Systems, methods, and uses for sorting articles for eyewear manufacturing

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1), a method and a use for sorting items (2) for the manufacture of eyewear. The items (2) are stored in storage containers (3) and are output by means of a collection belt (16, 26, 36) so that the items (2) belonging to a defined work order (4) are placed next to each other. At a storage output point (17, 27, 37), a transport box (50) is loaded with the placed items (2) belonging to a defined work order (4) and the loaded transport box (50) is transported out of the system (1).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for transporting and storing items, in particular optical items, a method for dispensing stored items and the use of such a system or method for order picking. BACKGROUND

[0002] General systems or methods are known, for example in the form of a system and the use of this system in a pharmacy. Such a system comprises a storage device with storage shelves arranged one above the other, a handling device (for example a robot arm with one or more grippers) which can be moved along the storage shelves and which is used to place the to-be-stored medicines, which are packaged in cartons, on the storage shelves, or to take the required medicines from the respective storage shelf according to an order (by means of an external computer) and to transport them to a storage outlet. There, the required medicines are usually transferred to an output slide or output conveyor.

[0003] However, the general systems or methods are only suitable for dispensing individually ordered medicines in the order requested or ordered.

[0004] WO 2011 / 151275 A1 discloses a picking system in which a warehouse management computer can virtually define areas on a central belt for picking orders. The continuously moving central belt is fed past various vending machines which can dispense boxed medicines onto the virtual areas. At the end of the central conveyor, the picked boxes are placed in a collection bin for the picking order and the picked boxes are ready there for dispatch by a transport system or are transported to another picking location.

[0005] DE 35 33 382 A1 discloses a computer-controlled picking system in which articles are dropped from an inclined storage bin onto a collection conveyor on which the articles form a loose pile which drops into a box-like piece at the end of the conveyor.

[0006] DE 28 35 404 A1 discloses a system for storing and dispensing items, in particular medicines, in which individual items are dropped loosely onto a central conveyor belt and are conveyed by a transverse belt into a collection container.

[0007] DE 20 2016 103 890 U1 discloses an order picking system in which items from storage compartments are first transferred for picking an order.

[0008] DE 10 2004 017 579 A1 discloses a picking system for medicines in which the medicines are placed manually in an unordered manner on a collection conveyor and can be slid via a central sorting machine into various collection bins. SUMMARY

[0009] It is an object of the present application to provide a system, a method and a use, making it possible to store and distribute various items, in particular items packaged in any manner, in a controlled manner, in order to achieve a particularly optimized picking for eyewear manufacturing.

[0010] This task is solved by a device, a method or a use according to the application.

[0011] Preferably, the system according to the proposal is characterized in that, in particular, each storage unit has at least one collection conveyor extending along the storage rack and leading to a storage outlet, at least one transport conveyor for transporting the transport boxes extends along the storage outlet, in particular, a handling device is provided at each storage outlet, which is adapted to load the transport boxes with the storable or stored items located on the respective collection conveyor, so that each transport box finally contains the storable or stored items belonging to exactly one defined work order.

[0012] Preferably, the method according to the proposal is characterized by the following method steps: placing the stored items on the at least one collection conveyor, so that the items belonging to the defined work order are placed next to each other; transporting the items placed on the at least one collection conveyor to the storage outlet; loading the transport boxes with the placed items belonging to the defined work order; transporting the loaded transport boxes out of the system.

[0013] Preferably, a further aspect of the application, which can also be realized independently, provides that the storage containers with the items therein are first combined for a work order and that the items for the work order are then conveyed from the storage containers into the transport boxes. The storage containers are then preferably returned and loaded or filled with new items for storage or temporary storage.

[0014] According to the proposal, in particular, items for manufacturing eyewear can be picked in an automated and optimized manner. It should be considered here that the items required for each case of manufacturing a pair of eyewear, in particular lenses or lens blanks and eyewear frames, tools and / or the like, are placed in the transport boxes in a defined manner or at specific locations, and / or are taken out of the storage or conveyed in an automated manner by means of storage containers or transport boxes, in order to achieve a simple automated eyewear manufacturing.

[0015] By means of the proposed system or method, it is possible to store the items to be stored at any location within the storage unit, but the stored items can be selectively dispensed, such that in particular items belonging together, i.e. belonging to the same work order, are placed on the collection conveyor, i.e. essentially next to each other, such that these items emerge one after the other at the storage outlet, so that these items can be used to load the same transport box. In other words, the stored items are not conveyed in the order in which they were ordered or requested, but in the order of the respective work order.

[0016] These work orders are typically manufacturing orders or assembly orders, wherein the stored items belonging to the work order are components for manufacturing or assembling an intermediate product or a final product.

[0017] A particularly preferred application or use of the proposed system or method relates to the optical industry, in particular to eyeglass manufacturing. For this purpose, the following items belonging to the same work order, for example for a particularly individually specified pair of eyeglasses, are typically combined: two lens blanks, which can be in different processing stages, an associated eyeglass frame and / or one or more blocks.

[0018] Preferably, at least three storage devices are provided. The more storage facilities are provided according to the customer's requirements, the more items can be stored. In addition, the redundancy of the proposed system also increases, because, for example, if one storage device fails, the remaining storage devices are still operational. In this case, it is advantageous if the items to be stored are uniformly distributed by type and kind, in particular uniformly distributed between all existing storage facilities, so that even if one storage unit fails, items of each type or kind are available.

[0019] A further preferred embodiment of the invention is that at least one collection conveyor is configured and / or controlled to transport the items to be stored belonging to a defined work order together to the storage outlet.

[0020] In a particularly preferred manner, the at least one collection conveyor is controlled in a time-optimized manner. This further development allows the output throughput of the stored items to be particularly adapted to individualized customer requirements. In addition, the joint storage of the items belonging to the work order on the collection conveyor is simplified.

[0021] A further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized by the fact that at least two transport tracks, preferably three transport tracks, are provided for the transport boxes. This makes it possible to perform overtaking operations, so that the transport boxes can be transported independently of each other to the storage outlet of any storage unit.

[0022] Preferably, the at least two transport tracks are designed in such a way that the transport boxes can be moved between the at least two transport tracks. This increases the flexibility of transporting the transport boxes to different storage outlets.

[0023] Advantageously, the at least one transport track is designed in such a way that the loaded transport boxes are transported out of the system, i.e. in particular full loaded transport boxes are collected on the transport track and in particular unloaded one after the other from the system.

[0024] Preferably, at least some of the items to be stored are accommodated in storage containers. The storage containers are preferably used to accommodate items, in particular items that are not packaged in cartons, i.e. items that cannot be transported into the storage system and placed on the storage shelves as described at the outset, for example in the case of a medication storage. The advantage of using storage containers is that the handling devices provided in the storage system can handle the storage containers without modification.

[0025] More advantageously, the storage containers are provided with a readable storage medium, preferably an RFID chip, to individualize the storage containers.

[0026] Furthermore, at least one reading device is preferably provided, which is adapted to read the readable storage medium and / or an identifier, such as a barcode, on the storable item or the packaging of the storable item. In this way, the storage containers and the items accommodated in the storage containers can be associated with or "paired" with each other.

[0027] The term "paired" is preferably understood here to mean that the readable storage medium of the storage container and / or of the transport box (see below) and the data stored on the identifier of the item or the packaging of the item are associated with each other, in particular in the form of data.

[0028] The associated data can be stored in a database and / or on the readable storage medium. In particular, when transporting the items or the storage containers and / or the transport boxes according to the proposed system, this makes it possible to only need to read out the storage medium of the storage container or the transport box in order to obtain the data of the item, in particular.

[0029] According to the proposed system, therefore, the following information is received or available: which item is stored in which storage container, or in which rack position the storage container is stored.

[0030] When the item accommodated in the storage container is ordered or retrieved, the storage container is placed on the at least one collection conveyor with the ordered or retrieved item accommodated in the storage container.

[0031] After the transport boxes are loaded with articles, empty storage containers remain. Advantageously, these empty storage containers can be returned to the packing station or storage container by means of the return conveyor for reloading or storage at the packing station or storage container.

[0032] Each of the above and subsequent aspects and features of the present application can be combined with each other in any desired manner, but can also be realized independently of each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] Other aspects, features, advantages, and characteristics of the present application will become apparent from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

[0034] The attached drawings are shown in a schematic manner and not to scale:

[0035] Figure 1 Top view of the proposed system;

[0036] Figure 2 System in a first perspective view;

[0037] Figure 3 System in a second perspective view;

[0038] Figure 4 System with a collecting conveyor represented schematically;

[0039] Figure 5 Detailed schematic view of the collecting conveyor with a first cycle;

[0040] Figure 6 Detailed schematic view of the collecting conveyor with a second cycle;

[0041] Figure 7 Detailed schematic view of a storage outlet with a collecting conveyor, a transport track and a return conveyor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] In the drawings, identical reference numerals are used for identical components and parts, even if the repeated description is omitted.

[0043] Figures 1 to 3 An embodiment example according to the proposed system 1 for order picking, transporting, storing and / or distributing articles 2 is shown.

[0044] Article 2 in the sense of the present invention is preferably an article of the optical industry, particularly an article for manufacturing eyeglasses, such as, in particular, ophthalmic lenses or lens blanks, eyeglass frames, block parts, and / or consumables or tools, particularly consumables or tools for processing ophthalmic lenses. However, alternatively, article 2 may also be a contact lens or an article for manufacturing contact lenses.

[0045] Preferably, in the optics industry, multiple items 2 are required in each case of a manufacturing order (work order). Typically, eyeglass frames, two lens blanks or finished lenses, and / or one or more block pieces are combined for the manufacture of eyeglasses, especially when they belong to a single work order.

[0046] In this invention, "work order" is preferably understood to refer to a manufacturing order in the optical industry, particularly an order for manufacturing eyeglasses. However, alternatively, a work order may also be an order for manufacturing contact lenses or pairs of contact lenses.

[0047] According to the proposal, work order 4 includes one or more items 2 in the sense of the present invention; in particular, work order 4 includes multiple or all items 2 required for the manufacture of optical articles or products, such as eyeglasses or other optical aids. Figure 7 The example shows multiple items 2 of work order 4, wherein, in the example shown, the four items 2 of work order 4 are located at storage locations I, II, III, IV, and specifically (still) in storage container 3.

[0048] For item 2 located in storage container 3, item 2 may be unpackaged on the collection conveyor 26 below, or in particular may be packaged in any way in, for example, in cartons, bags, especially bags made of plastic and / or other containers known per se, such as Figure 7 As illustrated in the diagram.

[0049] In principle, item 2 can also be packaged with identifier 2a and / or item 2 itself or its packaging may have identifier 2a affixed, such as a barcode, serial number, etc. Figure 7 As shown in the lower middle.

[0050] Item 2, in particular, can be different and / or similar items for each work order.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the system 1 preferably has a plurality of storage units, in the example shown in particular three storage units 10, 20, 30, for receiving or storing the articles 2, each of the storage units 10, 20, 30 having storage shelves 5, as shown in Figure 4

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the proposed system 1, the storage units 10 and 30 are each used for storing all conceivable types of articles 2 to be stored or stored, such as spectacle frames, lens blanks, lenses in different processing stages and consumables, while the storage unit 20 is preferably used for storing articles 2 accommodated in storage containers 3, such as spectacle frames packed in pouches.

[0053] Preferably, the system 1 has loading devices 11 and 31.

[0054] The loading devices 11 and 31 are preferably used for loading the storage units 10 or 30 with articles 2, which are particularly individually packed in cartons, similar to pharmaceuticals or other medical products, such as lens blanks.

[0055] In the example shown, the loading devices 11, 31 have a container, which in particular has a conveyor, a separating device and a conveyor belt 12, 32.

[0056] The container is used to receive, in particular, packed articles 2, which are to be stored or received in the storage units 10, 30 in an unsorted manner, wherein a particularly integrated conveyor automatically transports the articles 2 to be stored in the direction of the separating device or in the direction of the storage inlet. By means of the separating device, in particular the unsorted articles 2 are separated and individually conveyed or guided into the storage units 10, 30 via the conveyor belt 12, 32. From there, the articles 2 to be stored are individually picked up and placed in a storage location in the storage shelf 5 of the respective storage unit 10, 30 in an automated manner or by means of a handling device (not shown).

[0057] Preferably, the loading devices 11, 31 are located on the longitudinal side of the storage devices 10, 30. It is particularly preferred that the loading devices 11, 31 are arranged such that an operator can access them.

[0058] The loading devices 11 and 31 are preferably used to automatically and in particular orderly load the storage units 10, 30.

[0059] Filling or loading of the container or conveyor of the loading devices 11 and 31 is preferably carried out manually, in particular by an operator.

[0060] ​In a preferred embodiment, the items 2 to be stored via the loading devices 11 and 31 initially exist in a bundle with a plurality of items 2, which in this case are in particular lens blanks individually packaged in cartons. If necessary, the items 2 packaged in cartons are released from the outer packaging belonging to the bundle to be subsequently fed, in particular in a disordered manner, onto the conveyor belt of the loading device 11, 31, in particular preferably poured. This is preferably done manually or by an operator.

[0061] After the loading device 11, 31 has been filled, preferably manually, with the items 2 to be stored, the items 2 are transported, preferably in an automated manner, by means of the conveyor to the separating device, the items 2 being separated and / or stored by means of the conveyor belt 12, 32.

[0062] Furthermore, the loading device 11, 31 is in particular used to place and / or store the items 2 to be stored individually and / or in an ordered manner and / or in defined positions on the conveyor belt 12, 32.

[0063] Furthermore, the system 1 preferably has one or more storage devices 13, 23, 33, in particular assigned to the storage unit 10, 20, 30. In the example shown, the storage unit 10, 20, 30 each has one or more storage devices 13, 23, 33, in particular on one of the end faces of the storage unit 10, 20, 30.

[0064] The storage device 13, 23, 33 is in particular used to store the items 2 accommodated in the storage container 3 or to transport the items 2 accommodated in the storage container 3 to the storage unit 10, 20, 30, in particular via the respective storage inlet 103, 203, 303 to the storage unit 10, 20, 30.

[0065] The storage container 3 is preferably a box, which in particular can have different dimensions or sizes. Alternatively, only one size of storage container 3 can also be used here. The storage container 3 is preferably made of plastic, but can also be made of any other material.

[0066] In particular, the storage container 3 is used to accommodate at least some or all of the items 2 to be stored, preferably individually.

[0067] The storage containers 3 can accommodate unpackaged articles 2 as well as articles that are packaged as required, particularly preferably articles that are packaged in bags and / or pouches.

[0068] Preferably, the storage containers 3 have a particularly integrated storage medium 3a, particularly preferably an RFID chip, which is particularly used for the individualization of the storage containers 3, i.e. each storage container 3 preferably has its own or individual identifier, such as a combination of numbers and / or letters.

[0069] The system 1 preferably comprises one or more packaging stations 40, 41.

[0070] In the example shown, the packaging stations 40, 41 are arranged on one or more conveyor belts 46 of the system 1. However, alternatively or additionally, the packaging stations 40 and 41 can also be removed or separated from the system 1.

[0071] Preferably, the articles 2, particularly the articles 2 in any packaging units 42, 43 and / or the articles 2 in the preferably storage containers 44, 45, are conveyed or provided at the packaging stations 40, 41.

[0072] In the example shown, the packaging stations 40 and 41 are particularly used to transfer the conveyed articles 2 into the storage containers 3, particularly individually into the storage containers 3. Here, for example, spectacle frames can be transferred into larger storage containers 3 and "finished lenses", i.e. particularly finished lenses, can be transferred into smaller storage containers 3.

[0073] As Figures 1 to 3 shown in the above, the transfer of the articles 2 into the storage containers 3 can be carried out manually, particularly by an operator. However, alternatively or additionally, this can also be done automatically or particularly an automatic opening packaging system can be provided.

[0074] After the storage containers 3 have been loaded with the articles 2 to be stored, the above-mentioned storage containers 3 are placed in a storage section and for this purpose the above-mentioned storage containers 3 are first preferably placed on the conveyor belts 46.

[0075] Preferably, the system 1 has a conveyor belt 46, more preferably a plurality of conveyor belts 46, particularly two conveyor belts 46. These conveyor belts 46 are particularly used to transport the storage containers 3, particularly the storage containers 3 loaded with articles 2, to the storage inlets 103, 203, 303 or to the storage devices 13, 23, 33.

[0076] In order to transport different storage containers 3 or storage containers 3 having different dimensions or sizes, the conveyor belts 46 can have different dimensions or widths depending on the dimensions or widths of the storage containers 3.

[0077] The storage containers 3 loaded with the items 2 are preferably first guided on one or more conveyor belts 46 to a reading device (not shown). The reading device is in particular used to read data stored on the storage medium 3a or the RFID chip of the storage container 3 and / or to read data stored on the packaging of the items 2 accommodated in the storage containers 3 or on the packaging itself, for example in the form of a barcode or other identifier 2a.

[0078] In the example of the embodiment, these data are combined with one another or "paired" in order to store which item 2 is accommodated in which storage container 3 in the proposed system 1 or, alternatively, also on the storage medium 3a of the storage container 3.

[0079] In the example shown, the storage containers 3, in particular the storage containers 3 loaded with the items 2, are subsequently transported to the storage devices 13, 23, 33, in particular by means of or on the conveyor belts 46 to the storage devices 13, 23, 33.

[0080] In the preferred embodiment, the conveyor belts 46 run along the storage devices 10 or extend along the longitudinal sides of the storage devices 10 (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ). It is particularly preferred that the conveyor belts 46 are arranged parallel to one another.

[0081] Furthermore, the conveyor belts 46 are preferably designed as ramps or extend obliquely upwards, in particular along the storage devices 10, in particular in the direction of the storage devices 13, 23, 33. In this way, the storage containers 3 are transported to the storage devices 13, 23, 33.

[0082] The storage devices 13, 23, 33 are preferably arranged on a different or higher level than the loading devices 11, 31.

[0083] The storage devices 13, 23, 33 are in particular used to store the items 2 accommodated in the storage containers 3 or to transport the items 2 accommodated in the storage containers 3 to the storage units 10, 20, 30.

[0084] The storage devices 13, 23, 33 preferably have a transfer device, which is for example a gripping device and / or a pusher. The transfer device is preferably used to transport or grip and / or push the storage containers 3 onto the storage conveyor 15, 25, 35, in particular to transport or grip and / or push the storage containers 3 from the conveyor belts 46 onto the storage conveyor 15, 25, 35.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, the transport device is a gripping device which takes or grips the storage container 3 to be stored from the conveyor belt 46, lifts the storage container 3 and then places the storage container 3 onto the storage conveyor 15, 25, 35.

[0086] The storage conveyors 15, 25 and 35 are preferably used to transport the storage containers 3, in particular the containers 3 loaded with articles 2, into the interior of the storage units 10, 20 and 30. There, the storage containers 3 are picked up, either automatically or by means of a handling device (not shown), and placed in the storage racks 5, in particular in the storage locations of the storage racks 5.

[0087] Preferably, the system 1 has one or more reading devices 14, 24, 34, in particular at or in the region of the storage devices 13, 23, 33, which are used in particular for reading writable storage elements, such as for example RFID chips and / or barcodes.

[0088] The reading devices 14, 24, 34 are preferably used to read the storage medium 3a or the RFID chip of the storage containers 3. This serves primarily the purpose of detecting or tracking the storage containers 3 which are conveyed via the conveyor belt 46 or the ramp and are loaded with articles 2 to be stored, and / or of assigning the storage containers 3 to be stored to a storage unit 10, 20, 30 or of deciding in which storage unit 10, 20, 30 the storage containers 3 are to be transported or stored.

[0089] The system 1 according to the proposal thus now knows which article 2 is accommodated in which storage container 3 (high-level software) or which storage container 3 or article 2 defined by means of a barcode is stored in which storage unit 10, 20, 30 or in which storage rack 5 and / or storage location (storage software).

[0090] Optionally, the system 1 additionally has a conveyor, in particular a chute, which is preferably used to transport away or discharge the storage containers 3 which do not need to be transported to or stored in one of the storage units 10, 20, 30. For example, a storage medium which cannot be read, such as an RFID chip which is faulty or contains problematic data, can mean that a storage container 3 equipped with articles 2 and transported to the storage device 13, 23, 33 via the conveyor belt 46 is ultimately not stored. In this case, the respective storage container 3 can be transported past the storage inlet 103, 203, 303 or the storage device 13, 23, 33 in the direction of the conveyor belt and transported away or unloaded from the system 1 via the conveyor belt.

[0091] Figure 4 Fig. 1 shows a system 1 according to the proposal,Figures 1 to 3 The system 1 is amplified, thus focusing particularly on picking the stored items 2.

[0092] Preferably, the storage units 10, 20, and 30, and particularly preferably each storage unit 10, 20, and 30, have collection conveyors 16, 26, and 36, wherein the collection conveyors 16, 26, and 36 preferably extend along the storage rack 5 and specifically lead to the respective storage outlets 17, 27, and 37.

[0093] In the example shown, the collection conveyors 16, 26, and 36 preferably extend over the entire length of the storage devices 10, 20, and 30 or the storage rack 5. However, the collection conveyors 16, 26, and 36 may also be shorter, for example, only half the length of the entire length of the storage devices 10, 20, and 30, or extend only over a portion of the entire length of the storage devices 10, 20, and 30, or not extend over the entire length of the storage devices 10, 20, and 30.

[0094] The collection conveyors 16, 26, and 36 are specifically used to pick up items 2 stored in storage units 10, 20, and 30, or storage containers 3 containing items 2, preferably in a work sequence, and to transport these items 2 and storage containers 3 to storage outlets 17, 27, and 37. The transport can be continuous and / or timed.

[0095] Alternatively, the collecting conveyors 16, 26, and 36 may also be formed by the storage conveyors 15, 25, and 35, or the storage conveyors 15, 25, and 35 may also be formed by the collecting conveyors 16, 26, and 36.

[0096] Alternatively, the loading devices 11, 31 and conveyor belts 12, 32, or their functions, may also be realized by storage devices 13, 23, 33.

[0097] Optionally, storage devices 13, 23, 33 include storage conveyors 15, 25, 35 and / or reading devices 14, 24, 34.

[0098] Preferably, storage units 10, 20, 30, loading devices 11, 31 and / or storage devices 13, 23, 33 have one or more operating devices 6 (such as... Figure 4 (Illustrated schematically) The manipulation device 6 is used to store the item 2 (with or without the storage container 3) in one or more storage shelves 5 and / or to retrieve the item 2 from one or more storage shelves 5.

[0099] Optionally, the control device 6 may also include reading devices 14, 24, and 34.

[0100] Figure 5 andFigure 6 Partial views of the collection conveyors 16, 26 and 36 with different controls and timings are shown separately.

[0101] In the example shown, it is assumed that the work order 4 comprises up to four items 2, i.e. comprises one to four items 2. For example, the work order 4 can comprise two lenses or lens blanks and two blocks, or two lenses or lens blanks and a spectacle frame.

[0102] Furthermore, the collection conveyors 16, 26, 36 preferably have at least one deposit position 19, 29, 39 (identified with a dashed contour) onto which an item 2 or a storage container 3 loaded with the item 2 belonging to the work order 4 from the storage shelf 5 of the respective storage unit 10, 20, 30 is deposited (is to be deposited).

[0103] Thus, for each work order 4, the deposit position 19, 29, 39 or the collection conveyor 16, 26, 36 preferably has four storage positions I, II, III, IV.

[0104] Thus, up to four items 2 or storage containers 3 loaded with items 2 belonging to the same work order 4 are deposited at the storage positions I, II, III and / or IV on the collection conveyor 16, 26, 36 or the defined deposit position 19, 29, 39, in particular on deposit positions 19, 29, 39 adjacent to one another. Not all positions have to be occupied. For example, lens blanks can be deposited in each of the storage positions I, II, and a spectacle frame in position III, while position IV remains free.

[0105] The depositing of the items 2 or storage containers 3 belonging to the work order 4 on the deposit positions 19, 29, 39 of the respective collection conveyor 16, 26, 36 preferably takes place individually and / or adjacent to one another, preferably in a defined manner, i.e. in particular at the defined storage positions I to IV within the respective deposit position 19, 29, 39 or generally within the particular deposit position 19, 29, 39, or in an ordered manner.

[0106] Preferably, the depositing onto the collection conveyor 16, 26, 36 takes place each time at only one deposit position 19, 29, 39 (in particular the leftmost deposit position) of the collection conveyor 16, 26, 36. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Preferably, the depositing onto the collection conveyor 16, 26, 36 takes place each time at only one deposit position 19, 29, 39 (in particular the leftmost deposit position) of the collection conveyor 16, 26, 36.

[0107] Figure 4The handling devices 6, which are schematically shown and optionally also serve to store the items 2 with and / or without the storage containers 3 in the storage racks 5, pick up or grasp the respective (counter) items 2 or storage containers 3 from their respective placement positions or respective storage racks 5, in particular one after the other and / or individually, preferably by means of manipulators 6a, which are only schematically shown, and place the respective items 2 or storage containers 3 in a defined manner or at defined storage positions I, II, III, IV on the placement positions 19, 29, 39 or on the collection conveyors 16, 26, 36. In this way, the items 2 or storage containers 3 belonging to the work order 4 are combined or picked with the respective items 2, in particular in an ordered manner.

[0108] The items 2 or storage containers 3 belonging to the work order 4 placed at the placement positions 19, 29, 39 are then transported or conveyed on the collection conveyors 16, 26, 36 to the storage outlets 17, 27, 37. This can be done in different variants.

[0109] In a first variant of the proposed method, the collection conveyors 16, 26, 36 are moved slowly but continuously in the direction of the arrows, in the direction of the respective storage outlets 17, 27, 37. Preferably, the speed is low enough so that the handling devices 6 can pick up all items 2 or their storage containers 3 belonging to the same work order 4 from their respective storage positions and place the items 2 or their storage containers 3 on the collection conveyors 16, 26, 36 at the respective positions I, II, III, IV.

[0110] In a second preferred variant of the proposed method, the collection conveyors 16, 26, 36 are controlled in a time-controlled manner. In particular, the collection conveyors 16, 26, 36 are stationary as long as or when the items 2 or their storage containers 3 occupy the storage positions I, II, III and / or IV. Then, the collection conveyors 16, 26, 36 are moved in the direction of the arrows, in the direction of the respective storage outlets 17, 27, 37, by a certain preselected distance and then stop again. Now, the new storage positions I, II, III, IV located upstream are filled with items 2 belonging to the same work order 4.

[0111] The second preferred variant of the proposed method has the advantage that, as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 each collection conveyor 16, 26, 36 can be individually time-controlled, in particular according to customer requirements.

[0112] With Figure 6In contrast, the illustrative example according to Figure 5 shows a relatively short cycle, and preferably the work orders 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 shown as examples, in particular the work orders 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 having respective storage locations I, II, III, IV, are defined or arranged on the collection conveyor 16, 26, 36 at a small distance from one another. A buffer 56 is formed between the left-hand deposit location 19, 29, 39, which is currently occupied by an item 2 or storage container 3, here the item 2 or storage container 3 of order 4.4, by means of the handling device 6, and the location during reloading, here the right-hand deposit location 19, 29, 39 or order 4.1, which in particular comprises two or more deposit locations 19, 29, 39 or orders 4.2 and 4.3.

[0113] The illustrative example according to Figure 6 shows a relatively long cycle, and preferably the work orders 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3, in particular the work orders 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 having respective locations I, II, III, IV, are defined on the collection conveyor 16, 26, 36 at a large distance from one another. Here, for example, the buffer 56 comprises only one deposit location 19, 29, 39 or job 4.2.

[0114] Figure 7 A detailed view of the respective storage outlets 17 (not shown), 27 and 37 is shown, and a method of transferring or reloading items 2 conveyed by means of the collection conveyor 16, 26 and 36 into transport boxes 50 is shown.

[0115] The system 1 has transport boxes 50, which are in particular used for receiving and transporting items 2 which have been stored and / or picked or combined according to a work order.

[0116] The transport boxes 50 preferably have a plurality of or defined receiving locations 50a, and preferably have at least a sufficiently large space or at least a sufficiently large number of receiving locations 50a, so that all items 2 of a work order 4 can be transported in a common transport box 50. It is particularly preferred that the number of available receiving locations 50a per transport box 50 corresponds to the number of storage locations I, II, III, IV per deposit location 19, 29, 39 on the collection conveyor 16, 26, 36. In other words, one transport box 50 preferably corresponds to one work order 4.

[0117] The system 1 preferably has a plurality of transport tracks 51, 52, 53.

[0118] The transport tracks 51, 52, 53 are preferably used for transporting the transport boxes 50, in particular along the storage outlets 17, 27, 37.

[0119] The transport tracks 51, 52, 53 are preferably arranged parallel to one another and / or in particular have the same running direction along or relative to the storage outlets 17, 27, 37.

[0120] In the example shown, the transport tracks 51, 52, 53 are designed as independent transport belts. However, the transport tracks 51, 52, 53 can also be designed as a single (wide) transport belt or in the form of two transport belts, for example in the form of a narrow and a wide transport belt. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0121] The transport tracks 51, 52, 53 or conveyor belts are preferably driven by a common motor. However, it is also possible to provide a plurality of motors instead of one motor. In particular, this allows the conveyor belts to be operated at different speeds.

[0122] The system 1 preferably has a (third) transport track 53 which is mainly used for transporting full-loaded transport boxes 50, in particular completely loaded transport boxes 50, out of or away from the system 1 presented. However, the transport track 53 can also be used as a passing track for transport boxes 50, in particular partially loaded transport boxes 50, and / or for transporting incorrectly loaded transport boxes 50 away.

[0123] Furthermore, the system 1 preferably has a (second) transport track 52 on which, in particular, empty and / or partially loaded transport boxes 50 are loaded with articles 2 or on which, preferably, articles 2 belonging to a work order 4 are combined or picked into the respective transport boxes 50.

[0124] Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, the system 1 preferably has a (first) transport track 51 which is used, in particular, for inserting empty transport boxes 50.

[0125] In the example shown, there are three transport tracks 51, 52, 53 which run from left to right in the direction of the arrows along Figure 7 the storage outlets 17, 27, 37.

[0126] A “full-loaded” transport box 50 in the sense of the application is to be understood in particular as meaning that the transport box 50 is equipped or loaded with all articles 2 belonging to a work order 4. In particular, a transport box 50 can be full-loaded even if not all of the available receiving positions 50a in the transport box 50 are occupied, depending on the number of articles 2 belonging to a work order 4.

[0127] “Partially loaded” in the sense of the present application in particular means that the transport bin 50 is (not yet) equipped or loaded with all items 2 belonging to a work order. For example, the work order 4 can also comprise items 2 stored in different storage units 10, 20, 30. Then, in the exemplary scenario, the transport bin 50 is first loaded with items 2 from the storage unit 10, further transported in the partially loaded state on the transport track 52 or 53 to the storage unit 30, and loaded at the storage unit 30 with the remaining items 2 belonging to the same work order 4.

[0128] As can be seen in Figure 4 and Figure 7 The system 1 preferably has a handling device 18, 28, 38 at the storage outlet 17, 27, 37, in particular preferably at each storage outlet 17, 27, 37.

[0129] Preferably, the handling device 18, 28, and 38 is used for loading a transport bin 50 with items 2 and / or for transferring, in particular pushing, the transport bin 50 from one transport track 51, 52, 53 to another transport track.

[0130] The handling device 18, 28, 38 is in particular used for picking up or grasping items 2 located on or conveyed by the collection conveyor 16, 26, 36 directly and / or from the associated storage container 3 and for transferring the items 2 to the transport bin 50 in the order of the work sequence. Conveniently, the handling device 18, 28, 38 comprises in particular a manipulator (manipulator 28b of the handling device 28 is shown by way of example in Figure 7 or one or more gripping devices known per se for loading the transport bin 50. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the manipulator 18b, 28b, 38b is designed as a suction device or comprises one or more suction devices.

[0131] Preferably, the picking up or grasping of the items 2 from the collection conveyor 16, 26, 36 or the storage container 3 by the handling device 18, 28, 38 or its manipulator 18b, 28b, 38b is done individually. This in turn allows the items 2 to be placed into the respective transport bin 50 in a defined or ordered manner, in particular with the required positioning and / or orientation or on the respective receiving position 50a into the respective transport bin 50.

[0132] Furthermore, the handling device 18, 28, 38 or the system 1 optionally comprises at least one transport unit for transporting the transport boxes 50 between the transport tracks 51, 52, 53. The transport unit is preferably designed as a pusher or can comprise one or more pushers.

[0133] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the transport unit comprises a plurality of pushers, in particular two pushers, which preferably are in the form of forks, which move the transport boxes, in particular in a manner transverse to the conveying direction of the transport tracks 51, 52, 53. For example, one pusher can be used or designed to push empty transport boxes 50 from the first transport track 51 to the second transport track 52, while the other pusher is used to push the transport boxes 50 loaded with articles 2 from the second transport track 52 to the third transport track 53.

[0134] Optionally, the handling device 18, 28, 38 or the system 1 or the transport unit additionally has a pusher, which in particular is used to push the partially loaded transport boxes 50 from the transport track 53, in particular designed as a passing track or third transport track, onto the transport track 52.

[0135] Furthermore, the system 1 or the handling device 18, 28, 38 preferably comprises one or more transport units or pushers, in particular in the form of punches, which are used to unload, in particular empty, storage containers 3, in particular onto the return conveyor 54.

[0136] Furthermore, the system 1 preferably has a return conveyor 54. The return conveyor 54 is in particular used to unload or return, in particular empty, storage containers 3 to the storage containers 44, 45 and / or to the packaging stations 40, 41.

[0137] Preferably, the return conveyor 54 is arranged above the transport tracks 51, 52, 53 or at the level of the collection conveyors 16, 26, 36.

[0138] Preferably, the conveying direction of the return conveyor 54 is opposite to the conveying direction of the transport tracks 51, 52, 53. However, other design solutions are also possible here.

[0139] In a preferred embodiment, the system 1 optionally additionally has a conveyor section 18a (not shown), 28a and 38a, which in particular is used for intermediate storage of empty storage containers 3. As Figure 7As shown in the figures, these sections can be arranged or operated in parallel to the return conveyor 54, but alternatively, these sections can also be arranged or operated transversely to the return conveyor 54 or in parallel and / or adjacent to the collection conveyors 16, 26, 36.

[0140] After the transport boxes 50 have been loaded with the articles 2 by means of the handling devices 18, 28, 38, the empty storage containers 3 are preferably transported or pushed onto the conveyor sections 18a, 28a, 38a by the handling devices 18, 28, 38 or the transport units. From there, the empty storage containers 3 can be transported or pushed onto the return conveyor 54.

[0141] Alternatively or additionally or in principle, the empty storage containers 3 can also be transported or pushed directly from the collection conveyors 16, 26, 36 onto the return conveyor 54.

[0142] However, if the return conveyor 54, in particular in the area of the handling devices 18, 28, 38, is already occupied by storage containers 3, the empty storage container 3 in question can be transported or pushed from the collection conveyor 16, 26, 36 onto the conveyor section 18a, 28a, 38a, in particular by means of the handling devices 18, 28, 38, so that the empty storage container 3 can be operated along the respective conveyor section 18a, 28a, 38a, preferably in parallel to the return conveyor 54. Preferably, the empty storage container 3 is then pushed to a free position on the return conveyor 54 by means of a pusher known per se.

[0143] The return conveyor 54 carries the empty storage containers 3 away, in particular to the packing stations 40, 41 and / or to the storage containers 44, 45, and preferably makes them available for loading with new articles 2 or articles to be stored and / or to be picked.

[0144] The handling devices 18, 28, 38 preferably each have a manipulator 18b, 28b, 38b (in Figure 7 In the figures, the handling device 28 and its manipulator 28b are shown only very schematically for the sake of simplicity), which is used to pick up the articles 2, in particular to grasp the articles 2, preferably one article 2 at a time, to place or reload the articles 2 into the desired transport boxes 50 and in particular to position the articles 2 in the desired receiving positions 50a in the transport boxes, i.e. to place the articles 2 in a defined manner.

[0145] The handling devices 18, 28, 38 and / or their manipulators 18b, 28b, 38b are preferably arranged above the collection conveyors 16, 26, 36 and / or the transport tracks 51, 52, 53 and / or are movable in the conveying direction of the transport boxes 50, in particular also transversely to the conveying direction of the transport boxes 50 and / or transversely to the transport tracks 51, 52, 53, in order to be able to pick up the articles 2 in their respective positions I to IV and to place the articles 2 at the receiving positions 50a of the transport boxes 50 as required.

[0146] The handling devices 18, 28, 38 or the transport tracks 51, 52, 53 preferably assign different areas B to the transport boxes 50. This will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figure 7 By way of example, the handling means 28 are described in more detail, in particular. In Figure 7 The handling means 28 are only indicated by dashed lines in Fig. 1, and even though this applies equally in this respect, the other handling devices 18, 38 are omitted for greater clarity.

[0147] The system 1 or the handling means 28 preferably have an area B1 in which empty transport boxes 50 can be pushed from the first transport track 51 to the second transport track 52 by means of a transfer unit or pusher. B1 is preferably located upstream and / or upstream and / or below the respective handling means 28 or the respective collection conveyor 26 or storage outlet 27.

[0148] Furthermore, an area B2 is preferably also provided, in particular as a waiting area for the preferably empty or partially loaded transport boxes 50 before they are (further) loaded with articles 2. B2 is preferably adjacent to B1 and / or in particular relates to the second transport track 52 and / or preferably extends below the respective collection conveyor 26 and / or beyond the respective collection conveyor 26 or the respective storage outlet 27 in the conveying direction.

[0149] Furthermore, the system 1 or the handling means 28 preferably have an area B3 in which the transport boxes 50 are loaded with articles 2, in particular by means of the respective manipulators 28b of the respective handling means 28. B3 is preferably adjacent to B2 and / or in particular relates to the second transport track 52.

[0150] A further optional area B4 is preferably adjacent to B3 and / or preferably serves as a waiting area for fully and / or partially loaded transport boxes 50.

[0151] Furthermore, the system 1 or the respective handling device 28 has preferably a region B5 in which the fully and / or partially loaded transport boxes 50 can be transferred to the third transport track 53 for unloading from the system 1.

[0152] At the storage exit 17, 27, 37 or before the storage exit 17, 27, 37 or in the region B1, preferably in each case, a certain number of empty transport boxes 50 is pushed or transferred, in particular from the first transport track 51 to the second transport track 52 and held at the second transport track 52, preferably in the region B2 or waiting area.

[0153] Since in the example of embodiment three transport tracks 51, 52, 53 are provided, there are according to the proposal various options or sequences for loading the transport boxes 50.

[0154] In a first preferred option or sequence, the transport boxes 50 are transported on the transport track 52 from the region B2 or waiting area to the storage exit 17, 27, 37 and / or in the region B3 and loaded there, in particular completely loaded or loaded with all required items 2 belonging to the same work process. Subsequently, the transport boxes 50 are transported on the transport track 52 to a further waiting area or region B4 and then either in the region B5 pushed or transferred by means of a transfer unit or pusher of the handling device 18, 28, 38 to a free place on the transport track 53 and unloaded from the system 1 via the transport track 53.

[0155] In a second option or sequence, the transport boxes 50 are loaded at several storage exits 17, 27 or 27, 37 or 17, 27, 37, i.e. two or three different and / or consecutive or also spaced storage exits are required for the transport boxes 50 to be completely loaded or loaded with all items 2 belonging to a work order 4. In this case, the partially loaded or not completely loaded transport boxes 50 are preferably transported on the second or intermediate transport track 52 to the next storage exit 27, 37 and loaded there as described above. Finally, the fully loaded transport boxes 50 are pushed or transferred onto the conveyor belt 53 as already described, in particular in the respective region B5, and carried out of the system 1 according to the proposal or unloaded.

[0156] In a third variant or sequence, the transport boxes 50 are loaded at or before the plurality of storage outlets 17, 37, wherein at least one storage outlet 27 is located therebetween or is skipped. In this case, the incompletely loaded transport boxes 50 are pushed or transferred from the storage outlet 17 to the first transport track 51 or to the third transport track 53 and are transported by the third transport track 53 to the area B1 of the handling device 38 or in front of the storage outlet 37, where the incompletely loaded transport boxes 50 are pushed again to the intermediate transport track 52 or to the transport track 52 for loading. The transport boxes 50 are then completely loaded and unloaded from the system 1, as described above.

[0157] In a fourth variant or sequence, two lens blanks are to be combined with a so-called "customer frame", i.e. a single spectacle frame, which is for example sent by an optician. In theory, the lens blanks can be completed and stored, apart from edging, until the spectacle frame is available. Preferably, however, the manufacture of the spectacles is not started before the spectacle frame is available. The lens blanks are then for example placed manually in the transport boxes 50 and the transport boxes 50 are considered as incompletely loaded transport boxes 50, as described above for the second and third variants. After the loading has been completed automatically, in particular after the loading of the lens blanks has been completed automatically, the transport boxes 50 can also be unloaded or delivered as described above.

[0158] As shown in Fig. 1 1, the transport boxes 50 can optionally still pass the reader 48 and / or the printer 49, in particular when the transport boxes 50 are transported out of the system 1. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In a fourth variant or sequence, two lens blanks are to be combined with a so-called "customer frame", i.e. a single spectacle frame, which is for example sent by an optician. In theory, the lens blanks can be completed and stored, apart from edging, until the spectacle frame is available. Preferably, however, the manufacture of the spectacles is not started before the spectacle frame is available. The lens blanks are then for example placed manually in the transport boxes 50 and the transport boxes 50 are considered as incompletely loaded transport boxes 50, as described above for the second and third variants. After the loading has been completed automatically, in particular after the loading of the lens blanks has been completed automatically, the transport boxes 50 can also be unloaded or delivered as described above.

[0159] The reader 48 is preferably used for reading a storage medium, in particular an RFID chip, which is integrated in particular in the transport boxes 50, in particular to enable an identification of a work order recorded or associated in the storage medium.

[0160] The printer 49 is in particular used for printing a so-called "job ticket" or a ticket for identifying a work order. In a preferred embodiment, the printer 49 is a combination device, which preferably comprises a printer, a folding machine and / or a handle, which is in particular used for printing a "job ticket" with the details of the respective work order, folding the job ticket and / or inserting the job ticket into the transport boxes 50.

[0161] Optionally, the reader 48 and the printer 49 can be integrated or combined into a single device.

[0162] Furthermore, there can also be two or more printers 49 and / or readers 48, in particular to increase the redundancy.

[0163] As Figure 1 indicated in

[0164] Preferably, the unloading conveyor 55 is arranged behind the storage units 10, 20, 30 and / or at the rear or end of the transport tracks 51, 52, 53. Alternatively or additionally, the unloading conveyor 55 is arranged behind the printer 49. This makes it possible to discharge transport boxes 50 with erroneously produced or printed “job tickets”.

[0165] The unloading conveyor 55 preferably branches off from or runs parallel to the third transport track 53, the unloading conveyor 55 serving to unload or transport the loaded transport boxes 50.

[0166] Optionally, the system 1 has, in particular as an alternative to or in addition to the unloading conveyor 55, an intermediate storage 9 for transport boxes 50, in particular for fully loaded transport boxes 50, but also for partially loaded transport boxes 50, as indicated in Figure 1 .

[0167] Optionally, the system 1 has, in particular as an alternative to or in addition to the intermediate storage 9, a box storage 8 for empty transport boxes 50, but also for partially loaded transport boxes 50. In particular, empty transport boxes 50 can be conveyed or output from the box storage 8 to the (first) transport track 51 or via the (first) transport track 51.

[0168] Conveniently, the intermediate storage or storage or holding of the transport boxes 50 takes place in a stacked manner or in the form of stacks, as can be seen in particular in Figure 2 and Figure 3 .

[0169] Optionally, the system 1 has a container storage 7 for empty storage containers 3, but also for loaded and / or problematic storage containers 3. The container storage 7 is preferably connected to the return conveyor 54 and / or is arranged in the return conveyor upstream of the packaging stations 40, 41 or the storage containers 44, 45.

[0170] Preferably, opening the packaging of the packaged items 2, such as lens blanks packaged with a carton or spectacle frames packaged with a plastic bag, takes place in particular after the picking of the items 2 belonging to the work order 4 has been completed, i.e. preferably after the transport box 50 has been loaded with all items 2 belonging to the work order 4, in particular after these items 2 have left the system 1 or the intermediate storage 9.

[0171] Opening the packaging can take place manually, in particular by an operator, and / or opening the packaging can take place automatically, for example by a handling device designed for opening the packaging of the items 2.

[0172] It is particularly preferred that a single transport box 50 contains all items 2 belonging to a particular work order 4, i.e. exactly one work order 4. However, it is alternatively possible that two or more transport boxes 50 also contain items 2 belonging to a particular work order 4, i.e. exactly one work order 4.

[0173] After the transport box 50, in particular equipped with the items 2 belonging to the work order 4, has been transported out of the system 1, the transport box 50 can be transported to a work location or further conveyed to a not shown handling system or device.

[0174] The work location or handling device can be a machining device, in particular for manufacturing pairs of spectacles from lens blanks and spectacle frames, such as a blocking device, a turning and / or milling machine, a polishing machine, a cleaning machine, a coating device and / or other machines or devices.

[0175] The transport box 50 can also be inserted into a self-organizing system, such as described in EP 2822883 A1.

[0176] Thus, a system 1, a method and a use are proposed by means of which any items 2, in particular belonging to the same work order 4, can be accommodated in the same transport box 50, preferably automatically, which system 1, method and use can be highly flexibly adapted to the requirements of the customer and have a high degree of redundancy, so that in the event of a failure of, for example, the storage devices 10, 20, 30, the remaining components of the proposed system 1 can continue to work.

[0177] Preferably, the method according to the proposal is characterized by the following method steps: placing the stored items 2 on at least one collecting conveyor 16, 26, 36 such that items 2 belonging to a defined work order 4 are placed next to one another; transporting the items 2 placed on the at least one collecting conveyor 16, 26, 36 to a storage outlet 17, 27, 37; loading a transport box 50 with the placed items 2 belonging to a defined work order 4; transporting the loaded transport box 50 out of the system 1.

[0178] Preferably, a further aspect of the present application, which can also be realized independently, provides that the storage containers 3 with the items 2 therein are first combined for a work order 4 and that the items 2 for a work order 4 are then transferred from the storage containers 3 into a transport box 50. The storage containers 3 are then preferably transported back and loaded or filled with new items 2 for storage or temporary storage.

[0179] According to the proposal, in particular an automatic and optimized picking of items 2 for the manufacture of spectacles can be realized. It should be taken into account here that the items 2 required in each case for the manufacture of a pair of spectacles, in particular lenses or lens blanks and spectacle frames, tools and / or the like, are placed in the transport box 50 in a defined manner or at specific locations, in particular, and are automatically retrieved or transported by means of the storage containers 3 or the transport box 50, in order to enable simple automated spectacle manufacture.

[0180] By means of the system 1 according to the proposal or the method according to the proposal, (unlike in the prior art) the items 2 to be stored can be stored at any desired location within the storage device 10, 20, 30, but the stored items 2 can be output in a targeted manner, such that in particular items 2 belonging together, i.e. items 2 belonging to the same work order 4, are placed on the collecting conveyor 16, 26, 36 together, i.e. in a substantially juxtaposed manner, such that these items 2 appear one after the other at the storage outlet 17, 27, 37, so that the same transport box 50 can be loaded with these items 2. In other words, preferably, the stored items 2 are not transported in the order in which the items 2 were ordered or requested, but in the order of the respective work order 4.

[0181] The work orders 4 are usually manufacturing orders or assembly orders, wherein the stored items 2 belonging to a work order 4 can also be operating materials, tools and other components for the manufacture or assembly of intermediate products or end products. Alternatively, the items 2, for example tools, can also be used for the production of multiple spectacles, i.e. for multiple work orders 4, or can be picked or issued.

[0182] A particularly preferred application or use of the proposed system or method relates to the optical industry, in particular to eyewear manufacturing. To this end, the following items, which belong to the same work order 4, for example for a particularly individually specified pair of eyewear, are typically combined: two lens blanks, possibly in different processing stages, the associated eyewear frame and / or one or more blocks.

[0183] List of reference signs

[0184] 1 system

[0185] 2 item

[0186] 2a identifier

[0187] 3 storage container

[0188] 3a storage medium

[0189] 4 work order

[0190] 5 storage rack

[0191] 6 handling device

[0192] 6a handler

[0193] 7 container storage

[0194] 8 box storage

[0195] 9 intermediate storage

[0196] 10, 20, 30 storage unit

[0197] 11, 31 loading device

[0198] 12, 32 conveyor belt

[0199] 13, 23, 33 storage device

[0200] 14, 24, 34 reading device

[0201] 15, 25, 35 storage conveyor

[0202] 16, 26, 36 collection conveyor

[0203] 17, 27, 37 storage outlet

[0204] 18, 28, 38 handling apparatus

[0205] 18a, 28a, 38a conveyor section

[0206] 18b, 28b, 38b handler

[0207] 19, 29, 39 placement location

[0208] 40, 41 packaging station

[0209] 42, 43 packaging unit

[0210] 44, 45 storage container

[0211] 46 conveyor belt

[0212] 48 reader

[0213] 49 printer

[0214] 50 transport box

[0215] 50a receiving position

[0216] 51, 52, 53 transport track

[0217] 54 return conveyor

[0218] 55 discharge conveyor

[0219] 56 buffer

[0220] 103, 203, 303 storage inlet

[0221] B1 to B5 area

[0222] I, II, III, IV storage location

Claims

1. A system for transporting and storing articles (2), the system (1) having at least two storage units (10, 20, 30), each storage unit (10, 20, 30) including a storage rack (5), at least one storage inlet (103, 203, 303) and at least one storage outlet (17, 27, 37), and at least one actuating device (6) for the articles (2) to be stored. in, - The storage unit (10, 20, 30) has at least one collection conveyor (16, 26, 36) that extends along the storage rack (5) and leads to the storage outlet (17, 27, 37), and - At least one transport track for the transport container (50) extends along the storage outlet (17, 27, 37), and - Manipulating devices (18, 28, 38) are assigned to or located at each of the storage outlets (17, 27, 37), and the manipulating devices (18, 28, 38) are adapted to load the transport container (50) with storable or stored items (2) located on the respective collection conveyors (16, 26, 36). -so that each shipping container (50) ultimately contains the items (2) to be stored or already stored belonging to exactly one defined work order (4). The manipulator (6) is characterized in that it is designed to grasp the item (2) and / or the storage container (3) having the item (2) from a corresponding placement position or from the corresponding storage rack (5), and the manipulator (6) is designed to place and / or position the item (2) and / or the storage container (3) having the item (2) on the corresponding collection conveyor (16, 26, 36) in a defined manner.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first transport track (51) of the transport track is configured to deliver empty transport boxes (50), the second transport track (52) of the transport track is configured to load the transport boxes (50) with the article (2), and the second or third transport track (53) of the transport track is configured to transport the loaded transport boxes (50) away and / or temporarily store them.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one of the collection conveyors (16, 26, 36) is designed and / or controlled such that the items (2) to be stored or already stored belonging to the defined work order (4) are transported together to the storage outlet (17, 27, 37).

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least one of the collection conveyors (16, 26, 36) is timed.

5. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least two of the transport tracks are provided for the transport container (50).

6. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least two of the transport tracks or the system (1) are designed such that the transport box (50) can be moved or pushed between at least two of the transport tracks.

7. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one transport track is designed such that the loaded transport container (50) can be transported out of the system (1).

8. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The system includes three storage units (10, 20, 30).

9. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one or all of the transport tracks operate below at least one of the collection conveyors (16, 26, 36).

10. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The collection conveyors (16, 26, 36) and the storage rack (5) operate parallel to each other, and at least one of the transport tracks operates transversely to and / or perpendicular to the collection conveyors (16, 26, 36) and the storage rack (5).

11. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least some of the items (2) to be stored are accepted in or can be accepted in the storage container (3).

12. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The storage container (3) is provided with a readable storage medium (3a).

13. The system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The storage container (3) is equipped with an RFID chip.

14. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one reader (48) is provided, the reader (48) being adapted to read a readable storage medium (3a) located on a storage container (3) or a shipping box (50) and / or an identifier (2a) located on the storable article (2) or the packaging of the storable article (2).

15. The system according to claim 14, characterized in that, At least one of the readers (48) is configured to identify the item (2) and / or to ensure or check the loading of the shipping container (50) required for the work order (4).

16. The system according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The storage medium (3a) can be read using the reader (48).

17. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that, At least one return conveyor (54) is provided for storing containers (3), the return conveyor (54) being used to return empty storage containers (3) to the packaging stations (40, 41) of the system (1) to fill the storage containers (3) with items (2) to be stored.

18. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The system (1) includes a container storage section (7) for empty storage containers (3) for items (2) to be stored.

19. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The operating device (6) is designed to place and / or position the article (2) and / or the storage container (3) having the article (2) in a defined manner at the placement position (19, 29, 39) of the collection conveyor (16, 26, 36).

20. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The manipulation device (6) is designed to retrieve the item (2) from the storage rack (5).

21. The system according to claim 20, characterized in that, The operating device (6) is designed to store the item (2) in the storage rack (5).

22. The system according to claim 21, characterized in that, The operating device (6) is designed to retrieve the item (2) contained in the storage container (3) from the storage rack (5) and to store the item (2) contained in the storage container (3) in the storage rack (5).

23. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The manipulators (18, 28, 38) are designed to individually pick up the items (2) from the respective collection conveyors (16, 26, 36), placement locations (19, 29, 39) and / or storage containers (3).

24. The system according to claim 23, characterized in that, The manipulators (18, 28, 38) are designed to grasp the items (2) from the respective collection conveyors (16, 26, 36), placement locations (19, 29, 39) and / or storage containers (3).

25. The system according to claim 23, characterized in that, The manipulation devices (18, 28, 38) are designed to place the article (2) in the transport container (50) in a defined manner and / or individually.

26. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control devices (18, 28, 38) are arranged above the associated collection conveyor (16, 26, 36) and above the associated transport track.

27. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The system (1) or the manipulator (18, 28, 38) is designed to transfer, change and / or push the transport container (50) individually from one transport track to another.

28. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The system (1) has a box storage section (8) for empty transport boxes (50) and / or an intermediate storage section (9) for loaded transport boxes (50).

29. A method for outputting or picking stored items (2) from a system (1) according to claim 1, The method includes the following steps: a) Store the item (2) separately or in the middle in a storage container (3); b) Combine multiple items (2) for work order (4); c) The item (2) for the work order (4) is transferred from the storage container (3) to the transport box (50); d) Return the storage container (3) and load it with new items (2) according to step a) for storage or temporary storage. Its features are, The item (2) of the work order (4) is placed in the designated location or receiving location (50a) in the corresponding transport box (50).

30. A method for outputting stored items (2) from a system (1) according to claim 1, the system (1) having at least two storage units (10, 20, 30), each storage unit (10, 20, 30) comprising a storage shelf (5), at least one storage inlet (103, 203, 303) and at least one storage outlet (17, 27, 37), and at least one actuating device (6) for the stored items (2). Its features are, The method includes the following steps: a) The stored items (2) are placed on at least one collection conveyor (16, 26, 36), wherein the items (2) belonging to the defined work order (4) are placed adjacent to each other and / or placed in defined placement positions (19, 29, 39). b) Transport the article (2) placed on at least one of the collection conveyors (16, 26, 36) to the storage outlet (17, 27, 37). c) Load the transport box (50) with the items (2) that have been placed in the work order (4). d) Transport the loaded transport container (50) out of the system (1).

31. A method for outputting or picking articles (2) for eyeglass manufacturing from a system (1) according to claim 1, Its features are, The method includes the following steps: a) Automatically retrieve items (2) from at least one storage shelf (5); b) Automatically combine some or all items (2) for a work order (4) to produce pairs of glasses; c) The item (2) for the work order (4) is automatically placed at the designated receiving position (50a) in the transport box (50); d) The loaded transport box (50) continues to be automatically transported for automated eyeglass production.

32. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that, At least one of the collection conveyors (16, 26, 36) is controlled in a timed manner.

33. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that, The transport containers (50) can be transported independently to the storage outlets (17, 27, 37) of any storage unit (10, 20, 30).

34. The method according to claim 33, characterized in that, The empty transport containers (50) can be transported independently to the storage outlets (17, 27, 37) of any storage unit (10, 20, 30).

35. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that, The storage container (3) is used at least in part for storing the stored items (2).

36. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that, The method further includes the step of placing the stored items (2) on at least one collection conveyor (16, 26, 36), wherein the items (2) belonging to the defined work order (4) are placed adjacent to each other and / or placed in defined placement positions (19, 29, 39), wherein placing the items (2) stored in the storage container (3) onto the collection conveyor (16, 26, 36) is done by placing the storage container (3) together with the stored items (2) received in the storage container (3) on at least one of the collection conveyors (16, 26, 36).

37. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that, The method further includes the step of loading the transport box (50) with the placed items (2) belonging to the work order (4), wherein the transport box (50) is loaded by removing the items (2) contained in the storage container (3) from the storage container (3) and placing the items (2) in the transport box (50).

38. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that, By means of at least one reader (48), the readable storage medium (3a) located on the storage container (3) and the identifier (2a) located on the stored item (2) or the package of the stored item (2) are read, and the read data are associated with each other, thereby uniquely identifying the item (2) and / or the storage location.

39. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that, In step b), the collection of the items (2) stored in the storage container (3) on the collection conveyor (16, 26, 36) and / or placement position (19, 29, 39) is carried out by placing at least one storage container (3) together with the stored items (2) received in the storage container (3) on the collection conveyor (16, 26, 36) or the placement position (19, 29, 39).

40. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that, In each case, the item (2) is reloaded into the transport container (50) at the storage outlet (17, 27, 37) of the storage unit (10, 20, 30).

41. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that, The transport container (50) is continuously loaded or filled with the items (2) of the work order (4) at different storage outlets (17, 27, 37) and / or via different collection conveyors (16, 26, 36) or manipulators (18, 28, 38).

42. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that, The transport container (50) and the empty storage container (3) are further transported in opposite directions in the areas of the storage outlets (17, 27, 37) or the operating devices (18, 28, 38).

43. Use of the system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 28 or use of the method according to any one of claims 29 to 42, said use for picking items (2) of a work order (4) for producing eyeglasses, wherein, At least two lenses or lens blanks, eyeglass frames and / or tools for processing ophthalmic lenses are placed in the transport box (50) for the work order (4) by means of manipulating devices (18, 28, 38) or automatically.

44. Use of the system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 28 or use of the method according to any one of claims 29 to 42, said system (1) having at least one storage rack (5) and at least one manipulating device (6) and / or manipulating apparatus (18, 28, 38) for picking articles (2) for manufacturing eyeglasses (2), wherein, At least one operating device or tool for processing ophthalmic lenses is automatically retrieved or transported by means of a storage container (3) or a transport box (50).

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