Method and device for picking individual items into a roll container

Abstract

Method for picking general cargo (1) into a roll container (2) comprising a loading platform (4) movable on rollers (3) and two opposing side walls (6) laterally delimiting a storage space (5) of the roll container (2) for the general cargo (1), which extend upwards from two opposing edge sections of the movable loading platform (4), comprising the steps: - automatic insertion of a loading tongue (7) into a picking chute (8) within which the loading tongue (7) is mounted in a height-adjustable manner (S1), - automatic loading of the loading tongue (7) with unit loads (1) forming a unit load stack (1a) within the picking chute (8) (S2), - at least essentially vertical insertion of the stack of general cargo (1a) arranged on the loading tongue (7) into the storage space (5) of the roll container (2) from above via an upper opening of the roll container (2) into the storage space (5) of the roll container (2) (S3), - pulling the loading tongue (7) laterally out of the storage space (5) of the roll container (2) while retaining the stack of general cargo (1a) in the storage space (5) of the roll container (2), so that the loading tongue (7) is removed from the storage space (5) of the roll container (2) and the stack of general cargo (1a) is placed on the loading floor (4) of the roll container (2) (S4), - during the vertical insertion of the stack of general cargo (1a) arranged on the loading tongue (7) into the storage space (5) of the roll container (2) and / or during the lateral withdrawal of the loading tongue (7) from the storage space (5) of the roll container (2), lateral support of the stack of general cargo (1a) in at least one vertical section and / or in at least one horizontal section of the stack of general cargo (1a) by automatically advancing and / or pressing a delivery device (9) against the stack of general cargo (1a) on at least one side of the stack of general cargo (1a) (S5), as well as the step of automatically advancing and / or pressing an adjustable wall (11) leading at least substantially towards the stack of general cargo (1a) against a lateral side area of ​​the stack of general cargo (1a), wherein the adjustable wall (11) has a lower height (H2),as a predetermined total stack height (H1) of the goods and the adjustable wall (11) only supports the stack of goods (1a) laterally at a specific height, characterized in that at least one first adjustable wall (11) of a lower height (H2) is arranged in a first height position and the first adjustable wall (11) only supports the stack of goods (1a) laterally at a first height position, and at least one second adjustable wall (11) of a lower height (H2) is arranged in a second height position and the second adjustable wall (11) only supports the stack of goods (1a) laterally at a second height position different from the first height position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for picking general cargo into a roll container, which comprises a loading platform movable on rollers and two opposing side walls laterally delimiting a storage space of the roll container for the general cargo, extending upwards from two opposing edge sections of the movable loading platform.

[0002] DE 10 2018 203 336 A1 describes a device for picking goods into roll containers, wherein the roll container has a loading floor and at least one side mesh wall, with a picking platform, a picking chute extending up to a picking level in which goods are moved during picking, a lifting and lowering device for raising and lowering the roll container in the picking chute, a tongue for loading goods that can be inserted into and removed from the side of the picking chute, a device for gradually lowering the tongue during loading goods so that the top of a layer of goods last placed on the tongue is arranged approximately at the level of the picking level, and scraping means that, at least when the tongue is extended out of the picking chute, scrape goods from the top of the tongue onto the loading floor of the roll container.

[0003] DE 10 2019 200 723 A1 describes a device for picking goods on pallets, wherein the pallets have a loading base and at least two side walls, with a picking chute extending to a picking level in which goods are moved during picking, a lifting and lowering device for raising and lowering the pallet in the picking chute, a tongue for loading goods that can be inserted into and removed from the side of the picking chute, a device for gradually lowering the tongue during loading so that the top of a layer of goods last placed on the tongue is approximately at the level of the picking level, and scraping means that, at least when the tongue is extended from the picking chute, scrape goods from the top of the tongue onto the loading base of the pallet.where the boundary walls of the picking shaft end at the level of the picking level, or where only one boundary wall of the picking shaft extends beyond the picking level.

[0004] DE 10 2012 106 111 A1 describes a device for automatically stacking packages on a base in a predetermined spatial arrangement to form a stack, comprising at least one feed conveyor that provides the individual packages in a predetermined sequence, a lifting and lowering unit for raising and lowering a base arranged in a stacking station in the Y-direction, transfer means adjacent to a discharge end of the feed conveyor that take the packages from the feed conveyor and transport them to the predetermined position in the stack, wherein the transfer means comprise a positioning conveyor adjacent to the discharge end of the feed conveyor, which is arranged horizontally and longitudinally to one side of the stacking station to position the packages in the X-direction, and at least one sliding plate and a pusher.to transport the packages from the positioning conveyor in the Z-direction to the predetermined position in the stack, wherein the at least one sliding plate is designed as a flat, strip-shaped plate movable horizontally and along the side of the stacking area and transversely thereto, in order to take over the packages at the X-direction position when the pusher pushes the packages from the positioning conveyor and place them in the Z-direction on the base or in the stack, wherein the positioning conveyor is designed as a transfer carriage.

[0005] DE 20 2016 001 581 U1 describes a device for order picking on and from pallets or goods carriers with a picking chute, a feeding device for feeding a pallet to the picking chute, a lowering and lifting device for gradually lowering or raising a pallet in a vertical direction in coordination with a loading height of the pallet during order picking, wherein at least two side walls of the picking chute are arranged to be movable at least section by section in a horizontal direction in order to change a cross-section of the picking chute at least between a first, smaller cross-section and a second, larger cross-section.

[0006] The object of the invention is to create a method and a device for picking general cargo into a roll container, in which a stack of general cargo built on a loading tongue can be automatically placed onto a loading floor of the roll container without interference.

[0007] The problem is solved by a method for picking general cargo into a roll container comprising a loading platform on wheels and two opposing side walls laterally delimiting a storage space of the roll container for the general cargo, which extend upwards from two opposing edge sections of the mobile loading platform, comprising the steps: - automatic insertion of a loading tongue into a picking chute, within which the loading tongue is mounted in a height-adjustable manner, - Automatic loading of the loading tongue with general cargo, forming a general cargo stack within the picking chute, - at least essentially vertical insertion of the stack of general cargo arranged on the loading tongue into the storage space of the roll container from above via an upper opening of the roll container into the storage space of the roll container, - Pulling the loading tongue laterally out of the storage space of the roll container while retaining the stack of goods in the storage space of the roll container, so that the loading tongue is removed from the storage space of the roll container and the stack of goods is placed on the loading floor of the roll container, - during the vertical insertion of the stack of general cargo arranged on the loading tongue into the storage space of the roll container and / or during the lateral withdrawal of the loading tongue from the storage space of the roll container, lateral support of the stack of general cargo in at least one vertical section and / or in at least one horizontal section of the stack of general cargo by automatically advancing and / or pressing a delivery device against the stack of general cargo on at least one side of the stack of general cargo, as well as the step of automatically advancing and / or pressing a wall adjustable at least substantially towards the stack of general cargo against a lateral side area of ​​the stack of general cargo, wherein the adjustable wall has a lower height than a predetermined overall stack height and the adjustable wall only supports the stack of general cargo laterally at a certain height,and wherein at least one first adjustable wall of a lower height is arranged in a first height position and the first adjustable wall only supports the stack of general cargo laterally in a first height position, and at least one second adjustable wall of a lower height is arranged in a second height position and the second adjustable wall only supports the stack of general cargo laterally in a second height position different from the first height position.

[0008] The problem is also solved by a device with the features according to claim 15.

[0009] A picking chute is generally used for the layer-by-layer assembly of a stack of general cargo. At a picking level, individual items or groups of several items are removed layer by layer or piece by piece and placed onto a loading tongue or an ongoing stack of general cargo. To simplify the transfer of individual items or layers / partial layers of general cargo, once a layer is complete, the partially loaded stack is lowered within the picking chute so that a new layer of general cargo can be added to the stack still being assembled. The side walls of the picking chute form a boundary within which the assembled (partial) stack of general cargo is guided.

[0010] However, the problem is that the picking chute must have a clear opening large enough to allow the loading platform within it to be lowered. Since a stack of individual items is often smaller in terms of the footprint of its layers than the footprint of the loading platform, the items in the stack are located significantly away from the sides of the picking chute, even if the chute walls are reduced to a size corresponding to the footprint of a smaller roll container platform. Nevertheless, such picking chute walls cannot be narrowed towards the stack of items beyond the outer contour of a roll container platform, as the platform itself prevents this.This creates the risk that individual items within the picking chute could tip over from the stack of items, or even fall completely off the stack. This is very detrimental because fallen items can be damaged and can become wedged between the stack of items and a side wall of the picking chute. This can disrupt the automated process and even bring the entire picking system to a standstill.

[0011] The risk of individual items tipping or falling from the stack of goods is particularly high during the lowering of the stack of goods within the picking chute, and / or during the lateral pulling out of a loading tongue on which the stack of goods has been built in order to place it on the loading platform of a roll container, and / or during the transfer of the stack of goods from the picking chute to a wrapping station.

[0012] The loading tongue is used to assemble a stack of general cargo outside a roll container and to place the fully assembled stack onto the loading platform of the roll container in a single movement. The key advantage of a loading tongue is that the general cargo can be automatically assembled into a stack in a desired loading pattern, for example, by an automatically controlled robot arm. Furthermore, the empty loading tongue or the partially assembled stack is easily accessible from all sides, allowing for optimal positioning and orientation of the individual items. Direct stacking within the storage space of the roll container, on the other hand, is only partially feasible due to the two existing side walls of the roll container.

[0013] The side walls of the roll container are generally and usually formed by mesh walls, which are more or less loosely attached to two opposite edge sections of the roll container's mobile loading platform. However, the side walls of the roll container can also be designed differently than as mesh walls.

[0014] By automatically supporting the stack of goods on the loading tongue during vertical insertion into the storage space of the roll container and / or during lateral withdrawal of the loading tongue from the storage space of the roll container, the stack is supported laterally in at least one vertical section and / or at least one width section by means of an automatic delivery device against the stack on at least one side. This reliably prevents unwanted tipping or falling of goods from the stack. This avoids disruptions in the operation of the entire order picking system, as a stack of goods built on a loading tongue can be automatically and smoothly placed onto the loading platform of the roll container and processed further.

[0015] The delivery device can be moved inwards across the footprint of the loading platform towards the assembled stack of general cargo, so that the stack, or the individual items or groups of items, can be supported close to the stack's contour. The delivery device can preferably engage selected areas on at least one side of the stack of general cargo or be positioned close to them to support the stack. The delivery device can preferably engage on a side of the stack of general cargo opposite the feed side of the loading tongue. The delivery device can have one or more delivery elements and / or pressure devices, each of which can engage or be positioned close to a different side of the stack of general cargo.

[0016] A single pressure device can act on one side or on multiple sides of the stack of general cargo, or multiple pressure devices can act on each side. For example, two or more pressure devices can act on the stack at different heights on the corresponding side, or two or more pressure devices can act on the stack at different widths.

[0017] The task is thus also solved by a device for picking general cargo into a roll container, which comprises a loading platform movable on rollers and two opposing side walls laterally delimiting a storage space of the roll container for the general cargo, extending upwards from two opposing edge sections of the movable loading platform, comprising a control device which is designed and configured to automatically execute a method according to one of the described embodiments.

[0018] The device can accordingly have a delivery device designed to laterally support the stack of general cargo in at least one vertical section and / or in at least one horizontal section of the stack of general cargo by automatically delivering and / or pressing the delivery device against the stack of general cargo on at least one side of the stack of general cargo.

[0019] The delivery device extends only to heights where the stack of general cargo is positioned. In particular, the delivery device does not extend to a height where the loading platform of the roll container is located.

[0020] Delivery can be achieved by moving the delivery device from the side towards the stack of general cargo, inwards over the outer contour of the loading platform of the roll container. During delivery, the delivery device, in particular at least one adjustable wall, can be moved towards the stack of general cargo. This can be done, in particular, to a very close position to the stack, leaving a small gap. Support is provided by allowing one or more general cargo items to temporarily rest against the delivery device or the adjustable wall if they move slightly, preventing them from tipping over or falling. After brief contact, the general cargo items can then, for example, return to their original position or a slightly altered position, in which they no longer touch the delivery device or the adjustable wall.

[0021] The pressure applied by the delivery device can be automatically adjusted with varying degrees of force. The force can be determined, for example, based on the height or width at which the delivery device engages the stack of goods. Alternatively or additionally, the force applied by the delivery device to the stack of goods can be individually determined based on specific physical properties of the goods being contacted, such as the type of goods, their size, weight, flexibility, stability, rigidity, or softness.

[0022] In the method according to the invention, an automatically positioned wall, adjustable at least substantially towards the stack of goods, is moved and / or pressed against a lateral side area of ​​the stack of goods.

[0023] The lateral side area of ​​a stack of general cargo is determined by the outward-facing side wall sections of the individual items being stacked. Generally, a stack of general cargo will not form a uniform, smooth side wall across its entire height and / or width. This would only be approximately the case if the stack consisted exclusively of identical items of the same cubic shape and size. Even then, gaps would exist between the individual layers and vertically between any two adjacent items, such as boxes, preventing a perfectly smooth side wall.

[0024] However, order picking is often, or even predominantly, not done by type, but rather by building mixed stacks of general cargo. These mixed stacks are built using a stacking algorithm during automated order picking, primarily based on achievable stack density and stack stability. This means that, on the one hand, there may be gaps in the stack, for example, to ensure the stability of the stack structure, and on the other hand, the resulting stack does not have a precise cuboid shape, but rather tends to have a pyramidal form. In such a case, the lower layers of the stack would therefore occupy a larger footprint than the upper layers, which would consequently occupy a smaller footprint.

[0025] In order to also be able to support layers of the stack of general cargo that occupy a smaller footprint, in particular a footprint that is significantly smaller than the outer contour of the loading floor of the roll container, the invention provides that the delivery device is adjustable, in particular adjustable in such a way that the delivery device can be moved further inwards towards the stack of general cargo beyond the outer contour of the loading floor of the roll container.

[0026] The delivery device may have at least one adjustable wall, directed at least substantially towards the stack of general cargo, for automatic delivery and / or pressing against a lateral side area of ​​the stack of general cargo.

[0027] The adjustable wall can be mounted in a reciprocating manner, meaning that it extends along one side of the stack of goods and can be moved towards and away from the stack. The adjustable wall can be automatically adjustable, for example, by means of a linear guide and / or a rotary motion and an automatic drive. The adjustable wall can be mounted, for example, on the inside of the picking chute. Alternatively, the adjustable wall can be pivotally mounted by means of at least one hinge, allowing a freely pivoting section of the adjustable wall to be moved towards and away from the stack of goods.For example, the swiveling wall can be moved automatically via a lever attached to it, a articulated drive, and / or a connected motor. The drive or motor for the adjustable or swiveling wall can be, for example, an electric motor. Alternatively, a pneumatic or hydraulic drive can also be used.

[0028] Each adjustable wall can be positioned on a single side of the picking chute. Alternatively, two or more adjustable walls can be positioned on two or more sides of the picking chute. On each side of the picking chute, either a single adjustable wall or multiple adjustable walls can be positioned.

[0029] The adjustable wall can be automatically moved inwards towards the stack of general cargo, extending beyond the outer contour of the roll container's loading platform, to provide lateral support. This has the advantage that even stacks of general cargo, or individual items within the stack, can be supported if they are positioned deeper within the outer contour of the roll container's loading platform. The adjustable wall therefore does not extend to the level of the roll container's loading platform.

[0030] The adjustable wall has a lower height than a predetermined total stack height of general cargo, and the adjustable wall only supports the stack of general cargo laterally at a specific height.

[0031] For example, it may be provided that the stack of general cargo is only supported by the adjustable wall in the upper half of the stack, but the lower half of the stack remains free and unsupported.

[0032] The adjustable wall can, in addition to being adjustable towards and away from the stack of goods, also be adjustable in height. For example, a wall with height adjustment can be raised to a higher position and moved towards the stack of goods to press against it. Such a height-adjustable wall can then be lowered to a lower position and moved towards the stack of goods to press against it.

[0033] According to the invention, at least one first adjustable wall of a lower height than the total height of the stack of general cargo is arranged in a first height position and the first adjustable wall supports the stack of general cargo only laterally in a first height position, and at least one second adjustable wall of a lower height is arranged in a second height position and the second adjustable wall supports the stack of general cargo only laterally in a second height position different from the first height position.

[0034] In such an embodiment, height adjustability can be dispensed with, and either the first adjustable wall can press against the stack of goods at a lower height, or the second adjustable wall can press against the stack of goods at a higher height. In this embodiment, both adjustable walls can then, if necessary, press against the stack of goods simultaneously, both above and below.

[0035] The adjustable wall can have a narrower width than a predetermined total width of the stack of general cargo, and the adjustable wall can only support the stack of general cargo laterally in a specific width position.

[0036] This can be particularly useful if the stack of general cargo is not sorted by type, but rather a mixed, picked order. For example, only one corner of the stack might have reduced stability, requiring support from an adjustable wall, while other areas of the stack may have sufficient stability that does not require support.

[0037] The adjustable wall can, if necessary, be automatically adjustable laterally in order to change the attack surface on which the adjustable wall is to attack the stack of general cargo.

[0038] At least one first adjustable wall of a smaller width can be arranged in a first width layer, and the first adjustable wall can only laterally support the stack of general cargo in a first width layer; and at least one second adjustable wall of a smaller width can be arranged in a second width layer, and the second adjustable wall can only laterally support the stack of general cargo in a second width layer different from the first width layer.

[0039] For example, three adjustable walls can be arranged side by side, so that a first adjustable wall can support a left section of one side of the stack of general cargo, a second adjustable wall can support a middle section of the side of the stack, and a third adjustable wall can support a right section of the side of the stack. To achieve even finer division, more than three adjustable walls can be provided. These multiple adjustable walls can be controlled independently and automatically to either press against the stack of general cargo or not press against it.

[0040] Adjustable walls can also be formed by rod-shaped support strips or support poles, in which case the respective free end faces of the support strips or support poles form the adjustable walls.

[0041] The adjustable wall can have at least two wall surfaces that can be adjusted relative to each other, whereby the effective total area of ​​the adjustable wall can be selectively increased or decreased by adjusting at least one first wall surface relative to at least one second wall surface.

[0042] The first and second wall surfaces can be supported by means of delivery devices such as joints, in particular swivel joints, hinges, rails, or guide grooves. If the effective total area of ​​the adjustable wall is increased, part of the effective total area can project upwards, for example, over an access opening in a picking level. This creates a delivery device that can also be used outside the picking chute, particularly above the picking level, to support individual items.

[0043] Accordingly, the picking chute can have an access opening at the level of a picking level, and the adjustable wall can be extended upwards above the picking level by increasing the effective total area of ​​the adjustable wall.

[0044] In another aspect of the process, the lateral pulling out of the loading tongue from the storage space of the roll container can be carried out automatically with different speed profiles and / or acceleration profiles, depending on the general cargo present on the loading tongue.

[0045] As the loading tongue is pulled out of the roll container's storage space, the stack of general cargo is moved against a scraper, which holds the stack above the loading platform onto which it is to be placed. This can cause individual items within the stack to be pulled together, as they are pressed against the scraper by the pulling motion of the loading tongue. This can lead to an undesirable shifting of individual items within the stack, which can negatively affect the stability of the stack.To maintain the stability of the stack of general cargo as effectively as possible, it can be advantageous to extend the loading tongue with individual speed and / or acceleration profiles, depending on certain physical properties of the stacked goods, such as the type of goods, their size, weight, flexibility, stability, rigidity, or softness. Accordingly, the inertia of individual goods or the surface roughness of individual goods, particularly the bottom layer of goods resting directly on the surface of the loading tongue, or the weight or inertia of the entire stack of goods, can also be taken into account to select the most suitable speed and / or acceleration profile.The most suitable speed and / or acceleration profile can be determined, if necessary, through tests on a specific, assembled stack of individual items. Alternatively, the most suitable speed and / or acceleration profile can be automatically determined computationally by a computer using a physics engine based on the physical properties of individual items and / or an assembled, specific stack of items.

[0046] In the various embodiments of the method and the device, a loading tongue can in particular be used which has a shape with a wedge-shaped cross-sectional profile, wherein the wedge-shaped cross-sectional profile of the loading tongue is designed to taper from a proximal end section of the loading tongue to a distal end section at the free end of the loading tongue.

[0047] At its proximal end, the loading tongue is coupled to a drive mechanism designed and configured to move the loading tongue automatically. The drive or motor for the loading tongue can be, for example, an electric motor. Alternatively, a pneumatic or hydraulic drive can also be used. The distal end of the loading tongue is thus opposite its proximal end and defines the free leading edge of the loading tongue, which may also be suitable for entering a horizontal gap in a stack of individual items.

[0048] To minimize disruption or movement of a stack of general cargo when transferring it from the loading tongue to the loading platform of a roll container, the free leading edge of the loading tongue, i.e., the distal end section of the loading tongue, should be as narrow as possible, meaning it should have the lowest possible height. When the loading tongue is pulled out, the general cargo essentially "falls" from the surface of the loading tongue to the surface of the loading platform. Therefore, the drop height should be kept as small as possible to avoid compromising the stability of the stack of general cargo.

[0049] In this respect, the device can have a loading tongue which has a shape with a wedge-shaped cross-sectional profile, wherein the wedge-shaped cross-sectional profile of the loading tongue is designed to taper from a proximal end section of the loading tongue to a distal end section at the free end of the loading tongue.

[0050] The mobile loading platform of the roll container can be placed on an inclined platform, such that the top of the loading platform is aligned parallel to the underside of the wedge-shaped loading tongue.

[0051] This allows the loading tongue to be pulled out with its underside in a plane parallel to the top of the loading floor.

[0052] In a further development, the device can thus have an inclined platform designed to support a mobile loading platform of the roll container.

[0053] The mobile loading platform of the roll container can be placed on an automatically adjustable platform, such that during a lateral extension of the loading tongue from the storage space of the roll container, the platform is raised and / or pivoted, so that the loading platform of the roll container occupies the gap space freed below the loading tongue due to the extension of the wedge-shaped loading tongue, in order to reduce the drop height of the goods from the loading tongue onto the loading platform.

[0054] The current height and / or incline of the platform and / or the loading floor surface can therefore change dynamically depending on the current position of the loading tongue during the extraction sequence. This allows for the initiation of active automatic lifting, lowering, and / or pivoting of the platform and / or the loading floor surface as soon as the loading tongue begins to move to initiate the extraction. During the extraction of the loading tongue, the active automatic lifting and / or pivoting of the platform and / or the loading floor surface can proceed continuously and be terminated at the moment the loading tongue is completely removed from the stack of general cargo.The active automatic lifting and / or swiveling of the platform and / or the loading floor surface can be performed with a speed and / or acceleration profile that is adapted to, and in particular synchronized with, the speed and / or acceleration profile of the loading tongue's extension movement. The loading floor can remain aligned parallel to the underside of the loading tongue and, as the loading tongue is extended, its height can be adjusted according to the tongue's current extension position to reduce the drop height for the individual items.

[0055] As an alternative or supplement to an adjustable loading platform, the loading platform can also be adjusted and / or controlled in height, in particular pivoted depending on its position, during lateral extension of the loading tongue from the storage space of the roll container, in order to reduce the drop height of the goods from the loading tongue onto the loading platform. Accordingly, the device can have a loading tongue that is adjustable in height and / or controlled, in particular pivotable depending on its position, and is designed to reduce the drop height of the goods from the loading tongue onto the loading platform.

[0056] In a further training, the device can thus have an automatically adjustable platform designed to support a mobile loading platform of the roll container.

[0057] The wedge-shaped loading tongue can carry at least one belt, in particular a winding or rotating belt, or a gravity-driven belt, which runs over the surface of the loading tongue, wherein in a further development of the method the belt is driven synchronously with the movement of the loading tongue when the loading tongue is pulled out laterally, so that no or only a slight relative movement takes place between the surface of the at least one belt and the undersides of the lowest layer of unit loads in the unit load stack during the lateral pulling out of the loading tongue.

[0058] In this device, the wedge-shaped loading tongue can thus support at least one winding, rotating, or gravity-driven belt that runs across the surface of the loading tongue. The same can also be achieved with a loading tongue of constant thickness.

[0059] Such a winding, rotating, or gravity-driven belt can be moved synchronously with the movement of the loading tongue. This results in no relative movement between the stack of goods and the surface sections of the belt on which the stack rests. The loading tongue itself is therefore not in contact with the stack of goods and can thus be withdrawn without direct surface contact. The winding or rotating driven belt can be moved with a speed and / or acceleration profile that is adapted to, and in particular synchronized with, the speed and / or acceleration profile of the loading tongue's withdrawal movement.

[0060] In the case of a gravity-driven belt, belt tension can be achieved by guiding the belt vertically downwards over a pulley and attaching a weight to the free end of the hanging belt. When the loading tongue is retracted, the weight lowers, increasing the free length of the hanging belt and keeping the belt taut. When the loading tongue is extended again, the weight rises and the free length of the hanging belt shortens, as a greater length of the belt now rests on the surface of the loading tongue.

[0061] The two opposing side walls of the roll container can each be received in an automatically adjustable receiving pocket assigned to the picking chute, wherein in a special embodiment of the method the two adjustable receiving pockets can be moved into a widened opening position before, during or after picking of individual items onto the loading tongue, in which the side walls of the roll container are aligned at least substantially vertically or the upper edges of the side walls of the roll container are turned outwards away from each other.

[0062] The two opposing side walls of the roll container can thus each be held in an automatically adjustable receiving pocket assigned to the picking chute. In a further embodiment of the method, the two adjustable receiving pockets can be moved into a predominantly horizontally narrowed closing position before, during, or after picking individual items onto the loading tongue and / or while the loading tongue is being pulled out of the storage space of the roll container and / or while the roll container loaded with the stack of items is being lowered. In this position, the upper edges of the side walls of the roll container are moved inwards towards each other, so that they and / or the receiving pockets are laterally pressed against the stack of items. This pressing against the stack of items by means of the side walls of the roll container and / or the receiving pockets can be done on one or both sides.Either only one of the two side walls can be actively moved, or both side walls can be actively moved.

[0063] According to this embodiment of the method, the side walls of the roll container can be moved in a wing-like manner and selectively opened or closed. Since the two side walls of the roll container are arranged opposite the stack of general cargo, the stack of general cargo, or individual layers of the stack, can be pushed together from opposite sides by such a wing-like closing of the side walls of the roll container, i.e., compacted or compressed with regard to their base area.

[0064] Specific embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying figures. Specific features of these exemplary embodiments can, regardless of the specific context in which they are mentioned, and optionally considered individually or in further combinations, represent general features of the invention.

[0065] They show: Fig. 1 a flowchart of the steps in the basic method according to the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic representation in a side view of an exemplary device according to the invention for picking individual items into a roll container according to a basic principle with an exemplary wedge-shaped loading tongue, Fig. 3 a schematic representation in a side view of an exemplary device according to the invention for picking individual items into a roll container with three delivery devices arranged one above the other, in particular adjustable walls, Fig. 4 a schematic representation in a top view of an exemplary device according to the invention for picking individual items into a roll container with three delivery devices arranged next to each other, in particular adjustable walls and automatically adjustable side walls of the roll container, Fig. 5 a schematic representation in a side view of an exemplary device according to the invention for picking individual items into a roll container according to a basic principle with an exemplary wedge-shaped loading tongue which is provided with a circumferential, driven belt, wherein a platform for the roll container is also arranged at an angle, Fig. 6 a schematic representation in a side view of an exemplary device according to the invention analogously Fig. 5, however with a retractable belt and a height-adjustable and / or swiveling loading tongue, and Fig. 7 a schematic representation in a side view of an exemplary device according to the invention for picking individual items into a roll container which has side walls which can be automatically moved between an open position and a closed position according to the method.

[0066] In the Fig. Figure 1 schematically describes a method for picking individual items 1 into a roll container 2, which comprises a loading platform 4 movable on rollers 3 and two opposing side walls 6 that laterally delimit a storage space 5 of the roll container 2 for the individual items 1 and extend upwards from two opposing edge sections of the movable loading platform 4, as is also described in more detail in Fig. 7 is shown.

[0067] In a first step S1 of the procedure, a loading tongue 7 is automatically inserted into a picking chute 8, within which the loading tongue 7 is mounted in a height-adjustable manner.

[0068] In a second step S2 of the procedure, the loading tongue 7 is automatically loaded with unit loads 1, forming a unit load stack 1a within the picking chute 8.

[0069] In a third step S3 of the procedure, the stack of general cargo 1a arranged on the loading tongue 7 is introduced at least substantially vertically into the storage space 5 of the roll container 2 from above via an upper opening of the roll container 2 into the storage space 5 of the roll container 2.

[0070] In a fourth step S4 of the procedure, the loading tongue 7 is pulled out laterally from the storage space 5 of the roll container 2 while retaining the stack of general cargo 1a in the storage space 5 of the roll container 2, so that the loading tongue 7 is removed from the storage space 5 of the roll container 2 and the stack of general cargo 1a is placed on the loading floor 4 of the roll container 2.

[0071] In a fifth step S5 of the process, during the vertical insertion of the stack of general cargo 1a arranged on the loading tongue 7 into the storage space 5 of the roll container 2 and / or during the lateral withdrawal of the loading tongue 7 from the storage space 5 of the roll container 2, the stack of general cargo 1a is laterally supported in at least one vertical section and / or in at least one width section of the stack of general cargo 1a by automatically delivering and / or pressing a delivery device 9 against the stack of general cargo 1a on at least one side of the stack of general cargo 1a.

[0072] The device for picking individual items 1 into a roll container 2 is shown schematically, in particular in Fig. Figure 6 shows that the roll container 2 has a loading platform 4 that is movable on rollers 3 and two opposing side walls 6 that laterally define a storage space 5 of the roll container 2 for the general cargo 1 ( Fig. 7), extending upwards from two opposing edge sections of the mobile loading platform 4. The device includes a control device 10, which is designed and configured to automatically execute a procedure according to one of the described embodiments.

[0073] The delivery device 9 according to the invention is designed to laterally support the stack of general cargo 1a in at least one vertical section ( Fig. 3) and / or in at least one latitudinal section ( Fig. 4) of the stack of general cargo 1a by automatically delivering and / or pressing the delivery device 9 against the stack of general cargo 1a on at least one side of the stack of general cargo 1a.

[0074] As in Fig. As shown schematically in Figure 2, automatic delivery and / or pressing can be carried out by means of a wall 11 adjustable at least substantially towards the stack of general cargo 1a against a lateral side area of ​​the stack of general cargo 1a.

[0075] The adjustable wall 11 can be moved inwards towards the stack of general cargo 1a over the outer contour K of the loading floor 4 of the roll container 2 to provide lateral support for the stack of general cargo 1a, as illustrated by the arrow P1.

[0076] As specifically in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the adjustable wall 11 can have a lower height H2 than a given total stack height H1 and the adjustable wall 11 can only support the stack 1a laterally at a certain height.

[0077] At least one first adjustable wall 11 of a lower height H2 can be arranged in a first height position, wherein the first adjustable wall 11 only laterally supports the stack of general cargo 1a in a first height position. At least one second adjustable wall 11 of a lower height H2 can be arranged in a second height position, wherein the second adjustable wall 11 only laterally supports the stack of general cargo 1a in a second height position different from the first height position, as is specifically shown in Fig. 3 is illustrated.

[0078] As specifically in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the adjustable wall 11 can have a smaller width B2 than a specified total width B1 of the general cargo stack, whereby the adjustable wall 11 only supports the general cargo stack 1a laterally in a specific width position.

[0079] At least one first adjustable wall 11 of a smaller width can be arranged in a first width layer, wherein the first adjustable wall 11 only laterally supports the stack of general cargo 1a in a first width layer. At least one second adjustable wall 11 of a smaller width can be arranged in a second width layer, wherein the second adjustable wall 11 only laterally supports the stack of general cargo 1a in a second width layer that differs from the first width layer, as is specifically shown in Fig. 4 is illustrated.

[0080] As especially in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the adjustable wall 11 can have at least two wall surfaces 11a and 11b that are adjustable relative to each other, whereby the effective total area of ​​the adjustable wall 11 can be selectively increased or decreased by adjusting at least one first wall surface 11b relative to at least one second wall surface 11a. The adjustable wall surface 11b can, for example, be vertically adjustable as shown, or be foldable or pivotable.

[0081] The picking chute 8 can have an access opening 12 at the level of a picking level E, and the adjustable wall 11 can create an effective total area of ​​the adjustable wall 11 by enlarging the first wall surface 11b against the second wall surface 11a, which is extended upwards above the picking level E, as shown in Fig. 5 is shown.

[0082] The lateral pulling out of the loading tongue 7 in the direction of arrow P2 from the storage space 5 of the roll container 2 can be carried out automatically with different speed profiles and / or acceleration profiles depending on the general cargo 1 present on the loading tongue 7.

[0083] As shown in the figures, a loading tongue 7 can be used which has a shape with a wedge-shaped cross-sectional profile, wherein the wedge-shaped cross-sectional profile of the loading tongue 7 is tapered from a proximal end section 7a of the loading tongue 7 to a distal end section 7b at the free end of the loading tongue 7.

[0084] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the mobile loading platform 4 of the roll container 2 can be placed on an inclined platform 13 such that the top of the loading platform 4 is aligned parallel to the underside of the wedge-shaped loading tongue 7.

[0085] Platform 13 can be angled and / or automatically adjustable.

[0086] The mobile loading platform 4 of the roll container 2 can accordingly be placed on an automatically adjustable platform 13, such that during a lateral extension of the loading tongue 7 from the storage space 5 of the roll container 2, the platform 13 can be pivoted, for example, about the pivot axis A and / or as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, it can be raised vertically in the direction of arrow V1, so that the loading floor 4 of the roll container 2 occupies the gap space freed up below the loading tongue 7 due to the pulling out of the wedge-shaped loading tongue 7, in order to reduce the drop height of the general cargo 1 from the loading tongue 7 onto the loading floor 4.

[0087] As also in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the wedge-shaped loading tongue 7 can carry at least one circulating, driven belt 14, or as shown in Figure 5. Fig. 6 shows a winding belt 14 which runs over the surface of the loading tongue 7, wherein the belt 14 is driven synchronously with the movement of the loading tongue 7 when the loading tongue 7 is pulled out laterally, so that no relative movement takes place between the surface of the at least one belt 14 and the undersides of the lowest layer of unit loads 1 in the unit load stack 1a during the lateral pulling out of the loading tongue 7.

[0088] In Fig. Figure 6 also schematically illustrates the procedure by which the automatically adjustable platform 13 can be linearly height-adjustable in order to lift the roll container 2 vertically in the direction of arrow V1. In this embodiment of the Fig. Figure 6 shows the loading tongue 7, which, instead of being equipped with a circulating belt 14, is shown with a winding belt 14. The winding takes place onto a reel 15. Of course, an alternative winding belt 14 can also be used in the version shown. Fig. 5 are used and a circumferential belt 14 in the version variant according to Fig. 6 will be used. Fig. Furthermore, the arrow V2 indicates that, as an alternative or supplement to adjusting the height of the roll container 2 using the platform 13, the loading tongue 7 can also be raised and lowered in the direction of arrow V2.

[0089] As especially in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the two opposite side walls 6 of the roll container 2 can each be received in an automatically adjustable receiving pocket 17 assigned to the picking chute 8, wherein the two adjustable receiving pockets 17 can be moved into a horizontally widened opening position during the picking of individual items 1 onto the loading tongue 7, in which the side walls 6 of the roll container 2 are aligned vertically, as shown in Figure 4. Fig. 7 is indicated by the side walls 6 shown in dotted lines, or the upper edges of the side walls 6 of the roll container 2 are turned outwards away from each other, as shown in Fig. 7 is indicated by the side walls 6 shown in dash-dotted lines.

[0090] The two adjustable receiving pockets 17 can be moved into a horizontally narrowed closed position after picking individual items 1 onto the loading tongue 7 and / or while the loading tongue 7 is being pulled out of the storage space 5 of the roll container 2 and / or while the roll container 2 loaded with the stack of individual items 1a is being lowered, in which the upper edges of the side walls 6 of the roll container 2 are moved inwards towards each other, so that these and / or the receiving pockets 17 are laterally pressed against the stack of individual items 1a, as shown in Fig. 7 is indicated by the side walls 6 and / or receiving pockets 17 shown in solid lines.

Claims

[1] Method for picking general cargo (1) into a roll container (2) comprising a loading platform (4) movable on rollers (3) and two opposing side walls (6) laterally delimiting a storage space (5) of the roll container (2) for the general cargo (1), which extend upwards from two opposing edge sections of the movable loading platform (4), comprising the steps: - automatic insertion of a loading tongue (7) into a picking chute (8) within which the loading tongue (7) is mounted in a height-adjustable manner (S1), - automatic loading of the loading tongue (7) with unit loads (1) forming a unit load stack (1a) within the picking chute (8) (S2), - at least essentially vertical insertion of the stack of general cargo (1a) arranged on the loading tongue (7) into the storage space (5) of the roll container (2) from above via an upper opening of the roll container (2) into the storage space (5) of the roll container (2) (S3), - pulling the loading tongue (7) laterally out of the storage space (5) of the roll container (2) while retaining the stack of general cargo (1a) in the storage space (5) of the roll container (2), so that the loading tongue (7) is removed from the storage space (5) of the roll container (2) and the stack of general cargo (1a) is placed on the loading floor (4) of the roll container (2) (S4), - during the vertical insertion of the stack of general cargo (1a) arranged on the loading tongue (7) into the storage space (5) of the roll container (2) and / or during the lateral withdrawal of the loading tongue (7) from the storage space (5) of the roll container (2), lateral support of the stack of general cargo (1a) in at least one vertical section and / or in at least one horizontal section of the stack of general cargo (1a) by automatically advancing and / or pressing a delivery device (9) against the stack of general cargo (1a) on at least one side of the stack of general cargo (1a) (S5), as well as the step of automatically advancing and / or pressing an adjustable wall (11) leading at least substantially towards the stack of general cargo (1a) against a lateral side area of ​​the stack of general cargo (1a), wherein the adjustable wall (11) has a lower height (H2),as a predetermined total stack height (H1) of the general cargo and the adjustable wall (11) only supports the stack of general cargo (1a) laterally at a specific height, , characterized by , that at least one first adjustable wall (11) of a lower height (H2) is arranged in a first height position and the first adjustable wall (11) only supports the stack of general cargo (1a) laterally in a first height position, and at least one second adjustable wall (11) of a lower height (H2) is arranged in a second height position and the second adjustable wall (11) only supports the stack of general cargo (1a) laterally in a second height position different from the first height position. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the adjustable wall (11) for lateral support of the stack of general cargo (1a) is automatically moved inwards towards the stack of general cargo (1a) over the outer contour (K) of the loading floor (4) of the roll container (2). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the adjustable wall (11) has a smaller width (B2) than a specified total width (B1) of the general cargo stack and that the adjustable wall (11) only supports the general cargo stack (1a) laterally in a specific width position. [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized by , that at least one first adjustable wall (11) of a smaller width (B1) is arranged in a first width layer and the first adjustable wall (11) only supports the stack of general cargo (1a) laterally in a first width layer, and at least one second adjustable wall (11) of a smaller width (B2) is arranged in a second width layer and the second adjustable wall (11) only supports the stack of general cargo (1a) laterally in a second width layer different from the first width layer. [5] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that the adjustable wall (11) has at least two wall surfaces (11a, 11b) that are adjustable relative to each other, wherein the effective total area of ​​the adjustable wall (11) can be selectively increased or decreased by adjusting at least one first wall surface (11b) relative to at least one second wall surface (11a). [6] Method according to claim 5, characterized by , that the picking chute (8) has an access opening (12) at the level of a picking level (E) and the adjustable wall (11) is extended upwards beyond the picking level (E) by increasing the effective total area of ​​the adjustable wall (11). [7] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by, that the lateral pulling out of the loading tongue (7) from the storage space (5) of the roll container (2) is carried out automatically with different speed profiles and / or acceleration profiles depending on the general cargo (1) present on the loading tongue (7). [8] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that a loading tongue (7) is used which has a shape with a wedge-shaped cross-sectional profile, wherein the wedge-shaped cross-sectional profile of the loading tongue (7) is tapered from a proximal end section (7a) of the loading tongue (7) to a distal end section (7b) at the free end of the loading tongue (7). [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized by , that the mobile loading floor (4) of the roll container (2) is placed on an inclined platform (13) such that the top of the loading floor (4) is aligned parallel to the underside of the wedge-shaped loading tongue (7). [10] Method according to claim 8, characterized by , that the mobile loading floor (4) of the roll container (2) is placed on an automatically adjustable platform (13) such that, during a lateral extension of the loading tongue (7) out of the storage space (5) of the roll container (2), the platform (13) is raised and / or pivoted, so that the loading floor (4) of the roll container (2) occupies the gap space freed below the loading tongue (7) due to the extension of the wedge-shaped loading tongue (7) in order to reduce the lowering height of the unit loads (1) from the loading tongue (7) onto the loading floor (4). [11] Method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by, that during a lateral pulling out of the loading tongue (7) from the storage space (5) of the roll container (2), the loading tongue (7) is adjusted and / or controlled in its height position, in particular pivoted depending on its position, in order to reduce a setting height of the unit goods (1) from the loading tongue (7) onto the loading floor (4). [12] Method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by, that the wedge-shaped loading tongue (7) carries at least one belt (14), in particular a winding or rotating or gravity-driven belt (14) which runs over the surface of the loading tongue (7), wherein the belt (14) is driven synchronously with the movement of the loading tongue (7) when the loading tongue (7) is pulled out laterally, so that there is no or only a slight relative movement between the surface of the at least one belt (14) and the undersides of the lowest layer of unit loads (1) in the unit load stack (1a) during the lateral pulling out of the loading tongue (7). [13] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by, that the two opposite side walls (6) of the roll container (2) are each received in an automatically adjustable receiving pocket (17) assigned to the picking chute (8), wherein the two adjustable receiving pockets (17) are moved into a horizontally widened opening position during the picking of unit loads (1) onto the loading tongue (7), in which the side walls (6) of the roll container (2) are aligned vertically or the upper edges of the side walls (6) of the roll container (2) are turned outwards away from each other. [14] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by, that the two opposite side walls (6) of the roll container (2) are each received in an automatically adjustable receiving pocket (17) assigned to the picking chute (8), wherein the two adjustable receiving pockets (17) are moved into a horizontally narrowed closing position before, during or after picking of unit loads (1) onto the loading tongue (7) and / or during a withdrawal of the loading tongue (7) from the storage space (5) of the roll container (2) and / or during a lowering of the roll container (2) loaded with the stack of unit loads (1a), in which the upper edges of the side walls (6) of the roll container (2) are moved inwards towards each other, so that these and / or the receiving pockets (17) are laterally pressed against the stack of unit loads (1a) and / or pressed against it. [15] Device for picking general cargo into a roll container, comprising a loading platform (4) movable on rollers (3) and two opposing side walls (6) laterally delimiting a storage space (5) of the roll container (2) for the general cargo (1), which extend upwards from two opposing edge sections of the movable loading platform (4), comprising a control device (10) which is designed and configured to automatically execute a method according to one of claims 1 to 14. [16] Device according to claim 15, characterized by a delivery device (9) which is designed to laterally support the stack of general cargo (1a) in at least one height section and / or in at least one width section of the stack of general cargo (1a) by automatically delivering and / or pressing the delivery device (9) against the stack of general cargo (1a) on at least one side of the stack of general cargo (1a). [17] Device according to claim 16, characterized by , that the delivery device (9) has at least one wall (11) adjustable at least substantially towards the stack of general cargo (1a) for automatic delivery and / or pressing against a lateral side area of ​​the stack of general cargo (1a). [18] Device according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized by a loading tongue (7) having a shape with a wedge-shaped cross-sectional profile, wherein the wedge-shaped cross-sectional profile of the loading tongue (7) tapers from a proximal end section (7a) of the loading tongue (7) to a distal end section (7b) at the free end of the loading tongue (7). [19] Device according to claim 18, characterized by , that the wedge-shaped loading tongue (7) carries at least one belt (14), in particular a winding or rotating belt, or a gravity-driven belt (14) that runs over the surface of the loading tongue (7). [20] Device according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized by a slanted and / or automatically adjustable platform (13) designed to support a mobile loading platform (4) of the roll container (2). [21] Device according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized by a loading tongue (7) that is adjustable in height and / or controlled, in particular position-dependent pivoting, which is designed to reduce the lowering height of the general cargo (1) from the loading tongue (7) onto the loading floor (4).

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