Device and method for placing transport bags into a conveyor system of an overhead conveyor system, as well as such an overhead conveyor system

Abstract

A device for feeding transport bags (3) into a conveyor system (9) of an overhead conveyor system (1) comprises a conveyor rail (19) that can be coupled to the conveyor system (9) in a conveying manner, along which the transport bags (3) can each be conveyed suspended by means of a hanging adapter (24), a detection unit (26) for detecting the number of hanging adapters (24) arranged on the conveyor rail (19) within a detection range (27), and a control unit (28) that is in signal communication with the detection unit (26) and is configured to determine a transport distance (d T ) for conveying the transport bags (3) by means of the conveyor technology (9) to be variably determined, a singulation unit (21) in signal communication with the control unit (28) for singulating the hanging adapters (24) into the conveyor technology (9) with the variably determined transport distance (d) T ).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for feeding transport bags into a conveyor system of an overhead conveyor system, as well as to such an overhead conveyor system.

[0002] DE 10 2019 215 304 B3 discloses an overhead conveyor system with a device for feeding suspended goods into the system. A detection unit determines the thickness of each individual suspended item. The items are separated by a feeding unit and, depending on the detected thickness, fed into a conveying mechanism of the overhead conveyor system at a variable distance. Determining the thickness of the individual suspended items is complex and time-consuming.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to enable trouble-free conveying of transport bags in an overhead conveyor system with maximum performance efficiency in an uncomplicated and cost-effective manner.

[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 7, and by a method with the features specified in claim 11.

[0005] According to the invention, it has been found that it is not necessary to determine the thickness of the transport bags in order to variably define a transport distance for the conveying technology of an overhead conveyor system. Instead, it has been found that to variably define the transport distance for conveying the transport bags by means of the conveying technology, it is sufficient to detect the number of hanging adapters arranged within a detection range on a conveyor rail of a device for feeding the transport bags into the conveying technology. The hanging adapters each serve to convey a transport bag suspended within the device and within the conveying technology of the overhead conveyor system. The transport bags can be conveyed directly from the device, in particular from the conveyor rail, into the conveying technology. For this purpose, the conveyor rail is designed to be coupled to the conveying technology. The hanging adapters are conveyed suspended along the conveyor rail.This can be achieved, for example, by gravity, by arranging the conveyor rail at an angle to the horizontal that is not zero. The angle of inclination is, in particular, at most 25°, in particular at most 20°, in particular at most 15°, in particular between 1° and 12°, and in particular between 1° and 10°.

[0006] The conveyor technology features, in particular, a fixed carriage for transporting the hanging adapters and thus the transport bags.

[0007] A detection unit, which communicates with a control unit, is used to record the number of hanging adapters within the detection range. This communication can be wired or wireless, particularly via radio technology. The control unit is configured to variably define the transport distance for conveying the transport bags using the conveyor system. This transport distance is specifically a minimum distance. The transport distance is determined based on the number of hanging adapters. Specifically, the average distance between adjacent hanging adapters is calculated from the number of hanging adapters.

[0008] In particular, it was found that for the variable determination of the transport distance, it is not necessary to determine each individual distance between adjacent hanging adapters separately. It is sufficient, in particular, to determine the total number of hanging adapters in the detection area, especially by counting them, and to calculate an average distance for the accumulated hanging adapters arranged in the detection area from the number of hanging adapters and the accumulation length of the hanging adapters in the detection area.

[0009] The control unit communicates with a singulation unit, which is used to individually feed the hanging adapters into the conveyor system. The signal connection between the control unit and the singulation unit can be wired or wireless.

[0010] A detection sensor according to claim 2 enables advantageous, and in particular contactless, detection of the hanging adapters. Contactless detection of the hanging adapter allows for collision-free and rapid detection of the adapters. This avoids any disruption to the conveying process. The detection sensors, and in particular the detection unit, increase the reliability and efficiency of the overhead conveyor system. A detection sensor is arranged, in particular, in the area of ​​the conveyor rail, and especially attached to the conveyor rail. In particular, the detection sensor is axially fixed in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor rail. It can be advantageous to position the detection sensor axially variable with respect to the conveyor rail. In particular, the detection sensor defines the detection area on the conveyor rail.In particular, the detection sensor is arranged relative to the conveyor rail in such a way that the detection sensor can directly detect the hanging adapters conveyed along the conveyor rail.

[0011] An embodiment of a detection sensor according to claim 3 has proven to be particularly advantageous. An optical sensor, especially in the form of a light barrier, is simple in design. Since it has been recognized that it is sufficient to detect the presence of a hanging adapter, the design of the detection sensor as an optical sensor, especially as a light barrier, is sufficient. A light barrier comprises, in particular, a transmitting element and a receiving element. The transmitting element emits an optical signal, which is received by the corresponding receiving element. In this case, there is no hanging adapter between the transmitting element and the receiving element. If no optical signal is received, this means that an object, i.e., a hanging adapter, is arranged between the transmitting element and the receiving element. The transmitting element and the corresponding receiving element are arranged on both sides below the conveyor rail.The optical signal from the transmitter element propagates in a direction transverse and, in particular, perpendicular to the conveying direction of the hanging adapters. Hanging adapters transported along the conveyor rail must pass through the optical signal of the light barrier. This reliably ensures that each hanging adapter is detected by a sensor.

[0012] Alternatively, the light barriers can also be designed as reflective light barriers. In this case, each detection sensor has a transmitter / receiver element and a corresponding reflective element. The transmitter / receiver element sends an optical signal to the reflective element, which is reflected back to the transmitter / receiver element. In this case, there is no object, i.e., no hanging adapter, between the elements of the reflective light barrier. If no reflected signal is detected at the transmitter / receiver element, then an object, specifically a hanging adapter, is located between the components of the reflective light barrier.

[0013] In principle, other sensors, particularly optical sensors, are also possible, suitable for determining the number and, in particular, the position of the hanging adapters within the detection area. Specifically, the at least one detection sensor can also be a line scan camera with a CCD, CMOS, NMOS, or InGaAs sensor. The line scan camera is designed such that its width corresponds to the width of the detection area. Therefore, it may be sufficient to use only a single sensor. An area scan camera can also be used instead of the line scan camera.

[0014] Alternatively, the detection sensor can be designed as an RFID sensor, which can communicate with the hanging adapter, particularly with an RFID chip located in and / or on the hanging adapter. With such a design, in addition to the number of adapters, further data from the hanging adapter and, in particular, from the transport bag suspended from the hanging adapter can be recorded. Specifically, it is conceivable that the data stored in the hanging adapter could also include data about the transport bag, especially about the goods being conveyed in the bag. It is particularly conceivable that the thickness of the transport bag could be inferred from the data about the goods being conveyed. This data can be used for verification when recording the transport distance.Alternatively, the transport distance can be determined based on the data of the conveyed goods in the transport bag, in particular the maximum possible thickness of the conveyed goods in the transport bag. For example, the maximum possible thickness for a cuboid package is understood to be the largest dimension. For a spherical package, the maximum dimension is the diameter of the sphere.

[0015] Alternatively, the detection sensor can also be designed as an inductive and / or capacitive proximity sensor.

[0016] Several detection sensors according to claim 4 enable the direct detection of the number of hanging adapters within the detection range. In particular, at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least four, in particular at least six, in particular at least eight, in particular at least ten, in particular at least fifteen, and in particular up to one hundred detection sensors are provided. The detection sensors are arranged side by side along the conveyor rail, in particular in a grid pattern. The grid pattern is oriented, in particular, parallel to a conveying direction defined by the conveyor rail. The length of the grid pattern along the conveying direction determines the size, in particular the width, of the detection range along the conveying direction. In particular, the detection sensors are arranged in the grid pattern with, in particular, identical grid spacings.The grid spacing is specifically defined such that a hanging adapter positioned on the conveyor rail within the detection range is reliably detected by one of the sensors. The sensors are primarily designed as light barriers. They form a light grid. These sensors enable immediate and straightforward detection of the number of hanging adapters, i.e., the fill level of the detection range.

[0017] A switchable stop element according to claim 5 simplifies the insertion of the hanging adapters into the conveyor technology with the variable transport distance.

[0018] A stop element according to claim 6 enables the immediate blocking and releasing of a hanging adapter.

[0019] An overhead conveyor system according to claim 7 essentially offers the advantages of the device described herein. In particular, the singulation unit of the device is in signal communication with the conveyor system, which is connected to the device, especially to the conveyor rail. The signal connection can be wired or wireless. This simplifies and ensures the straightforward loading of the overhead adapters into the conveyor system.

[0020] A conveying technology according to claim 8 simplifies the transport of the hanging adapters at a defined transport distance. In particular, several carriers are attached to a conveying means, wherein the carriers can each be engaged with a hanging adapter. The conveying means is in particular a conveyor chain, wherein the carriers can in particular be designed as extended chain pins.

[0021] An arrangement of the carriers according to claim 9 enables a simplified determination of the transport distance. In particular, the carriers are arranged with a regular spacing along the conveying means.

[0022] A drive spacing according to claim 10 takes into account the understanding that it is not necessary to define a drive spacing that is smaller than a minimum distance between adjacent hanging adapters. A minimum distance between adjacent hanging adapters is achieved when the hanging adapters are in direct contact. The minimum distance between adjacent hanging adapters defined in this way corresponds to the length of the hanging adapters oriented along the conveying direction. In particular, the drive spacing is at least as large as or greater than the length of a hanging adapter. In particular, the drive spacing is any multiple greater than 1, in particular at least 1.2 times, in particular at least 1.5 times, in particular at least 2 times, in particular at least 3 times the length of the hanging adapters.

[0023] A method according to claim 11 essentially has the advantages of the device to which reference is hereby made. Essentially, the number of hanging adapters arranged within the detection range is detected, and the transport distance is variably determined based on this number, and the hanging adapters are fed into the conveyor system with this variably determined transport distance.

[0024] A method according to claim 12 enables a simplified insertion of the hanging adapters into the conveyor technology.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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 in an overhead conveyor system, Fig. 3 an enlarged detail view of the device according to Fig. 2 with the recording unit, and Fig. 4 a partially cut-away side view of a conveyor technology of the overhead conveyor system according to Fig. 2.

[0027] One in Fig. 1. The overhead conveyor system, designated as a whole by 1, serves to convey and / or transport individual goods 2. The individual goods 2 are conveyed in the overhead conveyor system 1, in particular singulated, in transport bags 3. The transport bag 3 containing an individual item 2 constitutes an overhead conveyor 4. The individual goods 2 are, for example, clothing items packed in bags or goods from the online retail sector, so-called e-commerce, packaged in other transport containers, in particular cardboard boxes.

[0028] The suspended conveyed item 4 can alternatively also include a clothes hanger as a means of transport, on which a garment is conveyed while hanging.

[0029] The overhead conveyor system 1 includes a warehouse 5 in which the individual goods 2 are stored. The warehouse 5 can be configured as a manual or automated storage system. The overhead conveyor system 1 also has a receiving area 6, through which the individual goods 2 are fed to the overhead conveyor system 1, particularly from external sources. Returned goods can also be fed into the receiving area 6.

[0030] Goods receiving area 6 is connected to warehouse 5 by a conveying system. This conveying connection is, for example, a conveyor belt or a manual transfer of individual goods 2, which may also be in containers in goods receiving area 6, to warehouse 5.

[0031] The overhead conveyor system 1 further comprises at least one loading station 7, at which the individual goods 2 are loaded into the transport bag 3. The loading station 7 is independently connected to both the warehouse 5 and the receiving area 6 by means of a conveyor system. The individual goods 2 can be conveyed from the warehouse 5 and / or the receiving area 6 to the loading station 7 via this conveyor connection. The individual goods can also be conveyed manually from the warehouse 5 and / or the receiving area 6 to the loading station 7, in particular by means of a spring-loaded trolley or a pallet truck.

[0032] The overhead conveyor system 1 comprises a device 8 for feeding suspended goods 4 into the overhead conveyor system 1. The overhead conveyor system 1 comprises a conveying system 9 for picking up the fed suspended goods 4. The device 8 is conveyingly connected to the conveying system 9.

[0033] The overhead conveyor system 1 includes a goods storage unit 10 for storing, in particular for temporarily storing, the overhead conveyed goods 4 in the overhead conveyor system 1.

[0034] The overhead conveyor system 1 further comprises a sorting unit 11, which serves to sort the suspended goods 4, i.e., to change the order of the suspended goods 4 in the flow of goods. The sorting unit 11 can have several accumulation sections arranged in parallel and / or in series and / or one or more rotating rotors. Additionally or alternatively, the sorting unit 11 can be designed as a matrix sorter.

[0035] The overhead conveyor system 1 has at least one unloading station 12. Each sorting unit 11 can have several, in particular three or five, unloading stations 12. In particular, each unloading station 12 connected to the sorting unit 11 can be reached by each rotary head of the sorting unit 11. At the unloading station 12, the transport bags 3, each loaded with a single item 2, are opened and unloaded, in particular automatically.

[0036] The empty transport bags 3, emptied at unloading station 12, are returned via a return track 13 in the overhead conveyor system 1 and, in particular, made available to loading station 7 as empty bags for reloading with individual goods 2. The empty transport bags 3 can also be temporarily stored in an empty bag storage area (not shown).

[0037] The unloading station 12 is connected by conveyor technology to at least one packing station 14. At the packing station, the individual goods 2 are packed into a ready-to-ship order 15. The packing station 14 is connected by conveyor technology to a goods issue point 16. The orders 15, containing the individual goods 2, can leave the overhead conveyor system 1 via the goods issue point 16. Orders 15 from the goods issue point 16 can be transported away using external means of transport 17, in particular transport vehicles, especially trucks.

[0038] The following will be based on the Fig. 2. Device 8 is explained in more detail.

[0039] The device 8 comprises a accumulation section 18 with a conveyor rail 19, which allows the transport bags 3 to accumulate in the area of ​​the accumulation section 18. Each transport bag 3 is suspended from a hanging adapter 24. The hanging adapters 24 are guided and displaceable along the conveyor rail 19. The transport bags 3 are conveyed individually and suspended along the conveyor rail 19. The conveyor rail 19 is arranged at an angle n to the horizontal 20. The angle n is, in particular, between 1° and 10°. As a result of the inclination, the transport bags 3 are conveyed automatically along the conveyor rail 19 by gravity. Additionally or alternatively, the conveyor rail 19 can also have a Fig. 2 have a conveying drive not shown in order to actively, i.e., driven, convey the transport bags 3 along the conveyor rail 19.

[0040] Accumulation of the transport bags 3 at the accumulation section 18 is ensured by a singulation unit 21, which has a first stop element 22. The first stop element 22 is arranged at a downstream end of the conveyor rail 19, in particular at the transition of the conveyor rail 19 to the conveying system 9. The first stop element 22 is oriented transversely and perpendicularly to a conveying direction 23 defined by the conveyor rail 19. The first stop element 22 is displaceable along a direction transversely and perpendicularly to the conveying direction 23 with respect to the conveyor rail 19. In the Fig. In the arrangement shown in Figure 2, the first stop element 22 is in a blocking position. In the blocking position, the first stop element 22 is arranged such that a hanging adapter 24 adjacent to the first stop element 22 is blocked on the conveyor rail 19. The conveying of the hanging adapter 24 along the conveyor rail 19 is blocked by the first stop element 22.

[0041] The singulation unit 21 has a second stop element 25, which is essentially identical to the first stop element 22. The second stop element 25 is arranged transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly with respect to the conveying direction 23 on the conveyor rail 19, analogous to the first stop element 22, and is displaceable along a direction transversely and, in particular, perpendicular to the conveying direction 23 with respect to the conveyor rail 10. The second stop element 25 is arranged in the transition area from the conveyor rail 19 to the conveying system 9 on the device. With respect to the first stop element 22, the second stop element 25 is arranged downstream with respect to the conveying direction 23. In particular, the second stop element 25 is arranged at a distance along the conveying direction 23 from the first stop element 22.The distance between the stop elements 22, 25 is at least large enough to allow a hanging adapter 24 to be arranged between the two stop elements 22, 25 on the conveyor rail 19. The distance between the stop elements 22, 25 can also be chosen to allow several hanging adapters 24 to be arranged between the stop elements 22, 25, in particular at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least four or more hanging adapters 24.

[0042] The singulation unit 21 can also have a rotatable spindle with a screw thread, wherein there is only one transport bag 3 in each screw thread. By rotating the spindle, the transport bags 3 are singulated and fed into the conveyor system 9.

[0043] In the area of ​​the accumulation section 18, a detection unit 26 is arranged on the conveyor rail 19. The detection unit 26 serves to detect the number of hanging adapters 24 within a detection area 27 of the detection unit 26. The detection area 27 is arranged on the conveyor rail 19 and extends in particular along the conveyor rail 19.

[0044] The detection unit 26 is in signal communication with a control unit 28. The control unit 28 is configured to determine a transport distance d. T to determine the method for conveying the transport bags 3 using the conveyor technology 9. The signal connection between the detection unit 26 and the control unit 28 is to be established in Fig. 2 schematically indicated as a cable connection. The signal connection can also be wireless, in particular via a radio connection and especially via a Bluetooth connection.

[0045] The control unit 28 is also in signal communication with the singulation unit 21, in particular via cable.

[0046] The following will be based on the Fig. 3. The recording unit 26 is explained in more detail.

[0047] The detection unit 26 comprises several detection sensors 29, sixteen in the illustrated embodiment. More or fewer than sixteen detection sensors 29 can also be provided in the detection unit 26. The detection sensors 29 are arranged along the conveyor rail 19 in a grid pattern. The grid pattern has a grid direction 30 that is oriented parallel to the conveying direction 23 of the conveyor rail 19.

[0048] Along the grid direction 30, the detection sensors 29 are arranged with a grid spacing d, in particular an identical one. S arranged relative to each other. The grid spacing d S is oriented along the horizontal axis 20. Due to the grid spacing d SThe resolution accuracy of the detection unit 26 is defined. According to the illustrated embodiment, the grid spacing d S in particular defined such that a hanging adapter 24, which is arranged at any point within the detection range 27, is reliably detected by a detection sensor 29. The hanging adapters have an adapter width b along the conveying direction 23. A on. In particular, the following applies: d S ≤ b A .

[0049] The detection sensors 29 have a sensor area which, according to the illustrated embodiment, is circular. The sensor area can also have a non-circular shape, in particular a rectangular or square shape. The detection area has a horizontal extent oriented along the horizontal 20, which, according to the circular embodiment of the exemplary embodiment, has a diameter d F has. As grid spacing d SThe center-to-center distance of the sensor surfaces is defined. In particular, the following applies: d S > d F .

[0050] In particular, the following applies: dS <dA+dF.

[0051] Due to the number of detection sensors (29) and the grid spacing (d), S and the angle of inclination n results in a length L E of the detection area 27. The length L E is oriented along the conveying direction 23.

[0052] The detection unit 26 is arranged with respect to the conveyor rail 19 and, in particular, is attached to the conveyor rail 19 such that the grid direction 30 has a vertical distance d V The detection unit 26 runs below a lower end 31 of the conveyor rail 19. The detection sensor 29 is arranged such that it reliably detects the hanging adapters 24 that protrude downwards from the conveyor rail 19.

[0053] The detection sensors 29 are designed as light barriers according to the illustrated embodiment, comprising a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter emits an optical signal which is received by the corresponding receiver. If no optical signal is received, this indicates that an object, i.e., a hanging adapter 24, is positioned between the transmitter and receiver.

[0054] Alternatively, the detection sensor 29 can be configured with a transmitter / receiver element and a reflector element. The transmitter / receiver element sends an optical signal to the reflector element, which is reflected back to the transmitter / receiver element. Accordingly, a hanging adapter 24 is detected if no reflected signal is detected by the transmitter / receiver element.

[0055] The detection sensors 29, i.e., the transmitting and receiving elements or the transmitting / receiving elements and the reflecting elements, are arranged in pairs on both sides of the conveyor rail 19. The hanging adapters are conveyed along the conveyor rail 19 between the paired detection sensors 29. The detection sensors 29 form a so-called light grid.

[0056] The following will be based on the Fig. 4 the conveyor technology 9 explained in more detail.

[0057] The conveyor system 9 of the overhead conveyor 1 comprises the conveyor rail 19, which can be installed in a room by means of a suitable support device. A conveying element 32 in the form of a conveyor chain is arranged in the conveyor rail 19, which is designed as a hollow box profile. This conveying element can be driven along the conveying direction 23 by means of drive means (not shown). The overhead adapters 26, which are movable in the conveyor rail 19 by means of the conveying element 32, are also shown.

[0058] The conveyor chain 32 is a so-called roller chain, comprising rollers 33 which are pivotably connected to one another at a roller spacing a by means of connecting links 34 and bolts 35. The bolts 35 have downwardly projecting, bolt-shaped extensions that serve as drivers 36. The bolts 35 with the drivers 31 run perpendicular to the conveyor rail 19 in a vertical plane defined by the conveying direction 23.

[0059] The center-to-center distance of adjacent carriers 36 in the conveyor rail 19 in the conveying direction 23 corresponds exactly to the pitch of the conveyor chain 32, i.e., the roller spacing a, and is therefore unchangeable and constant. The center-to-center distance of adjacent carriers 36 corresponds to a regular carrier spacing d. A .

[0060] On its underside, the conveyor rail 19 has a longitudinal slot 37 extending in the conveying direction 23. A flat support element 38 of each hanging adapter 24 projects downwards from the conveyor rail 19 through the longitudinal slot 37. In its upper region, the hanging adapter 24 has a roller 39 on each side of the support element 33. These rollers are supported on a guide rib of the conveyor rail (not shown) and are slidable on this guide rib in the conveying direction 23. Thus, there are only a pair of common rollers 39, which are rotatable about a common axis 40. The entire hanging adapter 24 can pivot about the axis 40 in the conveyor rail 19.

[0061] The support element 38 has a receiving opening 41 at its lower end, into which a hook 42 of the transport bag 3 can be inserted. A hook 42 of a clothes hanger can also be inserted into the receiving opening 41.

[0062] An identification element 43, which can be a transponder, a barcode, or a QR code, is arranged on the hanging adapter 24 between the receiving opening 41 and the underside of the conveyor rail 19. The identification device 38 runs in the conveying direction 23 according to the arrangement of the plate-like support part 38, meaning its main surface is open and perpendicular to the conveying direction 23, i.e., to the side. It can therefore be uniquely identified by means of an identification device, such as a barcode reader or a transponder reader.

[0063] Above the rollers 39, a stylized extension 44 of the hanging adapter 24 extends, forming a single piece with the support element 38 at its upper end. A stop 45 in the form of a crossbar is located at the upper end of the extension 44. The extension 44 and the stop 45 have the basic shape of a hammer. The hanging adapter 24, with the extension 44 and the stop 45, is positioned in a space 46 formed between two adjacent carriers 36. During a conveying movement of the conveyor chain along the conveying direction 23, the hanging adapters are each carried along by the carrier 36, which trails in the conveying direction 23. The conveying system features a fixed carrying mechanism.

[0064] It is advantageous if each individual item 2 has an individual item identification device by which the individual items 2 can be uniquely identified. For clothing, this can be done, for example, by the manufacturer, the item, the size, and / or the color. The identification data of the individual items 2 can be transmitted electronically to a central control unit 47 and linked electronically with the data stored in the identification element 38 of a hanging adapter 24. During their transport in the overhead conveyor system 1, the individual items 2 can be uniquely assigned by means of appropriately arranged readers along the overhead conveyor system 1, which in particular detect the position of the transport bags 3. This enables the individual items 2 to be conveyed individually and in a targeted manner along the overhead conveyor system.

[0065] Regarding constructive details and further details of the conveyor technology 9, in particular the conveyor rail 19, the conveying medium 32 and the hanging adapters 24, reference is expressly made to DE 10 2005 006 455 A1.

[0066] The following will be based on the Fig. 1 to 4 a procedure for placing the transport bags 3 into the conveyor technology 9 of the overhead conveyor system 1 is explained in more detail.

[0067] Individual goods 2 are fed to goods receiving 6 and from there conveyed either directly or via warehouse 5 to loading station 7, where a transport bag 3 is loaded with, in particular, a single individual item 2. The transport bags 3 loaded with individual goods 2 are conveyed from loading station 7 to the device 8 and accumulated at the accumulation section 18.

[0068] The transport bags 13 arranged in a jam at the dam section 18 form a sample 48 of transport bags 3. The number of hanging adapters 24 in the detection area 27 is recorded by means of the detection unit 26. The number of recorded hanging adapters 24, according to Fig. For example, if the value of 2 is five, it is transmitted to the control unit 28. Furthermore, the queuing length L is transmitted by the detection unit 26. S The information about the accumulated transport bags 3 is transmitted to the control unit 28. The accumulation length L S The extension is understood to be along the conveyor rail 19 in which the hanging adapters 24 are located. According to the illustrated embodiment, the accumulation length L S smaller than the longitudinal extent L E of the detection area 27. The damming length L S is less than or equal to the length L E of the recording area 27.

[0069] From the dammed length L Sand the number of adapters within the detection range 27 is used in the control unit 28 to determine a mean adapter spacing d. m calculated as the quotient of the damming length L S and the number of adapters N reduced by 1 A , so d m = L S : (N A - 1).

[0070] In the control unit 28, the mean adapter distance d is used as a function of m a transport distance d T The transport distance d is variably determined, with which the transport bags 3 are fed into the conveyor system 9 of the overhead conveyor system 1. T such that the transport bags 3 are conveyed towards each other in the conveyor system 9. During conveying along the conveyor system 9, the transport bags 3 typically do not touch. In particular, the following applies: dT>dm.

[0071] Since the average adapter distance d mSince a mean value is used, it is conceivable that the actual adapter spacing of a transport bag to be abandoned 3 is greater than the mean adapter spacing d. m To prevent contact between the transport bags 3 in the conveyor system 9, the transport distance d is T with a safety factor s F provided. In particular, the following applies: d T ≥ d m · s F , where the safety factor s F especially between 1, 2 and 5, especially between 1, 5 and 3 and especially between 2 and 3.

[0072] The transport bags 3 are fed into the conveyor system 9 by the first stop element 20 being moved from the Fig. The first stop element 22 is moved from its blocking position to a release position. For this purpose, the first stop element 22 can be actuated along the actuation direction 49 by means of the singulation unit 21. Due to the incline of the accumulation section 19, the transport bag 3, which is located adjacent to the first stop element 22, passes by it and is stopped by the second stop element 25, which is in the blocking position. The first stop element 22 is then moved back into the blocking position. This prevents another transport bag 3 from entering between the two stop elements 22 and 25. In particular, only a single hanging adapter 24 is arranged between the two stop elements 22 and 25.

[0073] After a defined time interval Δt, the second stop element 25 opens and releases the transport bag 3 individually into the conveyor system 9. The transport bag 3, in particular the corresponding hanging adapter 24, is picked up by one of the carriers 36. Depending on the time interval Δt and the speed of the conveying medium 32 in the conveyor system 9, the respective transport distance d results. T As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the transport bags 3 have different thicknesses depending on the individual goods being conveyed, resulting in different adapter spacings and thus a different average adapter spacing d. m This results in different transport distances. T,1 , d T,2 determined.

[0074] The time interval Δt is determined in particular such that the hanging adapter 24 to be introduced into the conveyor system 9 is carried along by a selected carrier 36.

[0075] The variable determination of transport distances d T This is done in a particularly uncomplicated and reliable manner.

[0076] The transport bags 3 are positioned along the conveyor system 9 with an optimal transport distance d. T promoted. The respective transport distance d T,i The distance between two adjacent transport bags 3 is individually adjusted. The respective transport distance d T,i is set in such a way as to avoid a collision between adjacent transport pockets 3 and thus a disruption of the overhead conveyor system 1. The transport distance d T However, it is also small enough to ensure the greatest possible utilization of the conveying capacity of the overhead conveyor system 1.

[0077] It is advantageous if the detection unit 26 determines the average distances d mAll transport bags 3 in the queue 18 are detected, transmitted to the control unit 28, and from there the singulation unit 21 is controlled accordingly. The control unit 28 is specifically designed as a programmable logic controller (PLC) and enables an evaluation of the values ​​for the queue length L transmitted by the detection unit 26. S and the number N A the hanging adapter 24. It is advantageous to consider the following when determining the transport distances: T to consider historical data, in particular the data of hanging adapters, i.e. their number and their storage length L S to take into account those who were located in the recording area 27 during a past period. This historical data can be combined, in particular, with currently recorded data.

[0078] For example, the historical data includes such small average adapter distances d m, which establishes a transport distance d T This would have enabled a transport distance that is smaller than the required minimum. Because the minimum transport distance cannot be undercut by the system's design, very thin suspended goods with a transport distance of d are not possible. T The plan was abandoned, which is larger than necessary. This results in a comparatively reduced conveying density, which is taken into account when determining the transport distance d. T This can be taken into account based on current data. In particular, this is done by ensuring a transport distance d. T for a current transport bag 3, a smaller size can be chosen or set than that specified according to a method for determining the transport distance d. T The allocation rule used would be required.

[0079] Due to the consideration of historical data when processing current data, the transport distances can be adjusted. T The distance may need to be set smaller than required by the specification, since the newly introduced goods 4 were introduced into the conveyor system with a low conveying density. Considering historical data is possible, in particular, as long as any excess gaps resulting from the very thin suspended goods 4 are compensated for by the thicker suspended goods 4. Combining historical and current data when determining the transport distance can further increase the conveying capacity. Even when compensating for excess gaps, the minimum transport distance required by the system must be maintained.

[0080] Furthermore, it is advantageous to have the historical data on the adapter distances d mto be processed further. In particular, the historical data of the adapter distances can be used. m This can be used to determine and / or calculate the exact fill level of a discharge or storage section. In particular, storage units for suspended conveyed goods 4 can be filled more efficiently, since a general assumption of an average thickness for all suspended conveyed goods 4 is unnecessary.

[0081] Because the transport distance d T The design of a discharge section of the conveyor system 9 can be improved by individually defining the transport distance. For the design, the currently defined, individually specified transport distance d can be used. TThis system can be used. Designing the discharge section based on a maximum thickness of the suspended 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 required for the discharge section is increased. The investment costs for such an overhead conveyor system are reduced.

[0082] The suspended goods 4 fed into the conveyor system 9 are conveyed to the goods storage unit 10, the sorting unit 11, and the unloading station 12. There, the individual goods 2 are emptied from the transport bag 3, packed into orders 15 at packing stations 14, and shipped from the goods dispatch station 16. The emptied transport bags 3 are returned via the return track 3 of the loading station 7. It is also conceivable that the conveyor system 9 has branching sections (not shown) to convey the suspended goods 4 directly past the goods storage unit 10 and / or the sorting unit 11.

Claims

[1] Device for placing transport bags (3) into a conveying system (9) of an overhead conveyor system (1) comprising a. a conveyor rail (19) which can be coupled to the conveyor technology (9) and along which the transport bags (3) can each be suspended and conveyed by means of a hanging adapter (24), b. a detection unit (26) for detecting the number of hanging adapters (24) arranged on the conveyor rail (19) within a detection area (27), c. a control unit (28) in signal communication with the detection unit (26), which is configured to determine a transport distance (d T ) to be variably determined for conveying the transport bags (3) using the conveyor technology (9), d. a singulation unit (21) in signal communication with the control unit (28) for singulating the hanging adapters (24) into the conveyor system (9) with the variable transport distance (d) T). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the detection unit (26) has at least one detection sensor (29) for detecting a hanging adapter (24), in particular without contact. [3] Device according to claim 2, characterized by , that the at least one detection sensor (29) is designed as an optical sensor, in particular as a light barrier, or as an RFID sensor. [4] Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by several detection sensors (29) arranged in a grid pattern along the conveyor rail (19). [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the singulation unit (21) has a switchable stop element (22, 25) which can be switched between a blocking position in which the hanging adapter (24) adjacent to the stop element (22, 25) is blocked on the conveyor rail (19) and a release position in which the hanging adapter (24) adjacent to the stop element (22, 25) is released for conveying from the conveyor rail (19) into the conveying technology (9). [6] Device according to claim 5, characterized by , that the stop element (22, 25) is arranged on the conveyor rail (19), in particular attached to the conveyor rail (19). [7] Overhead conveyor system comprising a. a device (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, b. a conveying technology (9) connected to the device (8) for carrying away the suspended hanging adapters (24). [8] Overhead conveyor system according to claim 7, characterized by, that the conveying technology (9) includes a conveying means with attached carriers (36). [9] Overhead conveyor system according to claim 8, characterized by , that the drivers (36) with a, in particular regular, driver spacing (d A ) are arranged along the conveying element (27). [10] Overhead conveyor system according to claim 9, characterized by , that the drive spacing (d A ) is greater than a length oriented along the conveying direction (23) (L H ) the hanging adapter (24). [11] Method for placing transport bags (3) into a conveying system (9) of an overhead conveyor system (1) according to one of claims 7 to 10 comprising the method steps - suspended conveying of each carrying a transport bag (3) suspended adapter (24) along a conveyor rail (19) which can be coupled to the conveyor technology (9) in a conveying manner, - Determining the number of hanging adapters (24) arranged on the conveyor rail (19) within a detection area (27) by means of a detection unit (26), - variable setting of a transport distance (d T ) for conveying the transport bags (3) with the conveyor technology (9) by means of a control unit (28) in signal communication with the detection unit (26), - isolated insertion of the hanging adapters (24) into the conveyor system (9) with the variable transport distance (d) T ) by means of a singulation unit (21) which is in signal communication with the control unit (28). [12] Method according to claim 11, characterized by, that the singular placement of the hanging adapters (24) is carried out by switching a switchable stop element (22, 25) of the singulation unit (21) from a blocking position, in which the hanging adapter (24) adjacent to the stop element (22, 25) is blocked on the conveyor rail (19), to a release position, in which the hanging adapter (24) adjacent to the stop element (22, 25) is released for conveying from the conveyor rail (19) into the conveying technology (9).

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