Conveyor system and method for conveying goods

Abstract

Conveyor system for conveying goods (10, 25) with a lying conveyor (2) for conveying the goods (10) lying down, wherein the lying conveyor (2) has a sorting device (5) with a plurality of delivery points (6), and b. a hanging conveyor (3) with which the goods (25) are conveyed hanging on a goods carrier (15; 28), wherein the overhead conveyor (3) is connected to at least one of the delivery points (6) for delivering the goods (25), wherein the overhead conveyor goods (25) fall due to gravity from the goods carrier (15; 28) of the overhead conveyor (3) onto the lying conveyor (2) arranged underneath.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a conveyor system and a method for conveying goods, in particular for conveying goods with different conveying properties.

[0002] For the conveying and sorting of goods, various conveyor systems are known, for example, from JP 2001-253 515 A or AT 509 169 A2. For large and heavy goods, for example, a horizontal conveyor with a sorter is used to convey the sorted goods to various delivery points on the conveyor system.

[0003] It is the object of the present invention to improve the conveying, in particular the sorting, of goods, in particular to enable the conveying of different types of goods in a conveyor system, and in particular to increase the throughput of goods of, in particular existing, conveyor systems.

[0004] This object is achieved according to the invention by a conveyor system having the features specified in claim 1 and by a method having the features specified in claim 14.

[0005] According to the invention, it was recognized that, in a conveyor system, a horizontal conveyor, which serves for conveying goods lying down, can be advantageously combined with an overhead conveyor, which serves for conveying goods hanging from a goods carrier. Conveying includes, in particular, the sorting of the goods. Such a conveyor system is, for example, a conveyor system for conveying and sorting individual items that are conveyed individually. Such a system is used, for example, for picking individual items from a warehouse to orders at a goods issue area. Such a conveyor system can also be a distribution center for mail. It was recognized that, in particular, an existing conveyor system with a horizontal conveyor can be advantageously retrofitted with an overhead conveyor to create a conveyor system according to the invention.

[0006] The horizontal conveyor is used in particular for conveying horizontal goods. Horizontal goods are particularly large and heavy goods that cannot be conveyed in a hanging position or can only be conveyed with difficulty, such as large boxes. The horizontal goods are conveyed either directly on the horizontal conveyor, in particular a conveyor belt, or lying in a conveyor container, which is arranged in particular on the conveyor belt. The horizontal conveyor has a sorting device with several discharge points at which the goods can be made available in a sorted form. A sorter, for example, a cross-belt sorter, a tilt-tray sorter, a shoe sorter, or a push-tray sorter can be used as a sorting device for the horizontal conveyor. Such a sorter has, in particular, its own mechanism for discharging the goods.Instead of a sorter, the goods can also be discharged using classic conveyor technology components, such as a pusher.

[0007] The overhead conveyor is used primarily to transport overhead goods. Overhead goods are primarily small and lightweight goods, especially letters, mail, and small and lightweight parcels. Overhead goods can also include packaged textiles, especially packaged clothing. Overhead goods can also be goods that cannot be reliably conveyed horizontally, such as round goods.

[0008] It has been found that if the overhead conveyor is connected to at least one of the delivery points of the horizontal conveyor for delivering the goods, the performance of the conveyor system can be increased. The overhead conveyor goods can be delivered directly from the goods carrier to one of the delivery points. The overhead conveyor goods fall due to gravity from the goods carrier of the overhead conveyor onto the horizontal conveyor arranged below. The goods can, in particular, be delivered from the overhead conveyor to the delivery points in a controlled manner. In particular, an automated delivery of the goods from the overhead conveyor to the delivery points is possible. In particular, it is possible to divide the goods flows into horizontal conveyor goods and overhead conveyor goods, with the majority of the small products being conveyed as overhead conveyor goods by the overhead conveyor.

[0009] The sorting device can be operated at a low conveyor speed, allowing the delivery points along a conveyor section of the sorting device to be arranged more closely and thus more densely. The conveyor system enables both a high product throughput and a high density of delivery points.

[0010] It was also recognized that the combination of the horizontal conveyor with the overhead conveyor expands the range of goods to be conveyed in the conveyor system. In particular, the overhead conveyor is located in a spatial area of ​​the conveyor system that is unused for the operation of the horizontal conveyor. Additional space is not required for the overhead conveyor. The conveyor system according to the invention is compact.

[0011] The overhead conveyor has a conveyor rail that defines the direction of the overhead conveyor, along which the overhead conveyor goods are conveyed. A goods carrier is conveyed along the conveyor rail. The conveyance can be passive, in particular due to gravity, in that the conveyor rail is arranged at least partially inclined with a gradient relative to the horizontal. The angle of inclination of the gradient is in particular at least 3°, in particular at least 5°, and in particular at least 7°. Additionally or alternatively, the conveyance of the goods carriers along the conveyor rail can be driven, in particular by an endlessly circulating conveyor chain or by several circulating conveyor chains that each carry the goods carriers.

[0012] An arrangement of the overhead conveyor according to claim 2 enables a particularly compact design of the conveyor system. It has been found that, in particular, the installation space located above the delivery points is unused in a horizontal conveyor, and the overhead conveyor can be advantageously arranged in this area to connect the overhead conveyor to the delivery points. The goods from the overhead conveyor can be delivered to the delivery points from above, particularly advantageously.

[0013] Additionally, it is possible for the overhead conveyor to run laterally to the delivery points.

[0014] The design of the goods carrier as a transport bag according to claim 3 enables particularly reliable and advantageously automatable goods transport in the overhead conveyor. Overhead transport bags are known from overhead conveyor technology. The transport bag is conveyed rolling on the conveyor rail by means of a so-called rolling adapter. Such a transport bag is known from DE 10 2008 026 720 A1. It is advantageous if the transport bag is designed to be automatically emptied. For this purpose, the transport bag can be tilted or pivoted in order to empty the goods through a top and / or side opening. The transport bag can also be turned inside out to release the goods. The transport bag can also have a release opening in the area of ​​a rear wall through which the goods can be delivered to the release point.Alternatively, it is conceivable for the transport bag to be designed to be openable, particularly in the area of ​​the bag base, and to be opened in the area of ​​the delivery point, particularly when driving past the delivery point, in particular automatically, and for the goods to fall out of the transport bag, particularly downwards. The transport bag, in particular, has an openable and resealable part, wherein, in the open configuration, a delivery opening is formed through which the goods fall out of the transport bag, particularly downwards due to gravity.

[0015] Instead of the transport bag, the product carrier can also be designed as a carrier label that has an opening for a hook or an openable holding element, such as a snap hook, which is conveyed hanging from the conveyor rail. The opening forms an eyelet of the carrier label. The carrier label is in particular attached, in particular glued, to the product itself and / or to the packaging of the product. To release the product from the overhead conveyor at the delivery point, the carrier label is released from the hook or the openable holding element, in particular by pivoting the hook or opening the holding element and detaching the carrier label and / or by cutting open or destroying the carrier label using a cutting device, in particular a mechanical cutting device or a thermal cutting device.

[0016] Alternatively, the carrier label can be conveyed by clamping it onto a clamping element. In this case, the carrier label can be designed without an opening. The clamping element itself can be designed to be movable along the conveyor rail of the overhead conveyor. Alternatively, the clamping element can be conveyed suspended from the hook. At the discharge point, the clamping element is opened manually or automatically to discharge the overhead conveyor goods.

[0017] The design of a transport bag according to claim 4 enables improved delivery of goods at the delivery points. A passive element, particularly in the form of a stop, can be arranged along the overhead conveyor in the area of ​​the delivery points, so that the transport bag is rotated about the vertical axis by the stop as it passes. Additionally or alternatively, the transport bag can also have an active rotary drive that enables rotation of the transport bag about the vertical axis in the area of ​​the delivery points.

[0018] With at least one loading point according to claim 5, the goods can be loaded, in particular centrally, into the horizontal conveyor and / or the overhead conveyor. In particular, when loading the goods at the loading point, a manual and / or automated decision can be made as to whether the goods are to be loaded onto the horizontal conveyor or the overhead conveyor.

[0019] An overhead conveyor loading point according to claim 6 enables the decentralized arrangement of a specialized loading point. At the overhead conveyor loading point, which can in particular be located far away from a central loading point, only overhead conveyor goods are loaded onto the overhead conveyor. This loading can in particular be carried out automatically. It has been recognized that, depending on the type of goods, the goods are stored at different locations in a conveyor system and prepared for loading. In particular, small goods suitable as overhead conveyor goods can be arranged at a spatial distance, in particular at a large spatial distance of 20 m to 1,000 m, in particular 100 m to 500 m, from the horizontal conveyor and can be easily conveyed to the delivery points by means of the overhead conveyor.

[0020] At least one overhead conveyor delivery point according to claim 7 in addition to the delivery points of the sorter enables an improved and in particular direct automated delivery, in particular of small products, for example into mail bags or containers.

[0021] The design of the delivery points as a ramp according to claim 8, in particular as an inclined ramp and / or a driven, in particular uninclined, ramp, opens up installation space for the overhead conveyor directly above the ramp, in particular in the area of ​​an outlet at the delivery points. The ramps are connected at a first end to a conveying section of the horizontal conveyor and have a gradient directed towards a second end and / or a ramp drive. The goods are delivered at the second end of the ramp, which is arranged opposite the conveying section. The goods are conveyed along the ramp away from the conveying unit to the delivery point.

[0022] A braking element at the delivery points according to claim 9 ensures safe delivery of the goods at the delivery points, in particular the overhead conveyor goods from the overhead conveyor. The braking element slows down the delivery speed at which the overhead conveyor goods are delivered. The delivery speed is, in particular, a falling speed.

[0023] According to claim 10, the conveyor rail of the overhead conveyor has at least one conveyor line that runs along the delivery points, in particular along all delivery points of the sorter. In particular, the delivery points are sequentially connected to one another by means of the overhead conveyor. The goods carriers are guided along the overhead conveyor direction to all delivery points. In this embodiment, it is sufficient for the overhead conveyor to have exactly one conveyor line. The system and investment costs for such an overhead conveyor are reduced. To increase the conveying rate, i.e., the goods throughput, several conveyor lines can be arranged side by side to sequentially connect the delivery points.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, an overhead conveyor according to claim 11 can be designed such that each conveyor line is connected to a group of delivery points in terms of conveying technology. A group of delivery points can have one or more delivery points. In the case of a cross-belt sorter in which the ramps to the delivery points extend on both sides, for example, a first group of delivery points can be arranged on the left side and a second group of delivery points on the right side of the conveyor section. One or more conveyor lines can be provided for each group of delivery points in order to connect these delivery points in terms of conveying technology. It is also conceivable to logically divide the connection of the delivery point to the conveyor lines of the overhead conveyor, for example by grouping delivery points assigned to a specific customer, or by grouping delivery points to which specific goods are delivered.The groups of drop-off points can have a different number of drop-off points.

[0025] A design according to claim 12 is robust and material-efficient. A separate base structure for an overhead conveyor is unnecessary.

[0026] A delivery storage element according to claim 13 enables at least temporary intermediate storage of goods to be delivered at the delivery point. A delivery storage element can, for example, be an additional ramp and / or a net arranged above the ramp of the delivery point. When goods are delivered from the overhead conveyor in the area of ​​the delivery point, they fall onto the delivery storage element and are temporarily stored there. It is conceivable to convey the goods from the delivery storage element to the ramp and to the delivery point, for example in a time-controlled or sensor-controlled manner. It is also conceivable for the delivery storage element to have a delivery opening through which the goods can be delivered directly at the delivery point. In this variant, the delivery point has an additional delivery option. Multiple delivery storage elements can be provided per delivery point, in particular multiple delivery options at the delivery point.

[0027] A delivery storage element can also be designed in the form of a pivoting flap, which alternately allows either the conveyance of horizontal goods from the horizontal conveyor or the conveyance of overhead goods from the overhead conveyor via the ramp to the delivery points. The other goods are blocked by the pivoting flap along the conveyor at the ramp. This allows subgroups of the goods to be delivered to be formed at the delivery point.

[0028] A method according to claim 14 essentially has the advantages of the corresponding conveyor system, to which reference is hereby made.

[0029] Both the features specified in the patent claims and the features specified in the following embodiments of the conveyor system according to the invention are suitable, either individually or in combination with one another, for further developing the subject matter of the invention. The respective combinations of features do not represent any limitation with regard to further developments of the subject matter of the invention, but are essentially merely exemplary in nature.

[0030] Additional features, advantageous embodiments, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a conveyor system in a first embodiment with an overhead conveyor having a conveyor line that sequentially connects delivery points, Fig. 2 a perspective, enlarged view of a conveyor system according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a side view of the conveyor system according to Fig. 2, Fig. 4 a plan view of the conveyor system according to Fig. 2, Fig. 5 a Fig. 3 corresponding representation of another embodiment with differently inclined ramps, Fig. 6 a Fig. 3 corresponding representation of an embodiment not according to the invention with an additional ramp for the overhead conveyor provided at the discharge point, Fig. 7 a plan view of the arrangement according to Fig. 6, Fig. 8 a Fig. 3 corresponding representation according to a further embodiment with delivery storage elements in the form of additional ramps at a delivery point, Fig. 9 a Fig. 8 corresponding representation of an embodiment not according to the invention with a discharge storage element in the form of a network, Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the overhead conveyor not according to the invention with a carrier label as a product carrier, wherein a hook is actuated by means of a decoupling unit in order to decouple the product carrier from the hook, Fig. 11 a Fig. 10 corresponding representation in which the decoupling unit is designed as a cutting unit, Fig. 12 a Fig. 8 corresponding representation with a braking element for goods delivered from the overhead conveyor at the delivery point, Fig. 13 a Fig. 3 corresponding schematic side view of the overhead conveyor, with the transport bag rotated around a vertical axis for discharging the goods, Fig. 14 a Fig. 1 corresponding schematic view of a conveyor system with several conveyor lines for different groups of delivery points.

[0031] One in Fig. 1 to 4, the conveyor system designated as a whole with 1 comprises a horizontal conveyor 2 and a suspended conveyor 3.

[0032] The horizontal conveyor 2 is used to convey goods, particularly horizontal conveyor goods, in a horizontal position. For this purpose, the horizontal conveyor 2 has a conveyor section 4 in the form of a conveyor belt. Furthermore, the horizontal conveyor 2 has a sorter 5 with several delivery points 6. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the sorter 5 is designed as a shoe sorter. Other embodiments of the sorter 5 are also possible. The delivery points 6 are each arranged at a free end of a ramp 7. The ramps 7 are each connected to the conveyor section 4 for conveying purposes.

[0033] According to the exemplary embodiment shown, eight ramps 7 extend along the conveyor section 4 transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to a conveyor section conveying direction 8 on both sides. The sorter 5 has a total of sixteen discharge points 6. Discharge elements 9 in the form of discharge mechanisms, so-called shoes, are arranged on the conveyor section 4, which effect a controlled discharge of the horizontal conveyor goods 10 conveyed on the conveyor section 4 to the respective ramp 7. The discharge elements 9 are transferred by a guide rail (not shown) into a discharge arrangement 38, which extends transversely to the conveyor section conveying direction 8 and enables passive forced guidance of the horizontal conveyor goods 10 to the respective ramp 7. The discharge elements 9 are displaceable in particular along the conveying direction 8 of the conveyor section and / or transversely thereto in order to discharge the lying conveyor goods 10 into the respective ramp 7.

[0034] The horizontal conveyor goods 10 can be arranged directly on the conveyor belt of the conveyor section 4. Conveyor containers, such as a conveyor basket 11, can also be provided for transporting the horizontal conveyor goods 10. The conveyor basket 11 is also referred to as a tray.

[0035] According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the ramps 7 of the horizontal conveyor 2 are arranged at an angle of inclination n relative to the horizontal. The angle of inclination n is dimensioned in particular such that automatic, gravity-dependent conveying of the horizontal conveyor goods can take place along the ramps 7 to the respective delivery point 6. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the angle of inclination n is 7°. It is advantageous if the angle of inclination is at least 3°, in particular at least 5° and in particular at least 7°, in order to ensure accumulation-free, gravity-dependent conveying. It is also advantageous if the angle of inclination n is less than 20°, in particular less than 15° and in particular less than 10°, so that the back pressure on the foremost horizontal conveyor goods arranged at the delivery point 6 does not become too great.

[0036] The horizontal conveyor 2 has a horizontal conveyor base structure 12, which in particular comprises a plurality of modular support elements 13. The support elements 13 are in particular height-adjustable, in order to variably adjust the inclination angle n of the ramps 7. The horizontal conveyor 2 is supported on the floor 14 by the horizontal conveyor base structure 12. It is advantageous if the overhead conveyor 3 is also supported on the horizontal conveyor base structure 12. In particular, it is unnecessary to provide a separate base structure for the overhead conveyor. The investment costs are reduced. Such an overhead conveyor 3 can advantageously be retrofitted to an existing horizontal conveyor 2.

[0037] The overhead conveyor 3 conveys the goods suspended from a goods carrier. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the goods carrier is designed as a transport bag 15. The transport bag 15 can be displaced along a conveyor rail 16 of the overhead conveyor 3 along an overhead conveyor direction 17 by means of a roller adapter 18 (not shown in detail). According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the overhead conveyor 3 has an overhead conveyor drive (not shown), which is designed in particular in the form of an endlessly rotating, driven conveyor chain, with which the roller adapters 18, on which the transport bags 15 are conveyed suspended, are driven.

[0038] According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the overhead conveyor 3 is designed with a single conveyor line 19, which is defined by the conveyor rail 16. A conveyor loading point 20 is arranged along the conveyor line 19, at which the overhead conveyor goods 25 are fed to the overhead conveyor 3. Overhead conveyor goods 25 are, in particular, small and lightweight goods, for example, small shipping bags, in particular envelopes, padded envelopes and / or so-called polybags, packages, or cartons. The conveyor line 19 is designed as a continuously rotating conveyor line and runs sequentially to the individual delivery points 6 of the sorter 5. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, all delivery points 6 of the sorter 5 are connected to the conveyor line 19 via the ramps 7. The conveyor line 19 enables the delivery of overhead conveyor goods at any delivery point 6 of the conveyor system 1.

[0039] It is conceivable to supplement the conveyor line 19, particularly in the area of ​​the ramps 7, with additional conveyor lines in order to increase the goods throughput for the overhead conveyor 3.

[0040] An overhead conveyor loading point 20 is arranged spatially remote from the sorter 5 and, in particular, the delivery points 6. In particular, the overhead conveyor loading point 20 can be arranged adjacent to a storage location, for example, a delivery point for the overhead conveyor goods 25, such as a truck ramp, where the overhead conveyor goods are stored. In particular, the overhead conveyor loading point 20 can be a loading point specialized for overhead conveyor goods, where the overhead conveyor goods are loaded, in particular automatically, into the transport pockets 15.

[0041] The conveyor system 1 further comprises a loading point 21, at which goods are loaded onto the horizontal conveyor 2 or the horizontal conveyor 3, for example, from a warehouse and / or a delivery point for the overhead conveyor goods 25, such as a truck ramp. The loading point 21 is arranged in particular in an area of ​​the conveyor system 1 in which the horizontal conveyor 2 and the overhead conveyor 3, in particular conveyor section 4 and the conveyor line 19, intersect. At the loading point 21, an operator can load the respective goods onto the overhead conveyor 3 or the horizontal conveyor 2, for example, controlled by a display or labeling of the respective goods.

[0042] Because the ramps 7 are inclined downwards, a virtual installation space 22 is created, which Fig. 3 is indicated schematically. The virtual installation space 22 is profile-shaped with a trapezoidal cross-section that extends along the overhead conveyor direction 17. The virtual installation space 22 extends in a vertical direction beyond the installation height of the sorter 5 in order to create additional installation space for carrying out maintenance and / or repair work on the overhead conveyor 3. The accessibility of the overhead conveyor 3 from above is thereby improved. It is advantageous that the overhead conveyor 3 is arranged within this virtual installation space 22. This means in particular that no additional installation space is required for supplementing or retrofitting an existing horizontal conveyor 2 with an overhead conveyor 3 to form a conveyor system 1 according to the invention.

[0043] According to the illustrated embodiment, the conveyor system 1 has an overhead conveyor delivery point 23, which exists in addition to the delivery points 6 of the sorter 5. The overhead conveyor delivery point 23 can, in particular, be located spatially remote from the sorter in the conveyor system 1. At the overhead conveyor delivery point 23, in particular, only overhead conveyor goods from the overhead conveyor 3 are delivered. Delivery at the overhead conveyor delivery point 23 takes place, in particular, directly into shipping containers such as mail bags or boxes.

[0044] According to the illustrated embodiment, the transport pockets 15 are designed such that they can be emptied, in particular automatically emptied, in order to enable automated delivery of the overhead conveyor goods in the area of ​​the delivery points. For this purpose, the transport pocket 15 can, for example, have a delivery opening on a rear wall through which the overhead conveyor goods can be discharged from the transport pocket 15 and fall, due to gravity, onto the ramp 7 arranged below. The transport pocket 15 can also be designed so that it can be opened, in particular in a base area of ​​the transport pocket 15, in order to enable the overhead conveyor goods 25 to be discharged onto the ramp 7 by falling out.

[0045] The following is based on the Fig. 1 to 4 a method for conveying various goods is explained in more detail.

[0046] The goods 10, 25 are conveyed from a goods receipt (not shown) to the loading point 21, where they are loaded onto the horizontal conveyor 2 or the overhead conveyor 3 by an operator. The goods 10, 25 can be appropriately labeled for this purpose in order to indicate the appropriate conveyor 2, 3 to the operator. The labeling can, for example, also be stored in the form of a barcode attached to the goods, whereby the operator scans the barcode and receives a corresponding indication on a display element. The labeling can also be stored in an identification data carrier, for example an RFID chip, which is arranged on the goods themselves, on the transport bag 15, or in the packaging of the goods. Using a corresponding transponder reader, the information can be displayed to the operator on a display device. Identification of the goods can also be carried out visually, in particular with the aid of a camera.It is also conceivable for the operator to decide whether the respective goods are placed on the horizontal conveyor 2 or the overhead conveyor 3. In this case, the goods are manually identified.

[0047] The goods placed on the horizontal conveyor 2 are horizontal conveyor goods 10, which are each fed to a ramp 7 by means of the discharge elements 9 and made available to another operator at the delivery points 6. At the delivery points 6, the goods 10 can be prepared for shipping or forwarded to a picking process.

[0048] The goods that have been loaded onto the overhead conveyor 3 either at the loading point 21 and / or the overhead conveyor loading point 20 are guided along the conveyor rail 16 to the ramps 7 and conveyed away above the ramps 7. The transport pockets 15 are emptied by a control unit (not shown) using an emptying device (not shown in detail). The overhead conveyor goods 25 conveyed in the transport pocket 15 fall, due to gravity, from the transport pocket 15 down onto the ramp 7 located below. In particular, the emptying of the transport pocket 15 takes place automatically and without interrupting the conveying movement of the overhead conveyor 3. The transport pocket 15 is thus emptied as it passes by. The emptied conveyor pocket 15 is returned along the conveyor rail 16 and can be refilled with goods at the loading point 21 and / or the overhead conveyor loading point 20.Conveyor system 1 makes it possible to transport and sort a wide variety of goods types in one and the same conveyor system.

[0049] The transport bag 15 can also be conveyed to the overhead conveyor discharge point 23 and emptied there, in particular automatically.

[0050] Fig. Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of a lying conveyor 2. Components corresponding to those described above with reference to the Fig. 1 to 4 have already been explained, have the same reference numbers and will not be discussed in detail again.

[0051] In the horizontal conveyor 2, the two oppositely arranged ramps 7 are arranged at different inclination angles n1 and n2. It is particularly advantageous if the respective inclination angle n1 or n2 of the ramps 7 is variably adjustable, for example by designing the support elements 13 with variably adjustable heights. The different inclination angles n1, n2 result in different discharge heights H1, H2. The discharge height H is the vertical distance between the lower edge of the transport pocket 15 and the ramp 7. The lower the discharge height H, the lower the risk of damage and / or destruction to the goods on the overhead conveyor.

[0052] Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 show a further embodiment of a lying conveyor 2 not according to the invention. Components corresponding to those described above with reference to the Fig. 1 to 5 have the same reference numbers and will not be discussed in detail again.

[0053] The key difference compared to the previous embodiments is that an additional ramp 24 is provided on the ramp 7 for discharging the overhead conveyor goods. The additional ramp 24 extends parallel to the ramp 7 along the conveyor section conveying direction 8. The additional ramp 24 extends in particular transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the overhead conveyor direction 17. The overhead conveyor goods 25 can be discharged from the transport pockets 15 directly onto the additional ramp 24. The additional ramp 24 is arranged at an angle of inclination m relative to the horizontal that is greater than the angle of inclination n of the ramp 7. This ensures that the discharge height H' from the transport pocket 15 onto the additional ramp 24 is reduced and the risk of damage and / or destruction is eliminated. The additional ramp 24 enables the reduced drop height H', which is reduced compared to the theoretical drop height H.The theoretical discharge height results from the distance of the transport pocket 15 to the ramp 7. This distance is necessary so that the lying conveyor goods 10 can be reliably conveyed on the ramp 7 under the transport pockets 15.

[0054] Fig. Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of a lying conveyor 2. Components corresponding to those described above with reference to the Fig. 1 to 7 have the same reference numbers and will not be discussed in detail again.

[0055] According to this embodiment, the overhead conveyor 3 has three parallel conveyor rails 16. Transport pockets 15 can be conveyed along each of the conveyor rails 16.

[0056] The Fig. 8 The conveyor rail shown on the left is used to deliver overhead conveyor goods 25 from the transport pocket 15 onto the ramp 7. To ensure separation of the overhead conveyor goods 25 on the various conveyor rails 16, delivery storage elements are provided for each of the two additional conveyor rails 16. The delivery storage elements are each designed as additional ramps 26. The additional ramps 26 are separate from the ramp 7 of the sorter 5. The overhead conveyor goods 25 can be temporarily stored in these additional ramps 26. In particular, the overhead conveyor goods 25 are spatially separated from the goods on the ramp 7. This enables a logical differentiation of the goods at the delivery point. In particular, the operator can directly remove the goods delivered and temporarily stored at the delivery storage elements.At the delivery point 6, the operator has three different, separate ramps 7, 26 to choose from. According to the illustrated embodiment, the delivery storage elements are each arranged above the ramp 7 of the sorter 5. It is conceivable that the two delivery storage elements 26 are arranged next to one another, but above the ramp 7. It is also conceivable that, similar to the additional ramp 24 according to... Fig. 6, Fig. 7 are arranged laterally next to the ramp 7.

[0057] It is also conceivable to merge the outlets of ramps 7 and 26 in order to make all goods available to the operator at a common exit at the delivery point 6.

[0058] Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment of a lying conveyor 2 not according to the invention. The essential difference compared to the embodiment according to Fig. 8 is that the delivery storage element is designed in the form of a catch net 27, which is arranged, in particular, in a height-adjustable manner above the ramp 7. The catch net is flexible, so that damage and / or destruction of the overhead conveyor goods 25 when they fall out of the transport pockets 15 is excluded. The operator can remove the overhead conveyor goods 25 directly from the catch net at the delivery point 6.

[0059] Fig. 10 shows a further embodiment of a conveyor system 1 not according to the invention. Components corresponding to those described above with reference to the Fig. 1 to 9 have already been explained, have the same reference numbers and will not be discussed in detail again.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the product carrier is designed as a carrier label 28. The carrier label 28 is attached, in particular glued, directly to the overhead conveyor goods 25 or to their packaging. The carrier label 28 has an opening through which a transport hook 29 is guided. Hanging from the transport hook 29, the overhead conveyor goods 25 can be conveyed by means of the carrier label 28.

[0061] A decoupling element 30 is arranged in the area of ​​the ramp 7. According to the illustrated embodiment, the decoupling element 30 is a linear actuator, in particular a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or an electric linear drive. The decoupling element 30 allows the transport hook 19 to be pivoted on the conveyor rail 16 such that the carrier label 28 is decoupled from the transport hook 29 and falls independently onto the ramp 7 due to gravity. The decoupling element 30 can also be a rotary actuator that rotates the transport hook 29 on the conveyor rail 16 such that the overhead conveyor goods 25 with the carrier label 28 are decoupled from the transport hook 29.

[0062] Fig. 11 shows a non-inventive embodiment of a conveyor system 1. Components corresponding to those described above with reference to the Fig. 1 to 10 have already been explained, have the same reference numbers and will not be discussed in detail again.

[0063] The difference from the previous embodiment is that the decoupling element 31 is designed as a cutting unit for delivering the overhead conveyor goods 25 to the ramp 7. The cutting unit opens the carrier label 28 in the area of ​​the through-opening 32 through which the transport hook 29 is guided. The overhead conveyor goods 25 can fall downwards onto the ramp 7 due to gravity. The cutting unit 31 can be designed as a mechanical cutting unit and / or as a laser cutting unit.

[0064] Fig. 12 shows a further embodiment of a conveyor system 1. Components corresponding to those described above with reference to the Fig. 1 to 11 have the same reference numbers and will not be discussed in detail again.

[0065] In the area of ​​the discharge points 6, a braking element 33 is provided for the conveyor line 19 of the overhead conveyor 3 to reduce the falling speed of the overhead conveyor goods 25 and to prevent damage and / or destruction of the overhead conveyor goods 25 upon impact with the ramp 7. In particular, a braking element 33 is provided for each conveyor line 19 on each ramp 7. By slowing the falling speed, it is possible to drop the overhead conveyor goods 25 from a greater height. This makes it possible to access installation spaces that have previously remained unused in a typical conveyor system.

[0066] According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the braking element 33 has an insertion funnel 34 on its upper side, which faces the transport pocket 15, to ensure reliable discharge of the overhead conveyor goods 25 into the braking element 33. A flexible textile hose 35 is connected to the insertion funnel 34. The textile hose 35 has, in particular, two oppositely arranged textile webs that are flexibly, in particular elastically, connected to one another. The expansion of the connecting elements connecting the textile webs and the friction between the overhead conveyor goods 25 and the inside of the textile hose 35 decelerates the vertical falling speed of the overhead conveyor goods 25. This ensures that the overhead conveyor goods 25 do not fall vertically downwards through the textile hose 35 without being braked.Because the textile hose 35 has sufficient flexibility and elasticity, it prevents the suspended conveyor goods 25 from becoming blocked in the textile hose 35. The textile hose 35 is designed similarly to a rescue hose used to rescue people from great heights.

[0067] Fig. 13 shows a further embodiment of the conveyor system 1. Components corresponding to those described above with reference to the Fig. 1 to 12 have already been explained, have the same reference numbers and will not be discussed in detail again.

[0068] The essential difference compared to the previous embodiments is that the transport pocket 15 for the delivery of the overhead conveyor goods 25, in particular in the form of mail items, in particular envelopes, is arranged rotated by 90° around a vertical axis 39. This makes it possible for the delivered overhead conveyor goods 25 to strike the ramp 7 essentially in a linear manner. Damage to the overhead conveyor goods 25 by striking the ramp 7 is essentially excluded. In an unrotated arrangement of the conveyor pocket, as is the case, for example, in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the overhead conveyor goods, especially if they are envelopes, would essentially hit the ramp 7 in a point-like manner. This could damage the envelope in the corner area. The risk of damage to the overhead conveyor goods 25 is avoided by rotating the pocket 15.

[0069] The rotation of the transport bag 15 about the vertical axis 39 can be effected by a passive stop element and / or an active drive, in particular directly on the transport bag 15.

[0070] Fig. 14 shows a further embodiment of a conveyor system 1. Components corresponding to those described above with reference to the Fig. 1 to 13 have already been explained, have the same reference numbers and will not be discussed in detail again.

[0071] For conveyor system 1 according to Fig. 14, the overhead conveyor 3 has two conveyor lines 19, each of which is assigned to a group of delivery points 6, i.e., is each connected to a group of delivery points 6 in terms of conveyor technology. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the ramps arranged to the left of the conveyor section 4, with the delivery points 6 arranged thereon, are combined to form a first group of delivery points 6. Accordingly, the delivery points arranged to the right of the conveyor section 4 are combined to form a second group of delivery points 6. In each case, one conveyor line 19 is connected to the first group of delivery points 6, and the other conveyor line 19 is connected to the second group of delivery points 6. In order to enable this distribution of the overhead conveyor goods 25 between the two conveyor lines 19, a distribution module 36 is connected downstream of the overhead conveyor delivery point 20.

[0072] According to the illustrated embodiment, the feed point 21 is located downstream of the distribution module 36. It is also conceivable that the feed point 21 is arranged upstream of the overhead conveyor direction 17 relative to that of the distribution module 36.

[0073] A further difference is that each of the conveyor lines 19 has several partial conveyor lines 37. With the partial conveyor lines 37, the throughput rate of the conveyor system 1 can be further increased. The partial conveyor lines 37 are particularly advantageous when the conveyor pockets 15 are arranged in the Fig.13, i.e., rotated about a vertical axis 39. In this rotated arrangement, an increased distance between the pockets is required, so that the product throughput along a single conveyor line would be reduced. By providing several, in particular at least two, in particular at least three, and in particular at least four, partial conveyor lines instead of a single conveyor line, a high product throughput is ensured even with transport pockets 15 rotated by 90°.

Claims

[1] Conveyor system for conveying goods (10, 25) with a lying conveyor (2) for conveying the goods (10) lying down, wherein the lying conveyor (2) has a sorting device (5) with a plurality of delivery points (6), and b. a hanging conveyor (3) with which the goods (25) are conveyed hanging on a goods carrier (15; 28), wherein the overhead conveyor (3) is connected to at least one of the delivery points (6) for delivering the goods (25), wherein the overhead conveyor goods (25) fall due to gravity from the goods carrier (15; 28) of the overhead conveyor (3) onto the lying conveyor (2) arranged underneath. [2] Conveyor system according to claim 1, characterized by that the overhead conveyor (3) runs at least partially above the at least one delivery point (6). [3] Conveyor system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the goods carrier is designed as a transport bag (15), which is designed in particular to be emptied. [4] Conveyor system according to claim 3, characterized by that the transport bag (15) is designed to be rotatable about a vertical axis, in particular to be rotatably driven. [5] Conveyor system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one loading point (21) at which the goods (10, 25) are loaded onto the lying conveyor (2) and / or the hanging conveyor (3). [6] Conveyor system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one overhead conveyor loading point (20) at which only overhead conveyor goods (25) are loaded onto the overhead conveyor (3). [7] Conveyor system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one overhead conveyor delivery point (23) at which only overhead conveyor goods (25) from the overhead conveyor (3) are delivered. [8] Conveyor system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sorting device (5) has ramps (7) for conveying the goods (10, 25) to the delivery points (6). [9] Conveyor system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a braking element (33) is provided at at least one of the delivery points (6), in particular for the goods (25) delivered from the overhead conveyor (3). [10] Conveyor system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the overhead conveyor (3) has at least one conveyor line (19) which runs, in particular sequentially, along the delivery points (6). [11] Conveyor system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the overhead conveyor (3) has several conveyor lines (19), each of which is connected to a group of delivery points (6). [12] Conveyor system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bya lying conveyor base structure (12) with which the lying conveyor (2), in particular a conveyor section (4) and / or the ramps (7), is supported on the floor (14), wherein the overhead conveyor (3) is supported on the lying conveyor base structure (12). [13] Conveyor system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one delivery storage element (26; 27) for the overhead conveyor goods (25) is provided at each of the delivery points (6). [14] Method for conveying goods (10, 25) comprising the method steps - conveying the goods (10) lying down by means of a lying conveyor (2) which has a sorting device (5) with several delivery points (6), - Suspended conveying of the goods (25) by means of a suspended conveyor (3) to at least one of the delivery points (6), - Dispensing the suspended goods (25) at the at least one delivery point (6), wherein the suspended conveyor goods (25) fall due to gravity from the goods carrier (15; 28) of the suspended conveyor (3) onto the lying conveyor (2) arranged underneath.

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