriers can be supported in each of the shafts at a plurality of vertically spaced support positions. The at least one operating device is preferably configured to move at least one storage carrier to be stored outside the shafts. The at least one operating device is configured to insert at least one storage carrier to be stored, preferably from the outside, into one of the shafts.The control system is designed to provide support for the at least one storage carrier to be stored at a target position in the selected shaft, wherein the control system selects the target position from the plurality of vertical support positions, preferably depending on: a total height of the storage carrier to be stored including one or more storage goods that may be located on it, and / or a total height of at least one storage carrier located in the selected shaft including one or more storage goods that may be located on it.

[0020] The overall height can be the maximum of either the height from the bottom edge of the storage carrier to the top edge of the stored goods, or the height from the bottom edge of the storage carrier to the top edge of the storage carrier. The overall height can therefore be defined as the maximum height measurement from the bottom edge of the storage carrier to the uppermost contour of the storage carrier, including any stored goods located on the storage carrier.

[0021] In other words, the overall height can be defined as the maximum height of the storage container together with any goods on or in it. For example, the overall height of a pallet loaded with goods can be the sum of the height of the pallet itself and the height of the goods on it. The overall height of an empty pallet can be the height of the pallet itself. The overall height of a tray or box loaded with goods can be the height from the bottom edge to the top edge of the tray or box, possibly plus any portion of the goods that extends above the top edge of the tray or box.

[0022] Storage carriers used in a warehouse system can all be of the same type, meaning their dimensions, especially their height, are constant. However, storage carriers (e.g., trays or shelves) with different heights, particularly with different base thicknesses, can also be used. Therefore, the overall height of a storage carrier, including the goods on it, can be influenced by the height of the goods and / or by the type of storage carrier chosen. Depending on the type of storage carrier, its height and / or base thickness can affect the overall height.

[0023] The total height of at least one storage carrier located in the selected shaft, including one or more stored goods that may be located on it, may also comprise the sum of several individual total heights of several storage carriers located in the shaft.

[0024] The storage system preferably ensures maximum storage density by individually positioning the storage carriers according to the actual load height by supporting the storage carrier in the shaft. The storage carrier thus has a self-holding function, or, in other words, the storage system has individual holding positions in conjunction with the storage carriers. Within the scope of the present invention, a support position can be defined as a place where a storage carrier can be at least partially supported so that it does not fall downwards or slip. A support position can therefore be realized by means of just a surface on which a storage carrier can be supported or locked by means of a positive and / or frictional connection. Support and / or locking can mean restricting at least one degree of freedom of the storage carrier, preferably restricting a first translational degree of freedom (e.g.,vertical downwards) and a second translational degree of freedom (horizontal) and / or at least one rotational degree of freedom.

[0025] Preferably, a shaft in the storage system, and more preferably each of the shafts, has at least 10, more preferably at least 50, and more preferably at least 100 vertically stacked support positions.

[0026] Within the scope of the present invention, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" refer to directions that are predominantly and / or approximately vertical or horizontal with respect to the storage system. In particular, this also includes directions that exhibit a deviation of a maximum of 15°, preferably a maximum of 10°, more preferably a maximum of 5°, and more preferably a maximum of 2° from the vertical or horizontal.

[0027] Within the scope of the present invention, a shaft refers to a structure and / or a confined space in which storage carriers can be stored and / or moved vertically. In particular, a shaft may preferably be confined by one or more side pillars or side walls and / or by one or more corner pillars. In other words, a shaft may preferably be defined as a three-dimensional space, preferably extending vertically, confined by at least two pillars, and / or by at least one side wall and at least one pillar, and / or by at least two side walls. A side wall may preferably be a plate or a pillar. A pillar may preferably have a rectangular, round, L-shaped, C-shaped, U-shaped, Z-shaped, or cruciform cross-section and may further preferably extend vertically in a column-like manner.A pillar can be designed either as a corner pillar or as a side pillar and preferably contributes to the boundary of at least one shaft or of two to four adjacent shafts. Preferably, each shaft is defined by at least two, more preferably four, corner pillars and / or by at least two, more preferably four, side walls or side pillars and / or by a free space between the corner pillars or side walls in which a storage carrier can be moved vertically and which has a base area approximately the same size as the storage carrier.

[0028] The shaft (or shafts) may preferably have a polygonal, in particular a square, rectangular, circular, and / or oval, base, the base preferably being definable in a top view of the shaft. The shaft may accordingly form a corresponding three-dimensional free space, for example, be cuboid and / or cylindrical. The shaft may be accessible from above, below, and / or the side. In other words, the shaft may be designed so that storage carriers can be inserted into or removed from the shaft from below, above, and / or the side. In particular, the shaft, including the plurality of support positions, may be designed such that a storage carrier can be moved vertically through the shaft and past at least one, preferably several, support positions.

[0029] The operating device can preferably be a forklift, a transport vehicle, a rail vehicle, a gantry crane, and / or a combination thereof. The operating device can be freely movable or guided. In particular, the operating device can also be stationary and, for example, consist solely of a movable transport unit. The operating device can be, for example, a gantry crane, an overhead crane, or, more generally, a lifting device. Preferably, the operating device is an automated guided vehicle (AGV), a rail-guided vehicle, an autonomous mobile robot (AMR), or an automated guided vehicle (AGV).

[0030] The control system can preferably select the target position from a plurality of vertical support positions, depending on the support position of one or more other storage carriers located in the selected shaft, preferably taking into account the storage carriers including the goods stored on them. Preferably, the control system considers the height and / or the position of other storage carriers located in the shaft, and more preferably the total height of at least one storage carrier located in the selected shaft, including one or more goods possibly stored on it, and / or the position of the at least one storage carrier located in the selected shaft. Thus, the storage system can be dynamically designed and / or a very high storage density can be achieved.

[0031] Preferably, the majority of vertically spaced support positions are located on opposite sides and / or in opposite corners of the shafts. Preferably, the support at the target position is located on opposite sides and / or in opposite corners of the selected shaft, more preferably with at least two opposite support positions lying in a common horizontal plane or in two parallel planes. Particularly preferably, the support can be located at all corners and / or on all side faces of the selected shaft or the storage carrier to be stored. This allows for secure and / or robust support, even for heavily loaded storage carriers. -1-

[0032] The support of the storage carrier can preferably be achieved by frictional locking and / or positive locking and / or by means of magnetic forces. More preferably, the support of the storage carrier can be achieved by sliding and / or rotating it. Support of the storage carrier by sliding and / or rotating it particularly includes support by sliding and setting it down or by rotating and setting it down. Alternatively and / or additionally, support of the storage carrier by sliding and / or rotating it can also include clamping, snapping, locking, hooking, or inserting the storage carrier.

[0033] Alternatively and / or additionally, the support can be positively engaged such that the storage carrier is held in the vertical and horizontal directions, wherein the horizontal play in the positive engagement of the stored storage carrier relative to the shaft is preferably a maximum of 30 mm, more preferably a maximum of 20 mm, more preferably a maximum of 10 mm, and more preferably a maximum of 5 mm. Within the scope of the invention, this can represent the elimination of the second translational degree of freedom (horizontal). This preferably ensures that the storage carrier is not only supported vertically at support positions (preferably defined by support elements provided on the shaft, i.e., shaft support elements), but is also secured horizontally against unintentional slippage in order to prevent it from falling out of the support positions, e.g., support elements (e.g., downwards into the shaft).

[0034] Preferably, a storage carrier supported in a selected shaft at a designated support position can be secured against unintentional slippage by non-moving elements or contours of the storage carrier, e.g., a retaining contour, to prevent it from falling out of the support positions (e.g., downwards into the shaft). This securing mechanism can preferably be implemented in conjunction with non-moving contours on the shafts, e.g., support elements at the selected support positions. The storage carrier can preferably be formed in one piece, and / or support elements formed on the storage carrier can preferably be rigidly connected to or formed on the base surface and / or a base body of the storage carrier. Preferably, the storage system is configured to insert the storage carrier into a selected shaft from above.Preferably, the storage system is configured so that the storage carrier is not inserted laterally into a selected shaft. Preferably, the storage system is configured to support the storage carrier in the shaft in such a way that it is not stacked on top of a storage carrier below it and / or on goods below it. Preferably, the support of the storage carrier in the shaft can be achieved by twisting and / or sliding it.

[0035] Particularly preferably, the storage carrier can be supported by sliding and / or rotating it in a form-fit manner, and more preferably in a form-fit manner in both the vertical and horizontal directions. A form-fit can be achieved even with a simple stop, i.e., two flat surfaces that abut each other. For example, the system can be designed so that the storage carrier is first guided through the shaft and past at least one, preferably several, support positions, in particular support elements, to the target position, such that at least part of the storage carrier (preferably a surface or contour provided for supporting the storage carrier) is located above the target position.The storage carrier can then preferably be moved and / or rotated at this position so that at least part of the storage carrier (preferably a surface or contour provided for supporting the storage carrier) overlaps in a top view with a support element of the shaft that forms the corresponding support position selected as the target position. By lowering the storage carrier (preferably in this moved and / or rotated position) onto the support element, the storage carrier can then be positively locked to the shaft; that is, the support of the storage carrier is positively locked in this example. Preferably, the positive locking is not only vertical but also horizontal, for example, by the contours of the shaft and the storage carrier interlocking in such a way that the storage carrier is not subject to a purely horizontal force (e.g., force).a force of up to 10 N, preferably up to 50 N, more preferably up to 100 N) can be applied from the supported position.

[0036] Particularly preferably, in a storage system according to the invention, which – preferably according to the preferred variants described above – is configured to support storage carriers on the shaft by a horizontal movement in the shaft, preferably by sliding and / or rotating them (for example, positively locking in the vertical and horizontal directions), the majority of the storage carriers can be such that they do not have any movable elements that serve for support in the shaft. Preferably, at least one outer contour of the storage carrier, on which the storage carrier is supported in the shaft, preferably a rigid retaining contour, can be formed in one piece. The storage carrier supported on the shaft is preferably supported on the shaft in such a way that it is secured against unintentional falling out, preferably by the outer contour of the storage carrier (preferably the retaining contour) and a contour of the shaft support element interlocking.This safeguarding is preferably ensured without providing movable elements on the storage carrier and / or on the shaft for this function (support and / or safeguarding).

[0037] Within the scope of this disclosure, the term "one-piece" can preferably mean "single-part". A one-piece design can preferably be understood to mean structures formed from a single component. More preferably, a one-piece design can be understood to mean structures that, although they have several individual components, are so firmly connected to one another that, during intended use, preferably when supported in a shaft, no relative movement between these individual components is possible; that is, the individual components preferably have no degrees of freedom relative to each other.

[0038] The storage system is preferably designed such that, for the removal of a storage carrier supported at support positions, the carrier must first be lifted before it can be moved or rotated. This orients the storage carrier within the shaft in such a way that it can be transported through the shaft and preferably past at least one, preferably several, support positions. The storage carrier, or at least a contour of the storage carrier designed for support against the shaft, can have a rigid contour that does not need to be moved relative to a base surface and / or a base body of the storage carrier in order to positively engage the storage carrier at support positions in the shaft.

[0039] Supporting the storage carrier by displacement can preferably include moving the storage carrier, preferably a storage carrier with a one-piece formed outer contour, first through the shaft and past at least one, preferably several, support positions (e.g., where the storage carrier is in a so-called unsupported arrangement), then displacing it horizontally in the shaft (e.g., into a so-called supported arrangement of the storage carrier), preferably by a displacement of at least 5 mm, more preferably at least 10 mm, more preferably at least 20 mm, more preferably at least 30 mm, wherein, more preferably, the storage carrier is moved after the horizontal displacement (e.g.,(i.e., in the supported arrangement) it can no longer be moved vertically past a support position that forms the target position, and finally the storage carrier is lowered to be supported against corresponding support elements of the shaft that form the target position (e.g., the storage carrier is in the supported arrangement here). Preferably, the displacement distance is a maximum of 50 mm.

[0040] Supporting the storage carrier by rotation can preferably include moving the storage carrier, preferably a storage carrier with a one-piece formed outer contour, first through the shaft and past at least one, preferably several, support positions (e.g., where the storage carrier is in a so-called unsupported arrangement), then rotating it horizontally in the shaft about a vertical axis, preferably a vertical center axis of the shaft (e.g., into a so-called supported arrangement of the storage carrier), preferably by an angular increment of at least 0.5°, more preferably at least 1.5°, more preferably at least 2.0°, more preferably at least 5°, more preferably at least 10°, wherein, more preferably, the storage carrier is then placed in a position after the rotation (e.g.,(i.e., in the supported arrangement) the load carrier can no longer be moved past a support position that forms the target position, and finally the load carrier is lowered to be supported against corresponding support elements of the shaft that form the target position (e.g., the load carrier is in the supported arrangement here). Preferably, the angular increment is a maximum of 90°, more preferably a maximum of 45°, and even more preferably a maximum of 30°.

[0041] Preferably, the storage carrier to be stored in the selected shaft can be transferred from a supported arrangement to an unsupported arrangement, more preferably by rotating and / or horizontally shifting (and preferably subsequently setting down) the storage carrier to be stored in the selected shaft, and more preferably by means of the operating device. In the unsupported arrangement, the outer contour of the storage carrier to be stored can preferably be located entirely within a free space of the selected shaft. In the unsupported arrangement, the storage carrier to be stored can be transported vertically through the selected shaft, preferably through the entire selected shaft, i.e., at least from a lower end of the selected shaft to an upper end of the selected shaft.In the supported arrangement, in a top view, areas of the outer contour of the storage carrier may preferably project into the pillars and / or side walls bounding the selected shaft. In the supported arrangement, the storage carrier is preferably supported within the selected shaft and, in particular, cannot fall downwards through the selected shaft.

[0042] Preferably, each storage carrier can have at least two support elements, wherein the support elements are further preferably arranged on opposite sides – preferably in a horizontal direction – and / or on diagonally opposite edges or corners of the respective storage carrier. In other words, the storage carriers can preferably have a horizontal base, with the support elements preferably provided on opposite sides of the base.

[0043] The support elements are preferably designed to support the respective storage carrier in the supported arrangement within one of the shafts and / or to secure it against horizontal displacement and / or rotation (in particular, rotation about a vertical center axis of the respective shaft and / or the respective storage carrier) when the respective storage carrier is supported at the target position in the respective shaft. It should be obvious that even with such securing against horizontal displacement and / or rotation, small horizontal movements of the supported storage carrier may still occur, e.g., displacements of a maximum of 10 mm, preferably a maximum of 5 mm, and / or rotations of a maximum of 10°, preferably a maximum of 5°. This is because even if the storage carrier is engaged at its support position – for example, positively – with a counter element of the shaft, in particular...When interlocking a shaft support element, it is advantageous to design the storage carrier and / or the counter elements in such a way that there is preferably still some horizontal play in the supported arrangement, so that storage and retrieval can preferably be facilitated and tolerances common in warehouse construction can be compensated for.

[0044] In a first preferred embodiment, the support elements can be support surfaces and / or edges (e.g., an outer edge, flange, and / or base surface of the storage carrier). Alternatively or additionally, the support elements can preferably be implemented as grooves and / or recesses, which are preferably located in a side wall or side surface of the storage carrier. A recess can be an undercut for support or engagement, the recess preferably being open in at least one horizontal direction. Preferably, the support elements can be designed as one or more webs, grooves, bores, or recesses, more preferably on an outer contour of the storage carrier.

[0045] The support elements can have a rigid connection to the base or body and / or be formed integrally with the base or a side frame of the storage carrier. Preferably, the support elements can be formed integrally with a body of the storage carrier. Preferably, an integral design of the support elements can also include constructions in which the support elements are composed of several functional surfaces arranged on the body of the storage carrier (and optionally spaced apart from each other), e.g., a retaining surface, a groove, and / or a lug, as long as the several functional surfaces are not movably arranged relative to each other, i.e., preferably have no degrees of freedom relative to each other.

[0046] The base body preferably has at least a base and, more preferably, in addition to the base, a side frame. The base is preferably configured to receive stored goods, at least in a central section (e.g., a storage area).

[0047] The side frame preferably surrounds the base at least partially or completely. The side frame preferably projects upwards beyond the base, for example, over the entire base or at least a central section of the base. Preferably, the side frame projects upwards by at least 3 mm, more preferably by at least 5 mm, and more preferably by at least 10 mm. In other words, the side frame can have a greater thickness than the base or the central section of the base. For example, the thickness of the side frame can be at least 3 mm, more preferably at least 5 mm, and more preferably at least 10 mm greater than that of the base or the central section of the base. More preferably, the side frame can be arranged outside the central section and / or define the central section of the storage carrier.Preferably, the support elements for the beam are not moved relative to the base and / or the entire load carrier when supporting the at least one load carrier to be stored at the target position. Preferably, the support elements are arranged so that they are not movable relative to the base and / or the entire load carrier.

[0048] Preferably, the storage carrier can be supported at a target position in a selected shaft by the described support elements through a rotational movement about a vertical axis and / or a horizontal displacement. Preferably, the storage carrier is secured against unintentional falling out at the target position (in the supported position). For example, support at the target position in the selected shaft can be achieved by rotation (in a horizontal plane) and setting down (vertical movement downwards) or by displacement (in a horizontal plane) and setting down (vertical movement downwards). The storage carrier, preferably the (preferably rigidly connected) support elements, can preferably engage with one (or more) support element(s) of the shaft lying in a horizontal plane, e.g.interlock with these, engage with them and / or form a positive connection with them, so that the storage carrier is secured against unintentional falling out, e.g. due to horizontal forces occurring in the shaft.

[0049] Additionally or alternatively, the support elements of this variant preferably have a groove and one or more recesses (also referred to as retaining tabs), wherein a separating web is formed between the groove and each of the one or more recesses, which at least partially separates the groove from the respective one or more recesses, and wherein the separating web preferably forms a retaining lug, which is further preferably designed to secure a storage carrier supported by means of the recesses against falling out, in particular against falling out due to vibrations and / or horizontally acting forces. The recesses are preferably designed as grooves, cutouts, or bores. Furthermore preferably, the support elements, preferably the groove together with the recesses, are T-shaped in a side view of the storage carrier, e.g., in a side edge of the storage carrier.

[0050] Additionally or alternatively, in this variant, the support elements are preferably formed in an edge region of the storage carrier and have securing ribs, the securing ribs projecting downwards relative to a base surface and / or a side frame of the storage carrier. Preferably, the securing ribs are designed as projecting or recessed contours, more preferably latches, cutouts, projections, tabs, and / or undercuts. Within the scope of the present invention, the securing ribs can also be referred to as securing sections. The securing ribs are preferably designed to secure a storage carrier supported at a support position in one of the shafts against falling out, in particular against falling out due to vibrations and / or horizontally acting forces.Preferably, the storage carrier in this embodiment also has a base and, more preferably, an additional side frame, wherein the base preferably does not extend completely to the outer lateral edge of the side frame, so that the free edge area under the side frame, preferably together with the securing webs, forms the support elements of the carrier. In other words, the storage carrier can have a base, with a storage area (e.g., a flat surface) left free in the center of the base for receiving stored goods, and this storage area being surrounded by a side frame.

[0051] Preferably, the side frame (preferably independent of the further design of the storage carrier) can serve to at least partially, preferably completely, prevent or at least hinder the stored goods from falling out or sliding off the storage carrier. Elements (also referred to as receptacles) can be provided on areas of the storage carrier that are arranged outside the storage area, preferably surrounding the storage area, for example, at the side edge itself, which allow the operating device to pick up the storage carrier, e.g., bores, cutouts, projections, or undercuts. Additionally or alternatively, the support elements can be formed in areas of the storage carrier that are arranged outside the storage area, preferably surrounding the storage area, for example, at the side edge itself.by a partial area of ​​the base outside the receiving area and a securing rib projecting downwards from this partial area or - if the side frame projects horizontally beyond the base - by a, preferably flat, surface below the side frame, and a securing rib projecting downwards from this surface and / or the side frame, wherein the securing rib is preferably provided on an outer contour of the surface and / or the side frame, thus preferably forming a retaining contour.

[0052] Preferably, in the first preferred embodiment, the majority of the storage carriers of the system are formed from carriers that have no moving elements. The system is preferably designed to support the at least one storage carrier to be stored at the target position in the selected shaft without requiring the actuation of any moving element of the storage carrier. In one embodiment, the majority of the storage carriers of the system are preferably formed from carriers that have a rigid contour shaped such that, in the supported arrangement, they interlock with the support elements of the shaft forming the support positions in such a way that a force acting only horizontally on the storage carrier cannot release the support of the storage carrier at the support positions (e.g., on the pillars and / or side walls of the shaft provided with support elements).The support of the at least one storage carrier to be stored at the target position in the selected shaft can preferably be effected by rotating it around a vertical axis (and setting it down) and / or by horizontally moving (and setting down) the storage carrier in the selected shaft.

[0053] In this system, the storage carriers, preferably including one or more items possibly stored on them, can be stored in an optimized manner according to the actual load height by selecting a suitable target position to support the storage carriers in the shaft. Thus, the storage space height can be individually adjusted to the actual load height or to the actual total height of the storage carrier, including one or more items possibly stored on it. The storage carriers are preferably not stacked on top of each other. Flexibility, overall capacity, in particular maximum storage height, and / or storage density in a warehouse can therefore be preferably increased.

[0054] In a second preferred embodiment, alternatively or additionally to the first preferred embodiment, the support elements can be movable relative to the base body of the storage carrier and are further preferably designed to be transferred from a first arrangement to a second arrangement for supporting the respective storage carrier (in a respective shaft), wherein the transfer is effected by moving the support elements relative to the base body, preferably wherein the respective storage carrier, when the support elements are in the second arrangement, is held vertically in the respective shaft and / or wherein the respective storage carrier, when the support elements are in the first arrangement, can be transported through the respective shaft or removed laterally from the respective shaft.In other words, the respective storage carrier can be in the supported arrangement with the support elements in the second arrangement and in the unsupported arrangement with the support elements in the first arrangement.

[0055] The support elements for the support structure can, preferably in the second variant, be implemented by clamping jaws, flaps, support pins, and / or pins. Furthermore, a greater horizontal extension of the support structure with the support elements in the second arrangement is preferred compared to the support elements (support elements) in the first arrangement. In other words, the support elements in the second arrangement preferably project laterally further from the respective support structure than in the first arrangement.

[0056] In a third preferred variant, the support elements can be gears or pinions, or even a roller (for example, a roller with several projections). In this case, each shaft in the storage system preferably has at least one toothed or perforated rod extending vertically through the shaft. Preferably, the support elements designed as gears or pinions can engage with the rack and, in the first arrangement, roll along the rack. Preferably, in the second arrangement, the support elements can block rotation of the support elements designed as gears or pinions in at least one direction, so that the engagement of the support elements designed as gears or pinions with the rack prevents vertical movement of the respective storage carrier. The storage carrier is thus secured in the supported arrangement.

[0057] In any case, the support elements can be prestressed in the first arrangement or in the second arrangement.

[0058] Using storage beams designed in this way increases flexibility in the warehouse. Additionally, both high storage density and good ventilation can be achieved. Such storage beams can also contribute to a reliable fire protection concept. The beams can be supported by the shafts themselves (or by robust pillars or shaft walls), thus increasing the storage height compared to conventional block storage systems. The overall storage height and / or optimal load distribution within the warehouse can be designed similarly to rack storage systems.

[0059] Preferably, the operating device is configured to move the storage carriers into the unsupported and / or supported arrangement, preferably by rotating the storage carriers in the shaft (preferably about a vertical center axis of the selected shaft and / or storage carrier) or by horizontally displacing the storage carriers in the shaft. In other words, the operating device can be configured to move a storage carrier for support in the shaft in a horizontal plane and then set it down, and / or to rotate it about a vertical axis, preferably about a vertical center axis of the storage carrier and / or shaft, by preferably at least 2°, more preferably at least 5°, and more preferably at least 10°, and then set it down. Alternatively or additionally, the operating device can preferably be configured to move the carrier support elements into the first arrangement and / or into the second arrangement.

[0060] At least one of the storage carriers can have a mechanism for moving the carrier support elements into the first arrangement and / or the second arrangement, preferably wherein the operating device and / or the control system is configured to actuate the mechanism, more preferably by transmitting a force from the operating device to the mechanism. The operating device preferably has an activation mechanism for actuating the mechanism of the storage carrier. Preferably, each shaft can have shaft support elements at each of its support positions. The shaft support elements can preferably be configured as clamping surfaces and / or a plurality of fins, horizontal support, resting, holding or bearing surfaces, grooves, cutouts, recesses, bores or bolts, hooks and / or pins on which the storage carriers can be supported.In other words, each shaft can preferably have clamping surfaces and / or a plurality of fins, horizontal support, resting, holding, or bearing surfaces, grooves, cutouts, recesses, bores, bolts, hooks, and / or pins on which the storage carriers can be supported. Recesses can, in particular, be undercuts for supporting or engaging a storage carrier or storage carrier support element, preferably wherein the recesses are open in a horizontal direction. The shaft support elements (especially when designed as fins, horizontal support, resting, holding, or bearing surfaces, grooves, cutouts, recesses, bores, bolts, hooks, and / or pins) can preferably be arranged at uniform vertical intervals, wherein the intervals are preferably at least 10 mm, more preferably at least 20 mm, and / or a maximum of 500 mm, more preferably a maximum of 200 mm.The shaft support elements can preferably be formed on at least two pillars and / or side walls of the shaft. A corresponding design of the shaft and the storage carrier, in particular of the shaft support element and the storage carrier or carrier support element, can advantageously contribute to ensuring that storage carriers can be supported at a multitude of vertical positions, preferably selectable in small increments, and thus held (i.e., stored) within the shaft. Preferably, the storage carriers can also be secured against unintentional release from the shaft (for example, caused by shocks or vibrations, horizontal impacts, or slippage). In particular, the shaft and storage carrier can be designed to form a clamping connection, a support or locking connection, a plug connection, or a bayonet connection with each other.Thus, the storage carriers, preferably including one or more stored goods on them, can be stored at height-dependent and / or flexible positions within the shaft. In particular, a block storage arrangement with a multitude of shafts can preferably be implemented, whereby individual stored goods are not stacked on top of each other but can nevertheless be arranged one above the other within the shafts. This can increase storage density and / or simplify storage processes. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the shape of the shaft support elements should preferably be selected in coordination with the design of the carrier support elements.The design flexibility of the support elements for the beams is relatively large in both the first preferred variant (rigid connection of the support elements to the storage beam) and the second preferred variant (movable support elements), which is why the design flexibility for the shaft support elements is also large. Therefore, the shape of the shaft support elements can preferably be selected from the list above, independently of whether storage beams of the first preferred variant and / or the second preferred variant are used in the warehouse system.

[0061] Accordingly, at least with regard to the first preferred variant, the majority of storage carriers can preferably be formed from storage carriers having a rigid contour shaped in such a way that they interlock in the supported arrangement with the shaft support elements, in particular with the fins, horizontal support, parking, bearing or holding surfaces, grooves, cutouts, recesses, bores, bolts, hooks and / or pins of a support position at which the storage carrier is supported, so that a force acting only horizontally on the storage carrier preferably cannot release the support of the storage carrier at the support positions (in particular at the shaft support elements formed on the pillars and / or side walls of a shaft).To release the support, a vertical force acting against the weight force is preferably required, more preferably a vertical movement of the storage carrier, more preferably a vertical movement of the storage carrier by at least 1 mm, more preferably by at least 5 mm, more preferably by at least 10 mm, more preferably by at least 15 mm.

[0062] Preferably, the shaft support elements, i.e., the plurality of fins, horizontal support, resting, bearing or retaining surfaces, grooves, cutouts, recesses, bores, bolts, hooks and / or pins, are shaped such that they can engage positively in a corresponding counter-contour on the storage carrier (e.g., when the storage carrier is in the supported position). For example, the shaft support elements, or each shaft support element, can be formed as a horizontal support, resting, bearing or retaining surface that has an upwardly projecting contour, in particular a horizontal support, resting, bearing or retaining surface that is bounded by an upwardly projecting contour. The upwardly projecting contour can, for example, be designed to protrude into a groove or bore of the storage carrier in the supported position.

[0063] The shafts can preferably be arranged in a grid. More preferably, each shaft can have corner pillars, and a plurality of the corner pillars in the storage system can serve as corner pillars for at least two, preferably four, adjacent shafts. Alternatively and / or more preferably, each shaft can have side walls or side pillars, and a plurality of the side walls or side pillars in the storage system can serve as side walls or side pillars for two or even four adjacent shafts. Each shaft can be defined by a free space between the side walls and / or pillars that bound the shaft. Preferably, this free space is a free space in which the storage carrier to be stored can be moved vertically and has a horizontal base area, which preferably is a maximum of 120% of a horizontal projection of the storage carrier to be stored.Preferably, the shafts have a square, or more preferably rectangular, cross-section (especially in a top view).

[0064] The shafts can have a clear cross-section of between 0.12 m 2 and 2.3 m 2 , preferably between 0.24 m 2 and 1.44 m 2 exhibit.

[0065] The storage system preferably has at least 4, more preferably at least 60, more preferably at least 100, more preferably at least 500, more preferably at least 1000 shafts.

[0066] The shafts can have a height of at least 0.5 m, more preferably at least 4 m, more preferably at least 8 m, more preferably at least 12 m, more preferably at least 30 m.

[0067] Preferably, the shafts in at least one storage segment can be of the same height and / or size, with the storage segment comprising at least 12 shafts, preferably adjacent to each other. Thus, a storage system with storage segments of varying heights can be created (for example, depending on the stored product or the building height).

[0068] The shafts and / or the operating device can be configured to insert the storage carriers into the shafts from above and / or from below. In other words, the shafts and / or the operating device can be configured so that the storage carrier to be inserted can be placed into the shaft from an area above a vertical shaft boundary (for example, side walls or pillars) and / or above the plurality of vertically spaced support positions, i.e., from above, and moved vertically downwards through the shaft, preferably along at least some of the plurality of vertically spaced support positions. Additionally or alternatively, the shafts and / or the operating device can be configured so that the storage carrier to be inserted can be placed into the shaft from an area below a vertical shaft boundary (for example, side walls or pillars) and / or below the plurality of vertically spaced support positions, i.e., from above.The load carrier can be inserted into the shaft from below and moved vertically upwards through the shaft, preferably along at least some of the majority of vertically spaced support positions. Alternatively or additionally, the shafts and / or the operating device can be at least partially designed to insert the load carriers laterally, i.e., from at least one side, into the shafts.

[0069] The storage system can further comprise at least one measuring unit and / or sensor configured to determine the height of the storage carrier to be stored, the height of any goods located on the storage carrier, and / or the total height of the storage carrier, including one or more goods that may be located on it. Alternatively or preferably, the storage system can further comprise at least one measuring unit and / or sensor configured to classify the height of the storage carrier to be stored, the storage carrier including one or more goods that may be located on it, and / or the goods located on the storage carrier within a height grid.

[0070] Preferably, the operating device is designed to receive at least one storage carrier and to insert the received storage carrier into one of the shafts from above and / or from below. Preferably, the operating device is designed to move above and / or below the shafts. Preferably, the operating device includes the measuring unit and / or sensors for measuring.

[0071] Additionally or alternatively, in a preferred embodiment, the operating device can be connected to the power grid during operation in the warehouse system. For example, live elements can be provided in a movement area of ​​the operating device, preferably below and / or above the shafts. The operating device can have mating elements, such as sliding contacts, which are in contact with the live elements during operation. Preferably, the live elements include busbars, live travel surfaces, sliding contacts, and / or overhead lines.

[0072] Additionally or alternatively, in a further preferred embodiment, the storage system can be configured, in particular the control system can be programmed such that in a first operating mode, in at least some of the majority of shafts, a so-called segment, only the upper section is loaded with storage carriers, while the lower section remains empty. In a second operating mode, the shafts in the segment are fully loaded with storage carriers, i.e., to their entire height. For example, the storage system, or at least a segment of the storage system, can thus be advantageously designed for a larger storage volume that is expected, for example, only in the future. As long as the full storage volume is not required, for example, if only 50% of the segment's storage volume is needed, the storage system, e.g., in this segment, can be operated in the first operating mode (e.g., for several years).This offers the advantage – at least as long as goods are loaded into and unloaded from the shafts from above, or the operating device serves the shafts from above – that goods are already stored across the entire area, with only the upper section of the shafts being used for storage at any given time. This allows vertical travel distances for the storage carriers to be kept short despite the oversized storage system, and enables efficient storage and retrieval operations. As soon as the storage volume increases and the storage system or the corresponding segment can be fully utilized, the system can switch to the second operating mode and use the shafts to their full height. Preferably, in the first operating mode, the user can configure what proportion of the corresponding segment of the storage system, and / or the entire storage system, should be used for storage.The setting can preferably be made continuously, for example in the range of 0% to 100% or from 1% to 99%, or individual values ​​can be selected, for example 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%.

[0073] In this way, the warehouse system can be successively expanded (or reduced), for example by using the first operating mode with a first setting and subsequently using the first operating mode with a second setting, in which a larger proportion of the shaft height is used than in the first setting.

[0074] Additionally or alternatively, in another preferred variant, the warehouse system can be set up for so-called "vertical farming". The warehouse system according to the invention can be easily designed modularly and can therefore be particularly well expanded with additional functional units, thus enabling use not only as a warehouse but also for other functions or even multifunctional use.

[0075] For example, the warehouse system can be used as a greenhouse or for cultivating plants, preferably in vertical farming. Such a system is also referred to as a "vertical farming system" within the scope of the present invention.

[0076] Such use generally requires additional elements compared to a simple storage system. Therefore, the storage system according to the invention (e.g., for use in vertical farming) may preferably include, in at least one section, one or more of the following systems or functional units: UV lighting units; irrigation systems designed to irrigate stored goods in a targeted and regular manner; pump systems configured to supply fertilizers and / or nutrients to the stored goods; fan units configured for climate control in individual segments of the storage system; sensors for monitoring environmental conditions, wherein the sensors preferably include at least one humidity sensor, temperature sensor, or pH sensor.

[0077] For example, the vertical farming system can include UV lighting units and irrigation systems. Preferably, it also includes pump systems designed to supply fertilizers and / or nutrients to the stored goods, and / or fan units for climate control in individual segments of the storage system. Alternatively or additionally, sensors are preferably provided to monitor environmental conditions, preferably including at least one humidity sensor, one temperature sensor, and / or one pH sensor.

[0078] Preferably, the UV lighting units are mounted within the storage system or the multitude of shafts to ensure controlled illumination of the stored plants with a light spectrum beneficial to plant growth (e.g., UV-A and UV-B). The UV lighting units can, for example, be guided horizontally and / or vertically, at least partially, through one or more shafts. According to the system according to the invention, the shafts preferably do not have shelves that limit the reach of the UV lighting units or shade the plants. Therefore, in this system, good light supply to the plants can preferably be ensured with lower lighting power and / or a simpler lighting system design.

[0079] Preferably, the irrigation systems can be designed as water supply lines and spray units integrated into the shafts, particularly into the columns and / or spaces between individual shafts. Preferably, the irrigation systems enable automated and uniform irrigation of the plants in the warehouse system.

[0080] Preferably, the pumping system can be used to feed liquid fertilizer and / or other additives into the irrigation infrastructure in a targeted manner. This can preferably influence, and preferably improve, plant growth.

[0081] Preferably, the fan units or fan modules can be integrated into the storage system for targeted control of air circulation and temperature. This allows for a more uniform distribution of fresh air, the prevention of heat build-up, and / or the prevention of mold growth.

[0082] Sensors for monitoring environmental conditions can help optimize conditions for optimal plant growth, such as rapid plant development. These sensors can include, in particular, one or more humidity sensors for measuring air and / or soil moisture, one or more temperature sensors for recording the ambient temperature, and one or more pH sensors for monitoring the pH value of the irrigation water or planting substrate. Preferably, one or more, and more preferably all, of these additional functional units and / or systems can be automatically controlled via the warehouse management system. These additional functional units and / or systems can also be monitored and configured, preferably via a further central control unit and, even more preferably, via a user interface (e.g., touchscreen or remote access via app).

[0083] Each of the variants of the warehouse system disclosed herein preferably includes sprinkler lines (e.g., water-carrying lines), for example, as part of a fire extinguishing system and / or fire protection measure. The sprinkler lines preferably have at least one first line section arranged vertically in or between the shafts. This first line section preferably further includes at least one, and preferably several, outlets and / or nozzles through which extinguishing water can be discharged into an adjacent shaft. Preferably, the outlets and / or nozzles are connected to the vertical first line section via a horizontal pipe section. Additionally or alternatively, the sprinkler lines can have at least one second line section running horizontally and / or at an inclination of no more than 30° along several adjacent shafts.This second pipe section preferably has several outlets and / or nozzles through which extinguishing water can be discharged into several adjacent shafts. In any case, preferably at least one vertical pipe section can be provided that runs outside a plurality of shafts and feeds the first and / or second pipe sections.

[0084] Sprinkler lines, especially horizontal sprinkler lines, can be used efficiently because the storage system according to the invention, on the one hand, has no shelves, and on the other hand, is not a classic stacking warehouse with high towers of stacked goods without gaps. On the contrary, the height-dependent storage without stacking the goods carriers ensures that sufficient gaps remain through which extinguishing water can penetrate when the extinguishing system is activated.

[0085] Alternatively or additionally, each of the variants of the warehouse system disclosed herein preferably has a vertical fire wall between at least two of the plurality of shafts, which preferably extends between adjacent or common corner pillars of these at least two shafts. This allows fire compartments to be created.

[0086] Each of the variants of the storage system disclosed herein is preferably designed (e.g., the operating device and the storage carrier are designed) such that a storage carrier located in the operating device can be emptied while it is held by the operating device. For example, the storage system can have an unloading station at which goods located on the storage carrier can be dispensed while the storage carrier remains in the operating device and / or without the storage carrier being removed from the operating device. The dispensing process can preferably be automated. The dispensing process can preferably be carried out by pushing the stored goods laterally out of the operating device.

[0087] The storage system is preferably designed to accommodate goods with masses of at least 0.5 kg, more preferably at least 25 kg, more preferably at least 50 kg, and / or goods with masses of up to 200 kg, more preferably at most 500 kg, more preferably at most 1000 kg, more preferably at most 1500 kg. The storage system is particularly preferably designed to securely hold goods with masses of less than 25 kg in their support positions. Therefore, it is advantageous to design the shaft support elements and beam support elements in such a way that supported goods do not slip and / or fall out of their support positions, even if only a small weight force acts on the support elements due to the low mass of the goods.Therefore, it can be advantageous not to secure the support of the storage carrier against horizontal slippage on the shaft support element solely based on friction (for example, by designing the storage carrier as a flat plate resting on a completely flat counter surface of the shaft support element). Rather, it may be preferable for the storage carrier and the shaft support element to interlock in such a way, for example, positively, that the storage carrier cannot fall out of its support positions regardless of the weight of the storage carrier and / or the stored goods, i.e., preferably independently of any horizontally acting (and weight-dependent) frictional force between the storage carrier and the shaft support element.

[0088] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a storage carrier for a goods storage system according to the first aspect of the invention, preferably in the second preferred embodiment, and / or a storage carrier for a goods storage system with a plurality of vertical shafts, a control unit, and at least one operating device, wherein the storage carrier can be supported in each of the shafts at a plurality of vertically spaced support positions, wherein the storage carrier is preferably configured to be moved by the at least one operating device outside the shafts and to be inserted into one of the shafts from the outside (preferably from above and / or below), wherein the storage carrier has at least two support elements that are movable relative to a base body of the storage carrier and are configured to be transferred from a first arrangement to a second arrangement for supporting the respective storage carrier.wherein the transfer preferably takes place by moving the support elements relative to the base body, wherein the storage carrier with the support elements is held vertically in the shaft in the second arrangement and / or wherein the storage carrier with the support elements is transportable through the shaft in the first arrangement, preferably vertically transportable through the shaft.

[0089] The storage carrier therefore has a "self-holding function" or "support function" (e.g., realized by the carrier's support elements), which can be activated when it is in the appropriate position within the shaft. The storage carriers, preferably including one or more items that may be stored on them, can thus be stored in an optimized manner according to the actual load height, since the storage space height can be individually adjusted to the actual load height or to the actual total height of the storage carrier, including one or more items that may be stored on it. The storage carriers do not need to be stacked on top of each other. Flexibility, overall capacity, especially maximum storage height, and / or storage density in a warehouse can therefore be advantageously increased.

[0090] Preferably, the storage carrier has a mechanism designed to move the carrier support elements into the first arrangement and / or the second arrangement. More preferably, the mechanism is designed to be actuated via the operating device and / or the control system, more preferably by transmitting a force from the operating device to the mechanism. In particular, the storage carrier can have a mechanical interface through which the operating device can actuate the mechanism.

[0091] Preferably, the support elements of the storage carrier are prestressed in the first arrangement or in the second arrangement.

[0092] Preferably, the storage carrier is designed to bear a load of at least 0.5 kg, more preferably at least 25 kg, more preferably at least 50 kg, more preferably at least 100 kg, more preferably at least 200 kg and / or a load of a maximum of 30 kg, more preferably at most 200 kg, more preferably at most 500 kg, more preferably at most 1000 kg, more preferably at most 1500 kg.

[0093] Preferably, the storage carrier has a rectangular base, more preferably a base of at least 150 mm x 100 mm, more preferably at least 200 mm x 300 mm, more preferably at least 300 mm x 400 mm, more preferably at least 600 mm x 400 mm and / or at most 1400 mm x 1400 mm, more preferably at most 1200 mm x 1200 mm, more preferably at most 1200 mm x 800 mm, more preferably at most 1000 mm x 1000 mm, more preferably at most 650 mm x 450 mm, more preferably at most 600 mm x 600 mm. In particular, the storage carrier or a base area of ​​the storage carrier can have dimensions of 350 mm x 450 mm, 650 mm x 450 mm, 1250 mm x 850 mm or 1250 mm x 1250 mm.

[0094] The support elements can be provided on opposite sides and / or opposite corners of the storage carrier, preferably on opposite sides and / or opposite corners of a base surface of the storage carrier, wherein the base surface is preferably horizontal.

[0095] The horizontal extension of the storage carrier with the support elements in the second arrangement can preferably be larger than with the support elements in the first arrangement. In other words, the support elements in the second arrangement can project laterally further from the respective storage carrier than in the first arrangement. The support elements can preferably be clamping jaws, flaps, support mandrels, and / or pins. Alternatively and / or preferably, the support elements can be designed as outwardly hinged side walls of the storage carrier or be achieved by increasing the base area through the extension of the storage carrier. Alternatively, the support elements can be gears or pinions (or a tooth of the gears or pinions).

[0096] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to an operating device for a storage system according to the first aspect of the invention and / or an operating device for a storage system with a plurality of vertical shafts, a control unit, and a plurality of storage carriers, wherein the storage carriers and the shafts are configured to support the storage carriers at a plurality of vertically spaced support positions in each of the shafts, wherein the operating device is configured to move at least one storage carrier to be stored outside the shafts and / or to insert it into one of the shafts from the outside, preferably from above and / or below. The operating device is further configured to receive an instruction from the control unit and to support or lock the storage carriers at a support position selected by the control unit from the plurality of support positions.

[0097] Preferably, the operating device is a forklift, more preferably an automated guided vehicle (AGV), a rail-guided vehicle, an autonomous mobile robot (AMR), or an automated guided vehicle (AGV). More preferably, the operating device is designed to move outside the shafts, preferably above and / or below the shafts and / or laterally at and / or beside the shafts. Alternatively, preferably, the operating device is a gantry, wherein a transport unit of the gantry is preferably designed to move above the shafts and be at least partially lowered into and / or raised out of the shafts. Alternatively, the operating device can be a vehicle that can move horizontally on the ground and vertically in the shaft. Such operating devices can be described as climbing vehicles and are preferably used to store and retrieve load carriers from below.

[0098] Preferably, the operating device is configured to accommodate at least one storage carrier, wherein the storage carrier is preferably a storage carrier according to the second aspect of the invention. Preferably, the operating device can further be configured to determine the height of the accommodated storage carrier, the height of any stored goods located on the accommodated storage carrier, and / or the overall height of the accommodated storage carrier including one or more stored goods optionally located on it. Alternatively or additionally, the operating device can be configured to classify the height of the accommodated storage carrier, the height of any stored goods located on the accommodated storage carrier, and / or the overall height of the accommodated storage carrier including one or more stored goods optionally located on it into a height grid.The operating device can be configured to actuate, via an interface, preferably an activation mechanism of the operating device, a mechanism on a respective storage carrier to move the support elements of the respective storage carrier relative to a base body of the respective storage carrier, wherein the support elements are preferably brought into a first arrangement and / or a second arrangement. Alternatively or more preferably, the operating device can be configured to rotate a respective storage carrier for support in one of the shafts in a horizontal plane (about a vertical axis, preferably about the vertical center axis of the respective storage carrier) and preferably to set it down, more preferably to bring the respective storage carrier into an unsupported and / or a supported arrangement.Alternatively or preferably, the operating device can be configured to laterally move and preferably place a respective storage carrier in a horizontal plane for support in one of the shafts, and further preferably to bring the respective storage carrier into an unsupported and / or a supported arrangement.

[0099] Preferably, the operating device can be designed to transmit a force from the operating device to the mechanism of the respective storage carrier via the interface.

[0100] Preferably, the operating device can be configured to determine the width, length, and / or weight of the received storage carrier, and / or the width, length, and / or weight of any stored goods located on the received storage carrier, and / or the total width, length, and / or weight of the received storage carrier, including one or more stored goods that may be located on it. Additionally or alternatively, the operating device can be configured to classify the width, length, and / or weight of the received storage carrier within a dimensional or weight grid, and / or the width, length, and / or weight of any stored goods located on the received storage carrier, and / or the total width, length, and / or weight of the received storage carrier, including one or more stored goods that may be located on it, within a dimensional or weight grid.Weight-based grids can be used for classification. This allows for the preferential detection of overlengths or overwidths, and / or the consideration of the mass of stored goods during storage or retrieval, e.g., when selecting a suitable shaft or target position. This preferred design can preferably improve operational reliability and / or reduce downtime, e.g., due to jammed oversized stored goods.

[0101] Preferably, the operating device comprises a drive unit and a gripping unit that can be lowered relative to the drive unit. The drive unit can also be referred to as a frame. The gripping unit can also be referred to as a receiving unit and is preferably movable relative to the frame, in particular extendable from the frame and retractable into one of the vertical shafts. The gripping unit preferably has guide devices, e.g., guide rollers or slides, which, when the gripping unit is raised and lowered, roll and / or slide along the frame of the operating device and / or along the shaft, preferably along the corner posts of the shaft, in order to further preferably guide and / or center the gripping unit on the frame of the operating device and / or in the shaft.

[0102] Preferably, the gripping unit, in particular a receiving mechanism of the gripping unit, can be designed such that the storage space for stored goods on a storage carrier held by the gripping unit is not reduced by the gripping unit. The gripping unit, in particular the receiving mechanism, can, for example, have a clamping mechanism and / or a frame, e.g., a side frame, wherein the side frame encloses a free area that corresponds at least to the storage area provided on the storage carrier. The receiving mechanism is preferably the part of the gripping unit that forms an interface to the storage carrier to be held.

[0103] Preferably, the gripping unit and / or the receiving mechanism can be horizontally movable relative to the transport unit in order to load or unload storage carriers. More preferably, the gripping unit and / or the receiving mechanism can be rotated relative to the transport unit (preferably about a vertical axis) in order to load or unload storage carriers. Additionally or alternatively, it is further preferred that the gripping unit and / or the receiving mechanism can be horizontally displaced relative to the transport unit in order to load or unload storage carriers.

[0104] Preferably, the guide elements, e.g., guide rollers or slides, are arranged above the gripping unit's receiving mechanism and / or above a receiving area for stored goods formed on the gripping unit. Preferably, one or more of the guide elements, preferably at least two guide rollers (preferably at least four, at least eight guide rollers), are arranged on the gripping unit such that the gripping unit remains guided and / or centered in the shaft by this one or more guide elements when the entire receiving area and / or receiving mechanism is extended downwards out of the shaft. This ensures complete accessibility of the receiving area below the shaft, for example, for removing a storage carrier and / or stored goods from the receiving area, while the guidance and / or centering within the shaft remain intact.

[0105] Preferably, the receiving space can be enclosed on all vertical sides by side walls. This can help ensure that the stored goods are transported safely and remain entirely within the dimensions of the receiving space. The side walls can preferably be at least partially optically transparent or have cutouts. This can facilitate visual identification or marking of the stored goods. Alternatively, and preferably, the receiving space can be open on two opposite vertical sides. The operating device can be designed so that the receiving space (or at least the area above a received storage carrier) is accessible laterally. Preferably, accessibility is maintained when the receiving space and / or the gripping unit are fully retracted into the transport unit and / or when the operating device is ready to be moved horizontally.This preferably makes it possible to remove stored goods from the operating device (e.g. at the removal station) while the storage carrier is in the operating device.

[0106] Preferably, the operating device can also be configured to be connected to a power supply while it is moving within a warehouse and / or the gripping unit is being raised or lowered. The operating device preferably includes elements suitable for contacting live electrical components, such as sliding contacts.

[0107] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for storing a plurality of storage carriers in a storage system comprising a plurality of preferably vertical shafts, a control system, and at least one operating device, wherein the storage system is preferably a storage system according to the first aspect of the invention, and wherein the method comprises the steps: a. determining the overall height of a storage carrier to be stored from the plurality of storage carriers; b. selecting a specific shaft from the plurality of shafts in which the storage carrier to be stored is to be stored; c. selecting a target position in the selected shaft from a plurality of vertical support positions that can be defined in each shaft, wherein the target position depends on the one determined in step a.a specific overall height is selected, and / or the target position is selected depending on the overall height of at least one storage carrier located in the selected shaft, including one or more stored goods that may be located on it; and / or the target position is selected depending on at least one support position of one or more other storage carriers located in the selected shaft; d. Storage of the storage carrier to be stored at the target position by supporting the storage carrier to be stored in the shaft selected in step b.In other words, the fourth aspect of the invention can, on the one hand, comprise a method for storing a plurality of storage carriers in a storage system with a plurality of preferably vertical shafts, a control system, and at least one operating device, wherein the storage system is preferably a storage system according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the storage is carried out from below into the shafts, and wherein the method comprises the steps: a. determining the overall height of a storage carrier to be stored from the plurality of storage carriers; b. selecting a specific shaft from the plurality of shafts into which the storage carrier to be stored is to be stored; c. selecting a target position in the selected shaft from a plurality of vertical support positions that can be defined in each shaft, wherein the target position depends on the one determined in step a.a specific overall height is selected, and / or the target position is selected depending on the support position of the last storage carrier placed in the specified shaft; d. Placement of the storage carrier to be placed at the target position by supporting the storage carrier to be placed in the selected shaft.

[0108] On the other hand, the fourth aspect of the present invention can comprise a method for storing goods in a storage system with a plurality of vertical shafts, a control system, and at least one operating device, wherein the storage system is preferably a storage system according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the storage is carried out from above into the shafts, and wherein the method comprises the steps of: a. determining the overall height of a storage carrier to be stored from the plurality of storage carriers; b. selecting a specific shaft from the plurality of shafts into which the storage carrier to be stored is to be stored; c. selecting a target position in the selected shaft from a plurality of vertical support positions that can be defined in each shaft, wherein the target position is selected depending on the support position and / or the overall height of the storage carrier last stored in the specific shaft; d.Storage of the storage carrier to be stored at the target position by supporting the storage carrier to be stored in the selected shaft.

[0109] Step a. of the procedure may preferably include:

[0110] Determination of the height of the storage carrier to be stored, the height of the goods located on the storage carrier to be stored, and / or the total height of the storage carrier to be stored, including one or more goods that may be located on it; and / or

[0111] Classification of the height of the storage carrier to be stored, the height of the stored goods located on the storage carrier to be stored and / or the total height of the storage carrier to be stored including one or more stored goods possibly located on it into a predefined height grid.

[0112] Step d. of the method may preferably comprise: transporting the storage carrier to be stored to the selected shaft and inserting the storage carrier into the selected shaft from below and / or above, and supporting the storage carrier at the selected target position in the shaft, preferably by means of an operating device according to the third aspect of the invention, more preferably by moving and preferably setting down and / or rotating and preferably setting down the storage carrier. In other words, or alternatively, the support of the storage carrier at the selected target position in the shaft may preferably be achieved by positive locking, friction locking, and / or by means of magnetic forces. In other words, step d. may preferably comprise: laterally moving the storage carrier to be stored in a horizontal plane and preferably setting down the storage carrier on a support surface; and / or

[0113] Rotating the storage carrier to be stored in a horizontal plane, preferably around a vertical central axis of the storage carrier to be stored and / or of the selected shaft, and preferably placing the storage carrier to be stored on a storage surface.

[0114] Within the framework of the process, the storage carrier is preferably a storage carrier according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0115] The target position in step c. is preferably selected such that the storage carrier to be stored, including one or more storage goods that may be located on it, has a vertical distance of at least 0 mm, preferably at least 5 mm, more preferably at least 10 mm and / or a maximum of 300 mm, preferably a maximum of 120 mm, more preferably a maximum of 60 mm to a storage carrier located immediately vertically adjacent in the specified shaft, including one or more storage goods that may be located on it.

[0116] Preferably, each shaft has shaft support elements at its multiple support positions, i.e., clamping surfaces and / or a multiple of fins, horizontal support, resting, holding, bearing surfaces, grooves, cutouts, recesses, bores, bolts, hooks, and / or pins, against which the storage carrier can be supported. The shaft support elements (especially if the shaft support elements are formed by a multiple of fins, support, resting, holding, bearing surfaces, grooves, bores, bolts, hooks, and / or pins) are preferably arranged at uniform vertical intervals. The intervals are preferably at least 10 mm, more preferably at least 20 mm, and / or a maximum of 500 mm, more preferably a maximum of 200 mm. Preferably, the shaft support elements are formed on at least two, preferably diagonally opposite, corner pillars and / or side walls of each shaft.

[0117] Preferably, at least one of the multiple storage carriers, and more preferably each storage carrier, can have one or more support elements. The support elements are preferably support, resting, holding, or support surfaces, clamping jaws, flaps, support pins, or pins. In step d., the storage carrier is preferably supported by the support elements.

[0118] Preferably, the storage carriers are designed to be transferred from an unsupported to a supported arrangement, preferably by rotating and preferably setting down, and / or by horizontally sliding and preferably setting down the storage carrier, preferably into the supports that define the shaft. Preferably, the storage carrier is held vertically in the shaft in the supported arrangement, and / or the storage carrier is transportable through the shaft, preferably vertically, in the unsupported arrangement.Alternatively and / or additionally, the support elements can be designed to allow the storage carrier to be transferred from a first arrangement to a second arrangement, preferably wherein the storage carrier with the support elements is held vertically in the shaft in the second arrangement and / or wherein the storage carrier with the support elements in the first arrangement can be transported (vertically) through the shaft. The support elements can be prestressed in either the first or the second arrangement. The storage carrier can have a mechanism for moving the support elements into the first or second arrangement.

[0119] In step d. the method may further comprise: moving the support elements from the first arrangement to the second arrangement by actuating the mechanism, preferably by the operating device, wherein the operating device is preferably an operating device according to the third aspect of the invention.

[0120] The invention further relates to a method for storing a plurality of storage carriers in a storage system with a plurality of vertical shafts and at least one operating device, wherein the storage system is preferably a storage system according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the method comprises the steps: a. selection of a storage carrier to be stored from the plurality of storage carriers; b. selection of a shaft from the plurality of shafts into which the storage carrier is to be stored; c. insertion of the storage carrier to be stored into the selected shaft, preferably by means of the operating device, wherein the operating device is preferably an operating device according to the third aspect of the invention; d.Transferring the storage carrier to be stored in the shaft from an unsupported arrangement to a supported arrangement, wherein an outer contour of the storage carrier in the unsupported arrangement is preferably located completely within a free space of the shaft and the storage carrier can thus be transported vertically through the shaft, and wherein areas of the outer contour of the storage carrier in the supported arrangement preferably project in a top view into an edge contour of the shaft, in particular into at least one pillar and / or side wall bounding the shaft, and the storage carrier is thus supported, wherein the transfer of the storage carrier to be stored from the unsupported arrangement to the supported arrangement is preferably carried out by:

[0121] Rotating the storage carrier to be stored, preferably in a horizontal plane, preferably by rotating it about a vertical central axis of the storage carrier and / or the shaft, preferably by means of the operating device and / or

[0122] Moving the storage carrier to be stored, preferably in a horizontal plane, preferably using the operating device. e. Placing the storage carrier to be stored on a storage area of ​​the selected shaft.

[0123] The insertion of the storage carrier to be stored into the selected shaft in step c. can be done by inserting the storage carrier into the shaft from above or from below.

[0124] As can be seen by those skilled in the art, features described with reference to the fourth aspect of the invention can also be applied to this method.

[0125] Using such methods, a warehouse system can be operated, whereby the operation can be optimized in particular with regard to storage density and / or flexibility of the warehouse.

[0126] A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a storage carrier, preferably for a goods storage system in the first preferred variant according to the first aspect of the invention described above, wherein the storage carrier has no movable elements designed to fix the storage carrier in the shaft and / or which can be selectively actuated.

[0127] Preferably, so-called support elements can be defined on the storage carrier, which are designed to hold the storage carrier in a support position, e.g., on a support surface, and to secure it against horizontal displacement and / or rotation about a vertical center axis of the storage carrier when the respective storage carrier is supported in the support position, e.g., on the support surface (in other words, when the storage carrier is in the supported arrangement). It should be obvious that even with such securing against horizontal displacement and / or rotation, preferably small horizontal movements of the supported storage carrier can occur, e.g., displacements of a maximum of 10 mm, preferably a maximum of 5 mm, and / or rotations of a maximum of 10°, preferably a maximum of 5°. This is because even if the storage carrier is secured at its support position—for example, positively—to a counter element of the shaft, in particular...When interlocking a shaft support element, it is advisable to design the storage carrier and / or the counter elements in such a way that there is still some horizontal play in the supported arrangement, so that storage and retrieval can be facilitated and tolerances common in warehouse construction can be compensated for.

[0128] Preferably, the storage carrier has a base, preferably a horizontal base, and more preferably also a side frame, the side frame preferably projecting vertically upwards beyond the base. The area on the base and within the side frame can preferably be referred to as the storage area. Preferably, the side frame can serve to at least partially, preferably completely, prevent or at least hinder the storage carrier from falling or sliding out or off. Elements can be provided on areas of the storage carrier that are arranged outside the storage area, preferably surrounding the storage area, for example, at the side edge itself, which allow the operating device to pick up the storage carrier, e.g., bores, cutouts, projections, or undercuts.Additionally or alternatively, the support elements can be formed in areas of the storage carrier that are located outside the storage area, preferably surrounding the storage area, for example at the side edge itself.

[0129] Preferably, the support elements are rigidly connected to the base or are integrally formed with the base or side frame, i.e., preferably integrally with a base body of the storage carrier. Preferably, the support elements are not movable relative to the base and / or a base body of the storage carrier and / or the entire storage carrier. Preferably, the storage carrier is designed such that the support elements do not move relative to the base and / or the entire storage carrier when supporting the storage carrier at a target position. Thus, the storage carrier can be designed more simply and / or robustly than if movable elements were required for the support elements. This can therefore preferably result in cost savings.Furthermore, maintenance of the storage carrier can preferably be eliminated and / or the service life of the storage carrier can be comparable to known boxes, pallets, trays.

[0130] Preferably, the support elements are formed within the side frame, wherein the support elements have a groove and one or more recesses (also referred to as retaining tabs). A separating web is preferably formed between the groove and each of the one or more recesses, at least partially separating the groove from the respective one or more recesses. Preferably, the separating web forms a retaining lug, which is further preferably designed to secure a storage carrier supported by the recesses against falling out. The groove and / or the recesses can be open to the outside in a horizontal direction. Preferably, the recesses can be designed as grooves, cutouts, or bores. In a preferred embodiment, the support elements, preferably the groove together with the recesses, can be T-shaped in a side view of the storage carrier, and in particular, can be recessed into the storage carrier.Preferably, they then form the shape of an inverted T (a T classically has a longitudinal rib and a transverse rib), preferably with serifs at the ends of the transverse rib, wherein the longitudinal rib forms the groove, the serifs the recesses, and the two sections of the transverse rib between the serifs and the longitudinal rib form the separating rib. Alternatively to the T-shape, it is further preferred to form the groove and the recesses as elongated cutouts, as bores, or as a combination of cutouts and bores (e.g., the groove as a cutout and the recesses as bores), wherein the groove and the cutouts are completely separated from each other by the separating rib(s).In any case, a design of the support elements as grooves and recesses preferably allows the storage carrier to be used in a shaft with shaft support elements, wherein, when the storage carrier moves vertically through the shaft in a first, unsupported arrangement, the shaft support elements pass through the groove (in particular through the multiple grooves of a storage carrier with multiple support elements, e.g., four). When such a storage carrier is inserted into such a shaft in the first, unsupported arrangement, the shaft support elements are therefore preferably congruent with the grooves. In a second, supported arrangement of the storage carrier, the shaft support elements are then preferably congruent with at least one of the recesses.Alternatively or additionally to a groove and / or recesses, the storage carrier can preferably have one or more securing ribs projecting downwards from the base and / or the side frame. The securing ribs are preferably designed to prevent a storage carrier supported at a support position in one of the shafts from falling out. A securing rib can be formed, for example, by means of a bolt, a tooth, or generally a downwardly projecting contour. The use of securing ribs can eliminate the need for grooves and / or recesses in the side frame, for example. The storage carrier can be fitted with a flat surface forming the carrier support elements, e.g.,The support beam is placed at the level of the base on shaft support elements, with the securing webs (preferably also belonging to the support beams) being located directly adjacent to the shaft support elements in the second, supported position. In other words, the support beams can hook onto or interlock with the shaft support elements. Preferably, the securing webs can thus form a lateral stop for the shaft support elements and, more preferably, contribute to securing the support beam against falling out of the shaft support elements, even if the shaft support elements are designed only as flat surfaces.For example, the storage carrier can have a base and a side frame, wherein the base preferably does not extend completely to the outer lateral edge of the side frame, so that the free, preferably flat, edge area under the side frame together with the securing webs forms the carrier support elements.

[0131] The side frame preferably defines a centrally located storage area (e.g., a flat surface) on the base for receiving stored goods. Preferably, the side frame (preferably independent of the further design of the storage carrier) serves to at least partially, preferably completely, prevent or at least hinder the stored goods from falling or sliding off the storage carrier. Furthermore, the side frame preferably helps prevent stored goods from sliding into an area where the storage carrier is picked up by the handling vehicle. In other words, the side frame preferably helps ensure that stored goods do not obscure this area (and any elements arranged in this area for the handling vehicle to receive the storage carrier) from a top view. This can preferably increase operational safety and / or minimize errors when gripping the storage carrier.

[0132] For example, the side frame can be offset inwards relative to an edge contour of the storage carrier (and still define a storage carrier receiving area located centrally on the base). On an edge area of ​​the base outside the side frame, securing ribs projecting downwards from the base can be formed, with the securing ribs and the edge area together forming the carrier support elements. Elements, such as bores or recesses, can preferably be provided in the edge area or on the side frame to grip the storage carrier and / or fix it to a gripper. Thus, preferably in a simple design, both vertical and horizontal securing of the storage carrier in the shaft can be achieved, and it can also be ensured that, for example, displaced storage material does not prevent the storage carrier from being gripped by the operating device.that the elements required for this remain free or accessible.

[0133] Preferably, the storage carrier has a rigid contour, i.e., a contour without movable parts, which allows it to interlock with support surfaces, pillars, and / or side walls of a shaft in which it is supported, thus protecting it against falling due to unintentional displacement, twisting, sliding, or shaking. Therefore, the storage carrier can preferably be of a simple and / or cost-effective design, yet still contribute to a robust storage system.

[0134] In a preferred embodiment, the storage carrier can further comprise one or more elements designed for automated loading and / or unloading. This preferred embodiment primarily relates to the loading and / or unloading of the storage carrier and can therefore preferably be combined with all the preferred embodiments of the storage carrier described above (which primarily relate to supporting the storage carrier in the shaft and / or gripping the storage carrier with a handling device). This also applies to all the storage systems described above.

[0135] Preferably, the one or more elements for automatic loading and / or unloading can be implemented, at least partially, by means of openings in the base. For example, the base can have several openings designed to allow one or more projections of an unloading device to pass through them from bottom to top. Preferably, several openings are provided, arranged in a matrix. Preferably, the storage carrier has at least 4, more preferably at least 16, and even more preferably at least 25 openings. This configuration can be advantageous if, for example, the storage carrier has a side frame or is housed in an operating device that encloses the base itself with a frame.It is then possible to use the one or more projections of the unloading device to lift the stored goods (for example, a carton or box) from below through the storage carrier, preferably to such an extent that the stored goods can be pushed horizontally out over the side frame or the frame of the operating device, for example, by means of a slider (also called a pusher). Preferably, an additional shelf, preferably a horizontal plate, can be arranged on the base. The shelf can preferably be arranged within the side frame, covering the openings and being moved vertically, for example, by pushing the one or more projections of the unloading device upwards, with the one or more projections extending through the openings.Thus, preferably even non-dimensionally stable or small-scale stored goods, such as sacks or several small boxes, can be lifted evenly upwards with the help of the insert shelf, which in turn preferably enables horizontal pushing of the stored goods from the storage carrier and / or from the operating device.

[0136] Preferably, the one or more elements for automatic loading and / or unloading can be implemented at least partially by means of openings in the side frame. For example, the side frame can have several openings on at least one end face that completely penetrate the side frame in a horizontal direction in an area above the base surface, preferably wherein the base surface in the area of ​​the openings has a lesser thickness than in intermediate areas of the side frame without openings and / or wherein the base surface has grooves in the area of ​​the openings.This makes it possible, for example, for a fork-shaped unloading device with individual tines to reach through at least part of the openings in the front face and for the tines to be pushed under a stored item (or a shelf provided there) resting on the base surface (in areas of greater thickness and / or without grooves) in the areas of lesser thickness and / or in the grooves, and to lift it upwards.

[0137] Preferably, one or more elements for automatic loading and / or unloading can be implemented, at least partially, by means of hinged side wall sections. For example, a hinged side wall section, preferably an outwardly hinged side wall section, can be formed along at least one side of the side frame of the storage carrier. Preferably, such a hinged side wall section, preferably an outwardly hinged side wall section, can be formed along at least two opposite sides of the side frame. Hinged side wall sections can also preferably facilitate the lateral sliding of stored goods out of the storage carrier.

[0138] The storage carrier according to the fifth aspect of the invention can be used in any of the storage systems according to the invention. In other words, the storage system according to the invention, preferably with a storage carrier according to the fifth aspect of the invention, can be configured to support the storage carrier at a target position in a selected shaft, preferably by rotating or sliding it (in a horizontal plane). The storage carrier is then further preferably secured in the supported position by a retaining contour. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the storage carrier can be formed in one piece. Preferably, support elements formed in one piece and / or rigidly connected to the base and / or the side frame are provided.Preferably, the storage carrier can be supported on the shaft by means of the support elements by at least one horizontal movement, preferably rotation and / or displacement, and further preferably secured against falling out of the shaft, preferably by means of support elements and shaft support elements forming a positive fit, so that the storage carrier is secured against unintentional falling out, e.g. due to horizontal forces occurring in the shaft.

[0139] A sixth aspect of the invention relates to a method for removing stored goods from a storage carrier to be unloaded, which is located in a selected shaft, in a storage system comprising a plurality of storage carriers and a plurality of vertical shafts, a control system, and at least one operating device. The storage system is preferably a storage system according to the first aspect of the invention described above. The operating device is preferably an operating device according to the third aspect of the invention described above. The storage carrier is preferably a storage carrier according to the fifth aspect of the invention described above. The method comprises the steps: a. Picking up the storage carrier to be unloaded, preferably in the selected shaft, with a gripping unit of the operating device; b.Moving the gripping unit out of the selected shaft, preferably upwards, until the storage carrier and / or a receiving area of ​​the gripping unit and / or the entire gripping unit is located outside, preferably above, the selected shaft; c. preferably moving the operating device with the storage carrier to be unloaded to an unloading station; d. moving a pusher, preferably horizontally, from a first area outside the receiving area into the receiving area of ​​the operating device; e. while the storage carrier is held in the receiving area of ​​the operating device, unloading the stored goods located on the storage carrier by the pusher, preferably towards a third area, which is arranged on a side of the operating device facing away from the first area, wherein a conveying system is preferably located in the third area.

[0140] The storage carrier according to the fifth aspect of the invention can be used in any of the storage systems according to the invention, in particular with an unloading station and / or a method for unloading the load carrier according to the sixth aspect of the invention. In other words, the storage system according to the invention can further comprise an unloading station. Preferably, the unloading station is arranged above the plurality of shafts.

[0141] The unloading station preferably has three adjacent areas. In a first area, the unloading station preferably has a horizontally movable pusher. This pusher is preferably designed to be pushed through an adjacent second area. The pusher is preferably designed to move stored goods from the second area into an adjacent third area. The pusher is preferably designed to be pushed all the way to the third area.

[0142] The third area is preferably horizontally spaced from the first area by the second area.

[0143] The third area preferably incorporates a conveyor system, which is further preferably configured to convey material out of the unloading station. The second area, located between the first and third areas, is preferably configured so that the operating device can enter this area (i.e., between the first and third areas) for unloading. Therefore, it is advantageous that the width of the second area and / or the distance between the first and second areas preferably corresponds to at least the width or length of the operating device, and more preferably that the width of the second area and / or the distance between the first and second areas corresponds to 100% to 120% of the width or length of the operating device.

[0144] Preferably, the unloading station is set up so that the operating device can enter the second area, which is located between the first and third areas, and in this second area, stored goods can be unloaded from the operating vehicle by means of the pusher (preferably into the third area).

[0145] Preferably, the second area includes a discharge device suitable for lifting a storage carrier located in the operating device and / or an insert shelf of this storage carrier upwards. For example, this discharge device may have one or more projections designed to reach from bottom to top through openings in the storage carrier (preferably the openings in the base described above).

[0146] Again, regardless of the design of the elements and / or systems of the warehouse system described so far, the warehouse system according to the first aspect of the invention can further comprise a measuring unit connected to the control system. The measuring unit is preferably configured to perform at least one of the following functions: determining the width and / or length and / or weight of a selected storage carrier; and / or determining the width and / or length and / or weight of goods located on the selected storage carrier; and / or determining the overall width and / or length and / or weight of the selected storage carrier, including one or more goods that may be located on it; and / or converting the width and / or length and / or weight of the selected storage carrier into a dimension or...to classify weight grids; and / or to classify the width and / or length and / or weight of the stored goods located on the selected storage carrier into a dimension or weight grid; and / or to classify the total width and / or length and / or weight of the selected storage carrier, including one or more stored goods that may be located on it, into a dimension or weight grid.

[0147] In other words, the measuring unit preferably allows the system to detect excessive lengths and / or widths, preventing the corresponding storage carrier from being placed directly into a shaft, for example, where it could become stuck. This preferably reduces operational errors and / or improves operational safety. Furthermore, known weight data prevents overloading of the operating equipment. Additionally, heavy and light storage carriers can be distributed and positioned accordingly within the warehouse to minimize energy consumption during storage and / or retrieval operations.

[0148] Preferably, each individual aspect of the invention is suitable for interacting with one or more other aspects. Preferably, for example, a warehouse system can be constructed according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the at least one operating device is an operating device according to the third aspect of the invention, and wherein the majority of storage carriers are formed from storage carriers according to the fifth aspect of the invention.

[0149] The invention is preferably applicable to all processes from the receipt of goods through storage, warehouse management, order picking, and the dispatch of goods from the system. It is preferably applicable to both split-case and full-case picking. In contrast to conventional block storage, the storage carriers are not stacked on top of each other. Instead, the storage carrier can be supported in a corresponding support position, thus possessing a self-holding or support function that can be activated at a desired position in the shaft (e.g., by horizontally sliding and setting it down or by rotating and setting it down). The storage carriers with their contents can therefore be stored flexibly according to the actual load height and do not need to be stacked. This also allows for the storage of various goods such as cartons, containers, trays, etc.The goods can be stored in a space-optimized manner on the storage carrier in block storage. Pallet storage is also possible. The invention further relates to the following aspects:

[0150] 1. A storage system comprising a plurality of vertical shafts, a control system, a plurality of storage carriers, and at least one operating device, wherein the storage carriers in each of the shafts can be supported at a plurality of vertically spaced support positions; the at least one operating device is designed to move at least one storage carrier to be stored outside the shafts and to insert it from the outside into a selected shaft;The control system is designed to provide support for the at least one storage carrier to be stored at a target position in the selected shaft, wherein the control system selects the target position from the plurality of vertical support positions, preferably depending on: a total height of the storage carrier to be stored including one or more storage goods optionally located on it, and / or a total height of at least one storage carrier located in the selected shaft including one or more storage goods optionally located on it.

[0151] 2. Warehouse system according to aspect 1, wherein the control selects the target position from the plurality of vertical support positions, depending on the support position of one or more other storage carriers located in the selected shaft.

[0152] 3. A storage system according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the majority of vertically spaced support positions are formed on opposite sides and / or in opposite corners of shafts; and / or wherein the support at the target position is provided on opposite sides and / or in opposite corners of the selected shaft, preferably wherein at least two opposite support positions lie in a common horizontal plane or in two parallel planes. 4. A storage system according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the support of the storage carrier is achieved by frictional, positive, and / or magnetic forces.

[0153] 5. Storage system according to aspect 4, wherein the support is positively locked in such a way that the storage carrier is held in the vertical and horizontal direction, wherein preferably a horizontal clearance of the stored storage carrier relative to the shaft is a maximum of 30 mm, more preferably a maximum of 20 mm, more preferably a maximum of 10 mm, more preferably a maximum of 5 mm.

[0154] 6. Storage system according to one of the above aspects, wherein the storage carrier to be stored in the selected shaft can be transferred from a supported arrangement to an unsupported arrangement, preferably by rotating and / or horizontally displacing the storage carrier to be stored in the selected shaft, preferably by means of the operating device, wherein an outer contour of the storage carrier to be stored in the unsupported arrangement is preferably located completely in a free space of the selected shaft and the storage carrier to be stored can thus be transported vertically through the shaft and past at least one, preferably several, support positions and areas of the outer contour of the storage carrier to be stored in the supported arrangement preferably project in a top view into at least one pillar and / or side wall delimiting the selected shaft and the storage carrier to be stored is thus supported.

[0155] 7. Storage system according to one of the above aspects, wherein the storage carriers each have at least two support elements, preferably wherein the support elements are arranged on opposite sides and / or on diagonally opposite edges or corners of the respective storage carrier.

[0156] 8. Storage system according to aspect 7, wherein the storage carriers have a horizontal base surface, preferably wherein the carrier support elements are provided on - preferably in a horizontal direction - opposite sides of the base surface.

[0157] 9. Storage system according to aspect 7 or 8, wherein the support elements are designed to secure the respective storage carrier in each of the shafts against horizontal displacement and / or rotation about a vertical center axis of the respective shaft and / or the respective storage carrier, when the respective storage carrier is supported at the target position in the respective shaft, preferably in the supported arrangement according to aspect 6.

[0158] 10. Storage system according to one of aspects 7-9, wherein the support elements are designed as one or more webs, grooves or recesses, preferably on an outer contour of the storage carrier.

[0159] 11. Storage system according to one of aspects 7-10, wherein the support elements have a rigid connection to the base or are integrally formed with the base and / or a side frame of the storage carrier; and / or wherein the support elements are not movable with respect to the base and / or the entire storage carrier; and / or wherein the support elements are not moved with respect to the base and / or the entire storage carrier to support the at least one storage carrier to be stored at the target position.

[0160] 12. Storage system according to one of aspects 7-11, wherein the support elements have a groove and one or more recesses (also referred to as securing tabs), wherein a separating web is formed between the groove and each of the one or more recesses, which at least partially separates the groove from each of the one or more recesses, wherein the separating web preferably forms a retaining lug, which is further preferably designed to secure a storage carrier supported by means of the recesses against falling out.

[0161] 13. Storage system according to aspect 12, wherein the recesses are designed as grooves, cutouts, or bores. 14. Storage system according to one of aspects 7-13, wherein, in a side view of the storage carrier, the carrier support elements, preferably the groove together with the recesses, are T-shaped.

[0162] 15. Storage system according to one of aspects 7-11, wherein the support elements are formed in an edge area of ​​the storage carrier and have securing webs, wherein the securing webs project downwards towards a base surface and / or a side frame of the storage carrier, wherein the securing webs are preferably designed to secure a storage carrier supported at a support position in one of the respective shafts against falling out.

[0163] 16. Storage system according to aspect 15, wherein the storage carrier has a base and a side frame, wherein the base preferably does not extend completely to the outer lateral edge of the side frame below it, so that the free edge area below the side frame, preferably together with the securing webs, forms the carrier support elements.

[0164] 17. A storage system according to one of the foregoing aspects, wherein the storage carrier has no movable elements; and / or wherein the system is designed to provide support for the at least one storage carrier to be stored at a target position in the selected shaft without requiring the actuation of any movable element of the storage carrier, preferably wherein the system is designed to provide support for the at least one storage carrier to be stored at a target position in the selected shaft by horizontal displacement and / or by rotating the storage carrier about a vertical axis, more preferably wherein the support at the target position prevents the storage carrier from falling out of the target position due to a force acting only horizontally, more preferably by the fact that the carrier support elements and the shaft support elements form a positive connection.so that the storage carrier is secured against unintentional falling out, e.g., due to horizontal forces occurring, in the shaft. 18. Storage system according to one of the above aspects, wherein the storage carrier has a rigid contour shaped in such a way that, in the supported arrangement, it interlocks with the support elements of the shaft forming the support positions in such a way that a force acting only horizontally on the storage carrier cannot release the support of the storage carrier at the support positions.

[0165] 19. Storage system according to one of aspects 7-9, wherein the support elements are movable relative to the base body of the storage carrier and are designed to be transferred from a first arrangement to a second arrangement to support the respective storage carrier, wherein the transfer is carried out by moving the support elements relative to the base body, preferably wherein the respective storage carrier, when the support elements are in the second arrangement, is held vertically in one of the respective shafts and / or wherein the respective storage carrier, when the support elements are in the first arrangement, is transportable through the respective shaft.

[0166] 20. Storage system according to aspect 19, wherein the horizontal extent of the storage carrier with the support elements in the second arrangement is greater than with the support elements in the first arrangement; and / or wherein the support elements in the second arrangement project laterally further from the respective storage carrier than in the first arrangement.

[0167] 21. Storage system according to one of aspects 7-9 or 19-20, wherein the support elements are storage surfaces, grooves, recesses, clamping jaws, flaps, support mandrels and / or pins.

[0168] 22. Warehouse system according to one of aspects 7-9 or 19, wherein the carrier-

[0169] Support elements are gears or pinions. 23. Storage system according to aspect 22, wherein each shaft has at least one rack extending vertically in the shaft.

[0170] 24. Storage system according to aspect 23, wherein the support elements engage with the rack and roll along the rack in the first arrangement; and / or wherein in the second arrangement a rotation of the support elements in at least one direction is blocked, so that the engagement of the support elements with the rack prevents a vertical movement of the respective storage carrier.

[0171] 25. Storage system according to one of the above aspects, wherein the operating device is configured to bring the support elements into the first arrangement and / or into the second arrangement; and / or to move and / or rotate a storage carrier in a horizontal plane, preferably about a vertical central axis of the storage carrier.

[0172] 26. Storage system according to one of aspects 9-25, wherein at least one of the storage carriers has a mechanism to bring the carrier support elements into the first arrangement and / or into the second arrangement, preferably wherein the operating device and / or the control is configured to actuate the mechanism, more preferably by transmitting a force from the operating device to the mechanism, preferably wherein the operating device has an activation mechanism to actuate the mechanism of the storage carrier.

[0173] 27. Warehouse system according to one of aspects 9-26, wherein the support elements are prestressed into the first arrangement or into the second arrangement.

[0174] 28. A storage system according to one of the foregoing aspects, wherein each shaft has clamping surfaces and / or a plurality of fins, horizontal support, resting, bearing or holding surfaces, grooves, cutouts, recesses, bores, bolts, hooks and / or pins on which the storage carriers can be supported, wherein the plurality of fins, horizontal support, resting, bearing or holding surfaces, grooves, cutouts, recesses, bores, bolts, hooks and / or pins are preferably arranged at uniform vertical intervals, wherein the intervals are preferably at least 10 mm, more preferably at least 20 mm and / or a maximum of 500 mm, more preferably a maximum of 200 mm, and wherein the clamping surfaces and / or the plurality of fins, horizontal support, resting, bearing or holding surfaces, grooves, cutouts, recesses, bores, bolts, hooks and / or pins are preferably formed on at least two pillars and / or side walls of the shaft. are.Storage system according to aspect 28, wherein the storage carrier has a rigid contour shaped such that it interlocks in the supported arrangement, preferably the supported arrangement according to aspect 6, with the fins, horizontal support, resting, bearing or holding surfaces, grooves, cutouts, recesses, bores, bolts, hooks and / or pins of a support position at which the storage carrier is supported, such that a force acting only horizontally on the storage carrier cannot release the support of the storage carrier at the support positions, preferably at the shaft support elements formed on the pillars and / or side walls of a shaft, wherein a vertical force acting against the weight force is preferably required to release the support; wherein the rigid contour is preferably part of the carrier support elements according to one of aspects 7-18.Storage system according to aspect 28 or 29, wherein the majority of fins, horizontal support, parking, bearing or holding surfaces, grooves, cutouts, recesses, bores, bolts, hooks and / or pins are shaped such that they engage positively in a corresponding counter contour on the storage carrier, e.g. a horizontal support, parking, bearing or holding surface which has an upwardly projecting contour, preferably limited by an upwardly projecting contour, wherein the upwardly projecting contour can, for example, project into a groove or bore of the storage carrier in the supported position.A storage system according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the shafts are arranged in a grid; and / or wherein each shaft is defined by at least two, preferably four, pillars; and / or wherein each shaft is defined by at least two, preferably four, side walls; and / or wherein each shaft is defined by a free space between the side walls and / or pillars bounding the shaft, preferably a free space in which the storage carrier is vertically movable and which has a horizontal base area, which preferably is a maximum of 120% of a horizontal projection of the storage carrier. A storage system according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein each shaft has pillars designed as corner pillars and a plurality of the corner pillars serve as corner pillars for four adjacent shafts. A storage system according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the shafts have a clear cross-section of between 0.12 m.2 and 2.3 m 2 preferably between 0.24 m 2 and

[0175] 1.44 m 2a storage system according to one of the foregoing aspects, wherein the shafts have a height of at least 0.5 m, preferably at least 4 m, more preferably at least 8 m, more preferably at least 12 m, more preferably at least 30 m, wherein the shafts are preferably of the same size in a storage segment with at least 12 shafts; and / or wherein the storage system has at least 4, preferably at least 60, more preferably at least 100 shafts. A storage system according to one of the foregoing aspects, wherein the shafts and / or the operating device are designed to insert the storage carriers into the shafts from above and / or from below. 36.A storage system according to one of the above aspects, wherein the storage system further comprises at least one measuring unit and / or sensor designed to determine the height of the storage carrier to be stored, the height of any goods located on the storage carrier to be stored, and / or the total height of the storage carrier to be stored, including one or more goods that may be located on it; and / or to classify the storage carrier to be stored, including one or more goods that may be located on it, and / or the goods located on the storage carrier to be stored, into a height grid.

[0176] 37. Warehouse system according to aspect 24, wherein the operating device has at least one measuring unit and / or sensor technology.

[0177] 38. Storage system according to one of the above aspects, wherein the operating device is designed to receive at least one storage carrier and to insert the received storage carrier into one of the shafts from above and / or from below.

[0178] 39. Storage system according to one of the above aspects, wherein the operating device is designed to travel above the shafts and / or below the shafts and / or outside the shafts.

[0179] 40. Warehouse system according to one of the above aspects, wherein the operating device is a forklift truck, preferably an automated guided vehicle (AGV), a rail-guided vehicle, an autonomous mobile robot (AMR), an automated guided vehicle (AGV), or a gantry.

[0180] 41. Warehouse system according to one of the above aspects, wherein the operating device is connected to the power grid during operation in the warehouse system, preferably wherein current-carrying elements are provided below and / or above the shafts and further preferably the operating device has counter-elements, for example sliding contacts, which are in contact with the current-carrying elements during operation.

[0181] 42. Warehouse system according to aspect 41, wherein the current-carrying elements may be busbars, current-carrying running surfaces, sliding contacts and / or overhead lines.

[0182] 43. Warehouse system according to one of the above aspects, wherein the control is programmed such that in a first operating mode in at least some of the majority of shafts, a so-called segment, only an upper area is filled with storage carriers and a lower area remains free, and in a second operating mode the shafts in the segment are completely filled, i.e. to their entire height, with storage carriers.

[0183] 44. A storage system according to one of the above aspects, further comprising one or more of the following systems: UV lighting units; irrigation systems designed to irrigate stored goods in a targeted and regular manner; pump systems designed to supply fertilizers and / or nutrients to the stored goods; fan units designed to regulate the climate in individual segments of the storage system; sensors for monitoring environmental conditions, preferably at least one humidity sensor, temperature sensor or pH sensor.

[0184] 45. Warehouse system according to one of the above aspects, further comprising sprinkler lines (e.g. water-carrying lines), wherein the sprinkler lines have at least one section of pipe that is arranged vertically in or between the shafts, wherein this section of pipe further comprises at least one, preferably several, outlets and / or nozzles through which extinguishing water can be discharged into an adjacent shaft, and wherein the outlets and / or nozzles are preferably connected to the vertical section of pipe via a horizontal pipe section.

[0185] 46. ​​A storage system according to one of the preceding aspects, further comprising sprinkler lines (e.g., water-carrying lines), wherein the sprinkler lines have at least one section running horizontally and / or at an inclination of no more than 30° along several adjacent shafts, and wherein this section further comprises several outlets and / or nozzles through which extinguishing water can be discharged into several adjacent shafts. A storage system according to aspect 46, wherein the sprinkler lines have at least one vertical section running outside a plurality of shafts and supplying the horizontal sections. A storage system according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein a vertical fire wall is provided between at least two of the plurality of shafts.which preferably extends between adjacent or common corner pillars of these at least two shafts. A storage system according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the operating device and the storage carrier are designed such that a storage carrier located in the operating device can be emptied while it is held by the operating device, wherein the system preferably has an unloading station at which a storage item located on the storage carrier can be dispensed while the storage carrier remains in the operating device and / or without the storage carrier being removed from the operating device, wherein the dispensing process can preferably be carried out automatically, wherein the dispensing process can preferably be carried out by laterally pushing the storage item out of the operating device. Storage carrier for a storage system according to one of the preceding aspects. Storage carrier for a storage system with a plurality of vertical shafts.a control system and at least one operating device, wherein the storage carrier can be supported in each of the shafts at a plurality of vertically spaced support positions; the storage carrier is designed to be inserted into one of the shafts from above and / or below by the at least one operating device; wherein: the storage carrier has at least two support elements that are movable relative to a base body of the storage carrier and are designed to be transferred from a first arrangement to a second arrangement for supporting the respective storage carrier, wherein the transfer preferably takes place by moving the support elements relative to the base body, wherein the storage carrier with the support elements is held vertically in the shaft in the second arrangement and / or wherein the storage carrier with the support elements in the first arrangement is transportable through the shaft. Storage carrier according to aspect 51,wherein the storage carrier has a mechanism for bringing the carrier support elements into the first arrangement and / or into the second arrangement, preferably wherein the mechanism is designed to be actuated via the operating device and / or the control system, more preferably by transmitting a force from the operating device to the mechanism. Storage carrier according to aspect 52, wherein the storage carrier has a mechanical interface via which the operating device actuates the mechanism. Storage carrier according to one of aspects 51-53, wherein the carrier support elements are prestressed into the first arrangement or into the second arrangement. Storage carrier according to one of aspects 51-54, wherein the storage carrier is designed to bear a load of at least 0.5 kg, preferably at least 25 kg, more preferably at least 50 kg, more preferably at least 100 kg, more preferably at least 200 kg and / or a load of a maximum of 30 kg, more preferably a maximum of 200 kg.preferably a maximum of 500 kg, preferably a maximum of

[0186] To bear a load of 1000 kg, preferably a maximum of 1500 kg. Storage carrier according to one of aspects 51-55, wherein the storage carrier has a rectangular base, preferably at least 150 mm x 100 mm, more preferably at least 300 mm x 200 mm, more preferably at least 600 mm x

[0187] 400 mm and / or preferably a maximum of 1400 mm x 1400 mm, further preferably a maximum of 1000 mm x 1000 mm, further preferably a maximum of 600 mm x 600 mm.

[0188] 57. Storage carrier according to one of aspects 51-56, wherein the carrier support elements are provided on opposite sides and / or opposite corners of the storage carrier, preferably on opposite sides and / or opposite corners of a base surface of the storage carrier, wherein the base surface is preferably horizontal.

[0189] 58. Storage carrier according to one of aspects 51-57, wherein a horizontal extent of the storage carrier with the carrier support elements in the second arrangement is greater than with the carrier support elements in the first arrangement; and / or wherein the carrier support elements in the second arrangement project laterally further from the respective storage carrier than in the first arrangement.

[0190] 59. Storage carrier according to one of aspects 50-58, wherein the carrier support elements are grooves, recesses, clamping jaws, flaps, support mandrels and / or pins.

[0191] 60. Storage carrier according to one of aspects 51-59, wherein the carrier support elements are designed as outwardly foldable side walls of the storage carrier.

[0192] 61. Bearing carrier according to one of aspects 51-57, wherein the carrier support elements are gears or pinions.

[0193] 62. Operating device for a warehouse system according to one of aspects 1-49.

[0194] 63. Operating device for a storage system comprising a plurality of vertical shafts, a control unit, and a plurality of storage carriers, wherein the storage carriers and shafts are configured to support the storage carriers at a plurality of vertically spaced support positions in each of the shafts, wherein the operating device is configured to move at least one storage carrier to be stored outside the shafts and to insert it into one of the shafts from the outside, preferably from above and / or below; wherein the operating device is configured to receive an instruction from the control unit and to support the storage carriers at a support position selected by the control unit from the plurality of support positions.

[0195] 64. Operating device according to aspect 63, wherein the operating device is designed to move outside the shafts, preferably above the shafts and / or below the shafts.

[0196] 65. Operating device according to aspect 63 or 64, wherein the operating device is configured: to actuate, via an interface, preferably an activation mechanism, a mechanism on a respective storage carrier in order to move support elements of the respective storage carrier relative to a base body of the storage carrier, wherein the support elements are preferably brought into a first arrangement and / or into a second arrangement; and / or to rotate a respective storage carrier in a horizontal plane, preferably about a vertical central axis of the respective storage carrier, preferably to bring the respective storage carrier into an unsupported and / or into a supported arrangement; and / or to laterally displace a respective storage carrier in a horizontal plane, preferably to bring the respective storage carrier into an unsupported and / or into a supported arrangement.

[0197] 66. Operating device according to aspect 65, wherein the operating device is designed to transmit a force from the operating device to the mechanism of the respective storage carrier via the interface.

[0198] 67. Operating device according to one of aspects 62-66, wherein the operating device is a

[0199] The material handling equipment is preferably an automated guided vehicle (AGV), a rail-guided vehicle, an autonomous mobile robot (AMR), an automated guided vehicle (AGV), or a gantry crane. The operating device is configured according to one of aspects 62-67, wherein the operating device is designed to receive at least one storage carrier, the storage carrier preferably being a storage carrier according to one of aspects 50-61, and wherein the operating device is preferably further configured to determine the height of the received storage carrier, the height of any stored goods located on the received storage carrier, and / or the total height of the received storage carrier including one or more stored goods optionally located on it; and / or to classify the height of any stored goods located on the received storage carrier and / or the total height of the received storage carrier including one or more stored goods optionally located on it into a height grid.Operating device according to one of aspects 62-68, wherein the operating device is configured to determine a width and / or length and / or weight of the received storage carrier, a width and / or length and / or weight of any stored goods located on the received storage carrier, and / or a total width and / or total length and / or a total weight of the received storage carrier including one or more stored goods that may be located on it; and / or to classify a width and / or length and / or weight of the received storage carrier, a width and / or length and / or weight of any stored goods located on the received storage carrier, and / or a total width and / or total length and / or a total weight of the received storage carrier including one or more stored goods that may be located on it into a dimension or weight grid.Operating device according to one of aspects 62-69, wherein the operating device comprises a drive unit and a gripping unit that can be lowered relative to the drive unit. 71. Operating device according to aspect 70, wherein the gripping unit can be extended from the drive unit and inserted into one of the vertical shafts.

[0200] 72. Operating device according to aspect 70 or 71, wherein the gripping unit has guide devices, e.g. guide rollers or slides, which roll and / or slide along the shaft, preferably along the corner pillars of the shaft, when the gripping unit is raised and lowered, in order to further preferably guide and / or center the gripping unit in the shaft.

[0201] 73. Operating device according to one of aspects 70-72, wherein the gripping unit has guide devices, e.g. guide rollers or slides, which roll and / or slide on an inner contour of the travel unit during vertical lifting and lowering of the gripping unit, preferably to guide and / or center the gripping unit on the travel unit.

[0202] 74. Operating device according to one of aspects 70-73, wherein the gripping unit is designed such that a storage space for stored goods formed on a storage carrier received by the gripping unit is not reduced by the gripping unit, preferably wherein the gripping unit has a clamping mechanism and / or a frame, wherein the side frame encloses a free area which corresponds at least to the storage area provided on the storage carrier.

[0203] 75. Operating device according to one of aspects 70-74, wherein the guide devices, e.g. guide rollers or slides, are arranged above a receiving mechanism of the gripping unit and / or a receiving space for stored goods formed on the gripping unit.

[0204] 76. Operating device according to one of aspects 70-75, wherein one or more of the guide elements, preferably at least two guide rollers (preferably at least four, at least eight guide rollers), are arranged on the gripping unit such that the gripping unit remains guided and / or centered in the shaft by this one or more guide elements when the entire receiving space and / or receiving mechanism is extended downwards out of the shaft. Operating device according to one of aspects 70-76, wherein the receiving space is closed on all vertical sides by side walls, preferably wherein the side walls are at least partially optically transparent (or have cutouts).Operating device according to any one of aspects 62-76, wherein the receiving space is open on two opposite vertical sides and the operating device is designed such that the receiving space is laterally accessible above a received storage carrier when the receiving space and / or the gripping unit are fully retracted into the transport unit and / or when the operating device is ready to be moved horizontally. Operating device according to any one of aspects 62-78, wherein the operating device is further configured to be connected to a power supply while the operating device is moving in a warehouse and / or the gripping unit is being raised or lowered. Operating device according to aspect 79, wherein the operating device has sliding contacts, preferably on the underside of the vehicle.Method for storing a plurality of storage carriers in a storage system with a plurality of vertical shafts, a control system, and at least one operating device, wherein the storage system is preferably a storage system according to one of aspects 1-49, wherein the method comprises the steps: a. Determining the total height of a storage carrier to be stored from the plurality of storage carriers; b. Selecting a specific shaft from the plurality of shafts into which the storage carrier to be stored is to be stored; c. Selecting a target position in the selected shaft from a plurality of vertical support positions that can be defined in each shaft, wherein the target position depends on the one determined in step a.a specific overall height is selected, and / or the target position is selected depending on the overall height of at least one storage carrier located in the selected shaft, including one or more stored goods that may be located on it; and / or the target position is selected depending on at least one support position of one or more other storage carriers located in the selected shaft; d. Storage of the storage carrier to be stored at the target position by supporting the storage carrier to be stored in the selected shaft. Procedure according to aspect 81, wherein step a. comprises:.

[0205] Determination of the height of the storage carrier to be stored, the height of the goods located on the storage carrier to be stored, and / or the total height of the storage carrier to be stored, including one or more goods that may be located on it; and / or

[0206] Classification of the height of the goods to be stored on the storage carrier and / or the total height of the storage carrier to be stored, including one or more goods possibly located on it, into a predefined height grid. Procedure according to aspect 81 or 82, wherein step d. comprises:

[0207] Transport of the storage carrier to be stored to the selected shaft and insertion of the storage carrier into the selected shaft from below and / or above, and support of the storage carrier at the selected target position in the shaft, preferably by means of an operating device according to one of aspects 62-80, more preferably by moving and / or rotating the storage carrier. Method according to one of aspects 81-83, wherein step d. comprises: laterally moving the storage carrier to be stored in a horizontal plane and preferably placing the storage carrier on a support surface; and / or rotating the storage carrier to be stored in a horizontal plane, preferably about a vertical center axis of the storage carrier to be stored and / or the selected shaft, and preferably placing the storage carrier on a support surface.

[0208] 85. Method according to one of aspects 81-84, wherein the target position is selected in step c. such that the storage carrier to be stored, including one or more storage goods optionally located on it, has a vertical distance of at least 0 mm, preferably at least 5 mm, more preferably at least 10 mm and / or a maximum of 300 mm, preferably a maximum of 120 mm, more preferably a maximum of 60 mm to a storage carrier located immediately vertically adjacent in the specified shaft, including one or more storage goods optionally located on it.

[0209] 86. Method according to one of aspects 81-85, wherein each shaft has clamping surfaces and / or a plurality of fins, horizontal support, parking, bearing or holding surfaces, grooves, cutouts, recesses, bores, bolts, hooks and / or pins on which the storage carriers can be supported, wherein the plurality of fins, support, parking, bearing or holding surfaces, grooves, cutouts, recesses, bores, bolts, hooks and / or pins are preferably arranged at uniform vertical intervals, wherein the intervals are preferably at least 10 mm, more preferably at least 20 mm and / or a maximum of 500 mm, more preferably a maximum of 200 mm, and wherein the clamping surfaces and / or the plurality of fins, support, parking, bearing or holding surfaces, grooves, cutouts, recesses, bores, bolts, hooks and / or pins are preferably formed on at least two pillars and / or side walls of the shaft.

[0210] 87. Method according to one of aspects 81-86, wherein the storage carrier to be stored has one or more carrier support elements, wherein the carrier support elements are preferably support or resting surfaces, clamping jaws, flaps, support mandrels or pins and wherein in step d. the storage carrier is supported via the carrier support elements.Method according to aspect 87, referring back to one of aspects 81-83 or 85-86, wherein the support elements are designed to support the storage carrier and be transferred from a first arrangement to a second arrangement, wherein the storage carrier is held vertically in the shaft in the second arrangement and / or wherein the storage carrier is transportable through the shaft in the first arrangement; wherein the storage carrier has a mechanism to transfer the support elements to the first arrangement and / or to the second arrangement, wherein the transfer is effected by moving the support elements relative to a base body of the storage carrier, preferably wherein the operating device has an activation mechanism to actuate the mechanism of the storage carrier, preferably wherein the support elements are prestressed into the first arrangement or into the second arrangement; wherein the method in step d. further comprises:

[0211] Moving the support elements from the first arrangement to the second arrangement by actuating the mechanism, preferably by the operating device, wherein the operating device is preferably an operating device according to one of aspects 62-80. Method according to one of aspects 81-88, wherein the storage carrier is a storage carrier according to one of aspects 50-61. Method for storing a plurality of storage carriers in a storage system with a plurality of vertical shafts and at least one operating device, wherein the storage system is preferably a storage system according to one of aspects 1-49, wherein the method comprises the steps: a. selecting a storage carrier to be stored from the plurality of storage carriers; b. selecting a shaft from the plurality of shafts into which the storage carrier is to be stored; c.Inserting the storage carrier to be stored into the selected shaft, preferably by means of the operating device, wherein the operating device is preferably an operating device according to one of aspects 62-80; d. Transferring the storage carrier to be stored in the shaft from an unsupported arrangement to a supported arrangement, wherein an outer contour of the storage carrier in the unsupported arrangement is preferably located completely within a free space of the shaft and the storage carrier can thus be transported vertically through the shaft, and areas of the outer contour of the storage carrier in the supported arrangement preferably project in a top view into an edge contour of the shaft, in particular into at least one pillar and / or side wall bounding the shaft, and the storage carrier is thus supported, wherein the transfer of the storage carrier to be stored from the unsupported arrangement to the supported arrangement is preferably carried out by:.

[0212] Rotating the storage carrier to be stored, preferably in a horizontal plane, preferably by rotating it about a vertical central axis of the storage carrier and / or the shaft, preferably by means of the operating device and / or

[0213] Moving the storage carrier to be stored, preferably in a horizontal plane, preferably by means of the operating device. e. Placing the storage carrier to be stored on a storage surface of the selected shaft. Method according to aspect 90, wherein the insertion of the storage carrier to be stored into the selected shaft in step c. is carried out by inserting the storage carrier into the shaft from above or from below. 92. Storage carrier for a goods storage system according to one of aspects 1-49, wherein the storage carrier has no movable elements designed to fix the storage carrier in the shaft and / or which can be selectively actuated.

[0214] 93. Storage carrier with support elements, preferably for a storage system according to one of aspects 1-49 and / or for a method according to one of aspects 81-87 or 89-91, wherein the support elements are designed to hold the storage carrier on a support surface and to secure it against horizontal displacement and / or against rotation about a vertical central axis of the storage carrier when the respective storage carrier is supported on a support surface.

[0215] 94. Storage carrier, preferably according to aspect 92 or 93, wherein the storage carrier has a base, preferably a horizontal base, and a side frame, wherein the side frame preferably extends vertically upwards beyond the base, and further preferably prevents the storage material from falling out.

[0216] 95. Storage carrier according to aspect 93 or 94, wherein the carrier support elements have a rigid connection to the base surface or are formed integrally with the base surface or the side frame; and / or wherein the carrier support elements are arranged in a non-movable manner with respect to the base surface and / or the entire storage carrier; and / or wherein the storage carrier is designed such that the carrier support elements are not moved with respect to the base surface and / or the entire storage carrier for the purpose of supporting the storage carrier at a target position.

[0217] 96. Storage carrier according to one of aspects 93-95, wherein the carrier support elements are formed in the side frame, wherein the carrier support elements have a groove and one or more recesses (also referred to as securing tabs), wherein a separating web is formed between the groove and each of the one or more recesses, which at least partially separates the groove from each of the one or more recesses, wherein the separating web preferably forms a retaining lug, which is further preferably designed to secure a storage carrier supported on the recesses against falling out. Storage carrier according to aspect 96, wherein the recesses are formed as grooves, cutouts or bores. Storage carrier according to one of aspects 93-97, wherein in a side view of the storage carrier the carrier support elements, preferably the groove together with the recesses, are T-shaped.A storage carrier, preferably according to aspect 98, comprising a base, preferably a horizontal base, and a side frame, wherein the storage carrier has one or more securing ribs projecting downwards from the base and / or the side frame, wherein the securing ribs preferably secure a storage carrier supported at a support position in one of the respective shafts against falling out. A storage carrier according to aspect 99, wherein the storage carrier has a base and a side frame, wherein the base preferably does not extend completely to the outer lateral edge of the side frame below it, so that the free edge area below the side frame, together with the securing ribs, forms the carrier support elements.Storage carrier according to aspect 100, wherein the side frame is offset inwards and an edge region is formed on the base and outside the side frame, wherein the edge region has securing ribs that project downwards from the base, wherein the securing ribs and the edge region together form the carrier support elements, wherein preferably the edge region has elements, for example, bores or recesses, for gripping the storage carrier and / or fixing it to a gripper. Storage carrier according to one of aspects 50-61 or 92-101, wherein the storage carrier has a rigid contour, i.e., a contour without movable parts, by which it interlocks in the supported arrangement with support surfaces, pillars and / or side walls of a shaft in which it is supported, in such a way that it is protected against falling due to unintentional displacement, twisting, sliding or shaking out.

[0218] 103. Storage carrier according to one of aspects 50-61 or 92-102, further comprising one or more elements which are intended for automatic loading and / or unloading.

[0219] 104. Storage carrier according to one of aspects 50-61 or 91-103, wherein the base has several openings designed to allow one or more projections of an unloading device to pass through the openings from bottom to top.

[0220] 105. Storage carrier according to aspect 104, wherein the multiple openings are arranged in a matrix and preferably wherein the storage carrier has at least 4, more preferably at least 16, more preferably at least 25 openings.

[0221] 106. Storage carrier according to one of aspects 103-105, wherein an additional insert shelf is arranged on the base, preferably a horizontal plate, which is preferably arranged within the side frame, conceals the openings and can be moved vertically, e.g. by pushing upwards the one or more projections of the unloading device, wherein the one or more projections extend through the openings.

[0222] 107. Storage carrier according to one of aspects 50-61 or 91-106, wherein the side frame has several openings on at least one end face that completely penetrate the side frame in a horizontal direction in an area above the base surface, preferably wherein the base surface has a lesser thickness in the area of ​​the openings than in intermediate areas of the side frame without openings and / or wherein the base surface has grooves in the area of ​​the openings. . Storage carrier according to one of aspects 50-61 or 91-107, wherein a hinged side wall section, preferably an outwardly hinged side wall section, is formed along at least one side of the side frame, preferably wherein a hinged side wall section is formed along at least two opposite sides of the side frame, preferably an outwardly hinged side wall section. .A method for removing stored goods from a storage carrier to be unloaded, located in a selected shaft, in a storage system with a plurality of storage carriers and a plurality of vertical shafts, a control system, and at least one operating device, wherein the storage system is preferably a storage system according to one of aspects 1-49, wherein the operating device is preferably an operating device according to one of aspects 62-80, wherein the storage carrier is preferably a storage carrier according to one of aspects 92 or 93-108, and wherein the method comprises the steps: a. Picking up the storage carrier to be unloaded with the gripping unit of the operating device; b. Moving the gripping unit out of the selected shaft, preferably upwards, until the storage carrier and / or the receiving space of the gripping unit and / or the entire gripping unit is located outside, preferably above, the selected shaft; c.Preferably, the operating device moves the storage carrier to be unloaded to an unloading station; d. moving a pusher, preferably horizontally, from a first area outside the receiving space into the receiving space of the operating device; e. while the storage carrier is held in the receiving space of the operating device, unloading the stored goods located on the storage carrier by the pusher, preferably in the direction of a third area, which is arranged on a side of the operating device facing away from the first area, wherein a conveyor system is preferably located in the third area.A storage system according to one of aspects 1-49, wherein the at least one operating device is an operating device according to one of aspects 62-80, wherein the plurality of storage carriers is formed from storage carriers according to one of aspects 102-108 and further comprising an unloading station, preferably above the plurality of shafts, comprising a horizontally movable pusher in a first area and a conveying system in a third area horizontally spaced from the first area, wherein the operating device can move into a second area arranged between the first and the third area for unloading, preferably wherein the distance between the first and the third area corresponds to at least one width or one length of the operating device.A storage system according to aspect 110, wherein the unloading station is configured so that the operating device can enter the second area, which is arranged between the first and the third area, and in this second area, goods can be unloaded from the operating vehicle by means of the pusher. A storage system according to aspect 111, wherein the second area has an unloading device suitable for lifting a storage carrier located in the operating device or a base of this storage carrier upwards, preferably an unloading device with one or more projections designed to reach from bottom to top through the openings of the storage carrier.A storage system according to one of aspects 11-49, further comprising a measuring unit connected to the control system, which is configured to determine a width and / or a length and / or a weight of a selected storage carrier, a width and / or a length and / or a weight of goods located on the selected storage carrier and / or a total width and / or a total length and / or a total weight of the selected storage carrier including one or more goods possibly located on it; and / or a width and / or a length and / or a weight of the selected

[0223] to classify the storage carrier, the width and / or length and / or weight of the stored goods located on the selected storage carrier and / or the total width and / or length and / or weight of the selected storage carrier including one or more stored goods that may be located on it, into a dimension or weight grid.

[0224] 114. Warehouse system according to one of aspects 1-49, wherein the majority of storage carriers are formed from storage carriers according to one of aspects 92 or 93-108, and wherein the at least one operating device is preferably an operating device according to one of aspects 62-80.

[0225] The present invention is explained in more detail by way of example with reference to the following figures.

[0226] The figures merely show preferred embodiments of the invention, without the invention being limited to these embodiments. They show:

[0227] Fig. 1 A is a perspective view of a warehouse system of the present invention in a preferred embodiment;

[0228] Fig. 1B shows the warehouse system from Fig. 1A in a side view;

[0229] Fig. 2 shows an operating device in a first preferred embodiment;

[0230] Fig. 3 shows an operating device in a second preferred embodiment;

[0231] Fig. 4A shows a shaft of the goods storage system from Fig. 1A with storage carriers, which are partially equipped with stored goods, in a first preferred embodiment;

[0232] Fig. 4B shows a top view of a corner pillar between four shafts with storage carriers in the first preferred embodiment;

[0233] Fig. 5A shows the storage carrier from Fig. 4A;

[0234] Fig. 5B shows a detail of the storage carrier from Fig. 5A in a side view;

[0235] Fig. 5C shows another possible embodiment of the detail according to Fig. 5C;

[0236] Figs. 6A-6D show the storage process of the storage carrier from Fig. 5 into the shaft.

[0237] Fig. 4 according to a preferred method;

[0238] Fig. 6E shows a top view of the storage process according to Fig. 6B;

[0239] Fig. 6F shows a top view after completion of the storage process according to Fig. 6D;

[0240] Figs. 6G-6K show further preferred embodiments of shaft support elements and / or beam support elements; Fig. 7 shows a gripper of the operating device from Fig. 2 or of the operating device from Fig. 3 in a first preferred embodiment;

[0241] Fig. 8 shows the gripper from Fig. 7 with the storage carrier from Fig. 4 loaded with stored goods;

[0242] Fig. 9 shows a storage carrier in a second preferred embodiment;

[0243] Fig. 10 shows a detail of the storage carrier from Fig. 9 in a side view;

[0244] Fig. 11A-11D shows a storage process of the storage carrier from Fig. 9 into a shaft of a second preferred embodiment;

[0245] Fig. HE shows a top view of the storage process according to Fig. 11 B;

[0246] Fig. 11F shows a top view after completion of the storage process according to Fig. HD;

[0247] Fig. 11G shows a shaft of the second preferred embodiment with stored load carriers.

[0248] Fig. 12 shows a gripper of the operating device from Fig. 2 or of the operating device from Fig. 3 in a second preferred embodiment;

[0249] Fig. 13A shows the gripper from Fig. 12 with the storage carrier loaded with stored goods from Fig. 9;

[0250] Fig. 13B shows a top view of the gripper from Fig. 13A with the rotary unit not activated;

[0251] Fig. 13C shows a top view of the gripper from Fig. 13A with the rotary unit activated;

[0252] Fig. 14 shows a shaft with storage carriers in a third preferred embodiment;

[0253] Fig. 15 shows the storage carrier from Fig. 14;

[0254] Figs. 16A-16B show a storage process of the storage carrier from Fig. 15 into the shaft from Fig. 14 according to a preferred method;

[0255] Fig. 17 shows a gripper of the operating device from Fig. 2 or of the operating device from Fig. 3 in a third preferred embodiment with the storage carrier loaded with stored goods from Fig. 15;

[0256] Figs. 18A-18D show a method for picking up and dropping a storage carrier from Fig. 15 using the gripper from Fig. 17; and

[0257] Figs. 19A-C Examples of storage systems with shafts in preferred embodiments in a top view. Figs. 20-21 Views of a storage system of the present invention with

[0258] Extinguishing devices in a first in a preferred embodiment;

[0259] Figs. 22-23 Views of a warehouse system of the present invention with

[0260] Extinguishing devices in a first in a preferred embodiment;

[0261] Fig. 24 shows a warehouse system of the present invention in a preferred embodiment with fire-resistant walls;

[0262] Fig. 25A-25B shows a segment of a storage system of the present invention in a preferred embodiment with upper and lower storage sections;

[0263] Fig. 26 shows a warehouse system of the present invention in a preferred configuration.

[0264] Design optimized for vertical farming;

[0265] Fig. 27A shows another preferred embodiment of a storage carrier for a

[0266] Warehouse system of the present invention;

[0267] Figs. 27B-27C show another preferred embodiment of a storage carrier for a goods storage system of the present invention (27B), together with a suitable unloading device (27C);

[0268] Figs. 28A-28B show another preferred embodiment of a storage carrier for a goods storage system of the present invention (28A), together with a suitable unloading device (28B);

[0269] Fig. 29 shows another preferred embodiment of a storage carrier for a goods storage system of the present invention;

[0270] Fig. 30 shows another preferred embodiment of a storage carrier for a goods storage system of the present invention;

[0271] Figs. 31-37 show an operating device in advantageous embodiments according to the present invention; and

[0272] Figs. 38-43 show an unloading station and procedure for unloading stored goods according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0273] Figures 1A and 1B show a storage system 1 according to the first aspect of the present invention in a preferred embodiment. The storage system 1 has a plurality of vertical shafts 2 arranged adjacent to one another, each with a rectangular base. Each of the shafts 2 is bounded by four corner pillars 21. That is, a corner pillar 21 is arranged at each corner of a (cuboidal) shaft. Thus, a shaft or shaft space (cuboidal) is formed between each set of four corner pillars, in which storage carriers are stored vertically one above the other. Multiple embodiments of the shafts 2 and / or their boundaries, for example, by differently shaped pillars 21, are advantageous within the scope of the present invention. Figures 19A-C show, by way of example only, some embodiments of shafts 2 and pillars 21.Each of the shafts 2 can either be empty or filled with one or more storage carriers 4.

[0274] Each of the shafts 2, and in particular each of the corner piers 21, has a plurality of support positions 3 (as explained below, especially with reference to Fig. 4). The support positions 3 can also be referred to as shaft support elements. Preferably, support positions or shaft support elements can be provided at each of the four corner piers 21 that define a shaft 2, wherein the individual shaft support elements of at least two, preferably each, corner pier(s) lie in a common plane (or alternatively in two parallel planes) with corresponding shaft support elements of the other(s) of the other three corner pier(s). A support position 3 can preferably be understood as a plane in which at least two, preferably four, shaft support elements are provided.

[0275] In the present embodiment, the individual support positions 3 (or the individual shaft support elements at the corner pillars 21) are spaced evenly apart vertically. The vertical distance between two adjacent support positions 3 is preferably less than the typical storage height in the described storage system 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the support positions 3 are, for example, spaced 50 mm apart. Storage carriers 4 can be mounted on the support positions 3. In other words, the support positions 3 are designed such that storage carriers 4 can theoretically be supported at any support position 3 (e.g., in an empty shaft).

[0276] For storing storage carriers 4 in the shafts 2 or at the support positions 3, an operating device 5 can be provided. The operating device 5 can, for example, be movable above the block storage area and insert storage carriers 4 from above into the block storage area or the goods storage system 1. Two exemplary embodiments of operating devices 5 are explained below with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The operating device 5 is designed to insert storage carriers vertically into a shaft 2 and support them at a support position 3. A suitable support position can be selected depending on the height of the uppermost storage carrier already in the shaft or the top edge and / or height of a stored item 7 located on the storage carrier 4 at the top of the shaft 2.In other words, a suitable support position can be selected depending on the overall height of the uppermost storage carrier already in the shaft, including any one or more goods that may be stored on it. Generally, in the block storage system shown (see Figure 1A), either empty storage carriers 4 can be stored, as shown, for example, in the shafts located in the middle of the storage system, or storage carriers on which goods 7 are placed can be stored. In any case, the storage carriers 4 can be inserted into a shaft 2, preferably by means of the operating device 5, in such a way that the storage carriers or the goods 7 on them do not touch each other, but the storage carriers have only a minimal distance to the storage carriers and / or goods 7 arranged below or above them in order to maximize storage density.For example, the storage carriers in the right-hand area of ​​the block storage area are supported at more widely spaced support positions 3 than the empty storage carriers located in the central area of ​​the storage area. Preferably, the support positions 3 can be spaced apart such that, if empty storage carriers 4 are placed into the storage area, a storage carrier can be supported at each support position 3, with the storage carriers arranged one above the other having a distance of a maximum of 100 mm, preferably a maximum of 50 mm, between them.

[0277] When storage carriers 4, loaded with stored goods 7, are placed into a shaft 2, not all support positions 3 in the shaft are used. Instead, a first storage carrier 4 is supported, for example, at the lowest support position 3 in the shaft 2. However, a stored item 7 located on this storage carrier 4 could have a height that exceeds, for example, the five support positions 3 above it. Therefore, a storage carrier 4 placed above it would only be secured at the sixth support position, ensuring that it maintains at least a minimal distance from the top edge of the stored goods 7 arranged on the storage carrier 4 below. Thus, depending on their overall height, storage carriers 4 and the stored goods 7 on them can be supported at different and variable positions in the shaft; see in particular the side view in Fig. 1B.This allows for a high storage density and / or good ventilation of the stored goods, for example for cooling.

[0278] The storage system according to the invention can preferably have a picking station 9 at or outside the block storage area, into which the operating device 5 can insert a storage carrier 4, for example with storage goods 7.

[0279] Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of an operating device 5, as also shown in Figure 1. The operating device 5 has a drive unit 8 with which it can move on the warehouse or over the plurality of shafts 2. Furthermore, the operating device 5 has a gripping unit 6 by means of which it can grip a storage carrier 4. The gripping unit 6 is preferably designed such that a storage space 7 formed on the storage carrier 4 for stored goods is not reduced by the gripping unit 6. The gripping unit 6 can be lowered into each of the shafts 2, whereby guide rollers 61, which are preferably arranged on the sides and / or corners of the gripping unit 6, can roll on the corner pillars 21 of the shaft. The gripping unit 6 is preferably designed to be able to pick up and / or release, preferably transfer, a storage carrier 4.Preferably, the gripping unit 6 can also cause the storage carrier 4 to be supported at one of the support positions 3. For this purpose, the gripping unit 6 can preferably support the storage carrier at a support position by sliding and setting it down or by rotating and setting it down. Alternatively, the gripping unit 6 can be designed such that it can activate a mechanism provided on the storage carrier, preferably by means of an activation mechanism. The design of the gripping unit and whether the storage carrier is supported by sliding and setting it down, rotating and setting it down, or by a mechanical mechanism, for example, preferably depends on the choice of the storage carrier 4 and is explained in more detail with reference to Figures 4-18 below.

[0280] Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the operating device 5. A gantry 50 is depicted, which can serve as the operating device within the scope of the present invention. Instead of the drive unit 8, the gantry 50 has guide rails 81 and 82 on which a gripping unit 6 can be moved in at least two directions. The guide rails 81 and 82 preferably have an interface for attaching them to a hall ceiling, the hall floor, or the shafts.

[0281] Further preferred aspects of the operating device 5 and in particular the gripping unit 6 are explained below in Figures 31 to 37.

[0282] Figure 4A shows a shaft 2, for example from the storage system 1, in a first preferred embodiment. The shaft 2 in the illustration is shown in isolation. In a storage system 1, this shaft is preferably surrounded by further adjacent shafts 2. The shaft 2 is bounded by four corner pillars 21. Each corner pillar 21 has a plurality of rigid support surfaces 30 (also referred to as support surfaces), which serve as support positions 3. In other words, the shaft support elements are designed as support surfaces 30. Storage carriers 40, which have one or more grooves 41, can be supported on the support surfaces 30. The one or more grooves 41 can serve as, or be referred to as, carrier support elements. The storage carrier 40 represents a preferred embodiment of a storage carrier 4, as shown in the storage system 1 from Figure 1.The structure of the storage carrier 40 in the first preferred embodiment is shown in detail in Figure 5A.

[0283] The storage carrier 40 has a flat base 43 on which stored goods 7 can be positioned. The base 43 is surrounded by a frame 44 (also referred to as a side frame). In the embodiment shown, the frame 44 is closed, i.e., it surrounds the entire base 43. In alternative embodiments, the frame 44 can also be constructed from several interrupted, preferably four, frame segments.

[0284] Two grooves 41 are arranged on each end face of the frame 44. In other words, the storage carrier 40 has four grooves 41. Preferably, the four grooves 41 are identical. The groove 41 is T-shaped, in a side view in the form of an inverted TDh. The transverse web of the T-shaped groove is located on a lower edge of the storage carrier 40, with the base of the T extending (vertically) upwards and completely recessing the frame 44 of the storage carrier 40 from bottom to top. Instead of the T-shaped groove, other recess shapes can also be used on the storage carrier, for example, an L-shaped recess. In any case, it is possible to support a storage carrier in the shaft 2 by means of such recesses 41 in conjunction with the support surfaces 30. This can also be seen, for example, in a top view in Fig. 4B.Figure 4B shows four shafts 2 arranged around a corner pillar 21, each containing a storage carrier 40. The storage carriers 40 are supported in the shafts by the crossbar of the T-shaped groove 41 resting on respective support surfaces 30 of the shafts 2. To remove one of these storage carriers, it must first be lifted (so that the support surfaces 30 are no longer in the recesses 47 formed on the crossbar of the T-shaped groove 41, which serve as retaining lugs) and then moved horizontally in the shaft (upwards or downwards in Figure 4B) so that, in a top view, the support surface 30 is within the base of the T-shaped groove 41, and the storage carrier can thus be moved downwards past the support surface 30 or upwards past further support surfaces arranged above the support surface 30.

[0285] In other words, the storage carrier 40 and / or the shaft 2 (i.e., together the storage system 1) is preferably designed such that, in order to retrieve the storage carrier 40, the storage carrier 40 must first be lifted in order to release and / or decouple a positive locking connection acting in at least a horizontal direction between at least one (preferably several) of the carrier support elements (preferably one or more integral and / or non-movable carrier support elements, e.g., one or more of the carrier support elements in the form of the T-shaped groove 41) and a respective shaft support element (preferably one or more integral or non-movable shaft support elements, e.g., the support surfaces 30). Subsequently, the storage carrier 40 must preferably be moved horizontally and / or rotated about a vertical axis so that the storage carrier 40 can be transported through the shaft 2.For this purpose, the storage carrier 40 is preferably moved and / or rotated, as seen from above or below, from a first position in which the storage carrier 40 overlaps one or more of the shaft support elements (supported arrangement) to a second position in which the storage carrier 40 does not overlap one or more of the shaft support elements (unsupported arrangement). In other words, the rotation or movement preferably eliminates the overlap between the storage carrier 40 and the one or more shaft support elements. Before the storage carrier is lifted, the positive locking mechanism acting in the horizontal direction preferably prevents the overlap from being eliminated by the movement or rotation. A storage operation can be carried out accordingly in reverse order.

[0286] The storage carrier 40 further comprises receptacles 42 at which the storage carrier 40 can be picked up by the gripping unit 6 of the operating device (i.e., the receptacles 42 form elements for gripping the storage carrier 40 and / or fixing it to a gripper or the gripping unit 6). Preferably, the receptacles 42 are designed in the form of a cavity in the side wall 44 into which hooks 62 of the gripping unit 6 can engage. The picking up of the storage carrier 40 by means of the gripping unit 6, or of a particularly advantageously designed gripper 60 used as the gripping unit 6, is explained in more detail in Figures 7 and 8.

[0287] Figures 6A-6D show how a storage carrier 40 can be inserted into a shaft 2 and supported against a support surface 30. As shown in Figure 6A, the storage carrier 40 is first inserted vertically downwards into the shaft 2 from top to bottom, with the support surfaces 30 extending through the recesses 41, in particular through the base of the recesses 41, thus allowing the storage carrier 40 to be guided past the support surfaces 30 and deeper into the shaft 2. This is also shown in a top view in Figure 6E.Once the support surface 30, on which the storage carrier is to be supported, has been reached, as shown in Figure 6B, the storage carrier 40 can be moved laterally in the shaft (preferably by a small offset) so that the crossbar of the T-shaped recess 41 is located above the support surface 30, as shown in Figure 6C, and the storage carrier 40 is then lowered vertically downwards onto the support surface 30, as shown in Figure 6D. Thus, the weight of the storage carrier 40 now rests on the support surface 30, as shown in Figure 6D and also in the top view in Figure 6F.

[0288] In the embodiment shown, locking tabs are provided on the groove 41 to secure the storage carrier 40 against unintentional slippage. Preferably, the locking tabs are formed in the transverse web of the T-shaped groove 41 by having an edge region of the transverse web recessed vertically deeper than a central region. In other words, the T-shaped groove preferably has the shape of a T with serifs on the transverse web, the serifs representing the vertically recessed areas. Reference is made in particular to Fig. 5B. Fig. 5B shows a detail of the storage carrier 40 from Fig. 5A in a side view of the groove 41. The groove 41 is T-shaped with a vertically extending base and a horizontally extending transverse web. The transverse web has a recess 47 on at least one side of the base, here on both sides of the base, which extends upwards at least partially parallel to the base.Thus, the recesses 47 form securing tabs. Preferably, when placed on the support surfaces 30, the storage carrier 40 is positioned with the recesses 47 on the support surfaces 30 and is thus secured against lateral slippage by the securing tabs.

[0289] The insertion and lateral movement of the storage carrier 40 within the shaft can preferably be achieved using the operating device 5, in particular the gripper 60 of the operating device 5, which forms the gripping unit 6. In the first preferred embodiment, the operating device 5 has a gripper 60 optimized for interaction with the storage carrier 40 and the storage surfaces 30. The gripper 60 is shown in Figures 7 and 8. The gripper 60 has hooks 62 by means of which the storage carrier 40 can be picked up. The hooks 62 are movably arranged on the gripper 60 and, in the illustrated embodiment, are each actuated by an actuator 63. The actuator 63 can preferably be a pneumatic or electric cylinder. Alternatively, a hydraulic or pneumatic piston, a motor, and / or a spring can also be used.Preferably, the actuator 63 can act like a tension spring, so that the hooks 62 are in a gripping position when no energy is applied to the gripper 60. Thus, the system meets the fail-safe criteria.

[0290] In addition to the guide rollers 61 already described, the gripper 60 preferably also has centering elements 64 by means of which a storage carrier 40 can be centered in the gripping unit or gripper 60. The gripper 60 also has a linear displacement unit that moves the storage carrier into or out of the support position (with respect to the shaft) by horizontally displacing the lower part of the gripper (i.e., the lower frame with the centering elements 64, the hook 62, and the actuator 63). In other words, the linear displacement unit serves as an activation mechanism, here as a displacement mechanism 65, to move the storage carrier into a supported arrangement and into an unsupported arrangement. In the unsupported arrangement, a storage carrier 40 picked up by means of the hooks 62 is preferably located exactly below the upper frame (the part with the guide rollers 61) of the gripper 60, as shown in Figure 8.When the displacement mechanism 65 is activated, the storage carrier 40 is displaced horizontally, as shown in Fig. 6C and 6D, or in the top views in Fig. 6E and 6F.

[0291] Thus, the support surfaces 30 can engage in the grooves 41, in particular the transverse web of the T-shaped grooves 41, preferably in the recesses 47 formed therein, and the storage carrier 40 can be supported on a support surface 30 and thus in the shaft 2. Various embodiments of shaft 2 or support positions 3 (shaft support elements), the storage carrier 4 (with carrier support elements adapted to the shaft support elements, e.g., grooves 41 with recesses 47), and the gripping unit 6, preferably differ only in at least one or more of the following points: the interface between the storage carrier 4 and the shaft support element 3, the interface between the storage carrier 4 and the gripping unit 6, as well as the activation mechanism in the gripping unit 6 and the specific design of the carrier support elements.Individual features of the described system can therefore be combined without restriction with the systems described below, unless an alternative is explicitly described.

[0292] Designing a storage carrier with recesses 47 can advantageously contribute to the use of relatively simple shaft support elements, for example, merely flat support surfaces 30 (as shown, for example, in Figs. 6A-6F), while still providing effective protection against unintentional lateral or horizontal slippage and / or falling out of the storage carrier 40 from the shaft support elements designed as support surfaces 30, in particular by the separating web or retaining lug between groove 41 and recess 47. Such protection can preferably be achieved, especially when shaft support elements and storage carrier interlock in such a way that at least one horizontal stop is formed, preferably two or three horizontal stops. For this purpose, the shape of the shaft support elements can also be selected accordingly, for example, by having a vertical lug, as shown, for example, in Fig. 6A-6F.As shown in Figs. 6G and 6H. The bearing carrier can then be designed, for example, such that instead of the recesses 47, bores 470 completely separate from the groove 41 are used.

[0293] Such a storage carrier is shown in Fig. 5C. Fig. 5C shows an alternative embodiment of the carrier support elements, such as those that could also be used, for example, on the storage carrier 40 according to Fig. 5A, wherein these carrier support elements are preferably designed for support against shaft support elements according to Figs. 6G, 6H. Fig. 5C shows the same detail as shown in Fig. 5B, but in a partially cutaway view. Instead of the outwardly open recesses 47, bores 470 are used, which form the securing tabs. The bores 470 thus form recesses that secure the storage carrier in the supported arrangement against lateral slippage or sliding off the support surfaces, preferably against corresponding counter elements of the shaft. The separating web, which in the T-shaped embodiment according to Fig.Figure 5B only partially separates the groove 41 from the recesses 47, thus completely separating the bores 470 from the groove 410. The groove 410 is preferably identical to the groove 41. Both embodiments according to Figures 5B and 5C have in common that a separating web is formed between the groove 41 or 410 and the recesses 47 or bores 470, which serves as a retaining lug and is designed to secure a storage carrier, which is supported by means of the recesses 47 or bores 470, against falling out, in particular against falling out due to vibrations and / or horizontally acting forces. In the storage carrier according to Figure 5C, the underside of the storage carrier itself forms the retaining lug, in that, when supported on shaft support elements, e.g., support elements 300, 310 according to Figures 6G and 6H, the shaft support elements are at least partially (e.g.,with a lug) engage in the bores 470 when the storage carrier is supported on these shaft support elements, as shown in Fig. 6J. In such an embodiment, shaft support elements 300 can, for example, have a horizontal, preferably flat, support surface 301, which is bounded or interrupted towards the center of the shaft by a rising, preferably vertical lug 302, as shown in Fig. 6G. The vertical lug 301 can, for example, engage in an undercut on the storage carrier 4 when the storage carrier 4 is supported on this support surface 300, i.e., at this support position. In one embodiment, the support surface 301 can also be designed as a radius, see the shaft support elements 310 in Fig. 6H.

[0294] In its simplest form, the storage carrier could simply be a rectangular plate with bores 470 in all four corners and supported by hooking its bores onto shaft support elements 300, which are formed with vertical lugs, as shown in Fig. 6K. Retrieval can then be carried out, for example, by lifting the storage carrier beyond the lugs of the shaft support elements, then rotating it about its vertical central axis, e.g., by 15°, so that the bores 470 are no longer congruent with or above / below the shaft support elements, and then moving it vertically out of the shaft past several more shaft support elements. A storage process can be carried out accordingly in reverse order. Such a storage carrier is therefore suitable for systems in which storage and retrieval are carried out by rotating the storage carrier, as described below.

[0295] Figures 9 to 13 below describe a storage carrier according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, together with a correspondingly adapted shaft 2 and a gripping unit 6. Figure 9 shows the storage carrier 400 in the second preferred embodiment. The storage carrier 400 is fundamentally constructed the same as the storage carrier 40 and differs only in the design of the carrier support elements. Instead of the recesses or grooves 41, an edge region 420, preferably with retaining webs 410, is used. The design of the edge region 420 and the retaining webs 410 can be clearly seen in the side view in Figure 10, which shows an edge of the storage carrier 400 in detail. The base 43 of the storage carrier 400 preferably extends below the side frame 44 and not completely to its outer lateral edge.Thus, the storage carrier 400 can be attached at its edge region 420 to a support position 3 of a shaft 2. The storage carrier 400 preferably has one or more (here four) securing webs 410 projecting downwards from the side frame 44. Thus, when the storage carrier 400 rests on a support position 3, it can be secured against unintentional slippage. The storage carrier 400 is preferably supported at the support positions 3 of a shaft 2 by means of a rotation about its vertical central axis 45, which is shown schematically in Figure 9.

[0296] A storage process for the storage carrier 400 in a shaft 2 designed for this purpose is shown in Figures 11A to HD. In the second preferred embodiment, the shaft 2 has bearing surfaces and / or rigid support surfaces, i.e., shaft support elements 300 (also referred to as support surfaces), at its corner pillars 21, which serve as support positions 3. The storage carrier 400 can be inserted vertically into the shaft 2 from above, with the dimensions of the storage carrier being selected such that it can be guided past the support surfaces 300 of the corner pillars 21 (at least as long as the storage carrier 400 is located centrally in the shaft 2 in a top view and is oriented symmetrically with the shaft 2 (or with respect to the corner pillars 21)). This is also shown in a top view in Figure 11E. The storage carrier 400 is therefore located entirely in a space between the corner pillars 21, i.e. inside shaft 2.When the storage carrier 400 is inserted vertically into shaft 2, it is guided past the support surfaces 300 (Fig. 11 A). As soon as the storage carrier is located between a support surface 300, on which it is to be supported, and a support surface above it (Fig. 11 B), the storage carrier 400 is rotated about its vertical central axis 45, preferably by the operating device 5. Once the storage carrier has been rotated, at least a section of the storage carrier 400, preferably an edge and / or corner region of the storage carrier 400, is located in a top view above the support surface 300 (Fig. 11 C). If the storage carrier 400 is lowered further, it rests, preferably with its edge region 420, on the support surface 300 and is thus supported in the shaft 2 or at the corner pillars 21 (Figure 11D). This is also shown in a top view in Figure 11F.

[0297] An isolated shaft 2 according to the second preferred embodiment of the invention (as part of a storage system with a plurality of shafts according to the second preferred embodiment) is shown in a perspective view in Fig. 11G. It can be seen how the storage carriers 400 (rotated relative to the shaft geometry) rest on the support surfaces 300 and are held in the shaft by them. The distance between two storage carriers 400 depends on the overall height of the storage carriers 400, including the stored goods 7 on them. If, as here, all storage carriers 400 are identical, the distance between the storage carriers 400 in the shaft 2 therefore depends on the height of the stored goods 7 on them.In other words, the stored goods 400 were stored in the shaft 2 shown by placing them on storage areas 300, which were selected depending on the total height of the storage carrier 400 including the stored goods 7 located on it.

[0298] Figures 12 and 13 show a preferred embodiment of the gripping unit 6, here the gripper 600, which can be used on the operating device 5 to insert a storage carrier according to embodiment 400 into a shaft with storage surfaces 300 and support it there. The gripper 600 is essentially identical in construction to the gripper 60. In particular, the gripper 600 also preferably has guide rollers 61 for being guided on the rack shaft 2 (or the corner posts 21) and hooks 62 (not visible), which are actuated by means of an actuator 63 to pick up a storage carrier 400, as shown in Figure 12. The gripper 600 also has centering elements 64 for centering a storage carrier 400. The essential difference between the gripper 600 and the gripper 60 lies in the activation mechanism. Instead of the sliding mechanism 65, a rotary mechanism 650 is used.Thus, the lower part of the rotary mechanism 650 (the part with the centering elements 64) can be rotated relative to the upper part (the part with the guide rollers 61), as indicated in Figure 12.

[0299] Figure 13A shows the gripper 600 together with a storage carrier loaded with goods 7, with the rotary mechanism 650 not activated, meaning that the storage carrier 400 is located approximately congruently beneath the gripper 600. In a top view, for example, the edge of the gripper 600 completely covers the edge 44 of the storage carrier, see Fig. 13B. If, on the other hand, the rotary mechanism is activated, the corners of the gripper 600 and the storage carrier 400 are offset from each other in a top view, see Fig. 13C. In other words, by activating the rotary mechanism 650, the gripper 600 can rotate the storage carrier 400 at least minimally, preferably by at least 2°, more preferably by at least 5°, more preferably by at least 10°, and particularly preferably by at least 15° about its vertical central axis 45 in order to support the storage carrier 400 on a certain plane on support surfaces 300 of a shaft 2.

[0300] Both the storage carrier 40 and the storage carrier 400 preferably do not have any movable elements designed to fix the storage carrier in the shaft. In other words, preferably neither the storage carrier 40 nor the storage carrier 400 has any movable elements that can be selectively actuated to lock the storage carrier to the shaft.

[0301] Rather, the storage carriers 40 and 400 have support elements with a rigid connection to the base 43. The support elements of the storage carriers 40 and 400 are integral with the base of the storage carrier, in particular with the side frame 44. The support elements are not movable relative to the base or, in this case, relative to the entire storage carrier. In other words, the storage carriers 40 and 400 are designed such that the support elements do not move relative to the base (or, in this case, relative to the entire storage carrier) to support the storage carrier at a target position in a shaft into which it is to be inserted. This design allows for a particularly simple and robust construction, especially compared to designs that require movable elements for the support elements, such as...The storage carrier 4000 described below. Using the described preferred embodiments of the storage carriers 40, 400 and / or storage surfaces 30, 300, 310 of a shaft, a goods storage system can be implemented in which goods can be arranged as densely as possible, preferably according to their actual heights (or the actual heights of the goods located on them), without having to be stacked on top of each other. Furthermore, one-piece storage carriers and / or storage carriers with one-piece contours can be used for support on the shaft. These storage carriers are preferably easy and / or inexpensive to manufacture.Furthermore, the support on the shaft, preferably through suitable design of the support elements and shaft support elements, can ensure that the storage carriers supported on the shaft are secured against unintentional falling out, e.g. by a positive locking mechanism acting in a horizontal direction preferably preventing the support of the storage carrier on the shaft support elements (preferably the overlap of support elements and shaft support elements) from being removed.

[0302] A third preferred embodiment of the storage shaft 2 or shaft support element 3, storage carrier 4, and gripping unit 6 is explained below with reference to Figures 14 to 18. Figure 14 shows a shaft 2000 of a preferred storage system. The shaft 2000 has cutouts or bores 300 (or undercuts) as shaft support elements 3, which are spaced uniformly and at a small vertical distance from one another. A storage carrier 4000 can be attached to each of the cutouts 3000. The choice of which of the vertically spaced cutouts 3000 a storage carrier 4000 can be advantageously supported or locked to can—as in the other embodiments—depend on the height of the stored goods 7 located on the storage carrier.In other words, a suitable cutout 3000, on which a storage carrier 4000 can be appropriately supported, can be selected depending on the overall height of the storage carrier 4000, including any stored goods 7 located on it. For example, the distances between the storage carriers 4000 in the shaft 2000 are different, as can be seen in Figure 14. Preferably, the storage carriers 4000 are supported in the shaft 2000 such that the lower edge of a storage carrier 4000 does not rest on the upper edge of a stored item 7 arranged below it, and is further preferably spaced at most as far from a stored item arranged below it as the distance between two cutouts 3000 in the shaft 2000. As can be seen by those skilled in the art, larger distances between the individual stored items and / or storage carriers can, of course, also be selected, in particular...This is advantageous, for example, if it offers benefits in terms of improved ventilation / cooling or improved fire protection. A storage carrier 4000 according to the third preferred embodiment is shown in Figure 15. This storage carrier also differs primarily from the previously shown storage carriers with regard to the support elements. Support elements in the form of movable bolts 4100 are provided on the storage carrier 4000. The bolts 4100 are preferably arranged to be slidably arranged along a longitudinal direction of the storage carrier 4000 within the frame 44 and thus project from the end faces of the storage carrier 4000 or can, preferably completely, be retracted into the frame 44 of the storage carrier 4000.Additionally or alternatively, bolts 4100 could be arranged in the same way along a transverse direction of the storage carrier 4000, or bolts 4100, in particular in the form of clamping jaws, could be provided on one, two or four end faces of the storage carrier and protrude from the end faces or be retracted into them.

[0303] Figures 16A and 16B illustrate how a storage carrier 4000 can be inserted into a shaft 2000. In Figure 16A, the bolts 4100 are retracted, meaning they are located, preferably completely, within the frame 44 of the storage carrier 4000. Thus, the storage carrier 4000 can be moved vertically through the shaft 2000 between the corner pillars 21 (Fig. 16A). Once the storage carrier is at a target position in the shaft 2000, the bolts 4100 can be extended and engage with the recess 3000 lying in the same plane (Fig. 16B). Preferably, a bolt is provided at each corner of the storage carrier 4000 and a plurality of support positions designed as recesses 3000 are provided at each corner pillar 21 of the shaft 2000, so that the storage carrier 4000 can be supported or locked at all four corners on a corner pillar 21.The support for the 4000 storage carrier in the 2000 rack is extremely robust, durable, and secure, and can be activated relatively easily using an operating device 5. However, the 4000 storage carrier has mechanical components. In contrast, the 40 and 400 storage carriers do not have any mechanical components, i.e., moving parts, which is why this type of storage carrier can be more robust and / or more cost-effective.

[0304] Figures 17 and 18 show the activation of the storage carrier or the bolts 4100 by means of a gripper 6000, which can be used on the operating device 5 as a gripping unit 6 to configure the storage system 1 according to the third preferred embodiment. As can be seen in Figure 17, the gripper 6000 can be designed essentially similarly to the grippers 60 and 600. In particular, the gripper 6000 can also have guide rollers 61 and hooks (not shown) which are actuated by actuators 63. Instead of the centering elements 64, which were arranged along the outer circumference of the grippers 60 and 600, the gripper 6000 can also have a centering pin which can engage with a centering bore 46 of the storage carrier 4000.

[0305] The gripper 6000 differs from grippers 60 and 600 in that it does not require a separate activation mechanism in the form of a sliding or rotating mechanism. Instead, the activation mechanism for the support elements (bolts 4100) can be integrated with the hooks 62. This allows a storage carrier 4000, equipped with bolts 4100 pre-tensioned in an extended position, to be gripped by the gripper 6000 and the hooks 62. During gripping, the hooks 62 not only grasp the storage carrier 4000 but also retract the bolts 6100 into the frame 44 of the storage carrier 4000. This enables the storage carrier attached to the gripper 6000 to be moved through a shaft 2000. When the gripper detaches from the storage carrier, the bolts 4100 slide outwards and brace themselves, preferably in one of the recesses 3000.

[0306] However, the person skilled in the art will recognize that these mechanisms (gripping of the storage carrier and mechanism for activating the support elements) can of course also be implemented separately if required, for example by means of further actuators, in particular pneumatic, hydraulic or electric cylinders (not shown), which can be operated separately by the actuators 63 of the hooks 62.

[0307] The picking up and dropping of a storage carrier 4000 by means of a gripper 6000 is shown in detail in Figures 18A to 18D. In Figure 18A, the gripper 6000 is in the so-called picking position. The actuators 63 are fully extended, and the hooks 62 are spaced as far apart as possible. In this position, the gripper 6000 is moved over the storage carrier 4000 and any stored goods 7 on it until the lower edge of the gripper 6000 is in contact with the upper edge of the storage carrier 4000 (Figure 18B). Subsequently, the gripper 6000, or more precisely the activation mechanism, here implemented as a gripping mechanism 6500, is activated. The actuators 63 are actuated, i.e., the pistons are pulled together, the hooks 62 move closer together and thus lock the storage carrier 4000 onto the gripper 6000 (Figure 18C). In this position, the storage carrier 4000 can be inserted into a shaft 2000.Once the storage carrier is in the desired support position in shaft 2000, the gripper 6000, or more precisely the gripping mechanism 6500, is actuated again, causing the actuators 63, i.e., the pistons, to extend and thus return the hooks 62 to their initial position. The hooks 62 first release the bolts (carrier support elements 4100), which then slide into the recesses 3000 in shaft 2000 and support the storage carrier. Subsequently, with further outward movement, the hooks 62 also release the storage carrier 4000, allowing the gripper 6000 to move upwards again, leaving the storage carrier 4000 in the racking shaft.

[0308] Although the preferred embodiments described above mainly focus on a storage process of storage carriers in a shaft, it is of course also possible to carry out a similar storage process with these systems, whereby the individual steps are simply carried out in reverse order.

[0309] Using the described preferred embodiments, a storage system can be implemented in which stored goods can be arranged as densely as possible, particularly depending on their actual heights (or the actual heights of the goods located on them), without having to stack them on top of each other. This allows, in particular, an increase in storage density, improved ventilation, and / or an increase in the overall height of the storage aisles 2, since the storage carriers do not bear weight on top of each other but can be supported by the corner pillars 21. Furthermore, it allows for post-compression in processes where goods are picked from storage carriers and not always completely removed.This means that a storage carrier that is gradually emptied (the goods on the carrier gradually decrease in height) can be stored in a smaller space in line with the decreasing height of the carrier and the goods on it, which is not possible with conventional box storage. Furthermore, advantages are gained, particularly in cold storage facilities, because the goods on the storage carriers can be well circulated with air, thus ensuring efficient cooling. Storage safety can also be increased, as sprinkler systems and extinguishing devices intended for fire protection (such as the extinguishing device 210 shown schematically in Fig. 4B) can be effectively installed even in the spaces between stored goods.

[0310] Preferably independent of the way in which storage carriers of different designs (e.g., storage carriers 4, 40, 400, 4000) can be supported at individual support positions in a shaft 2, there is flexibility in the design of the storage carrier 4. For example, storage carriers 4 can be designed as a simple flat plate, with the carrier support elements integrated directly onto or into the plate, which is a cost-effective option. It can be particularly advantageous for a compact design of the storage carrier 4 and for the secure, robust function of the carrier support elements if the support elements are integrated into a side frame 44, as is the case, for example, with storage carrier 40 (e.g., with its groove 41 and recesses 47 acting as support elements).Particularly in combination with the forms of the support elements described here, but preferably also independently of the form and position of the support elements, a storage carrier construction with side frames 44 (such as storage carriers 40, 400, 4000) offers further advantages. The side frame 44 can define a storage receiving area provided centrally on the base 43 for receiving stored goods 7 (e.g., a flat surface). Stored goods 7 can comprise one or more items. The side frame 44 then serves to secure a stored item 7 placed on the storage receiving area against falling out or sliding off the storage carrier. Preferably, the side frame 44 has a height of at least 10 mm, more preferably at least 20 mm, and more preferably at least 30 mm, measured from the base 43.

[0311] Particularly in combination with a goods storage system 1 with a plurality of vertical shafts 2, it is advantageous for the storage carriers 4 to have areas, in particular elements, where they can be gripped or picked up from above by a handling device 5. In the illustrated embodiments, these elements are, for example, the receptacles 42. With a suitable arrangement of the receptacles 42, the side frame 44 can serve to prevent stored goods from blocking these receptacles 42. The side frame 44 can thus help to prevent stored goods 7 from sliding into an area (for example, over the receptacles 42) where the storage carrier is picked up by the handling device. In the illustrated embodiments, this is achieved by integrating the receptacles 42 into the side frame 44. This results in a compact design with preferably the largest possible storage area.For a comparable effect, receptacles 42 (or other suitable elements for picking up the storage carrier by means of an operating device) can of course also be arranged in an area outside the side frame 44 (e.g., in embodiments of the storage carrier in which the side frame is offset inwards relative to an outer contour of the base surface 43 and / or the storage carrier 4). Preferably, the side frame 44 can increase operational reliability, at least by minimizing errors when gripping the storage carrier (e.g., because it minimizes the probability that displaced stored goods prevent the storage carrier from being gripped by the operating device).

[0312] Preferably independent of the way in which storage carriers 4 of different designs can be supported at individual support positions in a shaft, there is flexibility in the design of the storage carrier 4. For example, storage carriers can be optimized for automated unloading. Examples of correspondingly optimized storage carriers 4 are shown schematically in Figures 27-30.

[0313] The storage carriers 4 in the preferred embodiments according to Figs. 27-30 have one or more elements which are provided for automatic loading and / or unloading. These elements primarily relate to the loading and / or unloading of the storage carrier and can therefore preferably be combined with all the preferred embodiments of the storage carrier described above (e.g. storage carrier 40, 400 or 4000).

[0314] Referring to Figures 27A-C and 28A-B, in a preferred embodiment the one or more elements for automatic loading and / or unloading are at least partially realized by means of openings 47 in the base surface 43. For example, the base surface 43 of the storage carrier 40 in Fig. 28A has several openings 47 designed to guide one or more projections 807 of an unloading device 801 from bottom to top through the openings 47, as shown in Fig. 28B. In the storage carrier of Figs. 27A, 28A-B, the multiple openings 47 are arranged in a matrix 8x5. The storage carrier 40 thus has forty openings 47. This storage carrier is designed for an unloading device 801 with projections 807 also arranged in a matrix, preferably in an 8x5 matrix. Due to the large number of openings 47, the storage carrier 40 can be configured to accommodate a variety of openings 47.Due to the closely spaced arrangement of the openings 47 and projections 807 in this preferred embodiment, a stored item 7 (e.g., a box, a carton, etc.) resting on the storage carrier 40 can be lifted directly from the storage carrier 40 without the need for, for example, an additional intermediate shelf. This preferred embodiment is advantageously used when stored items 7 are relatively rigid and have a length and / or width greater than the horizontal distance between two openings 47 or projections 807. In particular, this design then enables easy and / or safe lifting of the stored items 7 and can contribute to rapid unloading of the storage carrier 40.

[0315] Preferably, an additional shelf 48, for example a horizontal plate as shown in Figures 27A-C, can be arranged on the base 43. The surface dimensions of the shelf 48 preferably correspond approximately to the area of ​​the storage area of ​​the storage carrier 40. The shelf 48 is arranged within the side frame 44. The shelf 48 covers the openings 47 in the storage carrier 40 and can be moved vertically, for example by pushing one or more projections 807 of the unloading device 801 upwards. Thus, the shelf 48 can be lifted out by one or more projections 807 extending through the openings 47 and releasing the shelf 48 from the storage carrier 40 and / or pushing it upwards. In particular, when using an insert shelf 48, a close-meshed matrix of openings 47 and / or projections 807 can be dispensed with.A smaller number of openings 47 and / or projections 807 can be used, for example, at least 3. In a preferred embodiment according to Fig. 27B-C, four openings 47 are provided in the storage carrier 40 – one opening 47 in each corner of the storage carrier 40. A corresponding unloading device 801 then also has a maximum of only four projections 807 that can extend through the openings 47, Fig. 27C. When using an insert 48, non-dimensionally stable or small-sized stored goods 7, for example, sacks or several small boxes, can preferably also be pressed upwards evenly by means of the openings 47 and projections 807 using the insert 48.

[0316] A configuration of the storage carrier 40 (or 400, or 4000) with openings 47 and possibly also an additional insert 48 can be advantageous if the storage carrier 40, for example, has a side frame 44 or is mounted in an operating device 5 which itself encloses the base 43 with a frame. Then it is possible to use the one or more projections 807 of the unloading device 801 to lift stored goods 7 (for example, a carton or a box) from below through the storage carrier 40 (or through the openings 47 in its base 43) relative to the base 43, preferably to such an extent that the stored goods 7 can be pushed out horizontally over the side frame 44 and / or over the frame of the operating device 5, for example, by means of a slide (also called a pusher). An automated unloading procedure for stored goods from a storage carrier located in an operating device 5, e.g.The method of using a slide, i.e., a lateral pushing of the stored goods 7 from a storage carrier 4, is explained further below with reference to Fig. 38-43 (method for the automated unloading of a storage carrier).

[0317] In an alternative preferred embodiment (in addition to or as an alternative to the openings 47 and / or insert shelf 48 described above), the one or more elements for automatic loading and / or unloading can be implemented at least partially by means of openings in the side frame 44 (so-called frame openings 49).

[0318] For example, the storage carrier 40 shown in Fig. 29 has a side frame 44 which has several openings or frame openings 49 on two opposite end faces 441. These frame openings 49 penetrate the side frame 44 completely in a horizontal direction in an area above the base surface 43. Additionally, longitudinal grooves 431 are preferably provided in the base surface 43 in the area of ​​the frame openings 49. The longitudinal grooves 431 preferably extend completely between the two opposite end faces 441 with the frame openings 49. Thus, the base surface 43 can have a smaller thickness between the opposite end faces 441 along the longitudinal grooves 431 than in intermediate areas that extend between the opposite end faces 441 of the side frame where the side frame 44 does not have frame openings 49.This makes it possible, for example, for a fork-shaped unloading device with individual tines to reach through at least part of the frame openings 49 in the front face 441 and for the tines to be pushed into the longitudinal grooves 431 under a stored item (or a shelf 48 provided there) resting on the base surface 43 (in areas without grooves) and to lift it upwards.

[0319] Of course, instead of the base surface 43 with longitudinal grooves 431, a differently shaped base surface 43 can also be used, e.g., a wave-shaped and / or stepped base surface 43 (parallel in cross-section to the opposite end faces 441 with frame openings 49). A storage carrier 40 with frame openings 49 can also facilitate automated unloading, especially if it is located, for example, in an operating device 5 that is optimized for automated unloading of this type of storage carrier 40. The proposed design can also be combined with support elements formed in the side frame 44 (e.g., support elements having grooves 41 and recesses 47 in the side frame 44), as shown, for example, with reference to storage carrier 40. Only a suitable arrangement of the frame openings 49 then needs to be ensured.The frame openings 49 can be combined particularly easily with a storage carrier with securing webs 410, such as the storage carrier 400, since the securing webs 410, for example in the design of the storage carrier 400, do not affect the design of the side frame 44 above the base surface 43.

[0320] In an alternative preferred embodiment (in addition to or as an alternative to the openings 47 and / or frame openings 49 and / or insert shelf 48 described above), the one or more elements for automatic loading and / or unloading can be implemented, at least partially, by means of hinged side wall sections 88. Such a preferred embodiment of a storage carrier is shown in Fig. 30. An exemplary storage carrier 40 shown there has two opposing hinged side wall sections along two (opposite) sides, here longitudinal sides, of the side frame 44. Here, the entire longitudinal side walls 442 running along two opposite sides of the storage carrier 40 form the hinged side wall sections, which are hinged outwards (so as not to reduce the storage area on the storage carrier).The lateral removal of stored goods from the storage carrier, as explained below using the method shown in Figures 38-43, can also be facilitated by means of hinged side wall sections. Preferably, longitudinal side walls 442 are chosen for the hinged side wall sections, so that the support elements and / or receptacles 42 can be provided on the end faces to support the storage carrier, e.g., in the operating device 5. Alternatively, a design with hinged end faces 441 can also be advantageous.

[0321] The storage system 1 preferably includes extinguishing devices 210, regardless of the storage carrier used. A first preferred arrangement of extinguishing devices, so-called vertical extinguishing devices, is shown in Figures 20 and 21. A second preferred arrangement of extinguishing devices 210, so-called horizontal extinguishing devices, is shown in Figures 22 and 23.

[0322] Fire extinguishing devices 210 preferably comprise sprinkler lines 211 (e.g., water-carrying lines). The sprinkler lines 211 generally comprise a first line section 212, which is arranged vertically in or between the shafts. In the embodiment according to Figures 20 and 21, such a vertical line section 212 is preferably arranged in, for example, every second corner pillar (or, for example, in every second space between two, preferably four, corner pillars). The vertical line section 212 has several nozzles 213. These nozzles 213 are configured to discharge a fire extinguishing agent (e.g., extinguishing water, but also other liquids, foam, etc.) into an adjacent shaft (upon activation of the fire extinguishing device). In order to efficiently introduce extinguishing water into the shafts, the nozzles 213 are connected to the vertical first line section 212 via a horizontal pipe section 214. In the first preferred embodiment according to Figures 20 and 21, the nozzles 213 are arranged in a horizontal pipe section 214.In sections 20 and 21, the horizontal pipe sections 214 are (at least predominantly) significantly shorter than the corresponding vertical pipe sections 212 to which they are connected. Preferably, a majority of the horizontal pipe sections 214 are at most 30% as long as a majority of the vertical pipe sections 212. The vertical pipe sections 212 serve as supply lines.

[0323] In the second preferred embodiment according to Figures 22 and 23, the sprinkler lines have a second line section 215 that runs horizontally along several adjacent shafts. This second line section 215 has several nozzles 216 through which an extinguishing agent (e.g., extinguishing water) can be discharged into several adjacent shafts. The horizontal second line sections 215 are supplied by at least one vertical line section 212, which here runs outside the plurality of shafts. In the warehouse system according to the invention, sprinkler lines or extinguishing devices 210, in particular horizontal sprinkler lines or extinguishing devices, can be used preferably efficiently because the warehouse system 1 according to the invention, on the one hand, has no shelves, and on the other hand, is also not a classic stacking warehouse in which there are high towers of stacked goods without gaps.On the contrary, by storing the goods at varying heights without stacking them on top of each other, it can preferably be ensured that sufficient gaps remain through which extinguishing water can penetrate when the sprinkler system is activated. When using a horizontal extinguishing system, the number of risers can be minimized, and the system can be operated more efficiently in terms of installation space and / or required pump pressure. Preferably, the same advantages can be achieved even if the horizontal extinguishing system does not have perfectly horizontal second pipe sections 215, but rather these are slightly inclined, e.g., with a maximum inclination of 30°.

[0324] In a further preferred embodiment, which can preferably be easily combined with the aforementioned preferred embodiments, the warehouse system has fire-resistant walls 220, as shown by way of example in Fig. 24. A vertical fire-resistant wall is provided between at least two of the plurality of shafts, extending between adjacent or common corner pillars of these at least two shafts. Thus, fire compartments can be created.

[0325] The storage system 1 according to the invention can (see Figs. 25A and 25B) – preferably in each of the described preferred embodiments and combinations – be configured such that, in a first operating mode, in at least some of the majority of shafts, a so-called segment S, only an upper area O is loaded with storage carriers 4, while a lower area U remains free, and in a second operating mode, the shafts 2 in the segment S are (or can be) fully loaded with storage carriers 4, i.e., to their entire height. This can be provided, in particular, by means of appropriate programming of the control system or at least be configured in the control program. In other words, the control system can be programmed to initially load only an upper area O of the shafts in the relevant segment S (first operating mode).In this segment S (in this first operating mode), the warehouse system is controlled as if it had a lower height (fictitious height) than the actual height. The fictitious height is typically an upper portion of the actual height to allow quick access to the goods. Figure 25A shows a segment S where the fictitious height is only 40% of the actual height, the upper portion being O. The lower portion U, shown hatched in Figure 25A, is blocked for operation of the warehouse system in the first operating mode; that is, the control system is programmed as if this lower portion U did not exist. This has the advantage that the load-bearing, complex components of the warehouse system, especially the storage units, are not required.The corner pillars 21 can already be constructed at a height that will only be necessary for a future volume of goods, even if the warehouse is initially operated at a lower capacity, e.g., 40% as in this case. Preferably, no time losses occur due to the oversized warehouse, since the goods are stored in the top 40% of the warehouse (when operating in the first operating mode) and are accessible from above. An expansion of the warehouse can then preferably be achieved with a simple software change (switching to the second operating mode and / or a corresponding software modification), without necessarily having to construct or modify new and / or larger shafts. Then, for example, a greater height, i.e., more volume of segment S in the warehouse system, can be utilized (by shifting the boundary between the upper area O and the lower area U), or segment S of the warehouse system can be used at its full height, i.e.,Its entire capacity can be utilized, as shown in Fig. 25B. Then the upper area O and the lower area U are equipped, or can be equipped, with storage carriers 4. In other words, the upper area O and the lower area U can then merge into a common area that comprises the entire segment S.

[0326] The storage system 1 according to the invention can be configured – particularly in each of the described preferred embodiments and combinations – to hold plants within this storage system, especially to cultivate them, so-called "vertical farming". For vertical farming, it is necessary to ensure growth-friendly conditions for the plants at as many storage locations as possible in the storage system, ideally at all available locations. This applies in particular to an adequate supply of light, water, and air. In conventional storage systems, it is complex to configure the storage locations accordingly. Especially in stacked storage systems, an adequate supply of light and ventilation is often problematic. Here, the storage system 1 according to the invention can already offer advantages in that storage carriers (e.g., those containing plants) do not need to be stacked on top of each other.Furthermore, the spacing between the storage carriers can be freely varied; for example, the spacing can be adjusted repeatedly in conjunction with plant growth to optimize storage capacity. The high flexibility of the storage system 1, including the design of the shafts 2 and the options for integrating additional functional units, results in a simple modular design and surpasses the capabilities of conventional stacking or rack storage systems.

[0327] A warehouse system 1 optimized for vertical farming, or a corresponding sub-area, is shown in Fig. 26. The sub-area shown has been extended by the following functional units: at least one UV lighting unit 901; at least one irrigation system 902; at least one pump system 903; at least one fan unit 904; sensors 905, e.g., sensors for measuring humidity, sensors for measuring temperature, and sensors for determining the pH value in wastewater.

[0328] In the illustrated embodiment, horizontal UV lighting devices 901 are provided, which run parallel to each other through the individual shafts and are arranged at or just below support positions defined as target positions in order to supply and / or illuminate the stored goods below, here, for example, plants or seedlings, with UV radiation. The irrigation devices 902 run parallel to the lighting devices 901. Unlike sprinkler lines 211, the irrigation devices 902 are designed to irrigate the stored goods in a targeted and regular manner within their range.

[0329] Furthermore, a pumping system 903, comprising at least one pump 9031 and lines 9032, is provided. Preferably, the lines 9032 serve the described irrigation device 902. The pump 9031 can be designed to pump fresh water or wastewater through the lines 9032, and the pumping system can preferably have an interface for adding fertilizer to the water. The pumping system 903 is thus configured to supply water, fertilizer, and / or nutrients to the stored material 7.

[0330] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 26, fan units 904 are provided at regular intervals along the shafts 2 for climate control. It is possible to provide one fan unit 904 for each storage location. However, it is preferred to distribute fan units 904 at regular intervals in at least one section of the storage system 1, regardless of the specific storage locations. Because all storage carriers can be flexibly stored with sufficient spacing between them, a uniform distribution of the fan units 904 ensures the most uniform ventilation possible throughout the entire section, and this can be maintained even if storage carriers are moved vertically in the shafts (e.g., due to plant growth). Furthermore, for optimal use of the storage system 1 in vertical farming, additional sensors 905 can be provided, for example, to...to monitor plant growth and / or environmental conditions.

[0331] Preferred aspects for the design of the operating device 5 described above are explained below with reference to Figures 31 to 37, which show an operating device 50 in a preferred embodiment. The operating device 50 is shown, for example, in Figure 33. The operating device 50 has a drive unit 8 (also referred to as a frame) and a gripping unit 1006 (also referred to as a receiving unit) that is movable relative to the drive unit, in particular retractable. Figure 31 shows the gripping unit 1006, which preferably has at least some features of the gripping unit 6 described above, in particular of the gripper 60 or 600 described above. In particular, the gripping unit 1006 also has, among other things, hooks 62 for gripping a storage carrier. The gripping unit 1006 also has, in particular, guide rollers 61, which serve as guide devices.Preferably, the guide rollers 61 are provided to guide and / or center the gripping unit 1006 in the transport unit and / or on the rack shaft 2 (or the corner posts 21) through which the gripping unit 1006 is moved vertically. Although guide rollers 61 are shown in this embodiment, in another preferred embodiment other known means for guiding and / or centering, such as slides, can also be used additionally or alternatively.

[0332] Figure 32 shows a gripping unit 1006 which has picked up a storage carrier 4 (or 40, 400, 4000) with its hooks 62, for example – as shown here – from a conveying device 1008 arranged below the shaft. It can be seen that the gripping unit 1006, in particular a receiving mechanism (i.e., the hooks 62) of the gripping unit 1006, is designed such that the area of ​​a storage space for stored goods 7 formed on the storage carrier 4 picked up by the gripping unit 1006 is not reduced, or only minimally reduced, by the gripping unit 1006. The receiving mechanism is the part of the gripping unit 1006 that forms an interface with the storage carrier to be picked up. Preferably, the area of ​​the storage space for stored goods on the storage carrier 4 picked up by the gripping unit 1006 is reduced by the gripping unit 1006, in particular by the design of the picking mechanism, by a maximum of 5%, more preferably by a maximum of 10%.The gripping unit 1006, in particular the receiving mechanism, is designed here in the form of an inverted U. In other words, the gripping unit 1006 has two opposing side walls 1007 on which the receiving mechanism, here the hooks 62, is provided. These two side walls 1007 are connected to each other only in an upper area by a connecting web 1008, wherein the upper area, in particular the connecting web 1008, is vertically spaced from the hooks 62 to such an extent that a typical storage height can be accommodated under the upper area or the connecting web 1008 on the storage carrier, preferably a storage height of at least 30 cm, more preferably at least 50 cm.It should be obvious that the side walls 1007 need not be closed, but can, for example, be designed as a skeleton structure, or that instead of side walls 1007, only one or two columns can be provided, which connect the hooks 62 to the upper area or the connecting web 1008 of the gripping unit 1006. As an alternative to the two opposing side walls 1007, the gripping unit 1006 can also have, for example, a clamping mechanism and / or a frame, in particular a side frame, wherein the side frame encloses a free area that corresponds at least to the storage area provided on the storage carrier (reference is made, for example, to Figs. 7, 8, 12, 13, or 17).

[0333] In any case, a receiving space 1009 for stored goods 7 can be defined on the gripping unit. This receiving space 1009 is a free space that can be defined directly above a storage carrier 4 picked up by the gripping unit 1009 and offers space for stored goods 7 that are (or could be) located on the storage carrier 4. Here, this receiving space 1009 is defined in a first horizontal longitudinal direction by the area between the opposite side walls 1007 of the gripping unit 1006. Above, the receiving space 1009 is limited by the upper area or connecting web 1008 (which has the connecting structure of the two side walls) of the receiving unit 1006. Below and in a second horizontal longitudinal direction definable perpendicular to the first longitudinal direction, the receiving space is limited by the storage carrier 4 itself.

[0334] The guide elements, here the guide rollers 61, are advantageously arranged not only along the side walls 1007 with the receiving mechanism, i.e., along the receiving space 1009, but also above the receiving mechanism of the gripping unit 1006, and more preferably above the receiving space 1009 for stored goods. In this embodiment, the gripping unit 1006 has guide rollers 61 at each of its four corners, which are arranged above the receiving space 1009. The arrangement above the receiving space 1009 serves to ensure that the gripping unit 1006 remains guided and / or centered in the shaft by these uppermost guide rollers 61, even when the entire receiving space 1009 and / or receiving mechanism is extended downwards out of the shaft 2, as shown in Fig. 32.Thus, full accessibility of the receiving space 1009 below the shaft 2 can be ensured, for example, for removing a storage carrier 4 and / or stored goods 7 from the receiving space 1009. The guidance and centering within the shaft 2 are maintained by the guide rollers 61. The gripping unit 1006 can therefore be safely returned (i.e., in particular, without jamming) upwards into the shaft 2. The receiving space 1009 for stored goods formed on the gripping unit 1006 can be limited horizontally only by two opposing side walls 1007, as shown here in Figures 31-37. In some preferred embodiments, the receiving space can also be closed on all vertical sides by side walls 1007. This can help ensure that stored goods 7 can be transported safely and / or that the stored goods 7 are completely within the dimensions of the receiving space 1009.Regardless of the number of side walls 1007, one or more side walls 1007 may preferably be at least partially optically transparent or – as shown here in the case of side wall 1007 – have cutouts 1107. This can facilitate the optical identification of stored goods 7 or their marking.

[0335] If the receiving space 1009 for stored goods is limited horizontally only by two opposing side walls 1007, as shown in Figures 31-37, the receiving space 1009 can be intentionally open on the two remaining opposing vertical sides 1007. The operating device can be designed such that the receiving space 1009 is fully accessible laterally (or at least in the area above a received storage carrier). Preferably, accessibility is maintained when the receiving space 1009 and / or the gripping unit 1006 are fully retracted into the transport unit 8 and / or when the operating device 5 is ready to be moved horizontally, as in the operating state shown in Figure 35. Thus, it is preferably possible to remove stored goods 7 from the operating device 5 (e.g., at the removal station) while the storage carrier 4 is located in the operating device 5.Such a procedure is explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 38-43.

[0336] The gripping unit 1006 and / or the receiving mechanism are preferably rotatable relative to the transport unit (about a vertical axis, preferably a vertical center axis 45 of the received storage carrier 4) in order to load or unload storage carriers 4, which can be supported by rotation against shaft support elements (e.g., storage carrier 400). Alternatively, the gripping unit 1006 and / or the receiving mechanism can preferably be designed to be horizontally displaceable relative to the transport unit 8 in order to load or unload storage carriers 4, which can be supported by horizontal longitudinal displacement against shaft support elements (e.g., storage carrier 40). However, such longitudinal displacement can also be achieved by movement of the entire operating device 5 or 50, in particular by longitudinal or transverse movement of the transport unit 8.

[0337] According to a further preferred embodiment, preferably provided in combination with one or more of the aforementioned preferred aspects and / or embodiments of the operating device 5, 50, the operating device 50 can also be configured to be connected to a power supply while the operating device 50 is moving in a warehouse 1 (e.g., above the aisles 2) and / or the gripping unit 1006 is being raised or lowered. Preferred ways of connecting to the power supply are shown in Figures 36 and 37. Here, the operating device 50 has elements that are suitable for coming into contact with current-carrying elements. For example, in Figure 36, the operating device 50 has two sliding contacts 501 that come into contact with a current-carrying travel surface 2001 on which the operating device moves (where only one sliding contact is visible in Figure 36). Another example is shown in Figure 37. Here, the operating device 50 in Figure 37 has two sliding contacts 501 that come into contact with a current-carrying travel surface 2001 on which the operating device moves.36 has a sliding contact 501 which comes into contact with a current-carrying track surface 2001 on which the operating device 50 moves. In addition, the operating device 50 has a sliding contact 502 which is in contact with a current-carrying surface arranged above the operating device, preferably an overhead line 2002.

[0338] Figures 38-43 show a section of the storage system 1 in a preferred embodiment with an unloading station 80, i.e., a device for the automated unloading of a storage carrier 4 (or one of the storage carriers 40, 400, 4000) located in a control device 50. Figures 38-43 each show the same section of the storage system 1, in particular the unloading station 80, in individual process steps of a preferred method for automated unloading.

[0339] In the embodiment shown, the unloading station 80 is preferably arranged on the same plane as the travel plane of the operating device 50, thus the unloading station 80 is preferably quickly and easily accessible to the operating device.

[0340] Here, the unloading station 80 is arranged above the shafts 2 of the storage system. The operating device 50, which travels on the shafts 2, can preferably enter the unloading station 80 without leaving a level above the shafts 2 and / or without having to perform any vertical movement. In alternative embodiments, e.g., in storage systems where the operating device 50 travels below the shafts 2, the unloading station can accordingly also be arranged below the shafts 2 and / or on the travel level of the operating device.

[0341] The unloading station is designed so that a handling unit 50 can enter and stored goods can be pushed out of the handling unit 50, preferably laterally. More preferably, the unloading station also includes a device by which the unloaded goods can be transported directly onward.

[0342] Such a setup is shown here in an exemplary embodiment. The unloading station 80 has three adjacent areas 81, 82, and 83 (i.e., first area 81, second area 82, third area 83). Areas 81, 82, and 83 are arranged adjacent to one another in a longitudinal direction oriented perpendicular to an entry opening or entry direction of the operating device 50 (into the unloading station 80). The unloading station is thus configured so that the operating device can enter it along a transverse direction. Here, the second area 82 represents the area into which the operating device 50 can enter transversely (for unloading stored goods 7 from the operating device). The first area 81, which is longitudinally adjacent to the first side of the second area 82, has a horizontally movable slide or pusher 84.The pusher 84 is designed to be pushed – here in the longitudinal direction – through the second section 82, preferably up to the third section 83, as can be seen, for example, in Fig. 42. The third section 83 is formed on the second side of the second section 82, opposite the first side in the longitudinal direction. The third section 83 is thus horizontally spaced from the first section 81 in the longitudinal direction, with the space corresponding to at least one longitudinal extent of the second section 82. The third section 83 is equipped with a conveying system, in particular a conveyor belt 85. This conveyor belt 85 is designed to convey stored goods out of the unloading station or to transport them directly onward.

[0343] Frequently, storage carriers 4 have a side frame 44, or the operating device 50 has side openings, but these are surrounded by a frame. In this case, it is necessary to first lift the storage carrier 4 located in the operating device before the storage material, which rests directly on the storage carrier 4, can be pushed out laterally by means of the pusher 84. To overcome a frame of the operating device, the operating device 50 can, for example, be configured to move a storage carrier it is transporting vertically above its travel plane (i.e., within the travel unit 8 or the frame). Preferably, however, alternatively or additionally, the unloading station 80 also has an unloading device 801 by means of which the storage material located in the operating device 50 can be lifted. Thus, this storage material can preferably also be lifted over a side frame 44 of the storage carrier 4.Here, the unloading station 80 is configured for storage carriers of a type shown in Figures 27A-C and 28A-B. The second section 82 therefore includes the unloading device 801, which is suitable for lifting a storage carrier 4 located in the operating unit or an insert shelf 48 of this storage carrier 4 upwards. For this purpose, the unloading device 801 has several projections 807, which are designed to extend from bottom to top through openings 47 in the storage carrier 4. The unloading device 801 is arranged in the second section 82 below the travel plane of the operating vehicle and is therefore not visible in Figures 38-43 (reference is therefore made to preferred embodiments according to Figures 27C and 28B). In a retracted position of the projections 807, the operating device 50 can move over the projections 807, preferably over the unloading device 801 (the operating device 50 thus moves from the position in Fig. 38 to that in Fig. 39).Subsequently, the projections 807 can be extended upwards and lift an insert shelf 48 from the storage carrier 4 located in the operating device 50 upwards (by the projections 807 reaching through corresponding openings 47 in the storage carrier from bottom to top). The shelf 48 with the stored goods 7 on it is then raised to such an extent that the stored goods 7 can be pushed horizontally out of the shelf 48, i.e., over a side frame 44 of the storage carrier and / or a lower frame strut of the operating device 50, Fig. 40. The pusher 84 then moves laterally into the operating device 50 and pushes one or more stored goods 7 from the storage carrier 4 or from the shelf 8 onto the conveyor belt 85 in the third area of ​​the unloading station 80, Fig. 41. This pushing out can preferably take place in stages, so that the stored goods 7 are pushed onto the conveyor belt 85 at intervals from each other, Fig. 42.This can facilitate the automatic recording and / or further processing of the stored goods 7. When the desired number of stored goods or stored goods 7 have been unloaded from the storage carrier 4, the pusher 84 is moved back into the first area 81, i.e., out of the operating unit 50, and if necessary, the unloading device 801, in particular the projections 807, are lowered, Fig. 43. The operating unit can then leave the unloading station 80 and, for example, place the storage carrier 4 back into a shaft 2.

[0344] By means of an unloading station 80 configured in this way, efficient and / or automated unloading of storage carriers can be achieved. It is only necessary for a suitably configured operating device 50 (in particular, an operating device configured so that the storage goods it has picked up are accessible from two opposite sides) to move into the second area 82 of the unloading station. Once the operating device is in position, the pusher 84 can be inserted laterally into the operating device and push the storage goods 7 from the operating device 50, i.e., also from the storage carrier 4, down into the third area 83, here onto the conveyor belt 85. Depending on the application of the warehouse operation, it may also be possible in the unloading station not only to unload the storage goods 7 from the storage carrier onto the conveyor belt 85, but also to unload the storage carrier 4 together with the storage goods 7.This can be made possible by the storage carrier being detachably locked in the operating device 50.

[0345] In many cases, however, for the most efficient operation of the storage system 1, it is preferable to remove goods 7 directly from the storage carrier 4 without having to remove the storage carrier 4 itself from the handling device 50. This is particularly advantageous when only partial quantities of goods 7 located on one or more storage carriers 4 are to be removed, for example, to be assembled and / or picked elsewhere. The automated unloading of stored goods 7 from the storage carriers 4, with the carriers remaining in the handling device 5, is particularly advantageous in combination with a storage system 1 according to the present invention, in which storage can be variable in height. For example, a fully loaded storage carrier 4, i.e., a storage carrier with a storage height of 100% (e.g., 100 cm), can be removed from a shaft 2 by the handling device 50 and then moved with the handling device 50 into the unloading station 80.There, a portion of the goods 7 can be removed from the storage carrier 4, preferably by means of the pusher 84, while the storage carrier 4 remains in the operating device 50. Immediately after removal (as soon as the pusher 84 has returned to the first area 81, i.e., out of the operating device 50), the storage carrier 4 can be reinserted into the shaft 2 with the operating device 50. The control system of the storage system can preferably record that the corresponding storage carrier 4 is no longer fully loaded, but has a reduced storage height of, for example, only 60% (60 cm according to the example above). A second storage carrier 4*, which is subsequently to be stored in shaft 2 above the partially unloaded storage carrier 4, can then be supported at a target position that takes into account the lower height of the partially unloaded storage carrier 4 (see, for example, the constellation in Fig.1B, in which a storage carrier 4* is located above another storage carrier 4, with the storage carrier 4* being supported directly above the storage carrier 4, the support position of the storage carrier 4* being chosen depending on the overall height of the storage carrier 4 (e.g., the height of storage carrier 4 including the stored goods on it?). In other words, the storage carrier 4* above the partially unloaded storage carrier 4 can then be supported at a lower position in shaft 2 than would have been the case if the storage carrier 4 had been 100% loaded.

[0346] An unloading process at the unloading station 80 in the illustrated embodiment can also be described by the following method. First, a storage carrier 4 (located in a shaft 2) to be unloaded is picked up by the gripping unit 1006 of the operating device 50. The gripping unit 1006 is then moved upwards out of the shaft 2 until the storage carrier 4, together with the receiving area 1009 of the gripping unit 1006, is located outside, i.e., above, the shaft 2. The gripping unit 1006 is thus preferably retracted into the travel unit 8 of the operating device 50 to such an extent that the operating device 50 can be moved on the shafts 2 (compare, for example, the position shown in Fig. 35). The operating device 50 can then move with the storage carrier 4 to be unloaded to the unloading station 80, in particular into the second area 82 of the unloading station 80. Subsequently, the stored goods 7 located on the storage carrier 4 can be, if necessary,The unloading device 801, in particular the projections 807, is moved upwards, Fig. 40. Subsequently, the pusher 84 is moved from the first area outside the receiving space 1009 of the gripping unit 1006 into the receiving space 1009 of the gripping unit 1006 or the operating device 50, here horizontally, Fig. 41. While the storage carrier 4 is held in the receiving space 1009 of the operating device 50, the pusher 84 unloads one or more storage items located on the storage carrier 4 by moving the pusher 84 into the second area 82 and towards the third area 83, Fig. 42. As soon as the desired number of storage items 7 has been unloaded, the pusher 84 is moved back into the first area 81 and the unloading device 801, in particular the projections 807, are lowered. Fig. 43. The operating device 50 can now leave the unloading station 80 again. Preferably, the described unloading station can also be used to load an operating device with stored goods.Preferably, a storage carrier is already located in the operating device and storage material can be supplied to it at the described unloading station by reversing the described process, i.e., storage material 7 is conveyed from the conveyor belt 85 in the third area 83 of the unloading station into the operating device 50.

[0347] Even though features are emphasized in isolation with regard to the individual figures, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that features can also be combined between individual embodiments. Furthermore, alternative embodiments may also exhibit the same advantages. In general, the invention is not defined by individual embodiments, but by the following claims.

Claims

REQUIREMENTS 1. A storage system comprising a plurality of vertical shafts, a control system, a plurality of storage carriers, and at least one operating device, wherein the storage carriers in each of the shafts can be supported at a plurality of vertically spaced support positions; the at least one operating device is designed to move at least one storage carrier to be stored outside the shafts and to insert it from the outside into a selected shaft;The control system is designed to support the at least one storage carrier to be stored at a target position in the selected shaft, the control system selecting the target position from the plurality of vertical support positions, depending on: a total height of the storage carrier to be stored including one or more stored goods that may be located on it, and / or a total height of at least one storage carrier located in the selected shaft including one or more stored goods that may be located on it.

2. Storage system according to claim 1, wherein the control system selects the target position from the plurality of vertical support positions, depending on the support position of one or more other storage carriers located in the selected shaft.

3. Storage system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of vertically spaced support positions are formed on opposite sides and / or in opposite corners of the shafts; and / or wherein the support at the target position is provided on opposite sides and / or in opposite corners of the selected shaft, preferably wherein at least two opposite support positions lie in a common horizontal plane or in two parallel planes.

4. Storage system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage carrier to be stored in the selected shaft can be transferred from a supported arrangement to an unsupported arrangement, preferably by rotating and / or horizontally displacing the storage carrier to be stored in the selected shaft, preferably by means of the operating device, wherein an outer contour of the storage carrier to be stored in the unsupported arrangement is preferably located completely within a free space of the selected shaft and the storage carrier to be stored is thus vertically transportable and areas of the outer contour of the storage carrier to be stored in the supported arrangement preferably project in a top view into at least one pillar and / or side wall bounding the selected shaft and the storage carrier to be stored is thus supported.

5. Storage system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage carriers each have at least two support elements, preferably wherein the support elements are arranged on opposite sides and / or on diagonally opposite edges or corners of the respective storage carrier, wherein the support elements are designed to secure the respective storage carrier in one of the shafts against horizontal displacement and / or against rotation about a vertical center axis of the respective shaft and / or the respective storage carrier when the respective storage carrier is supported at the target position in the respective shaft.

6. Storage system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating device is configured to transfer the storage carrier from the unsupported arrangement to the supported arrangement; and / or to move and / or rotate a storage carrier in a horizontal plane, preferably about a vertical central axis of the storage carrier.

7. Warehouse system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each shaft has clamping surfaces and / or a plurality of fins, horizontal support, storage, The shaft has support or holding surfaces, grooves, cutouts, recesses, bores, bolts, hooks and / or pins on which the storage carriers can be supported, wherein the majority of fins, horizontal support, parking, bearing or holding surfaces, grooves, cutouts, recesses, bores, bolts, hooks and / or pins are preferably arranged at uniform vertical intervals, wherein the intervals are preferably at least 10 mm, more preferably at least 20 mm and / or a maximum of 500 mm, more preferably a maximum of 200 mm, and wherein the clamping surfaces and / or the majority of fins, horizontal support, parking, bearing or holding surfaces, grooves, cutouts, recesses, bores, bolts, hooks and / or pins are preferably formed on at least two pillars and / or side walls of the shaft.

8. Storage system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shafts are arranged in a grid; and / or wherein each shaft is defined by at least two, preferably four, pillars; and / or wherein each shaft is defined by at least two, preferably four, side walls; and / or wherein each shaft is defined by a free space between the side walls and / or pillars bounding the shaft, preferably a free space in which the storage carrier to be stored can be moved vertically, and wherein the free space has a horizontal base area which preferably is a maximum of 120% of a horizontal projection of the storage carrier to be stored.

9. Storage system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shafts have a height of at least 0.5 m, preferably at least 4 m, more preferably at least 8 m, more preferably at least 12 m, more preferably at least 30 m, wherein the shafts are preferably of the same size in a storage segment with at least 12 shafts; and / or wherein the storage system has at least 4, preferably at least 60, more preferably at least 100 shafts.

10. Storage system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shafts and / or the operating device are designed to introduce the storage carriers into the shafts from above and / or from below.

11. Warehouse system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the warehouse system further comprises at least one measuring unit and / or sensor system configured to determine the height of the storage carrier to be stored, the height of the goods located on the storage carrier to be stored, and / or the total height of the storage carrier to be stored, including one or more goods that may be located on it; and / or to classify the storage carrier to be stored, including one or more goods that may be located on it, and / or the goods located on the storage carrier to be stored, into a height grid.

12. Storage carrier for a goods storage system with a plurality of vertical shafts, a control system and at least one operating device, wherein the storage carrier can be supported in each of the shafts at a plurality of vertically spaced support positions; the storage carrier is designed to be inserted into one of the shafts from above and / or below by the at least one operating device;wherein: the storage carrier has at least two support elements which are movable relative to a base body of the storage carrier and are designed to be transferred from a first arrangement to a second arrangement for supporting the respective storage carrier, wherein the transfer preferably takes place by moving the support elements relative to the base body, wherein the storage carrier with the support elements is held vertically in the shaft in the second arrangement and / or wherein the storage carrier with the support elements in the first arrangement is transportable through the shaft.; 13. Operating device for a storage system with a plurality of vertical shafts, a control unit, and a plurality of storage carriers, wherein the storage carriers and shafts are designed to support the storage carriers at a plurality of vertically spaced support positions in each of the shafts, wherein the operating device is configured to move at least one storage carrier to be stored outside the shafts and to insert it into one of the shafts from the outside, preferably from above and / or below; wherein the operating device is configured to receive an instruction from the control unit and to support the storage carriers at a support position selected by the control unit from the plurality of support positions.

14. Method for storing a plurality of storage carriers in a storage system comprising a plurality of vertical shafts, a control system, and at least one operating device, wherein the storage system is preferably a storage system according to any one of claims 1-11, the method comprising the steps of: a. determining the overall height of a storage carrier to be stored from the plurality of storage carriers; b. selecting a specific shaft from the plurality of shafts in which the storage carrier to be stored is to be stored; c. selecting a target position in the selected shaft from a plurality of vertical support positions that can be defined in each shaft, wherein the target position depends on the one determined in step a.a specific overall height is selected, and / or the target position is selected depending on the overall height of at least one storage carrier located in the selected shaft, including one or more stored goods that may be located on it; and / or the target position is selected depending on at least one support position of one or more other storage carriers located in the selected shaft; d. Storage of the storage carrier to be stored at the target position by supporting the storage carrier to be stored in the selected shaft.

15. Method for storing a plurality of storage carriers in a storage system with a plurality of vertical shafts and at least one operating device, wherein the storage system is preferably a storage system according to any one of claims 1-11, the method comprising the steps: a. selection of a storage carrier to be stored from the plurality of storage carriers; b. selection of a shaft from the plurality of shafts into which the storage carrier is to be stored; c. insertion of the storage carrier to be stored into the selected shaft, preferably by means of the operating device, wherein the operating device is preferably an operating device according to claim 13; d.Transferring the storage carrier to be stored in the shaft from an unsupported arrangement to a supported arrangement, wherein an outer contour of the storage carrier in the unsupported arrangement is preferably located completely within a free space of the shaft and the storage carrier can thus be transported vertically through the shaft, and wherein areas of the outer contour of the storage carrier in the supported arrangement preferably project in a top view into an edge contour of the shaft, in particular into at least one pillar and / or side wall bounding the shaft, and the storage carrier is thus supported, wherein the transfer of the storage carrier to be stored from the unsupported arrangement to the supported arrangement is preferably carried out by: Rotating the storage carrier to be stored, preferably in a horizontal plane, preferably by rotating it about a vertical central axis of the storage carrier and / or the shaft, preferably by means of the operating device and / or Moving the storage carrier to be stored, preferably in a horizontal plane, preferably by means of the operating device. e. Placing the storage carrier to be stored on a storage area of ​​the selected shaft.

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