GOODS-TO-OPERATING WORKSTATION

Abstract

Goods-to-operator workstation (100), the goods-to-operator workstation (100) comprising: a container presentation mechanism (108) for receiving and presenting a container (102) to an operator, wherein the container presentation mechanism (108) comprises at least two laterally movable arms (114a, 114b) positioned at a first predetermined distance (d1) from each other and defining a first space for receiving the container (102);and a lifting unit (110) which is communicatively coupled to and positioned below the container presentation mechanism (108), wherein the lifting unit (110) is configured to move vertically upwards into the first space to receive the container (102) from the at least two laterally movable arms (114a, 114b), characterized in that the at least two laterally movable arms (114a, 114b) are actuated such that they move away from each other at a second predetermined distance (d2) and define a second space (206) for the lifting unit (110) to move the container (102) vertically downwards between the at least two laterally movable arms (114a, 114b).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a material flow system and in particular to a workstation for delivering goods to an operator for handling. BACKGROUND

[0002] Picking or workstations are essential components of high-volume distribution and fulfillment operations. Traditionally, order picking requires a picker to take an order list, walk through shelves of products filled with bins containing the products to be picked, pick the listed products from the product bins, and place the picked products into an order bin for delivery to packing. However, this solution is slow and labor-intensive. Therefore, newer systems utilize automated picking or workstations.

[0003] The applicant has identified several technical challenges associated with order picking operations and other related systems and procedures. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, many of these identified challenges have been overcome by developing solutions incorporated into embodiments of the present invention, many examples of which are described in detail herein. SUMMARY

[0004] The following is a simplified summary intended to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed goods-to-operator workstation. This summary is not a comprehensive overview and is not intended to identify key or critical elements, nor to define the scope of such elements. Its purpose is to present some concepts of the described features in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description that will be presented later.

[0005] The illustrative embodiments of this disclosure relate to systems and methods for handling goods in a material flow environment. According to at least one aspect of this disclosure, a goods-to-operator workstation is provided for presenting a container of items to an operator for picking. The goods-to-operator workstation can receive the container from a feed conveyor and can release the picked container onto a discharge conveyor of a material flow system. The goods-to-operator workstation can include a container presentation mechanism for picking up and presenting the container to the operator. The container presentation mechanism can include at least two laterally movable arms positioned at a first predetermined distance from one another to create a first space for picking up the container.The goods-to-operator workstation can further include a lifting unit that is communicatively coupled to the container presentation mechanism and positioned below it. According to the disclosed embodiment, the lifting unit can move vertically upwards into the first space to pick up the container from the at least two laterally movable arms. In response, the at least two laterally movable arms can move outwards to be positioned at a second predetermined distance from each other, creating a second space for the lifting unit to move the container vertically downwards between the laterally movable arms.

[0006] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the at least two laterally movable arms may include a belt for conveying the container towards the operator.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the container presentation mechanism may further include a belt drive coupled to a drive shaft attached to the at least two laterally movable arms, such that the belt drive rotates the drive shaft and drives the belts forward.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the goods-to-operator workstation may further include a feed conveyor section, positioned between the feed conveyor and the container presentation mechanism, for picking up the container from the feed conveyor and a discharge conveyor section, positioned between the lifting unit and the discharge conveyor, for releasing the picked-up container onto the discharge conveyor.

[0009] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the container presentation mechanism can be inclined at an angle with respect to the feed conveyor section of the goods-to-operator workstation.

[0010] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the container presentation mechanism may include a translation mechanism coupled to the at least two laterally movable arms to move the at least two laterally movable arms towards and away from each other.

[0011] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the translation mechanism can be a leadscrew drive with a leadscrew arranged between the at least two laterally movable arms, and a motor coupled to the leadscrew for rotating the leadscrew in a first direction to move the at least two laterally movable arms away from each other, and for rotating the leadscrew in a second direction to move the at least two laterally movable arms towards each other.

[0012] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the first predetermined distance and the second predetermined distance can be determined based on a contour of the container which is supported on the at least two laterally movable arms.

[0013] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least two laterally movable arms are actuated to move inwards from the second predetermined distance to the first predetermined distance in order to pick up a next container from the feed conveyor section.

[0014] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the feed conveyor section and / or the discharge conveyor section may include a belt conveyor, a roller conveyor and / or a combination thereof.

[0015] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the first space created by positioning the at least two laterally movable arms at the first predetermined distance may be greater than or equal to the width of the lifting unit to enable the lifting unit to lift the container from the at least two laterally movable arms into an elevated position.

[0016] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the second space can provide a clearance to lower the lifting unit and the container from the raised position towards the discharge conveyor.

[0017] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the lifting unit may include one or more lifting arms for picking up the container from the container presentation mechanism and a vertically reciprocating lifting mechanism coupled to the one or more lifting arms to move the one or more lifting arms vertically upwards and downwards.

[0018] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the lifting unit can include at least two lifting arms arranged on each side of a discharge conveyor section of the goods-to-operator workstation, wherein the at least two lifting arms can move downwards to transfer the container to the discharge conveyor section. Furthermore, the at least two lifting arms can be inclined at an angle with respect to the discharge conveyor section.

[0019] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the goods-to-operator workstation may further include at least one fixed stop to control forward movement of the container on the at least two laterally movable arms. The fixed stop may be provided at one end of the container presentation mechanism where the operator intends to perform the picking operation.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operating a goods-to-operator workstation for presenting a container of items to an operator for picking is provided. The goods-to-operator workstation can receive the container from a feed conveyor and can release the picked container onto a discharge conveyor. The method can involve picking up the container by a container presentation mechanism with at least two laterally movable arms positioned at a first predetermined distance from one another to create a first space for picking up the container and presenting the container to the operator for picking.The method may further include operating a lifting unit that is communicatively connected to and positioned below the container presentation mechanism to receive the container from the at least two laterally movable arms, wherein the at least two laterally movable arms are moved outwards away from each other to be positioned at a second predetermined distance from each other to create a second space, and operating the lifting unit to lower the container through the second space to the discharge conveyor.

[0021] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the method may further include moving the at least two laterally movable arms inwards towards each other from the second predetermined distance to the first predetermined distance in order to pick up a next container from the feed conveyor.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for presenting a container of items to an operator for picking is provided. The system may include a goods-to-operator workstation for picking the container from a feed conveyor and releasing the picked container onto a discharge conveyor, and a control unit that is communicatively coupled to the goods-to-operator workstation. The control unit may include a processor configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations that include moving the container from the feed conveyor to a container presentation mechanism of the goods-to-operator workstation, wherein the container presentation mechanism may include at least two laterally movable arms positioned at a first predetermined distance from one another to create a first space for receiving the container, and operating a lifting unit.which is communicatively coupled to and positioned below the container presentation mechanism to receive the container from the at least two laterally movable arms, wherein the at least two laterally movable arms are moved outwards away from each other to be positioned at a second predetermined distance from each other to create a second space, and comprise the operation of a lifting unit to move the container through the second space towards the discharge conveyor.

[0023] The foregoing summary is provided solely for the purpose of summarizing some exemplary embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, it is understood that the embodiments described above are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection or the spirit of the disclosure in any way. It is understood that the scope of protection of the disclosure includes many possible embodiments in addition to those summarized here, some of which are further described below. List of characters

[0024] The description of the illustrative embodiments can be read in conjunction with the figures. It is understood that, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, elements depicted in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements are exaggerated compared to others. Embodiments incorporating the teachings of this disclosure are presented and described with reference to the figures shown herein, wherein: Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a goods-to-operator workstation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; the Fig. 2A - Fig. Figure 2C illustrates perspective views of the goods-to-operator workstation according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a lifting unit and a container presentation mechanism of the goods-to-operator workstation according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the container presentation mechanism carrying a container according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; the Fig. 5A - Fig. Figure 5C illustrates various side views of the container presentation mechanism according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and Fig. Figure 6 illustrates an example method for operating a goods-to-operator workstation according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Some embodiments of the present invention are now described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show some, but not all, embodiments of the invention. Indeed, the disclosure can take many different forms and should not be considered limited to the embodiments shown herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure meets applicable legal requirements. The terms "or" and "optional" are used herein in both the alternative and subjunctive senses unless otherwise indicated. The terms "illustrative" and "exemplary" are used as examples without indicating the level of quality. Identical reference numerals refer throughout to the same elements.

[0026] The components shown in the figures represent components that may or may not be present in different embodiments of the invention described herein, so that embodiments may contain fewer or more components than those shown in the figures without deviating from the scope of the invention.

[0027] With reference to the drawings, the detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not meant to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein can be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details to enable a thorough understanding of various concepts, whereby in the different views the same reference numerals denote the same components. However, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be practiced without these specific details.

[0028] As described above, order picking in previous systems required a picker to take an order list, walk through shelves of products filled with bins containing the items to be picked, pick the listed items from the bins, and place the picked items in an order bin for delivery to packing. Automating the order picking process can reduce time, labor, and costs. An automated system can deliver the product bins to the picker for picking, return the product bins to the warehouse, and deliver the completed orders to packing and shipping.

[0029] The goods-to-operator workstation described herein can be installed according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure or positioned next to a feed and a discharge conveyor of a material flow system to automatically present feed containers to an operator for goods handling and automatically remove the handled container to the discharge conveyor. Thus, the goods and / or the containers are easily accessible to the operator in a picking position without the operator having to walk through the aisles or manually move containers on the conveyors.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a goods-to-operator workstation. 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The goods-to-operator workstation 100can be attached to or positioned adjacent to a feed conveyor (not shown) and / or a conveying conveyor or a discharge conveyor (not shown) of a material flow system, so that the goods-to-operator workstation 100 can receive one or more containers and / or bins directly from the feed conveyor with a queue of containers and / or bins to be handled by an operator. Once a container has passed from the goods-to-operator workstation 100 Once received, the container can be presented to an operator to remove goods from it and / or place items into it. The container is then automatically moved from the goods-to-operator workstation. 100 unloaded onto the conveyor.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the goods-to-operator workstation presents 100 a container 102for handling by an operator 104 , as in Fig. 1 shown. The goods-to-operator workstation. 100 includes a frame 105 with a feed conveyor section 106 , which is positioned adjacent to or next to a feed conveyor (not shown) of the material flow system. In other embodiments, the feed conveyor section 106 Containers are picked up directly by a worker and / or a robot tool, instead of a feed conveyor. The feed conveyor section 106 It can include a belt conveyor section, a roller conveyor section, and / or a combination thereof. The feed conveyor section 106 can act as a supply conveyor that moves the container 102 receives from the feed conveyor (not shown) and the container 102 to a container presentation mechanism 108 the goods-to-operator workstation 100 transported.

[0032] The container presentation mechanism 108 is downstream of the feed conveyor section 106 positioned. The container presentation mechanism 108 presents to the operator 104 in a picking position, the container 102 , so that the operator 104 can easily access the container to remove goods from the container 102 to remove and / or place goods into it. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the container presentation mechanism includes 108 two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b for transporting the container 102 from the feed conveyor section 106 to the operator 104 .

[0033] As in Fig. As shown in 1, the container presentation mechanism includes 108 two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b , which are spaced apart from each other and at an angle relative to the feed conveyor section106 are inclined. The two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b are inclined to the container 102 at an optimal angle to the operator 104 to present, so that the operator 104 easily access the contents of the container 102 can view and / or access this, despite the height of the goods-to-operator workstation 100 .

[0034] The goods-to-operator workstation 100 It also includes a lifting unit 110 , which communicate with the container presentation mechanism 108 coupled and positioned underneath it. The lifting unit 110 can have one or more lifting arms 118 , 120 feature a vertically reciprocating lifting mechanism 116 are coupled and are inclined at an angle that corresponds to the inclination angle of the laterally movable arms 114a and 114bThis corresponds to the vertically reciprocating lifting mechanism. 116 moves the lifting arms 118 , 120 up and down along the frame 105 the goods-to-operator workstation 100 .

[0035] Once the container 102 from the operator 104 The lifting unit receives the handling 110 the container 102 from the container presentation mechanism 108 The lifting unit 110 gives the container 102 on a levy promotion section 112 ab , downstream of the container presentation mechanism 108 is arranged. The discharge conveyor section can include a belt conveyor section, a roller conveyor section, and / or a combination thereof. The discharge conveyor section 112 a combination of an initial levy promotion section 122a and a second delivery conveyor section 122b be, as in Fig. 1 shown. The first delivery conveyor section 122a can be located between or below the lifting arms 118 , 120 be arranged so that the first delivery conveyor section 122a the container 102 from the lifting unit 110 receives. The first subsidy phase 122a moves the container 102 to the second subsidy phase 122b for the disposal of the container 102 to a conveying and / or dispensing conveyor (not shown) of the material flow system. In another embodiment, a worker and / or a robot tool can move the container 102 from the second delivery conveyor section 122b remove as soon as the container 102 from the operator 104 was handled.

[0036] The goods-to-operator workstation 100 Furthermore, a control unit can 107 included, as in Fig. 1 shown. The control unit 107It may include suitable logic and / or circuitry that can be embodied as means comprising one or more microprocessors with associated digital signal processors, one or more processors without an associated digital signal processor, one or more coprocessors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more controllers, processing circuits, one or more computers, various other processing elements including integrated circuits such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination thereof. The control unit 107It can include a variety of processors and signal processing modules. The multitude of processors can be embodied on a single electronic device or distributed across a multitude of electronic devices that are collectively configured to function as the control unit circuit. 107 function. The multiple processors can communicate functionally with each other and can be configured together to perform one or more functionalities of the control unit's circuit. 107 to be executed as described herein. In one exemplary embodiment, the control unit 107 be configured to execute instructions stored in a storage device or otherwise provided to the control unit 107 are accessible. These instructions can be accessed when received from the control unit. 107 to be executed, cause the circuit of the control unit to107 performs one or more of the functionalities as described herein.

[0037] The control unit can be configured in various ways. 107 be configured to control the movement of various subassemblies and components of the goods-to-operator workstation 100 to control, as will be described later.

[0038] The Fig. 2A - Fig. 2C illustrate perspective views of the goods-to-operator workstation. 100 at different time intervals while they are emptying the container 102 transported, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 2A shows the container 102 , who is at a handling or picking position at the goods-to-operator workstation 100 is positioned. As described above, the container presentation mechanism receives 108 the container 102 from the feed conveyor section 106In particular, the laterally movable arms touch 114a and 114b a bottom of the container 102 and drive the container 102 along the laterally movable arms 114a and 114b to one end of the container presentation mechanism 108 forward.

[0039] Furthermore, according to one or more embodiments, the container can be accommodated 102 from the feed conveyor section 106 the two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b at a first predetermined distance d1 are positioned from each other, thus creating an initial space 204 between the two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b generate. The first predetermined distance d1 can be pre-programmed in a control unit that is part of the goods-to-operator workstation 100 is assigned, and / or can be accessed via the goods-to-operator workstation 100The system can be dynamically determined based on one or more parameters of the container, such as shape, size, type, contour, and the like. For example, the goods-to-operator workstation can be... 100 include and / or be connected to one or more sensors, sizing systems, vision systems and the like to determine certain parameters, such as, but not limited to, length, width, height, weight, shape, contour and / or type of container. 102 .

[0040] Based on the determined parameters, the goods-to-operator workstation can be used in some examples. 100 determine an optimal distance between the two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b required to open the container 102 from the feed conveyor section 106to be able to receive and deliver to an operator. The optimal distance between the two laterally movable arms. 114a and 114b can be based on the length, center of gravity, shape, and the like of the container 102 can be calculated. Thus, the goods-to-operator workstation can be... 100 the first predetermined distance d1 determine the one that moves between the two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b is required, which corresponds to the optimal distance.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the first space 204 greater than or equal to the width of the lifting unit 110 to enable the lifting unit 110 between the two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b passes through it. The laterally movable arms 114a and 114bcan be moved sideways towards each other and / or away from each other to control the two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b at the first predetermined distance d1 to be placed apart from each other. In some embodiments, the containers and / or the receptacle that runs from the goods-to-operator workstation can be positioned separately. 100 to handle, have a fixed size and / or shape, and therefore the first predetermined distance d1 for the goods-to-operator workstation 100 be pre-programmed.

[0042] Furthermore, as in Fig. 2A shows the laterally movable arms. 114a and 114b at an angle to the feed conveyor section 106 be inclined. The angle of inclination of the laterally movable arms 114a and 114b can be fixed and / or dynamically determined, based on one or more parameters of the container 102, such as, but not limited to, height, shape, contour, weight, type of items within the container, and the like. As described above, the laterally movable arms can 114a and 114b be inclined to open the container 102 to present to the operator in an angled position so that the operator can see the contents of the container 102 easily viewable and easily accessible.

[0043] In one exemplary embodiment, the angle of inclination of the laterally movable arms can be adjusted. 114a and 114b depend on the operator's height and / or can be operated by any operator at the goods-to-operator workstation 100 Depending on preference, the arms can be adjusted and / or modified. It should be noted that in certain embodiments, the laterally movable arms... 114a and 114b with regard to the feed conveyor section 106They cannot be inclined. For example, if the height of the goods-to-operator workstation 100 smaller than a threshold value, so that an operator can easily access the items inside the container from above. 102 The container presentation mechanism can be accessed. 108 the operator the container 102 to present as it is from the feed conveyor section 106 was received without the container 102 to tend.

[0044] As soon as the container presentation mechanism 108 the container 102 Once the goods have been presented to the operator in a picking and / or handling position, the operator can select goods from the container based on an order and / or task list. 102 Remove and / or place the goods inside the container. Furthermore, if the goods are inside the container... 102 to be handled, the container 102be ready to be unloaded onto a (not shown) receiving conveyor. In this respect, the operator can control the transfer of the container. 102 from the container presentation mechanism 108 to initiate a dispensing conveyor. For example, the operator can press a button (not shown) on the goods-to-operator workstation. 100 press to open the container 102 to lower from the picking and / or handling position. In another embodiment, a goods handling time can be specified, and the container 102 can be from the container presentation mechanism 108 After the goods handling time has elapsed, they are automatically transported to a discharge conveyor. In another embodiment, the transport of the container can be 102 from the container presentation mechanism 108 in response to the determination that the operator must remove goods from the container 102has been extracted and / or placed in it, and will be initiated. Fig. 2B shows the container 102 , as he described the container presentation mechanism 108 on the delivery conveyor section 112 through the lifting unit 110 is transferred according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As described above, the lifting unit moves 110 with the lifting arms 118 , as soon as the container 102 and / or the goods in the container 102 were handled by the operator, vertically upwards in the first space between the two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b was created to fill the container 102 of the two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b to lift, so that the laterally movable arms 114a and 114b no longer in contact with the container 102 stand. In response, the container presentation mechanism moves.108 the two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b outwards, away from each other, to maintain a second predetermined distance d2 to be positioned from each other, as in Fig. 2B is shown. Thus, the two laterally movable arms generate 114a and 114b a second room 206 between the two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b Similar to the first predetermined distance d1 , as described above, the second predetermined distance d2 be determined and / or by the goods-to-operator workstation 100 can be dynamically determined. In one embodiment, the second predetermined distance can be d2 and / or the second room 206 a contour of the container 102 correspond. For example, if the length and / or width of the container 102 as xOnce units are identified, the second predetermined distance can be determined. d2 larger than x Units are determined so that the container 102 containing lifting unit 110 moving freely from both sides without hindrance 114a and 114b through the second room 206 can move downwards.

[0045] Therefore, as soon as the two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b move outwards away from each other to reach the second predetermined distance d2 to be positioned, thereby creating the second room 206 as it is generated, the container lowers 102 holding lifting unit 110 through the room 206 towards the first delivery promotion phase 122a from, as in Fig. 2B is shown. Thus, the second room can be 206 Specify a gap required to accommodate the lifting unit 110 and the container 102from an elevated position towards the discharge conveyor section 112 to lower. Furthermore, while the container 102 from the container presentation mechanism 108 on the delivery conveyor section 112 is transported, next container 202 from the feed conveyor section 106 will be received as shown.

[0046] Fig. 2C shows the container 102 , as he moves from the goods-to-operator workstation 100 is being unloaded while the next container 202 is handled by the operator, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As with reference to Fig. As described in 2B, the lifting unit lowers 110 the container 102 from the container presentation mechanism 108 on a first delivery promotion section 122a off. In particular, the two lifting arms are located 118 , 120on each page of the first delivery conveyor section 122a , so that if the container 102 move the conveying lifting arms vertically downwards, the container 102 from the lifting unit 110 on the first delivery conveyor section 122a is placed. The first delivery conveyor section 122a may have a belt conveyor, so that the container 102 forward to the second delivery conveyor section 122b can be promoted, as in Fig. 2C is shown. The second delivery conveyor section 122b It can be positioned adjacent to a conveying conveyor and / or a discharge conveyor of the material flow system. Thus, the container can 102 from the second delivery conveyor section 122b from the goods-to-operator workstation 100 away and transported onto a conveyor belt. Fig. 2C also shows the goods-to-operator workstation. 100with the next container 202 in the picking and / or handling position on the container presentation mechanism 108 According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the container presentation mechanism moves in response to the determination that the container 102 load-bearing lifting unit 110 through the two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b has passed through, the two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b towards each other, to move the two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b to reposition them at a third predetermined distance from each other. Furthermore, the third predetermined distance can be the same as the first predetermined distance. d1 and / or can be dynamically determined for each individual container. Thus, the container presentation mechanism receives 108 the next container 202 from the feed conveyor section106 and positions the container 202 in a picking and / or handling position, as in Fig. 2C is shown. Furthermore, a third container can be added. 208 from the feed conveyor section 106 are picked up by a feed conveyor (not shown).

[0047] Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the lifting unit 110 and the container presentation mechanism 108 the goods-to-operator workstation 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In one exemplary embodiment, the container presentation mechanism comprises 108 laterally movable and spaced-apart arms 114a and 114b The laterally movable arms 114a and 114bThey may include belts or any other linear transmission mechanism for moving the container towards the operator. In one embodiment, the container presentation mechanism includes 108 a belt drive 302 , which is equipped with a drive shaft 304 is coupled, which is attached to the laterally movable arms 114a and 114b is attached.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the laterally movable arms can 114a and 114b swiveling with the drive shaft 304 be coupled to adjust the tilt angle of the laterally movable arms 114a and 114b to adjust. Furthermore, each strap can be adjusted around the laterally movable arms. 114a and 114b to be wrapped up, as in Fig. 3 shown. The belt drive 302 can use a motor to rotate the drive shaft 304included, so that the rotation of the drive shaft affects the belts of the laterally movable arms 114a and 114b drives. Furthermore, the drive shaft can 304 Rotate in one direction to move the belt towards the operator, and in the opposite direction to move the belt away from the operator. Thus, the laterally movable arms 114a and 114b Transport the container towards the operator and / or away from the operator as needed.

[0049] The laterally movable arms 114a and 114b They can also be coupled with a translation mechanism that allows the laterally movable arms to 114a and 114b move laterally towards each other and / or away from each other. In one embodiment, the translation means includes a leadscrew drive. 305 The leadscrew drive 305 can a leadscrew 307exhibiting the features that move between the two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b is arranged. The leadscrew 307 can extend over the entire length of the leadscrew 307 have a spiral thread. The leadscrew 307 can be located at one end of the leadscrew 307 with a drive 309 , such as a motor. The drive 309 can the leadscrew 307 It rotates when activated. The rotary motion of the leadscrew. 307 is transformed into a lateral movement of the two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b translated. That is, the drive 309 can rotate in a first direction to fill the space between the two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b to extend, and rotate in a second direction to extend the two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b moving towards each other. The drive 309can communicate with the control unit of the goods-to-operator workstation 100 be coupled to control the movement of the laterally movable arms 114a and 114b to control. Alternatively or additionally, any translation mechanism can be used to move the laterally movable arms. 114a and 114b can be used sideways towards each other and / or away from each other.

[0050] Furthermore, the lifting unit includes 110 , as described above, the vertically reciprocating lifting mechanism 116 , who uses a lifting strap 306 and the lifting arms 118 , 120 is coupled. The vertically reciprocating lifting mechanism 116 can be done via support poles 308 , 310 with the framework of the goods-to-operator workstation 100 can be coupled. In one embodiment, the lifting strap can 306 through a control unit of the goods-to-operator workstation 100to be controlled in order to operate the vertically reciprocating lifting mechanism 116 to drive, which is connected to the lifting arms 118 , 120 vertically upwards and downwards along the support rods 308 , 310 is coupled. Thus, the lifting arms can 118 , 120 moved upwards to lift a container from the laterally movable arms 114a and 114b to lift and move downwards to transfer the container onto the discharge conveyor section. It should be noted that the lifting unit structure described above... 110 This disclosure serves for illustrative purposes and is not limited to the described structure. Alternatively or additionally, any vertically reciprocating means for moving the lifting arms vertically upwards and downwards can be used. 118 , 120 used relative to the frame.

[0051] Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the container presentation mechanism. 108 , which contains a container 102 carries, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As described above, the translation mechanism of the container presentation mechanism can be 108 the laterally movable arms 114a and 114b at the first predetermined distance d1 position each other as in Fig. 4 shown. The container 102 is positioned on the laterally movable arms in a picking and / or handling position 114a and 114b positioned. The container presentation mechanism 108 may also cause one or more hard attacks 402 containing those at the distal end 404 the laterally movable arms 114a and 114b are arranged. The container 102 , which is achieved through the laterally movable arms 114a and 114bas it moves towards the operator, it can hit the hard stop 402 bumping against it and / or pressing against it, thus preventing further movement and / or the container falling. 102 from the goods-to-operator workstation 100 The laterally movable arms 114a and 114b Furthermore, the side bars can 406 include to fill the container 102 on the laterally movable arms 114a and 114b to align and prevent the container from falling sideways. 102 from the laterally movable arms 114a and 114b to prevent. As shown, the side bar can 406 a bracket and / or a rod located on the outer walls and extending over the laterally movable arms 114a and 114b extends.

[0052] The Fig. 5A - Fig. Figure 5C illustrates different side views of the container presentation mechanism.108 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 5A shows a view of the container presentation mechanism 108 , which the container 102 according to a scenario 502 holds. As in Fig. As can be seen at 5A, the container is at rest. 102 on the laterally movable arms and against the stop. The laterally movable arms are positioned at the first predetermined distance from each other, thus creating the first space between the laterally movable arms. Fig. 5B shows a view of the lifting unit 110 , which the container 102 from the container presentation mechanism 108 according to a scenario 504 after a period of time according to the scenario 502 lifts. To lift the container 102 from the container presentation mechanism 108 To move the lifting arm towards a discharge conveyor, it passes through... 118 the lifting unit 110the first space created between the laterally movable arms, contacts the container 102 from below and lifts the container 102 from the laterally movable arms, as in Fig. 5B shown. Once the container 102 When raised by the laterally movable arms, the container presentation mechanism can 108 move the laterally movable arms outwards away from each other in order to be positioned at the second predetermined distance from each other, thereby creating the second space, such as the second space 206 in Fig. 2, between the laterally movable arms. Fig. Figure 5C shows a view of the container 102 , which according to a scenario 506 after a period of time has elapsed according to the scenario 504 through the container presentation mechanism 108moved downwards. Once the laterally movable arms are positioned at the second predetermined distance from each other, the container 102 The supporting lifting arms move vertically downwards through the second space between the laterally movable arms towards the discharge conveyor section (not shown) of the goods-to-operator workstation. Furthermore, in response to the determination that the container 102 Having passed through the laterally movable arms, the laterally movable arms are moved towards each other in order to reposition the laterally movable arms at the first predetermined distance from each other (not shown).

[0053] Fig. Figure 6 illustrates an example procedure 600 for operating the goods-to-operator workstation 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 600 can in block 602 the intake of a container102 through the container presentation mechanism 108 include at least two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b includes those at a first predetermined distance d1 are positioned apart to create an initial space for the container. 102 to produce, as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2A - Fig. 2C is shown. The container presentation mechanism. 108 can have two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b exhibiting those at the first predetermined distance d1 are positioned apart, creating the first space between the laterally movable arms. 114a and 114b is generated. In one embodiment, a control unit and / or a processor, located at the goods-to-operator workstation, control it. 100 are assigned to the lateral movement of the laterally movable arms 114a and 114bby controlling a motor associated with the transmission mechanism, as described above. Furthermore, the first predetermined distance can be... d1 in the goods-to-operator workstation 100 be pre-programmed by the assigned control unit and / or by the goods-to-operator workstation 100 and / or the control unit based on one or more parameters of the container 102 , such as, but not limited to, the length, width, contour, height, weight, shape and / or type of the container 102 , can be dynamically determined. Based on the determined parameters, the goods-to-operator workstation can be 100 determine an optimal distance between the two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b required to open the container 102 from the feed conveyor section 106 to receive and deliver goods to an operator. The goods-to-operator workstation.100 and / or the control unit can determine the first predetermined distance d1 , which is located between the two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b Determine the required distance based on the optimal distance. The laterally movable arms 114a and 114b can be moved sideways towards each other and / or away from each other to control the two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b at the first predetermined distance d1 to place each other. The procedure can be done in blocks. 604 furthermore, the presentation of the container 102 through the container presentation mechanism 108 to the operator 104 for order picking. The operator 104 can perform a process, such as picking and / or inserting items, at the container 102 perform, which is based on the container presentation mechanism 108 is positioned.

[0054] The procedure600 can in block 606 furthermore, the operation of a lifting unit 110 include those that communicate with the container presentation mechanism 108 coupled and positioned underneath to hold the container 102 of the at least two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b to receive, as in Fig. 2A - Fig. 2C shown. In one embodiment, the control unit 107 the goods-to-operator workstation 100 the vertical back-and-forth movement of the lifting unit 110 control. In this respect, the detection of a condition can initiate the transfer of the container. 102 from the container presentation mechanism 108 , such as stipulating that the operator must remove goods from the container 102 has picked and / or placed the lifting unit into it 110 can be moved upwards in a controlled manner to open the container 102to contact and from the laterally movable arms 114a and 114b to raise.

[0055] The procedure 600 can in block 608 furthermore, the movement of at least two laterally movable arms 114a and 114b outwards away from each other, in order to be at a second predetermined distance d2 to be positioned apart to create a second space, as in Fig. 2A - Fig. 2C shown. In response to the determination that the container 102 from the laterally movable arms 114a and 114b through the lifting unit 110 was raised, the control unit 107 and / or one of the goods-to-operator workstations 100 assigned processor to the translation mechanism of the container presentation mechanism 108 control the assigned motor to move the arms laterally. 114a and 114bto move outwards away from each other, in order to maintain distance d2 to be positioned apart, thereby creating the second space as described above.

[0056] Furthermore, the procedure can 600 in block 610 operating the lifting unit 110 include to fill the container 102 through the second room towards the discharge conveyor section 112 to lower. As described above, the control unit can 107 the goods-to-operator workstation 100 the vertical back-and-forth movement of the lifting unit 110 control the lifting unit 110 , which the container 102 carries, through the second room downwards onto the discharge conveyor 112 to move the container. 102 automatically from the feed conveyor section 106 into a picking and / or handling position and on to a delivery conveyor section 112transported as soon as the container 102 was handled. Optionally, the procedure can be 600 furthermore, the repositioning of the laterally movable arms 114a and 114b a third predetermined distance from each other to provide the first space for receiving the next container on the container presentation mechanism 108 from the feed conveyor section 106 to restore. As described above, the third predetermined distance can be the same as the first predetermined distance. d1 and / or can be dynamically determined in relation to each individual container.

[0057] It should be noted that, as used in this patent specification and the accompanying claims, the singular forms “ein”, “eine”, “eines” and “der”, “die”, “das” as well as their declensions include plural reference objects unless the content clearly prescribes otherwise.

[0058] References in the specifications to "an embodiment," "elaborations," or "one or more embodiments" mean that a specific function, structure, or property described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The occurrence of such expressions in different places within the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment in all cases, nor do separate or alternative embodiments preclude each other. Furthermore, various functions are described that are disclosed for some embodiments but not for others. Similarly, various requirements are described that may be requirements for some embodiments but not for others.

[0059] It should be noted that, when used in the present disclosure, the terms “includes”, “comprehensive” and other derivatives of the root term “include” are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of any specified features, elements, integers, steps or components and are not intended to exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0060] As necessary, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be regarded as a limitation, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art how to use the present invention in various ways in virtually any suitably detailed structure.

[0061] While it is obvious that the illustrative embodiments of the invention disclosed herein fulfill the objectives stated above, it is understood that numerous modifications and other embodiments could be devised by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

[] What is claimed: [1] A goods-to-operator workstation comprising: a container presentation mechanism for picking up and presenting a container to an operator, wherein the container presentation mechanism comprises at least two laterally movable arms positioned at a first predetermined distance from one another and defining a first space for receiving the container; and a lifting unit that is communicatively coupled to and positioned beneath the container presentation mechanism, wherein the lifting unit is configured to move vertically upwards into the first space to receive the container from the at least two laterally movable arms, wherein the at least two laterally movable arms are actuated to move away from each other at a second predetermined distance and define a second space for the lifting unit to move the container vertically downwards between the at least two laterally movable arms. [2] Goods-to-operator workstation according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least two laterally movable arms comprises a belt configured to convey the container towards the operator. [3] The goods-to-operator workstation according to claim 1, further comprising: a feed conveyor section positioned between a feed conveyor and the container presentation mechanism for receiving the container from the feed conveyor; and a discharge conveyor section positioned between the lifting unit and a discharge conveyor to release the container onto the discharge conveyor. [4] The goods-to-operator workstation according to claim 1, wherein the container presentation mechanism comprises a translation mechanism coupled to the at least two laterally movable arms to move the at least two laterally movable arms towards and away from each other. [5] The goods-to-operator workstation according to claim 1, wherein the first predetermined distance and the second predetermined distance are dynamically determined based on a contour of the container which is supported on the at least two laterally movable arms. [6] The goods-to-operator workstation according to claim 1, wherein the at least two laterally movable arms are actuated such that they move inwards from the second predetermined distance to a third predetermined distance in order to pick up a next container from a feed conveyor. [7] The goods-to-operator workstation according to claim 1, wherein the first space created by positioning the at least two laterally movable arms at the first predetermined distance is greater than or equal to a width of the lifting unit to enable the lifting unit to lift the container from the at least two laterally movable arms into an elevated position. [8] The goods-to-operator workstation according to claim 1, wherein the lifting unit comprises: one or more lifting arms configured to pick up the container from the container presentation mechanism; and a vertically reciprocating lifting mechanism coupled to the one or more lifting arms and configured to move the one or more lifting arms vertically upwards and downwards. [9] Method for operating a goods-to-operator workstation for presenting a container of articles to an operator for picking, the method comprising: Picking up a container by a container presentation mechanism comprising at least two laterally movable arms positioned at a first predetermined distance from each other to create a first space for receiving the container; Presenting the container to the operator for order picking by means of the container presentation mechanism; Operating a lifting unit that communicates with the Container presentation mechanism coupled and positioned below to receive the container from the at least two laterally movable arms; Moving at least two laterally movable arms outwards away from each other to be positioned at a second predetermined distance from each other in order to create a second space; and Operating the lifting unit to lower the container through the second room towards a discharge conveyor. [10] Method according to claim 9, further comprising moving the at least two laterally movable arms inwards towards each other from the second predetermined distance to the first predetermined distance in order to pick up a next container from a feed conveyor.

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