The new electric order picker/three-way stacker type EKX 513-515, in short Kombi stacker, sets new standards for narrow aisle warehouses with RFID warehouse navigation presented for the first time at CeMAT 2008. The truck now not only communicates with the floor but also with the warehouse administration system. “Information from the warehouse administration system now goes directly into truck control“, explains Sebastian Riedmaier, Head of Product Management in the Warehousing and Systems sector at Jungheinrich.
Warehouse navigation is based on the modules “horizontal positioning”, “height selection” and “stacker automatics”. The truck receives order picking orders from the warehouse administration system and the operator only acknowledges them. The operator approaches the aisle where the goods are stored. The truck subsequently starts the semi-automatic approach of the storage location in the aisle.
“After release by the operator, the required racking position is approached automatically by the shortest route with optimum speed and lowest energy consumption”, Riedmaier continues. “We calculate that this system will increase throughput efficiency by approximately 15 %.”
Other performance modules specially adapted to customer requirements maintain the high flexibility of the Kombi stacker. In combination with RFID floor control, the module “floor topology” already presented in 2007 adapts speed profiles to floor conditions in a narrow aisle warehouse. The truck is controlled by transponders who take on permanent distance measuring. This technology facilitates a very high safety level. Floor topology as well as the resulting speed adjustments can be deposited in the truck’s memory. A USB stick makes it possible to transmit this information from a master truck to any other trucks utilised in the narrow aisle. RFID floor control also ensures even more flexibility of the EKX 513-515 regarding its control and safety functions, such as aisle end protection, lift and travel cut-offs and speed reduction in areas with poor floor quality or fragile loads.
Jungheinrich Kombi: receptive for future requirements in the warehouse
Jungheinrich modular construction with diverse configuration opportunities has proved its worth for many years. Due to this, the Kombi stacker is very adaptable to current and future requirements in warehousing and logistics. An intelligent truck management with TÜV-certified control and CAN-Bus system provides a number of safety features and keeps the truck open for future requirements in warehouse logistics. The EKX 513-515 is a high rack stacker with a capacity up to 1.5 t. The truck achieves lift heights of over 15 m and due to its 80 Volt 3-phase AC technology stands for excellent performance efficiency in narrow aisle storage.
Apart from speed adjustment through RFID - the Jungheinrich Kombi stacker achieves speeds up to 12 km/h in ideal conditions - other options are available that can increase the performance efficiency of the truck. For example, with the module “residual capacity plus”, the truck has two active stabilisers. They extend automatically during stacking and retrieval, stabilise the truck and significantly increase the residual capacity at high lift heights. The customer can also select higher lift performance of up to 0.52 m/s from the various modules.
Ergonomics and comfort: Man is always at the centre of attention.
At Jungheinrich, ergonomics and comfort are always regarded as one unit during the development of fork lift trucks and warehouse technology. This also applies to the Kombi stacker where consideration for man and therefore the truck operator is always at the centre. He enters the spacious cab via a generously dimensioned entrance. Visibility towards track and load is excellent due to the very low swivel shift guidance and free lift masts. A sprung, adjustable and foldable Comfort seat that can be fitted with heater and lumbar support on request ensures the operator’s wellbeing.
A switchless two-handed operating concept ensures considerably more comfort and safety for the operator. The electrically adjustable operating console is installed at the centre of the workplace. As the central control and information unit, it provides a number of innovative performance characteristics, such as colour display and a membrane keyboard with numerical keypad. The operator can call up individually adjusted travel programs via an access code. Switchless sensors register the operator’s touch and transmit this information to the onboard computer. Drive and hydraulics are controlled by thumb movement.
As the pioneer of 3-phase AC technology, Jungheinrich has developed it further consistently over the past few years. This know-how is reflected in the drive and control technology that is also used in the new Kombi stacker. Due to 80 Volt 3-phase AC technology of the third generation, the truck stands for high throughput efficiency and dynamic movement processes at low energy consumption. High torque ensures effective acceleration, fast lift and dynamic auxiliary movements and allows simultaneous lifting and lowering of main and additional lift.
With regenerative braking as well as during load lowering, “double“ the energy is reclaimed during Kombi stacker operations. This results in considerably longer operating times with only one battery charge. During normal operation, the Kombi stacker achieves operating time up to two shifts. There is also an active energy and battery management that optimises with foresight energy flows for the respective operation so that peak energy demands are avoided. Apart from a longer service life, low maintenance costs also back the use of 3-phase AC technology.
Find more information about the new EKX 513-515 in our Online-Special (Flash-Player 8 required).