Device and method for feeding suspended goods into a suspended conveyor system, and suspended conveyor system with such a device

Abstract

Device for feeding suspended goods (4) into an overhead conveyor system (1) comprising: a. a feeding unit (25) for individually feeding the suspended goods (4) into a conveying system (9) of the overhead conveyor system (1) with a variable transport distance (dT), wherein the feeding unit (25) has a first stop element (20) for stopping the suspended goods (4), b. a detection unit (22) for detecting the thickness (DF) of the individual suspended goods (4), characterized in that c. the device (8) is designed to individually variable determine the transport distance (dT) between two adjacent suspended goods (4), with which the suspended goods (4) are fed into the conveying system (9), for each individual suspended goods (4) depending on the respective thickness (DF) of the individual suspended goods (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for feeding suspended conveying material into a suspended conveying system, as well as a suspended conveying system with such a device.

[0002] DE 10 2005 006 455 A1 discloses an overhead conveyor system with a conveying technology for transporting suspended goods. The conveying technology has a fixed support mechanism. The suspended goods are conveyed at a defined transport distance. The smaller the transport distance, the greater the conveyor's output per unit of time at a constant conveying speed. If the transport distance is set too small, and in particular if it is smaller than the thickness of the suspended goods, malfunctions can occur in the operation of the overhead conveyor system if the suspended goods touch each other. If the transport distance is set too large, the conveying capacity of the overhead conveyor system is reduced.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to improve the conveying of suspended goods in an overhead conveyor system, in particular to ensure trouble-free conveying with maximum possible performance efficiency.

[0004] This problem is solved according to the invention by a device with the features specified in claim 1, by a suspended conveyor system with the features specified in claim 5, and by a method with the features specified in claim 11.

[0005] According to the invention, it has been found that the conveying of suspended goods in an overhead conveyor system is improved when the suspended goods are fed into the conveyor system's conveying mechanism with a variable transport distance. In particular, the transport distance is individually variable for each suspended item. This individual determination of the transport distance depends on the respective thickness of the individual suspended goods. The thickness of the suspended goods extends parallel to the conveying direction along the overhead conveyor system. The respective thickness of the suspended goods is detected by a sensing unit. By feeding the suspended goods with the variable transport distance, the risk of malfunctions during the operation of the overhead conveyor system is reduced and, in particular, eliminated. The conveying capacity of the overhead conveyor system can be optimally utilized.Excessively large transport distances between suspended conveyor goods that have only a small thickness are excluded.

[0006] A suspended conveyor system includes, in particular, a transport pocket with which one or more individual items can be conveyed. Such a transport pocket is known, for example, from EP 2 196 415 A2, to which reference is hereby made. A transport pocket, in particular, has at least a partially flexible side wall. The thickness of the transport pocket results from the thickness of the individual item conveyed in the transport pocket. The thickness of the suspended conveyor system is not known a priori.

[0007] A suspended load can also include a clothes hanger from which a garment is conveyed. The thickness of the suspended load varies depending on the thickness of the garment and / or the clothes hanger. The thickness of the garment can differ depending on the type of garment, its size, and / or whether it is winter or summer clothing.

[0008] The suspended load can be conveyed directly by the conveying system of the overhead conveyor. The transport of the suspended load can be carried out using a suspended adapter, as known from DE 10 2005 006 455 A1, to which reference is made. The suspended adapter has a carrying section that ensures the load is carried along by the conveying system of the overhead conveyor. The suspended adapter also has a receiving opening into which a transport bag or a clothes hanger can be inserted.

[0009] A detection unit with a sensor according to claim 2 enables direct, and in particular non-contact, detection of the thickness of suspended conveyor loads. The detection unit is a measuring unit. In particular, the sensor is an optical sensor, and more specifically a light grating. Additionally or alternatively, the measuring unit can include an image processing system, in particular a camera, to measure the thickness of the suspended conveyor loads without contact.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, the detection unit can include a reading unit. The reading unit is capable of communicating with a data carrier, particularly contactlessly. The data carrier contains data characterizing the individual goods, especially the thickness of the suspended conveyor load. The data carrier is, in particular, an RFID chip, which can be read by the reading unit in the form of a transponder reader, especially as the suspended conveyor load passes by. In particular, it is not necessary to stop the transport of the suspended conveyor load to read the data from the data carrier. The data on the data carrier can, for example, have been transmitted to it from a central control unit, a so-called warehouse management system. Alternatively, the data can have been recorded beforehand at a central measuring station of an overhead conveyor system and assigned to the data carrier.

[0011] Alternatively, the data characterizing the suspended load is not stored directly on the data carrier, but rather the load is identified via an identification method such as a barcode, a QR code, and / or a unique part number of the hanging adapter or clothes hanger, with the load's thickness stored in the central control unit. This allows the thickness of the suspended load to be uniquely assigned using the central control unit.

[0012] The advantage of a reading unit is that a measuring unit is unnecessary. Actual measurement, and especially the associated accuracy deviations, are avoided.

[0013] An evaluation unit according to claim 3 simplifies the variable determination of the transport distance. The evaluation unit is, in particular, in signal communication with the detection unit. Depending on the determined thickness, the transport distance is determined by the evaluation unit. For this purpose, an evaluation table can be stored in the evaluation unit. In the evaluation table, a transport distance is assigned to different thicknesses, particularly for a given conveying speed of the conveyor system. In particular, several evaluation tables are stored in the evaluation unit, each for different conveying speeds. In particular, size ranges for the thickness are defined, to which a specific transport distance is assigned. If the thickness of the suspended conveyed material corresponds to a value stored in the evaluation table, the associated transport distance is determined directly.If the measured thickness lies between two thickness values ​​stored in the evaluation table, the corresponding transport distance can be determined by linear interpolation of the table values. For this purpose, the evaluation unit can include a processing unit, particularly an integrated one. Alternatively, the transport distance can also be assigned to the next larger thickness stored in the evaluation table. The evaluation unit is specifically connected to the feed unit and, in particular, to the stop element.

[0014] A device according to claim 4 enables the transport distance to be variably adjusted. In particular, stepless adjustment of the transport distance allows for maximum flexibility when feeding overhead conveyed goods. Specifically, the transport distance can be determined by multiplying the measured thickness by an adjustable factor, the so-called expansion factor. The expansion factor is greater than 1, in particular at least 1.5, in particular at least 2, in particular at least 3, in particular at least 3.5, in particular at least 4, and in particular at least 5. Stepwise adjustment of the transport distance is straightforward.

[0015] It is advantageous if the transport distance does not fall below an adjustable minimum distance, particularly regardless of the determined thickness of the suspended material being conveyed. The minimum transport distance is primarily determined by the conveying technology.

[0016] An overhead conveyor system according to claim 5 essentially has the advantages of the device according to the preceding claims, to which reference is hereby made. The device is connected to a conveying system that serves to transport the suspended goods. The conveying of the suspended goods by the overhead conveyor system is guaranteed to be trouble-free and with maximum conveying capacity. The overhead conveyor system is, in particular, a pocket conveyor system.

[0017] In particular, the storage capacity of an overhead conveyor system with a goods storage unit can be optimally utilized. With an overhead conveyor system featuring a sorting unit, additional parameters besides thickness can be considered when determining the transport distance for individual items being fed. These parameters include, for example, the switching cycles of control elements in the sorting unit and / or the space required for the overhead item in an arc-shaped conveyor track during discharge.

[0018] An overhead conveyor system according to claim 6 ensures reliable and robust conveying of the suspended goods. The conveying element of the system is, in particular, a conveyor chain, which is preferably designed to run continuously. Attached to the conveyor chain are carriers that serve to transport the suspended goods.

[0019] A suspended conveyor system according to claim 7 enables a defined transport of the suspended goods.

[0020] A carrying distance according to claim 8 enables a particularly efficient implementation of the invention. The smaller the carrying distance is selected, the greater the resolution for the transport distance. The greater the resolution for the transport distance, the more precisely the transport distance can be determined. Precise determination of the transport distance optimizes the overhead conveyor system with regard to the smallest possible transport distance for conveying performance on the one hand, and the largest possible transport distance for trouble-free operation on the other. In particular, the carrying distance is significantly smaller than the maximum thickness of an overhead conveyed item in the overhead conveyor system. The maximum thickness is understood to be the value that a thickness can assume for all conveyed items. The maximum thickness is determined, in particular, by the individual items to be conveyed and / or the transport bag used for them.In particular, the maximum thickness of the suspended conveyed goods is more than 200 mm, in particular at least 220 mm, in particular at least 240 mm, in particular at least 250 mm and in particular at most 300 mm.

[0021] A goods storage unit according to claim 9 enables the storage, in particular the intermediate storage, of the suspended conveyed goods in the suspended conveying system.

[0022] A sorting unit according to claim 10 enables the sorting of suspended conveyor goods in the suspended conveyor system.

[0023] The method according to claim 11 essentially combines the advantages of the device and the overhead conveyor system, to which reference is hereby made. Crucially, the thickness of the individual suspended goods is measured, and the transport distance at which the suspended goods are fed into the conveying system of the overhead conveyor is variably determined.

[0024] A method according to claim 12 ensures a particularly straightforward loading of the suspended conveyed goods. This can be achieved in particular by releasing the stop element, especially in a controlled manner.

[0025] A variable determination of the transport distance according to claim 13 ensures the trouble-free conveying of the suspended conveyed goods with the highest possible conveying capacity.

[0026] Both the features specified in the claims and those specified in the following embodiment of the device according to the invention are each suitable, individually or in combination with one another, for further developing the subject matter of the invention. The respective combinations of features do not constitute a limitation with regard to further developments of the subject matter of the invention, but are essentially merely exemplary.

[0027] Additional features, advantageous embodiments, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an overhead conveyor system, Fig. 2 a schematic side view of a device according to the invention, Fig. 3 a partially cut-away side view of a conveyor technology of the overhead conveyor system.

[0028] One in Fig. 1. A suspended conveyor system marked as a whole with 1 is used for conveying and / or transporting individual goods. 2 The individual items 2 are in the overhead conveyor system 1 , especially occasionally, in transport bags 3 Suspended and transported. The one with a single item 2 equipped transport bag 3 forms a suspended conveyor load 4 The individual items 2Examples include clothing items packed in bags or goods packaged in other transport containers, especially cardboard boxes, from the online retail sector, the so-called e-commerce.

[0029] The suspended conveyor load 4 Alternatively, it can also include a clothes hanger as a means of transport, on which a garment is suspended.

[0030] The overhead conveyor system 1 includes a warehouse 5 , in which the individual goods 2 are stored in the warehouse. 5 It can be designed as a manual or automated storage system. The overhead conveyor system 1 further indicates a goods receipt 6 on, via which the individual goods 2 the overhead conveyor system 1 , especially from external sources. Goods receipt 6 Returned goods can also be accepted.

[0031] Goods receipt 6is connected to the warehouse in terms of conveyor technology 5 connected. The conveying connection is, for example, a conveyor belt or a manual feeding of the individual goods. 2 , which are also found in containers upon receipt of goods 6 may be present, to the warehouse 5 .

[0032] The overhead conveyor system 1 also includes at least one loading station 7 , where the individual goods 2 into the transport bag 3 to be charged. The charging station 7 is both with the warehouse 5 as well as with the receipt of goods 6 Each item is independently connected via a conveyor system. This conveyor connection allows the individual items to be transported. 2 from the warehouse 5 and / or from goods receipt 6 to the loading station 7 be promoted. The individual goods can be removed from the warehouse. 5 and / or the goods receipt 6also manually to the loading station 7 , in particular by means of a spring-loaded trolley or a pallet truck.

[0033] The overhead conveyor system 1 includes a device 8 for loading suspended goods 4 into the overhead conveyor system 1 The overhead conveyor system 1 includes a conveyor technology 9 to take away the abandoned overhead conveyor goods 4 The device 8 is with conveyor technology 9 connected via conveyor technology.

[0034] The overhead conveyor system 1 includes a warehouse 10 for storing, especially for temporarily storing, suspended conveyor goods 4 in the overhead conveyor system 1 .

[0035] The overhead conveyor system 1 It also features a sorting unit 11 up, which are used for sorting the suspended conveyor goods 4, i.e., to change the order of the suspended conveyor goods 4 in the flow of goods. The sorting unit 11 The sorting unit can have several parallel and / or series-arranged accumulation zones and / or one or more rotating rotors. Additionally or alternatively, the sorting unit can... 11 be implemented as a matrix sorter.

[0036] The overhead conveyor system 1 has at least one unloading station 12 per sorting unit 11 Can there be several, especially three or five, unloading stations? 12 be provided for. In particular, each can be connected to the sorting unit. 11 connected unloading station 12 from each rotating head of the sorting unit 11 can be reached. At the unloading station 12 will each be equipped with a single item 2 loaded transport bags 3 , especially automated, opened and unloaded.

[0037] The unloading station12 emptied transport bags 3 are via a return route 13 in the overhead conveyor system 1 returned and in particular to the loading station 7 as empty bags for reloading with individual goods 2 provided. The empty transport bags 3 can also be temporarily stored in an unseen empty pocket memory.

[0038] The unloading station 12 is equipped with at least one packing station for conveyor technology 14 connected. The individual items are picked up at the packing station. 2 to a ready-to-ship order 15 Packed. The parcel station 14 is with a goods issue 16 Connected via conveyor technology. Via the goods issue area. 16 can the orders 15 with the individual goods 2 the overhead conveyor system 1 Leave. Orders 15 from goods issue 16can be achieved using external means of transport 17 , in particular transport vehicles, especially trucks, will be removed.

[0039] The following will be based on the Fig. 2 the device 8 explained in more detail.

[0040] The device 8 includes a traffic jam 18 with a conveyor rail 19 , which causes a build-up of suspended conveyor loads 4 in the area of ​​the traffic jam 18 guaranteed. The conveyor belt 19 is arranged at an angle of inclination n to the horizontal. The angle of inclination n is advantageously less than 15°, particularly between 1° and 12°, and especially between 1° and 10°. The suspended conveyed goods 4 are along the inclined conveyor rail 19 The conveying action is gravity-driven, i.e., automatic. Additionally or alternatively, the conveying rail can be used. 19also have a conveyor drive to transport suspended goods 4 to promote.

[0041] A build-up of suspended conveyor goods 4 on the traffic jam 18 is through a first stop element 20 guaranteed. The first stop element 20 is located at a downstream end of the conveyor belt 19 arranged. The first stop element 20 is particularly transverse and especially perpendicular to the conveying direction 21 , which are routed through the conveyor belt 19 The first stop element is specified and oriented. 20 is along a direction transverse and especially perpendicular to the conveying direction 21 Arranged in a movable manner. In the Fig. In the arrangement shown in 2, the first stop element is 20 in a stop arrangement.

[0042] In the area of ​​the traffic jam 18 is a recording unit 22 arranged. The recording unit 22used to measure the respective thickness D F the individual suspended conveyor goods 4 As in Fig. 2, shown as an example, shows a suspended conveyor load 4 with a thin single item 2 a first thickness D F,1 on, which is smaller than the thickness D F,2 a second suspended load 4 with a thick single item 2 The recording unit 22 It can have a sensor, which can be designed as an optical sensor and, in particular, as a light grid. The detection unit 22 This is then a unit of measurement. The recording unit 22 may also contain a reading unit.

[0043] The recording unit 22 is in signal communication with an evaluation unit 24 The evaluation unit 24 It serves to variably determine the transport distance d T for the suspended conveyor load to be handed over 4depending on the determined thickness D F The evaluation unit 24 is in signal communication with a task unit 25 The task unit 25 used for the individual placement of suspended conveyor goods 4 into conveyor technology 9 the overhead conveyor system 1 with a variable transport distance d T .

[0044] The first stop element 20 is in particular part of the task unit 25 .

[0045] The task unit 25 features a second stop element 44 on, which is essentially identical to the first stop element 20 is trained. The second stop element 44 is with regard to the direction of delivery 21 downstream of the first stop element 20 arranged. The second stop element 44 used for the individual placement of suspended conveyor goods 4into conveyor technology 9 .

[0046] The overhead conveyor system 1 includes a rail system with conveyor rails 19 as in the traffic jam 18 The conveyor rails 19 are along the direction of transport 21 Arranged one after the other and connected to each other. Along the conveyor rails 19 The rail system will be used for suspended goods 4 on hanging adapters 26 Suspended transport. The suspension adapters 26 are in Fig. 2 shown purely schematically.

[0047] The following will be based on the Fig. 3. Conveyor technology 9 explained in more detail.

[0048] The conveyor technology 9 the overhead conveyor system 1 The conveyor belt indicates 19 on, which can be laid in a room using a suitable support device. In the conveyor rail designed as a hollow box profile. 19 is a funding instrument 27arranged in the form of a conveyor chain, which is driven by means of means not shown along the conveying direction 21 It is driveable. Furthermore, the hanging adapters 26 shown, which are made possible by the funding 27 in the conveyor belt 19 are movable.

[0049] The conveyor chain is a so-called roller chain, the rollers 28 features connecting tabs spaced a distance apart from each other at a roller spacing a 29 and bolts 30 are pivotally connected to each other. The bolts 30 point downwards, as carriers 31 The bolt-shaped extensions serve as extensions. 30 with the toggles 31 run perpendicular to the conveyor rail 19 in a direction of conveyance 21 spanned vertical plane.

[0050] A center-to-center distance between adjacent drive lugs 31 in the conveyor belt 19in the direction of transport 21 This corresponds exactly to the division of the conveyor chain. 27 , i.e., the roller spacing a, and is therefore unchangeable and constant. The center distance of adjacent drivers. 31 corresponds to a regular drive spacing d A The conveyor rail has a . on its underside 19 one moving in the direction of promotion 21 extending longitudinal slot 32 open through the slot 32 A flat support element protrudes 33 each hanging adapter 26 downwards out of the conveyor rail 19 outwards. In its upper area, the hanging adapter points 26 on both sides of the supporting part 33 one roller each 34 each of which rests on a guide rail of the conveyor (not shown in detail) and moves in the conveying direction. 21 are movable. It is therefore only a few of the common rollers. 34 present, which revolve around a common axis35 are rotatable. The entire hanging adapter 26 can in the conveyor belt 19 around the axis 35 commute.

[0051] The support part 33 It has a receiving opening at its lower end 36 on, into which a hook 37 the transport bag 3 It can be hung up. A clothes hanger hook can also be hung in the opening.

[0052] Between the intake opening 36 and the underside of the conveyor rail 19 is an identifying element 38 on the hanging adapter 26 arranged, which can be a transponder, a barcode, or a QR code. The identification device 38 proceeds according to the arrangement of the plate-like support part 33 in the direction of transport 21 , therefore its main surface lies open perpendicular to the conveying direction 21, i.e., to the side. It can therefore be uniquely identified using an identification device, such as a barcode reader or a transponder reader.

[0053] Above the rollers 34 a stylistic approach extends 39 of the hanging adapter 26 , which is integral with the supporting part 33 at its upper end. At the upper end of the attachment 39 is an attack 40 designed in the form of a crossbar. The approach 39 and the attack 40 have the basic shape of a hammer. With the approach 39 and the attack 40 is the hanging adapter 26 in one between two adjacent drivers 31 formed gap 41 arranged. During a conveying movement of the conveyor chain along the conveying direction 21 The hanging adapters are each attached to the one in the direction of conveying. 21 trailing drive 31It is taken along, i.e., transported. The conveyor technology has a fixed carrying capacity.

[0054] It is advantageous if the individual items 2 each have an individual item identification device by which the individual items 2 are uniquely identifiable. For clothing items, this can be done, for example, by the manufacturer, the item, the size, and / or the color. The identification data of the individual goods 2 can be used with the identification element 38 a hanging adapter 26 stored data to a central control unit 45 The signals are transmitted and linked together using data technology. The individual items 2 can during their transport in the overhead conveyor system 1 via appropriately arranged reading devices along the overhead conveyor system 1 , which particularly concerns the position of the transport bags 3They can be recorded and clearly assigned. This allows for the targeted promotion of individual goods. 2 possible along the overhead conveyor system.

[0055] Regarding constructive details and further specifics of the conveyor technology 9 , in particular the conveyor belt 19 , of the funding 27 and the hanging adapter 26 , explicit reference is made to DE 10 2005 006 455 A1.

[0056] The following will be based on the Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 a method for operating the overhead conveyor system 1 and in particular a method for placing suspended conveyor goods 4 into the overhead conveyor system 1 explained in more detail.

[0057] Individual items 2 will be included in the goods receipt 6 supplied from the goods receipt 6 The individual goods arrive 2 either directly or via the warehouse 5 to the loading station 7, where each has a transport bag 3 with a single item 2 is being loaded. The one with individual goods 2 loaded transport bags 3 , i.e., the suspended goods 4 , are from the loading station 7 to the device 8 promoted and along the dam 18 Congested. The suspended conveyor loads arranged in a jam along the dammed section form a sample. 42 of suspended conveyor qualities 4 . By means of the recording unit 22 The individual thicknesses D F the suspended goods 4 recorded and sent to the evaluation unit 24 transmitted. In the evaluation unit 24 depending on the thickness D determined in each case F a transport distance d T determined with which the suspended conveyor goods 4 into conveyor technology 9 the overhead conveyor system 1 be abandoned.

[0058] The placement of the overhead conveyor goods 4 into conveyor technology 9 , is achieved by the fact that the first stop element 20 from the in Fig. The stop arrangement shown in section 2 is changed to a release arrangement. For this purpose, the first stop element is... 20 by means of the task unit 25 along the direction of operation 43 operable and due to the incline of the dammed section 19 The conveyed material slips 4 , adjacent to the first stop element 20 is arranged, past it into the task unit 25 Alternatively or additionally, the traffic jam can be treated on the section of the route. 19 A drive system must be provided to transport the suspended load 4 from the traffic jam 19 to convey the suspended load into the feed unit. 4 is in the task unit 25 by means of the second stop element 44 held. Then the first stop element is 20It is moved back into the stop position. This prevents further suspended conveyor items from being moved. 4 into the task unit 25 can be reached. In the task unit 25 is in particular only one that is used in conveyor technology 9 overhead conveyor goods to be disposed of 4 arranged. After a defined time interval Δt, the second stop element opens. 44 and gives the suspended load 4 occasionally in conveyor technology 9 up and is picked up by one of the drivers 31 I took it with me.

[0059] The task unit 25 It could also have a rotating spindle with a worm gear, whereby only one suspended item is ever conveyed in each worm gear. 4 The rotating spindle moves the suspended goods. 4 occasionally on conveyor technology 9 abandoned.

[0060] Depending on the time interval Δt and the speed of the conveying medium 27 in conveyor technology 9 The respective transport distance d results T as in Fig. 2 shown, the suspended conveyor goods 4 depending on the individual item being promoted 2 different thicknesses D F,1 , D F,2 Accordingly, different transport distances are used. T,1 , d T,2 The respective transport distance of an overhead conveyor item is determined by its thickness D. F of the previous suspended load 4 The greater the thickness D F of the previous suspended load 4 The greater the transport distance d T of the trailing suspended load 4 In particular, the following applies: d T > D F , especially d T > 1.05 · D F , especially d T > 1.1 · D F , especially d T> 1.2 · D F , especially d T > 1.25 · D F .

[0061] The suspended goods 4 are along the conveyor technology 9 with an optimal transport distance d T promoted. The respective transport distance d T between two adjacent suspended conveyor loads 4 is individually determined by their width D F adjusted. The respective transport distance d T is set up in such a way that a collision between adjacent suspended conveyor loads is prevented. 4 and thus a disruption of the overhead conveyor system 1 is avoided. The transport distance d T However, it is also small enough to allow for the greatest possible utilization of the conveying capacity of the overhead conveyor system. 1 to ensure.

[0062] It is advantageous if the recording unit 22 the respective thicknesses D F,i all suspended goods 4 in the traffic jam 18recorded, sent to the evaluation unit 24 transmitted and from there the task unit 25 is controlled accordingly. The evaluation unit 24 It is specifically designed as a programmable logic controller and enables an evaluation of the acquisition unit. 22 transmitted values ​​of thickness D F,i It is advantageous to consider historical data when determining transport distances, especially measured thicknesses D. F and the transport distances specified for this purpose d T with currently recorded, especially measured, thicknesses D F to combine. The historical data include the recorded thicknesses D F a specific number N of the last ones in the conveyor technology 9 abandoned overhead conveyor goods 4 .

[0063] For example, the historical data includes such small thicknesses of suspended conveyor goods that it would have been possible to determine a transport distance that is smaller than a required minimum transport distance.

[0064] Because the minimum transport distance must not be undercut by the system's technical specifications, these very thin suspended goods were fed with a transport distance that was greater than necessary. This results in a comparatively reduced conveying density, which can be taken into account when determining the transport distance based on current data. This is taken into account, in particular, by ensuring a transport distance of... T for a current suspended conveyor load 4 It can be chosen or set smaller than would be required according to an allocation rule used to determine the transport distance.

[0065] Due to the consideration of historical data when processing current data, the transport distances can potentially be set smaller than would be necessary according to the specification, since the previously newly introduced conveyed goods are taken into account. 4 have been abandoned with low conveying density. Consideration of historical data is possible, in particular, as long as the very thin suspended goods remain within the system. 4 Resulting excess of gaps due to the thicker suspended goods 4 The capacity is exhausted. By combining historical and current data when determining the transport distance, the conveying capacity can be further increased. Even when compensating for excess gaps, the minimum transport distance required by the system must be maintained.

[0066] Furthermore, it is advantageous to consider the historical data of the thickness D. F,ito process further. In particular, the historical thickness data can be used to determine and / or calculate the exact fill level of a discharge or storage section. Specifically, storage units for overhead conveyor materials can be used. 4 They can be filled more efficiently, since a general assumption of an average thickness for each suspended conveyed item is not possible. 4 It is unnecessary.

[0067] Because the transport distance d T The design of a delivery section of the conveyor technology is individually determined and can be used to determine the specific requirements for the design of a conveyor system discharge section. 9 can be improved. For the design, the currently applicable, individually determined transport distance d can be used. Tcan be used. Designing the discharge section based on a maximum thickness of suspended conveyor goods is unnecessary. This allows the discharge sections to be filled more efficiently, especially with higher product density. The risk of overloading a discharge section is eliminated. The space requirement for the discharge section is increased. The investment costs for such an overhead conveyor system are reduced.

[0068] The conveyor technology 9 abandoned overhead conveyor goods 4 will be added to the warehouse 10 , the sorting unit 11 and the unloading station 12 supplied there. 2 from the transport bag 3 emptied at parcel stations 14 to orders 15 packed and from goods issue 16 delivered. The emptied transport bags 3 will be via the return route 3 the loading station 7It is also conceivable that the conveyor technology 9 has branching sections not shown, to handle suspended goods 4 at the warehouse 10 and / or the sorting unit 11 to promote directly past it.

Claims

[1] Device for feeding suspended conveying material (4) into a suspended conveying system (1) comprising a. a feed unit (25) for the individual feeding of the suspended conveyed goods (4) into a conveying technology (9) of the suspended conveying system (1) with a variable transport distance (d) T ), wherein the feed unit (25) has a first stop element (20) for stopping the suspended conveyed goods (4), b. a detection unit (22) for detecting the thickness (D F ) of the individual suspended conveyor goods (4). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the detection unit (22) has a sensor (23), in particular an optical sensor, in particular a light grid. [3] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an evaluation unit (24) for variably setting the transport distance (d T ) for the suspended conveyed material (4) depending on the determined thickness (D F ). [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the transport distance (d T ) can be set continuously or in steps. [5] Overhead conveyor system (1) comprising a. a device (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, b. a conveying technology (9) connected to the device (8) for taking along the suspended conveyed goods (4). [6] Overhead conveyor system according to claim 5, characterized by , that the conveying technology (9) has a conveying means (27) and attached carriers (31) for the suspended conveyed goods (4), in particular for suspended adapters (26) for each suspended conveyed good (4). [7] Overhead conveyor system according to claim 6, characterized by , that the drivers (31) are at a regular driver spacing (d A ) are arranged along the conveying element (27). [8] Overhead conveyor system according to claim 7, characterized by, that the drive spacing (d A ) is smaller than a maximum thickness (D F,max ) of suspended goods (), in particular: d A < 0.5 . D F,max , especially d A < 0.2 · D F,max , in particular dA < 0.1 · D F,max and in particular dA < 0.05 · D F,max . [9] Overhead conveyor system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized by a goods storage area (10) for storing the suspended conveyor goods (4). [10] Overhead conveyor system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized by a sorting unit (11) for sorting the suspended conveyor goods (4). [11] Method for feeding suspended material (4) into an overhead conveyor system (1) comprising the process steps - Stopping the suspended conveyed goods (4) by means of a stop element (20) of a feed unit (25), - Measuring thickness (D F) of the individual suspended conveyor goods (4) by means of a detection unit (22), - individual feeding of the suspended conveyed goods (4) into a conveying system (9) of the suspended conveying system (1) with a variable transport distance (d) T ). [12] Method according to claim 11, characterized by , that the placement of the suspended conveyed goods (4) is carried out by releasing the first stop element (20). [13] Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by variable setting of the transport distance (d T ) for the suspended conveyed material (4) depending on the determined thickness (D F ) using an evaluation unit (24).

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