Shuttle warehouse

A shuttle warehouse for storing load carriers comprises a framework and a gangway, the framework having guide rails designed to guide the movement of a distribution vehicle, designed to physically move the load carriers, in the gangway on a bearing surface of the guide rails. The guide rails are each formed by segments arranged in succession in the longitudinal direction of the guide rails, and the segments are fixed to the framework by press-fit threaded bolts resulting in the upper face of the heads of the press-fit threaded bolts being received in the segments flush with the bearing surface.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

The present application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to German Patent Application Number 20 2016 106 276.4 filed Nov. 10, 2016 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The invention relates to a shuttle warehouse.

Various devices by means of which piece goods can be stored, for example arranged on pallets, are known from the prior art. For example, DE 38 40 648 A1 describes an in/out high-bay storage device having a plurality of rack gangways in one plane with a plurality of planes, arranged one above the other, of gangways with associated conveying equipment. A further gangway storage system as a special case of a shuttle warehouse is known from DE 10 2010 029 563 B4.

Shuttle warehouses are generally high-bay stores for piece goods, in which multiple storage units can be stored in individual gangways either one behind the other or to the side of the gangways. So as to then enable piece goods to be moved, placed in storage or removed from storage, a handling unit in the form of a distribution vehicle is used, which is also referred to as a shuttle, gangway vehicle or satellite vehicle. The distribution vehicle is designed to drive under and lift load carriers and to move them within the gangway in the raised state. Goods can thus be placed in storage and removed from storage by moving the charge carriers in the gangway. In the case in which the load carriers are mounted to the side of the gangways, the distribution vehicle has corresponding means to lift the load carriers, move them from the lateral storage positions into the gangway and then move them within the gangway in the raised state.

SUMMARY

By contrast, the object of the invention is to provide an improved shuttle warehouse.

The object underlying the invention is achieved by the features of the independent claim. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

A shuttle warehouse for storing load carriers is described, wherein the shuttle warehouse has a framework and a gangway, wherein the framework has guide rails, wherein the guide rails are designed to guide the movement of a distribution vehicle, designed to physically move the load carriers, in the gangway on a bearing surface of the guide rails, wherein the guide rails are each formed by segments arranged in succession in the longitudinal direction of the guide rails, wherein the segments are fixed to the framework by press-fit threaded bolts, wherein the fixing results in the upper face of the heads of the press-fit threaded bolts being received in the segments flush with the bearing surface and in the press-fit threaded bolts being screwed to the framework by means of the thread. In other words, the guide rails guide the movement of the distribution vehicle on the bearing surface.

For example, the shuttle warehouse comprises at least one gangway with at least a first and a second level, wherein the first level as defined by the bearing surface and the second level is used for the storage of load carriers.

The term “load carriers” is to be understood for example to mean pallets or a wide range of types of devices capable of receiving or supporting desired piece goods which are to be stored.

Embodiments of the invention could have the advantage that a development of noise as the vehicle traverses the points at which the segments are fixed to the framework is minimised. The invention has surprisingly found that a source of the noise produced during operation of a shuttle warehouse derives from the fact that the wheels of the distribution vehicle as it traverses the fastening points causes impact noises even with the slightest unevenness at these points. Since the upper face of the heads of the press-fit threaded bolts is now received in the segments flush with the bearing surface, there are no parts of the guide rails which are disposed outside the bearing surface and which thus constitute unevennesses—whether indentations or elevations.

Due to the fact that there are no unevennesses present in the region of the bearing surface, any vibrations of the distribution vehicle as it traverses the fastening points are also minimised or even avoided. This could then be relevant if the piece good could react sensitively to vibrations. Sensitive piece goods, here, could be certain chemicals or electronic components.

It should be mentioned that straight press-fit threaded bolts therefore could be advantageous, since these deform naturally as they are pressed into the associated holes of the segments, so that the upper face of the heads of the press-fit threaded bolts is automatically received in the segments flush with the bearing surface. With the alternative use for example of countersunk-head screws, this flushness is not provided, since these screws have manufacturing tolerances, and therefore the head upper face for example sometimes protrudes from the bearing surface of the segments depending on the tolerance and other times is itself disposed in the segments below the bearing surface.

The use of press-fit threaded bolts could also have the advantage that the holes in the segments provided to receive the press-fit threaded bolts can be manufactured with greater tolerances, without detriment in respect of said development of noise. In all cases, the press-fit threaded bolts are pressed into the provided holes of the segments until the upper face of the heads of the press-fit threaded bolts is received in the segments flush with the bearing surface. For this purpose, the tool used to press in the bolts can have a ram for example, wherein the press-fit threaded bolts are pressed by means of the ram into the provided recesses of the segments. Here, as considered in the plane of the bearing surface, the ram laterally overlaps the head of the bolt to be pressed in, and the segment automatically forms a stop during the press-fit process, which stop limits the movement of the ram in the direction of the bearing surface. It is thus ensured that the upper face of the head of the press-fit threaded bolt is received in the corresponding segment exactly flush with the bearing surface.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention the heads of the press-fit threaded bolts are received fully in countersinks of the segments. For example, the countersinks have a conical depression and the heads of the press-fit threaded bolts have a frusto-conical shape which mates with the conical depression. The use of countersinks could have the advantage that a self-centring of the bolts is thus ensured. The press-fit process could also be simplified since the material perpendicular to the press-fit direction, i.e. with respect to the cylinder-symmetrical press-fit threaded bolts, is displaced radially inwardly on account of the funnel effect of the cone shape as the bolt is pressed in. It is thus made easier for the material of the bolt to adopt the desired shape in the head region with minimal application of force.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention the countersinks have a slot shape, wherein the longitudinal axis of the slot extends in the running direction of the guide rails, wherein the countersinks, as considered in a plane perpendicular to the running direction, have walls running at an incline, and the heads of the press-fit threaded bolts, as considered in this plane, bear fully against the walls.

This could have the advantage that the process of pressing the bolt into the segment is further mechanically simplified, since, on account of the slot shape as considered in the running direction, there is always sufficient space for the part of the material of the head that is deformed within the segment as the bolt is pressed in and is deformed in or against the running direction. Furthermore, on account of the walls running at an incline, a self-centring of the press-fit threaded bolt takes place in the direction as considered perpendicular to the running direction and perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical press-fit threaded bolt.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention the press-fit threaded bolts are screwed to the framework in a frictionally engaged manner by nuts engaging in the threads. For example, it is thus possible to later release the segments from the framework and in particular replace individual segments. This could be necessary for example if one of the segments is damaged.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention the surfaces of the heads as considered in the plane parallel to the bearing surface are contour-less. Due to the smooth surfaces of the heads, the heads themselves form part of the bearing surface without a resistance, which for example could result from a partial indentation of the surfaces. As the heads are traversed by the distribution vehicle, there is no difference for the wheels of the distribution vehicle used for this purpose in respect of the contact between the normal bearing surface and the contact with the surface of the heads. Since the surface of the heads and of the bearing surface is therefore identical, as “felt” by the wheels, a development of noise as the heads are traversed is avoided.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention the bearing surfaces of the segments are arranged adjacently to the surfaces of the heads without gaps, as considered in the plane of the bearing surface. Due to the “seamless” transition between bolts and bearing surface on account of the lack of a gap between the bearing surface and heads of the bolts, a further source for the development of noise as the heads are traversed by the distribution vehicle could be omitted here as well. With regard to the surface contour, the bearing surface and the surface of the heads form a single uninterrupted level, on which the distribution vehicle can travel.

Hereinafter, similar elements will be denoted by like reference signs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1shows a gangway storage system as a special case of a shuttle warehouse100with a single gangway with a first and second level not shown in greater detail inFIG. 1, wherein the first level is used as a bearing surface for a distribution vehicle106and the second level is used to receive load carriers104. What can be seen, however, are guide rails112forming the first level for guiding the movement of a distribution vehicle106in the direction108, that is to say along the direction of extent of the guide rails112.

Multiple load carriers104, in the present case pallets, are disposed in the gangway shown inFIG. 1. The distribution vehicle106can be moved along the guide rails112beneath a pallet104by means of a corresponding movement in the direction108, whereupon the pallet104can be lifted by the distribution vehicle in the direction110so as to then be moved within the gangway in the direction108by a movement of the distribution vehicle in the direction108. It is thus possible for the pallets104with their piece goods (not visible inFIG. 1) to be moved into storage and removed from storage.

Frame struts102are also visible inFIG. 1, by means of which a stable overall assembly of the gangway storage system100is formed in conjunction with the guide rails112. The frame struts102are connected to one another at cross beams103running transversely to the running direction108. The guide rails112are fixed for example to the cross beams103by means of press-fit threaded bolts. Alternatively, angled profile “brackets” can be used, by means of which the guide rails112are fixed to the frame struts by means of press-fit bolts. On the whole, the cross beams and the frame struts form what is known as the “framework” of the gangway storage system.

FIG. 2shows a cross-sectional view of the gangway storage system100. Parts of the upright frame struts102, to which brackets200are fixed, can again be clearly seen. These brackets200are used to receive and fix the guide rails112. The guide rails112here define the bearing surface for the wheels202of the distribution vehicle106.

FIG. 2also shows brackets206which form a support surface for the pallets104. The second level214is thus formed by the support surface.

In order to move a pallet104, the distribution vehicle106is moved beneath the pallets104so as to then lift a pallet in the direction110by means of a mechanism204of the distribution vehicle, whereby the pallet104is lifted from the guide rail112. The pallet104can be moved along the guide rails112together with the distribution vehicle106in order to then set down the pallet104again at a desired position.

The guide rails112are formed by segments arranged in succession in the longitudinal direction of the guide rails. These segments are fixed here to the framework of the gangway storage system via the brackets200by means of press-fit threaded bolts210. The press-fit threaded bolts210are screwed to the framework via their thread by means of a corresponding nut212.

FIGS. 3 and 4show perspective views of two segments302arranged directly adjacent to one another, which segments together form part of the guide rail112. The segments302each rest on a bracket200and are fixed to the particular bracket by fastening means. InFIG. 3the fixing is provided by means of a slotted-head screw300, whereas inFIG. 4the fixing is provided by means of a press-fit threaded bolt210.

If, inFIG. 3, the wheels202of a distribution vehicle now travel over the heads of the slotted-head screws300, this traversing of the slotted-head screws300can lead to a development of noise, since on the one hand the slots of the screws form an unevenness for the wheels202rolling over them and on the other hand the heads of the screws300are never completely flush with the bearing surface of the guide rails112on account of manufacturing tolerances. Here, the term “flush” means that the plane formed by the surface of the heads of the screws300, as considered in the direction110, is identical to the plane formed by the bearing surface of the guide rails112.

By contrast, in the variant ofFIG. 4, on account of the use of the press-fit threaded bolts210, it is ensured that the upper face of the heads of the press-fit threaded bolts is flush with the bearing surface, i.e. the heads neither protrude into the path of the wheels202nor form an indentation with respect to the bearing surface. Since, in addition, the heads of the press-fit threaded bolts are contour-less, i.e. have no indentations or elevations, it is possible for the wheels202of the distribution vehicle106to roll over the fixing points formed by the press-fit threaded bolts210without resistance. A development of noise is avoided on account of the presence of these fixing points which are rolled over by the wheels of the distribution vehicle.

FIG. 5shows a sectional view which, in cross-section, shows a segment302with its resultant bearing surface500. The segment302is fixed to a rack strut102by means of the bracket200. The segment302is fastened to the bracket200by means of a press-fit threaded bolt210, wherein this is screwed to the bracket200by means of the nut212.

FIGS. 6A and 6Bshow various steps of a method for connecting a segment302to a bracket200. Here, for the sake of simplicity, merely the segment302is shown inFIG. 6A, and the bracket200has been omitted from the drawing. In order to now introduced the press-fit threaded bolts210into the segment302, a ram600is pressed from above onto the head604of the press-fit threaded bolt. The pressing area of the ram600is larger here than the area of the head604. A support602, which can be used optionally, serves to absorb the forces occurring during a pressing process so as to thus prevent for example a bending of the segment302in the direction110.

Since the pressing area of the ram600is larger than the area of the head604, the maximum path of movement of the ram600in the direction110is limited by the bearing surface500, which is formed by the segments302. It is thus automatically ensured that the surface of the head604is planar with the bearing surface500. After the pressing process shown inFIG. 6A, the support602can be removed. As shown inFIG. 6B, the segment302can then be fixed to the bracket200by securing the press-fit threaded bolt210by means of a nut212.

FIG. 7shows a further cross-sectional view of a segment302with press-fit threaded bolt210received therein. Here, it can be seen that the head604of the press-fit threaded bolt210is received fully in a conical countersink700of the segment302. The head604accordingly has a frusto-conical shape, which mates with the conical depression. Accordingly, the head604fits snugly against the walls of the countersink700of the segment302in the event of a pressing process, with no gaps at the transition between the segment500and the head604as considered in the running direction108.

FIG. 8shows a shuttle warehouse100, in which, in contrast to the shuttle warehouse100ofFIG. 1, the load carriers208are not stored in the gangway in a manner arranged in succession (i.e. in the direction108), but instead laterally to the left and right of the gangway (perpendicularly thereto). The distribution vehicle106can be moved on the guide rails112and is able to lift load carriers208on the left and right from the cross beams103, move them onto the distribution vehicle, and then transport them on the distribution vehicle in the direction108. That said with regard toFIGS. 1-7applies analogously with regard to the embodiment of the bearing rails, in particular in respect of the fixing of their segments.

FIG. 9shows a further cross-sectional view of the segment302including a countersink902having a slot shape, according to an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, a longitudinal axis904of the slot countersink902extends in the running direction108. The slot countersink902is configured to receive a head906of a press-fit threaded bolt908.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS