Clamp for sorting device and method for operating sorting device

Abstract

The invention relates to a gripper for a sorting device for storing pieces of goods, and to a method for operating a sorting device having a gripper according to the invention. In order to optimize the storage, the gripper has a storage table (10) which extends in a first horizontal direction and in a second horizontal direction which is orthogonal to the first horizontal direction, a transport device (30) which is arranged on the storage table (10) and can be moved in the first horizontal direction for moving the piece goods onto the storage table (10) of the gripper, and at least one weighing device (100, 200, 300) for determining the weight of the at least one piece of goods arranged on the clamp (1). In the method according to the invention, a gripper is moved to a target position of a storage device (420, 430), at least one piece of goods is moved onto a storage table (10) by means of a transport device (30) of the gripper (1), and an actual weight of the at least one piece of goods moved onto the storage table (10) is determined by means of at least one weighing device (100, 200, 300), and transmitting the actual weight to a control device (370).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamp for a sorting device for storing packaged goods and a method for operating the sorting device having the clamp. Background Technology

[0002] Sorting equipment has long been used for chaotic storage of pharmaceutical packaging, nutritional supplement packaging, and similar piecework items. Sorting equipment for this purpose includes manipulators with grippers that remove piecework items from the storage unit and move them to their designated storage locations. In classic chaotic storage, piecework items are not stored in fixed, predetermined locations within the sorting equipment, but rather on the bottom surface of shelves, for example, where suitable storage locations are determined solely by the location requirements of the piecework items. This avoids unnecessary empty space and significantly increases the number of piecework items stored per unit floor area.

[0003] For example, to store pharmaceutical packaging, the packaging is identified according to known piecework storage methods, measured where necessary, and placed in a predetermined placement area of ​​the storage device of the sorting equipment. The packaging is then moved to the working area of ​​a gripper (e.g., known as EP3431421A1) within the sorting equipment, where it is picked up by the gripper and moved to a storage location determined by a control device.

[0004] In particular, depending on the width of the shelf base and the type of pharmaceutical packaging stored on it, the shelf base may bend slightly downwards under the weight of the packaging. This can cause problems when removing the packaging, as the alignment of the retrieval clamps with the shelf base is no longer optimal. Depending on the degree of downward bending, this may prevent the packaging from being removed altogether.

[0005] When errors occur within the sorting equipment, it is sometimes necessary for operators to enter the equipment. In such cases, it is possible that piecework items placed on the storage unit have moved and are no longer in their intended position. While the sorting equipment continues to operate, it is possible that the piecework items being grabbed and stored are not the "expected" ones. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of this invention is to provide a fixture that optimizes the storage process of piece-rate goods and avoids the aforementioned shortcomings. A further object of this invention is to provide a method for operating sorting equipment that optimizes the storage process.

[0007] This objective is achieved by a fixture having a platform extending in a first horizontal direction and a second horizontal direction orthogonal to the first horizontal direction, and a transport device disposed on the platform and movable in the first horizontal direction, the transport device being used to move piecework items onto the platform of the fixture. According to the invention, the fixture includes at least one weighing device for determining the weight of at least one piecework item disposed on the fixture.

[0008] Based on the weight data that can be determined by the fixture according to the invention, the storage of piecework can be optimized, for example, by taking into account not only location requirements but also the weight of the piecework. While this requires that the storage location be determined only after the piecework is placed on the fixture, this is not a problem due to the computing power of modern control devices (the fixture is connected to the control device, the determined weight is transmitted to the control device, and the control device can then determine the storage location). "Heavy" piecework can, for example, be stored in the storage location designated for heavy piecework.

[0009] As described above, piecework items are identified before they move into the sorting equipment. It is possible that the rated weight of the piecework item is determined through identification. The weight determined by the fixture can then be used to verify the piecework item against its weight, thereby preventing incorrect storage due to factors such as offsets in the storage device or other operational errors caused by user error.

[0010] For the fixture according to the invention, the specific location of at least one weighing device is irrelevant. In a preferred embodiment, at least one weighing device is arranged relative to the platform such that the weight of the piecework placed on the platform can be determined by the weighing device. In the simplest case, the weighing device is arranged below the platform and is accordingly mounted. In a corresponding embodiment, the weighing device can be integrated into the fixture base located below the platform and protected from damage.

[0011] The fixture's storage platform can be a single piece. However, in a preferred embodiment, the storage platform is multi-piece, and each storage platform section is equipped with a weighing device, which can determine the weight of the items placed on that storage platform section. In a corresponding embodiment, when dividing the storage platform accordingly, a sliding element can be guided by a narrow slit arranged between the storage platform sections, through which the items can be moved from the storage platform. Weight determination can be performed by determining the total weight (on the two weighing devices). Although it is ensured that the items are arranged separately on each storage platform section (this should be known based on the arrangement on the storage device and can be determined by the sensor module), the weight on each storage platform section can be determined.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the clamp includes a fastening arm that secures the clamp to a clamp guide. The fastening arm has a bearing section extending outward from the clamp's vertical central axis, and this bearing section has a bearing device preferably configured as a strain gauge. In this embodiment, the weighing device is therefore (in some cases additionally) arranged on the fastening arm. This has the advantage of not having to integrate additional components into the clamp body. It is also possible to combine the two variations (i.e., the weighing device is located below the platform and at the bearing section).

[0013] To improve reliability, in a preferred embodiment, at least one weighing device assigned to the shelf includes two weighing elements. The weighing elements operate independently, meaning each weighing element measures the weight of the placed item.

[0014] This objective is also achieved by a method for operating sorting equipment, wherein the sorting equipment includes at least a control device, a storage device, and an operating device with a clamp having at least one weighing device for determining the weight of at least one piece of goods arranged on the clamp. According to the invention, the clamp is moved to a target position of the storage device, at least one piece of goods is moved to a shelf by a transport device of the clamp, and the actual weight of at least one piece of goods moved to the shelf is determined by the at least one weighing device and transmitted to the control device.

[0015] The weight transmitted to the control device can be used to optimize storage in various ways. In a preferred embodiment, the actual weight of the piecework to be moved to the shelf is compared with the rated weight known from previous identification of the piecework, and the transport process is approved as long as it does not exceed a predetermined weight deviation. This largely eliminates the possibility of operational errors going unnoticed after identification or movement on the storage device. If the piecework does not have the "desired" weight, it can be assumed that it was not placed in the position expected by the control device on the storage belt.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment where the fixture also includes a sensor module, the sensor module can detect the arrangement of the piecework items moved to the shelf, and the shelf is multi-piece with a weighing device assigned to each shelf section. The weighing device can determine the weight of the piecework items placed on the shelf section. The sensor module records the piecework items on the shelf and determines the accurate arrangement of the piecework items based on the record. As long as there are piecework items on each shelf section, the actual weight of the piecework items arranged on the shelf section is determined and the actual weight is transmitted to the control device.

[0017] Although piecework items need to be identified before being moved to the sorting equipment, there is no guarantee that their weight data will always be known. It's possible that the corresponding database does not provide the rated weight for piecework items. In such cases, it can be stipulated that the control device saves the actual weight as the rated weight.

[0018] To prevent the fixture from being overloaded, in a preferred embodiment, the actual weight of the piecework moved to the shelf is added to the total load capacity, and when the total load capacity is exceeded, it prevents the movement of other piecework onto the fixture and begins unloading the fixture.

[0019] To prevent damage to the fixture or its moving mechanism, it can be stipulated that the fixture is accelerated and decelerated according to the total load after all the piecework has been moved to the platform.

[0020] If the clamp has an additional fastening arm in addition to the weighing device of the platform, the fastening arm having a bearing section pointing outward from the vertical central axis and the bearing section having an additional weighing device configured as a strain gauge, in a preferred embodiment it can be specified that the actual weight of the piecework moved to the platform is determined by averaging the actual weight determined by the weighing device of the platform and the weighing device of the fastening arm. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The preferred embodiments of the clamp according to the invention and the method according to the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1a and Figure 1b A perspective view and a top view of a first embodiment of the clamp according to the present invention are shown. Figures 2a-2c A perspective view, a top view, and a side view of the first embodiment are shown, in which a portion of the shelf is omitted. Figure 3 and Figure 4 A detailed view of the first embodiment is shown, in which different components are omitted. Figure 5 A detailed view of the lower section of a first embodiment of the clamp according to the present invention is shown. Figure 6 A second embodiment of the clamp according to the invention is shown. Figure 7 A perspective view of a sorting device having a clamp according to the invention is shown. Figures 8a-8c and Figure 9a , Figure 9bThe different stages of the first and second embodiments of the method according to the invention are schematically illustrated, and Figure 10 Flowcharts of the first and second embodiments of the method according to the present invention are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Figure 1a and Figure 1b A perspective view and a top view of a first embodiment of the clamp 1 according to the present invention are shown. The clamp 1 includes a platform 10 extending in a first horizontal direction (X direction) and a second horizontal direction (Y direction) orthogonal to the first horizontal direction, and an end section 11, the end section having a curved end face 12 in the illustrated embodiment. The platform 10 in the illustrated embodiment includes two platform portions 10a and 10b, which are separated from each other at the center by a narrow slit 13. A sliding element 14 is arranged in the narrow slit, which allows passage through... Figure 1a and Figure 1b The component not shown moves in the first horizontal direction.

[0023] A transport device 30 is arranged above the storage platform 10. The transport device is movable above the storage platform in a first horizontal direction and allows piecework items to be moved on the platform. In the illustrated embodiment, the transport device 30 includes two jaws 20a and 20b, which are movable in a second horizontal direction, wherein the components required for movement are described in more detail with reference to the following figures. The transport device 30 also includes a sensor module 17, which determines or verifies the arrangement of piecework items on the storage platform 10 or the alignment of the clamps, for example, with the horizontal storage surface. To determine the arrangement, the sensor module "records" the placed piecework items. This record is analyzed by the sensor module itself or (typically) by a control device connected to the sensor module, more specifically by means of image processing software. The control device may be part of the clamps, but it may also be a "central" control device of the sorting equipment in which the clamps are installed.

[0024] The transport device also includes a first drive unit 50 with a drive 51 (see here for details). Figures 2a-2c The sliding element 14 can move in a first horizontal direction via a component not shown. Furthermore, the transport device includes a second drive unit (see...). Figure 1b This allows the transport device 30 itself to move in a first horizontal direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the jaws 20a and 20b include parallel, vertical inner surfaces 21a and 21b, with sections 22a and 22b of anti-slip material at their end portions away from the transport device 30.

[0025] Figures 2a-2c A perspective view, top view, and side view of the first embodiment are shown, with the platform portion 10a omitted to show the lower component of the first embodiment of the clamp according to the invention. The clamp includes a clamp base 70 configured as a single piece in the illustrated embodiment, which extends below the platform in a first horizontal direction and has other components of the clamp arranged therein and on it. Two openings 71a are arranged in the clamp base 70, in which a first weighing element 110 and a second weighing element 120 of the first weighing device 100 are arranged. The two weighing elements 110, 120 of the weighing device 100 are interconnected by an intermediate member placed on the clamp base 70 and holding the two weighing elements. In the illustrated embodiment, the two weighing elements 110, 120 are designed as a so-called "platform weighing unit," wherein the illustrated weighing element / weighing unit is optimized for angular load sensitivity so that no measurement error occurs even when the weighing element is loaded at only one corner. In alternative embodiments, other types of weighing elements may be used, such as S-shaped weighing units or pressure weighing units. In the illustrated embodiment, the two weighing elements 110, 120 are arranged spaced apart from each other in a first horizontal direction, such that the “front” and “rear” of the platform portion are optimally covered. The two weighing elements 110, 120 of the first weighing device 100 are connected to a control device via (not shown) wires, which processes the signals acquired by the weighing device. The control device that processes the signals of the weighing device may be part of a fixture and may transmit the data to a central control unit of the sorting equipment. Alternatively, the signals of the weighing device 100 may also be transmitted directly to the central control unit in the sorting equipment.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, a second weighing device corresponding to the first weighing device 100 is arranged below the platform portion 10b. The second weighing device is constructed in the same manner as the first weighing device 100 and operates accordingly. The arrangement and number of the weighing devices and their exact design are irrelevant to this invention. The only important point is that a weighing device is provided, through which the weight of the piecework items arranged on the fixture (in this embodiment, the platform) can be determined. In the illustrated embodiment, the weighing device is arranged adjacent to the platform below for this purpose. The two platform portions are supported only on the weighing elements of the weighing devices in an unloaded state. For overload protection, a front support surface 91 and a rear support surface 92 are provided; when weighing piecework items within the permissible weight range, the support surfaces do not contact the platform portions.

[0027] The fixture base 70 includes an additional opening centered in the second horizontal direction in its front section, through which a sensor system 90 is arranged. The sensor system can determine, for example, the alignment of the fixture with the bottom surface of the shelf. Through the opening 72 in the fixture base 70, the sensor system can determine the position of the fixture relative to, for example, the bottom surface of the shelf.

[0028] exist Figures 2a-2c In the diagram, a transport device 30 is shown above the platform 10. The transport device 30 includes a guard plate beneath which are arranged a plurality of components responsible for pivoting the jaws 20a and 20b, as described in more detail with reference to the following figures. Figure 2a In the diagram, since the platform portion 10a is omitted, the guide slider 33a of the transport device can be observed. This guide slider is arranged on the longitudinal guide 34a extending in the first horizontal direction, thereby guiding the movement of the transport device 30 in the first horizontal direction (the guide slider 33b and the longitudinal guide 34b are in...). Figure 3 and Figure 5 (As can be observed). How the transport device 30 moves in the first horizontal direction will be described in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0029] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Detailed views of the first embodiment are shown, in which several different components are omitted in two detailed views to show the components located below them. For example, the sensor module and the protective plate, along with several components located below it, are omitted in the two detailed views. The basic frame of the transport device 30 with frame structure 31 can be seen, where frame structure 31 forms the base of the transport device 30, on which several additional components are arranged. Part of the transport device 30 is a guide device 40, through which two jaws 20a, 20b pivot, or more precisely, move relative to the transport device 30 in a first horizontal direction. For this purpose, the transport device 30 includes a third drive unit 60 having a drive 61 itself, which drives a gear 62 via a shaft, the gear meshing with a rack 43 extending in the first horizontal direction. Through the combination of gear 62 / rack 43, rotation of the shaft of the drive 61 is converted into linear movement. Movement of the rack 43 causes the guide unit 40 to move in the first horizontal direction. The guiding device 40 includes two guiding rollers 42a and 42b, which engage with elongated holes 41a and 41b. These elongated holes extend in a second horizontal direction. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the position shown, the two jaws 20a, 20b are arranged parallel to each other and are not pivoted, with elongated holes 41a, 41b extending approximately orthogonally to the first horizontal direction. Guide rollers 42a, 42b are connected to jaw retainers 37a, 37b. Jaw retainers 37a, 37b are located at the pivot axis ( Figure 3 The diagram only specifically shows the connection between the pivot axis 35a and the transport device, where the jaw retainer cannot move relative to the transport device in the first horizontal direction at these pivot axes, but can only pivot about these axes. When the guide device 40 moves "forward" in the first horizontal direction, the elongated holes 41a, 41b of the guide device also move "forward," and this movement "drives" the guide rollers 42a, 42b, thereby causing the jaw retainer to move in the first horizontal direction via the guide rollers. Since the jaw retainer is held on the transport device at the pivot axes, the movement in the first horizontal direction causes the jaw retainer (and the jaws) to pivot.

[0030] According to Figure 4 The detailed view shows a rear view of the first embodiment of the clamp, in which several components are omitted. Figure 4 As can be seen, the transport device 30 has a fourth drive unit 65 with its own actuator 66 and a gear 67. The gear 67 meshes with two racks 32a and 32b extending in a second horizontal direction, the teeth of which are arranged opposite each other. The racks 32a and 32b are connected to a jaw retainer, such that the rotational motion of the gear 67 is converted into linear movement of the jaw retainer. Figure 4 The rack and pinion arrangement shown in the diagram, where the rotation of gear 67 causes the rack to move outward or inward together, is equivalent to the jaws (used to clamp piecewise goods) closing or opening (in the second horizontal direction). As the jaws move outward or inward, the guide rollers 42a, 42b displace within the elongated holes 41a, 41b of the guide device, allowing the jaws to pivot at any position and to displace in any pivoting posture. Figure 4 Other components for driving the transport device 30 and the sliding element are shown below, and these components will be referred to in detail below. Figure 5 It was described in more detail.

[0031] Figure 5 A detailed view of the lower section of a first embodiment of the clamp according to the invention is shown. In this view, all components of the transport device (and guide device) are omitted, and only the clamp base 70 and the components directly disposed thereon are shown. Two toothed pulleys 52, 57 are arranged on the clamp base 70, which are part of the first and second drive units (not shown). The toothed pulley 52 (part of the first drive unit) drives a first drive belt 53, which extends in a first horizontal direction on the "left" side. The first drive belt 53 is connected to a sliding element such that the rotational movement of the toothed pulley 52 of the first drive unit causes the sliding element 14 to move along the sliding element guide 16 in the first horizontal direction.

[0032] The second toothed pulley 57, as part of the second drive unit, drives the second drive belt 58, which is guided by multiple steering rollers (see steering roller 59) on the outer longitudinal side and the rear end side of the clamp base. The second drive belt 58 and guide sliders 33a and 33b ( Figure 5 Only guide slider 33a is shown in the image; slider 33b is shown in the image. Figure 3 The connection causes the rotation of the second toothed pulley 57 to cause the transport device 30 to move in the first horizontal direction.

[0033] exist Figure 5 A second weighing device 200 can also be observed, which is arranged in the opening 71b of the fixture base 70. The second weighing device 200 includes two weighing elements 210 and 220 (corresponding to the first weighing device), which are also configured as platform weighing units in the illustrated embodiment. In alternative embodiments, the second weighing device may also be configured in different ways, as long as it ensures that the weight of the piecework placed on the platform portion can be determined.

[0034] Figure 6 A second embodiment of the clamp according to the invention is shown. While in the first embodiment of the clamp according to the invention, the weight of the piecework is determined by a weighing device directly arranged below the shelf, in this second embodiment, the weight of the piecework placed on the clamp is determined by a weighing device 300 arranged on the bearing section 2 of the fastening arm 4. The clamp 1 is fastened to a clamp guide (not shown) via the clamping arm or the fastening arm 4. The clamp itself is fastened to the bearing section 2 of the fastening arm via a vertical central axis 3. In this second embodiment, the weighing device is configured as a "bend bar weighing unit" (or simply a bend bar) and is connected to the control device in the same manner as the first and second weighing units of the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 7 A perspective view of a sorting device 400 is shown, by which the method according to the invention can be performed and which includes a clamp 1 according to the invention for this purpose. The sorting device 400 is described below only as an example and for better understanding of the detailed subsequent description of the method according to the invention. Pharmaceutical packages as piecework are stored by the sorting device shown, and the term "pharmaceutical packages" is also used below (e.g., for the term "piecework").

[0036] The sorting equipment 400 includes a support structure 402 on which a plurality of covering elements 403 are mounted. For clarity, the plurality of covering elements and some elements of the support structure 402 are omitted. The sorting equipment 400 includes a first row of shelves 410 having a plurality of shelves, each shelf having a plurality of stacked shelf bottom surfaces 412 extending horizontally, the shelf bottom surfaces having a plurality of storage positions (wherein... Figure 7 Only three shelf bases 412 are shown; other shelf bases are arranged above, below, and beside the shown shelf bases. Each shelf 411 of the first shelf row 410 is formed by shelf walls 413 and multiple of the aforementioned shelf bases 412. In the illustrated example, all end edges (loading edges) of the shelf base are arranged in a vertical plane, which simplifies storing or retrieving piecework or pharmaceutical packaging from the shelf base. The illustrated shelf base is configured for chaotic storage of pharmaceutical packaging.

[0037] In the sorting equipment shown, a second shelf row 410' is provided opposite the first shelf row 410, but it is only shown for obvious reasons; only the various components of the support frame for this shelf row and the shelf bottom surface 412' with a storage aisle (Lagerschacht) 414 for single-category storage are shown. The storage aisle of the sorting equipment is used to store high-turnover goods and is not important to the present invention.

[0038] The exemplary sorting equipment includes two storage devices 420 and 430 stacked one on top of the other and integrated into a first shelf row 410, such that shelf bottom surfaces 412 are provided above and below the two storage devices 420 and 430. The storage devices 420 and 430 extend from the front of the sorting equipment and each includes placement areas 421 and 431 in the extended portions, on which pharmaceutical packaging can be placed. Figure 7 Two medicine packages 6 are arranged in the placement area 421 of the storage device 420 above.

[0039] Placement areas 421 and 431 are not components themselves, but rather dedicated areas within the storage device where pharmaceutical packaging is arranged according to placement rules. Placement areas can be constructed, for example, by markings on the storage device configured as a belt conveyor. Alternatively, gratings can be used to mark the placement areas. Finally, it is also possible to define the placement areas by movable fences.

[0040] An operating device 450, movable horizontally and vertically on a guide, is provided between the first shelf row shown and the second shelf row indicated only. This device has a clamp 1 according to the invention, which has been described in detail with reference to the preceding drawings. The clamp 1 is movable in the aisle between the two shelf rows along the horizontal guide 455 and the vertical guide indicated only.

[0041] An outbound device 440 is also arranged in the sorting equipment. This outbound device is configured as a belt conveyor and is marked between the second shelf row and the right outer wall of the sorting equipment. The outbound device moves the pharmaceutical packages to the collection area 441 of the outbound device. The pharmaceutical packages are moved to the outbound device by means of, for example, an operating device 450, and if necessary, an auxiliary outbound path (not shown), so that the pharmaceutical packages can reach the outbound device. In the inclined storage aisle (in... Figure 7 The diagram shows only one such storage channel (414), where the medicine package can be simply moved to the outbound device by triggering a triggering device located at one end of the storage channel. In this case, the medicine package simply falls onto the outbound device by gravity.

[0042] exist Figure 7 In the sorting equipment, a control device 470 is arranged in the front area. The control device is connected to the operating instruments, sensors, and sensor systems, and is typically connected to the storage and retrieval devices. A doorway 404 is located in the center of the front area of ​​the sorting equipment, allowing access to the equipment for maintenance purposes and in case of malfunction.

[0043] exist Figure 7 The reader 480 is also marked with a symbol. The reader can be coupled to the control device 470 via a wire 481 or a wireless connection 482 and can read the identifier EI of the drug packaging.

[0044] Reference Figures 8a-8c , Figure 9a and Figure 9b and Figure 10 Two embodiments of the method according to the invention will be described. In step 100, the clamp 1 is first moved to the target position at the storage device 420. This is in Figure 8a and Figure 9a As shown in the diagram. In the two embodiments of the method according to the invention described below, clamp 1 has a shelf with two shelf portions 10a, 10b. In the next step 110, the piecework (here, two piecework items 6(1) and 6(2)) is moved onto the shelf by the jaws 20a, 20b of the transport device 30 of clamp 1. In the first embodiment of the method according to the invention ( Figure 8bIn the first embodiment (9b), two piece items 6(1) and 6(2) are arranged one after the other in a first horizontal direction, and are arranged side by side in the second embodiment (9b). In the next step 120, the actual weight of the piece items moved to the shelf is determined by a weighing device (not shown in these figures) and transmitted to the control device (step 130). The weighing device here "simply" transmits the determined weight, and it is irrelevant how many piece items are placed on the shelf.

[0045] In cases where more than one piece item is moved to a shelf via transport, the control device needs information about how the piece items are arranged on the storage device in order to meaningfully evaluate the data transmitted by the weighing devices, especially when the fixture has two shelf sections, each with a corresponding weighing device. However, since this information is known, the control device also knows how the piece items are arranged on the shelf. This means that in the first embodiment, the total weight of the two piece items 6(1) and 6(2) is determined jointly by the two weighing devices, while in the second embodiment, the individual weights of the piece items 6(1) and 6(2) can be determined by the weighing devices.

[0046] Depending on the intended purpose, the determined actual weight can be further processed in different ways. For example, if the rated weight of a piece-rate item (or multiple identical piece-rate items) is unknown, the control device can save the determined actual weight as the rated weight of the piece-rate item (step 150, first embodiment) and use it, for example, for subsequent approval. If the control device knows the rated weight of one or more piece-rate items moved to the shelf (step 140, second embodiment), it can compare the rated weight with the actual weight and approve the transport process if it does not exceed a predetermined weight deviation; more precisely, the "correct" piece-rate items are moved to the shelf based on weight comparison.

[0047] In both implementations, it is possible to add the actual weight of the piecework to be moved to the shelf to the total load capacity in step 160, and prevent the movement of other piecework onto the fixture when the total load capacity is exceeded, and begin unloading the fixture.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, the determined actual weight of piecework can be used to store it on the bottom of the sorting equipment shelves according to weight (and, according to location requirements, corresponding to chaotic storage). Furthermore, the determined total load-bearing weight can be used as the basis for moving (particularly accelerating and decelerating) grippers.

Claims

1. A clamp (1) for a sorting device for storing piece-rate goods, the clamp having: A shelf (10) extends in a first horizontal direction and in a second horizontal direction orthogonal to the first horizontal direction. A transport device (30), which is arranged on the platform (10) and is movable in the first horizontal direction, is used to move piecework items onto the platform (10) of the fixture. Its features are, The clamp (1) includes at least one weighing device (100, 200, 300) for determining the weight of at least one piece of goods arranged on the clamp (1).

2. The fixture (1) for a sorting device for storing piece-rate goods as described in claim 1. Its features are, The at least one weighing device (100, 200) is arranged relative to the shelf (10) such that the weight of the piecework placed on the shelf can be determined by the weighing device (100, 200).

3. The clamp (1) for a sorting device for storing piece-rate goods as described in claim 2. Its features are, The shelf (10) is multi-piece and each shelf section (10a, 10b) is equipped with a weighing device (100, 200) which can determine the weight of the piece goods placed on the shelf section (10a, 10b).

4. The clamp (1) for a sorting device for storing piecework goods according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Its features are, The clamp (1) includes a fastening arm (4) which can be fastened to a clamp guide, wherein the fastening arm (4) has a bearing section (2) pointing outward from the vertical central axis (3) of the clamp and the bearing section (2) has a weighing device (300).

5. The fixture (1) for a sorting device for storing piece-rate goods as described in claim 4. Its features are, The weighing device (300) of the bearing section (2) is constructed as a bending rod.

6. The clamp (1) for a sorting device for storing piecework goods according to any one of claims 2 to 5. Its features are, Each of the at least one weighing device (100, 200) assigned to the platform (10) includes two weighing elements (110, 120; 210, 220).

7. A method for operating a sorting device, said sorting device comprising at least: The control device (470), storage device (420, 430), and operating device (450) include a clamp (1) comprising at least one weighing device (100, 200, 300) for determining the weight of at least one piece of goods arranged on the clamp (1). Move the clamp to the target position of the storage device (420, 430). At least one piece of goods is moved onto the storage table (10) by the transport device (30) of the clamp (1). The actual weight of the at least one piece of goods moved to the shelf (10) is determined by the at least one weighing device (100, 200, 300) and the actual weight is transmitted to the control device (470).

8. The method for operating a sorting device according to claim 7, Its features are, The actual weight of the piece goods to be moved to the shelf is compared with the rated weight, and the transportation process is approved if the weight deviation does not exceed a predetermined limit.

9. The method for operating a sorting device according to claim 7, in, The fixture (1) also includes a sensor module (17), which can detect the arrangement of the piecework items moved onto the shelf (10), whether the shelf (10) is multi-piece, and whether each shelf section (10a, 10b) is equipped with a weighing device (100, 200), which can determine the weight of the piecework items placed on the shelf section (10a, 10b). Its features are, The sensor module records the piecework items located on the shelf, and based on the records, determines the exact arrangement of the piecework items. When piecework is arranged on each shelf section (10a, 10b), the actual weight of the piecework arranged on the shelf section (10a, 10b) is determined and the actual weight is transmitted to the control device (370).

10. The method for operating a sorting device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, In cases where the rated weight of the piecework cannot be determined, the control device (470) saves the actual weight as the rated weight.

11. The method for operating a sorting device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, Its features are, The actual weight of the piecework items to be moved to the shelf is added to the total load capacity, and when the total load capacity is exceeded, the movement of other piecework items onto the fixture is prevented and the fixture is unloaded.

12. The method for operating a sorting device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, Its features are, After all the piecework items are moved to the platform, the clamp is accelerated and decelerated according to the total load-bearing weight.

13. The method for operating a sorting device according to any one of claims 7 to 12, in, The clamp has a fastening arm (4), the fastening arm has a bearing section (2) pointing outward from the vertical central axis (3) and the bearing section (2) has a weighing device (300), and at least one additional weighing device (100, 200) is provided for the table. The feature is that the actual weight of the piecework moved to the shelf is determined by averaging the actual weight determined by the weighing device (100, 200) of the shelf and the actual weight determined by the weighing device (300) of the fastening arm (4).

14. The method for operating a sorting device according to claim 13, Its features are, The weighing device (300) of the bearing section (2) is configured as a bending rod.

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