WO2023115089A1 - Shelf storage system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a shelf storage system comprising a first storage shelf (2a) and a second storage shelf (2a), a shelf lane (3), maintenance corridors (4a, 4b, 4c) which run in the shelf lane and which comprise walkways (57) arranged in maintenance planes lying above one another, guide tracks (5a, 5b), and automated transport vehicles (6) which are movable along the guide tracks and comprise a transfer device (25). The shelf storage system moreover comprises a vertical corridor (7), a personnel passage (9a, 9b, 9c) per maintenance corridor and an ascent and/or descent unit (8) which has horizontal walkway sections (10, 10b, 10c, 90a, 90b, 90c) which are arranged at the height of the respective personnel passages and, starting from the vertical passage, protrude into one of the first and second storage shelves as far as the respective one of the personnel passages, and vertical walkway sections (11a, 11b, 11c, 91) which are assigned to the vertical corridor and connect the horizontal walkway sections. This arrangement makes it possible in particular for an operator to quickly exit a maintenance corridor if an emergency occurs, for example a fire.

Description

- 1 -

SHELF STORAGE SYSTEM

The invention relates to an (automated) shelf storage system as described in the preamble of claim 1.

Different configurations of an automated shelf storage system are known, for example, from WO 2013/090970 A2, EP 2 543 611 A1, EP 2 327 643 B1, WO 2010/118412 A1, EP 2 158 144 B1, DE 10 2004 007 412 A1, EP 2 132 113 Bl and DE 10 2011 012 424 A1. Such rack storage systems include a rack aisle unit, which has a first storage rack, a second storage rack, a rack aisle extending in a longitudinal direction (X) between the first storage rack and the second storage rack, maintenance aisles and guideways running in the rack aisle and one or more automated transport vehicles as well as a Has cargo manipulation unit for storing and retrieving cargo. The first storage rack and the second storage rack have rack locations for loads that are arranged one above the other in rack levels. The maintenance aisles have accessible walkways arranged in maintenance levels one above the other. The respective transport vehicle can be moved in the rack aisle along the guideways and includes a transfer device for transferring load goods between a respective rack location and the transport vehicle. In other words, a transport vehicle is used for storing cargo in the storage racks and retrieving cargo from the storage racks. The load manipulation unit usually includes a first load transport device for storing loads and a second load transport device for removing loads. In addition, the first load transport device (for storing load goods) can be assigned a first buffer device, which can hold loads that are picked up by the transport vehicles and then transported away to the rack locations. In addition, the second load transport device (for retrieving load goods) can be assigned a second buffer device, which can receive loads that are released by the transport vehicles and then transported away by the load transport device. Optionally, the rack storage system can include a transport vehicle lifting device for each rack aisle unit, which is set up to move a transport vehicle between different driving levels. - 2 -

In principle, the use of an ascent and/or descent device (ladder) in a shelf storage system is known, for example, from US 2021/0137264 A1 and US 2015/0259979 A1.

DE 102015 015 775 A1 discloses a rack storage system with rack aisle units as described above. In the maintenance aisles there is an escape opening for each walkway and in the area of the escape opening there is a ladder that can be swiveled down (by gravity) into the respective maintenance aisle below. In this way, especially in an emergency, a descent into the maintenance corridor below is made possible. In principle, an escape opening can also lead through the storage racks and connect maintenance aisles to adjacent rack aisle units. Finally, ascent and/or descent units are present at opposite front end areas of the rack aisle units. This means that a transport vehicle is absolutely necessary at each driving level. The arrangement of a transport vehicle lifting device, which is set up to transfer a transport vehicle between the different driving levels, is not possible. This results in a limited area of use for the known shelf storage system. In addition, the foldable ladder requires a relatively large amount of installation space in the vertical direction, so that the number of rack levels is also reduced in comparable rack storage systems.

DE 10 2019 102 804 A1 also discloses a rack storage system with rack aisle units, as described above. In addition, an escape ladder and fall protection are provided at one end of the shelf aisle. An escape route leads from a maintenance corridor in the shelf aisle via the fall protection to the escape ladder. The fall protection is movable between a normal position and an escape position. In the normal position, the path between a maintenance aisle and a lifting path of the lifting device is blocked for the maintenance personnel. In the escape position, the path between a maintenance aisle and a lifting path of the lifting device is released for the maintenance personnel. If an emergency, such as a fire, occurs while the maintenance personnel are in the aisle unit, the maintenance personnel can escape from the aisle unit using a relatively short escape route.

The loads referred to above can include containers, cartons, trays, pallets, hanging bags and the like. - 3 -

One object of the invention is to create a rack storage system in which an operator can access a maintenance aisle within a rack aisle and/or leave an operator from a maintenance aisle within a rack aisle in a particularly simple manner. In particular, a shelf storage system should be able to be built compactly and provide a higher storage capacity compared to the shelf storage systems known from the prior art. In particular, in an emergency, an operator should be able to access a maintenance aisle within a rack aisle and/or leave an operator from a maintenance aisle within a rack aisle particularly quickly.

The object of the invention is achieved in that the rack storage system has a first rack aisle unit, which first rack aisle unit comprises the following: a first storage rack, which has rack spaces for loads arranged in stacked rack levels (and forms opposite end faces in a longitudinal direction (X) of a rack aisle) , a second storage rack, which has rack spaces for loads arranged in rack levels one above the other (and forms opposite end faces in a longitudinal direction (X) of a rack aisle), a rack aisle that extends between the first storage rack and the second storage rack in a longitudinal direction (X) extends,

Maintenance aisles, which run in the shelf aisle and some of which include walkways arranged in superimposed maintenance levels,

Guideways, which run in the longitudinal direction (X), one or more automatically operated transport vehicles, which transport vehicle can be moved in the rack aisle along the guideways and includes a transfer device for transferring loads between a respective shelf location and the transport vehicle, - 4 - a vertical aisle which (preferably exclusively) runs in one of the first and second storage racks or which (preferably exclusively) is assigned to one of the first and second storage racks, and a passageway which (preferably exclusively) runs in one of the first and second storage racks (between the opposite end faces) is provided, in which the vertical passage also runs or to which the vertical passage is assigned, and via which pedestrian passageway a (essentially horizontal) connecting path (in the sense of a connecting section) is provided between the vertical passage and at least one of the maintenance passages , or one passageway for each maintenance aisle, which passageways (preferably exclusively) are provided in one of the first and second storage racks (between the opposite end faces), in which the vertical passageway also runs or to which the vertical passageway is assigned, and via which passageways (essentially horizontal) connecting paths (in the sense of connecting sections) are provided between the vertical aisle and the maintenance aisles, and an ascent and/or descent unit which has one or more horizontal walkway sections, which horizontal walkway section is arranged at the height of the pedestrian passage and starting from the vertical aisle in one of the first and second storage racks as far as the pedestrian aisle, or which horizontal walkway sections are arranged at the level of the respective pedestrian aisles and, starting from the vertical aisle, protrude into one of the first and second storage racks up to the respective pedestrian aisle, has one or more vertical walkway sections, which vertical walkway section is assigned to the vertical aisle and adjoins the horizontal walkway section, or which vertical walkway section is associated with the vertical walkway and connects the horizontal walkway sections.

It should be pointed out at this point that although the term operator is used in the context of the invention, it can also be understood to mean a maintenance person, a rescue worker from a medical service or a fire brigade or the like. - 5 -

It can prove advantageous if, according to a first embodiment, the ascent and/or descent unit is arranged within a storage rack, in particular within one of the storage racks of the first rack aisle unit.

In particular, the ascent and/or descent unit can be provided with a vertical walkway section if one vertical walkway section is arranged, or with a plurality of vertical walkway sections if a plurality of vertical walkway sections are arranged, and with a horizontal walkway section if a horizontal walkway section is arranged, or with a plurality of horizontal walkway sections if several horizontal walkway sections are arranged, are each arranged within a storage rack, in particular within one of the storage racks.

A storage rack, in particular one of the storage racks, forms the vertical aisle in which the one vertical walkway section or the multiple vertical walkway sections of the ascent and/or descent unit are arranged. The several vertical walkway sections can be arranged in alignment one above the other or offset from one another. It can prove advantageous if the vertical corridor is adapted to the arrangement of the vertical walkway sections. While according to the first embodiment the vertical corridor is essentially the same as a vertical shaft, according to the second embodiment the vertical corridor is divided into several vertical corridor segments. A vertical aisle segment can run between horizontal walkway sections arranged one above the other.

It is preferably provided that the area in a storage rack, in particular in one of the storage racks of the first rack aisle unit, in which the ascent and/or descent unit with the vertical walkway section(s) and horizontal walkway section(s) are arranged, is free of rack spaces, so that an operator can move (upright) there.

According to a second embodiment, the ascent and/or descent unit can be arranged partly outside the storage rack, but is connected to a storage rack, in particular to one of the storage racks of the first rack aisle unit. - 6 -

In particular, the ascent and/or descent unit can be arranged with a vertical walkway section, if a vertical walkway section is arranged, or with a plurality of vertical walkway sections, if several vertical walkway sections are arranged, in front of a storage rack, in particular in front of one of the storage racks of the first rack aisle unit, and with a horizontal walkway section, if a horizontal walkway section is arranged, or several horizontal walkway sections, if several horizontal walkway sections are arranged, protrude into a storage rack, in particular one of the storage racks of the first rack aisle unit.

The vertical aisle is arranged in front of a storage rack, in particular arranged in front of one of the storage racks of the first rack aisle unit, in which the one vertical walkway section or the several vertical walkway sections of the ascent and/or descent unit are arranged.

It is possible that the vertical walkway section, if one vertical walkway section is arranged, or the several vertical walkway sections, if several vertical walkway sections are arranged, on the one hand adjoin one of the storage racks of the first rack aisle unit or on the other hand are arranged at a distance from one of the storage racks of the first rack aisle unit.

The multiple vertical walkway sections may be aligned one above the other or offset from one another. It can prove advantageous if the vertical corridor is adapted to the arrangement of the vertical walkway sections. While according to the first embodiment the vertical corridor is essentially the same as a vertical shaft, according to the second embodiment the vertical corridor is divided into several vertical corridor segments. A vertical aisle segment can run in sections between horizontal walkways arranged one above the other.

It is preferably provided that the area in a storage rack, in particular in one of the storage racks of the first rack aisle unit, in which the ascent and/or descent unit with the horizontal walkway section(s) is arranged, is free of rack spaces, so that an operator ( upright) can move. - 7 -

In principle, however, the ascent and/or descent unit can also be regarded as part of the storage rack according to this embodiment.

According to the embodiments described above, a vertical aisle can run in one of the first and second storage racks or a vertical aisle can be assigned to one of the first and second storage racks.

Like the vertical passage, the ascent and/or descent unit is arranged outside of the maintenance passages. As a result, there are no obstacles in the maintenance aisle that prevent leaving or entering the maintenance aisle.

According to the invention, it is provided that, according to a first embodiment, in the storage rack in which the vertical aisle runs or to which the vertical aisle is assigned, a single pedestrian passage is arranged, via which pedestrian passage a connecting path is provided between the vertical aisle and at least one of the maintenance aisles, or according to a second embodiment, in the storage rack in which the vertical aisle also runs or to which the vertical aisle is assigned, a plurality of pedestrian aisles are arranged, via which pedestrian aisles several (separate) connecting paths between the vertical aisle and the maintenance aisles are provided.

As described, it is possible, on the one hand, for the one or more pedestrian aisles and the vertical aisle to be arranged in only one of the first and second storage racks.

On the other hand, it is possible that the one or more passages for people are arranged in only one of the first and second storage racks and the vertical aisle is assigned to one of the first and second storage racks and leads to this one of the first and second storage racks.

It is preferably provided that the area in a storage rack, in particular in one of the storage racks of the first rack aisle unit, in which the pedestrian passage or pedestrian passages are arranged, is free of shelf space, so that an operator can move (upright) there. - 8th -

If a single pedestrian passage is provided, the ascent and/or descent unit comprises a horizontal walkway section at the height of the pedestrian passage and a vertical walkway section adjoining the horizontal walkway section, so that an operator can move via the vertical walkway section and horizontal walkway section to the pedestrian passage.

If, on the other hand, several pedestrian passages are provided, the ascent and/or descent unit comprises several horizontal walkway sections each at the height of a pedestrian passage and vertical walkway sections connecting the horizontal walkway sections, so that an operator can move via the vertical walkway sections and horizontal walkway sections to the pedestrian passages.

It is particularly advantageous if the first and/or second storage rack of the first rack aisle unit forms opposite end faces in a longitudinal direction (X) of the rack aisle. The one pedestrian passage or the multiple pedestrian passages of the first rack aisle unit are each arranged in one of the first and second storage racks between the opposite end faces.

Provision can be made for a walkway of the horizontal walkway section and a walkway of the maintenance corridor to be arranged in a barrier-free manner, in particular at essentially the same height level. "Essentially the same height level" is to be understood in such a way that there can be no step or a step of a few centimeters between a walkway of the horizontal walkway section and a walkway of the maintenance corridor.

In particular, it can also prove advantageous if the one or more horizontal walkway sections and/or the one or more vertical walkway sections of the ascent and/or descent unit are arranged in a stationary manner.

If, according to one embodiment, a vertical walkway section is provided, then this connects all horizontal walkway sections of the first shelf aisle unit that are arranged one above the other. If, according to another embodiment, several vertical walkway sections are provided, one vertical walkway section in each case connects two horizontal walkway sections of the first shelf aisle unit arranged one above the other. - 9 -

In principle, the ascent and/or descent unit can be designed as a ladder or comprise one. However, the ascent and/or descent unit can also be designed as a stairway or comprise one. In this way, in particular, a comparatively comfortable exit from one or more maintenance aisles or access to one or more maintenance aisles can be implemented.

As described, only some maintenance aisles in superimposed maintenance levels may include walking walkways. For reasons of simplicity, it can prove advantageous if the maintenance aisle close to the ground does not also include a walkway. In practice, however, it is more common for the ground-level maintenance corridor to also include a walkway. Thus, each of the maintenance aisles in superimposed maintenance levels would include accessible walkways.

The embodiment according to the invention enables a particularly quick exit from a rack aisle unit from a maintenance aisle via the pedestrian passage and the ascent and/or descent unit.

This is particularly important when an operator is in a maintenance corridor, for example, because of troubleshooting or maintenance work, and an emergency (emergency that is hazardous to health or life-threatening) occurs. In an emergency, the operator must leave a rack aisle unit particularly quickly. The emergency can be triggered by a fire, an earthquake, a storm, a power failure or a flood.

In addition, for example, a medical emergency involving the operator is conceivable. In this case, the embodiment according to the invention is intended to enable particularly quick access to a shelf aisle unit for a maintenance aisle via the ascent and/or descent unit and the pedestrian passage. For example, an access for a rescue service and a fire brigade can now be created.

Irrespective of this, even if there is no emergency, an operator can either leave a shelf aisle unit from a maintenance aisle via the pedestrian aisle and the ascent and/or descent unit, or into a shelf aisle unit for a maintenance aisle via the ascent and/or descent unit and the pedestrian aisle occur if this proves to be favourable. - 10 -

Thus, the shelf storage system according to the invention primarily provides a particularly safe emergency and/or escape route option and, secondarily, a particularly targeted access option. The possibility of access is by no means mandatory, but should be seen as an optional possibility.

In addition, significantly less shelf space is lost in the shelf storage system according to the invention compared to the shelf storage system known from the prior art with escape ladders that can be pivoted into the respective maintenance aisle according to DE 10 2015 015 775 A1. This is mainly because, according to DE 102015 015 775 A1, the retractable escape ladder requires a relatively large amount of installation space, which reduces the usable storage volume and, consequently, the number of shelf spaces.

The loss of shelf space becomes all the more serious the longer the storage shelves are designed. For example, the loss of shelf space compared to the shelf storage system according to the invention is already twice as high when the storage shelves have a height of about 12 meters and a length of about 64 meters.

According to one development of the invention, the rack storage system also has a second rack aisle unit, which second rack aisle unit comprises a first storage rack, which has rack locations for loads arranged in stacked rack levels (and forms opposite end faces in a longitudinal direction (X) of a rack aisle). second storage rack, which has rack spaces for loads arranged in rack levels one above the other (and forms opposite end faces in a longitudinal direction (X) of a rack aisle), a rack aisle that extends in a longitudinal direction (X) between the first storage rack and the second storage rack,

Maintenance aisles, which run in the shelf aisle and some of which include walkways arranged in superimposed maintenance levels,

Guideways running in the longitudinal direction (X), - 11 - one or more automatically operated transport vehicles, which transport vehicle can be moved along the guideways in the aisle and includes a transfer device for transferring loads between a respective shelf space and the transport vehicle, optionally a vertical aisle, which (preferably exclusively) is in one of the first and second storage racks, or possibly a vertical aisle, which (preferably exclusively) is assigned to one of the first and second storage racks, and a pedestrian passageway, which is provided in one of the first and second storage racks (between the opposite end faces), in which possibly also the vertical aisle runs, or to which the vertical aisle (the first aisle unit and/or the second aisle unit) is assigned, and via which pedestrian aisle a (essentially horizontal) connecting path (in the sense of a connecting section) is provided between the vertical aisle and at least one of the maintenance aisles, or one pedestrian passage per maintenance aisle, which pedestrian passages are provided in one of the first and second storage racks (between the opposite end faces), in which the vertical aisle may also run, or to which the vertical aisle (of the first rack aisle unit and/or the second rack aisle unit) is assigned and via which pedestrian passageways (essentially horizontal) connecting routes (in the sense of connecting routes) are provided between the vertical corridor and the maintenance corridors, and an ascent and/or descent unit, which has one or more horizontal walkway sections, which horizontal walkway section is level with the pedestrian passageway is arranged and, starting from the vertical aisle, protrudes into one of the first and second storage racks up to the pedestrian passage, or which horizontal walkway sections are arranged at the level of the respective pedestrian passages and, starting from the vertical aisle, protrudes into one of the first and second storage racks up to the respective pedestrian passage, one or more vertical walkway sections which vertical walkway section is associated with the vertical corridor and connects to the horizontal walkway section, or which vertical walkway section is associated with the vertical corridor and connects the horizontal walkway sections. - 12 -

The second aisle unit essentially corresponds to the design of the first aisle unit. Thus, what was said above for the first aisle unit essentially also applies to the second aisle unit.

In particular, the rack storage system assembled in a modular manner from a plurality of rack aisle units provides an optimal, safe emergency and/or escape route option and, if necessary, a targeted access option for each rack aisle unit. According to this embodiment, too, the possibility of access is in no way mandatory, but is to be seen as an optional possibility.

In addition, troubleshooting and/or maintenance work can be carried out in each aisle unit independently of another aisle unit. For example, while maintenance work is being carried out on a transport vehicle in the first aisle unit, the storage and retrieval of cargo can continue without restriction in the second aisle unit.

If, according to one embodiment, a vertical walkway section is provided, then this connects all of the horizontal walkway sections, which are arranged one above the other, of the second shelf aisle unit. If, according to another embodiment, several vertical walkway sections are provided, one vertical walkway section in each case connects two horizontal walkway sections of the second shelf aisle unit arranged one above the other.

In particular, an embodiment is also possible according to which the second (additional) shelf aisle unit is not necessarily provided with a vertical aisle in one of the first and second storage shelves. The one or more vertical walkway sections can be assigned to a vertical aisle, which is arranged, for example, in one of the first and second storage racks of the first rack aisle unit or which is arranged outside of one of the first and second storage racks of the first rack aisle unit and/or second rack aisle unit.

In other words, the second (additional) aisle unit can optionally also be designed without an (independent) vertical aisle, since a vertical aisle assigned to the second (additional) aisle unit is used. - 13 -

It is particularly advantageous if the first and/or second storage rack of the second (additional) rack aisle unit forms opposite end faces in a longitudinal direction (X) of the rack aisle. The one pedestrian passage or the multiple pedestrian passages of the second (additional) shelf aisle unit are each arranged in one of the first and second storage shelves between the opposite end faces.

It can prove to be advantageous if, in addition, a person access is provided for each maintenance aisle for access to the relevant maintenance aisle from one end of the shelf aisle unit.

If a first aisle unit and a second aisle unit are provided, there is also one person access for each maintenance aisle on a front side of the first aisle unit and one person access for each maintenance aisle on a front side of the second aisle unit.

Such personal access is primarily used as access to the maintenance aisle, particularly when maintenance work or troubleshooting is required in the aisle. Personnel access comprises fixed access platforms on the front side of the rack aisle unit, which can be reached via a fixed set of stairs. In addition, the personal access includes an openable or closable access door. In other words, each maintenance aisle is assigned an access platform and an openable or closable access door, so that an operator can enter the respective maintenance aisle from the respective access platform via the respective access door. The access door can also be locked and unlocked. A corresponding status of the access door can be monitored with a sensor (position switch light button or a light barrier) and output as a status signal. The sensor is arranged to detect opening of a closed access door. Optionally, the personal access can include a switching device for switching between an automatic mode and a safety mode for transport vehicles and/or a cargo manipulation unit. For this purpose, the switching device comprises a switching means, by means of which it is possible to switch manually between automatic mode and safety mode, and an output means, at which an access message for the safe access of the operator to a maintenance corridor is signaled. A method for safe operation is described in detail in WO 2016/033628 A1 - 14 - of a shelf storage system and a possible design of such a shelf storage system.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the first storage rack additionally comprises front shelf uprights, rear shelf uprights, front longitudinal crossbars fastened one above the other on the front uprights and rear longitudinal crossbars fastened one above the other on the rear uprights, and the second storage rack additionally includes front shelf uprights, rear shelf uprights, fastened one above the other on the front uprights front longitudinal beams and rear longitudinal beams fastened one above the other on the rear shelf uprights.

The storage shelves can thus each comprise vertical front shelf uprights adjacent to the aisle and vertical rear shelf uprights remote from the aisle. The front shelf uprights are connected to front longitudinal beams running horizontally in the direction of the aisle and/or the rear uprights are connected to rear longitudinal beams running horizontally in the direction of the aisle. Between the front and rear longitudinal beams, a storage area is provided for each shelf level, which forms the shelf locations on which the goods can be placed. For example, the storage area includes cross members which extend horizontally in a depth direction (Z-direction) of the storage rack. In this case, the crossbeams form the shelves on the top.

Each storage rack preferably forms a plurality of rack locations next to one another in stacked rack levels, which are arranged on the storage area in the Z-direction between the front longitudinal beams and the rear longitudinal beams of the storage rack.

It also proves advantageous if the guideways are provided on at least some of the front longitudinal beams of the first storage rack and/or second storage rack and that the transport vehicle can be moved along the guideways in the rack aisle.

This design allows the use of differently designed transport vehicles. Depending on this, the guideways are provided on the front longitudinal beams of the first storage rack and/or second storage rack or are provided separately from the longitudinal beams of the first storage rack and/or second storage rack, for example on guide rails which are arranged in the respective maintenance aisle on the lower walkway and upper walkway. - 15 -

According to a first embodiment, the transport vehicle is a single-level storage and retrieval device, which is moved along guideways that are arranged in pairs in driving levels one above the other. The first guide track is provided on the front longitudinal beam of the first eager rack and the second guide track is provided on the front longitudinal beam of the second storage rack. Such a single-level storage and retrieval device or such an arrangement of single-level storage and retrieval devices is described, for example, in WO 2016/168878 A1.

According to a second embodiment, the transport vehicle is a multi-level storage and retrieval device, which is moved along guideways that are arranged in driving levels one above the other. If a single multi-level stacker crane is arranged in a maintenance aisle, the first guideway is provided on one of the front longitudinal beams and the second guideway on another of the front longitudinal beams of the first or second storage rack. If, on the other hand, several multi-level stacker cranes are arranged in a maintenance aisle, the first guideway is provided on one of the front longitudinal beams and the second guideway on another of the front longitudinal beams of the first storage rack and a first transport vehicle can be moved along these guideways, and the first guideway on one of the front longitudinal beams and the second guide track is provided on another of the front longitudinal beams of the second storage rack and a second transport vehicle can be moved along these guide tracks. Such a multi-level storage and retrieval device or such an arrangement of multi-level storage and retrieval devices is described, for example, in WO 2012/113681 A1.

According to a third embodiment, the transport vehicle is a multi-level storage and retrieval device, which is moved along guideways that are arranged in driving levels one above the other. The first guide track is independent of the front longitudinal beams in the maintenance aisle, for example on a guide rail which is arranged in the respective maintenance aisle on the lower sidewalk, and the second guide track is independent of the front longitudinal beams in the maintenance aisle, for example on a guide rail which is in the respective maintenance aisle located on the upper walkway, provided. Such a multi-level storage and retrieval device or such an arrangement of multi-level storage and retrieval devices is described, for example, in FIG. 5 of WO 2016/033628 A1. - 16 -

In general, the one or more transport vehicles, in particular the drive motors and/or the controller of a transport vehicle, can be supplied with energy and/or data via a conductor line arrangement. The conductor rail arrangement is arranged on one of the front longitudinal beams (first embodiment or second embodiment, as described above) or parallel to one of the guide rails (third embodiment, as described above) for each travel level and extends over the entire length of the front longitudinal beams or guide rail.

It can also prove to be advantageous if the guideways are arranged in pairs in driving levels one above the other and one of the guideways forms a first guide and a second guide for each driving level.

One of the guideways preferably forms a first guide and a second guide for each travel level, and the other of the guideways forms exclusively a first guide.

In particular, single-level storage and retrieval devices can be used, which are operated independently of one another in order to store cargo in the storage racks and to retrieve cargo from the storage racks. A particularly high storage and retrieval performance can thus be achieved. Reliable operation is made possible in particular by the first and second guidance, even if very high driving speeds are selected. Such a management concept for a single-level storage and retrieval device is described, for example, in WO 2013/006879 A2 or WO 2016/191777 A1.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the transport vehicle additionally comprises a base frame,

Running wheels, of which first running wheels on a first side of the vehicle can be rolled on the first guide of a first guideway and second running wheels can be rolled on a second side of the vehicle on the first guide of a second guide rail, and wherein the wheels are rotatably mounted on the base frame, a travel drive, which with is coupled to at least one impeller, - 17 - the transfer device for transferring loads between a respective shelf space and the transport vehicle, and optionally at least one guide unit, which is mounted on the base frame and which rests on both sides of the second guide and on the second guide on guides facing away from each other and can be rolled off Has guide wheels to move the transport vehicle out on the driving movement along one of the first and second guideways.

Such a transport vehicle corresponds to the single-level storage and retrieval device described above, which can transport at least one load on a receiving platform and is moved along the guideways. During the travel movement, the transport vehicle is guided by the at least one guide unit along the second guide of one of the first and second guide tracks, so that loads can be reliably transferred between a respective shelf space and the transport vehicle. The transfer of cargo includes depositing cargo on the shelf locations and retrieving cargo from the shelf locations. Storing cargo on the shelf locations and/or removing cargo from the shelf locations is described, for example, in WO 2016/168878 A1. Such single-level storage and retrieval devices can be moved particularly dynamically, which leads to the aforementioned high storage and retrieval performance.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a transport vehicle lifting device is additionally provided, by means of which the one or more transport vehicles can be transported between driving levels lying one above the other.

Such a transport vehicle lifting device is primarily used when there are fewer transport vehicles than driving levels in each rack aisle and transport vehicles therefore have to be moved between the respective driving levels by means of the transport vehicle lifting device. In particular, the transport vehicle lifting device has a vertically adjustable receiving device, on which a transport vehicle can be received and transported (vertically) between the driving levels. An advantageous embodiment of such a transport vehicle lifting device is described, for example, in WO 2021/108827 A1. - 18 -

The transport vehicle lifting device is advantageously arranged on a front side of the first shelf aisle unit. If a first aisle unit and a second aisle unit are provided, a first transport vehicle lifting device is arranged on a front side of the first aisle unit and a second transport vehicle lifting device is arranged on a front side of the second aisle unit. If the one or more access points for people described above are provided according to claim 3 and the one or more transport vehicle lifting devices according to claim 8, the one or more access points for people can be attached to a first end face of a rack aisle unit and the one or more transport vehicle lifting devices be arranged on a second end face of a shelf aisle unit.

For each travel level, stop devices can be provided at the opposite ends of the rack aisles in the longitudinal direction (X).

While a first stop device with stationary stop buffers is arranged at that end of the aisle facing away from the transport vehicle lifting device, a second stop device with stop buffers is provided at that end of the shelf aisle facing the transport vehicle lifting device, which stop buffers move between a stop position moved into the path of the transport vehicle and a stop position out of the path the transport vehicle moved out release position are movable.

If a transport vehicle on a travel level is to be taken over by the pick-up device of the transport vehicle lifting device or released from the pick-up device onto the aisle, the stop buffers are moved from the stop position to the release position. In the release position, the transport vehicle can drive past the second stop device. If the transport vehicle is located completely on the receiving device or completely within the aisle, the stop buffers can in turn be moved into the stop position in which the transport vehicle can be blocked. Basically, it should be noted that the stop devices are only effective in the event of a malfunction, for example if the transport vehicle is not decelerating properly and it can collide with one of the stop devices.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, each stop buffer is arranged on a pivoting flap, the pivoting axis of which runs parallel to the shelf aisle. The - 19 - Stop device is stationary, but the stop buffer is arranged on a pivoting flap. This achieves a space-saving arrangement that works reliably.

An advantageous configuration and arrangement of a second stop device is described, for example, in WO 2021/108827 A1.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the rack storage system, in particular the first rack aisle unit and the second rack aisle unit, if a second rack aisle unit is provided, can also include a conveyor system for transporting loads, a load manipulation unit, to which the conveyor system for transporting load goods is connected and which Storing cargo has a first cargo transport device and a first buffer device and for delivery of cargo has a second cargo transport device and a second buffer device, wherein the first buffer device has staging devices arranged in staging levels one above the other and the second buffer device has staging devices arranged in staging levels one above the other and wherein the first load transport device connects the conveyor technology for transporting load goods and the staging devices of the first buffer device in terms of conveying technology, and wherein the second load transport device connects the conveyor technology for transporting load goods and the staging devices of the second buffer device in terms of conveyor technology, and wherein the one or more transport vehicles in the shelf aisle can be moved along the front longitudinal beams in front of the shelves, the first buffer device and the second buffer device and transports the load between the first buffer device and the shelves or between the shelves and the second buffer device. - 20 -

The conveyor system for transporting cargo can include a first conveyor for transporting cargo, by means of which the cargo is transported to the first cargo transport device.

The conveyor system for transporting cargo can include a second conveyor for removing cargo, by means of which the cargo is transported away from the second cargo transport device.

The first load transport device is used for the vertical transport of a load between the first conveyor device and one of the delivery devices of the first buffer device. If several loads are picked up on the first load transport device, the multiple loads can be delivered to one or more of the staging devices of the first buffer device.

The second load transport device is used for the vertical transport of a load between one of the provision devices of the second buffer device and the second conveyor device. If several loads can be accommodated on the second load transport device, the multiple loads can be taken over by one or more of the staging devices of the second buffer device.

The one or more transport vehicles are used for the horizontal transport of a load between a staging device of the first buffer device and a shelf space of the first/second storage shelf (inserts).

The one or more transport vehicles are used for the horizontal transport of a load between a shelf space of the first/second storage shelf and a provision device of the second buffer device (delivery device).

The one or more transport vehicles can thus be used for storing cargo as well as for retrieving cargo.

Different designs and arrangements of the first load transport device, first buffer device, second load transport device and second buffer device are described in WO 2013/090970 A2 or WO 2020/113249 A1. - 21 -

An embodiment is therefore possible in which the load manipulation unit uses a first load transport device and a second load transport device as a combined load transport device for storing and retrieving loads. The first buffering device is arranged on a first side relative to the load transport device and the second buffering device is arranged on a second side relative to the load transport device. The one or more transport vehicles can drive to the first buffer device for storage and drive to the second buffer device for retrieval. For this purpose it is provided that the guide tracks run past the first buffer device, the load transport device and the second buffer device.

The delivery devices can have passive delivery devices (without a conveyor element) or active delivery devices (with at least one motor-driven delivery element). A staging device can accommodate or buffer one or more loads.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the transport vehicle comprises an electronic controller, a travel drive for driving the transport vehicle and a transfer drive for driving the transfer device, which electronic controller is connected to the travel drive and to the transfer drive, a switching device is provided by means of which it is possible to switch between automatic mode and safety mode for the one or more transport vehicles, a central control unit is provided, which in turn communicates (via a first data line) with the electronic controller of the transport vehicle and (via a second data line) with the switching device (data-related ) is connected, whereby the automatic mode switches to the safety mode for the one or more transport vehicles if access by an operator to one of the maintenance aisles is registered at the switching device and the operator wants to enter one of the maintenance aisles via a passageway, - 22 - in which the central control unit controls one or more transport vehicles in automatic mode in such a way that the transport vehicle moves along the aisle to the shelf locations and transfers the load onto the shelf locations and/or transfers the load from the shelf locations, and wherein the central In safety mode, the control unit controls the one or more transport vehicles in such a way that the transport vehicle moves to a predefined stopping position and/or is placed in a rest state that is safe and/or motionless for an operator until the electronic controller receives an enabling signal from the central control unit and the one transport vehicle is switched back to automatic mode or the plurality of transport vehicles are switched back to automatic mode.

If an operator wants to enter the maintenance corridor via a passageway according to claim 1 or 2, for example to carry out maintenance work on a transport vehicle, on the load manipulation unit and/or on the storage shelves or to eliminate a fault in the manipulation of loads, the Move the operator into the danger area of the autonomously moving transport vehicle. In this case, it must be ensured that automatic mode has been switched to safety mode at this point in time. In safety operation, the one or more transport vehicles must have been switched to a safe rest state so that the operator is not exposed to any risk of injury.

If the first shelf aisle unit according to claim 1 comprises a single pedestrian passage, a switching device is assigned to this one pedestrian passage. On the other hand, if several pedestrian passages are provided on the first shelf aisle unit according to claim 1, each pedestrian passage is assigned a switching device.

If the first aisle unit and the second aisle unit according to claims 1 and 2 each have a single passageway, a switching device is assigned to one passageway of the first aisle unit and a switching device is assigned to one passageway of the second aisle unit. If, on the other hand, several pedestrian passages are provided on the first shelf aisle unit and second shelf aisle unit according to claim 1 and 2, each pedestrian passage of the first shelf aisle unit is - 23 - assigned a switching device and each pedestrian passage of the second shelf aisle unit.

The one or more switching devices communicate with a central control unit. The switching device is preferably arranged in the pedestrian passage near an access door according to claim 12 if a pedestrian passage is provided, and the switching devices per pedestrian passage are arranged near the access doors according to claim 12 if several pedestrian passages are provided.

According to one embodiment, the respective switching device can be physically adjusted with an access key between an automatic position, in which automatic operation of the transport vehicles is enabled, and a maintenance position, in which safe operation of the transport vehicles is enabled. Provision can advantageously be made for the access key to be physically permanently connected to the respective switching device in the automatic position and for it to be physically detachable from the switching device in the maintenance position in order to open an access door of a pedestrian passageway.

However, a switching device can also be formed by a mobile computer unit.

As a result of the aforementioned measures, the operator is able to access a maintenance aisle via the pedestrian aisle without danger, which fulfills the safety requirements.

According to one embodiment, it is advantageously provided that the one or more pedestrian passages each comprise a passage, which passage lies in a plane spanning in the longitudinal direction (X) and a vertical direction (Y).

As a result, an operator can comfortably leave or enter a maintenance aisle essentially on a horizontal path.

According to an advantageous development, it can be provided that the one or more pedestrian passages and the respective passage assigned an access door, which access door between an open position, in which an operator is allowed access to the maintenance corridor, and a closed position, in which an operator access to the maintenance passage is prevented, is movable. - 24 -

As a result, reliable and secure access control can be implemented in a comparatively simple manner. A pedestrian passage and an access door assigned to it can be arranged almost arbitrarily along the longitudinal direction (X) on a storage rack, in particular on (just) one of the storage racks of the rack aisle unit. Such a pedestrian passage and/or such an access door can already be taken into account in the (structural) design of a storage rack. This can mean that the front shelf uprights and/or rear shelf uprights and/or front longitudinal beams and/or rear longitudinal beams and/or shelf levels with the shelf locations in the arrangement, in particular in terms of position, are matched to one another and connected to one another to form a storage shelf, that a pedestrian passage and/or an access door can be provided. It is therefore possible for a storage rack to be built with a passage for people and/or an access door as early as the realization phase. However, it is also possible for a pedestrian passage and/or an access door to be retrofitted to a storage rack of an existing rack storage system. For example, in the area of a planned pedestrian passage, a passage section, in particular an interruption section, can be provided in such a way that the front longitudinal beams in the passage section have an additional and removable longitudinal beam section for each front longitudinal beam. A removable longitudinal beam section for each front longitudinal beam is arranged between the front longitudinal beams in such a way that end faces of a removable longitudinal beam section that face away from one another are aligned with the facing end faces of the front longitudinal beams. In addition, the longitudinal beam section provided and removable for each front longitudinal beam can be detachably connected at the ends facing away from one another via connecting means to the facing ends of the front longitudinal beams, for example via screw connections. If the stringer sections are removed by disconnecting the connection between the removable stringer sections and forward stringers, an access door can be retrofitted.

It has proven to be advantageous that in the opening s position the access door can release or open a connecting path between the vertical aisle and at least one of the maintenance aisles if passage of persons is provided, or that in the opening s position the respective access door has a respective connecting path between can release or open the vertical aisle and the respective maintenance aisle, if several - 25 - pedestrian passages are provided. The connection path can be understood as a "continuous" connection path.

It has proven to be advantageous that, in the closed position, the access door can close a connecting path between the vertical aisle and at least one of the maintenance aisles, if pedestrian access is provided, or that in the closed position the respective access door can close a respective connecting path between the vertical aisle and the respective Maintenance aisle can close if several pedestrian passages are provided. The connection path can be understood as an "interrupted" connection path.

According to a further embodiment, it can advantageously be provided that those front longitudinal beams which cross or would cross the pedestrian passage in the longitudinal direction (X) form a passage section in the area of the passage and end with their front ends at the passage, the access door comprises a support frame, to which longitudinal traverse sections are fastened and arranged in such a way that in the closed position of the access door the longitudinal traverse sections run as an extension of those front longitudinal traverses which form the passage section, with the front ends of the respective longitudinal traverse sections pointing towards the front ends of the respective front longitudinal traverses, so that an im A substantially gap-free transition between the respective front longitudinal beams and the respective longitudinal beam sections is created.

This has the advantage that the longitudinal traverse sections arranged spaced apart in the vertical direction (Y) can be moved together (simultaneously) with the support frame of the access door into the open position or closed position. Such an access door with longitudinal traverse sections can advantageously be prefabricated in the factory, post-processing on the construction site can be omitted.

A pedestrian passage and an access door associated therewith can be arranged between opposite ends of a storage rack in which the vertical passage runs or to which the vertical passage leads, for example in the first third, second third or third third. - 26 -

If, according to a first embodiment, said pedestrian passage and an access door associated therewith are arranged in the first third near the front end of said storage rack, the front longitudinal traverses end on a first passage side and relative to the pedestrian passage in front of the access door. The longitudinal beam sections on the access door accordingly "extend" the front longitudinal beams to the end of the aisle, so that one or more automated transport vehicles can move to the end of the aisle.

If, according to a second embodiment, said pedestrian passage and an associated access door are arranged between the front ends of said storage rack, for example in the second third of said storage rack, the front longitudinal bars on both sides of a pedestrian passage are aligned with one another. Accordingly, front longitudinal traverses are arranged on a first passage side relative to the pedestrian passage in front of the access door and front longitudinal traverses are arranged on a second passage side relative to the pedestrian passage after the access door. The longitudinal traverse sections on the access door therefore “override” the front longitudinal traverses, so that one or more automated transport vehicles can move between the end of the aisle and pass through a passage for people.

According to the first and second embodiment, the one or more automated transport vehicles can be approached in the storage rack in which there is no vertical aisle or to which no vertical aisle is assigned, in order to use the transfer device to transfer loads between a respective rack space and the transport vehicle.

According to a development, it can advantageously be provided that the access door with the support frame is mounted on one of the first and second storage racks via a linear guide or a pivot bearing.

This enables a comparatively simple installation and ergonomic operation of the access door.

According to an advantageous embodiment it can be provided that the pedestrian passage includes a sensor through which the access door in the open position and / or in the - 27 -

Closed position can be monitored and through which a status signal can be emitted in the open position and/or in the closed position.

The sensor may include a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor can monitor the open position and the second sensor can monitor the closed position. However, the sensor can also include only one sensor, which monitors either the open position or the closed position.

Accordingly, a status signal can be issued, which can contain, for example, the information that the access door is “kept open” and/or “kept closed”.

As a result, a comparatively simple possibility for monitoring the open position and/or closed position can be implemented and thus reliable operation of the shelf storage system is possible.

The sensor is, for example, an inductive proximity switch.

According to an advantageous development, it can be provided that the sensor is connected (by signals) to a central control unit, which in turn controls the one or more transport vehicles when the access door is moved into the open position and/or into the closed position and a status signal has been emitted .

This provides a simple way of centrally monitoring and controlling one or more transport vehicles depending on the open position and/or the closed position of the access door. In particular, the one or more transport vehicles can be actively controlled when the access door has been moved into the open position. In this way, the one transport vehicle or the multiple transport vehicles can receive a travel command with which the one transport vehicle or the multiple transport vehicles are each moved to a stopping position. The holding position is, for example, predefined in such a way that an operator has unhindered access from the passageway into a maintenance corridor.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the pedestrian passage comprises a locking device, by means of which the access door can be locked in the open position and/or in the closed position. - 28 -

As a result, the access door can be reliably held in the open position and/or closed position. It proves to be particularly advantageous if the access door is locked in the closed position, because this allows a transport vehicle to travel safely and gently (wear-friendly) from a front longitudinal beam of the storage rack onto a longitudinal beam section of the access door, even if the transport vehicle is traveling at high speed proceeds.

According to an advantageous development, it can be provided that the locking device comprises a locking element that can be actuated manually or electromechanically by an actuator.

The actuating drive can comprise a lever mechanism and the like for manual actuation of the locking element. Additionally or alternatively, the locking device can include a key.

For the electromechanical actuation of the locking element, the actuator can comprise a servomotor, which is connected to a central control unit, by which the servomotor can be controlled in order to actuate the locking element.

According to both versions, a convenient possibility for locking is given.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the horizontal walkway sections of the ascent and/or descent unit, which are assigned to the first rack aisle unit, and the horizontal walkway sections of the ascent and/or descent unit, which are assigned to the second rack aisle unit, are at the level of the respective pedestrian aisles via a (central or common) horizontal walkway section connected to each other.

Provision can therefore be made for the first aisle unit and the second aisle unit to have a horizontal walkway section protruding into one of the storage racks at the height of their pedestrian aisles, which are connected to a (common) horizontal walkway section arranged outside the storage racks.

The first shelf aisle unit can include passages for people at different levels, for example a passage for people at a first level and a passage for people at a further level. - 29 -

The second shelf aisle unit can include passages for people at different levels, for example a passage for people at a first level and a passage for people at a further level.

Provision can be made for a common horizontal walkway section to be arranged at a first level of the pedestrian aisles of the first aisle unit and second aisle unit and for a common horizontal walkway section to be arranged at a further level of the first aisle unit and second aisle unit.

Accordingly, a first horizontal walkway section projecting into one of the storage racks of the first rack aisle unit and a second horizontal walkway section projecting into one of the storage racks of the second rack aisle unit and a common horizontal walkway section connecting the first horizontal walkway section and the second horizontal walkway section can be arranged at a first height level. Accordingly, a first horizontal walkway section projecting into one of the storage racks of the first rack aisle unit and a second horizontal walkway section projecting into one of the storage racks of the second rack aisle unit and a common horizontal walkway section connecting the first horizontal walkway section and the second horizontal walkway section can be arranged at a further height level.

A vertical walkway section can lead to the common horizontal walkway section on the first height level and a vertical walkway section can lead to the common horizontal walkway section on the further height level, which are used for (separately usable) ascent and/or descent to access one of the maintenance aisles of either the first shelf aisle unit or the second shelf aisle unit to get. In other words, although a common horizontal walkway section can be assigned to the first shelf aisle unit and the second shelf aisle unit, each can be assigned an independent vertical walkway section.

A vertical walkway section can lead from the common horizontal walkway section on the first height level to the further common horizontal walkway section, which can be used for (commonly usable) ascent and/or descent in order to get into one of several maintenance aisles of the first rack aisle unit or second rack aisle unit, or to to get to one of the maintenance aisles, either the first aisle unit or the second aisle unit. In other words, the first - 30 -

Shelf aisle unit and second shelf aisle unit are assigned a common horizontal walkway section and a (central or common) vertical walkway section.

For example, the vertical walkway section can be arranged in relation to the first rack aisle unit and the second rack aisle unit in such a way that the ascent and/or descent paths are approximately the same length.

However, an arrangement is also possible in which a vertical walkway section is arranged at the end of the common horizontal walkway section. Also conceivable is an arrangement of a vertical walkway section at one end of the common horizontal walkway section and an arrangement of a vertical walkway section at a further end of the common horizontal walkway section.

The embodiments mentioned have the advantage that an operator can switch in a simple and comfortable manner essentially on the same level between the first and second shelf aisle unit and optionally another shelf aisle unit.

According to an advantageous development, a vertical walkway section of the ascent and/or descent unit, which is assigned to the first aisle unit, and a vertical walkway section of the ascent and/or descent unit, which is assigned to the second aisle unit, form a (central or common) vertical walkway section.

In particular, it is now possible for a vertical aisle to include the vertical walkway section of the first rack aisle unit and the vertical walkway section of the second rack aisle unit and for these vertical walkway sections to form a common vertical walkway section which is arranged in a (common) vertical aisle. Thus, according to one possible embodiment, a common vertical walkway section or common vertical aisle can be assigned to the first rack aisle unit and the second rack aisle unit.

As a result, a rack storage system with a simple structure can be provided, which is characterized by a smaller number of vertical walkway sections. As described above, according to one possible embodiment, the first aisle unit and the second aisle unit can also be assigned a common horizontal walkway section.

According to one embodiment, a common vertical walkway section can include all horizontal walkway sections of the first shelf aisle unit that are arranged one above the other - 31 - and/or connect the second shelf aisle unit and/or optionally further shelf aisle units.

However, a common vertical walkway section can also only be provided between individual ones of the horizontal walkway sections arranged one above the other of the first shelf aisle unit and/or second shelf aisle unit and/or optionally further shelf aisle units. For example, a common vertical walkway section can be arranged between a lower maintenance level and a middle maintenance level, which is used for ascent and/or descent to a horizontal walkway section of the first shelf aisle unit and second shelf aisle unit.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the vertical walkway section and the common vertical walkway section comprise a step segment, in particular designed as a ladder or staircase.

In this way, in particular, a cost-effective and convenient exit from or access to the respective maintenance aisles can be implemented.

It can prove advantageous if the step segment is arranged in a stationary manner.

This allows for a simple construction.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the vertical walkway section has a step segment which can be moved relative to one of the first and second storage racks between a first position of use and a second position of use, so that in the first position of use the step segment is essentially in one of the first and second storage racks is located and in the second position of use the relevant step segment at least partially protrudes into at least one of the maintenance aisles.

Such a vertical walkway section can be prefabricated as a standardized module and used in rack storage systems with different arrangement concepts for pedestrian passages.

In an embodiment described above, a passageway is provided in one of the first and second storage racks, through which passageway a connection path - 32 - is provided between the vertical aisle and at least one of the maintenance aisles, or a pedestrian passage is provided per maintenance aisle in one of the first and second storage racks, through which pedestrian passages connecting paths between the vertical aisle and the maintenance aisles are provided. The vertical walkway section of the ascent and/or descent unit can now be used as a standardized module. Even if the vertical walkway section can basically be moved between the first position of use and the second position of use according to this embodiment, this functionality is not required and the vertical walkway section can be locked (permanently) in the first position of use via a locking device.

In an embodiment described further below, a pedestrian passage is provided in particular between two maintenance aisles and on some of the sidewalks.

In this embodiment, too, the vertical walkway section (which forms or comprises an ascent and/or descent device) of the ascent and/or descent unit can be used as a standardized module. The full functionality can be used and the vertical walkway section (ascending and/or descending device) can be moved between the first position of use and the second position of use in order to be used as ascent and/or descent between the maintenance aisles. The vertical walkway section (ascending and/or descending device) can, for example, be locked in place via a locking device in the first position of use and/or via a locking device in the second position of use (if required).

Regardless of which of the two designs is implemented, one and the same vertical walkway section (ascent and/or descent device) can be used. It is particularly advantageous that the storage rack where the vertical walkway section (ascent and/or descent device) is stored can also be of identical design. The associated standardization can reduce costs in the manufacture of a shelf storage system.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the ascent and/or descent unit also comprises one or more ascent and/or descent devices, one ascent and/or descent device being assigned to a further pedestrian passage and being designed with a step segment, which step segment relative to the one of the first and second storage shelves between a first - 33 -

Position of use and a second position of use is movable, so that in the first position of use the step segment is essentially in one of the first and second storage shelves and in the second position of use the relevant step segment partially protrudes into at least one of the maintenance aisles.

It can also prove to be advantageous if the further passage for people comprises a folding door and a passage which is arranged in the sidewalk and can be closed by the folding door.

According to an advantageous development, it is provided that the ascent and/or descent device has the step segment and a support frame to which the step segment is attached, and that the ascent and/or descent device with the support frame via a linear guide or a pivot bearing on a of the first and second storage shelves.

As a result, a reliable movement of the step segment between the first and second positions of use, which is ergonomic for the operator, can be implemented in a comparatively simple manner.

According to an advantageous development, it is provided that the support frame can be displaced in the horizontal direction (Z) or that the support frame can be pivoted about a pivot axis running in the vertical direction (Y).

This has the advantage that the step segment can be pushed or swiveled sideways into or out of the maintenance aisle.

A comparatively easy-to-implement and compact design is advantageously provided in that the ascent and/or descent device has the step segment and a support frame on which steps are arranged at equal distances one above the other and parallel to one another.

This has the advantage that the ascent and/or descent device forms an ascent and/or descent device that is easy to handle and safe for the user.

The equidistant distances are preferably selected in such a way that the steps can be moved past the front longitudinal cross members during the movement between the first position of use and the second position of use and therefore not with the front ones - 34 -

Longitudinal beams collide. In particular, a pitch between the front longitudinal bars arranged one above the other differs from a pitch between the steps and/or the steps are offset in the vertical direction (Y) relative to the front longitudinal bars.

According to an advantageous further development, the steps protrude freely on one side on the support frame.

This has the advantage that in the second position of use of the step segment, the support frame is still arranged inside the storage rack while the steps have been moved into the maintenance aisle.

It is advantageous if the steps each form a step surface at a projecting end and are each connected to the support frame at an opposite end.

As a result, a high degree of surefootedness can be achieved when ascending and/or descending. The support frame can also be used to stop the operator when ascending and/or descending.

The ascent and/or descent device can optionally have a handle for moving, in particular pivoting or displacing, the respective ascent and/or descent device, which can preferably be arranged at a height that is convenient for an operator to grasp. On the other hand, handles can also be implemented in this way in order to facilitate ascent and/or descent.

It should also be pointed out at this point that it can prove to be advantageous if the first aisle unit in a maintenance aisle, in particular for each maintenance aisle, can also have multiple pedestrian aisles and/or the second aisle unit in a maintenance aisle, in particular for each maintenance aisle, can also have multiple pedestrian aisles . This proves to be particularly advantageous with long rack aisles, since there are several options for ascending and/or descending for each maintenance aisle.

They each show in a greatly simplified, schematic representation: - 35 -

1a shows a possible embodiment of a shelf storage system according to the invention with a detailed view of an optional personnel access and an optional load manipulation unit of a shelf aisle unit, in top view;

FIG. 1b shows the rack storage system according to FIG. 1a with a detailed view of a rack aisle and the storage racks, in plan view;

1c shows the shelf storage system according to FIG.

2a shows the shelf storage system according to FIG.

2b shows the shelf storage system according to FIG.

FIG. 2c shows the rack storage system according to FIG. 1b in a side view of the rack aisle and one of the storage racks;

FIG. 2d shows the rack storage system according to FIG. 1c with one of the storage racks in the area of the pedestrian passage, the vertical aisle and the optional transport vehicle lifting device, in a side view according to line III;

FIG. 2e shows an enlarged detail from FIG. 2d in the area of a pedestrian passage in a possible embodiment; FIG.

3a is an end view of the rack storage system according to line IV in FIG. 1c with a (right) first storage rack, a (left) second storage rack, multiple maintenance aisles and transport vehicles of a rack aisle unit, without the optional transport vehicle lifting device;

FIG. 3b shows an enlarged detail from FIG. 3a; FIG.

FIG. 3c shows an enlarged detail from FIG. 3a; FIG. - 36 -

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged detail from FIG. 2d in the area of a pedestrian passage in a possible embodiment; FIG.

5 shows a possible embodiment of a shelf storage system according to the invention with a first shelf aisle unit, a second (additional) shelf aisle unit and an ascent and/or descent unit with a common horizontal walkway section and common vertical walkway section, which are assigned to one of the first and second storage racks, in plan view;

6a shows a possible embodiment of a rack storage system according to the invention with a detailed view of the storage racks in the area of a pedestrian passage, a vertical passage and an ascent and/or descent unit with a stationary vertical walkway section, without showing an optional transport vehicle lifting device, in plan view;

FIG. 6b shows the rack storage system according to FIG. 6a with one of the storage racks in the area of the pedestrian passage and the vertical aisle, in a side view along the line V;

Fig. 7 shows a modified embodiment of a rack storage system according to the invention according to Fig. 6a with a detailed view of the storage racks in the area of a passage for people, a vertical aisle and an ascent and/or descent unit with a pivotable vertical walkway section, without showing an optional transport vehicle lifting device, in plan view ;

8a shows a possible embodiment of a shelf storage system according to the invention with a detailed view of one of the storage shelves in the area of an ascent and/or descent unit with different ascent and/or descent options, with ascent and/or descent devices of the ascent and/or descent unit in one first use position are adjusted, in side view;

FIG. 8b shows the shelf storage system according to FIG. 8a, without showing a pedestrian passage with an access door, in a plan view; - 37 -

FIG. 8c shows the shelf storage system according to FIG. 8a, with the ascent and/or descent devices of the ascent and/or descent unit being adjusted into a second position of use, in a side view;

FIG. 8d shows the shelf storage system according to FIG. 8c, without showing a pedestrian passage with an access door, in a plan view;

Fig. 9 shows a possible embodiment of a rack storage system according to the invention with a first rack aisle unit, a second (additional) rack aisle unit and an ascent and/or descent unit with a common horizontal walkway section and common vertical walkway section, which are arranged in one of the first and second storage racks, in plan view.

As an introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numbers or the same component designations, it being possible for the disclosures contained throughout the description to be applied to the same parts with the same reference numbers or the same component designations. The position information selected in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the figure directly described and shown and, in the event of a change of position, is to be transferred to the new position.

1a to 1c, 2a to 2e, 3a to 3c and FIG. 4, which are described together, show an embodiment of a rack storage system. It should be pointed out that, for reasons of a better overview, a sidewalk of a maintenance corridor is only shown in sections in FIGS. 1a, 1c and is not shown at all in FIG. 1b. The rack storage system can include a single rack aisle unit or multiple rack aisle units. In the figures mentioned, a first aisle unit la is shown.

The rack storage system, in particular the rack aisle unit la, comprises a first storage rack 2a, a second storage rack 2b, a rack aisle 3, maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c, guideways 5a, 5b and one or more automated transport vehicles 6. The automated transport vehicle 6 is, for example a single-level stacker crane. - 38 -

In addition, the rack storage system, in particular the rack aisle unit 1a, includes a vertical aisle 7, an ascent and/or descent unit 8 and a pedestrian passage 9a, 9b, 9c for each maintenance aisle 4a, 4b, 4c.

As shown in FIGS. 1a, 1c, one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b, in the exemplary embodiment shown the first storage rack 2a, forms opposite end faces 12a, 12b in a longitudinal direction (X).

The pedestrian passages 9a, 9b, 9c are arranged in one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b, in the exemplary embodiment shown the first storage rack 2a, between the opposite end faces 12a, 12b.

The vertical aisle 7 leads to one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b or is directly adjacent to one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b, in which the passageways 9a, 9b, 9c are also arranged. The ascent and/or descent unit 8 is also directly adjacent to one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b, in which the passageways 9a, 9b, 9c are also arranged. In the embodiment shown, the pedestrian aisles 9a, 9b, 9c are arranged in the first storage rack 2a and the vertical aisle 7 also leads to the first storage rack 2a or is directly adjacent to the first storage rack 2a. The ascent and/or descent unit 8 is directly adjacent to the first storage rack 2a.

In other words, the pedestrian aisles 9a, 9b, 9c are arranged in that storage rack 2a, 2b where the vertical aisle 7 also runs or borders.

The passageways 9a, 9b, 9c connect to the maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c in order to allow an operator to access the maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c and to leave the maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c. In particular, a passageway 9a, 9b, 9c between the vertical corridor 7 and a maintenance corridor 4a, 4b, 4c establishes a connecting path.

The ascent and/or descent unit 8 comprises one or more horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c. The horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c are each arranged at the height of the pedestrian passages 9a, 9b, 9c and protrude in one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b up to the respective pedestrian passages 9a, 9b, 9c. In the embodiment shown, the horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c are arranged in the storage rack 2a. - 39 -

In other words, the horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c are arranged in that storage rack 2a, 2b where the vertical aisle 7 also runs or borders.

The ascent and/or descent unit 8 also includes one or more vertical walkway sections 11a, 11b, 11c. The vertical walkway sections 11a, 11b, 11c connect the horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c. In addition, as can be seen in Figures 2d and 3a, a vertical walkway section 11 can be provided, which is arranged between a ground level and the lower maintenance corridor 4a.

The first storage rack 2a includes rack locations 15 for loads 16 arranged in stacked rack levels El. The second storage rack 2b includes rack locations 15 for loads 16 arranged in stacked rack levels El.

In particular, the first storage area 2a additionally includes front shelf uprights 17a, rear shelf uprights 18a, front longitudinal beams 19a arranged one above the other on the front shelf uprights 17a and rear longitudinal beams 20a arranged one above the other on the rear shelf uprights 18a, as well as one per shelf level El between a front longitudinal beam 19a and a rear longitudinal beam 20a arranged storage area 21a, on which the cargo 16 can be parked. The front longitudinal beams 19a are preferably arranged per storage level El and run in an X-direction parallel to the aisle 3. The rear longitudinal beams 20a are preferably arranged per storage level El and run in an X-direction parallel to the aisle 3. For example, the storage area 21a comprises cross members , which extend horizontally at a mutual distance in parallel in a depth direction (Z direction) of the storage rack 2a. In this case, the crossbeams form the shelf positions 15 on the top side.

In particular, the second storage area 2b additionally includes front shelf uprights 17b, rear shelf uprights 18b, front longitudinal beams 19b arranged one above the other on the front shelf uprights 17b and rear longitudinal beams 20b arranged one above the other on the rear shelf uprights 18b, as well as one per shelf level El between a front longitudinal beam 19b and a rear longitudinal beam 20b arranged storage area 21b, on which the cargo 16 can be parked. The front longitudinal beams 19b are arranged per storage level El and run in an X-direction parallel to the aisle 3. The rear longitudinal beams 20b are arranged per storage level El and run in an X-direction parallel to the aisle 3. For example, the storage area 21b comprises cross members, which themselves with mutual - 40 -

Distance parallel in a depth direction (Z-direction) of the storage rack 2b extend horizontally. In this case, the crossbeams form the shelf positions 15 on the top side.

According to the embodiment shown, the guideways 5a, 5b are provided on at least some of the front longitudinal beams 19a, 19b of the first storage rack 2a and/or the second storage rack 2b. The transport vehicle 6 can move in the aisle 3 along the guideways 5a, 5b.

A large number of transport vehicles 6 are preferably provided, which are moved in driving planes E2 lying one above the other along the guideways 5a, 5b arranged in pairs.

In particular, the guideways 5a, 5b are arranged in pairs in driving levels E2 one above the other and one of the guideways 5a, 5b forms a first guide 22 and a second guide 23 for each driving level E2, for example the guideway 5b, as can be seen in Fig. 3c.

The transport vehicle 6, as can be seen in Fig. 1a, 3c, comprises a base frame 24, a transfer device 25 for transferring cargo 16 between a shelf space 15 and the transport vehicle 6, running wheels 26, a travel drive 27, which is coupled to at least one running wheel 26 , at least one guide unit, a transfer drive 28 for driving the transfer device 25 and an electronic controller 29. The wheels 26 are rotatably mounted on the base frame 24. The at least one guide unit is mounted on the base frame 24 and comprises on both sides of the second guide 23 and on the second guide 23 on guide sections facing away from each other guide wheels 30 that can be rolled in order to guide the transport vehicle 6 along the guide track 5b during the travel movement. The first running wheels 26 on a first side of the vehicle rest on the first guide 22 of a first guideway 5a and the second running wheels 26 on a second side of the vehicle rest on the first guide 22 of a second guide rail 5b so that they can roll.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1a, 2a, 2b, the shelf storage system, in particular the shelf aisle unit 1a, can optionally include a load manipulation unit and a conveyor system for transporting loads 16. - 41 -

The load manipulation unit can have a first load transport device 35a and a first buffer device 36a for depositing load 16 and a second load transport device 35b and a second buffer device 36b for delivering load 16 .

The conveyor system for transporting cargo 16 connects to the cargo manipulation unit and includes a first conveyor 37a for storing cargo 16 and includes a second conveyor 37b for retrieving cargo 16.

The first buffer device 35a has first supply devices 38a arranged in supply levels one above the other and the second buffer device 38b has second supply devices 38b arranged in supply levels one above the other.

The first load transport device 35a connects the first conveyor device 37a and the first staging devices 38a of the first buffer device 36a in order to transport loads 16 (to be stored) between the first staging devices 38a and the first conveyor device 37a.

The second load transport device 35b connects the second conveyor device 37b and the second staging devices 38b of the second buffer device 36b in order to transport loads 16 (to be retrieved) between the second staging devices 38b and the second conveyor device 37b.

The one or more transport vehicles 6 can be moved in the aisle 3 along the front longitudinal beams 19a, 19b in front of the shelf locations 15, the first buffer device 36a and the second buffer device 36b and the load 16 between the first buffer device 36a and the shelf locations 15 or between the Transport shelf spaces 15 and the second buffer device 36b.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1a, 2a, 2b, the rack storage system, in particular the rack aisle unit 1a, can optionally have a person access 40a, 40b, 40b per maintenance aisle 4a, 4b, 4c for access to the relevant maintenance aisle 4a, 4b, 4c from one end of Regalgasse 3.

An operator 41 has access to a respective maintenance aisle 4a, 4b, 4c via the respective optional personnel access 40a, 40b, 40b. For this purpose, the personal access includes 40a, - 42 -

40b, 40b an openable and closable access door 42. The access door 42 is arranged in a protective fence 43 for each maintenance aisle 4a, 4b, 4c, which is provided for safety reasons in order to prevent unauthorized access by people. The access door 42 can be locked, unlocked, opened, and/or closed. A corresponding status of the access door 42 can be monitored with a sensor 44 and output as a status signal. The sensor 44 can be implemented in the form of a position switch, light sensor or a light barrier.

The optional personnel access 40a, 40b, 40b comprises at least one switching device 45. A separate switching device 45 is preferably provided for each personnel access 40a, 40b, 40b, in particular for each maintenance aisle 4a, 4b, 4c. The switching device 45 is (logically) assigned to the maintenance gear 4a, 4b, 4c. The switching device(s) 45 is connected to a control unit 46 (Fig. 1c).

The switching device(s) 45 can include switching means (operating mode selector switch), not shown in detail, by means of which you can switch between automatic mode and safety mode for the one or more transport vehicles 6 and/or the load manipulation unit and/or a transport vehicle lifting device of a shelf aisle unit la can be switched. The automatic mode is interrupted when switched to safety mode and the control unit 46 receives an operating mode change signal from the switching device 45 .

The switching device(s) 45 can include an output means, not shown in detail, at which an access message for the safe access of the operator 41 to the maintenance aisle 4a, 4b, 4c is signaled, in particular optically or acoustically. For this purpose, the control unit 46 generates a release signal which causes the access message to be output.

The switching device(s) 45 can include a command input means, not shown in detail, to which a mode change signal (command) can be input if the safety mode is to be switched back to automatic mode. This is only possible when the operator 41 has moved completely out of the maintenance aisle 4a, 4b, 4c and the access door 42 is closed again. - 43 -

The switching device(s) 45 can include a key receptacle that is not shown in detail. The key adapter has two positions, an automatic operating position and a security operating position. In the automatic operating position, the access key must be in the key holder and cannot be removed. In order to get into the safety operating position, the access key is rotated about its longitudinal axis, for example. Once in the security mode, the access key can be withdrawn, i.e. disconnected from the switching device 45 and removed.

In addition, the switching device(s) 45 can be equipped with an emergency stop input means, not shown in detail, for inputting an emergency stop signal.

The optional personnel access 40a, 40b, 40b may also include an electromechanical locking unit 47 for locking and unlocking the access door 42. The closing unit 47 includes an actuator, for example an electromagnet.

The access for persons 40a, 40b, 40b, in particular the switching device(s) 45 and the control method for the safe operation of an automated shelf storage system are described in WO 2016/033628 A1.

As can be seen in FIGS Vertical walkway sections 49 (stairs) connect the horizontal walkway sections 48 (stages). The horizontal walkway sections 48 and vertical walkway sections 49 form an ascent and/or descent unit, which is arranged at the front in front of the storage racks 2a, 2b.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1c, 2d, the shelf storage system, in particular the shelf aisle unit 1a, can optionally include a transport vehicle lifting device 55, by means of which the one or more transport vehicles 6 can be transported between driving levels E2 lying one above the other. Such a transport vehicle lifting device is primarily used when there are fewer transport vehicles 6 than driving levels E2 in each aisle 3 . In particular, the transport vehicle lifting device has a vertically adjustable receiving device 56, on which a transport vehicle 6 can be received and transported (vertically) between the driving levels. An advantageous configuration Such a transport vehicle lifting device is described, for example, in WO 2021/108827 A1.

As can be seen, in particular, in FIGS.

The maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c comprise walkways 57 which are arranged in maintenance levels E3 one above the other and which the operator 41 can walk on. In particular, all maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c each have a walkway 57. However, it would also be conceivable for one of the maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c, in particular a maintenance aisle in a lowest maintenance level E3, not to have a walkway 57. In this maintenance aisle, the operator 41 can move on the floor on which the rack storage system is arranged. In other words, only some of the maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c can include accessible walkways 57 arranged in maintenance levels E3 one above the other.

As can be seen in more detail in FIGS. 3a, 3c, the shelf storage system can have first assembly cross members 58a provided on the first storage shelf 2a and assembly cross members 58b on the second storage shelf 2b in superimposed maintenance levels E3, on which the sidewalks 57 are fastened. As a result, maintenance work can be carried out for each maintenance course 4a, 4b, 4c.

The pedestrian passages 9a, 9b, 9c can be seen in FIGS. 1c, 2d, 2e, 3a and 3b. According to the embodiment shown, each maintenance aisle 4a, 4b, 4c is assigned at least one pedestrian passage 9a, 9b, 9c.

The horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c of the ascent and/or descent unit 8 are each provided at the height of the respective passages 4a, 4b, 4c and protrude into the first storage rack 2a. In particular, the horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c each include a walkway 60, for example a grating.

The first storage rack 2a or second storage rack 2b, in which the vertical aisle 7 also runs, in particular the first storage rack 2a according to the embodiment shown, can have assembly cross members 61, on which the walkways 60 are fastened. - 45 -

The ascent and/or descent unit 8 comprises a plurality of vertical walkway sections 11a, 11b, 11c, which connect the horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c. According to the embodiment shown, the vertical walkway sections 11a, 11b, 11c each comprise a step segment 62. In particular, the vertical walkway sections 11a, 11b, 11c are each designed as a ladder. The vertical walkway sections 11a, 11b, 11c, in particular the step segment 62, are preferably arranged in a stationary manner.

Each pedestrian passage 9a, 9b, 9c comprises a passage 70 which lies in a plane spanning in the longitudinal direction (X) and in a vertical direction (Y).

In particular, each pedestrian passage 9a, 9b, 9c and associated with the passage 70 includes an access door 71, which between an open position in which an operator 41 can access the maintenance passage 4a, 4b, 4c and/or leave the maintenance passage 4a, 4b, 4c is made possible, and a closed position in which an operator 41 is prevented from accessing the maintenance aisle 4a, 4b, 4c and/or leaving the maintenance aisle 4a, 4b, 4c. 3a shows an open position of the access door 71, for example in the upper maintenance aisle 4c, and a closed position of the access door 71, for example in the lower and middle maintenance aisle 4a, 4b. A passage 9a, 9b, 9c can be passed through when the access door 71 is in the open position, so that an operator 41 can walk unhindered along the connecting path between the vertical corridor 7 and the maintenance corridor 4a, 4b, 4c. In contrast, a pedestrian passage 9a, 9b, 9c cannot be passed through when the access door 71 is in the closed position, so that an operator 41 cannot walk unhindered along the connecting path between the vertical passage 7 and the maintenance passage 4a, 4b, 4c.

As explained in FIG. 2e with reference to one of the maintenance aisles 4b, those front longitudinal traverses 19a which cross the pedestrian passage 9b in the longitudinal direction (X) form a passage section in the area of the passage 70. Furthermore, these front longitudinal bars 19a end with their front ends 72 at the passage 70.

The access door 71 comprises a support frame 73 to which longitudinal crossbar sections 74 are fastened and arranged such that in the closed position of the access door 71 the longitudinal crossbar sections 74 extend as an extension of those front longitudinal crossbars 19a which form the passage section. The respective longitudinal beam sections 74 with their Stimenden 75 on the front ends 72 of the respective front - 46 -

Longitudinal members 19a directed so that a substantially gap-free transition between the respective front longitudinal members 19a and the respective longitudinal member sections 74 is formed.

The access door 71 is connected to the support frame 73 via a linear guide 76 shown in Fig. 2e, 3a, 3b or via a pivot bearing 76 shown in Fig. 4 on one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b, in which the vertical aisle 7 runs, stored in particular according to the embodiment shown, the first storage rack 2a.

The pedestrian passage 9a, 9b, 9c can optionally include one or more sensors 80a, 80b, through which the access door 71 can be monitored in the open position and/or in the closed position and through which(s) a status signal in the open position and/or or can be delivered (to the control unit 46) in the closed position.

The sensor 80a, 80b is connected to a central control unit 46, which in turn controls the one transport vehicle 6 or several transport vehicles 6 (a shelf aisle unit la) when the access door 71 moves into the open position and/or into the closed position and emits a status signal became.

The pedestrian passage 9a, 9b, 9c can optionally include a locking device, by means of which the access door 71 can be locked in the open position and/or in the closed position. The locking device can comprise a locking element 82a which can be actuated manually or electromechanically by an actuator 81 and which can interact with a further locking element 82b. The locking element 82a is arranged in the area of the support frame 73, for example. The further locking element 82b is arranged in the area of the passage 70, for example.

If a passageway 9a, 9b, 9c is used for an operator 41 to access a maintenance aisle 4a, 4b, 4c, the rack storage system, in particular the rack aisle unit, if (only) one rack aisle unit is provided, or each rack aisle unit, if several rack aisle units are provided are, optionally have a switching device 85, as entered for example in Fig. 1c. The switching device 85 is formed, for example, by a mobile computer unit or by a stationary operating unit. Switching device 85 can be used to switch between automatic mode and safety mode for one or more transport vehicles 6 - 47 -

(a rack aisle unit) can be changed. A switching device 85 can be assigned to several maintenance courses 4a, 4b, 4c.

The shelf storage system, in particular the shelf aisle unit, if (only) one shelf aisle unit is provided, or each shelf aisle unit, if several shelf aisle units are provided, can alternatively also optionally have a switching device 85 for each passage 9a, 9b, 9c, as in Fig. 2e on one of pedestrian passages 9b entered in dashed lines.

The switching device(s) 85 is connected to a control unit 46 .

The shelf storage system includes a central control unit 46 which in turn is connected to the electronic controller 29 of the transport vehicle 6 and to the switching device(s) 85 .

The automatic mode switches to the safety mode for the one transport vehicle 6 or the several transport vehicles 6 and/or the optional load manipulation unit and/or the optional transport vehicle lifting device if an operator 41 accesses one of the maintenance aisles 4a at a switching device 85, 4b, 4c is registered and the operator 41 would like to enter one of the maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c via a passageway 9a, 9b, 9c.

In automatic mode, the one transport vehicle 6 or several transport vehicles 6 is controlled by the central control unit 46 in such a way that the transport vehicle 6 moves along the aisle 3 to the shelf locations 15 and the load 16 (to be stored) is transferred to the shelf locations 15 or (to be retrieved) Cargo 16 transferred from the shelf locations (15).

In safety mode, the one transport vehicle 6 or several transport vehicles 6 is controlled by the central control unit 46 in such a way that the transport vehicle 6 moves to a predefined stopping position (remote from a pedestrian passageway 9a, 9b, 9c or passageway 70) and/or to a an operator 41 is placed in a safe and/or motionless idle state until electronic control 29 receives an enabling signal from central control unit 46 and one transport vehicle 6 - 48 - is switched back to automatic mode or the several transport vehicles 6 are switched back to automatic mode.

The switching device(s) 85 can include switching means (operating mode selector switch), not shown in detail, by means of which you can switch between automatic mode and safety mode for the one or more transport vehicles 6 and/or the load manipulation unit and/or a transport vehicle lifting device of a shelf aisle unit la can be switched. The automatic mode is interrupted when switched to safety mode and the control unit 46 receives an operating mode change signal from the switching device 85 .

The switching device(s) 85 can include an output means, not shown in detail, at which an access message for the safe access of the operator 41 to the maintenance aisle 4a, 4b, 4c is signaled, in particular optically or acoustically. For this purpose, the control unit 46 generates a release signal which causes the access message to be output.

The switching device(s) 85 can include a command input means, not shown in detail, to which a mode change signal (command) can be input if the safety mode is to be switched back to automatic mode. This is only possible when the operator 41 has moved completely out of the maintenance aisle 4a, 4b, 4c and the access door 71 is closed again.

5 shows an embodiment of a shelf storage system which, in contrast to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1a to 1c, 2a to 2e, 3a to 3c and FIG Vertical aisle 7 is not directly adjacent to one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b, but is arranged at a distance from one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b. For the sake of completeness, however, it should be noted that the vertical aisle 7 can just as well adjoin one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b, as described above, or be arranged in one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b, as described below.

It should be noted at this point that FIG. 5 shows a view of a maintenance aisle 4b of the maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c, a personnel access 9b of the passages 9a, 9b, 9c and a horizontal walkway section 10b of the horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c of the - 49 - first shelf aisle unit 1a and second shelf aisle unit 1b. The same representation results in the view of the maintenance aisle 4a or 4c, the personnel access 9a or 9c and the horizontal walkway section 10a or 10c.

The rack storage system, in particular the second rack aisle unit 1b, comprises a first storage rack 2a, a second storage rack 2b, a rack aisle 3, maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c, guideways 5a, 5b and one or more automated transport vehicles 6, as already described above.

Likewise, the rack storage system, as not visible in this figure, can include in particular the second rack aisle unit 1b, optionally a load manipulation unit and/or optionally a conveyor system for transporting loads 16, as described above.

The rack storage system, in particular the second rack aisle unit 1b, can optionally include a person access per maintenance aisle 4a, 4b, 4c for access to the relevant maintenance aisle 4a, 4b, 4c from one end of the rack aisle 3, as described above.

In addition, the rack storage system, in particular the second rack aisle unit 1b, as shown schematically, includes a vertical aisle 7, an ascent and/or descent unit 8 and a pedestrian passage 9a, 9b, 9c for each maintenance aisle 4a, 4b, 4c, as already described above. The shelf storage system, in particular the second shelf aisle unit 1b, can, as shown schematically, optionally include a transport vehicle lifting device.

As not shown in the figures, one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b of the first rack aisle unit 1a and second rack aisle unit 1b, in the exemplary embodiment shown the first storage rack 2a, forms opposite end faces 12a, 12b in a longitudinal direction (X). The pedestrian passages 9a, 9b, 9c of the first aisle unit la and the second aisle unit 1b are each in turn arranged between the opposite end faces 12a, 12b and connect to the maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c to give an operator access to the maintenance aisles 4a, 4b , 4c and to allow leaving the maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c. In contrast, the vertical aisle 7 is arranged at a distance from one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b, in which the passageways 9a, 9b, 9c are also arranged. In particular, a connecting path (connecting route) is established via a pedestrian passage 9a, 9b, 9c between the vertical corridor 7 and a maintenance corridor 4a, 4b, 4c. With regard to the statements of a - 50 -

Person passage 9a, 9b, 9c is referred to the above disclosure and will not be repeated again.

The ascending and/or descending unit 8 of the first rack aisle unit 1a and the second rack aisle unit 1b each comprises one or more horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c. The horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c are each arranged at the height of the pedestrian passages 9a, 9b, 9c and protrude into one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b. In the embodiment shown, the horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c are arranged in the storage rack 2a. In other words, the horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c are arranged in that storage rack 2a, 2b where the pedestrian passages 9a, 9b, 9c are also arranged.

According to the embodiment shown, the horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c of the ascent and/or descent unit 8, which are assigned to the first aisle unit la, and the horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c of the ascent and/or descent unit 8, which are assigned to the second aisle unit 1b are assigned to each other at the height of the respective pedestrian passages 9a, 9b, 9c via a (central or common) horizontal walkway section 90a, 90b, 90c.

The ascent and/or descent unit 8 of the first shelf aisle unit 1a and/or the second shelf aisle unit 1b also includes one or more vertical walkway sections 11a, 11b, 11c. The vertical walkway sections 11a, 11b, 11c connect the horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c.

According to the embodiment shown, a vertical walkway section 11b of the ascent and/or descent unit 8, which is assigned to the first aisle unit la, and a vertical walkway section 11b of the ascent and/or descent unit 8, which is assigned to the second aisle unit 1b, form a common vertical walkway section 91.

On the other hand, the ascent and/or descent unit 8, which is assigned to the first aisle unit la, can have one or more vertical walkway sections 11a, 11b, 11c, and the ascent and/or descent unit 8, which is assigned to the second aisle unit 1b, can have one or having a plurality of vertical walkway sections 11a, 11b, 11c as indicated in dashed lines. - 51 -

The passageways 9a, 9b, 9c connect to the maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c in order to allow an operator 41 to access the maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c and to leave the maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c. In particular, a passageway 9a, 9b, 9c between the vertical corridor 7 and a maintenance corridor 4a, 4b, 4c establishes a connecting path.

An embodiment of a shelf storage system is described in FIGS. 6a and 6b, which are described together. The rack storage system can include a single rack aisle unit or multiple rack aisle units. In the figures mentioned, a first aisle unit la is shown. In contrast to the embodiment according to the above-described Fig. la to 1c, Fig.

2a to 2e, Fig. 3a to 3c and Fig. 4, there is no transport vehicle lifting device and the vertical aisle 7 is arranged in one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b.

The rack storage system, in particular the rack aisle unit, if (only) one rack aisle unit is provided, or each rack aisle unit if several rack aisle units are provided, comprises a first storage rack 2a, a second storage rack 2b, a rack aisle 3, maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c, guideways 5a , 5b and one or more automatically operated transport vehicles 6, as already described above. Likewise, the rack storage system, in particular the rack aisle unit, if (only) one rack aisle unit is provided, or each rack aisle unit if several rack aisle units are provided, can include an optional load manipulation unit and/or an optional transport vehicle lifting device, as already described above.

In addition, the rack storage system, the rack aisle unit, if (only) one rack aisle unit is provided, or each rack aisle unit if several rack aisle units are provided, includes a vertical aisle 7, an ascent and/or descent unit 8 and a pedestrian passage 9a, 9b, 9c for each maintenance aisle 4a , 4b, 4c, as already described above.

As not shown in the figures, one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b, in the exemplary embodiment shown the first storage rack 2a, forms opposite end faces 12a, 12b in a longitudinal direction (X). The passageways 9a, 9b, 9c are arranged in one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b, in the embodiment shown the first storage rack 2a, between the opposite end faces 12a, 12b and connect to the maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c by one operator (not shown) access to the maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c and leaving the maintenance aisles 4a, - 52 -

4b, 4c to allow. Likewise, the vertical aisle 7 and the ascent and/or descent unit 8 are arranged in one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b, in which the passageways 9a, 9b, 9c are also arranged. In particular, a connecting path (connecting route) is established via a pedestrian passage 9a, 9b, 9c between the vertical corridor 7 and a maintenance corridor 4a, 4b, 4c.

The ascent and/or descent unit 8 of the aisle unit(s) comprises one or more horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c. The horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c are each arranged at the height of the pedestrian passages 9a, 9b, 9c and protrude into one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b. In the embodiment shown, the horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c are arranged in the storage rack 2a. In other words, the horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c are arranged in that storage rack 2a, 2b where the pedestrian passages 9a, 9b, 9c are also arranged.

The ascent and/or descent unit 8 of the aisle unit(s) also includes one or more vertical walkway sections 11a, 11b, 11c. The vertical walkway sections 11a, 11b, 11c connect the horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c. According to this embodiment, it is also possible for the aisle units to be assigned one or more vertical walkway sections 11a, 11b, 11c, or for a common vertical walkway section 91 to be assigned to the aisle units, as described in FIG. 5, if several aisle units are provided.

Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of a rack storage system as described in Figs. 6a and 6b, with the only difference that the vertical walkway section 1 la, 1 lb, 11c of the ascent and/or descent unit 8 includes a step segment 95 which is structurally adapted to be moved relative to one of the first and second storage racks 2a between a first position of use and a second position of use. The vertical walkway section 11a, 11b, 11c can be formed by an ascent and/or descent device 98a, 98b described in FIGS. 8a to 8d or an ascent and/or descent device 98a, 98b described in FIGS. 8a to 8d include. This ascent and/or descent device 98a, 98b comprises the step segment 95.

In the first position of use (as shown in a further embodiment in FIGS. 8a, 8b), the step segment 95 is essentially located in one of the first and second storage shelves 2a, 2b. In the second position of use (as in a further embodiment in - 53 -

8c, 8d) the step segment 95 protrudes at least partially into at least one of the maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c.

Such a vertical walkway section 11a, 11b, 11c can be prefabricated as a standardized module and used in shelf storage systems with different arrangement concepts for pedestrian passages.

Thus, according to an embodiment (described above), a pedestrian passage 9a, 9b, 9c or several pedestrian passages 9a, 9b, 9c can be provided in one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b. As not shown in the figures, one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b, in the exemplary embodiment shown the first storage rack 2a, forms opposite end faces 12a, 12b in a longitudinal direction (X). The pedestrian passages 9a, 9b, 9c are in turn arranged between the opposing end faces 12a, 12b. In particular, a passage 70 of the pedestrian passage 9a, 9b, 9c can lie in a plane spanning in the longitudinal direction (X) and in a vertical direction (Y). A connecting path between the vertical corridor 7 and at least one of the maintenance corridors 4a, 4b, 4c is provided by the pedestrian passage 9a, 9b, 9c. The multiple pedestrian passages 9a, 9b, 9c provide multiple connecting paths between the vertical passage 7 and the maintenance passages 4a, 4b, 4c. The vertical walkway section 11a, 11b, 11c of the ascent and/or descent unit 8 can now be used as a standardized module. Even if the vertical walkway section 1 la, 1 lb, 11c can be moved between the first position of use and the second position of use according to this embodiment, this functionality is not required and the vertical walkway section 11a, 1 lb, 11c can be locked via a locking device (not shown) in the locked in the first use position (permanently).

On the other hand, according to another embodiment (described below), a pedestrian passage 96a, 96b can be assigned to two maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c and arranged on some of the walkways 57. In particular, a passage 97 of the pedestrian passage 96a, 96b can lie in a plane spanning in the longitudinal direction (X) and a horizontal direction (Z). In this embodiment, too, the vertical walkway section 11a, 11b of the ascent and/or descent unit 8 can be used as a standardized module. The full functionality can be used and the vertical walkway section 11a, 11b can be moved between the first position of use and the second position of use in order to - 54 - and/or descent between the maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c. The vertical walkway section 11a, 11b can be locked, for example, via a locking device (not shown) in the first position of use and/or via a locking device in the second position of use (if required).

Regardless of which of the two designs is implemented, one and the same vertical walkway section can be used. It is particularly advantageous that the storage rack where the vertical walkway section is stored can also be of identical design. The associated standardization can reduce costs in the manufacture of a shelf storage system.

In the jointly described FIGS. 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d, an embodiment is shown according to which different embodiments of ascent and/or descent options are combined in a shelf storage system, in particular a shelf aisle unit.

The rack storage system can include a single rack aisle unit or multiple rack aisle units. In the figures mentioned, a first aisle unit la is shown.

The rack storage system, in particular the rack aisle unit, if (only) one rack aisle unit is provided, or each rack aisle unit if several rack aisle units are provided, comprises a first storage rack 2a, a second storage rack 2b, a rack aisle 3, maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c, guideways 5a , 5b and one or more automated transport vehicles 6. The automated transport vehicle 6 is, for example, a single-level stacker crane. In order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the above disclosure in this context.

In addition, the rack storage system, in particular the rack aisle unit, if (only) one rack aisle unit is provided, or each rack aisle unit if several rack aisle units are provided, includes a vertical aisle 7, an ascent and/or descent unit 8 and differently designed pedestrian aisles 9a, 96a, 96bc. The pedestrian passage 9a is assigned to the maintenance corridor 4a. The pedestrian passage 96a, hereinafter referred to as the further pedestrian passage 96a, is assigned to the maintenance corridors 4a, 4b, and the pedestrian passage 96b, hereinafter referred to as the further pedestrian passage 96b, is assigned to the maintenance corridors 4b, 4c. - 55 -

It should be pointed out that, for reasons of a better overview, the vertical passage 7 and pedestrian passage 9a are not shown in detail in FIGS. 8b and 8d and only the reference symbols 7, 9a are entered.

As cannot be seen in these figures, the shelf storage system, in particular the shelf aisle unit, if (only) one shelf aisle unit is provided, or each shelf aisle unit, if several shelf aisle units are provided, can optionally include an edge goods manipulation unit and a conveyor system for transporting edge goods 16 . The rack storage system, in particular the rack aisle unit, if (only) one rack aisle unit is provided, or each rack aisle unit, if several rack aisle units are provided, can optionally have a person access per maintenance aisle 4a, 4b, 4c to access the relevant maintenance aisle 4a, 4b, 4c from one end of Regalgasse 3. The shelf storage system, in particular the shelf aisle unit, if (only) one shelf aisle unit is provided, or each shelf aisle unit, if several shelf aisle units are provided, can optionally include a transport vehicle lifting device, by means of which the one or more transport vehicles 6 can be transported between driving levels E2 lying one above the other . In order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the above disclosure in this context.

According to the embodiment shown, the ascent and/or descent unit 8 comprises a horizontal walkway section 10a, which is arranged at the height of the pedestrian passage 9a and, starting from the vertical corridor 7, projects into one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b up to the further pedestrian passage 9a. It should be pointed out that the horizontal walkway section 10a is not shown at all in FIG. 8b for reasons of a better overview and only in sections in FIG. 8d.

The ascent and/or descent unit 8 additionally comprises a vertical walkway section 11a which is connected to the horizontal walkway section 10a. With regard to the horizontal walkway section 10a and vertical walkway section 11a, reference is made to the above disclosure and will not be repeated here.

As can be seen in Figs. 8a, 8c, the rack storage system, in particular the rack aisle unit, if (only) one rack aisle unit is provided, or each rack aisle unit if several rack aisle units are provided, comprises a vertical aisle 7, which is located in one of the first and second storage racks 2a , 2b or one of the first and second - 56 -

Storage shelves 2a, 2b is assigned, and the pedestrian passage 9a, which is provided in one of the first and second storage shelves 2a, 2b, in which the vertical passage 7 runs or which the vertical passage 7 is assigned. A connecting path between the vertical passage 7 and one of the maintenance passages 4a is provided via the pedestrian passage 9a. A passage 70 of the pedestrian passage 9a lies in a plane spanning in the longitudinal direction (X) and a vertical direction (Y).

With regard to the execution of the pedestrian passage 9a, reference is made to the above disclosure on the pedestrian passage 9a, 9a, 9c and is not repeated again at this point.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the ascent and/or descent unit 8 (a rack aisle unit) comprises one or more ascent and/or descent devices 98a, 98b. The ascent and/or descent device 98a is assigned to a further pedestrian passage 96a and the ascent and/or descent device 98b is assigned to a further pedestrian passage 96b. The one or more ascending and/or descending devices 98a, 98b are arranged in one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b, in the embodiment shown in the first storage rack 2a.

As can be seen in the figures, the rack storage system, in particular the rack aisle unit, if (only) one rack aisle unit is provided, or each rack aisle unit if several rack aisle units are provided, comprises a further pedestrian passageway 96a, which is assigned to maintenance aisles 4a, 4b arranged one above the other and on a walk-in (lower) walkway 57 is provided, and a further pedestrian passage 96b, which is assigned to maintenance corridors 4b, 4c arranged one above the other and is provided on a walkable (upper) walkway 57. Each further pedestrian passage 96a, 96b comprises a passage 97 which lies in a plane spanning in the longitudinal direction (X) and a horizontal direction (Z). Each additional pedestrian passage 96a, 96b includes a flap door 99 assigned to the passage 97, which is positioned between an opening s and allows an operator access from a maintenance passage 4a, 4b, 4c to a maintenance passage 4a, 4b, 4c located above or below , and a closed position in which an operator is prevented from accessing a maintenance aisle 4a, 4b, 4c arranged above or below. - 57 -

As shown, the ascent and/or descent devices 98a, 98b each comprise a step segment 95, which step segment 95 can be moved relative to one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b between a first position of use (FIGS. 8a, 8b) and a second position of use (Fig. 8c, 8d) so that in the first position of use the relevant step segment 95 is essentially in one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b and in the second position of use the step segment 95 is at least partially in at least one of the maintenance aisles 4a , 4b, 4c protrudes.

In particular, each ascent and/or descent device 98a, 98b can have the step segment 95 and a support frame 100 to which the step segment 95 is fastened. The ascent and/or descent device 98a, 98b can be arranged with the support frame 100 via a linear guide (not shown) or a pivot bearing (shown schematically) on one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b. The support frame 100 can be displaced in the horizontal direction (Z) or pivoted about a pivot axis running in the vertical direction (Y).

In particular, each ascent and/or descent device 98a, 98b can have the step segment 95 and a support frame 100, on which steps 101 are arranged at equidistant distances one above the other and parallel to one another. The steps 101 can protrude freely on one side of the support frame 100 . The steps 101 each form a step surface at a projecting end and are each connected to the support frame 100 at an opposite end.

9 shows an embodiment of a rack storage system which comprises a first rack aisle unit 1a and a second rack aisle unit 1b.

It should be pointed out at this point that FIG. 9 shows a view of a maintenance aisle 4b of the maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c, a personnel access 9b of the pedestrian aisles 9a, 9b, 9c and a horizontal walkway section 10b of the horizontal walkway sections 10b of the first and second shelf aisle units la, 1b is shown. The same representation results in the view of the maintenance aisle 4a or 4c, the personnel access 9a or 9c and the horizontal walkway section 10a or 10c.

The shelf storage system, in particular the first aisle unit la and second aisle unit 1b each include a first storage rack 2a, a second storage rack 2b, a - 58 -

Shelf aisle 3, maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c, guideways 5a, 5b and one or more automatically operated transport vehicles 6, as already described above.

Likewise, the rack storage system can, as is not visible in this figure, in particular the first rack aisle unit 1a and the second rack aisle unit 1b, each optionally comprising a load manipulation unit and/or optionally a conveyor system for transporting loads 16 and/or optionally a transport vehicle lifting device, as above described.

The rack storage system, as not visible in this figure, in particular the first rack aisle unit la and second rack aisle unit 1b can each optionally include a person access per maintenance aisle 4a, 4b, 4c for access to the relevant maintenance aisle 4a, 4b, 4c from one end of the rack aisle 3.

In addition, the rack storage system, as shown schematically in this figure, includes in particular the first rack aisle unit 1a and the second rack aisle unit 1b, a vertical aisle 7, an ascent and/or descent unit 8 and a pedestrian passage 9a, 9b, 9c for each maintenance aisle 4a, 4b, 4c, as already described above.

As not shown in the figures, one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b of the first rack aisle unit 1a and second rack aisle unit 1b, in the exemplary embodiment shown the first storage rack 2a, forms opposite end faces 12a, 12b in a longitudinal direction (X). The pedestrian passages 9a, 9b, 9c of the first shelf aisle unit la and second shelf aisle unit 1b are each in turn arranged between the opposite end faces 12a, 12b and connect to the maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c in order to give an operator 41 access to the maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c and leaving the maintenance aisles 4a, 4b, 4c to allow. With regard to the description of a pedestrian passage 9a, 9b, 9c, reference is made to the above disclosure and will not be repeated again. In particular, a passageway 9a, 9b, 9c between the vertical aisle 7 and a maintenance aisle 4a, 4b, 4c establishes a connecting path, both in the direction of the first aisle unit la and in the direction of the second aisle unit 1b.

According to this embodiment, the vertical aisle 7 is provided on the first rack aisle unit la and is arranged in one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b, in which the passageways 9a, 9b, 9c are also arranged. In particular, is about a - 59 -

Pedestrian passage 9a, 9b, 9c between the vertical corridor 7 and a maintenance corridor 4a, 4b, 4c made a connecting path (connecting route).

No (independent) vertical aisle is provided on the second aisle unit 1b. Rather, one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b of the second aisle unit 1b is assigned the vertical aisle 7 of the first aisle unit la.

The ascending and/or descending unit 8 of the first rack aisle unit 1a and the second rack aisle unit 1b each comprises one or more horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c. The horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c are each arranged at the height of the pedestrian passages 9a, 9b, 9c and protrude into one of the first and second storage racks 2a, 2b. In the embodiment shown, the horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c are arranged in the storage rack 2a. In other words, the horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c are arranged in that storage rack 2a, 2b where the pedestrian passages 9a, 9b, 9c are also arranged.

According to the embodiment shown, the horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c of the first aisle unit la and the second aisle unit 1b can form a (common) horizontal walkway section 90a, 90b, 90c.

The ascent and/or descent unit 8 of the first aisle unit 1a and the aisle second unit 1b also comprise one or more vertical walkway sections 11a, 11b, 11c. The vertical walkway sections 11a, 11b, 11c connect the horizontal walkway sections 10a, 10b, 10c.

According to the embodiment shown, a vertical walkway section 11b of the ascent and/or descent unit 8, which is assigned to the first aisle unit la and the second aisle unit 1b, forms a common vertical walkway section 91.

Finally, it is also stated that the scope of protection is determined by the patent claims. However, the description and drawings should be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described can represent independent inventive solutions. - 60 -

In particular, it is also stated that the shelf storage systems shown can in reality also include more or fewer components than shown. In some cases, the shelf storage systems shown or their components may also be shown not to scale and/or enlarged and/or reduced.

- 61 -

R e c e r t e s t i o n t i n g la aisle unit 28 transfer drive lb aisle unit 29 control

2a first storage rack

2b second storage rack

3 shelf aisle 30 guide wheel

35a first load transport device

4a, 4b, 4c maintenance aisle

35b second cargo transport

5a, 5b guide track device

6 transport vehicle

36a first buffering device

7 vertical gear

36b second buffering device

8 ascent and/or descent unit

37a first conveying device

9a, 9b, 9c pedestrian passage

37b second conveyor 10a, 10b, 10c horizontal walkway section

38a first provision presentation

11a, 11b, 11c V ertical sidewalk alignment section

38b second provision

12a first face direction

12b second end face 40a, 40b, 40c access for persons

15 shelf space 41 operator

16 cargo 42 access door

17a, 17b front shelf uprights 43 protective fence

18a, 18b rear shelf uprights 44 sensor

19a, 19b front longitudinal beam 45 switching device

20a, 20b rear longitudinal beam 46 control unit

21a, 21b bearing surface 47 closing unit

22 first guide 48 horizontal walkway section

23 second guide 49 vertical walkway section

24 Base frame 55 Transport vehicle lifting device

25 transfer device

26 impeller 56 pick-up device

27 Travel drive 57 Walkway - 62 -

58a first assembly traverse

58b second assembly traverse

60 sidewalk

61 assembly traverse

62 step segment

70 passage

71 access door

72 hours end

73 supporting frame

74 main beam section

75 S time end

76 linear guide

77 swivel bearing

80a, 80b sensor 81 actuator

82a, 82b locking element

85 switching device

90 horizontal walkway section

91 vertical walkway section

95 step segment

96a, 96b pedestrian passage

97 pass

98a, 98b ascent and/or descent device 99 folding door

100 support frames

101 step

El shelf level

E2 driving level

E3 maintenance level

Claims

- 63 - P atentclaims 1. Rack storage system with a first rack aisle unit (la), which first Shelving aisle unit (la) comprises a first storage rack (2a) which has rack spaces (15) for loads (16) arranged in stacked rack levels (El), a second storage rack (2b) which has rack spaces ( 15) for loading goods (16), a shelf aisle (3) which extends in a longitudinal direction (X) between the first storage shelf (2a) and the second storage shelf (2b), Maintenance aisles (4a, 4b, 4c), which run in the aisle (3) and some of which include walkways (57) arranged on maintenance levels (E3) one above the other, Guide tracks (5a, 5b) which run in the longitudinal direction (X), one or more automatically operated transport vehicles (6), which transport vehicle (6) can be moved in the rack aisle (3) along the guide tracks (5a, 5b) and a transfer device (25) for transferring cargo (16) between a respective shelf location (15) and the transport vehicle (6), characterized in that the first shelf aisle unit (la) further comprises a vertical aisle (7) which is in one of the first and second storage racks (2a, 2b) or is assigned to one of the first and second storage racks (2a, 2b), a pedestrian passage (9a, 9b, 9c), which is provided in one of the first and second storage racks (2a, 2b), in which the vertical aisle (7) also runs or to which the vertical aisle (7) is assigned, and via which pedestrian aisle (9a, 9b, 9c) a connecting path between the vertical aisle (7) and at least one of the maintenance aisles (4a, 4b, 4c) is provided or a pedestrian passage (9a, 9b, 9c) for each maintenance corridor (4a, 4b, 4c), which pedestrian passages (9a, 9b, 9c) are provided in one of the first and second storage racks (2a, 2b), in which the Vertical aisle (7) runs or which the vertical aisle (7) is assigned to, and via which pedestrian aisles (9a, 9b, 9c) connecting paths between the vertical aisle (7) and the maintenance aisles (4a, 4b, 4c) are provided, and a and/or descent unit (8), which - 64 - has one or more horizontal walkway sections (10a, 10b, 10c, 90a, 90b, 90c), which horizontal walkway section (10a, 10b, 10c, 90a, 90b, 90c) is arranged at the height of the pedestrian passage (9a, 9b, 9c). and starting from the vertical aisle (7) into one of the first and second storage racks (2a, 2b) up to the pedestrian passage (9a, 9b, 9c), or which horizontal walkway sections (10a, 10b, 10c, 90a, 90b, 90c) at the level of the respective pedestrian passages (9a, 9b, 9c) and starting from the vertical corridor (7) in one of the first and second storage racks (2a, 2b) to the respective pedestrian passages (9a, 9b, 9c) protrude, and one or more vertical walkway sections ( 11a, 11b, 11c, 91), which vertical walkway section (11a, 11b, 11c, 91) is assigned to the vertical corridor (7) and connects to the one horizontal walkway section (10a, 10b, 10c, 90a, 90b, 90c), or which vertical walkway sections (11a, 11b, 11c, 91) are associated with the vertical corridor (7) and connect the horizontal walkway sections (10a, 10b, 10c, 90a, 90b, 90c). 2. Rack storage system according to Claim 1 with a second rack aisle unit (1b), which second rack aisle unit (1b) comprises a first storage rack (2a) which has rack locations (15) for loads (16) arranged in stacked rack levels (El), a second Storage rack (2b), which has rack locations (15) for loads (16) arranged in rack levels (El) one above the other, a rack aisle (3), which extends between the first storage rack (2a) and the second storage rack (2b) in a longitudinal direction (X) extends, Maintenance aisles (4a, 4b, 4c), which run in the aisle (3) and some of which include walkways (57) arranged on maintenance levels (E3) one above the other, Guide tracks (5a, 5b) which run in the longitudinal direction (X), one or more automatically operated transport vehicles (6), which transport vehicle (6) can be moved in the rack aisle (3) along the guide tracks (5a, 5b) and a transfer device (25) for transferring cargo (16) between a respective shelf location (15) and the transport vehicle (6), - 65 - optionally a vertical aisle (7) which runs in one of the first and second storage racks (2a, 2b), or optionally a vertical aisle (7) which is assigned to one of the first and second storage racks (2a, 2b), a pedestrian passage (9a, 9b, 9c), which is provided in one of the first and second storage racks (2a, 2b), in which possibly also the vertical aisle (7) runs, or to which the vertical aisle (7) is assigned, and via which pedestrian passage ( 9a, 9b, 9c) a connecting path between the vertical aisle (7) and at least one of the maintenance aisles (4a, 4b, 4c) is provided, or a pedestrian passage (9a, 9b, 9c) per maintenance aisle (4a, 4b, 4c), which Personnel passages (9a, 9b, 9c) are provided in one of the first and second storage racks (2a, 2b), in which the vertical passage (7) may also run, or to which the vertical passage (7) is assigned, and via which personnel passages (9a , 9b, 9c) connecting paths between the vertical aisle (7) and the maintenance aisles (4a, 4b, 4c) are provided, and an ascent and/or descent unit (8) which has one or more horizontal walkway sections (10a, 10b, 10c, 90a , 90b, 90c), which horizontal walkway section (10a, 10b, 10c, 90a, 90b, 90c) is arranged at the height of the pedestrian passage (9a, 9b, 9c) and starting from the vertical aisle (7) into one of the first and second storage racks ( 2a, 2b) as far as the pedestrian passage (9a, 9b, 9c), or which horizontal walkway sections (10a, 10b, 10c, 90a, 90b, 90c) are arranged at the height of the respective pedestrian passage (9a, 9b, 9c) and starting from the vertical passage (7) project into one of the first and second storage racks (2a, 2b) up to the respective passageway (9a, 9b, 9c), and has one or more vertical walkway sections (11a, 11b, 11c, 91), which vertical walkway section (11a, 1 lb, 11c, 91) is assigned to the vertical corridor (7) and connects to one horizontal walkway section (10a, 10b, 10c, 90a, 90b, 90c), or which vertical walkway sections (11a, 11b, 11c, 91) are associated with the vertical corridor (7th ) are associated and connect the horizontal walkway sections (10a, 10b, 10c, 90a, 90b, 90c). 3. Shelf storage system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in addition a person access (40a, 40b, 40c) per maintenance aisle (4a, 4b, 4c) for access in - 66 - the relevant maintenance aisle (4a, 4b, 4c) is provided from a front side of the shelf aisle (3). 4. Shelf storage system according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first storage shelf (2a) additionally has front shelf uprights (17a), rear shelf uprights (18a), front longitudinal crossbars (19a) fastened one above the other on the front shelf uprights (17a) and on the rear shelf uprights (18a) have rear longitudinal beams (20a) fastened one above the other, and that the second storage rack (2b) additionally has front shelf uprights (17b), rear shelf uprights (18b), front longitudinal beams (19b) fastened one above the other on the front shelf uprights (17b) and rear longitudinal cross members (20b) fastened one above the other on the rear shelf uprights (18b). 5. Shelf storage system according to claim 4, characterized in that the guide tracks (5a, 5b) are provided on at least some of the front longitudinal beams (19a, 19b) of the first storage rack (2a) and/or second storage rack (2b) and that the transport vehicle ( 6) can be moved in the aisle (3) along the guideways (5a, 5b). 6. Shelf storage system according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the guideways (5a, 5b) are arranged in pairs in superimposed travel levels (E2) and for each travel level (E2) one of the guideways (5b) has a first guide (22) and form a second guide (23). 7. Shelf storage system according to claim 6, characterized in that the transport vehicle (6) additionally has a base frame (24), Running wheels (26), of which first running wheels (26) rest on a first side of the vehicle on the first guide (22) of a first guide track (5a) so that they can be rolled, and second running wheels (26) on a second side of the vehicle on the first guide (22) of a second guide rail (5b) can be rolled, and the running wheels (26) are rotatably mounted on the base frame (24), - 67 - a travel drive (27), which is coupled to at least one running wheel (26), at least one guide unit, which is mounted on the base frame (24) and which is located on both sides of the second guide (23) and on the second guide (23 ) has guide wheels (30) resting on guide sections facing away from each other so that they can be rolled, in order to move the transport vehicle (6) out on the travel movement along the second guide track (5b). 8. Shelf storage system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a transport vehicle lifting device (55) is additionally provided, by which the one or more transport vehicles (6) can be transported between driving levels (E2) lying one above the other. 9. Shelf storage system according to one of Claims 1 to 8, comprising a conveyor system for transporting loads (16), a load manipulation unit to which the conveyor system for transporting loads (16) is connected and which for storing loads (16) has a first load transport device (35a) and a first buffer device (36a) and for delivery of loads (16) a second load transport device (35b) and a second buffer device (36b), the first buffer device (36a) being arranged in supply levels lying one above the other staging devices (38a) and the second buffer device (36b) has staging devices (38b) arranged in staging levels one above the other, and wherein the first load transport device (35 a) has the conveyor system for transporting loads (16) and the staging devices (38a) of the first buffer device (36a) conveyingly connects and - 68 - wherein the second load transport device (35b) connects the conveyor system for transporting loads (16) and the provision devices (38b) of the second buffer device (36b) in terms of conveyor technology, and the one or more transport vehicles (6) in the aisle ( 3) can be moved along the front longitudinal beams (19a, 19b) in front of the shelf locations (15), the first buffer device (36a) and the second buffer device (36b) and the load (16) between the first buffer device (36a) and the shelf locations (16 ) or transported between the shelves (16) and the second buffer device (36b). 10. Shelf storage system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the transport vehicle (6) has an electronic controller (29), a travel drive (27) for driving the transport vehicle (6) and a transfer drive (28) for driving the transfer device ( 25), which electronic control (29) is connected to the travel drive (27) and to the transfer drive (27), a switching device (85) is provided, by means of which between automatic operation and safety operation for one transport vehicle (6) or between the several transport vehicles (6), a central control unit (46) is provided, which in turn is connected to the electronic control (29) of the transport vehicle (6) and to the switching device (85), the automatic mode being switched to safety mode for the one transport vehicle (6) or the several transport vehicles (6) changes when an operator (41) reports access to one of the maintenance aisles (4a, 4b, 4c) at the switching device (85) and the operator (41) over wants to enter one of the maintenance aisles (4a, 4b, 4c) through a pedestrian passageway (9a, 9b, 9c), with the central control unit (46) controlling the one or more transport vehicles (6) in automatic mode in such a way that Transport vehicle (6) moves along the shelf aisle (3) to the shelf locations (15) and the - 69 - Loads (16) are transferred to the shelf locations (15) or loads (16) are transferred from the shelf locations (15), and wherein the central control unit (46) controls the one transport vehicle (6) or several transport vehicles (6 ) controlled in such a way that the transport vehicle (6) moves into a predefined stopping position and/or is put into a state of rest that is safe and/or motionless for an operator (41) until the electronic controller (29) receives an enabling signal from the central control unit ( 46) and one transport vehicle (6) is switched back to automatic mode or the several transport vehicles (6) are switched back to automatic mode. 11. Shelf storage system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pedestrian passage (9a, 9b, 9c) comprises a passage (70), which passage (70) spans in a longitudinal direction (X) and a vertical direction (Y). level. 12. Shelf storage system according to claim 1, 2 or 11, characterized in that the pedestrian passage (9a, 9b, 9c) and the passage (70) comprises an access door (71) which between an open position in which an operator (41) access to the maintenance aisle (4a, 4b, 4c) and/or exit from the maintenance aisle (4a, 4b, 4c) is enabled, and a closed position in which an operator (41) can access the maintenance aisle (4a, 4b , 4c) and/or leaving the maintenance aisle (4a, 4b, 4c) is prevented, can be moved. 13. Shelf storage system according to claim 4, 11 or 12, characterized in that those front longitudinal traverses (19a, 19b) which the pedestrian passage (9a, 9b, 9c) in the longitudinal direction (X), form a passage section in the area of the passage (70) and end with their front ends (72) at the passage (70), the access door (71) comprises a support frame (73) on which longitudinal traverse sections ( 74) are fixed and arranged in such a way that in the - 70 - In the closed position of the access door (71), the longitudinal traverse sections (74) extend in extension of those front longitudinal traverses (19a, 19b) which form the passage section, the respective longitudinal traverse sections (74) having their front ends (75) on the front ends (72) of the respective front Longitudinal traverses (19a, 19b) are directed so that a substantially gap-free transition between the respective front longitudinal traverses (19a, 19b) and the respective longitudinal traverse sections (74) arises. 14. Rack storage system according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the access door (71) is connected to the support frame (73) via a linear guide (76) or a pivot bearing (77) on one of the first and second storage racks (2a, 2b). is stored. 15. Shelf storage system according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the pedestrian passage (9a, 9b, 9c) comprises a sensor (80a, 80b) by which the access door (71) in the opening s position and / or in the Closing position can be monitored and through which a status signal can be emitted in the open position and/or in the closed position. 16. Shelf storage system according to Claim 15, characterized in that the sensor (80a, 80b) is connected to a central control unit (46), which in turn controls the one or more transport vehicles (6) when the access door (71 ) has been moved to the open position and/or to the closed position and a status signal has been issued. 17. Shelf storage system according to one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the pedestrian passageway (9a, 9b, 9c) comprises a locking device, by which the access door (71) can be locked in the open position and/or in the closed position. 18. Shelf storage system according to claim 17, characterized in that the locking device comprises a locking element (82a) which can be actuated manually or electromechanically by an actuator (81). - 71 - 19. Shelf storage system according to one of claims 2 to 18, characterized in that the horizontal walkway sections (10a, 10b, 10c, 90a, 90b, 90c) of the ascent and/or descent unit (8) which are assigned to the first shelf aisle unit (1a). , and the horizontal walkway sections (10a, 10b, 10c, 90a, 90b, 90c) of the ascent and/or descent unit (8), which are assigned to the second shelf aisle unit (1b), at the height of the respective pedestrian passages (9a, 9b, 9c) are each connected to one another via a horizontal walkway section (90a, 90b, 90c). 20. Rack storage system according to one of Claims 2 to 19, characterized in that a vertical walkway section (11a, 11b, 11c) of the ascent and/or descent unit (8) which is assigned to the first rack aisle unit (1a) and a vertical walkway section (1st 1a, 11b, 11c) of the ascent and/or descent unit (8), which is assigned to the second shelf aisle unit (1b), form a common vertical walkway section (91). 21. Shelf storage system according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the vertical walkway section (11a, 11b, 11c, 91) comprises a step segment (62; 95), in particular designed as a ladder or staircase. 22. Shelf storage system according to claim 21, characterized in that the step segment (62) is arranged in a stationary manner. 23. Rack storage system according to Claim 21, characterized in that the step segment (95) can be moved relative to one of the first and second storage racks (2a, 2b) between a first position of use and a second position of use, so that in the first position of use the step segment (95) is essentially located in one of the first and second storage racks (2a, 2b) and in the second use position the step segment (95) in question protrudes at least partially into at least one of the maintenance aisles (4a, 4b, 4c). - 72 - 24. Shelf storage system according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the ascent and/or descent unit (8) further comprises one or more ascent and/or descent devices (98a, 98b), one ascent and/or descent device (98a, 98b) is assigned to a further passage (96a, 96b) and is designed with a step segment (95), which step segment (95) can be moved relative to one of the first and second storage racks (2a, 2b) between a first use position and a second position of use, so that in the first position of use the step segment (95) is essentially in one of the first and second storage racks (2a, 2b) and in the second position of use the relevant step segment (95) is at least partially in at least one of the Maintenance gears (4a, 4b, 4c) protrudes. 25. Shelf storage system according to claim 24, characterized in that the further passage (96a, 96b) comprises a flap door (99) and a passage (97) which is arranged in the walkway (57) and can be closed by the flap door (99). 26. Shelf storage system according to Claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the ascent and/or descent device (98a, 98b) has the step segment (95) and a support frame (100) to which the step segment (95) is attached, and that the ascent and/or descent device (98a, 98b) with the support frame (100) is arranged on one of the first and second storage racks (2a, 2b) via a linear guide or a pivot bearing. 27. Shelf storage system according to claim 26, characterized in that the support frame (100) can be displaced in the horizontal direction (Z) or that the support frame (100) can be pivoted about a pivot axis running in the vertical direction (Y). 28. Shelf storage system according to one of claims 24 to 27, characterized in that the ascent and / or descent device (98a, 98b) the step segment (95) and a - 73 - Has a supporting frame (100) on which steps (101) are arranged one above the other and parallel to one another at equidistant intervals. 29. Shelf storage system according to claim 28, characterized in that the treads (101) protrude freely on one side of the support frame (100). 30. Shelf storage system according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that the steps (101) each form a step surface at a projecting end and are each connected to the support frame (100) at an opposite end. 31. Rack storage system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the area in one of the first and second storage racks (2a, 2b) in which the ascent and/or descent unit (8) with the one or more horizontal walkway sections (10a, 10b, 10c, 90a, 90b, 90c) and optionally with the one or more vertical walkway sections (11a, 11b, 11c, 91), is free of shelf locations (15), so that an operator (41) can move around there. 32. Rack storage system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the area in one of the first and second storage racks (2a, 2b) in which the pedestrian passage (9a, 9b, 9c) or the pedestrian passages (9a, 9b, 9c) is arranged are, is free of shelf space (15), so that there an operator (41) can move. 33. Shelf storage system according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the one or more horizontal walkway sections (10a, 10b, 10c, 90a, 90b, 90c) and/or the one or more vertical walkway sections (11a, 1 lb, 11c, 91 ) of the ascent and/or descent unit (8) are stationarily arranged. 34. Shelf storage system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the vertical aisle (7) and the ascent and/or descent unit (8) are arranged outside of the maintenance aisles (4a, 4b, 4c).