Transfer unit for a load carrier and methods for transferring a load carrier

A method for transferring a load carrier with a transfer unit, the method comprising:

• providing a transfer unit for the transfer of a load carrier from a first vehicle to a second vehicle and vice versa, or from a first vehicle to a conveyor and vice versa, the transfer unit comprising a first entrance that permits entry of said first vehicle, at least one parking and receiving area for said load carrier, at which said first vehicle can park and receive said load carrier;
• and at least one centering device that is configured to center said load carrier;
• wherein the transfer unit, relative to the first entrance, includes either a second entrance that allows the entry of said second vehicle, or is connected to said conveyor;
• wherein the least one centering device is arranged so that centering takes place in the transfer unit when said load carrier is transferred from said second vehicle to said first vehicle or from said conveyor to said first vehicle;
• a conveyor or a first vehicle placing a load carrier on a parking and receiving area of the transfer unit;
• centering the load carrier;
• the conveyor or first vehicle picking up the load carrier from the parking and receiving area of the transfer unit;
• a shuttle or industrial truck comprising said first vehicle or said second vehicle, and carrying a load carrier entering the transfer unit through the first or second entrance;
• the shuttle or industrial truck lowering the load carrier that is centered by sliding along the at least one centering device;
• the shuttle or industrial truck leaving the transfer unit through one of the first entrance or the second entrance;
• the industrial truck or shuttle entering the transfer unit through the other of the first entrance and the second entrance, and the industrial truck or shuttle picking up the load carrier previously left there;
• and
• wherein the first entrance opposite the second entrance;
• and the shuttle and the industrial truck communicate directly or indirectly via a control device with the transfer unit to move a running rail from a first position to a second position or from the second position to the first position.