System and procedure for handling and / or sorting unit loads into removal areas

Abstract

System (10) for handling and / or sorting unit loads into removal areas (12) comprising a conveying device (14) with a transport surface for unit loads that can be moved in a transport direction (16), a large number of receiving devices (18) for transferring the unit loads from the transport area of ​​the conveying device (14) to the respective discharge area (12), and a removal area open space (34) at the removal areas (12) for receiving the unit loads from the receiving devices (18), wherein the conveying device (14) is designed as a horizontal circular track and has at least two opposing sections (20a, 20b), wherein a first group of receiving facilities (18a) from the first of the two sections (20a, 20b) point into an interior (22) of the circuit, wherein a second group of receiving facilities (18b) from the second of the two sections (20a, 20b) point into the interior (22) of the circuit, and wherein inside (22) of the circular track at least one receiving device of the first group (18a) is arranged laterally directly next to a receiving device of the second group (18b) and the plurality of receiving devices (18) is arranged such that inside (22) of the circular track receiving devices of the first group (18a) alternate with receiving devices of the second group (18b), and wherein the removal area free space (34) is arranged at the end of each respective receiving device (18), below the conveying device (14) and below the laterally adjacent receiving device (18).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a system for transferring and / or sorting unit loads into removal areas.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for transferring and / or sorting unit loads into removal areas. Background of the invention

[0003] As a result of increasing freight traffic through general cargo journeys, truck or container transports, sea and / or air freight parcel transports within the framework of e-commerce and online mail order offers, the number of transported goods and in particular parcel shipments, hereinafter generally referred to as general cargo, has increased significantly.

[0004] Courier, express, and parcel services are therefore an important part of the transport business and are characterized by speed, punctuality, and reliability. Providers collect, sort, and organize the movement of general cargo between their distribution centers, also known as delivery bases and / or hubs. For transport, standardized swap bodies with solid walls and roller doors on one end are almost always used. These containers transport general cargo, such as packages, small parcels, and parcels, in roll containers and / or on pallets. To transport general cargo from sender to recipient as efficiently as possible, as many process steps as possible in the hubs and / or delivery bases are automated.

[0005] The hubs and / or delivery depots form a finely structured, essentially hierarchical sorting and distribution network: General cargo delivered by customers to branches or drop-off points and / or collected directly from customers is transported to a corresponding origin distribution center (also called an origin hub). Sorting and forwarding to the destination distribution center (also called an inbound hub) corresponding to the shipment is carried out using a routing code, automatic address reading, and / or video coding. Transport between distribution centers is carried out, for example, via direct transport using swap bodies. At the destination distribution center, the general cargo is again sorted according to its assigned routing information and then forwarded to the regional delivery depots via supply runs as part of the final distribution process.From the regional delivery base, the delivery driver then takes over the further transport of the shipment to the recipient or to a collection point chosen by the recipient. Depending on capacity and efficiency, it may also be possible for the originating distribution center to send general cargo directly to a regional delivery base outside its region, thus relieving the destination distribution center of some of its general cargo volume. This also increases the flexibility of the distribution network. Furthermore, because the regional delivery bases sort the general cargo within their service area themselves, they relieve the destination distribution center of the final sorting task.

[0006] For reasons of efficiency and capacity, a distinction is made between standard delivery areas and combined delivery areas when delivering mail from regional distribution centers to recipients. Standard delivery areas handle regular deliveries, where general cargo, such as parcels and packages, are delivered separately from letters. Combined delivery areas, on the other hand, handle combined deliveries, where general cargo and letters are delivered together. Whether an area is classified as a standard delivery area or a combined delivery area depends, among other things, on the volume of parcels and letters within that area and can change over time.

[0007] The distinction between standard delivery districts and combined delivery districts, and thus the division of general cargo into two categories, means that regional delivery depots, which perform the fine sorting of general cargo, must check whether combined or standard delivery districts are located near them. This makes the sorting processes in the regional delivery depots complex and also necessitates adjustments to these processes depending on the volume of letters and general cargo. Furthermore, the increasing volume of general cargo creates a need to increase capacity.

[0008] US Patent 3,049,218 describes a sorting system for post offices and the like. It describes a loading unit for a sorting system, the sorting system comprising a continuously moving horizontal conveyor consisting of parcel transport containers hinged end-to-end and designed for selective unloading at a series of chutes as destination stations. The loading unit is designed to deliver the items to the moving containers at a velocity sufficient to keep pace with the conveyor's speed.

[0009] DE 101 36 124 C1 relates to a transport system for conveying goods or technical equipment in trucks, with several roll modules that can be moved into a predetermined position on the loading platform, which, when in their predetermined position, are arranged one behind the other in a space-saving row arrangement along a side wall of a superstructure of the truck that delimits the loading space, and with a securing of the roll modules in their predetermined position by means of locking devices by which the roll modules can be detachably fixed to the superstructure of the truck. Description of the invention

[0010] Based on this situation, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system and a corresponding method for increasing the efficiency of handling and / or sorting general cargo. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system and a corresponding method for enabling flexible use of a delivery base, allowing for quick and easy responses to varying volumes of mail and general cargo.

[0011] The object of the invention is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0012] Accordingly, the task is solved by a system for transferring and / or sorting unit loads into discharge areas, wherein the system comprises a conveyor device with a transport surface for unit loads that can be moved in one transport direction, a plurality of receiving devices for transferring the unit loads from the transport surface of the conveyor device to the respective discharge area, and a discharge area open space at the discharge areas for receiving the unit loads from the receiving devices, wherein the conveyor device is designed as a horizontal circular track and has at least two opposing sections, wherein a first group of receiving devices points from the first of the two sections into the interior of the circular track, and wherein a second group of receiving devices points from the second of the two sections into the interior of the circular track.and wherein inside the circular track at least one receiving device of the first group is arranged laterally directly next to a receiving device of the second group, and the plurality of receiving devices are arranged such that inside the circular track receiving devices of the first group alternate with receiving devices of the second group, and wherein the removal area free space is arranged at the end of each respective receiving device, below the conveying device and below the laterally adjacent receiving device.

[0013] The task is further enhanced by a method for transferring and / or sorting unit loads into discharge areas with a system comprising a conveyor device with a transport surface for unit loads that can be moved in a transport direction, a plurality of receiving devices for transferring the unit loads from the transport surface of the conveyor device to the respective discharge area, and a discharge area open space at the discharge areas for receiving the unit loads from the receiving devices, wherein the conveyor device is designed as a horizontal circular track and has at least two opposing sections, wherein a first group of receiving devices points from the first of the two sections into the interior of the circular track, and wherein a second group of receiving devices points from the second of the two sections into the interior of the circular track.and wherein inside the circular track at least one receiving device of the first group is arranged laterally directly next to a receiving device of the second group and the plurality of receiving devices are arranged such that inside the circular track receiving devices of the first group alternate with receiving devices of the second group, and wherein the removal area free space is arranged at the end of each respective receiving device, below the conveying device and below the laterally adjacent receiving device, solved by the step:, - Sorting the general cargo in such a way that general cargo from combined districts is transported to the respective removal areas using receiving facilities of the first group, and that general cargo from regular districts is transported to the respective removal areas using receiving facilities of the second group.

[0014] One aspect of the invention lies in the fact that the receiving devices point into the interior of the circular track, originate from two opposing sections of the circular track, and that at least one receiving device of the first group is arranged laterally directly adjacent to a receiving device of the second group within the circular track. The arrangement of the receiving devices allows, during sorting, the individual items delivered within a combined delivery area—so-called combined delivery area items, i.e., preferably items delivered together with mail—to be transported to the respective unloading areas by receiving devices of the first group, and the individual items delivered within a standard delivery area—so-called standard delivery area items, i.e., preferably items delivered exclusively with other individual items—to the respective unloading areas by receiving devices of the second group.In particular, the arrangement allows for short-term adjustments to the delivery type without having to change the arrangement of the receiving facilities relative to each other, thus increasing flexibility. The system and procedure can therefore respond flexibly to changing quantities of general cargo of different categories, which are referred to in this application as combined district general cargo and standard district general cargo. However, the procedure is not limited to combined district general cargo and standard district general cargo, but generally enables efficient distribution in the distribution areas for general cargo belonging to two different categories.

[0015] In other words, the arrangement of the receiving facilities spatially separates the corresponding discharge areas, placing them on two opposite sides. This allows discharge areas on one side to be used for goods from combined delivery districts and those on the other side for goods from standard delivery districts. This spatial separation enables flexible adjustments to the sorting processes without requiring any changes to the arrangement of the receiving facilities. Since goods from combined delivery districts are conveyed to the discharge areas on the combined side and goods from standard delivery districts to the discharge areas on the standard side, a clear separation of these two groups is ensured. This eliminates the need to consider in advance whether combined or standard delivery districts are located near the regional delivery base.

[0016] Furthermore, the arrangement of the receiving devices means that the unloading areas are located on two opposite sides, allowing the subsequent loading of delivery vehicles with general cargo to also be carried out on both opposite sides. This provides more space for delivery vehicles compared to an arrangement where all receiving devices face in one direction, or allows for up to twice as many delivery vehicles to be used with the same amount of space per vehicle. Accordingly, the capacity can be increased.

[0017] Another aspect of the invention is that the space utilization is increased compared to an arrangement where the recording devices do not point inwards towards the center of the circular track, since there is hardly any empty space inside the track. This leads to cost savings in the construction of the system and allows the system to be operated in an environmentally friendly manner, since, for example, no unusable space needs to be unnecessarily heated or air-conditioned.

[0018] As already mentioned, the conveying device comprises the transport surface, which is movable in the direction of transport, and is designed as a horizontal circular track with at least two opposing sections. A horizontal circular track, in this context, means that a normal vector of the transport surface points upwards in space over the entire circular track of the conveying device, and not downwards in space for half of the circular track, as is the case with a vertical circular track. The circular track can, in principle, have any self-contained shape, for example, oval, circular, or figure-eight. Preferably, however, the opposing sections of the circular track run parallel to each other. This simplifies the arrangement of at least one receiving device of the first group directly adjacent to a receiving device of the second group inside the circular track.Preferably, the conveying device is also configured to transport the unit loads, which can be arranged and / or are arranged on the transport surface, into the receiving device. For example, the conveying device can be designed to move the unit loads transversely to the direction of transport. Preferably, the conveying device has a diverting device and / or a discharge device for this purpose. The diverting device and / or discharge device can be fixed to the receiving device or, alternatively, rotate with the conveying device, as in a cross-belt sorter. Preferably, the conveying device is designed to enable a positionally correct transfer of the unit loads from the transport surface into the receiving device.

[0019] In this context, "general cargo" refers to goods that are generally not standardized. Preferably, the general cargo is suitable for machine handling. Examples include packages, parcels, parcels, and / or (large) letters. General cargo preferably has lateral dimensions of ≥ 100 mm x 150 mm x 10 mm and / or a weight of ≥ 100 g. More preferably, general cargo has lateral dimensions of ≤ 600 mm x 600 mm x 1200 mm and / or a weight of ≤ 31.5 kg. However, other dimensions and / or weights are also possible.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the end of the receiving device furthest from the conveyor is positioned lower than the end closest to the conveyor. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the circular path of the conveyor is not at ground level but elevated. Since at least one receiving device of the first group is arranged laterally next to a receiving device of the second group within the circular path, the adjacent receiving devices preferably have a crosswise arrangement in the form of an X when viewed from the side. This arrangement enables particularly efficient use of space in the removal area. In this way, the efficiency of removing the individual parts in the removal areas can be increased.

[0021] The numerous receiving units are arranged such that, within the circular track, receiving units from the first group alternate with those from the second group. In other words, the receiving units of the first and second groups are arranged in a repeating, crossed pattern within the circular track. Preferably, every second receiving unit faces one side of the track, and the remaining receiving units face the opposite side. This ensures a regular distribution of the unloading areas, contributing to even space utilization and allowing for more efficient unloading of the individual items, thus increasing sorting performance. Furthermore, this arrangement greatly facilitates the transfer of the individual items to the delivery vehicles.

[0022] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the receiving devices are also designed in pairs. Preferably, the receiving devices are designed as roller conveyors and / or chutes, and in particular as pairs of roller conveyors and / or chutes. A paired design preferably means that the receiving device comprises two tracks pointing in the same direction for receiving the unit loads from the conveying device and for transferring the unit loads to the discharge area. In this way, a paired, crossed arrangement of chutes and / or roller conveyors is created inside the circular track.Preferably, the receiving device also has a movable and / or pivotable driven roller conveyor at the end of the receiving device closest to the conveying device and / or, following this, a non-movable and / or non-pivotable driven roller conveyor towards the end of the receiving device furthest from the conveying device. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that each discharge device and / or dispensing device of the conveying device serves exactly one receiving device – i.e., preferably a pair of roller conveyors and / or chutes. It is further preferably provided that the receiving devices are configured in pairs to serve two removal areas. Thus, the removal areas are also preferably arranged in pairs, which allows for particularly favorable space utilization at the removal areas and leads to particularly efficient workflows.

[0023] Furthermore, the system is designed to include a discharge area at the discharge points for receiving the unit loads from the receiving devices. This discharge area is located at the end of each receiving device, below the conveyor, and below the laterally adjacent receiving device. Preferably, the discharge area of ​​each receiving device is located below the conveyor and below the laterally adjacent receiving device. The crossed arrangement of the receiving devices, preferably designed as pairs of roller conveyors and / or chutes, results in a significant space saving in the discharge areas, allowing the discharge area to be located there. In conjunction with the paired design of the receiving devices, the discharge area preferably provides space for two discharge areas.The unloading area allows for different unloading of the goods from the unloading areas into the delivery vehicles and / or into containers such as trolleys and / or roll containers, without having to change the arrangement of the receiving devices relative to each other.

[0024] In connection with the removal of the individual items, a further preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the system comprises a plurality of containers, wherein the containers are arranged on the open area of ​​the removal area, and / or that the system comprises a pull-out table, wherein the pull-out table adjoins the receiving device and is arranged on the open area of ​​the removal area. The pull-out table preferably comprises non-driven rollers and can be connected to, or be connectable to, the end of the receiving device furthest from the conveying device. More preferably, the containers are roll containers and / or trolleys used for loading the individual items into delivery vehicles.The configuration of the respective unloading area can be particularly advantageously adapted with containers and / or pull-out tables, depending on whether combined district general cargo or regular district general cargo is processed in the unloading area.

[0025] In this context, a further preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the configuration of containers and / or pull-out tables on adjacent removal area open spaces is identical and / or that the configuration of containers and / or pull-out tables on opposing removal area open spaces is different. Preferably, removal areas in which composite material units are processed have only containers and no extended pull-out tables and / or no pull-out tables. More preferably, removal areas in which standard material units are processed have containers and pull-out tables, particularly preferably extended pull-out tables. The configuration of containers and / or pull-out tables preferably refers to the number and arrangement of the containers and / or the pull-out tables and / or the status of the pull-out table – i.e., extended or not – on the removal area open space.

[0026] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the system comprises a building envelope for enclosing the conveying device and / or receiving device, wherein the building envelope includes a plurality of gates and / or loading ramps, and wherein at least one, preferably two, gates and / or loading ramps are accessible per discharge area. The building envelope serves to protect the system and preferably encloses the conveying device and the receiving device. More preferably, the discharge areas are also enclosed by the building envelope. To facilitate the loading of delivery vehicles, the building envelope more preferably includes gates and / or loading ramps. The gates and / or loading ramps are preferably arranged on two opposite sides of the building envelope and are particularly preferably distributed evenly over the two opposite sides of the building envelope.The repeating, crossed arrangement of the receiving devices particularly preferentially results in the removal areas being evenly distributed on both inner surfaces of the building envelope. This also allows both outer surfaces of the building envelope to be used as stopping and / or loading areas for delivery vehicles.

[0027] In this context, a further preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the circular track of the conveyor system extends in a substantially rectangular shape along an inner side of the building envelope. "Substantially rectangular" in this context means, in particular, that the corners of the rectangle are rounded. The two opposing sections preferably extend along the longitudinal side of the substantially rectangular circular track.In this way, particularly efficient use of space can take place, since the receiving devices, preferably designed as pairs of roller tracks and / or pairs of slides, point inwards into the circular track, are preferably arranged in a repeating, crossed pattern, and the removal areas are preferably arranged regularly on the longitudinal side of the building envelope, such that the removal area free space is located at the end of each receiving device, below the opposite section of the conveying device and below the adjacent receiving device.

[0028] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the system also includes a feeding device, in particular a telescopic belt conveyor, for feeding the unit loads onto the conveying device. Particularly preferred are several feeding devices and / or the feeding devices designed to be coupled to the swap body and / or the transport vehicle for unloading. In this way, the conveying device can be efficiently loaded with the unit loads for sorting and / or transfer.

[0029] It is further preferably provided that the system includes a scanner arranged on the conveyor for scanning the individual items. In this way, the item and / or a code associated with the item can be recorded in order to sort it, for example, into the corresponding collection area according to the delivery district. In this context, "delivery district" refers to a specific sorting criterion for the item. Preferably, the delivery district is a part of a populated area to which the item is to be delivered and which is preferably served by a delivery person. Preferably, the sorting process is based on a stored address list and the code recorded on the item by the scanner, which is used to determine the delivery district.

[0030] In this context, a preferred embodiment of the invention further provides that the system includes a control unit, the control unit being configured such that the system transports combined goods (i.e., goods of one category) to the discharge areas using receiving devices of the first group, and that the system transports standard goods (i.e., goods of the other category) to the discharge areas using receiving devices of the second group. In other words, it is preferably provided that the control unit is programmed to ensure that combined goods slide only to the discharge areas on the combined side and standard goods slide only to the discharge areas on the standard side, thereby ensuring a spatial separation of combined goods and standard goods.In addition, the gates on both sides of the building envelope are used preferentially, so that twice as many delivery vehicles can be loaded simultaneously from the loading areas as if only one side of the building envelope were used.

[0031] As already mentioned, the object of the invention is further achieved by the method for transferring and / or sorting unit loads into removal areas, preferably with the system described above, with the step: - Sorting the general cargo in such a way that general cargo from combined districts is transported to the respective removal areas using receiving facilities of the first group, and that general cargo from regular districts is transported to the respective removal areas using receiving facilities of the second group.

[0032] The spatial separation of the discharge areas for combined district general cargo and for standard district general cargo, made possible by the arrangement of the receiving devices described above, as well as the space saved at the discharge areas, leads to greater system flexibility. The system can therefore react flexibly to changing quantities of general cargo of different categories (combined district general cargo and standard district general cargo). The open space in the discharge area is preferably used to store empty containers, and in particular, to store empty containers below the adjacent receiving devices.

[0033] Furthermore, the increased space available at the discharge areas allows for different discharge rates for individual items without requiring any changes to the arrangement of the receiving equipment. Therefore, the process is not only suitable for transferring and / or sorting individual items into the discharge areas, but also enables the transfer and / or sorting of individual items from the discharge areas.

[0034] In this context, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the following steps: - Sorting the general cargo in such a way that combined general cargo from several delivery districts is brought to a collection area, - Transferring the combined district general cargo at the transfer areas into a plurality of containers, whereby the number of containers corresponds at least to the number of delivery districts and the combined district general cargo is sorted separately into the containers according to delivery district, - Loading a delivery vehicle from a full container, taking into account the container's delivery area.

[0035] In other words, when unloading general cargo in the unloading areas, it is preferably provided that the goods from multiple delivery districts are sorted in such a way that goods from several delivery districts are brought to a common unloading area for further sorting. Preferably, goods from more than two, and particularly preferably from four, different delivery districts are brought to one unloading area. Further sorting of the goods is then preferably carried out using the containers available on the unloading area's open space, such that the goods from multiple delivery districts are sorted into the containers, preferably manually by employees, separated by delivery district. The size of the unloading area's open space allows, in particular, for four delivery districts to be processed in one unloading area.This sorting process is preferably followed by a downstream loading operation of a delivery vehicle, which is particularly preferably positioned and / or located in front of the gate and / or loading ramp accessible from the unloading area. More preferably, full containers can be temporarily stored in front of the gate. For example, 80 distribution districts can be served in this way with 20 unloading areas.

[0036] As an alternative to this 4-to-1 sorting process, in which the combined delivery districts' general cargo from four combined delivery districts are sorted using at least four containers, a 4-to-2 sorting process with negative separation can also be carried out. In this way, for example, 80 combined delivery districts can be served with 20 sorting areas. According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the following steps: - Sorting the general cargo in such a way that combined general cargo from several delivery districts is brought to a collection area, - Transferring the combined district general cargo in the transfer areas into a plurality of containers, whereby the number of containers corresponds to at least half the number of delivery districts and combined district general cargo from two delivery districts is sorted into one container each, - Loading a first delivery vehicle from a full container with combined district general cargo from exactly one delivery district, and - Loading another delivery vehicle with the remaining general cargo from the other delivery district that was left in the container.

[0037] As previously described, the goods from multiple delivery districts are preferably sorted such that goods from several delivery districts are brought to a common unloading area for further sorting. Preferably, goods from more than two, and especially preferably from four, different delivery districts are brought to one unloading area. The further sorting of the goods is then also preferably carried out using the containers available on the unloading area, with employees manually sorting the goods from multiple delivery districts into the containers. It is particularly preferred that one container is used for two delivery districts.When the delivery vehicle is subsequently loaded from a full container, which then contains combined district general cargo from two different delivery districts, a negative separation takes place, such that a second delivery vehicle can be loaded with the combined district general cargo remaining in the container.

[0038] In view of the higher quantities of general cargo expected in the control districts, a further embodiment of the invention preferably provides that the method comprises the following steps: - Sorting the general cargo in such a way that general cargo from two delivery districts is brought to a collection area, - Removal of the standard district goods in the removal areas by: - Loading a first delivery vehicle, whereby the delivery vehicle is loaded with standard delivery items from exactly one delivery district, and standard delivery items from the other delivery district are temporarily stored in a container, - Loading another delivery vehicle with the regular district general cargo temporarily stored in the container for the other delivery district.

[0039] In other words, for standard delivery routes, the delivery vehicles are preferably loaded directly with the rejected items, with the standard delivery route items rejected during loading being temporarily stored in containers before being loaded from the containers into another delivery vehicle. For example, 40 standard delivery routes can be served in this way with 20 collection areas. Furthermore, the increased space allows a trailer to be coupled to the first and / or second delivery vehicle, enabling up to twice as many standard delivery route items to be delivered per trip compared to a route without a trailer.

[0040] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is also provided that the method includes the step - Includes feeding the unit loads onto the conveyor system by means of a feeding device, whereby the unit loads are fed in loose.

[0041] Preferably, the individual items are fed in loose. This eliminates the need for roll containers in the system and process, thus freeing up additional space previously required for these containers. Brief description of the drawings

[0042] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and by means of preferred embodiments.

[0043] The drawings show Fig. 1 A schematic view of a system for transferring and / or sorting unit loads into removal areas, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 a perspective view of a system for transferring and / or sorting unit loads into removal areas, according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3 a schematic sectional view of the system Fig. 2 with two reception facilities, Fig. 4. A schematic top view and a schematic sectional view at a height of 2 m 10 cm of the system. Fig. 2, Fig. 5 a schematic view of removal areas of a system for removing standard district components, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 6 A schematic view of removal areas of a system for removing standard district general cargo as an alternative to Fig. 5, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 7 A schematic view of removal areas of a system for removing composite bulk materials, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of the implementation examples

[0044] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a system 10 for transferring and / or sorting unit loads (the unit loads themselves are not shown) into discharge areas 12, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The system 10 comprises a conveyor device 14 with a transport surface for unit loads that is movable in a transport direction 16 and a plurality of receiving devices 18 for transferring the unit loads from the transport surface of the conveyor device 14 into the respective discharge areas 12.The conveying device 14 is designed as a horizontal circular track and has at least two opposing sections 20a, 20b, wherein a first group of receiving devices 18a extend from the first of the two sections 20a, 20b into an interior 22 of the circular track, wherein a second group of receiving devices 18b extend from the second of the two sections 20a, 20b into the interior 22 of the circular track, and wherein in the interior 22 of the circular track at least one receiving device of the first group 18a is arranged laterally directly next to a receiving device of the second group 18b. As in . Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the numerous receiving devices 18 are arranged in such a way that receiving devices of the first group 18a alternate with receiving devices of the second group 18b inside the circular track 22. Furthermore, the system 10 has a feeding device 24, in this case four telescopic belt conveyors 24, for feeding the unit loads onto the conveying device 14.

[0045] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a system 10 for transferring and / or sorting unit loads into removal areas 12 according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention. Analogous to the embodiment in Fig. 1. System 10 comprises a conveying device 14 and a multitude of receiving devices 18. The conveying device 14 is also designed as a horizontal circular track and has at least two opposing sections 20a, 20b, the second section 20b being shown in perspective in the diagram. Fig. 2 is not visible. In this embodiment, system 10 also includes a building envelope 26 for enclosing the conveyor system 14 and receiving devices 18. The circular track of the conveyor system 14 extends along an inner side of the building envelope 26 and has a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners. Furthermore, the circular track of the conveyor system 14 is not at ground level, but elevated. In this embodiment, the building envelope 26 is 21 m wide and 103.4 m long.

[0046] The two opposing sections 20a and 20b run parallel to each other and correspond to the two opposite long sides of the rectangular circular track. As further explained in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, a first group of receiving devices 18a extends from the first of the two sections 20a, 20b into the interior 22 of the circular track, and a second group of receiving devices 18b extends from the second of the two sections 20a, 20b into the interior 22 of the circular track. The receiving devices 18 are designed as pairs of slides 18. This means that the end 28 of the receiving device 18 furthest from the conveying device is lower than the end 30 of the receiving device 18 closest to the conveying device. Furthermore, the pairs of slides 18 are designed to serve two discharge areas 12. Inside 22 of the circular track, a receiving device of the first group 18a is arranged laterally directly next to a receiving device of the second group 18b, with the receiving devices of the first group 18a alternating with those of the second group 18b. Accordingly, the removal areas 12 are arranged in even pairs on the inside of the building envelope 26.

[0047] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view of the system. Fig. 2, where it can be clearly seen that the crossed arrangement of the recording devices 18 results in the shape of an X when viewed from the side. As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As can also be seen in Figure 3, the building envelope 26 has a large number of gates 32, with the gates 32 being located on both opposite long sides of the building envelope 26.

[0048] In Fig. 4, which shows a schematic top view and a schematic sectional view at a height of 2 m 10 cm of the system. Fig. Figure 2 also shows that the crossed arrangement of the slide pairs 18 is accompanied by ample free space at the removal areas 12. As in Fig. 4b) - which, as a section view, only shows objects that are smaller than or equal to 2 m 10 cm - the system 10 has 2 removal area free areas 34 in the removal areas 12, wherein the removal area free area 34 is arranged at the end of each respective receiving device 18, below the conveying device 14 and below the laterally adjacent receiving device 18.

[0049] Furthermore, in Fig. 4a), as well as in Fig. 2 it is still evident that the system 10 includes a scanner 35 arranged on the conveyor 14 for scanning the unit load.

[0050] The Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Fig. Figures 7 each show a schematic view of removal areas 12 of a system 10 for removing unit loads, according to preferred embodiments of the invention, and illustrate how the removal area open space 34 can be used. Since the chute pairs 18 are designed to operate two removal areas 12, two removal areas 12 are accommodated on the removal area open space 34, with each removal area 12 being operated by an employee 36. A plurality of containers 38 – in this case, roll containers – are arranged on the removal area open space 34, as well as in the Fig. 5 and Fig. In the 6 illustrated embodiments, a pull-out table 40 is attached to each of the chutes 18. Furthermore, the removal area 34 provides space to store additional containers 38a as a reserve. At least two gates 32 of the building envelope 26 are accessible from the removal area 34. On the Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 also schematically shows the containers 38 and reserve containers 38a, which are arranged on the open area of ​​the adjacent excavation area to the right and left of the excavation area open space 34.

[0051] With reference to the Fig. Sections 2 and 5 to 7 below describe a procedure for handling and / or sorting unit loads into unloading areas 12 using system 10. The procedure includes the step - Sorting the general cargo in such a way that general cargo from combined districts is transported to the respective removal areas 12 using receiving facilities of the first group 18a and that general cargo from regular districts is transported to the respective removal areas 12 using receiving facilities of the second group 18b.

[0052] As in Fig. As can be seen in section 2, the general cargo items are spatially separated according to their category and / or delivery type. General cargo items delivered within a combined delivery area – so-called combined delivery area general cargo – are transported to the unloading areas 12 on one side 42 of the building envelope 26, while general cargo items delivered within a standard delivery area – so-called standard delivery area general cargo – are transported to the unloading areas 12 on the opposite side 44 of the building envelope 26. The building envelope 26 has a combined delivery side 42, where unloading areas 12 are located for processing combined delivery area general cargo, and a standard delivery side 44, where unloading areas 12 are located for processing standard delivery area general cargo.

[0053] The removal areas 12 of the composite side 42 are as in Fig. 7 shown, designed, in relation to Fig. 7. The procedure also includes the following steps: - Sorting the general cargo in such a way that general cargo from several delivery districts - in the present case in Fig. In the example shown, there are four delivery districts - which are transported to a collection area 12. - Transferring the combined district general cargo at the transfer areas 12 into a plurality of containers 38, wherein the number of containers 38 corresponds at least to the number of delivery districts and the combined district general cargo is sorted separately into the containers 38 according to delivery district, - Loading a delivery vehicle 46 from a full container 38, taking into account the delivery area of ​​the container 38.

[0054] The sorting of the general cargo at the unloading areas 12 of the assembly side 42 is carried out using the containers 38 located on the unloading area open space 34, such that the assembly district's general cargo is manually sorted into the containers 38 by the employees 36, separated according to delivery district. This sorting process is followed by the subsequent loading process of the delivery vehicle 46, which is positioned in front of the gates 32 accessible from the unloading area open space 34.

[0055] The removal areas 12 of the rule page 42 are as in Fig. 5 or Fig. 6 shown designed, in relation to the Fig. 5 or Fig. 6. The procedure also includes the following steps: - Sorting the general cargo in such a way that general cargo from two delivery districts is moved to a collection area 12, - Removal of the standard district goods in the removal areas 12 by: - Loading a first delivery vehicle 46, wherein the delivery vehicle 46 is loaded with standard district general cargo of exactly one delivery district, and standard district general cargo of the further delivery district is temporarily stored in a container 38, - Loading another delivery vehicle (into the Fig. 5 and Fig. (6 not shown) with the regular district general cargo of the further delivery district temporarily stored in container 38.

[0056] The sorting of the general cargo in the removal areas 12 of the standard side 44 is carried out by employees 36 directly loading the delivery vehicles 46 with negative sorting with standard district general cargo, whereby the standard district general cargo separated during loading is temporarily stored in containers 38. After the delivery vehicles 46 have been loaded and driven away, in a second wave the standard district general cargo temporarily stored in containers 38 can be transferred to further delivery vehicles (in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 (not shown) will be loaded.

[0057] The described embodiments are merely examples that can be modified and / or supplemented in various ways within the scope of the claims. Each feature described for a specific embodiment can be used independently or in combination with other features in any other embodiment. Each feature described for an embodiment of a particular category can also be used accordingly in an embodiment of another category. Reference symbol list 10 System 12 Removal area 14 Funding facility 16. Transport direction 18 recording facility, pair of slides 18a First Group Reception Facility 18b Reception facility of the second group 20a First Section 20b Second Section 22 Interior of the circuit 24 Feeding device, telescopic belt conveyor 26 Building envelope 28 End of the reception facility far from the funding institution 30 End of the reception facility near the funding institution 32 goals 34 Removal area open space 35 scanners 36 employees 83 containers 38a Reserve container 40 Extendable table 42 linked page 44 Rule page 46 delivery vehicles

Claims

[1] System (10) for handling and / or sorting unit loads into removal areas (12) comprising a conveying device (14) with a transport surface for unit loads that can be moved in a transport direction (16), a large number of receiving devices (18) for transferring the unit loads from the transport area of ​​the conveying device (14) to the respective discharge area (12), and a removal area open space (34) at the removal areas (12) for receiving the unit loads from the receiving devices (18), wherein the conveying device (14) is designed as a horizontal circular track and has at least two opposing sections (20a, 20b), wherein a first group of receiving facilities (18a) from the first of the two sections (20a, 20b) point into an interior (22) of the circuit, wherein a second group of receiving facilities (18b) from the second of the two sections (20a, 20b) point into the interior (22) of the circuit, and wherein inside (22) of the circular track at least one receiving device of the first group (18a) is arranged laterally directly next to a receiving device of the second group (18b) and the plurality of receiving devices (18) is arranged such that inside (22) of the circular track receiving devices of the first group (18a) alternate with receiving devices of the second group (18b), and wherein the removal area free space (34) is arranged at the end of each respective receiving device (18), below the conveying device (14) and below the laterally adjacent receiving device (18). [2] System (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein an end (28) of the receiving device (18) farther from the receiving device is lower than an end (30) of the receiving device (18) near the receiving device. [3] System (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving devices (18) are designed in pairs and / or wherein the receiving devices (18) are designed as roller track pairs and / or slide pairs (18). [4] System (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of containers (38), wherein the containers (38) are arranged on the removal area free surface (34) and / or an extension table (40), wherein the extension table (40) adjoins the receiving device (18) and is arranged on the removal area free surface (34). [5] System (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein a configuration of containers (38) and / or pull-out tables (40) on adjacent removal area free surfaces (34) is similar and / or wherein a configuration of containers (38) and / or pull-out tables (40) on opposing removal area free surfaces (34) is different. [6] System (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a building envelope (26) for enclosing the conveying device (14) and / or receiving devices (18), wherein the building envelope (26) comprises a plurality of gates (32) and / or loading ramps, and wherein at least one, preferably two gates (32) and / or loading ramps are accessible per discharge area open space (34). [7] System (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circular track of the conveying device (14) extends substantially rectangularly along an inside of a building envelope (26). [8] System (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one feeding device (24), in particular a telescopic belt conveyor, for feeding the unit goods onto the conveying device (14). [9] System (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a control system, wherein the control system is configured such that the system (10) transports combined district general cargo with receiving devices of the first group (18a) to the removal areas (12) and that the system (10) transports regular district general cargo with receiving devices of the second group (18b) to the removal areas (12). [10] Method for transferring and / or sorting unit loads into removal areas (12) comprising a system (10) a conveying device (14) with a transport surface for unit loads that can be moved in a transport direction (16), a large number of receiving devices (18) for transferring the unit loads from the transport area of ​​the conveying device (14) to the respective discharge area (12), and a removal area open space (34) at the removal areas (12) for receiving the unit loads from the receiving devices (18), wherein the conveying device (14) is designed as a horizontal circular track and has at least two opposing sections (20a, 20b), wherein a first group of receiving facilities (18a) from the first of the two sections (20a, 20b) point into an interior (22) of the circuit, wherein a second group of receiving facilities (18b) from the second of the two sections (20a, 20b) point into the interior (22) of the circuit, and wherein inside (22) of the circular track at least one receiving device of the first group (18a) is arranged laterally directly next to a receiving device of the second group (18b), and the plurality of receiving devices (18) is arranged such that inside (22) of the circular track receiving devices of the first group (18a) alternate with receiving devices of the second group (18b), and wherein the removal area free space (34) is arranged at the end of each respective receiving device (18), below the conveying device (14) and below the laterally adjacent receiving device (18), with the step: - Sorting the general cargo in such a way that general cargo from combined districts is transported to the respective unloading areas (12) using receiving facilities of the first group (18a) and that general cargo from regular districts is transported to the respective unloading areas (12) using receiving facilities of the second group (18b). [11] Method according to the preceding claim, comprising the steps: - Sorting the general cargo in such a way that combined general cargo from several delivery districts is brought into a collection area (12), - Transferring the combined district general cargo in the transfer areas (12) into a plurality of containers (38), wherein the number of containers (38) corresponds at least to the number of delivery districts and the combined district general cargo is sorted separately into the containers (38) according to delivery district, - Loading a delivery vehicle (46) from a full container (38) taking into account the delivery area of ​​the container (38). [12] The method of claim 10, comprising the steps: - Sorting the general cargo in such a way that combined general cargo from several delivery districts is brought into a collection area (12), - Transferring the combined district general cargo in the transfer areas (12) into a plurality of containers (38), wherein the number of containers (38) corresponds to at least half the number of delivery districts and combined district general cargo from two delivery districts is sorted into one container (38) each, - Loading a first delivery vehicle (46) from a full container (38) with combined district general cargo from exactly one delivery district, and - Loading another delivery vehicle with the combined district general cargo of the other delivery district that remained in the container (38). [13] A method according to any of the preceding method claims, comprising the steps: - Sorting the general cargo in such a way that general cargo from two delivery districts is brought into a collection area (12), - Removal of the standard district goods in the removal areas (12) by: - Loading a first delivery vehicle (46), wherein the delivery vehicle (46) is loaded with standard district general cargo of exactly one delivery district, and standard district general cargo of the further delivery district is temporarily stored in a container (38), - Loading another delivery vehicle with the regular district general cargo of the other delivery district temporarily stored in container (38). [14] Method according to any of the preceding method claims, comprising the step: - Feeding the unit goods onto the conveying device (14) by means of a feeding device (24), wherein the unit goods are fed in loose.

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