Method and transport device for positioning loading aids prior to the transfer thereof into a shelf

Summary

The invention relates to a method and a transport device (207) for positioning loading aids (208) prior to their transfer to a shelf compartment (209) on storage spaces (21 1a to 21 1d) arranged one behind the other with a transport device (207). The loading aids (208) are positioned next to one another, one behind the other against a first stop device (243 to 247) of the transport device (207) in the transfer direction (210), Then a separating device (256,257) is moved into the path of movement (251) between the loading aids (208) and the loading aid (208) at the front in the transfer direction (210) against the separating device (256,257) and the rear loading aid (208) in the transfer direction (210). positioned against a second stop device (243 to 247) of the transport device (207) in the transfer direction (210). Then a third stop device (243 to 247) is adjusted between the separated loading aids (208).

Fig. Le

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The invention relates to a method for positioning loading aids before they are transferred to a shelf compartment by means of a transport device and the transport device for carrying out the method, as described in the preambles of claims 1 and 5.

EP 0 647 575 B1 discloses a transport device for loading and unloading loading aids in and out of a shelf compartment, which comprises at least one telescopic arm consisting of a support frame and a slide mounted displaceably on it. The ends of the slide are provided with stop devices which can be pivoted between an initial position and an actuating position and are spaced apart from one another at least to such an extent that a loading aid can be accommodated between them. If a loading aid is to be stored in the shelf storage, at least the stop device mounted on the end opposite the shelf system is pivoted behind the side wall of the loading aid and the loading aid is pushed onto a shelf compartment. During delivery, the telescopic arm is extended into the shelf and then the stop device mounted on the end facing the shelf storage is pivoted behind the side wall of the loading aid and pushed off the shelf. The load handling device is only suitable for serving a rack storage system with a single-deep rack row.

In the transport devices known from US Pat. No. 7,128,521 B2 and EP 1 772 400 A1, two loading aids arranged one behind the other are individually gripped from behind by stop devices pivotably mounted on telescopic arms and stored in the rack store or removed from the rack store.

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From EP 0 775 665 B1 a transport device in the form of a telescopic table is known in which the outer telescopic slide travels above a loading aid to be inserted or removed and pairs of stops are pivoted in opposite directions behind the respective end of the loading aid.

The transport device described in DE 203 03 376 U1 for loading and unloading loading aids comprises a gripping device which is applied to the side walls of the loading aid to be loaded and unloaded in a non-positive manner or, for example, also by means of suction on the loading aid. This can prevent the gripping device from having to extend to the rear wall of the shelf compartment when a loading aid is displayed in order to grip the rear side wall of the loading aid in a form-fitting manner.

The load-bearing device known from DE 44 22 240 A1 comprises parallel telescopic arms each with a slide which can be pulled out horizontally to both sides and which are provided with stop devices. The telescopic arms can be moved towards and away from one another in the direction of a shelf aisle (X direction). An endless conveyor is arranged on the platform between the telescopic arms. In order to store a pallet, it is first shifted by means of the endless conveyor to such an extent that the stop devices can engage positively in the pallet as a result of the infeed movement of the telescopic arms in the X direction. By extending the carriages while driving the endless conveyor at the same time, the pallet is moved to a storage space near or away from the aisle in a shelf. The pallet is gripped from the side either by the front or middle blocks of the pallet. When a pallet is displayed from the shelf, the stop devices are initially adjusted in the X direction and the blocks of the pallet are positively engaged behind by the stop devices and the pallet is pushed onto the conveyor unit by pulling in the carriage.

The object of the invention is to create a method and a transport device for positioning loading aids before they are transferred to a shelf system with several storage spaces one behind the other, with which the mode of operation in a storage system can be simplified.

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The object of the invention is achieved by the measures and features in claims 1 and 5. It is advantageous that the loading aids, which abut one another, are separated at a mutual distance on the conveyor unit via a structurally simple separating device before they are transferred to a shelf, in particular during the infeed movement of the conveyor unit to the shelf, thus ensuring that the stop devices without Collisions in front of and behind the corresponding loading aid can be adjusted. Thus, the loading aids in the shelf compartment can be parked one behind the other by a gap in the transfer direction, even if the loading aids are stowed close together on the conveyor unit behind the stop device arranged on the storage side. In this way, the advantages of the transport device with stop devices that have already proven themselves in practice can continue to be used, and loading aids can be isolated or several loading aids can be stored and retrieved at the same time.

According to the measures according to claims 2 and 4, the loading aids to be stored are brought into a defined readiness position and then conveyed to the parking spaces in an exact alignment.

The measure according to claim 3, according to which more than two loading aids are positioned in a shelf compartment before they are transferred, is also advantageous.

The embodiment according to claim 6 is advantageous because the separating device is accommodated in the free space below the conveying level, which is already present, and this results in a very compact construction of the transport device.

According to a further development according to claim 7, at least one of the telescopic arms, which are already required for storage and retrieval, is equipped with the stop device and can be activated as required in order to be able to carry out the storage and retrieval process of loading aids in a shelf compartment or from the shelf compartment.

The embodiment according to claim 8 is also advantageous because, on the one hand, loading aids of different dimensions or orientation are conveyed between the telescopic arms and, on the other hand, the loading aids can be aligned on the platform before they are transferred.

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Finally, the embodiment according to claim 9 is also advantageous, since several loading aids are conveyed via only one conveyor device along the path of movement between the telescopic arms and separated at a distance via a simple separating device, without it being necessary to provide an independent conveying device for each loading aid, which is not only involves a complex structure of the transport device, but requires a correspondingly high number of drive motors for the conveying devices, a complex control and high energy consumption. The design or method according to the invention creates a compactly constructed transport device which can also be manufactured inexpensively and allows a reliable mode of operation as well as flexible or needs-based performance adjustment. In addition, the handling capacity in the storage system can be significantly increased compared to the storage systems known from the prior art.

For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

They each show in a very schematically simplified representation;

Fig. La-g a first embodiment of the transport device and the positioning process of loading aids on the platform of a conveyor unit, in several temporally successive process steps and in a greatly simplified representation;

1h schematically shows the storage process of loading aids from a platform into a shelf compartment;

2a shows the transport device according to the invention with an extension unit located in its opening position, in a front view and simplified representation;

2b shows the transport device according to the invention with the extension unit in its closed position, in a front view and simplified representation;

3 shows a telescopic arm of the extension unit in a front view, partially in section and in a simplified representation;

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-5Fig. 4 shows the telescopic arm according to FIG. 3 in a side view and simplified representation;

5a-f show a further embodiment of the transport device and the positioning process of loading aids on the platform of a conveyor unit, in several procedural steps following one another in time and in a greatly simplified representation.

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component designations, and the disclosures contained in the entire description can be transferred accordingly to the same parts with the same reference numerals or the same component names. The position details chosen in the description, such as above, below, to the side, etc. based on the figure immediately described and shown and are to be transferred accordingly to the new position in the event of a change in position.

In FIGS. 1 to 4, which are described jointly, a storage system is shown which has shelf systems 201, 202 opposite one another at a distance in a mirror-inverted manner. Due to the distance between the shelf systems 201, 202, an aisle 203 is kept free in the storage system, in which a conveyor unit 204 is arranged. The conveyor unit 204 is formed, for example, by a storage and retrieval unit that can be moved on rails along the aisle 203 and comprises a vertical mast 205 fastened to a driving unit (not shown) and a platform 206 vertically adjustable along this by means of a lifting drive (not shown), as well as a platform 206 on it arranged transport device 207 for loading and / or unloading a single or simultaneously several loading aids 208 in a or from a shelf compartment 209 of the shelf system 201, 202. The loading aids 208, for example trays, boxes made of cardboard or plastic, are normally filled with useful goods, but can also be empty.

The shelving systems 201, 202 are formed according to this embodiment by shelf shelves, which are more cost-effective than the angular shelves known from the prior art and comprise several shelves 209 arranged at a distance one above the other, each with storage spaces 21la to 21ld arranged one behind the other in the transfer direction 210 in several rows. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the shelf systems 201, 202 are designed so that in a shelf compartment 209 one behind the other in the transfer direction 210

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-6of the four loading aids 208 with the dimensions 300 mm x 400 mm can be parked. The transport device 207 can also accommodate four loading aids 208 with the dimensions 300 mm x 400 mm in transverse transport one behind the other.

The transport device 207, which can be moved between the shelf systems 201, 202 in front of a shelf 209 defined by the computer system, comprises a support plate 212 on which an extension unit having parallel telescopic arms 213a, 213b and conveyor devices 214a, 214b arranged one behind the other in the transfer direction 210 are mounted. The conveying devices 214a, 214b are coupled to drive motors 215a, 215b which can be controlled independently of one another and which in turn are connected to the computer system. Two-track conveyors, in particular belt conveyors, are preferably used as conveying devices 214a, 214b. On the other hand, the conveying devices 214a, 214b can also be formed by a roller conveyor, belt conveyor and the like.

The telescopic arms 213a, 213b, which can be extended into the shelving systems 201, 202 in both directions with respect to the platform 206, can be adjusted via a first actuator between an open position 216, which is moved apart from one another, and a closed position 217, which is shown in FIG. 2b, and which is moved towards one another Support plate 212 stored. The first actuating drive has a servomotor 218 and, according to this embodiment, a spindle 219 coupled to this with counter-rotating thread sections and bearing elements 220a to 220c. The servomotor 218 as well as the drive motors 215a, 215b are fastened to the platform 206 via a fastening bracket 221. The bearing elements 220a, 220b are each connected to the support plate 212 via guide arrangements 222a, 222b. By rotating the spindle 219, the bearing elements 220a, 220b are moved towards or away from one another and the telescopic arms 213a, 213b are adjusted relative to a loading aid 208 between its open position 216 and closed position 217 transversely to the transfer direction 210.

In Fig. 3 a cross section through a telescopic arm 213a is shown. This has a support frame 223 fastened to the bearing element 220a, for example via a screw connection (not further shown), a center slide 224 that is displaceable with respect to the support frame 223, and an upper slide 225 that is displaceable with respect to the center slide 224.

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The support frame 223 is formed, for example, by a hollow profile and has a lower side wall 226 running parallel to the support plate 212, a protruding first and second side wall 227, 228 and an upper side wall 229 running at an angle between the protruding side walls 227, 228. Between the center slide 224 and the support frame 223, a guide arrangement 230 is provided which, according to the exemplary embodiment shown, is formed by a sliding guide. For this purpose, the support frame 223 is provided with side guide tracks 231 in the region of the longitudinal edges on the upstanding first side wall 227 facing the center slide 224 and with a height guide track 232 between them.

The upper slide 225 is approximately C-shaped in cross section and has a base 233 and on this base 234 projecting legs 234 on the side facing away from the central slide 224. A guide arrangement 235 is provided between the top slide 225 and the middle slide 224. For this purpose, the upper slide 225 is provided on the upstanding base 233 facing the middle slide 224 in the region of the longitudinal edges with lateral guide tracks 236 and between these with a height guide track 237.

The plate-like center slide 224 is on the one hand on its underside 238 and top 239 with rib-like guide webs 240 running parallel in its longitudinal extension and complementary to the lateral guide tracks 231, 236 of the support frame 223 and top slide 225 and on the other hand on its side walls between the bottom and top 238, 239 each provided with rib-like guide webs 241 running in its longitudinal extension and complementary to the height guide tracks 232, 237 of the support frame 223 and top slide 225. Slide strips 242 are slipped onto the guide webs 240, 241 of the center slide 224.

Of course, instead of the slide guides shown, a roller guide and the like can each be arranged between the support frame 223 and central slide 224 on the one hand and top slide 225 and central slide 224 on the other.

As can be seen in a synopsis of FIGS middle thirdN2007 / 21700

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-8th stop device 245 and the end-side stop devices 243, 244 each have a fourth and fifth stop device 246, 247 arranged. The stop devices 243 to 247 are spaced apart from one another at least so far in the longitudinal extension of the upper slide 225 that a loading aid 208 can be received between two stop devices 243 to 247.

The stop devices 243 to 247 of the two top slides 225 are arranged opposite one another and are each adjustable via a fluidically or electrically operated servomotor 248 between a starting position shown in Fig. 2b and an actuating position shown in Fig. 2a in the direction of the opposite stop device 243 to 247. Preferably, each stop device 243 to 247 of the two top slides 225 is coupled to a servomotor 248, the servomotors 248 of the oppositely arranged stop devices 243 to 247 being controlled approximately synchronously.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the stop devices 243 to 247 are formed by flaps mounted on the upper slide 225 so as to be pivotable about axes 249 parallel to the transfer direction 210 between the initial and actuating positions.

In the starting position, the stop device 243 to 247 is moved into a recess 250 between the legs 234 of the top slide 225, so the stop device 243 to 247 is moved out of a path 251 of the loading aids 208 between the conveyor unit 204 and the shelf compartment 209. In contrast, the stop device 243 to 247 is moved out of the recess 250 in the actuating position, so the stop device 243 to 247 is moved into the movement path 251 of the loading aids 208 between the conveyor unit 204 and the shelf compartment 209 and protrudes over the outer boundary of the upper slide 225.

As also entered in FIG. 3, the starting and actuating positions of the stop device 243 to 247 are monitored by sensors 252, 253.

The transport device 207 or extension unit furthermore comprises an alignment device for loading aids 208 provided on the conveyor device 214a, 214b, which according to this exemplary embodiment move in opposite directions through the in a closed position 217

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-9 is formed into telescopic arms 213a, 213b which can be moved towards one another and has flat alignment surfaces 255 which can be adjusted relative to one another in an alignment or centering position and which can be placed against the side walls 254 parallel in the transfer direction 210. The opposing alignment surfaces 255 are preferably moved in opposite directions to one another into the alignment position, so that a loading aid 208 is positioned on the conveyor device 214a, 214b centrally between the telescopic arms 213a, 213b before it is pushed into the shelf compartment 209. On the other hand, only one of the telescopic arms 213a, 213b could be adjusted in the direction of the opposite, stationary telescopic arm 213a, 213b.

The telescopic arms 213a, 213b can be telescoped out in both directions with respect to the platform 206 via a second actuator, as is explained with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

A traction drive is arranged on the support frame 223 of the telescopic arms 213a, 213b and comprises a drive wheel 260, deflection wheels 261, 262, a tensioning wheel 263 and an endless traction means 264, for example a chain, guided around them. The drive wheels 260 are connected to one another via a drive shaft 265 (FIG. 1 a) and coupled to a drive motor 266.

A driving element 267, for example a toothed rack, is attached to the central slide 224 and engages in the upper run of the traction means 264 Support frame 223 shifted synchronously, ie extended or retracted.

In order to move the top slides 225 with respect to the middle slide 224 at the same time, the top slides 225 are preferably each connected to the support frame 223 via two traction means 268, 269, in particular belts.

The first traction means 268 is connected with its first end by means of a clamp 270 on the end area of ​​the support frame 223 opposite in the extension direction of the telescopic arm 213a, 213b and with its second end by means of a clamp 271 on the opposite end area of ​​the upper slide 225 in the extension direction of the telescopic arm 213a, 213b

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Fixed and deflected around a roller 272 mounted in the extension direction of the telescopic arm 213a, 213b in the front end area of ​​the central slide 224.

The second traction means 269 is attached with its first end by means of a clamp 273 to the front end area of ​​the support frame 223 in the extension direction of the telescopic arm 213a, 213b and with its second end by means of a clamp 274 to the front end area of ​​the upper slide 225 in the extension direction of the telescopic arm 213a, 213b is deflected around a roller 275 mounted in the opposite end region of the central slide 224 in the extension direction of the telescopic arm 213a, 213b.

Depending on the direction of rotation of the drive motor 266, the telescopic arms 213a, 213b can now be extended and retracted synchronously, to store loading aids 208 in a shelf 209 of the shelf system 201 set up either on the right side of the aisle 203 or on the left side of the aisle 203 or from a shelf 209 of the shelf system 201 set up either on the right side of the aisle 203 or on the left side of the shelf system 202 set up on the aisle 203.

As can be seen from FIG. 4, the support frame 223 is provided with guide elements 276 which complement the guide elements 277 attached to the support frame 206 (FIG.

2a, 2b) are formed.

The transport device 207 additionally has a separating device 256,257 between the first and third stop devices 243, 245 and the second and third stop devices 244, 245. The separating device 256, 257 is preferably arranged below a conveying level 258 and comprises a retaining element 278 which can be adjusted via an actuator 259 between a basic position shown in FIG. 2a and a separating position shown in FIG. 2b. In the basic position, the retaining element 278 is lowered below the conveying level 258, while in the isolation position, the retaining element 278 protrudes from the conveying level 258 and engages in a stacking edge 279 of the loading aid 208. The actuating drive 259 comprises a fluidically or electrically actuated servomotor 280 which is fastened to the support plate 212 via a holding frame 281.

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-11 As shown in FIG. 1b, it is advantageous if a length 287 of the conveyor device 214a, 214b is greater than a longitudinal distance 288 between the first / second and fourth / fifth stop devices 243, 244, 246, 247. The conveying device 214a, 214b preferably extends approximately over a length 287 which corresponds to a multiple of the longitudinal distance 288, so that two loading aids 208 can be received one after the other on the conveying level 258 formed by each conveying device 214a, 214b and both loading aids 208 can be picked up by one and the same conveying device 214a, 214b can be acted upon with an advancing or driving force for positioning the loading aids 208. The separating device 256, 257 is arranged between the ends of the conveying device 214a, 214b.

In the following, the method for positioning loading aids 208 prior to their transfer with the transport device 207 from the conveyor unit 204 into a shelf compartment 209 of the shelf systems 1, 2 is described with reference to FIGS.

Even before the transport device 207 moves into the storage position determined by the computer system in front of a storage channel 282, in a pre-zone 283 of the storage system shown in FIGS accepted. The conveyor device 284 is formed, for example, by a roller conveyor.

Before moving the loading aids 208 - for example four loading aids 208 with the dimensions 300 mm x 400 mm - from the conveyor device 284 to the transport device 207, it must be ensured that, with the exception of the pair of stop devices 243 facing away from the conveyor device 284, all stop devices 244 to 247 into the starting position and the telescopic arms 213a, 213b have been moved into their open position 216. The pair of stop devices 243 opposite a take-over side of the loading aids 208 is moved into the actuation position, therefore into the movement path 251 of the loading aids 208, as shown in FIGS. 1b and 1c. The conveyor device 284 of the pre-zone 283 and the conveyor devices 214a, 214b of the transport device 207 are used to move the loading aids 208 onto the transport device 207 at approximately the same conveying speed

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- drove.

The loading aids 208 are then conveyed on the transport device 207 by means of the conveying devices 214a, 214b along the movement path 251 and the first loading aid 208 taken over by the transporting device 207 is positioned against the stop devices 243 arranged on the storage side and the subsequent loading aids 208 are stowed behind the first loading aid 208 as shown in Fig. lc.

If the loading aids 208 are now placed on the transport device 207, the transport device 207 is moved by means of the conveyor unit 204 from the front zone 283 into the storage position in front of the storage channel 282 determined by the computer system.

During the adjustment movement of the transport device 207, the positioning process of the loading aids 208 takes place on the platform 206, as is described with reference to FIGS. 1d to 1g.

The loading aids 208 must be positioned on the conveyor unit 204 in the storage channel 282 of the shelf compartment 209 before they are transferred. For this purpose, the second stop devices 244 are first moved from their starting position into the actuating position and the loading aids 208 are moved apart in groups by means of the conveyor devices 214a, 214b driven in the opposite conveying direction and positioned against the stop devices 243, 244 adjusted in the movement path 251, as shown in FIG shown and indicated by the arrows. If the loading aids 208 hit the stop devices 243, 244, the presence of the loading aids 208 is detected via sensors (not shown), for example light barriers, and the conveyor devices 214a, 214b are controlled and shut down by the computer system.

Then the middle third stop devices 245 are moved from their starting position into the actuating position and the retaining element 278 of the separating devices 256, 257 is adjusted into the separating position (FIGS. whereupon the conveying devices 214a, 214b are again driven in opposite directions, as shown in FIG. le indicated by the arrows, and thereby the foremost and rearmost loading aid means 208 and the preceding one in the transfer direction 210

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-13 moved towards each other against the stop devices 243, 244 positioned at the end. The loading aids 208 each run with their stacking edge 279 against the retaining element 278 of the separating devices 256, 257, as shown in FIG. 1e. At the same time, the inner loading aids 208 located between the outer loading aids 208 are also moved towards one another and positioned against the middle third stop devices 245, which have been moved into the actuating position, as also shown in FIG. 1e. If the inner loading aids 208 run against the stop devices 245, the presence of the inner loading aids 208 is detected via sensors (not shown), for example light barriers, and the conveyor devices 214a, 214b are controlled and shut down by the computer system.

In this way, a spacing gap 285 is formed between the respective outer and inner loading aid 208, which now enables the fourth and fifth stop devices 246, 247 to be moved from their starting position into the actuating position shown in FIG.

Thereafter, the retaining elements 278 are moved from their isolation position into the basic position (FIGS. 1g and 2a), which is lowered with respect to the conveying level 258, so that the loading aids 208 can be conveyed by means of the conveying devices 214a, 214b between the stop devices 243 to 247 along the path of movement 251. As in Fig. 1g, the loading aids 208 are preferably driven before their transfer into the storage channel 282 by driving the conveying devices 214a, 214b in the same direction in the opposite direction to the transfer direction 210 and all loading aids 208 are positioned against the stop devices 244 to 246. If all loading aids 208 run up against the stop devices 244 to 247, the presence of the inner and outer loading aids 208 is detected via the sensors and the conveying devices 214a, 214b are shut down.

Once the storage position has been reached, the transport device 207 has moved so far that its transport plane 258 formed by the transport devices 14a, 14b - as shown in FIGS Parking spaces 21 la to 21 ld of the storage channel 282 is positioned.

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-14To store the loading aids 208 in the storage channel 282, the telescopic arms 213a, 213b are extended synchronously and the loading aids 208 are pushed into the storage channel 282 on the parking spaces 211a to 211d, as shown in FIG. 1h. At the same time, the conveying devices 214a, 214b are also driven in the transfer direction 210. The conveying speed of the conveying devices 214a, 214b corresponds approximately to the extension speed of the telescopic arms 213a, 213b.

Thereafter, the telescopic arms 213a, 213b are moved from their closed position 217 into the open position 216 and the stop devices 243 to 247 from their actuating position into the starting position relative to the loading aids 208 so that the loading aids 208 are released and the telescopic arms 213a, 213b can retract.

When loading aids 208 are displayed from the shelf compartment 209, the telescopic arms 213a, 213b are moved into the open position 216 and fully extended. The telescopic arms 213a, 213b are then moved back into their closed position 217 and the stop devices 243 to 247 are moved from their starting position into the actuating position in which the stop devices 243, 245 to 247 are located behind the rear wall 286 of the stored loading aids 208. The telescopic arms 213a, 213b are then retracted onto the platform 206 and the loading aids 208 are pushed onto the conveying level 258 of the transport device 207. Simultaneously with the retraction of the telescopic arms 213a, 213b, the conveying devices 214a, 214b are driven against the transfer direction 210. The conveying speed of the conveying devices 214a, 214b corresponds approximately to the retraction speed of the telescopic arms 213a,

213b.

In FIGS. 5a to 5f, a further embodiment of the transport device 290 for introducing or Display of loading aids 208 in or out of a shelf compartment 209 of the shelf systems 201, 202 set up on both sides, which has a support plate 291 on which an extension unit with parallel telescopic arms 292a, 292b and between them a conveyor device 293, for example a two-track conveyor, is mounted is. The conveyor device 293 is coupled to a drive motor 294. In a storage channel 282 of a shelf compartment 209, two loading aids 208, for example with dimensions of 300 mm × 400 mm, can be placed one behind the other in the transfer direction 210.

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99 99 9 999 9999

The transport device 290 can also accommodate two loading aids 208 in transverse transport one behind the other.

As shown in FIG. 5a, a length 287 of the conveyor device 293 is greater than a longitudinal distance 288 between the first / second and third stop devices 296, 297, 298. The conveying device 293 preferably extends approximately over a length 287 which corresponds to a multiple of the longitudinal distance 288, so that two loading aids 208 can be received by the conveying level 258 forming the conveying device 293 and both loading aids 208 can be accommodated with the same feed or loading device. Driving force for positioning the loading support 208 are applied. The separating device 299 is arranged between the ends of the conveying device 293.

The telescopic arms 292a, 292b of the extension unit are adjustably mounted on the support plate 291 via a servomotor 300 of a first servo drive between an open position 216 moved apart and a closed position 217 moved towards each other, and via a drive motor 301 of a second servomotor with respect to the platform 206 to both Telescopically extendable directions as described above. The construction of the telescopic arms 213a, 213b corresponds to that described above and these have the support frame 223, middle and top slides 224, 225.

The transport device 290 or the telescopic arms 292a, 292b of the extension unit additionally comprise stop devices 296 to 298 which can be moved between the above-described starting position and actuation position via servomotors 295 that can be controlled independently of one another. The upper slides 225 of the telescopic arms 292a, 292b are each provided at opposite ends with a first and second stop device 296, 297 and between these with a middle third stop device 298.

The transport device 290 additionally has a separating device 299 between the first and second stop device 296, 297, which comprises the adjustable retaining element 278 described above.

The loading aids 208 are in turn conveyed by a conveyor device 284 into the pre-zone 283 and taken over by the transport device 290 and accumulated on the stop devices 296 opposite the take-over side, as shown in FIGS.

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<img file="AT506221A4_D0005.tif" />

• ····

5b and 5c. The conveying device 284 of the pre-zone 283 and the conveying device 293 of the transporting device 290 are driven at approximately the same conveying speed for the displacement movement of the loading aids 208 onto the transporting device 290.

If the loading aids 208 have now been positioned against the stop devices 296, the stop devices 297 on the transfer side are moved into the actuating position and the conveying device 293 is driven against the transfer direction 210 and the front loading aids 208 in the transfer direction 210 on the retaining element previously moved into the isolation position 278 withheld, while the rear loading aid 208 in the transfer direction 210 is positioned against the stop device 297, as shown in FIG. 5d. If the loading aid 208 has run into the stop devices 297, the presence of the loading aid 208 is detected via a sensor (not shown), for example a light barrier, and the conveying device 293 is controlled and stopped by the computer system.

As a result of the separation, the spacing gap 285 is formed between the loading aids 208, so that the middle third stop devices 298 can also be moved into the actuating position, as shown in FIG. 5e.

Thereafter, the retaining element 278 is moved from its isolation position into the basic position, which is lowered with respect to the conveying level 256, so that the loading aids 208 can be conveyed between the stop devices 296 to 297 by means of the conveying device 293 along the movement path 251.

As shown in FIG. 5f, the separated loading aids 208 are positioned against the stop devices 297, 298 before their transfer into the storage channel 282 by driving the conveying device 293 in the conveying direction opposite to the transfer direction 210. If the loading aids 208 hit the stop devices 297, 298, the presence of the front and rear loading aids 208 is detected via sensors (not shown), for example light barriers, and the conveying device 293 is controlled and stopped by the computer system.

Storage and retrieval are carried out in the same way as described above.

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<img file="AT506221A4_D0006.tif" />

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<img file="AT506221A4_D0007.tif" />

Finally, it should be pointed out that only one of the two telescopic arms 213a, 213b; 292a, 292b can be adjustable transversely to their longitudinal extent. Likewise, it can also be provided that the extension unit only has one, on the support plate 212; 291 mounted telescopic arm 213a, 213b; 292a, 292b and / or of the two telescopic arms 213a, 213b; 292a, 292b only one telescopic arm 213a, 213b; 292a, 292b with the stop devices 243 to 247; 296 to 298 is provided.

Even if the separating device 256, 257; 299 is arranged below the conveying level 258, it is just as possible for this to be arranged laterally to the path of movement 251 and for the retaining element 278, which can be moved between the basic position and the isolation position, between the side walls 254 of the loading aid 208 or in one arranged on the side wall 254 of a loading aid 208 Rib, groove or hole and the like. Engages positively.

The separating device 256, 257; 299 can be arranged above the movement path 251 of the loading aids 208 and accordingly the retaining element 278 is moved from above between the abutting loading aids 208 and the loading aids 208 are spaced from one another by the spacing gap 285.

For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that for a better understanding of the structure of the transport device 207; 290 these or their components have been shown partially not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced.

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6 9 4 · 9 9 4 · · • 4 9 9 9 · · » · * · · ·»···· · · · ·· ·· 99 9 499 9999

List of reference symbols

<td> 201</td><td>Shelving system</td><td></td><td></td>

<td> 202</td><td>Shelving system</td><td> 227</td><td>Side wall</td>

<td> 203</td><td>alley</td><td> 228</td><td>Side wall</td>

<td> 204</td><td>Delivery unit</td><td> 229</td><td>Side wall</td>

<td> 205</td><td>mast</td><td> 230</td><td>Guide arrangement</td>

<td></td><td></td><td> 231</td><td>Side guideway</td>

<td> 206</td><td>platform</td><td></td><td></td>

<td> 207</td><td>Transport device</td><td> 232</td><td>Elevation guideway</td>

<td> 208</td><td>Loading equipment</td><td> 233</td><td>Base</td>

<td> 209</td><td>Shelf compartment</td><td> 234</td><td>leg</td>

<td> 210</td><td>Transfer direction</td><td> 235</td><td>Guide arrangement</td>

<td></td><td></td><td> 236</td><td>Side guideway</td>

<td>211a</td><td>Parking space</td><td></td><td></td>

<td>211b</td><td>Parking space</td><td> 237</td><td>Elevation guideway</td>

<td>211c</td><td>Parking space</td><td> 238</td><td>bottom</td>

<td>211d</td><td>Parking space</td><td> 239</td><td>Top</td>

<td> 212</td><td>Support plate</td><td> 240</td><td>Guide bar</td>

<td></td><td></td><td> 241</td><td>Guide bar</td>

<td>213a</td><td>Telescopic arm</td><td></td><td></td>

<td>213b</td><td>Telescopic arm</td><td> 242</td><td>Sliding strip</td>

<td>214a</td><td>Conveyor device</td><td> 243</td><td>Stop device</td>

<td>214b</td><td>Conveyor</td><td> 244</td><td>Stop device</td>

<td>215a</td><td>Drive motor</td><td> 245</td><td>Stop device</td>

<td></td><td></td><td> 246</td><td>Stop device</td>

<td>215b</td><td>Drive motor</td><td></td><td></td>

<td> 216</td><td>Open position</td><td> 247</td><td>Stop device</td>

<td> 217</td><td>Closed position</td><td> 248</td><td>Servomotor</td>

<td> 218</td><td>Servomotor</td><td> 249</td><td>axis</td>

<td> 219</td><td>spindle</td><td> 250</td><td>Recess</td>

<td></td><td></td><td> 251</td><td>Movement path</td>

<td>220a</td><td>Bearing element</td><td></td><td></td>

<td>220b</td><td>Bearing element</td><td> 252</td><td>sensor</td>

<td>220c</td><td>Bearing element</td><td> 253</td><td>sensor</td>

<td> 221</td><td>mounting brackets</td><td> 254</td><td>Side wall</td>

<td>222a</td><td>Guide arrangement</td><td> 255</td><td>Alignment surface</td>

<td></td><td></td><td> 256</td><td>Separating device</td>

<td>222b</td><td>Guide arrangement</td><td></td><td></td>

<td> 223</td><td>Support frame</td><td> 257</td><td>Separating device</td>

<td> 224</td><td>Center slide</td><td> 258</td><td>Funding level</td>

<td> 225</td><td>Top slide</td><td> 259</td><td>Actuator</td>

<td> 226</td><td>Side wall</td><td> 260</td><td>drive wheel</td>

<td></td><td></td><td> 261</td><td>Deflection wheel</td>

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<td colspan="2"></td><td colspan="2"></td><td> • ··</td>

<td> •</td><td> • ·</td><td> • ·</td><td> • ·</td><td> • ·</td>

<td> •</td><td> • ·</td><td>• f</td><td> ···*</td><td> • ·</td>

<td> •</td><td> • ·</td><td> • ·</td><td> •</td><td> • ·</td>

<td> ··</td><td> ·«</td><td> ··</td><td> •</td><td> »·· ··«·</td>

<td>Deflection wheel</td><td> 296</td><td>Stop device</td>

<td>Tensioning wheel</td><td> 297</td><td>Stop device</td>

<td>Traction means</td><td> 298</td><td>Stop device</td>

<td>drive shaft</td><td> 299</td><td>Separating device</td>

<td>Drive motor</td><td> 300</td><td>Servomotor</td>

<td>Take-away organ</td><td> 301</td><td>Drive motor</td>

Traction means

Traction means

Clamp

Clamp

role

Clamp

Clamp

role

Guide element

Guide element

Retaining element

Stacking edge

Servomotor

Holding frame

Storage channel

Pre-zone

Conveyor device

Spacing gap

Back wall

length

In-line spacing

Transport device

Support plate

Telescopic arm Telescopic arm Conveyor device Drive motor Servomotor

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