Rack storage and retrieval device for a rack storage facility, rack storage facility with a rack storage and retrieval device of this type and method for the separate removal of goods from a rack storage facility of this type

Rack storage and retrieval device for a rack storage facility, the rack storage and retrieval device comprising a carriage with a carriage drive to move the carriage on a base, a loading/removing rod that can be displaced by means of a lifting drive transverse to the base, at least one loading drive arranged on the loading/removing rod to load the rack storage facility with goods, and a separating unit for a separate removal of the goods from the rack storage facility.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of German Patent Application, Ser. No. 10 2012 213 592.8, filed Aug. 1, 2012, and of German Patent Application, Ser. No. 10 2012 215 364.0, filed Aug. 30, 2012, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d), the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a rack storage and retrieval device for a rack storage facility, a rack storage facility with a rack storage and retrieval device of this type and a method for the separate removal of goods from a rack storage facility of this type.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A rack storage and retrieval device is known from DE 198 50 163 A1. In order to allow a separate removal of goods from a rack storage facility, a controllable stopper element is in each case provided on the storage rods of the rack storage facility. The stopper elements are in each case controllable by means of a control device, so that goods to be retrieved from storage can be released by means of the stopper element on the guide rods. The outlay in terms of apparatus and, in particular, control for a storage facility of this type and, in particular, the rack storage and retrieval device cooperating therewith is large. The placing of separate goods into storage and retrieving them is expensive.

A gripper system for removing individual goods from a rack storage facility is known from DE 20 201 008 717 U1. DE 195 00 612 A1 relates to a codable adaptor for use with a suspension conveyor system. DE 298 04 038 U1 relates to a separator for hangers hanging on conveyor sections.

A rack storage facility in the form of a high-rack storage facility is in each case known from DE 10 2007 013 863 A1, from DE 102 14 471 A1 and from DE 10 2008 025 778 A1, with a rack storage and retrieval device which, on the one hand, is used to load the high-rack storage facility and, on the other hand, to remove goods from the high-rack storage facility. For this purpose, goods, in particular clothing items arranged on clothes hangers, are arranged on a storage rod of the high rack and the complete storage rod equipped with goods is removed by the rack storage and retrieval device and transported away. The rack storage facilities mentioned allow a removal of goods exclusively in large quantities. Goods that are not required and retrieved from storage have to be sorted and then either stored in the high-rack storage facility or at a location. In any case, an additional storage of the goods that are not required but have nevertheless been retrieved from storage is necessary. The removal of goods from a high-rack storage facility of this type is laborious.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to design a rack storage and retrieval device for a rack storage facility in such a way that the removal of goods from the rack storage facility is simplified and, in particular, the separate removal of goods from the rack storage facility is made possible.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a rack storage and retrieval device for a rack storage facility, wherein the rack storage and retrieval device comprises a base device, at least one loading/removing rod fastened to the base device, at least one loading drive arranged on the loading/removing rod to load the rack storage facility with goods, and a separating unit for a separate removal of the goods from the rack storage facility.

According to the invention it was recognized that a rack storage and retrieval device has a separating unit for a separate removal of goods from a rack storage facility, in particular a high-rack storage facility. The separating unit is, in particular, an active component, in particular drivable by means of a drive. The active separating unit can, in particular, cooperate with a passively configured component, in particular a locking unit, which, in particular, is arranged on a storage rod of a high-rack storage facility, for the separate removal of goods from the rack storage facility. This means that for the separate removal of the goods, in particular precisely, a separating unit is required. In particular, it is not necessary for an active separating unit to be provided on each storage rod. The outlay for apparatus for the rack storage and retrieval device and the rack storage facility is thereby reduced. In particular, the cooperation between the active separating unit of the rack storage and retrieval device and the locking unit on a storage rod is made possible by an unlocking unit, which is, in particular, provided on a loading/removing rod of the rack storage and retrieval device. As a result, it is possible for individual goods, in particular clothing items, to be removed in a separate and targeted manner from the rack storage facility using the rack storage and retrieval device. In particular, it is conceivable for individual goods from various storage rods of the rack storage facility to be removed in one removal process and received on a loading/removing rod of the rack storage and retrieval device. To load the rack storage facility, the loading/removing rod has a loading drive. In particular, goods can be pushed therewith onto a storage rod of the rack storage facility. The rack storage and retrieval device comprises a base device. The rack storage and retrieval device can be arranged with the base device, in particular on the base and may be configured to be displaceable along the base. It is alternatively also possible for the base device to be displaceable, for example arranged hanging on a guide system arranged above the rack storage facility. The base device may have a carriage with a carriage drive to move the carriage on the base. In particular, the carriage allows movement in the plane. Furthermore, the base device may comprise a lifting drive. The lifting drive allows a displacement of the loading/removing rod in a direction transverse to the base. In particular, the lifting drive is guided along a vertical column. The vertical column is, in particular, fixed to the carriage and, in particular, oriented perpendicular to a carriage plane formed by the carriage. The rack storage and retrieval device is suitable for the separate removal of goods from a rack storage facility of various types. The rack storage and retrieval device allows separate removal of goods, for example from a high-rack storage facility, from a single-level rack storage facility and from a moving rack storage facility, in which the storage rods can be displaced.

A rack storage and retrieval device with a control unit comprising a control unit for the automatically controlled removal of the goods from the rack storage facility allows an automated and, in particular fully automated, removal of goods from the rack storage facility. In particular, it is possible to assemble a pre-picked goods selection, in other words a specific combination of individual goods, which, in particular, are arranged on various storage rods of the rack storage facility and to remove them from the rack storage facility by means of the rack storage and retrieval device. The control unit may also allow the rack storage facility to be loaded.

A rack storage and retrieval device comprising an identification unit to identify the goods removed allows the removal process to be monitored. In particular, this can rule out goods being removed in an undesired quantity, in other words in too great or too small a piece number. The identification unit may be configured to identify the goods removed. In particular, the identification unit is a transponder reader. For this purpose, the identification unit can be configured as a barcode reader. A color coding to identify the goods, which can be optically detected by the identification unit, can also be used.

A rack storage and retrieval device , in which the identification unit is a transponder reader, a scanner or a light barrier, allows a direct and uncomplicated identification of the goods removed. By using a transponder reader as the identification unit, additional information can be read out from a transponder during the removal. For example, it is conceivable for the transponder to carry information such as, for example, the type of goods, an article number, a date when the goods were placed into storage, size, color and designer of a clothing item. A scanner or a light barrier allows a particularly economical identification of the removal process.

A rack storage and retrieval device with a separating unit, in which the separating unit has an actuator, in particular a pneumatic actuator, allows a direct engagement in the removal process. The separating unit allows a mechanically assisted removal of the desired goods.

A rack storage and retrieval device, in which the goods are held individually on the loading/removing rod by means of an adapter, facilitates the handling of the goods. In particular, handling with the rack storage and retrieval device and the rack storage facility is possible independently of the goods themselves. As a result, it is possible to easily handle goods that are different from one another separately. The use of an adaptor allows a defined interface for the rack storage and retrieval device and the rack storage facility with respect to the storage and handling of the goods.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a rack storage facility in such a way that the removal of goods is simplified and, in particular, the separate removal of goods is made possible.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a rack storage facility comprising at least one storage rod for storing goods and a rack storage and retrieval device according to the invention, wherein the loading/removing rod can be arranged adjacent to the at least one storage rod forming a common transfer section to load the rack storage facility with goods and for the separate removal of goods from the rack storage facility.

It was recognized according to the invention that a rack storage facility has at least one storage rod for storing goods, it being possible for a rack storage and retrieval device with the loading/removing rod to be arranged adjacent to the at least one storage rod forming a common transfer section. The loading/removing rod and the storage rod are arranged one behind the other along their rod longitudinal axes. It is possible for the rod longitudinal axes, which are in each case, in particular, linear, to have, in the region of the transition between the storage rod and the loading/removing rod, a slight bend, in other words a slight deviation from a straight course of the rod in the region of the transition. A bend of this type has an angle of at least 170°, in particular at least 175° and in particular at least 177°. The common transfer section is used to load the rack storage facility with goods and to remove goods from the rack storage facility.

A rack storage facility comprising a locking unit arranged on the at least one storage rod for locking the goods on the at least one storage rod allows secure storage of the goods on the at least one storage rod. In particular, if the storage rod is inclined relative to a horizontal in order to allow an automatic conveyance due to gravity of goods along the rod longitudinal axis, a locking unit is used for the secure locking of the goods on the storage rod. An inadvertent removal of the goods is ruled out.

In a rack storage facility comprising an unlocking unit arranged on the loading/removing rod for unlocking the locking unit, an unlocking unit is provided on the loading/removing rod of the rack storage and retrieval device. The unlocking unit corresponds with the locking unit if the at least one storage rod. The unlocking unit is used to unlock the locking unit. The unlocking unit allows, in particular, the locking unit to be automatically unlocked when the loading/removing rod is arranged in a transfer arrangement, in other words is located adjacent to the at least one storage rod forming the common transfer section.

A rack storage facility comprising at least one feed section and at least one retrieval section allows the goods to be placed rapidly and directly in storage and removed from storage by means of the rack storage and retrieval device. A feed section and a retrieval section are, in particular, arranged in such a way that they can be brought into a transfer arrangement with the loading/removing rod of the rack storage and retrieval device. As a result, it is possible to displace goods rapidly and in an uncomplicated manner onto the loading/removing rod and to remove them again from the loading/removing rod.

A rack storage facility comprising a plurality of storage rods, which are arranged in particular horizontally spaced apart from one another, in particular vertically spaced apart from one another and in particular at opposing free ends of the loading/removing rod, allows an effective utilization of the rack storage facility with a single rack storage and retrieval device. The storage capacity is high. It is possible to place many goods in storage in the rack storage facility with a high density, i.e. with a small space requirement. The storage facility maintenance costs are reduced. A storage facility of this type with a high storage capacity is, for example, a high-rack storage facility. In a high-rack storage facility, a plurality of storage rods is arranged spaced apart from one another horizontally. These storage rods form a storage level. A plurality of and, in particular, at least three storage levels are arranged above one another, i.e. vertically spaced from one another, in a high-rack storage facility. In a high-rack storage facility, the storage rods are arranged stationarily. It is possible for the storage rods of a high-rack storage facility to be arranged with the end faces spaced apart and facing one another. The storage rods of a high-rack storage facility of this type form a storage passage, in which the rack storage and retrieval device is arranged. A moving rack storage facility also has a high storage capacity. A plurality of storage rods are arranged in a storage rod plane in a moving rack storage facility. A moving rack storage facility may comprise a plurality of storage rod planes. A moving rack storage facility allows a displacement of the storage rods along a moving rack displacement path. The storage rods are displaceable and, in particular, not stationary.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for the separate removal of goods from a rack storage facility.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a method for the separate removal of goods from a rack storage facility comprising the method stepsproviding a rack storage facility according to the invention,arranging the rack storage and retrieval device at the at least one storage rod forming a common transport section,separate removal of goods from the rack storage facility by separate transport of the goods from the at least one storage rod onto the loading/removing rod.

It was recognized according to the invention that by providing a rack storage facility according to the present invention and a corresponding rack storage and retrieval device, goods can be removed separately from the rack storage facility. The advantages of the method substantially correspond to the advantages of the rack storage and retrieval device and the rack storage facility, to which reference is hereby made.

Embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail below with the aid of the drawings

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A high-rack storage facility designated1as a whole inFIG. 1comprises a plurality of storage rods2. The storage rods2are, in each case, arranged in groups of four in two levels symmetrically on both sides with respect to a rack storage and retrieval device3. This means that the rack storage and retrieval device3is arranged between two respective storage rods2of the high-rack storage facility1arranged in an opposing manner. The storage rods2are in each case inclined relative to a horizontal plane, the incline being directed toward the rack storage and retrieval device3. The incline is, for example, 10°. At an end facing the rack storage and retrieval device3, each storage rod2has a locking unit4. Goods5, in particular in the form of clothing arranged on clothes hangers, can be stored on the storage rods2. Because of the incline of the storage rod2, goods5can slip or slide automatically to an end facing the rack storage and retrieval device3in the region of the locking unit4. In this position adjacent to the locking unit4, the goods5can be removed from the rack storage and retrieval device3. The displacement of the goods5on the storage rod2to the locking unit4can take place, additionally or alternatively to the incline, by a drive. In particular, it is provided that exclusively identical goods are arranged on a storage rod2. Different goods are preferably stored on different storage rods2. In total, the high-rack storage facility1inFIG. 1has 16 storage rods2.

The high-rack storage facility1furthermore comprises a feed section6and a retrieval section7. Goods5can be displaced onto the rack storage and retrieval device3via the feed section6to be stored on storage rods2in the high-rack storage facility1. For this purpose, the feed section6may have a feed drive, not shown. In addition or alternatively, it is also conceivable for the feed section6to be inclined relative to the horizontal toward the rack storage and retrieval device3. According to the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the feed section6is arranged horizontally, in other words without an incline.

The retrieval section7may have a retrieval drive, not shown, for retrieving the goods5from storage in order to displace the goods5away from the rack storage and retrieval device3along the retrieval section7to the left. Additionally or alternatively, the retrieval section7may be inclined relative to the horizontal, in order to allow automatic transport of the goods5away from the rack storage and retrieval device3.

According to the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the retrieval section7is arranged horizontally, in other words not inclined.

In the embodiments not shown of the lifting rack storage facility1, a plurality of feed sections6and/or a plurality of retrieval sections7may also be present.

The rack storage and retrieval device3will be described in more detail below with the aid ofFIGS. 2 to 6. The rack storage and retrieval device3comprises a base device with a carriage, which is not shown in detail, which has a carriage drive, not shown. By means of the carriage, the rack storage and retrieval device3can be displaced on a base8. According to the embodiment shown, the carriage is a slide, not shown, which allows a linear guide movement of the rack storage and retrieval device3along a guide direction9. The slide is displaceably guided on guide rails10along the guide direction9. It is also conceivable for the guide rails10to not run linearly and in particular to represent a guide direction9which is curved at least in portions. The guide rails10are rigidly anchored on or in the base8. It is possible for the anchoring to be releasable, so that the guide direction9can be variably fixed by means of the guide rails10.

A vertical column11, which moves together with the slide along the guide direction9, is fastened to the slide, not shown. A lifting drive, not shown in more detail, which allows a lifting movement along a vertical direction12, is provided on the vertical column11. The lifting drive allows lifting and lowering along the vertical direction12. Connected to the lifting drive is a horizontally arranged carrier arm13, which carries a loading/removing rod14. The loading/removing rod14is horizontally oriented with its rod longitudinal axis. The loading/removing rod14is fastened in a central region on the carrier arm13and oriented perpendicular to the carrier arm13. In a variant, not shown, of the rack storage and retrieval device3more than one loading/removing rod14may also be present.

The loading/removing rod14has two free ends15, which can be arranged pair-wise with mutually opposing storage rods2in a transfer arrangement of the loading/removing rod14in such a way that the loading/removing rod14and the storage rods2arranged adjacent thereto are arranged in a common transfer section to load the high-rack storage facility1with goods5and to remove goods5from the high-rack storage facility1. According to the view inFIG. 1, the loading/removing rod14is in the transfer arrangement with a pair of opposing storage rods2, which are arranged in the lower level as a second pair adjacent to the feed section6and the retrieval section7along the guide direction9. This means that the common transfer section is implemented by a relative displacement of the loading/removing rod14and at least one storage rod2. The relative displacement takes place by means of an active displacement of the rack storage and retrieval device3on the base8, in particular along the guide direction9, and of the loading/removing rod14along the vertical direction12. The storage rod2remains stationary.

A separating unit16is in each case provided at the free ends15of the loading/removing rod14. The separating unit16is used for the separate removal of the goods5from the high-rack storage facility1. The separating unit16cooperates with the locking unit4of the storage rods2for the separate removal of the goods5.

The loading/removing rod14is substantially configured as a U-shaped profile tube opened downwardly. Provided at the opening of the U arranged at the bottom are undercut webs, which allow rolling/sliding bodies17of an adaptor18to roll or slide along the rod longitudinal axis of the loading/removing rod14. The adaptors18can in each case be displaceably guided on the storage rods2, the loading/removing rod14, the feed section6and the retrieval section7. Each adaptor18also has a receiving opening19, in which the individual goods5are suspended by means of a clothes hanger20and therefore fastened to the adaptor18. The adaptor18allows uncomplicated handling of the goods5or the clothes hangers20carrying the goods5. A change in the hanger shape, in particular, does not inevitably lead to an impairment of the handling thereof. The adaptor18also has a transponder chip21. The transponder chip21carries information with respect to the goods5stored on the adaptor18. For example, stored on the transponder chip21, are the type of goods, in particular the type of clothing item, the producer, the color of the clothing item, the size, the material and other properties. The transponder chip21is, in particular, overwritable, so the transponder chip21can be repeatedly used.

According to the embodiment shown, the rack storage and retrieval device3has an identification unit to automatically identify the goods removed. The identification unit is configured as a transponder reader22. The transponder reader22is arranged at the free end15of the loading/removing rod14in such a way that when the loading/removing rod14and the storage rod2are in the transfer arrangement, the transponder reader22allows a transponder chip21of the adaptor18, which faces the loading/removing rod14, to be read. Instead of the transponder chip21and the transponder reader22, the goods5removed can also be identified in a different form, for example by means of an identification means in the form of a barcode reader or by means of an optical detection of a color coding of the goods5.

A first loading drive23and a second loading drive24are provided on the rack storage and retrieval device3. The loading drives23,24in each case have a control element, which can be made to engage with the adaptors18. The control elements can be displaced along the rod longitudinal axis of the loading/removing rod14and can be driven by means of a drive, not shown. The goods5stored on the adaptors18can be pushed onto one of the storage rods2by means of the loading drives23,24and the high-rack storage facility1can thus be loaded. For this purpose, it is necessary for the loading/removing rod14to be arranged in the transfer arrangement, in other words adjacent to a corresponding storage rod2. According to the arrangement shown inFIG. 2, the first loading drive23is used to load the storage rod2shown on the right, the second loading drive24being used to load the storage rod2shown on the left.

The two loading drives23,24are, in particular, rigidly coupled to one another, for example by means of a belt or chain drive. When the first loading drive23according toFIG. 2is displaced to the right along a first loading direction33, the second loading drive24is simultaneously displaced along the same direction. When the second loading drive24reaches a free end15of the loading/removing rod14, it is guided on a deflection roller to a rear side of the loading/removing rod14facing the vertical column11.

The separating unit16comprises a separating element25that is displaceable along the vertical direction12, which is vertically displaceable by means of a pneumatic actuator26, which is shown schematically inFIG. 3.

The locking unit4of the storage rod2will be described in more detail below. The locking unit4has an actuable claw element30, in particular actuable by means of a pneumatic actuator29shown schematically inFIG. 3. The claw element30is laterally offset along the longitudinal axis28with respect to the storage rod2. The claw element30is pivotable about a vertical pivot axis31relative to the storage rod2by means of the actuator29. In the locking arrangement of the locking element4shown inFIG. 3, the claw element30is arranged in such a way that a claw32formed on the claw element30engages behind an adaptor18in such a way that a displacement of the adaptor18along the longitudinal axis28to remove the goods5from the storage rod2is blocked. It is conceivable that the actuation of the claw element30, which is also called a pawl, takes place in a spring-loaded manner. This means that as soon as an actuating force exerted by the actuator29on the claw element30is absent, the claw element30is automatically displaced back into the locking arrangement according toFIG. 3. This may, for example, take place in that a torsion spring, not shown, is arranged along the pivot axis31. The actuator for actuating the claw element30may also be arranged on the side opposing the loading/removing rod14and be mounted on the separating unit16, as indicated in the drawing at29a.

A method for loading and unloading the high-rack storage facility1will be described in detail below.

In a first step, goods5are provided on adaptors18via the feed section6of the high-rack storage facility1. The rack storage and retrieval device3is then arranged in a transfer arrangement with respect to the feed section6. For this purpose, the carriage and the vertical column11arranged thereon is displaced along the guide direction9toward the feed section6. Additionally, the loading/removing rod14is brought to a vertical level with the feed section6by means of the lifting drive. As soon as the loading/removing rod14is in the transfer arrangement with respect to the feed section6, the goods5are displaced from the feed section6onto the loading/removing rod14.

The rack storage and retrieval device3has a signal connection to a control unit, in particular arranged centrally, not shown, of the high-rack storage facility1. By means of the control unit, a target position for the goods5to be placed in storage is transmitted to the rack storage and retrieval device3. Thereupon, a target position, in other words a storage rod2, on which the goods5are to be stored, is automatically approached by the rack storage and retrieval device3, in that the carriage is moved along the guide direction9and the loading/removing rod14is moved by means of the lifting drive by means of the carrier arm13along the vertical direction12into the corresponding target position. The movement sequence, in other words the displacement along the guide direction9and along the vertical direction12, can take place sequentially, in other words one after the other, or synchronously, in other words simultaneously.

As soon as the loading/removing rod14is arranged in the transfer arrangement according toFIG. 2, the adaptors18held on the loading/removing rod14are pushed with the goods5fastened thereon by means of the first loading drive23onto the storage rod2, shown on the right inFIG. 2, along the first loading direction33. The first loading direction33is oriented parallel to the rod longitudinal axis14.

To allow loading of the storage rod2, in other words to allow the adaptors18to be pushed from the loading/removing rod14onto the storage rod2, it is necessary for the adaptors18to be pushed past the claw32of the claw element30onto the storage rod2. For this purpose, the claw32has an introduction bevel34. The introduction bevel34, by means of pushing an adaptor18along the first loading direction33, allows the claw32to be pressed away transverse to the loading direction33, so the claw element30is pivoted up about the pivot axis31. As soon as the adaptor18has been displaced on the claw element30along the loading direction33, the claw element30, because of the spring-loaded mounting, automatically pivots back into the locking position.

In addition or alternatively, it is conceivable for the claw element30to be actively unlocked by means of the actuator29and pivoted away from the storage rod2about the pivot axis31to simplify loading of the storage rod2.

The loading process is, in particular, completed when the first loading drive23adopts a defined end position on the loading/removing rod14, which, in particular, is detected by means of an end switch, not shown, and is supplied to the control unit. The rack storage and retrieval device3allows a rapid, direct and uncomplicated loading of a plurality of, in particular identical goods5onto a storage rod2.

For a removal of goods5from the storage rods2of the high-rack storage facility1, the loading/removing rod14of the rack storage and retrieval device3is activated by means of the control unit and target goods5are displaced into a desired target position for removal. In order to determine a desired target position of the loading/removing rod14, a current inventory is stored in the control unit. In particular, what type of goods5at which position, i.e. on which storage rod2is stored in the high-rack storage facility1, is stored in the control unit.

Before goods5specifically to be removed are removed from the high-rack storage facility1, the information from the transponder chip21is read by means of the transponder reader22at the adaptor18of the goods5to be removed. If differing information is determined, an incorrect removal can be prevented. This transponder function can also be dispensed with in a simpler configuration of the rack storage and retrieval device3.

An arrangement of this type is shown inFIG. 3. With the arrangement in the transfer arrangement, shown inFIG. 3, of the loading/removing rod14, the separating unit16arranged on the rack storage and retrieval device3cooperates with the locking unit4, which is arranged on the respective storage rod2, in such a way that it is possible to unlock and open the locking unit4. For this purpose, the separating unit16and the locking unit4have a signal connection to the control unit. In particular, it is conceivable for the separating unit16to actuate an end switch, not shown, which transmits an unlocking signal via the control unit to the locking unit4. The unlocking signal brings about an unlocking of the locking unit4.

Proceeding from the arrangement inFIG. 3, the locking unit4is unlocked and opened by an unlocking unit in the form of the actuator29, in that the claw element30is pivoted about the pivot axis31away from the storage rod2. The opened, unlocked arrangement of the locking element4is shown inFIG. 4. In this arrangement, the adaptor18facing the loading/removing rod14is not held. Because of the inclined arrangement of the storage rod2, the adaptor18rolls or slides automatically from the storage rod2onto the loading/removing rod14. It is, for example, conceivable for an automatic displacement of the goods5from the storage rod2onto the loading/removing rod14to be impeded as a consequence of a self-locking or when a plurality of goods5already removed is arranged on the loading/removing rod14. To overcome impeding of this type, the storage rod2may have a drive.

To prevent a plurality of adaptors18unintentionally being displaced from the storage rod2onto the loading/removing rod14, in other words that an unintentional removal of a plurality of goods5taking place, the separating element25is displaced downwardly along the vertical direction12, in order to prevent a removal of the adaptor18arranged second from the left inFIG. 3. The separating element25has a separating bevel35facing the adaptor18to be removed. The separating bevel35is, in particular, configured in such a way that when the second adaptor18is stopped, the first adaptor18is simultaneously acted upon with a transverse force to assist a displacement along the rod longitudinal axis27. Owing to the lowering of the separating element25, it comes into contact with the adaptor18in the region of the separating bevel35. As a result, the adaptor18is pushed from the storage rod2onto the loading/removing rod14. The opening of the locking unit4, which is shown inFIG. 4, and the lowering of the separating element25, which is shown inFIG. 5, typically takes place in a synchronized manner and substantially simultaneously. The illustration of the method steps of opening the locking unit and the lowering of the separating element25inFIGS. 4 and 5serves substantially for better understanding. The drives for the separating element25and the claw element30may, in particular, be mechanically coupled to one another by means of spring prestresses. An interplay of the separating element25and the claw element30when conveying separated adaptors18can take place in the manner of a ballpoint pen mechanism. A maximum time lag between the opening of the locking unit4and the actuation of the separating unit16is small.

As soon as the first adaptor18facing the loading/removing rod14has been removed with the goods5fastened thereon, in other words has been displaced from the storage rod2to the loading/removing rod14, the locking unit4and the separating unit16are displaced back into the respective starting position. This arrangement is shown inFIG. 6. InFIG. 6, an adaptor18shown on the left is arranged to the left of the claw element30and held on the loading/removing rod14. This adaptor18is removed separately from the storage rod2. The separating unit is located in an upper non-engagement arrangement. Proceeding from this arrangement, the separate removal of goods5from the storage rod2shown can be repeated. In this case, the sequence described above is repeated proceeding from the arrangement inFIG. 3. If additional other goods5stored on another storage rod2are to be removed, a target position is firstly approached with the rack storage and retrieval device3, before the separate removal is then repeated on this other storage rod. The goods5are then retrieved from storage by means of the retrieval section7.

In a further embodiment not shown, the rack storage facility is configured as a single-level rack storage facility. In particular, the single-level rack storage facility is substantially identical to the high-rack storage facility1, the storage rods only being arranged with respect to one another on one level. These storage rods form a storage rod level. It is, in particular, not necessary for the rack storage and retrieval device to have a lifting drive in this case. The rack storage and retrieval device is simplified. The storage capacity in one storage rod level of the high-rack storage facility is identical to that of the single-level rack storage facility.

FIGS. 7 and 8show a further embodiment of a rack storage facility36. Components, which correspond to those which have already been explained above with reference toFIGS. 1 to 6, have the same reference numerals and will not be discussed again in detail.

The rack storage facility36is configured in the form of a moving rack storage facility. A storage facility of this type is also called a carousel storage facility. This means that the storage rods2, which in the three moving rack storage facilities36shown inFIG. 7are arranged vertically spaced apart from one another in three storage rack planes, can be displaced along a moving rack displacement path37. The moving rack displacement path37is a closed path and allows a revolving displacement of the storage rods2on the moving rack storage facility. The moving rack displacement path37allows a continuous displacement of the storage rods2. The moving rack displacement path37according to the embodiment shown comprises two longitudinal portions oriented in parallel and two semi-circular arc portions connecting the two longitudinal portions together, in each case. According to the embodiment shown, the moving rack displacement path37is elongate, i.e. the respective length of the longitudinal portions is greater than a perpendicular spacing of the longitudinal portions with respect to one another. In particular, the length of the longitudinal portions is twice as large and, in particular, three times as large as the perpendicular spacing. It is also conceivable for the moving rack displacement path to have another contour and, in particular, to be substantially circular, rectangular or to be configured in a different shape.

The moving rack storage facility36comprises a plurality of individual moving rack elements38that can be displaced along the moving rack displacement path37. The individual moving rack elements38are in each case pivotably connected to one another with respect to a vertical axis42. As a result, it is possible for the individual moving rack elements38to be displaceable along the curved arc portions of the moving rack displacement path37. The individual moving rack elements38are level. Proceeding from the individual moving rack elements38, the storage rods2extend outwardly in the radial direction in relation to the moving rack displacement path37. The individual moving rack elements38are displaceably guided between an upper and a lower rail. Each moving rack storage facility36has a moving rack drive39to displace the individual moving rack elements38.

A stationary rack storage and retrieval device40is in each case provided in a head region of the moving rack storage facility36. The rack storage and retrieval device40is configured substantially analogously to the rack storage and retrieval device3according to the first embodiment. Since the rack storage and retrieval device40is stationarily arranged on the base8, a drive on the base device can be dispensed with.

The rack storage and retrieval device40is arranged with respect to a corresponding moving rack storage facility36in such a way that the loading/removing rod14is arranged parallel to the longitudinal portions of the moving rack displacement path37. The loading/removing rod14of the rack storage and retrieval device40and a storage rod2of the moving rack storage facility36then form a common transfer section when the storage rod2is arranged in an outer position along the moving rack displacement path37. An arrangement of this type is shown inFIGS. 7 and 8. This arrangement is, in particular, characterized in that the storage rod2is arranged centrally between the two longitudinal portions in the region of the arc portion of the moving rack displacement path37. This means that the common transfer section is formed in that a storage rod2is arranged along the moving rack displacement path37in the manner mentioned and simultaneously the loading/removing rod14is arranged in a vertical position corresponding to the respective storage rod2. This means that to achieve the common transfer section, a required relative movement between the storage rod2and loading/removing rod14takes place by a displacement of the storage rod2along the moving rack displacement path37and/or of the loading/removing rod14along the vertical direction12.

To feed goods5in the form of clothing items into the moving rack storage facility36, a feed section6is provided in each case. It is also possible for only one feed section6, which can be displaced along a transverse direction41in order to reach the individual rack storage and retrieval devices40, to be provided for a plurality of moving rack storage facilities36.

The feed sections6are in each case arranged at a height level of the lowermost storage rod level. The feed section6may, for example, be displaced along a guided movement, in particular by means of rails anchored on or in the base, along the transverse direction41.

The feed section6is simultaneously used as the retrieval section. This means that goods, which have been removed separately from the moving rack storage facility36by means of the rack storage and retrieval device, are transferred by means of the loading/removing rod14for unloading onto the retrieval section, which corresponds to the feed section6. The goods thus assembled are finally retrieved from storage by means of the retrieval section.

The functionality and, in particular, a method for separate removal of goods from the moving rack storage facility36is substantially identical to the method for removing goods from a high-rack storage facility according to the first embodiment, to which reference is hereby made. The important difference is that a combined displacement takes place for an arrangement of the rack storage and retrieval device40at the storage rod2with the formation of a common transport section. On the one hand, a storage rod2, from which goods5are to be removed, is moved into a target position in such a way that the storage rod2is arranged facing and adjacent to the rack storage and retrieval device40. This means, therefore, that the individual moving rack element38, on which the target storage rod2is arranged, faces the rack storage and retrieval device40. To remove the target goods separately, a height adjustment of the loading/removing rod14takes place in order to form the transport section with the storage rod2from the desired storage rod level.

As soon as a desired selection of goods5is arranged on the loading/removing rod14, these picked goods can be retrieved from storage by means of the feed section6. For this purpose, the loading/removing rod14is brought into a lower vertical position, so the loading/removing rod14forms a common transport section with the feed section6.

It is also possible for a moving rack storage facility to have precisely one storage rack level. In this case, a height adjustment of the rack storage and retrieval device40can be dispensed with. The configuration of the rack storage and retrieval device is then simplified.