AUTOMATION CELL WHICH CAN BE LOADED AUTOMATICALLY AND MANUALLY

Abstract

An automation unit for handling component carriers has an enclosure for arranging components carriers within a first, a second and a third stacking space. The enclosure has a loading opening for the first stacking space, a transfer device for transferring component carriers between the stacking spaces, and a separating device to selectively separate or release the first stacking space inwardly. A safety system for an intervention area is at the loading opening to interrupt the operation of the automation unit if it detects an intervention. The safety system may switch to partial monitoring mode, to full monitoring mode after completion of an automated loading process or deactivate in a manual loading mode when the separating device separates the first stacking space. The safety system may switch to full monitoring mode before the separating device releases the first stacking space. The automation unit can be loaded both automatically and manually safely.

Claims

1. An automation unit for handling component carriers, comprising: an enclosure within which a first stacking space, a second stacking space and a third stacking space for component carriers are arranged, the enclosure having a loading opening for the first stacking space; a transfer device configured for transferring component carriers between the stacking spaces; and a separating device in order to selectively separate or release the first stacking space inwardly; wherein the automation unit has a safety system for an intervention area at the loading opening, which is set up to: monitor the entire intervention area in a full monitoring mode; monitor only a sub-area of the intervention area in a partial monitoring mode; and to interrupt the operation of the automation unit if the safety system detects an intervention; wherein the automation unit is set up to: switch the safety system to partial monitoring mode in an automatic loading mode if an automated loading process has been registered beforehand, and to switch the safety system to full monitoring mode after completion of the automated loading process; and deactivate the safety system in a manual loading mode when the separating device separates the first stacking space and to switch the safety system to full monitoring mode before the separating device releases the first stacking space.

2. The automation unit according to claim 1, wherein the automation unit is set up to switch the safety system to partial monitoring mode only when a stack of component carriers is located immediately in front of the loading opening.

3. The automation unit according to claim 1, wherein the safety system is designed for contactless, in particular optical, monitoring.

4. The automation unit according to claim 1, wherein the safety system is designed to detect contact, in particular with the security system having at least one contact protection strip.

5. The automation unit according to claim 1, wherein the safety system has a closing device for the loading opening.

6. The automation unit according to claim 5, wherein the closing device and the separating device have a common separating element, which can be arranged either to close the loading opening or to separate the first stacking space.

7. The automation unit according to claim 1, wherein the loading opening is formed on a front structure of the enclosure.

8. The automation unit according to claim 7, wherein the front structure has a roof segment which can be brought into a covering position and into an open position.

9. The automation unit according to claim 1, wherein an alignment device for aligning a stack of component carriers is provided at the first stacking space.

10. The automation unit according to claim 1, wherein the stacking spaces are arranged one behind the other in a longitudinal direction, and wherein the loading opening is aligned for loading in the longitudinal direction.

11. An automation system comprising the automation unit according to claim 1 and an automated guided vehicle for transporting a stack of component carriers.

12. The automation system according to claim 11, wherein the safety system is set up to stop the automated guided vehicle when the safety system detects an intervention at the loading opening.

13. The automation system according to claim 11, wherein the automated guided vehicle is set up to register a loading process with the automation unit.

14. The automation system according to claim 13, wherein the automated guided vehicle is set up to inform the automation unit of the size of a stack of component carriers to be infed through the loading opening, and wherein the safety system is set up to adapt the size of the sub-area of the intervention area monitored in partial monitoring mode to the reported size of the stack of component carriers.

15. The automation system according to claim 11, wherein the automation system is set up for secure communication between the automation unit and the automated guided vehicle.

16. A method for the manual loading of the automation unit according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: a) separating the first stacking space inwardly; b) deactivating the safety system; c) infeeding and/or outfeeding a stack of component carriers through the loading opening; d) activating the safety system; and e) releasing the first stacking space.

17. A method for the automated loading of the automation unit of the automation system according to claim 11, comprising the steps of: A) monitoring the entire intervention area at the loading opening; B) registering an automated loading process with the automation unit; C) monitoring a sub-area, in particular an outer sub-area, of the intervention area; D) infeeding and/or outfeeding a stack of component carriers through the loading opening by means of the automated guided vehicle; and E) monitoring the entire intervention area.

18. An operating method for the automation system according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one cycle is carried out of a method for the manual loading of the automation unit, comprising the steps of: a) separating the first stacking space inwardly; b) deactivating the safety system; c) infeeding and/or outfeeding a stack of component carriers through the loading opening; d) activating the safety system; and e) releasing the first stacking space; and at least one cycle is carried out of a method for the automated loading of the automation unit, comprising the steps of: A) monitoring the entire intervention area at the loading opening; B) registering an automated loading process with the automation unit; C) monitoring a sub-area, in particular an outer sub-area, of the intervention area; D) infeeding and/or outfeeding a stack of component carriers through the loading opening by means of the automated guided vehicle; and E) monitoring the entire intervention area.

19. An operating method for the automation system according to claim 12, comprising the steps of: K) operating the automation unit and automatically moving the automated guided vehicle in an area surrounding the automation unit, in particular infeeding and/or outfeeding a stack of component carriers through the loading opening by means of the automated guided vehicle; L) triggering the safety system; and M) interrupting the operation of the automation unit and stopping the automated guided vehicle by means of the safety system.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] The invention is illustrated in the drawings and is explained in more detail using embodiments. In the drawings:

[0072] FIG. 1 shows an automation system according to the invention with an automation unit according to the invention and an automated guided vehicle for transporting a stack of component carriers, in a schematic overview;

[0073] FIG. 2a shows the automation system from FIG. 1, wherein an optical safety system monitors an entire intervention area at a loading opening for a first stacking space of the automation unit, in a schematic perspective view with the enclosure of the automation unit shown in partially broken form;

[0074] FIG. 2b shows the automation system according to FIG. 2a in a schematic plan view;

[0075] FIG. 3 shows the automation unit of the automation system from FIG. 1, wherein the safety system monitors only an outer sub-area of the intervention area at the loading opening and wherein a separating device separates the first stacking space from an interior, in a schematic perspective view with the enclosure shown in partially broken form;

[0076] FIG. 4a shows the automation system from FIG. 1, wherein the automation unit is in the state according to FIG. 3 and wherein the automated guided vehicle infeeds a stack of component carriers through the loading opening, in a schematic perspective view with the enclosure shown in partially broken form;

[0077] FIG. 4b shows the automation system according to FIG. 4a in a schematic plan view;

[0078] FIG. 5 shows the automation unit of the automation system from FIG. 1 before a manual loading process is carried out by an operator, wherein the safety system monitors the entire intervention area at the loading opening and wherein the first stacking space is released by the separating device, in a schematic perspective view with the enclosure shown in partially broken form;

[0079] FIG. 6 shows the automation unit and the operator from FIG. 5, wherein the separating device separates the first stacking space, the safety system is deactivated and a roof segment of a front structure of the enclosure is in a covering position, in a schematic perspective view with the enclosure shown in partially broken form;

[0080] FIG. 7 shows the automation unit and the operator from FIG. 5, wherein the roof segment is in an open position and the operator brings a stack of component carriers through the loading opening to the first stacking space, in a schematic perspective view with the enclosure shown in partially broken form;

[0081] FIG. 8 shows an automation unit according to the invention, wherein a safety system comprises a closing device for the loading opening and contact protection strips on side panels next to the loading opening, wherein the closing device closes the loading opening, in a schematic perspective view with the enclosure shown in partially broken form;

[0082] FIG. 9 shows the automation unit from FIG. 8 with the closing device open and the first stacking space separated by a separating device, in a schematic perspective view with the enclosure shown in partially broken form;

[0083] FIG. 10 shows an automation unit according to the invention, in which a closing device for the loading opening and a separating device for the first stacking space have a common separating element, which in this case closes the loading opening and which alternatively can be arranged to separate the first stacking space, in a schematic perspective view with the enclosure shown in partially broken form;

[0084] FIG. 11 shows a schematic flowchart of a method according to the invention for the manual loading of an automation unit;

[0085] FIG. 12 shows a schematic flowchart of a method according to the invention for the automated loading of an automation unit of an automation system;

[0086] FIG. 13 shows a schematic flowchart of an operating method with manual and automated loading of an automation unit of an automation system;

[0087] FIG. 14 shows a schematic flowchart of an operating method for an automation system with triggering of a safety system for the loading opening.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0088] FIG. 1 shows an automation system 10 according to the invention. The automation system 10 comprises an automation unit 12 according to the invention and an automated guided vehicle 14. The automated guided vehicle 14 transports a stack 16 of component carriers 18 which are arranged on a transport trolley 20.

[0089] The automation unit 12 has an enclosure 22. A front structure 24, on which a loading opening 26 is formed, protrudes from the enclosure 22. An intervention area 28 at the loading opening 26 is monitored by a safety system 30. The automation unit 12 can have a control cabinet 32, which is arranged here on the rear of the enclosure 22. An electronic controller (not shown in detail) for the automation unit 12 can be provided in the control cabinet 32.

[0090] FIG. 2a shows a section of the automation system 10 from FIG. 1. The enclosure 22 is shown in FIG. 2 in partially removed or broken form. A first stacking space 34, a second stacking space 36, a third stacking space 38 and a plurality of further stacking spaces 39 are formed within the enclosure 22. A stack 16 of component carriers 18 can be arranged on each of the stacking spaces 34, 36, 38, 39. The automation unit 12 has a transfer device 40. By means of the transfer device 40, component carriers 18 can be transferred individually or in groups between the stacking spaces 34, 36, 38, 39. The transfer device 40 is designed in this case with a pallet changer.

[0091] The automation unit 12 has a separating device 42 for the first stacking space 34. The first stacking space 34 can be separated inwardly (from the remainder of the interior 44 of the enclosure 22 with the stacking spaces 36, 38, 39) or released by means of the separating device 42. In this case, the separating device 42 comprises a displaceable hood 46 and a bulkhead wall 48. The hood 46 is displaceable over the stacking spaces 34, 36, 38, 39; in particular, the hood 46 can be arranged over the first stacking space 34 or the second stacking space 36. The bulkhead wall 48 is fixed between the first stacking space 34 and the second stacking space 36. The hood 46 is located in this case over the second stacking space 36, cf. also FIG. 2b, so that the separating device 42 releases the first stacking space 34.

[0092] It can also be seen in FIG. 2b that the automated guided vehicle 14 has a lifting device 50 for driving under and lifting the transport trolley 20 of the stack 16.

[0093] The front structure 24 of the enclosure 22 has two side panels 52 and a roof segment 54. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the roof segment 54 is in a covering position. The two side panels 52 and the roof segment 54 surround the loading opening 26 from the side and from above.

[0094] The safety system 30 of the automation unit 12 is designed for contactless, in this case optical, monitoring of the intervention area 28 at the loading opening 26. The safety system 30 has two laser scanners 56. The laser scanners 56 can each be arranged in upper corners of the front structure 24 at the loading opening 26.

[0095] In FIG. 2a, the safety system 30 is in full monitoring mode. In full monitoring mode, the safety system 30 monitors the entire intervention area 28. In full monitoring mode, the laser scanners 56 are set up to detect any intervention in the loading opening 26. If the safety system 30 detects an intervention in the intervention area 28, the safety system 30 interrupts operation of the automation unit 12 and sends the automated guided vehicle 14 a command that forces it to stop. When the operation of the automation unit 12 is interrupted, the transfer device 40 in particular is stopped. If present, a handling device (not shown here) of the automation unit 12 is also stopped. The handling device serves to handle components that are provided on the component carriers 18 and are also not shown in detail.

[0096] FIGS. 2a and 2b show the automation system 10 in a state at the beginning of an automated loading process. For automated loading, the automation unit 12 is in automatic loading mode. The automated guided vehicle 14 has registered the loading process to be carried out with the automation unit 12. When the automated guided vehicle 14 with the stack 16 has moved directly (e.g. to less than eight centimeters) in front of the loading opening 26, the safety system 30 is switched to partial monitoring mode, which allows the stack 16 to be infed through the loading opening 26 to the first stacking space 34.

[0097] The automation unit 12 and the automated guided vehicle 14 can each have redundant communication devices that are not shown in detail. Secure communication can be set up between the automation unit 12 and the automated guided vehicle 10 by means of the redundant communication devices. (Secure) communication includes in particular the registration of a loading process by the automated guided vehicle 14 with the automation unit 12 and the sending of a stop command from the automation unit 12 to the automated guided vehicle 14 if the safety system 30 is triggered.

[0098] FIG. 3 shows the automation unit 12 with the safety system 30 in partial monitoring mode. In partial monitoring mode, the safety system 30 only monitors a sub-area 58 of the intervention area 28, in this case an outer sub-area. An infeed area 60, in this case an inner infeed area, is excluded from monitoring. A distinction can be made between an intervention in the monitored sub-area 58 and the non-monitored infeed area 60 in that the safety system 30 determines a location of an intervention in the intervention area 28, with an intervention in the monitored sub-area 58 leading to the safety system 30 being triggered, whereas an intervention in the non-monitored infeed area 60 is tolerated without further reaction. The size, in particular the height and/or width, of the monitored sub-area 58 or of the non-monitored infeed area 60 can be matched to the size of the stack 16 or the automated guided vehicle 14.

[0099] It can also be seen in FIG. 3 that the hood 46 is located over the first stacking space 34 so that the separating device 42 separates the first stacking space 34. Because the loading opening 26 is monitored by the safety system 30, however, this separation is not absolutely necessary in automatic loading mode.

[0100] FIGS. 4a and 4b show the automation system 10 from FIG. 1 during the infeed of the stack 16 through the loading opening 26. In the configuration shown, the stack 16 has been brought almost completely through the loading opening 26 by the automated guided vehicle 14. The safety system 30 then adjusted the size of the monitored sub-area 58 and therefore the size of the infeed area 60 such that a housing 62 of the automated guided vehicle 14 can pass through the loading opening 26 without the safety system 30 being triggered.

[0101] As the loading process continues, the automated guided vehicle 14 will move the stack 16 to the first stacking space 34 and then move away from the automation unit 12 again. After the automated guided vehicle 14 has left the loading opening 26, the safety system 30 is switched back to full monitoring mode.

[0102] FIG. 5 shows the automation unit 12 from FIG. 1 in a state at the beginning of a manual loading process. For manual loading, the automation unit 12 is switched to manual loading mode. This can be done by an operator 64 making a corresponding entry on an operator terminal 66 of the automation unit 12.

[0103] In FIG. 5, the safety system 30 is in full monitoring mode, so that any intervention in the loading opening 26 is detected and causes the automation unit 12 to stop. The hood 46 of the separating device 42 can be located above the second stacking space 36, so that the first stacking space 34 is released.

[0104] After the operator 64 has registered the manual loading process, the first stacking space 34 is initially separated inwardly by means of the separating device 42. For this purpose, the hood 46 is moved over the first stacking space 34. The safety system 30 is then deactivated. This state is shown in FIG. 6.

[0105] Since the front structure 24 protrudes from a wall 67, which is in this case vertical, of the enclosure 22, on the one hand it causes the loading opening 26 to be at a distance from the first stacking space 34, so that in the event of an intervention (with the safety system 30 activated), there is more time to interrupt the operation of the automation unit 12. On the other hand, the roof segment 54 in particular hinders the operator 64 when loading the first stacking space 34.

[0106] In order to simplify loading, after the safety system 30 has been deactivated, the operator 64 can bring the roof segment 54 of the front structure 24 out of the covering position, cf. FIGS. 5 and 6, into an open position, see FIG. 7. For this purpose, the roof segment 54 can be pushed inwards (over the first stacking space 34). The safety system 30 may monitor the position of the roof segment 54 such that when the safety system 30 is activated, an attempt to open the roof segment 54 will trigger the safety system 30 and consequently interrupt the operation of the automation unit 12. Opening the roof segment 54 makes it easier for the operator 64 to move the stack 16 to the first stacking space 34. In order to push the stack 16 onto the first stacking space 34 with the transport trolley 20, the operator 64 can step through the loading opening 26 to just in front of the first stacking space 34 when the roof segment 54 is open. The operator 64 does not have to bend down or stretch through the loading opening 26 for this purpose.

[0107] The manual or automated loading processes described above with reference to FIGS. 2a to 7, with the infeed of a stack 16 of component carriers 18 through the loading opening 26 onto the first stacking space 34, can also be carried out, with appropriate adjustments, in order to outfeed a stack 16 of component carriers 18 from the first stacking space 34.

[0108] In the automation unit 12, the stacking spaces 34, 36, 38, 39 are arranged one behind the other in a longitudinal direction 68, cf. also FIG. 1. In other words, the stacking spaces 34, 36, 38, 39 lie on a straight line. The loading, i.e. the infeed and outfeed of a stack 16 of component carriers 18 through the loading opening 26, takes place along the longitudinal direction 68. For this purpose, the loading opening 26 can be arranged to run transversely to the longitudinal direction 68.

[0109] FIG. 8 shows an automation unit 70. With the exception of a safety system 30, the automation unit 70 corresponds to the automation unit 12 from FIG. 1. In this respect, reference is made to the above description.

[0110] The safety system 30 of the automation unit 70 has a closing device 72 for a loading opening 26. The closing device 72 is designed here with a roller door 74 which can be rolled up into a box 76 arranged on the upper side of the loading opening. In FIG. 8, the closing device 72 is in a closed position; the roller door 74 closes the loading opening 26. The closed position of the closing device 72 is set up in full monitoring mode of the safety system 30. In full monitoring mode, an attempt to open the closing device 72 leads to the operation of the automation unit 70 being interrupted and possibly to an automated guided vehicle 14 of an automation system 10 with the automation unit 70 being stopped.

[0111] The safety system 30 also has two contact protection strips 78. The contact protection strips 78 are arranged laterally next to the loading opening 26 in this case. The contact protection strips 78 are triggered when touched. When the contact protection strips 78 are triggered, the safety system 30 interrupts operation of the automation unit 70 and, if necessary, stops the automated guided vehicle 14. As a result, an operator 64 (cf. FIGS. 5 to 7) being trapped between the automation unit 70 and the automated guided vehicle 14 can be avoided.

[0112] The contact protection strips 78 can be integrated into side panels 52 which protrude from a wall 67 of an enclosure 22 of the automation unit 70, which wall in this case runs vertically. Guiding elements 80 can be arranged on the side panels 52 in order to simplify the infeed of a stack 16 of component carriers 18 in the loading opening 26.

[0113] An intervention area 28 that can be monitored by the safety system 30—and is monitored in full monitoring mode—comprises the loading opening 26 and the region of the contact protection strips 78. In partial monitoring mode, a sub-area monitored by the safety system 30 can comprise the region of the contact protection strips 78 and—when the closing device 72 is partially closed—the covered part of the loading opening 26.

[0114] FIG. 9 shows the automation unit 70 in partial monitoring mode of the safety system 30. In partial monitoring mode, the automation unit 70 can be loaded automatically. In this case, the closing device 72 is open for partial monitoring mode. The roller door 74 (cf. FIG. 8) has been raised and is accommodated in the box 76. As a result, the first stacking space 34 is accessible from the outside. The contact protection strips 78 are also active in partial monitoring mode and stop the automation unit 70 and, if necessary, the automated guided vehicle 14 if they are touched.

[0115] The contact protection strips 78 of the safety system 30 can be deactivated for manual loading. This avoids (harmless) contact leading to an interruption in the operation of the automation unit 70.

[0116] In manual loading mode of the automation unit 70, the closing device 72 can only be opened when the first stacking space 34 has been separated from the remainder of the interior 44 of the enclosure 22 by means of a separating device 42. For this purpose (as described above), a hood 46 can be moved over the first stacking space 34. In automatic loading mode of the automation unit 70, the closing device 72 can also be opened when the first stacking space 34 has been released, if the automated guided vehicle 14 is located directly in front of the loading opening 26.

[0117] The automation unit 70 can have an alignment device 82 at the first stacking space 34. A stack 16 of component carriers 18 can be precisely aligned by means of the alignment device 82 after it has been brought to the first stacking space 34. This simplifies the transfer of component carriers 18 by means of a transfer device 40. The alignment device 82 can act on a transport trolley 20 of the stack 16 for aligning. The alignment device 82 can also be provided in the automation unit 12 from FIG. 1.

[0118] FIG. 10 shows an automation unit 84. In the automation unit 84, a closing device 72 and a separating device 42 have a common separating element 86. The separating element 86 can be arranged either to close a loading opening 26 or to separate a first stacking space 34. The separating element 86 is part of a sectional door 88 in this case. A drive 90 of the sectional door 88 can be arranged on top of the loading opening 26. The closing device 72 is shown closed in FIG. 10. The separating element 86 closes the loading opening 26. When the closing device 72 is opened, the separating element 86 is guided over and behind the first stacking space 34 by means of a rail arrangement 92. Partition walls of the separating device 42, which partition walls are not shown in more detail and are in particular fixed, can be arranged to the side of the first stacking space 34. A bulkhead wall 48 of the separating device 42, which bulkhead wall is in particular fixed, can be arranged between the first stacking space 34 and the second stacking space 36.

[0119] Otherwise, the automation unit 84 corresponds in structure and function to the automation unit 70 from FIG. 8. In this respect, reference is made to the above description.

[0120] FIG. 11 shows a schematic flowchart of a method 100 for the manual loading of an automation unit. The method is described here by way of example using the automation unit 12 from FIG. 1. The method 100 can also be carried out with the automation unit 70 from FIG. 8 or the automation unit 84 from FIG. 10.

[0121] If the automation unit 12 is in automatic loading mode at the beginning of the method 100, the automation unit 12 is first switched to manual loading mode in step 102.

[0122] In step 104, the first stacking space 34 is separated by means of the separating device 42. The safety system 30 is then deactivated in step 106. The roof segment 54 of the front structure 24 can then be opened. In step 108, an operator 64 can now load the first stacking space 34 through the loading opening 26. The operator 64 can first outfeed a first stack 16 of component carriers 18 with processed components from the first stacking space 34 through the loading opening 26 and then bring a second stack 16 of component carriers 18 with components to be processed through the loading opening 26 to the first stacking space 34.

[0123] The safety system 30 is then reactivated in step 110. If necessary, the roof segment 54 may be closed beforehand. Then, in step 112, the first stacking space 34 is released by the separating device 42.

[0124] Further manual loading processes can then be carried out, cf. the dashed arrow in FIG. 11. It should be noted that the component carriers 18 outfed from the first stacking space 34 in a subsequent process cycle are typically not those component carriers 18 that were brought to the first stacking space 34 in the immediately preceding loading process, but rather other component carriers 18 that were stacked using the transfer device 40 have reached the first stacking space 34. A transport trolley 20 on the first stacking space 34 is not restacked as a matter of principle, but outfed again after it has been infed during the next loading process.

[0125] FIG. 12 shows a schematic flowchart of a method 200 for the automated loading of an automation system 10. The method is described here by way of example using the automation system 10 with the automation unit 12 from FIG. 1. The method 200 can also be carried out with an automation system with the automation unit 70 from FIG. 8 or with the automation unit 84 from FIG. 10.

[0126] If the automation unit 12 is in manual loading mode at the beginning of the method 200, the automation unit 12 is first switched to automatic loading mode in step 202.

[0127] In full monitoring mode of the safety system 30, the entire intervention area 28 at the loading opening 26 is initially monitored in step 204. During full monitoring operation, an automated loading process is registered with the automation unit 12 in step 206, in particular by the automated guided vehicle 14.

[0128] If the automated guided vehicle 14 is located directly in front of the loading opening 26, the safety system 30 is switched to partial monitoring mode, so that in step 208, a sub-area 58 of the intervention area 28 is monitored. During the monitoring of the sub-area 58 in partial monitoring mode, the first stacking space 34 is automatically loaded in step 210. First, a first stack 16 of component carriers 18 can be outfed from the first stacking space 34 through the loading opening 26 by means of the automated guided vehicle 14. A second stack 16 of component carriers 18 can then be brought through the loading opening 26 to the first stacking space 34 by means of the same or another automated guided vehicle 14. A size of the monitored sub-area 58 can be adapted to the respective stack 16 for infeeding or outfeeding the stack 16. The size of the monitored sub-area 58 can also be changed while the stack 16 is being guided through the loading opening 26, for example if a housing 62 of the automated guided vehicle 14 is to pass through the loading opening 26.

[0129] Finally, in step 212, the safety system 30 is switched back to full monitoring mode so that the entire intervention area 28 is monitored. Further automated loading processes can then be carried out, cf. the dashed arrow in FIG. 12.

[0130] FIG. 13 shows a schematic flowchart of an operating method 300 for an automation system 10. The automation system 10 can be configured, for example, with the automation unit 12 from FIG. 1, the automation unit 70 from FIG. 8 or the automation unit 84 from FIG. 10.

[0131] First, one cycle or a plurality of cycles of the manual loading method 100 according to FIG. 11 are carried out. Then one cycle or a plurality of cycles of the automated loading method 200 according to FIG. 12 are carried out. Subsequently, cycles of the manual loading process 100 can be carried out again, and so on.

[0132] FIG. 14 shows a schematic flowchart of an operating method 400 for an automation system 10. The automation system 10 can be configured, for example, with the automation unit 12 from FIG. 1, the automation unit 70 from FIG. 8 or the automation unit 84 from FIG. 10.

[0133] As part of an automated loading method 200, cf. FIG. 12, the automation unit 12 is operated in step 402 and the automated guided vehicle 14 is automatically moved in step 404 in the area surrounding the automation unit 12. Meanwhile, at least a sub-area 58 or the entire intervention area 28 at the loading opening 26 is monitored by the safety system 30. In step 406, the safety system 30 is triggered by an intervention in the intervention area 28 or the monitored sub-area 58. In step 408, the operation of the automation unit 12 is then interrupted by the safety system 30 and in step 410, the automated guided vehicle 14 is stopped at the command of the safety system 30.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0134] Automation system 10 [0135] Automation unit 12, 70, 84 [0136] Automated guided vehicle 14 [0137] Stack 16 [0138] Component carrier 18 [0139] Transport trolley 20 [0140] Enclosure 22 [0141] Front structure 24 [0142] Loading opening 26 [0143] Intervention area 28 [0144] Safety system 30 [0145] Control cabinet 32 [0146] First stacking space 34 [0147] Second stacking space 36 [0148] Third stacking space 38 [0149] Further stacking spaces 39 [0150] Transfer device 40 [0151] Separating device 42 [0152] Interior 44 [0153] Hood 46 [0154] Bulkhead wall 48 [0155] Lifting device 50 [0156] Side panels 52 [0157] Roof segment 54 [0158] Laser scanner 56 [0159] Sub-area 58 [0160] Infeed area 60 [0161] Housing 62 [0162] Operator 64 [0163] Operator terminal 66 [0164] Wall 67 [0165] Longitudinal direction 68 [0166] Closing device 72 [0167] Roller door 74 [0168] Box 76 [0169] Contact protection strips 78 [0170] Guiding elements 80 [0171] Alignment device 82 [0172] Separating element 86 [0173] Sectional door 88 [0174] Drive 90 [0175] Rail arrangement 92 [0176] Method 100 for manual loading [0177] Switching 102 to manual loading mode [0178] Separating 104 the first stacking space 34 [0179] Deactivating 106 the safety system 30 [0180] Manually infeeding and/or outfeeding 108 a stack 16 [0181] Activating 110 the safety system 30 [0182] Releasing 112 the first stacking space 34 [0183] Method 200 for automated loading [0184] Switching 202 to automatic loading mode [0185] Monitoring 204 the entire intervention area 28 [0186] Registering 206 an automated loading process [0187] Monitoring 208 a sub-area 58 [0188] Automatically infeeding and/or outfeeding 210 a stack 16 [0189] Monitoring 212 the entire intervention area 28 [0190] Operating method 300 with manual and automated loading [0191] Operating method 400 with triggering of the safety system 30 [0192] Operating 402 the automation unit 12, 70, 84 [0193] Moving 404 the automated guided vehicle 14 [0194] Triggering 406 of the safety system 30 [0195] Interrupting 408 the operation of the automation unit 12, 70, 84 [0196] Stopping 410 the automated guided vehicle 14