Multilevel-Shuttle-System KlinCAT^® Merges Storage/Retrieval Crane and Shuttle

Automated Small-Parts Warehouses operators used to have only two choices: Conventional automated storage and retrieval cranes (AS/RS) with approximately 120 double cycles per hour and common shuttle systems with a capacity of up to 1,000 double cycles per hour. This gap is closed by multilevel-shuttle system KlinCAT^®. With a lifting height of around 1.5 meters KlinCAT^® is able to reach up to 9 tote levels and can be used like a shuttle on several levels above each other. In a single-aisle, double-deep automated small-parts warehouse with a height of 12 meters and a length of 35 meters, KlinCAT^® achieves more than three times the performance of conventional storage/retrieval cranes.

KlinCAT^® stands out for its compact design and its low weight and substantially contributes to an enhanced dynamics and a higher throughput. When comparing the drive parameters to automatic storage/retrieval cranes featur­ing a speed of around 5 m/s and to shuttle systems featuring a speed of around 2 m/s, KlinCAT^® reaches powerful 4 m/s. Other advantages: Small bottom and top approach dimension to ensure a high storage density, an innovative, energy-efficient drive concept and low maintenance and investment costs.

Control and software

The Klinkhammer Group offers from a single source all software modules being necessary for an efficient, fully automated warehouse and optimizes your flows of material. From the control of the KlinCAT^® (PLC) to warehouse management systems, material flow control, visualization, interface connections and service 24/7.

Ultralight

• Telescopic table with 50% weight reduction: from 150 kg to 80 kg
• Redesign of belt conveyors, lightweight material
• Minimizing the weight of all components and the moving mass on the hybrid shuttle, only the motor modules are mounted on the KlinCAT^®. The link voltage, required for each KlinCAT® is generated in the control cabinet not in the KlinCAT^® cabinet, reducing cabling effort.

Low investment and life-cycle costs

• Less devices, easily accessible
• Each shuttle level can be walked on - during maintenance no outage of the entire aisle

Small bottom and top approach dimension

• Drives not under the telescopic table, but laterally mounted for a high storage density

Optimal energy balance

• Lightweight design
• Energy-efficient drive concept

Advantages compared to AS/RS

• High performance, multiplied throughput
• Flexible and scalable thanks to modular structure
• Easy maintenance, each shuttle level can be reached by foot

Advantages compared to shuttle

• Low investment despite high performance
• Easy maintenance owing to access to several levels
• Less devices, thanks to multilevel-shuttle