WO2012024714A2

WO2012024714A2 - Method for picking goods, conveying device, loading aid, and use of a loading aid

Info

Publication number: WO2012024714A2
Application number: PCT/AT2011/050007
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patricio Miranda Febres; Stephan Jagric; Timothy Lindley
Original assignee: Tgw Logistics Group Gmbh
Priority date: 2010-08-23
Filing date: 2011-08-22
Publication date: 2012-03-01
Also published as: AT514256A5; AT510309B1; AT514256B1; AT510309A1; WO2012024714A3; DE112011102773A5

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for picking goods, wherein a quantity of the similar goods (2a..2c, 33) or similar first groups of goods (2a..2c, 33) that are intended for a shipping container (3, 3a, 3b) and that are to be deposited in a loading aid (1, 1a..1d) is specified and the loading aid (1, 1a..1d) together with the deposited goods (2a..2c, 33) is transported to a transfer station in order to transfer the goods (2a..2c, 33) from the loading aid (1, 1a..1d) into the shipping container (3, 3a, 3b). The predefined quantity can be one or more, and exactly one specification is made for exactly one loading aid (1, 1a..1d), wherein a specification is made only for an empty loading aid (1, 1a..1d). The invention further relates to a conveying device, which comprises at least one transfer section (18), in which a center area of the conveyor track (5) is free of conveying elements (17), and means (20) for arranging a container (3, 3a, 3b) open at the top under said transfer section (18). The invention further relates to a box-shaped loading aid (1, 1a..1d) having means for opening and closing a bottom opening of the loading aid (1, 1a..1d) and to a use of said loading aid (1, 1a..1d).

Description

Method of picking goods, conveyor, loading equipment and use of loading equipment

The invention relates to a method for picking goods, in which a number of to be deposited in a loading equipment, similar goods or similar first groups of goods, which are intended for a shipping container, which may be part of an order in particular, is specified, and the loading equipment with the deposited goods is then transported to a transfer station to allow the transfer of the goods from the load carrier into the shipping container. Furthermore, the invention relates to a conveyor with a plurality of conveyor tracks with a plurality of funding. Moreover, the invention relates to a box-shaped loading aid and a use thereof on a conveyor. The globalization and the free movement of goods as well as the increasing mail order require interim storage, to which goods from different suppliers and usually from different places are delivered and from which the goods are further distributed. Increasing goods traffic and increasing personnel costs have led to largely automated processes. For example, picking systems or picking processes ensure that goods in stock at the interim storage facility are compiled and delivered according to customer orders.

For example, WO 2007/009136 A1 shows a method for picking different article units from a warehouse having several storage areas with different storage devices and a picking conveyor. Picking stations and / or picking devices are provided in the storage areas. A conveying device forms a picking conveyor for collecting container and order container and has a, upstream of a goods outlet, compression device for the merger of partial commissions to a total commission. Furthermore, the order picking conveyor device consists of at least one primary conveyor and at least one secondary conveyor and optionally at least one secondary feeder. In principle, picking systems can be divided into "goods-to-man" systems and "man-to-goods" systems. As the name implies, in the former case the stored goods are transported to a staff assigned with picking, in the second case this personnel collects the goods from the warehouse. A further division can be made in single-stage or multi-stage systems. With order-oriented or single-step picking, all articles processed in a collection list are processed by removing the goods from the supply units. At the end of the process, the order is completed. In the process of article-oriented or multilevel picking, several orders are first combined into one batch at the same time (first step) and then these quantities are assigned to the corresponding orders (second step).

However, known solutions are only partially suitable to cope with the high volume svolumina, especially in the clothing industry. In the clothing industry, there is also the problem that garments are often delivered unpacked or stored. The manipulation of such goods is particularly complicated, since a faulty manipulation leads to crumpling of the clothing and thus to complaints by the customer.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved picking method, an improved conveyor and an improved loading aid and a use for the same. In particular, the problems addressed in the clothing industry are to be overcome by the invention.

The object of the invention is achieved by a method of the type mentioned, in which:

- The predetermined number can be one or more and

a default is made only for an empty loading equipment.

The object of the invention is further achieved with a conveying device of the type mentioned in the introduction, which comprises at least one transfer section in which a center region of the conveying track is free of conveying means, and means for arranging an upwardly open container under said transfer section. In addition, the object of the invention is achieved with a loading aid of the type mentioned, comprising means for opening and closing a bottom opening of the loading aid.

Finally, the invention by the use of a loading aid according to the invention on a conveyor, in particular on a fiction, contemporary Fördereinrich device solved.

The method according to the invention, which is a two-stage "goods-to-man" system (provided that it is loaded manually), achieves a number of advantages, for example the loading of the loading equipment from the actual shipping order The filling of the loading equipment with the number of similar goods or similar first groups of goods which are intended for a shipping container, however, leads to surprising advantages:

The "intelligence" of picking is largely shifted to the picking system, which means that untrained personnel or relatively simple manipulators can be used to manipulate the goods.

By fiction, contemporary method, it is possible to load in a certain period of time only one kind of goods or groups of goods in the loading equipment. Errors are therefore largely excluded, i. no wrong goods can be stored in the loading equipment, because no other goods are made available at the loading station of the loading equipment.

Immediately associated with this, the traffic between a Warenla ger and said Beladestation is drastically reduced, because the inventive method opens the possibility of emptying a storage container in one operation, ie reloading in successive loading equipment, even if the goods concerned different Versaufauf sluggish or be assigned to different shipping containers. At least the storage container for loading several loading equipment needs only once out of the warehouse and transported back only once, even if it is not completely emptied. In particular, online retailing, in which usually only one item per type of goods is to be packed in a shipping container, leads in conventional systems to considerable traffic between the warehouse and the loading station and leads these systems to the limits of their efficiency. Compared to the method according to the invention, conventional systems for the same order picking volume require approximately 2.5 times the transport capacity between the warehouse and the loading station.

The reduced traffic is particularly advantageous if the storage containers are unstable or damaged and can not be promoted often without breaking. For example, this is the case when cartons of a supplier, which contain the delivered goods, continue to be used as storage containers. Often such boxes are already affected by the delivery.

The timing of the loading of loading equipment and the order of the loading equipment during loading is largely decoupled from the time of the goods transfer into the shipping containers and the order of the loading equipment during the goods transfer. The "intelligence" for the correct filling of the shipping container is relocated to the picking system, so that the entrusted with manipulating the goods staff no longer has to worry about it.

In many systems according to the prior art, only one piece of goods is loaded per loading aid (for example, hanging bags are known, in each of which a piece of clothing is stored). Compared to these systems, the invention has the advantage that less loading aids and thus less space for their storage and thus less built-up area is needed.

Another advantage of the invention is given by the fact that the goods transfer by the transfer section in the conveyor, or by the loading aid according to the invention with the bottom opening and the shipping containers positioned underneath can be done particularly easily. Complex equipment for manipulating the goods can be omitted in this way. In the context of the invention, a "first group of goods" means a collection of similar and / or different goods, often such groups are formed to facilitate handling of the goods, for example socks are at least always delivered in pairs, often even too Bundling of, for example, three pairs of socks, trousers and jackets are also usually bundled in. Another example of bundling goods would be the grouping of two white T-shirts or the grouping of a white, a black and a red T-shirt. The "first group of goods" is not necessarily covered by a separate pack, although this is an advantage. For example, the group of a white, a black and a red T-shirts can be packed in a plastic bag or else be stored loosely in a storage container. The entrusted with the loading of the loading equipment staff is then instructed to deposit a predetermined number of this group of three in a load carrier. Within a certain period of time, only one type of first product group is then stored in the loading device. Often, the goods are already grouped or bundled delivered. One speaks then of "pre-picked goods".

Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and from the description in conjunction with the figures. It is favorable if the predetermined number is equal to the number of goods or first groups contained in a second group, the second group containing similar goods or similar first groups of goods and intended for a shipping container. In this variant, the goods to be shipped can be placed in a shipping container according to a specification of the customer. This grouping can potentially facilitate unloading of the shipping container at the destination by sliding the shipping container through the sales room in a predetermined route and sequencing the second groups of goods into the shelves. A complicated grouping of goods at the destination can thus be omitted. It is particularly advantageous if the loading aids are sorted prior to arrival at the transfer station according to an order of the goods or the first groups to be produced in the shipping container. In this way, the order in which the loading aids are to be loaded can be largely determined by the order in which they are unloaded again. be decoupled. Thus, the loading process and the transfer process can be optimized very well, for example, by loading only goods of one kind or product groups of a kind in the loading equipment in a certain period of time. This reduces traffic to a warehouse and reduces picking errors. In addition, the goods can be placed in a shipping container according to a specification of the customer. This particular order may facilitate the unloading of the shipping container at the destination, by sliding the shipping container through the store in a predetermined route and sequencing the goods into the shelves. A complicated re-sorting of the goods at the destination can thus be omitted. In particular, in connection with the abovementioned invention s variant results in significant advantages. If the goods are, for example, T-shirts, they can be sorted and grouped according to a discharge sequence at the destination, ie at the point of sale. For example, a batch of 3 white, 4 black and 2 red T-shirts can be taken one after the other in a standardized order on the shelves. In this way, the picking system according to the invention can also positively influence the unloading process at the destination and thus unfolds a "long-range effect." Thus untrained personnel can be used quickly at the destination, and a standardized unloading sequence avoids the risk of undesired goods presentation Furthermore, if the load carriers are buffered in an intermediate buffer prior to arrival at the transfer station, a greater amount of load carriers can be accumulated before the goods are transferred to the shipping containers Advantageously, an intermediate buffer is used in connection with a sorting device, wherein the sorting device can be arranged before or after the intermediate buffer or also a first sorting device before and a second sorting device can be provided after the intermediate buffer. In this way it is possible, for example, to form individual strands in the intermediate buffer in which the loading aids are buffered "on order" (ie in one strand only loading aids are buffered, which can be a shipping container or an order, which in turn may consist of several shipping containers, If these loading aids are transported out of the intermediate buffer, can be made using the second sorting a desired order of the same.

It is also advantageous if the loading of the loading aids and / or the transfer of the goods from the loading aid into the shipping container take place automatically. In this way, the picking process can be largely automatic or completely automatic. For the loading and unloading of the loading equipment specially equipped manipulators or even industrial robots can be used. It is also particularly advantageous if the position of the goods in the load carrier before the goods transfer in the shipping container after the goods transfer is substantially horizontal. In this way, the goods need not be stored in a special way in the load carrier. Throughout the process, from loading the loading equipment to unloading the shipping container, for example at a point of sale of a clothing chain, the goods, i. for example garments, manipulated in the normal position of use. For example, an imprint on a T-shirt is always visible, making it easier to identify goods. Also, the Einschlichten the goods on shelves of the point of sale is thus substantially simplified, since the garments to do not have to be reversed and thus the risk is reduced that the folded garments fall apart when manipulated, which would involve extensive rework.

In addition, it is particularly advantageous if the goods are transferred by gravity. This is a particularly elegant method to transfer the goods from a load carrier into a shipping container, as this no special energy expenditure is necessary and the manipulators can be kept simple.

In this context, it is also advantageous if, for the goods transfer, a loading aid is brought into position above a shipping container and then a bottom-side opening of the loading aid is actuated. This is a particularly elegant embodiment of a conveyor, since the manipulator for the goods transfer can be made relatively simple. A favorable embodiment of a conveyor according to the invention is given if the funding is formed by one or more from the group: conveyor belts, conveyor chains, conveyor belt and / or the width of the conveyor track spanning first rollers. These funds represent long-proven opportunities for transporting goods and are also readily available. The invention can therefore be easily put into practice on the one hand and is also less error-prone.

It is also expedient if, in the region of the transfer section, transport means are arranged on the lateral boundaries of the conveyor track, which are provided for contact with a loading aid in the region of its bottom. In this way, the loading aid is supported in the region of its bottom in the region of the transfer section, in the area of which a "hole" in the conveyor track is provided, which is advantageous because the loading aid is generally pointing downwards with the ground A specially designed floor can thus also be "used" in the transfer section.

In addition, it is favorable if, in the region of the transfer section, transport means are arranged on the lateral boundaries of the conveyor track and / or above the conveyor track, which are provided for contact with a loading aid in the region of its side walls. In this way, the entire width of the transfer section can be used for the goods transfer, since it is not narrowed by elements that support the loading aid in the region of its bottom.

Another favorable variant of a conveyor according to the invention is given if the means of transport are formed by one or more of the group: second transport rollers, transport rails, conveyor belts, transport chains and / or grippers. These variants represent long-proven possibilities for transporting goods and are also readily available. The invention can therefore be easily put into practice on the one hand and is also less error-prone.

It is advantageous if the conveying device comprises means for actuating a bottom-side opening of a loading aid, which is positioned in the region of the transfer section on the conveyor track. In this way, the load carrier can be opened automatically and be closed again. For example, actuation levers, actuation bars, actuation slides and the like may be provided for this purpose. Due to the technically simple design, the conveyor is also robust and not susceptible to errors. It is particularly advantageous if the conveyor device according to the invention comprises means for detecting a position and / or position of the goods located in the loading aid and for aligning the loading aid and / or the shipping container, such that the goods falling into the shipping container when the bottom is opened land at a predetermined location and / or in a predeterminable location. In this variant of the invention, it is determined, for example, with the aid of a camera or an image processing connected thereto, where the goods or the goods are located in the loading aid. This is not necessarily centric and aligned parallel to the loading equipment in the loading equipment. Such a deviation can either arise during loading of the loading aid or even during the transport of the loading aid on the conveyor track, since there often occur considerable accelerations due to the high conveying speed.

In particular, this problem occurs when the loading aid is relatively large compared to the goods to be transported. For example, if clothing is intended to be used as clothing, then this is the case, for example, when baby clothing is transported in load carriers that are also used for adult clothing. However, so that the goods are arranged in the desired manner in the shipping container, the loading equipment and / or the shipping container can be moved against each other and / or rotated accordingly. This measure also facilitates the unloading of the shipping container enormously, since the goods can be straightened directly from the shipping container in shelves without having to change their position. In addition, it is also particularly advantageous if the conveying device according to the invention comprises means for detecting a position of the center of gravity of goods located in the loading aid and for actuating the bottom-side opening, such that the opening is enlarged starting from said centroid. Alternatively or in addition to the aforementioned variant, a camera or image processing software can also determine a position of the areas of gravity of goods located in the loading aid and an actuator in sequence open the loading aid so that the product falls substantially horizontally down and is not twisted when falling , This is advantageous, for example, when goods are loosely folded as garments, which are picked during the Transfers into the shipping container often do not maintain the desired shape but collapse and crumple unless they strike a substantially horizontal position at the bottom of the shipping container. Since this is a semi-rigid product, "substantially horizontal position" does not necessarily mean that the garment is always oriented in a horizontal plane, but that it deforms substantially symmetrically relative to that plane In this case, the ends of the item of clothing are then located somewhat above its center of gravity during the goods transfer.

It is advantageous in a fiction, contemporary conveyor finally when a shipping container is raised to the level of the loading equipment. With this variant, it is easily possible to manually load a shipping container by the goods are easily handled by a load carrier in the shipping container. This is particularly advantageous if the conveyor also transports goods which are particularly sensitive and should therefore be reloaded by hand. "In the plane of the loading aids" in this context means that a horizontal plane encompasses both the loading aids and the shipping container Of course, the shipping container can also be driven steadily or stepwise downwards during loading, in order to simplify loading, which is particularly advantageous in the case of high shipping containers.

It is advantageous in a loading aid according to the invention, when the means for opening and closing the bottom opening are formed by at least one downwardly swinging flap. This is a technically simple means of opening a loading aid and thus less error prone. In this case, a flap or more flaps can be provided. The provision of a plurality of flaps facilitates the dropping off of goods into the shipping container insofar as the goods do not take an inclined position. For example, flimsy goods, such as garments, are slightly folded or folded when the flaps are opened, and then slip through the opening into the shipping container. At the same time, the shape of the goods remains largely intact, as is the case, for example, with loosely folded T-shirts, shirts, blouses, trousers and same is beneficial. Advantageously, no space is required for the opening of closure elements in this variant laterally.

It is advantageous if the means for opening and closing the bottom-side opening are formed by at least one plate-shaped, laterally displaceable element. Similar to the aforementioned embodiment, flimsy goods are slightly bent when opening the elements and then slip through the opening into the shipping container. Advantageously, no space for opening of closure elements is needed in this variant downwards.

It is also advantageous if the means for opening and closing the bottom opening are formed by at least one plate-shaped, laterally swinging element. In this variant too, no space is required at the bottom for opening closure elements. Advantageously, a locking element mounted on a pivot point is less error-prone with regard to jamming.

Moreover, it is particularly advantageous if the means for opening and closing the bottom opening are formed by at least one roller blind. Advantageously, the loading aid does not require any additional space when the bottom opening is opened, which is why this type of loading aid can be used in particular even in confined spaces, as frequently occur in compact conveyors. The Rolloboden can be pulled up inside or outside of the loading aid. Interior roller blinds have the advantage that the risk of damage to the same is relatively low, outside roller blinds have the advantage that the goods can support the opening walls of the roller blinds on the side walls of the loading aid and can not easily hang on the roller blind.

It is also particularly advantageous if the means for opening and closing the base-side opening are formed by at least one flexible plate which is displaceable along a guide comprising at least one arc. Instead of a Rollobodens can be provided as a means for opening and closing the bottom opening and a flexible plate which is moved analogously to a Rolloboden, in contrast, but has no mutually movable elements, but is flexible enough in itself, to follow the arcuate course. Advantageously, such a plate has a smooth surface, so that delicate goods, such as clothing with rhinestone applications, when opening the plates is not damaged, but gently slides over it. A favorable embodiment of a loading aid according to the invention is given if this comprises means which are prepared for contact with a conveyor and are arranged away from the bottom opening and away from the range of movement of the means for opening and closing the bottom opening. In this way, the loading aid is supported or held in the region of a transfer section so that the goods can fall from the load carrier down into a shipping container.

In this context, it is advantageous if the means, which are prepared for contact with a conveyor, formed by an edge region in the bottom of the loading aid, by arranged on the side wall of the loading aid support bars and / or arranged in the side wall of the loading aid recesses are. Becomes a

Provided edge region in the bottom of the loading aid, the loading aid can be supported in the region of its bottom, which - because the load carrier is usually transported with the ground pointing down over the conveyor track - often specially designed (eg stiffened, reinforced or the like) , In this way, no other dedicated means for holding the loading aid need be provided. If supporting strips arranged on the side wall of the loading aid and / or recesses arranged in the side wall of the loading aid are provided, then the entire width of the transfer section of the conveying device can be used for the goods transfer since this is not provided by elements which are provided for contact with the loading aid. is narrowed.

Finally, it is advantageous if one or more of the group: handle, recess, recess, lever and / or slide are arranged on the means for opening and closing the bottom opening (ie, for example, on the flaps, plates or roller blinds). These means are long-established ways of actuating an opening in a container and are also readily available. The invention can therefore be easily put into practice on the one hand and is also less error-prone. It should be noted at this point that the variants mentioned for the method according to the invention and the resulting advantages relate equally to the conveyor device according to the invention and the loading aid according to the invention. The same is true, of course, vice versa.

For a better understanding of the invention, this will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

Each shows in a highly schematically simplified representation:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a picking system according to the invention at a first time.

FIG. 2 shows the picking system of FIG. 1 at a second time; FIG.

FIG. 3 shows the picking system of FIG. 1 at a third time; FIG.

4 is a schematic representation of another inventive picking system at a first time;

FIG. 5 shows the picking system of FIG. 4 at a third time; FIG.

6 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary flow of the Invention

Picking procedure shows;

7 shows an exemplary topological arrangement of components of a picking system according to the invention in a first plane;

8 shows an exemplary topological arrangement of components of the picking system from FIG. 7 in a second plane;

9 a schematically illustrated transfer station of a conveying device according to the invention with rollers on the transfer section of a conveyor track; 10 shows a variant of a transfer section of a conveyor according to the invention with transport rails on the transfer section;

11 shows a variant of a transfer section of a conveying device according to the invention with raised transport rails on the transfer section;

12 shows a variant of a transfer section of a conveyor according to the invention with a belt conveyor on the transfer section;

13 shows a variant of a transfer section of a conveyor according to the invention with a horizontal conveyor on the transfer section;

14 shows a first variant of a loading aid according to the invention with the bottom flap swinging downwards;

15 shows a second variant of a loading aid according to the invention with two downwardly swinging bottom flaps;

16 shows a third variant of a loading aid according to the invention with bottom flaps which can be pushed out laterally;

17 shows a fourth variant of a loading aid according to the invention with laterally swing-out bottom flaps;

17a is a plan view of the variant shown in Fig. 17

18 shows a fifth variant of a loading aid according to the invention with an inner roller blind for opening the loading aid;

FIG. 19, like FIG. 18, only with outer roller blinds arranged on the outside; FIG.

20 shows a loading aid with a bottom-side edge region, which is provided for contact with the conveyor; 21 shows a loading aid with a carrying strip, which is provided for the contact with the conveyor;

Fig. 22 is a loading aid with laterally disposed recesses, which for the

Contact with the conveyor is provided;

Fig. 23 a fiction, contemporary conveyor with a camera for detecting the

Position and location of goods in the loading equipment;

Figure 24 shows a fiction, contemporary conveyor with arranged transversely across the conveyor track operating beam for transporting a loading aid and for actuating the bottom opening.

Fig. 25 is a combined automatic / manual transfer station seen obliquely from the front in a position for automatic loading of the shipping container and

Fig. 26 shows the automatic / manual transfer station of Fig. 25 in a position for manual loading of the shipping containers.

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component names, wherein the disclosures contained in the entire description can be mutatis mutandis to the same parts with the same reference numerals or component names. Also, the location information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc. related to the immediately described and illustrated figure and are to be transferred to the new situation mutatis mutandis when a change in position. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described can also represent independent, inventive or inventive solutions.

All statements on ranges of values in representational description should be understood to include any and all sub-ranges thereof, eg the indication 1 to 10 should be understood as meaning that all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10 are included, ie all sub-areas begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end at an upper limit of 10 or less, eg 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1 or 5.5 to 10 Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first inventive picking system. The system comprises loading equipment la .. ld, which can be loaded with goods 2a..2c, a transfer station, can be provided on the shipping container 3a, 3b, a display 4 and a conveyor track 5. For ease of illustration, the conveyor track 5 as horizontally arranged paternoster shown. Of course, the conveyor track 5 can also be understood as a plan view of any other conveyor. The

Fig. 1 then comprises a combination of loading station and transfer station in side view and the conveyor track 5 in plan view. In addition, in Fig. 1, a conveying direction z is shown. The function of the picking system shown in FIG. 1 is as follows. At the loading station, a number of the same goods 2a..2c to be deposited in a load carrier la..ld, which are intended for a shipping container 3a, 3b, are specified.

In the concrete example, the specification is made to place 3 pieces of goods (type) 2b in the loading aid lb. The loading can be done manually by loading personnel, or even by an automated device, such as an automatic gripper or an industrial robot. In the present example, the specification is made visually on a display. It would also be conceivable, however, for the specification to be acoustic, for example in the form of a spoken command. If an automated loading is provided, then the default, for example, in the form of a command from a higher-level control to the

Manipulator done. This superordinate controller can be a computer for managing the picking system, which records the number of goods 2a..2c intended for a shipping order per type of goods, determines the number of shipping containers 3a, 3b required for the shipping order, and distributes the goods for destined for the dispatch of goods 2a..2c. In the same way as the load carrier lb is loaded, the load carrier la with a piece of the goods 2a, the load carrier lc with two pieces of the product 2b and the loading aid ld are loaded with two pieces of goods 2c. Fig. 2 shows the picking system shown in Fig. 1 at a later time. In the meantime, the loading aids la. Ld have in the meantime been forwarded to the transfer station, where the goods 2a..2c are transferred from the loading aids la. Ld into the shipping containers 3a, 3b. In the concrete example, the loading aid la is emptied into the shipping container 3b, the loading aid lb in the shipping container 3a, the loading aid lc in the shipping container 3b and the loading aid ld in the shipping container 3a.

3 now shows the state of the order-picking system at a point in time in which the shipping containers 3 a, 3 b are filled, as described, for example, by the computer for controlling the order-picking system, and the loading aids la 1, ld are returned to the loading station again to be loaded.

The order-picking system illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 has only limited possibilities for producing any order of the goods 2a..2c in the shipping containers 3a, 3b, without influencing the loading sequence of the loading aids 1a. This "retroactive effect" can be overcome by inserting means for sorting into the conveyor track 5. Fig. 4 shows such a picking system, which is constructed similarly to the picking system of Figures 1 to 3, but additionally comprises a sorting device 6. In this simple case, the sorting device 6 is formed by two alternative routes beside the main route The starting situation is again the same as in Fig. 1, except that in this example, for the sake of simplicity, only one shipping container 3a is to be filled.

Fig. 5 shows the order-picking system of Fig. 4 at a later time. It is indicated by the arrows Zla..Zld which loading aid la. Ld has taken which way through the sorting device 6. Concretely, the load carrier la has been conveyed via the left branch of the sorter 6, the load carriers lb and lc via the middle branch and the loading aid ld via the right branch. In this way, the illustrated sequence of loading equipment la..ld can be achieved at the transfer station. The loading equipment la..ld can therefore be identified before arrival at the transfer station according to a shipping container. 3a, 3b to be produced order of the goods 2a..2c be sorted. The sequence at the transfer station is largely decoupled from the sequence at the charging station.

It can also be clearly seen in this example that various second groups of similar goods can also be formed in a shipping container 3a, 3b. Specifically, at the bottom of the shipping container 3a three pieces of goods 2b and in the upper area again two pieces of goods 2b stored. Thus, second groups of goods 2a..2c are formed. The predetermined number (eg on the display 4) is equal to the number of goods 2a..2c contained in a second group, the second group containing similar goods 2a..2c and being intended for a shipping container 3a, 3b ,

For example, the goods 2a..2c may be items of clothing which are placed in a shipping container 3a in accordance with the customer's specifications. This particular sequence may facilitate the unloading of the shipping container 3a at the destination, by sliding the shipping container 3a through the sales room in a predetermined route and sequencing the items of clothing 2a..2c sequentially into the shelves. A complicated re-sorting of the goods 2a..2c at the destination can thus be omitted. Properties of the goods 2a..2c can also be used as a further sorting criterion. It is thus possible, for example, to deposit insensitive items of clothing such as jeans or jackets at the bottom of the shipping container 3a, 3b, on the other hand, sensitive items of clothing such as silk dresses.

It should be noted at this point that instead of the (individual) goods 2a..2c, first groups or bundles of goods 2a..2c can also be provided. It would be conceivable, for example, that the goods 2a..2c shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 are plastic bags which in turn are filled with a quantity of identical or different things. The bags 2a..2c would be filled differently in this case and would represent different goods 2a..2c. It should also be pointed out that, unlike the cases illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, a default can also be made simultaneously for a plurality of loading aids la..ld. For example, the default may be to fill four (successive) load supports la .. ld with three goods 2b. In a further variant of the invention deviating from FIGS. 1 to 5, a plurality of displays 4 are provided so that several loading aids la..ld can be loaded in parallel. Each display 4 can of course specify a different number of pieces. In addition, the displays 4 can also be arranged via storage containers in which the goods 2a..2c to be deposited in the loading equipment la. Ld are mounted. The default output via the display 4 can thus be, for example, to take five pieces of the goods 2b from the storage container assigned to the display 4 and to deposit them in the next empty load carrier la .. ld.

Of course, in a real order-picking system, a lot more loading means la. Ld or shipping containers 3a, 3b may be provided than are shown in the figures. For example, the applicant is planning a system that can handle several hundred shipping orders at the same time. Hundreds of loading equipment are filled, buffered, sorted and then unloaded at the transfer station. In this way, several thousand (in the planned system 13000 types of goods and more) can be handled per day. 6 again shows the basic sequence in the form of a flow chart. The path of the loading equipment la..ld is shown in solid lines, the way the shipping container 3a, 3b with dashed lines and the way of storage containers in which the goods to be shipped are 2a..2c stored over a possibly longer period , with dotted lines.

In a warehouse 7 are the goods to be shipped 2a..2c, preferably sorted stored in storage containers. For example, cartons delivered by a supplier and filled with goods 2a..2c or product groups or bundles of goods may serve as storage containers (for example, the goods 2a..2c may already be arranged in the storage container in first groups, i.e. pre-picked). From the warehouse 7, these storage containers are transported to the charging station 8 and discharged into the loading equipment la..ld. If the storage container is not completely unloaded, it will be transported back to the storage 7 after the load carriers la. Ld have been filled. If the storage container, however, completely discharged, it can be disposed of at a disposal station 14. For example, storage boxes can be shredded there.

The filled load carriers la..ld be transported in an intermediate buffer 10 and stored there. Then they walk through the sorting device 6 and come in a predetermined sequence at the transfer station 11 at. There, the goods 2a..2c deposited in the loading aids 1a. Ld are unloaded into provided shipping containers 3a, 3b. The filled shipping container 3a, 3b are transported to the shipping warehouse 13 and provided there for further shipping. If necessary, empty shipping containers 3a, 3b can be transported to the transfer station 11 from a warehouse 12 with empty shipping containers 3a, 3b. Emptied loading aids la .. ld are transported back to a warehouse 9 or back to the charging station 8.

In a preferred variant of the invention, a shipping container 3 a, 3 b is only moved into the shipping warehouse 13 when it is completely filled in order to keep the traffic between transfer station 11 and shipping warehouse 13 as low as possible. It is also conceivable, however, that partially filled shipping containers 3a, 3b are transported to the shipping warehouse 13 and returned to the transfer station 11 for further filling. In this way, the intermediate buffer 10 can be kept smaller, but at the cost of a higher traffic volume between the transfer station 11 and the shipping warehouse 13.

One reason why a shipping container 3a, 3b is partly filled into the shipping warehouse 13 and later transferred to the transfer station 11 may be that several partial orders of a customer are combined before the shipping container 3a, 3b is actually shipped. Thus, various online shops offer the option that ordered goods 2a..2c, which is only partially in stock, in partial orders - and thus in several separate shipping containers 3a, 3b - or, if the last ordered item is available, collected in a shipping container 3a, 3b is shipped. It is also conceivable that customers are supplied on a regular basis (for example, once a day, once a week, etc.) and all orders of the customer are collected during this period. The customer then does not have to worry about summarizing orders, but can then place an order if there is a need to do so.

Of course, Figures 1 to 6 show only a very simplified process to illustrate the principle of the invention, namely: that the predetermined number of goods 2a..2c or the product groups may be one or more, and that a default only for an empty loading equipment 1, la..ld done.

During the entire process, only a single specification per loading aid la .. ld. Therefore, only one predetermined quantity of a single type of goods or a predeterminable quantity of a first group of goods is transported per loading aid la..ld.

At first glance, this seems a bit cumbersome, the substantial decoupling of loading of the loading equipment from the actual shipping order, i. the concrete filling of a shipping container 3a, 3b, but leads to surprising advantages, namely:

The "intelligence" of order picking is largely shifted to the order picking system, which means that untrained personnel can be deployed quickly at the loading station 8 and / or at the transfer station 11. Alternatively, relatively simple manipulators can be used.

It is possible to turn over at the loading station 8 in a certain period only one kind of goods 2a..2c or first groups of goods. Errors are therefore largely excluded, i. it is not possible to store incorrect goods 2a..2c in the loading device la. ld because there is simply no other one.

Immediately associated with this, the traffic between storage 7 and loading station 8 is drastically reduced, because the method according to the invention opens up the possibility of emptying a storage container in one process, ie reloading it into successive loading equipment 1a, ld, even if the relevant products 2a. 2c or goods groups different shipping orders or different shipping containers 3a, 3b are assigned. Even if the storage container is not completely emptied, the inventive method provides for reduced traffic between warehouse 7 and loading station 8, since the storage container for the loading of several loading equipment la .. ld are only once out of the camp 7 out and only once again transported back got to. This is particularly advantageous if the storage containers are unstable or damaged and can not be promoted often without breaking. This is the case, for example, if cartons of a supplier containing the delivered goods 2a..2c or product groups are involved. th, as storage containers continue to be used. Often such boxes are already affected by the delivery.

The time of loading of loading equipment la..ld and the order of the loading aids la .. ld during loading is largely decoupled from the time of goods transfer in the shipping container 3a, 3b and the order of the loading equipment la..ld during goods transfer. The "intelligence" for the correct sorting of the loading equipment la..ld and the correct emptying is relocated to the order picking system, ie procured by the picking system, so that those entrusted with loading and / or unloading the loading equipment la .. ld People need not worry about it.

FIGS. 7 and 8 now show an advantageous topological arrangement of the components of a picking system. FIGS. 7 and 8 show different levels of the same. In the example shown, the picking system comprises two picking modules 15a and 15b of a very similar design. The order-picking module 15a comprises in the first level (FIG. 7) a loading station 8a for (manually or automatically) loading the loading equipment la..ld, a sorting device 6a, a buffer 10a for filled loading equipment la. Ld and a level compensation 16, FIG. Via which loading equipment la .. ld can be transported from one level to another. In the second level (FIG. 8), the order-picking module 15a comprises a transfer station 1 la for reloading the goods 2a..2c from the load carriers la..ld into the shipping containers 3a, 3b. Finally, the order-picking module 15a comprises a storage 7a for (filled) storage containers containing the stored goods 2a..2c and a dispatch warehouse 13a for filled shipping containers 13a containing the goods 2a..2c to be shipped. The bearing 7a and the shipping warehouse 13a extend over both levels.

The storage module 15b is constructed similarly to the storage module 15a. In the concrete case, their components are arranged mirror-symmetrically. In addition, in the storage module 15b instead of the level compensation 16 a bearing 9 with empty loading aids la .. ld provided. The leveling system 16 and the bearing 9 are therefore shared by the bearing modules 15a and 15b. 9 now shows a first possibility of how the goods 2a..2c can be transferred from a loading aid 1 into a shipping container 3a or 3b. The conveyor, which generally has a plurality of conveyor tracks 5 with a plurality of conveying means 17, additionally comprises at least one transfer section 18, in which a central region of the conveyor track 5 is free of conveying means 17, and means 20 for placing an upward Concretely, these means are formed as below the conveyor track 5 extending conveyor track 20 for shipping container 3a..3b. In the example shown, the conveying means are designed as first rollers 17, which are arranged transversely to the conveyor track 5 and span the width of the conveyor track 5. Also, the conveyor track 20 is configured. Alternatively, it would be conceivable that 17 conveyor belts, conveyor chains and / or conveyor belts for the transport of loading equipment 1 and / or shipping containers 3a, 3b are provided instead of the first rollers. In the transfer section 18, second transport rollers 19 are provided, which are shorter than the first rollers 17 and thus leave the center area of the transfer section 18 free.

For the transfer of the goods 2a..2c from the load carrier 1 into the shipping container 3a or 3b, a bottom-side opening in the loading aid 1 is actuated (see also FIGS. 14 to 19), so that the goods 2a..2c pass through the opening in FIG Transfer section 18 into the shipping container 3a or 3b fall. For goods transfer, therefore, a loading aid 1 is placed above a shipping container 3a, 3b in position, whereupon a bottom opening of the loading aid 1 is actuated. Goods are thus transferred by gravity. The bottom-side opening is preferably actuated automatically, but a manual actuation of the same is also conceivable.

In addition, the position of the goods 2a..2c in the loading equipment 1 before the goods transfer and in the shipping container 3a, 3b after the goods transfer horizontally, ie the loading means 1 upwardly facing side of the goods 2a..2c also has in the shipping container 3a, 3b up. This is a not insignificant advantage since the goods 2a..2c do not have to be stored in a special way in the loading aid 1. During the entire process, that is to say from the loading of the loading equipment 1 to the unloading in, for example, a point of sale of a clothing chain, the goods 2a..2c, that is to say the clothing, are stored in the normal state of transport. situation manipulated. For example, such an imprint on a T-shirt is always visible, so that the identification of goods 2a..2c is facilitated.

FIG. 10 now shows an alternative embodiment of the transfer section 18. Instead of second rollers 19, transport rails 21 are provided, over which the loading aid 1 slides away (note: in this figure and in FIGS. 11 to 13, the conveying path 20 for the shipping containers 3a, 3b not shown for simplicity).

FIG. 11 now shows a further alternative for the transfer section 18, in which the transport rails 21 are raised. In this way, the loading aid 1 can be supported on a collar running, for example, in the upper region (see also FIG. 21).

FIG. 12 shows a further alternative embodiment in which conveyor belts 22 are arranged in the transfer section 18 which support a loading aid 1 on a projection thereof and can also convey it further (see also FIG. 21).

Fig. 13 shows yet another embodiment of the transfer section 18, on which a horizontal conveyor 23 (formed here by means of a toothed belt) is arranged, which engages for example in recesses in the side wall of the loading aid 1 (see also Fig. 22) or with the Mitnehmer the outer contour of the loading aid 1 positively comprises (see also Figures 24 and 25).

The embodiments shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 thus show transport means arranged in the area of the transfer section 18 on the lateral boundaries of the conveyor track 5, which are provided for contact with a loading aid 1 in the region of its bottom. The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 support the loading aid 1, like the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, from below, but not in its bottom area but slightly above it. Of course, the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 can also be arranged further above, and the embodiments shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 can also be arranged further below. The embodiment shown in FIG. 13, on the other hand, shows a conveying device in which transport means arranged in the region of the transfer section 18 on the lateral boundaries of the conveyor track 5 and / or above the conveyor track 5 are provided, which are in contact with a loading aid 1 in the region of its side walls are provided.

In general, the loading aid 1 in the region of the transfer section 18 can also be moved on by other conveying means, for example by transport chains, slides and / or grippers. 14 shows a first embodiment of a box-shaped loading aid 1 with means for opening and closing a bottom opening of the loading aid 1. Specifically, the means for opening and closing the bottom opening in this example are formed by a downwardly swinging flap 24, which in in a manner known per se, is rotatably mounted on the loading aid 1.

FIG. 15 shows an alternative embodiment of a loading aid 1, which is very similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. Instead of a downwardly pivoting flap 24 but now two downwardly pivoting flaps 24a and 24b are provided. By the provision of two flaps 24a and 24b, the dropping of goods 2a..2c into the shipping container 3a, 3b is facilitated insofar as the goods 2a..2c do not take an inclined position. For example, flimsy goods 2a..2c, such as garments, are slightly folded or folded when the flaps 24a and 24b are opened, and then slip through the opening into the shipping container 3a, 3b. The shape of the goods remains largely intact, which is advantageous, for example, in loosely folded T-shirts, shirts, blouses, pants and the like.

16 shows a further alternative embodiment of a loading aid 1, in which the means for opening and closing the bottom-side opening are formed by two plate-shaped, laterally extendable elements 25a, 25b. Similar to the embodiment of Fig. 15, garments are slightly bent when opening the elements 25a, 25b and then slip through the opening into the shipping container 3a, 3b. 17 shows a further alternative embodiment of a loading aid 1, in which the means for opening and closing the bottom-side opening are formed by four plate-shaped, laterally swingable elements 26a, 26d. FIG. 17 shows the loading aid 1 in an oblique view, FIG. 17a in plan view. As can be easily seen, the elements 26a, 26d close the loading aid 1 in the manner of an iris diaphragm. The fact that the frictional forces between the goods 2a..2c and the elements 26a..26d when opening the same attack in four different directions, the risk is reduced that the goods hang on an opening element 26a..26d and thus in an undesirable position in the shipping container 3a, 3b falls. However, it would also be conceivable that the loading aid 1 is closed only by two pivotable elements, namely by the elements 26a and 26c. As can be clearly seen from FIG. 17a, the loading aid 1 is also completely closed only by the elements 26a and 26c. If a loading aid 1 which is not completely closed is acceptable, then the loading aid 1 can also be closed only by the elements 26b and 26d.

In general, the possibility that the bottom of the loading aid 1 is not completely closed, given in all variants of the loading aid 1 of Figures 14 to 22. In particular, the floor there may also be perforated or grid-shaped. FIG. 18 shows a variant of a loading aid 1 in which the means for opening and closing the bottom-side opening are formed by two roller blind bottoms 27a, 27b. When opening the two roller blinds 27a, 27b are pulled up on the inside of the loading aid 1. Advantageously, the loading aid 1 does not require any additional space when opening the bottom-side opening, which is why this type of loading aid 1 can be used in particular even in confined spaces, as they are constructed in a compact

Conveyors frequently occur. So that the roller blinds 27a and 27b can be easily actuated from the outside, slides 28 are provided which terminate flush with the outer wall of the loading aid 1, protrude beyond this or can be arranged offset inwards.

In general, handles, recesses, recesses, levers and / or, as mentioned, slide 28 may be provided for actuating the bottom-side opening. For example, on the flaps 24a and 24b of the variant shown in FIG. 15, handles and on the elements 25a, 25b of the variant shown in Fig. 16 recesses may be provided. It is also possible that the roller blinds 27a, 27b are actuated via handles, recesses or recesses from the inside. However, the slider 28 has the advantage that it can be safely operated even when fully loaded loading aid 1.

According to the means used on the loading aid 1 for actuating the bottom-side opening (handles, depressions, recesses, levers, slides, and the like), the conveyor in a preferred variant of the invention has suitable means for opening the loading aid 1, which in the area of the transfer section 18 are positioned on the conveyor track 5.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of a loading aid 1, which is very similar to the variant of FIG. The roller blinds 27a and 27b are now but led outside the loading equipment 1 high. This offers the advantage that the goods 2a..2c can be supported on the side walls of the loading aid when opening the bottom-side opening and can not be pulled up with the roller blind bottoms 27a and 27b. This is particularly advantageous when unloading limp goods 2a..2c.

Instead of a roller blind 27a, 27b, at least one flexible plate can be provided as a means for opening and closing the bottom opening, said plate being displaceable along a guide comprising at least one arc. This plate is thus moved analogously to a Rolloboden, but has no mutually movable elements, but is flexible enough to follow the arcuate course. So that the plate can not fall out of the lateral guides, it is possible to stiffen the edge and to guide in a T-shaped groove. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to incorporate reinforcements in the plate transversely to the direction of movement, so that a bend along the arcuate path is easily possible, but a bending transversely thereto is largely avoided. Advantageously, such a plate has a smooth surface, so that sensitive goods 2a..2c, e.g. Clothing with rhinestone applications, when opening the plates is not damaged.

It is clear from FIGS. 16 to 19 that the means for opening and closing the bottom opening shown there are provided by at least two elements. te 25a, 25b, 26a..26d, 27a, 27b are formed, which are at least partially movable in the plane of the soil.

FIGS. 20 to 22 now show loading aids 1 with means which are prepared for contact with a conveying device and are arranged away from the bottom-side opening and away from the movement range of the means for opening and closing the bottom-side opening.

Specifically, FIG. 20 shows a variant of a loading aid 1, the edge region 29 of which is prepared at the bottom of the loading aid 1 for contact with a conveying device, using flaps 24a, 24b swinging downwards, for example. These are offset for this purpose something inside. Such a loading aid 1 is preferably used in combination with a conveying device according to FIGS. 9, 10 or 12 (with the conveyor belt 22 displaced downwards).

Fig. 21 shows a variant in which a support bar 30 is arranged on the side wall of the loading aid 1. Of course, this support bar 30 may be arranged at any height and also serve to stiffen the loading aid 1. Such a loading aid 1 is preferably used in combination with a conveying device according to FIGS. 9 (with rollers 19) shifted upward, 11 or 12.

Finally, FIG. 22 shows a variant in which recesses 31 are arranged in the side wall of the loading aid 1. Of course, Fig. 22 represents only one of many embodiments, because the recesses 31 may be arranged in any number, in any shape and at any position. Such a loading aid 1 is preferably used in combination with a conveying device according to FIG. 13.

Of course, the variants of a conveyor 1 shown in FIGS. 14 to 22 can be combined as desired.

FIG. 23 now shows an advantageous embodiment of a conveying device, which has means 32 for detecting a position and / or position of the goods located in the loading aid 1 (formed here by a garment 33) and for aligning the loading aid 1 and / or the shipping container 3 a, 3 b such that the goods 33 falling into the shipping container 3 a, 3 b when the bottom is opened end up in a predetermined position and / or in a predeterminable position. For this purpose, a camera 32 is arranged above the transfer area 18, which detects the content of the loading aid 1.

In the present example, the camera 32 or an image processing unit connected thereto determines that the item of clothing 33 is not arranged centrically in the loading aid 1, but is displaced slightly to the left. This can either arise during loading of the loading aid 1 or even during the transport of the loading aid 1 on the conveyor track 5, as there often occur significant accelerations due to the high conveying speed. In particular, this problem occurs when the loading aid 1 is relatively large relative to the garment 33, for example, when baby clothes are transported in load supports 1, which are also used for adult clothing.

Accordingly, the loading aid 1 and / or the shipping container 3 are aligned so that the item of clothing 33 falls upon opening of the loading aid 1 at a predeterminable position, here centric, in the shipping container 3. For this purpose, the loading aid 1 can be slightly shifted to the right and / or the shipping container 3 to the left or stopped at the corresponding position during conveying.

It is also conceivable that a lateral offset or a twist of the item of clothing 33 can be determined and corrected. For this purpose, the loading aid 1 and the shipping container 3 are laterally offset from each other positioned and / or rotated against each other.

Alternatively or additionally, the camera 32 or an image processing software can also determine a position of the centroid S of goods 2a..2c (here of the item of clothing 33) located in the loading aid 1. As a result, the bottom-side opening of the loading aid 1 can be actuated in such a way that the opening is enlarged, starting from the area centroid S mentioned.

In the example shown, the item of clothing 33 would probably be oriented from the top right to the bottom left in the shipping container when the loading aid 1 is opened symmetrically. ter 3 or stick to the right closure element (formed here as Rolloboden 27 a) stick. Both result in garment 33 probably not retaining the desired shape during transfer to the shipping container. To solve this problem, the closure elements, ie, in this example, the blind bases 27a and 27b are opened asymmetrically. In the middle plan view showing the arrangement at a later time, it is good to see that first the left roller blind 27a is opened. Only then is the right-hand roller blind 27b also opened (see plan view at the bottom.) With appropriate design of the roller blinds 27a and 27b, it is also conceivable that first both roller blinds 27a and 27b are pushed to the left without, however, opening the loading aid 1 Only then are the roller blind floors 27a and 27b opened symmetrically from the centroid S of the item of clothing 33.

FIG. 24 now shows a variant of the invention in which two actuating bars 34a and 34b, which form an actuating device 35, are arranged transversely over the conveyor track 5 in the region of the transfer section 18. In the transfer section 18 are transport rails such as shown in Fig. 10. The loading aid 1 is transported via the transport rollers 17 to the transfer section 18 and remains there because of the friction between the transport rails and the loading aid 1 stand. In a first step, the right actuating bar 34b is moved down and to the left. He comes into contact with the loading aid 1, wherein the slide 28 engage in the actuating beam 34b (see second side view from above). In a further step, the right actuating bar 34b is moved further to the left until the loading aid 1 also comes into contact with the left actuating bar 34a, which acts as a stop in this way. Sliders 28 also engage in the left actuating bar 34a (see third side view from above). Then, the operation beams 34a and 34b are moved up to open the loader 1 (see fourth side view from above) and again moved down to close the unloaded loader 1 (see fifth side view from above). The beams 34a and 34b do not have to be moved symmetrically, but can also open the loading aid 1 as shown in FIG. 23 asymmetrically. In a final step, the left actuating bar 34a is displaced leftward and upwardly to clear the path for the unloaded loading aid 1. For example, it can be pushed onto the transport rollers 17 with the aid of the right-hand beam 34b. Figures 25 and 26 now show an automatic / manual transfer station seen from obliquely from the front. FIG. 25 shows the automatic / manual transfer station in a position for automatic loading of the shipping containers 3, FIG. 26 in a position for manual loading of the shipping containers 3.

The automatic / manual transfer station is very similar to the transfer station shown in FIG. In contrast, however, the automatic / manual transfer station comprises transport rails 21 (not visible here) as in FIG. 10 and a horizontal conveyor 23. In addition, the automatic / manual transfer station comprises an actuating device 35, a lifting / rotating station 36 and a pedestal 37. On the conveyor track 5, loading aids 1 are conveyed as shown in FIG. 18, but in contrast to FIG. 24 they are oriented transversely to the conveying direction z. The function of the automatic / manual transfer station is as follows:

On the conveyor track 5 loading aids 1 are delivered in the conveying direction z, which are filled with goods 2, here garments. Shipping containers 3, here shipping boxes, are also delivered in the same direction. Of course, it would also be conceivable for the shipping containers 3 to move counter to the conveying direction z, or for the conveying direction z to point in the opposite direction, which also applies to FIGS. 1 to 5, 9 to 13, 23 and 24. If the goods 2 are automatically transferred (shown in FIG. 25), the filled loading aids 1 are moved by means of the horizontal conveyor 23 via the transfer section 18. When the loading aid 1 is positioned above the shipping container 3, the actuating device 35 actuates the driver 28 and thus opens the loading aid 1. The driver 28 have in this particular example to a recess in which pin-shaped elements of the actuator 35 engage. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that the drivers 28 are pin-shaped and the actuating device 35 are rail-shaped (like the actuating beams 34a and 34b of FIG. 24 aligned only along the conveyor track 5). One possibility would also be to arrange these rails at an angle so that the loading aid 1 is automatically actuated when passing through the transfer section 18, that is to say without the operating device having to be moved vertically therefor.

Before the goods transfer, the loading aid 1 and the shipping container 3 can be aligned against each other, in the conveying direction z and transverse thereto. In addition, the Sand container 3 in the present example with the help of the lifting / rotating station 36 are also rotated relative to the loading aid 1. After a shipping container 3 is filled, a new empty shipping container 3 is delivered. Preferably, the shipping container 3 are always moved in one direction, but it is also conceivable that a teilbefüUter shipping container 3 is moved out of the transfer section 18 and is approached at a later date again. This is useful if the loading equipment 1 can not be sorted completely in the required order.

In FIG. 25, it can be seen that the shipping container 3 for the goods transfer is raised somewhat with the aid of the lifting / rotating station 36, so that the drop height of the goods 2 is not so great. This is advantageous but not mandatory. It is also conceivable that the shipping container 3 remain even in the goods transfer in the plane of the conveyor 20, so are not raised. Advantageously, a smaller distance is then provided between the conveyor 5 and the conveyor 20, which is particularly possible when the shipping container 3 are low and all the same. If, on the other hand, differently high shipping containers 3 are to be loaded, the lifting of at least the low shipping containers 3 for the goods transfer is advantageous.

Fig. 26 shows the manual filling of the shipping container 3. These are lifted to the lifting / rotating station 36 in the plane of the loading equipment 1, so that a person standing on the pedestal 37, the goods 2 comfortably from the loading equipment 1 in the shipping container. 3 can reload. During the loading process, the shipping container 3 can also be moved slightly downwards so that the plane in which new goods are deposited on a stack in the shipping container 3 always remains substantially the same. This facilitates the manual transfer of goods, because the said person does not need to change her attitude. If the shipping container 3 has been filled correctly, it is driven down again via the lifting / rotating station 36 and transported away via the conveyor track 20.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention can be displayed when loading manually on a display or on a screen (eg, relative to the pedestal 37), as the goods 2 are to be stored in the shipping container 3. For example, in the case of goods 2 which are higher on one side (for example due to a stiffened collar in the case of a shirt), it may be provided that these are to be placed crosswise in the shipping container 3. in case of a Of course, such an instruction can also be directed to a manipulator or robot during automatic goods transfers

In the variants of the invention shown so far, it has mostly been assumed that equally large loading aids 1, la..ld and / or equally sized shipping containers 3a, 3b are used. This is not a mandatory circumstance. On the contrary, it is also possible to use differently sized loading aids 1, la..ld (for example for jackets, outerwear, baby clothing) and / or differently sized shipping containers 3a, 3b (for orders of different sizes or for different means of transport)

The embodiments show possible embodiments of a picking system according to the invention, a conveyor according to the invention and a loading aid according to the invention, it being noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but rather also various combinations of the individual embodiments are possible with each other and this Variability due to the teaching of technical action by objective invention in the skill of those working in this technical field is the expert. So are all conceivable embodiments, which are possible by combinations of individual details of the illustrated and described embodiment variant, includes the scope of protection. The task underlying the independent inventive solutions can be taken from the description.

Furthermore, it is stated that the method according to the invention is not bound to the conveyor device according to the invention or to the loading aid 1, la. Ld according to the invention, and vice versa. Although a combination thereof is advantageous, it is not mandatory. In particular, a loading aid which has been loaded with the aid of the method according to the invention can also be unloaded in other ways than was indicated for the figures. For example, a loading aid for the goods transfer in the shipping container also tilted up or even turned by 180 °. In the latter variant, the loading aid advantageously has a lid which is configured as the bottom of the loading aid 1 illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 19. In this case, the loading aid may have a rigid bottom. The loading aid is thus turned after loading and at the transfer station by opening the lid emptied. Also loading aids can be unloaded with grippers or with the help of plungers, which are passed through the bottom of a loading aid and thus lift the goods out of the load carrier. The teaching specified for the goods transfer can be applied analogously. Instead of the box-shaped loading equipment 1, la..ld of course other loading equipment can be used for the fiction, contemporary methods, for example, hanging bags, sacks or cups. In particular, the loading aids can also be fixedly connected to the conveyor. Conversely, the conveyor according to the invention and the loading aid according to the invention can also be used apart from the specified fiction, contemporary method.

It is further noted that although the invention has been illustrated and may be used to advantage in garments, it should be understood that the invention is susceptible to other uses, such as in the food industry, the electrical industry, and many others.

For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that for a better understanding of the structure of the order-picking system, the conveying device and the loading aid, parts thereof have been shown partly unevenly and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.

Reference numeral

1, la..ld loading equipment

2a..2c goods

3, 3a, 3b shipping container

4 display

5 conveyor track

6, 6a, 6b sorting device

7, 7a, 7b warehouse with filled Lagerbehältem

8, 8a, 8b Loading station for loading equipment

9 Warehouse with empty load supports, 10a, 1 Buffer for filled load carriers, IIa, 1 lb Loading station for shipping containers

12 warehouse with empty shipping containers, 13 a, 13b shipping warehouse

14 Disposal of emptied storage containers

15a, 15b picking module

16 level compensation

17 first rolls

18 Tran sf erab cut

19 second rolls

20 conveyor for shipping container 3a..3b

21 rail

22 conveyor belt

23 horizontal conveyors

, 24a, 24b bottom flap

25a..25b sliding floor

26a..26d swing-out floor

27a, 27b roller blinds

28 drivers

29 edge area of the floor

30 support bar

31 recess

32 camera

33 garment

34a, 34b actuating beam

35 actuator

36 lifting / turning station

37 podium

S focus

Z conveying direction

Zla..Zld conveying direction loading equipment la..ld

Claims

Patent claims

A method of picking goods, comprising the steps of:

Predetermining a number of like goods (2a..2c, 33) or similar first groups of goods (2a..2c, 33) to be deposited in a loading aid (1, la. Ld), which are used for a shipping container (3, 3a , 3b) are determined,

Transport of the loading aid (1, la..ld) with the deposited goods (2a..2c, 33) to a transfer station, for the purpose of transfer of the goods (2a..2c, 33) from the load carrier (1, la..ld) in the shipping container (3, 3a, 3b),

characterized,

that the given number can be one or more and

that a default only for an empty loading device (1, la .. ld) takes place.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined number equal to the number of goods contained in a second group (2a..2c, 33) or first

Groups, wherein the second group contains similar goods (2a..2c, 33) or similar first groups of goods (2a..2c, 33) and is intended for a shipping container (3, 3a, 3b).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the loading equipment (1, la..ld) prior to arrival at the transfer station according to a in the shipping container (3, 3a, 3b) to be produced order of goods (2a .. 2c, 33) or the first groups.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the loading aids (1, la..ld) are buffered before arrival at the transfer station in an intermediate buffer (10, 10a, 10b).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the loading of the loading equipment (1, 1a, lb) and / or the transfer of goods (2a..2c, 33) from the loading aid (1, la .. ld) takes place automatically in the shipping container (3, 3a, 3b).

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the position of the goods (2a..2c, 33) in the loading equipment (1, la..ld) before the goods transfer and in the shipping container (3, 3a, 3b) after the goods transfer in Is essentially horizontal.

7. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the

Goods transfer is done by gravity.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that for the goods transfer a loading aid (1, la..ld) above a shipping container (3, 3a, 3b) is brought into position and then a bottom opening of the loading aid (1, la .. ld) is actuated.

9. conveying device with a plurality of conveyor tracks (5) with a multiplicity of conveying means (17), characterized by

at least one transfer section (18), in which a center region of the conveyor track (5) is free of conveying means (17) and means (20) for arranging an upwardly open container (3, 3a, 3b) under said transfer section (18) ,

10. conveying device according to claim 9, characterized in that the conveying means by one or more from the group: conveyor belts, conveyor chains, conveyor belt and / or the width of the conveyor track (5) spanning first rollers (17) are formed.

11. A conveyor according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that in the region of the transfer section (18) at the lateral boundaries of the conveyor track (5) transport means are arranged, which for contact with a loading aid (1, la..ld) in the area his soil are provided.

12. A conveyor according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that in the region of the transfer section (18) on the lateral boundaries of the conveyor track (5) and / or above the conveyor track (5) transport means are arranged, which for contact with a loading aid ( 1, la..ld) are provided in the region of its side walls.

13. Conveying device according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the means of transport by one or more of the group: second transport rollers (19), transport rails (21), conveyor belts (22, 23), transport chains and / or grippers are formed ,

14. Conveying device according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized by means (34a, 34b, 35) for actuating a bottom-side opening of a loading aid (1, la .. ld), which in the region of the transfer section (18) on the conveyor track (5 ) are positioned.

15. Conveying device according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized by means (32) for detecting a position and / or position of the goods in the load support (1, la, lb) goods (2a..2c, 33) and for aligning the Loading aid (1, la, lb) and / or the shipping container (3, 3a, 3b) such that when opening the soil in the shipping container (3, 3a, 3b) falling goods (2a..2c, 33) on a landed in a predetermined position and / or in a predeterminable position.

16. A conveyor according to any one of claims 9 to 15, characterized by means (32) for detecting a position of the surface center of gravity (S) in the loading equipment (1, la, lb) goods located (2a..2c, 33) and for actuating the bottom-side opening such that the opening is increased starting from said centroid (S).

17. Conveying device according to one of claims 9 to 16, characterized in that a shipping container (3, 3a, 3b) on the plane of the loading equipment (1, la..ld) can be raised.

18. Use of a box-shaped loading aid (1, la .. ld) with means for opening and closing a bottom-side opening of the loading aid (1, la .. ld) on a conveyor according to one of claims 9 to 17.

19. Use according to claim 18, characterized in that the means for opening and closing the bottom opening:

by at least one downwardly swinging flap (24, 24a, 24b) or by at least one plate-shaped, laterally slidable element ment (25a, 25b) or

by at least one plate-shaped, laterally swingable element (26a..26d) or

by at least one roller blind (27a, 27b) are formed, or - by at least one flexible plate which is displaceable along a guide comprising at least one arc.

20. Use according to one of claims 18 or 19, characterized by means which are prepared for contact with a conveyor and off the bottom-side opening and away from the range of movement of the means (24, 24a, 24b, 25a, 25b, 26a. .26d, 27a, 27b) are arranged for opening and closing the bottom-side opening.

21. Use according to claim 20, characterized in that the means, which are prepared for contact with a conveyor, by an edge region (29) in the bottom of the loading aid (1, la..ld), by at the side wall of Loading support (1, la .. ld) arranged support strips (30) and / or by in the side wall of the loading aid (1, la .. ld) arranged recesses (31) are formed.

22. Use according to one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that on the means (24, 24 a, 24 b, 25 a, 25 b, 26 a, 26 d, 27 a, 27 b) for opening and closing the bottom opening one or more of the Group: Handle, recess, recess, lever and / or slide (28) are arranged.

23. box-shaped loading aid (1, la..ld) with means for opening and closing a bottom opening of the loading aid (1, la .. ld), characterized in that said means for opening and closing the bottom opening by at least two elements (25a, 25b, 26a..26d, 27a, 27b) are formed, which are at least partially movable in the plane of the soil.

24. box-shaped loading aid (1, la..ld) according to claim 23, characterized in that the means for opening and closing the bottom opening:

by at least two plate-shaped, laterally extendable elements te (25a, 25b) or

by at least two plate-shaped, laterally swingable elements (26a..26d) or

by at least two roller blinds (27a, 27b) are formed or - by at least two flexible plates, which along each one at least one

Bow comprehensive guide are displaced.

25. loading aid (1, la..ld) according to one of claims 23 or 24, characterized by means which are prepared for the contact to a conveyor and on the other side of the base-side opening and away from the range of movement of the means (24, 24a, 24b, 25a, 25b, 26a..26d, 27a, 27b) are arranged for opening and closing the bottom opening.

26. loading aid (1, la..ld) according to claim 25, characterized in that the means which are prepared for contact with a conveyor, by an edge region (29) in the bottom of the loading aid (1, la..ld) , are formed by support strips (30) arranged on the side wall of the loading aid (1, la..ld) and / or recesses (31) arranged in the side wall of the loading aid (1, la .. ld).

27. Loading aid (1, la..ld) according to one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that on the means (24, 24a, 24b, 25a, 25b, 26a..26d, 27a, 27b) for opening and closing the bottom-side opening of one or more of the group: handle, recess, recess, lever and / or slide (28) are arranged.