Picking and / or packing station for providing a source or destination container

Abstract

Picking and / or packing station (1) for providing a source or target container (2), comprising a transfer device (3) for transferring the source or target container (2) from a receiving position (P1) to a picking position (P2), a transfer device (4) for moving the source or target container (2) from the picking position (P2) to a delivery position, wherein the displacement device (3) is designed to displace the source or target container (2) in the direction of gravity (R1) when displacing the source or target container (2) from the receiving position (P1) to the picking position (P2).

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a picking and / or packing station for providing a source or destination container and a picking and / or packing system.

[0002] A picking process follows the "goods to person" principle. With this principle, items or goods are brought to a picker who has a fixed workstation. The picker should move as little as possible from this workstation. Instead, the items to be picked are transported to the picker. The picker then removes individual items or goods from a source or destination container and transfers them to provided destination containers or boxes. Once the source or destination container has been picked, it must be replaced so that the picker can continue with their work.

[0003] It is therefore advantageous if the source or destination containers can be exchanged quickly, as this can reduce the downtime of the picking person.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the subject matter of the present disclosure to provide a device in which the efficiency of a picking and / or packing station can be increased.

[0005] The above problem is solved with a picking and / or packing station having the features of claim 1 and with a picking and / or packing system having the features of claim 9.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a picking and / or packing station is provided for providing a source or target container. The picking and / or packing station may comprise a displacement device for displacing the source or target container from a receiving position to a picking position. The picking and / or packing station may comprise a transfer device for displacing a source or target container from the picking position to a delivery position. The displacement device may be configured to displace the source or target container in the direction of gravity when displacing the source or target container from the receiving position to the picking position.

[0007] Compared to the known prior art, the present subject matter of the disclosure provides the advantage that source or target containers can be replenished particularly quickly. In other words, a new source or target container with goods or articles to be picked can be quickly made available to the picking person when a previous source or target container is no longer needed. To do this, the source or target container, e.g. empty, must be removed and the subsequent source or target container, e.g. full or partially filled, must be brought back into the picking position. By shifting the source or target container in the direction of gravity, the source or target containers can be removed and fed one above the other. This means that the source or target containers can be made available more quickly. Making a source or target container available can also be understood as changing a source or target container.In other words, the picking and / or packing station can also be designed to exchange source or destination containers. Furthermore, the picking and / or packing station can also be referred to as a picking station.

[0008] The picking and / or packing station can be a device at which a picker works. The picking and / or packing station can be a station at which a source container or a target container is provided. The source container can provide goods or articles so that a user can remove them. A target container can be an empty or partially filled container into which a user places goods or articles. Because the picking and / or packing station is suitable for both uses, the range of applications of the picking and / or packing station is increased. The picker can be a user who has the task of transferring articles to be picked from a source or target container to a plurality of target containers. A source or target container can be a transport element with the help of which goods or articles can be transported.In other words, individual goods or articles can be accommodated in the source or destination container. The articles can be stored in a source or destination container. The source or destination container can be a box, a carton, or the like. More precisely, the source or destination container can be any object that can accommodate articles or goods and is designed to support the articles or goods, for example during transport. Providing the source or destination container can mean that the source or destination container is exposed to the picking person in such a way that the picking person can easily reach into the source or destination container to remove articles. It is advantageous if the source or destination container is provided at approximately hip height of the picking person.The relocation device can be a device designed to physically relocate the source or target container within the space. To do so, the relocation device can come into direct contact with the source or target container to transfer it from a starting position (e.g., the receiving position) to a target position (e.g., the picking position). The receiving position can be the position at which a source or target container is fed to the picking station. The source or target container can, for example, be delivered to the picking station from a storage system or an upstream picking system. The delivery can, for example, be made using a conveyor belt, conveyor rollers, or AGV. The receiving position can be the position at which the source or target container is transferred to the relocation device.From the receiving position, the transfer device can then move the source or destination container to the picking position. In the picking position, the picking operator can begin the picking process. The picking process can involve packing or removing goods from a container.

[0009] In the picking position, goods or articles can either be removed from the source or target container or inserted into it. Once the picking process is complete, the transfer device can be designed to transport the source or target container away from the picking position. More specifically, the transfer device can be designed to transfer the source or target container from the picking position to a delivery position. The delivery position can be the position at which the picking and / or packing station hands the source or target container back to a conveyor element so that the source or target container is transported away from the picking station. The transfer device can also be designed to transport the source or target container from the takeover position to the picking position in the direction of gravity.In other words, the transfer device can move the source or destination container against the force of gravity. This allows the source or destination container to be fed into the picking position from below. This offers the possibility of removing the source or destination container from the picking position in a different direction, allowing the change of source or destination containers to be completed more quickly. The direction of gravity can also be referred to as the direction in which the force of attraction acts, or the vertical direction.

[0010] Optionally, the picking and / or packing station has a linear drive designed to drive the transfer device when the source or destination container is moved between the receiving position and the picking position. Drive systems that result in a translational movement can be referred to as linear drives. The linear drive can enable the movement of the transfer device in a straight line or along another predetermined path. This allows the transfer device to be implemented in a simple manner, without the need for gears or the like.

[0011] Optionally, the transfer device includes a fork-like support structure for supporting the source or target container. The fork-like structure can come into direct contact with the source or target container. This allows the source or target container to be adequately supported while simultaneously achieving a lightweight transfer device. Furthermore, this allows the support structure to take up little space when no source or target container is placed on the support structure. This allows the contour of the support structure to be reduced. Consequently, the space required for the support structure to be minimized.

[0012] Optionally, the support structure is rigid. In other words, the support structure can be a passive support structure. This can mean that the support structure itself has no drive or conveying limit. Thus, the source or target container must be loaded onto and removed from the support structure by an external conveyor device or actuator unit. This allows the support structure to be designed in a simpler manner. In other words, the support structure can be moved only in the direction of gravity, without the support structure having any type of conveying element.

[0013] Optionally, the support structure has a first support and a second support, each of which is designed to come into direct contact with a source or target container. In other words, the first support and the second support can be part of the fork structure. The first support can be designed as a cantilever arm. The second support can be designed as a cantilever arm. This allows the source or target container to be supported on two edges. If no source or target container is mounted on the support structure, the support structure can allow another element to pass between the first support and the second support. This allows the contour of the support structure to be reduced. The contour of the support structure can be the space required by the support structure, for example when the support structure is moving.

[0014] Optionally, the transfer device is designed to tilt the source or target container relative to the horizontal during a transfer of the source or target container from the receiving position to the picking position. The inclination of the source or target container can also be referred to as the orientation of the source or target container. If the source or target container is provided in the receiving position, the source or target container can be aligned horizontally. This can mean that a base of the source or target container runs parallel to the horizontal. This is usually the case with conveyor devices such as conveyor belts or roller conveyors, which are aligned horizontally to prevent transported goods from shifting spontaneously due to gravity. Consequently, the picking and / or packing station can be connected to known conveyor solutions.If the source or destination container is picked up horizontally at the pick-up position, the transfer device can change the orientation of the source or destination container. In particular, the transfer device can tilt the container toward the picker, making it particularly easy for them to remove the items. This can improve the ergonomics of the picking and / or packing station. This tilt can occur during the transfer between the pick-up position and the picking position. This eliminates the need for additional time to change the orientation of the source or destination container.

[0015] Optionally, the relocation device can be configured to vary the orientation of the source or target container when relocating it between the receiving position and the picking position. This allows the source or target container to be positioned in multiple orientations. This is advantageous, for example, when space is particularly limited in the picking and / or packing station and the source or target container must be guided around an obstacle or other element. This allows the picking and / or packing station to be designed to be particularly space-saving.

[0016] Optionally, the displacement device is designed to interact with a control cam in order to vary the displacement of the source or target container between the receiving position and the picking position. In other words, the displacement device can have a contact element (for example a cam) which interacts with a control cam provided at the picking and / or packing station. Depending on the local position of the displacement device between the receiving position and the picking position, the contact element can be brought into a different position or a different attitude by the control cam. Depending on the position of the contact element, the displacement device can incline the support structure on which the source or target container rests. As a result, an orientation orThe inclination of the source or destination container can be varied. This ensures that the source or destination container is tilted as desired in the picking position. Furthermore, depending on the design of the control cam, the inclination of the source or destination container can be varied during the transfer between the receiving position and the picking position.

[0017] Optionally, the relocation device can be guided in a guide when moving the source or destination container from the receiving position to the picking position. The guide can be an undercut in which a contact element or another guide element of the relocation device is accommodated. The guide can define the relocation path of the relocation device between the receiving position and the picking position. The relocation device can be driven, for example, by a chain or toothed belt drive that is designed only to apply force in the direction of gravity. The precise positioning of the relocation device can be achieved by the guide. The contact element can be a roller element that is guided in the guide. This can reduce wear and lower noise emissions.Furthermore, the contact element can be a slide-like guide element with two rollers. This prevents the contact element from twisting.

[0018] Optionally, the guide is designed so that the relocation device can vary the orientation of the source or target container when the source or target container is relocated between the receiving position and the picking position. In other words, the guide can be used to adjust the orientation (e.g., the inclination) of the source or target container. For example, a predetermined guide shape can be used to adjust not only the position of the relocation device in space, but also its orientation in space. This allows the orientation of the source or target container to be adjusted both in a path-dependent and simple manner.

[0019] Optionally, the guide has a curved shape. This allows the source or target container to be guided along a curved shape. Consequently, an inclination of the source or target container can be provided in a simple manner. This can be achieved in particular by allowing the source or target container to be displaced in a continuous movement from the takeover position to the end position. In the area of the takeover position, the guide can be designed so that the source or target container can be placed flat on the displacing device. In the picking position, the source or target container together with the displacing device can then be inclined relative to the horizontal. The guide can have a radius of 2500 to 3000 mm. It has been shown that for typical body sizes in the picking position, the source or target container is displaced at a sufficient incline that the picker can reach into it without any problem.If the picker is standing on an adjustable platform (to adjust the workstation to their height), it has proven advantageous to choose a radius of 2750 mm. This allows for particularly ergonomic work for the picker.

[0020] Optionally, the relocation device describes an arcuate trajectory when moving the source or destination container from the receiving position to the picking position. A trajectory can be a path, a route, or a way that describes the course of a spatial curve along which a body or a point moves. In other words, when moving between the receiving position and the picking position, the relocation device can not only change its inclination and position in the vertical direction (for example, the Z direction), but also in another spatial direction. In other words, the relocation device can move in space so that a desired picking position is reached. This allows the relocation device to be adapted to any picking and / or packing station in order to achieve a picking position that is optimal for the picking position.

[0021] Optionally, the picking and / or packing station has a transport mechanism designed to transport the source or target container to the receiving position so that the relocation device can handle the source or target container. In other words, the transport mechanism can be designed to receive the source or target container from a feed conveyor and bring it to the receiving position. In the receiving position, the source or target container can rest on the relocation device. The relocation device can be a passive relocation device that does not have any conveying means itself. The transport mechanism can be provided separately from the relocation device. The transport mechanism can, for example, be a conveyor element that transfers the source or target container from the feed conveyor to the relocation device.In the case where the transfer device has a fork-like support structure, the transport mechanism can transfer the source or target container onto the support device. The transport mechanism can, for example, be a belt element arranged adjacent to the transfer device in the receiving position. Thus, the source or target container can be at least partially applied to the transport mechanism, for example, by a feed conveyor, and then taken over by the transport mechanism and completely applied to the transfer device. This can ensure that the source or target container is correctly applied to the transfer device.

[0022] Optionally, the transport mechanism is provided and / or arranged in a fixed position. In other words, the transfer device can move back and forth between the receiving position and the picking position, while the transport mechanism remains fixed. The transport mechanism can always remain in the receiving position. This allows for a simpler design of the transfer device, and the transport mechanism does not need to be moved back and forth between the picking position and the receiving position.

[0023] Optionally, the transport mechanism comprises at least one belt or toothed belt element designed to move the source or target container onto the transfer device. In other words, the transport mechanism can be designed as a circulating conveyor belt that can transport the source or target container. In one embodiment, the transport mechanism comprises two belt elements arranged parallel to each other. This ensures that the source or target container is correctly applied to the transfer device.

[0024] Optionally, the transfer device comprises a movable handling element configured to pull the source or target container out of the picking position. The transfer device may be a device connecting the picking position to a removal conveyor. The transfer device may be inclined relative to the horizontal. This allows the transfer device to optimally receive the source or target container from an inclined position, in which the source or target container may be in the picking position. The transfer device may consist of a fixed part and a movable part. The movable part may be a movable handling element. The handling element may transport the source or target container out of the picking position.More specifically, the handling element can transport the picking container towards the discharge conveyor in such a way that the source or target container can be optimally delivered to the discharge conveyor. The movable handling element can be moved back and forth between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the handling element can be in the picking position. In the retracted position, the handling element can have the picking position released so that the transfer device can transport the source or target container into the picking position. This can create space into which the transfer device can convey the source or target container. The movable handling element can only be moved to the extended position if a source or target container is arranged in the picking position.This means that the picking and / or packing station can be implemented in a very small space, so that minimal distances have to be covered to reach the picking position.

[0025] Optionally, the handling element is designed to at least partially support the source or target container in the picking position. In other words, the source or target container can be supported by the handling element in the picking position. The handling element can be in the extended position. For example, the transfer device can transport the source or target container to the picking position, where the source or target container is taken over by the handling element. This provides the advantage that the transfer device can be moved back towards the take-over position as long as the source or target container is held in the picking position by the handling element. This allows the picking process to be carried out as long as the transfer device is on its way back to the take-over position.This allows a new source or target container to be picked up by the transfer device while the previous source or target container is still being unloaded by the picker. Once the source or target container has been unloaded, the handling element can be moved to the retracted position, thereby removing the source or target container from the picking position. As soon as the source or target container has been removed from the picking position by the handling element, the subsequent source or target container can be moved into the picking position by the transfer element. This enables a quick change of source or target containers.

[0026] Optionally, the handling element can be designed to move between a first carrier and a second carrier of the transfer device. Thus, both the transfer device and the handling element can be provided in the picking position at the same time. Because the handling element can be moved between the elements (i.e. the first and second carrier) of the transfer device, the handling element and the transfer device can be arranged in the picking position at the same time without interfering with each other. As a result, the source or target container in the picking position can be transferred from the transfer device to the handling element. This has the advantage that the transfer device can be moved back towards the takeover position before the picking process has been completed. As a result, the changeover times for the source or target containers can be increased.Optionally, the handling element is designed as a table. In other words, the handling element can be designed as a plate. This allows the handling element to be moved beneath a source or target container arranged in the picking position. More precisely, the handling element can be moved beneath the source or target container in the extended position. Due to the flat or table-like design of the handling element, the handling element can also be relocated into a small free space in order to pick up the source or target container in the picking position.

[0027] Optionally, the handling element can be designed to move under the source or target container in the picking position. This allows the handling element to be moved into a position where it can easily support the source or target container as soon as the transfer device is moved from the picking position to the receiving position.

[0028] Optionally, the transfer device can be configured to vary the orientation when the source or target container moves from the picking position. This can be achieved if the source or target container is arranged at an angle in the picking position. Since the discharge conveyor (i.e., the conveyor device provided downstream of the transfer device) is arranged horizontally, the transfer device must therefore shift the source or target container to be conveyed back into a horizontal position.

[0029] This means that the picking and / or packing station can be easily connected to conventional conveyors.

[0030] Optionally, the transfer device is designed to transfer the source or target container from a position in the picking position that is inclined relative to the horizontal to a different inclination. Optionally, the other inclination is essentially parallel to the horizontal. This allows the picking and / or packing station to be easily connected to a discharge conveyor. The transfer device can enable the source or target container to be tilted. Additionally or alternatively, the transfer conveyor can describe an arc shape so that the source or target container can be transferred to a different orientation (e.g., inclined). This means that the source or target container can be provided essentially parallel to the horizontal during discharge.

[0031] Optionally, the handling element can be designed to move between a first carrier and a second carrier of the transfer device. Thus, both the transfer device and the handling element can be provided in the picking position at the same time. Because the handling element can be moved between the elements (i.e. the first and second carrier) of the transfer device, the handling element and the transfer device can be arranged in the picking position at the same time without interfering with each other. This allows the source or target container to be transferred from the transfer device to the handling element in the picking position. This offers the advantage that the transfer device can be moved back towards the takeover position before the picking process has been completed. This can shorten the changeover times for the source or target containers.

[0032] Optionally, the handling element is designed as a table. In other words, the handling element can be designed as a plate. This allows the handling element to be moved under a source or target container that is arranged in the picking position.

[0033] More specifically, the handling element can be moved beneath the source or target container in the extended position. Due to the flat or table-like design of the handling element, the handling element can also be relocated into a small free space to pick up the source or target container in the picking position.

[0034] Optionally, the handling element can be designed to move under the source or destination container in the picking position. This allows the handling element to be moved into a position where it can easily support the source or destination container as soon as the transfer device is moved from the picking position to the receiving position.

[0035] Optionally, the transfer device can be configured to vary the orientation when the source or target container moves from the picking position. This can be achieved if the source or target container is arranged at an angle in the picking position. Since the discharge conveyor (i.e., the conveyor device provided downstream of the transfer device) is arranged horizontally, the transfer device must therefore shift the source or target container to be removed back into a horizontal position. This allows the picking and / or packing station to be easily connected to conventional conveyors.

[0036] Optionally, the transfer device is designed to transfer the source or target container from a position in the picking position that is inclined relative to the horizontal to a different inclination. Optionally, the other inclination is essentially parallel to the horizontal. This allows the picking and / or packing station to be easily connected to a discharge conveyor. The transfer device can enable the source or target container to be tilted. Additionally or alternatively, the transfer conveyor can describe an arc shape so that the source or target container can be transferred to a different orientation (e.g., inclined). This means that the source or target container can be provided essentially parallel to the horizontal during discharge.

[0037] Optionally, the transfer device can have a conveyor element, wherein the handling element is designed to bring the source or target container onto the conveyor element. The handling element can have no conveyor element or the like. Since the handling element itself can be designed to be displaceable, it is not necessary for the handling element itself to have a conveyor element. Rather, the conveyor element can be provided on a fixed part of the transfer device. The handling element, which can be the movable part of the transfer device, can pull the source or target container out of the picking position and move it onto the fixed part of the transfer device. There, the source or target container can then come into contact with the conveyor element, whereby the source or target container can be transported away.The transfer device can have a constant incline that corresponds to the incline of the source or target container in the picking position. If the source or target container is conveyed by the conveyor element on the transfer device, the source or target container can be conveyed over an edge, causing the source or target container to tip onto a discharge conveyor. The discharge conveyor can be designed to be aligned essentially parallel to the horizontal. This allows the source or target container to be easily returned from the inclined position to the horizontal position and easily transported away by the discharge conveyor.

[0038] Optionally, the conveying element can be arranged in a stationary manner. In other words, the conveying element can be provided on the part of the transfer device that is stationary. This allows the transfer device to be designed simply overall, since there is no movement of driven parts.

[0039] Optionally, the handling element can have at least one hook element that is displaceable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the hook element is configured in the extended position to engage the source or target container with the handling element. In other words, when the handling element has moved under the source or target container and is thus in the picking position, the hook element can be displaced into the extended position so that the source or target container can be taken along when the handling element is moved back to the retracted position.The at least one hook element can be designed as a type of barb, so that it can be easily guided past the source or target container when the handling element is moved into the picking position, but takes the source or target container with it as soon as the handling element is moved in the opposite direction (i.e., from the extended position of the handling element to the retracted position of the handling element). This can provide a simple system that can reliably convey the source or target container from the picking position.

[0040] Optionally, the transfer device can have a dedicated drive. In other words, the transfer device can have its own drive. The relocation device can have its own drive. In other words, both devices (i.e., the transfer device and the relocation device) can have individual and separate drives that are not coupled to one another. This allows for individual control of both elements. Furthermore, the susceptibility to errors that can arise from any mechanical coupling of the two elements is reduced.

[0041] Optionally, the picking and / or packing station has an interface designed to allow a user to enter commands. For example, the picking and / or packing station can have an interface that allows the user to signal that the picking or packing order is complete. This allows the user to initiate the removal of a container or carton currently in the picking position. The interface can be a touchpad or a button, for example. This allows the picking or packing process to be customized to the picking operator's working speed.

[0042] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a picking and / or packing system is provided with a picking and / or packing station according to one of the above embodiments. The picking and / or packing system may comprise a feed device for feeding the source or target container. The feed device may be a conveyor element such as a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor. The feed device may be configured substantially parallel to the horizontal. The feed device may convey a source or target container to the receiving position. The container may then be transferred from the feed device to the transfer device. Thus, the picking and / or packing station may be connected to any conveyor system.

[0043] Optionally, the picking and / or packing system includes a removal device for removing a container or carton. The removal device can be arranged parallel to the horizontal. The feed device and the removal device can be arranged parallel to each other. The feed device and the removal device can be arranged one above the other in the direction of gravity. The removal device can receive a source or target container from the transfer device. The removal device can be designed essentially analogously to the feed device.

[0044] Optionally, the picking and / or packing system has a plurality of storage locations for each receiving a target container or target carton. A target container can be a container or carton into which items from a source or target container are to be sorted. The storage locations can be inclined in the same way as the source or target container in the picking position. The storage locations can have a conveyor drive that can remove the target containers and transport new target containers. The storage locations are preferably located adjacent to each other next to the picking and / or packing station.

[0045] Optionally, the storage locations can be arranged next to each other in a straight line, along with the picking and / or packing station. This allows a picker to transfer items from the source or destination containers to the destination containers without having to travel long distances.

[0046] Optionally, each storage location has an interface designed to receive commands from a user. The user can be the picking person. The user can, for example, see on a plan or other display element (e.g., monitor, skylight / laser, or similar) which items should be transferred from the source or destination container to which destination container. Once all items to be moved into a destination container are located there, the picking person can use the interface to indicate that the destination container is completely full. This allows the system to recognize that the respective destination container needs to be removed. The destination container is then removed, and a new destination container is provided. While the full destination container is being removed, the picking person can continue the picking / packing process with other destination containers.Therefore, it is not detrimental that a target container is fed in and removed at the same line level. If a particularly space-optimized and dynamic design is required and a target container should also be changed as quickly as possible, or if the process requirements of article and order structures as well as picking and / or packing processes and the associated use of containers and / or cartons require it to function as a source item and / or order item container, the device can also function for the provision and changing of target containers, thus enabling a quick change of target containers.

[0047] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a source or target container can be provided in a picking and / or packing station. The picking and / or packing station is, in particular, a picking and / or packing station according to one of the preceding embodiments. Provision of the source or target container in the receiving position can be provided. Provision can be made for the source or target container to be moved from the transfer position to the picking position. During the movement of the source or target container from the receiving position to the picking position, the source or target container can be moved in the direction of gravity. Thus, the source or target container can be conveyed to the receiving position via a feed device and taken over there by the moving device. The source or target container can then be lifted by the moving device to a waiting position.Once the picking process is complete and the source or target container in the picking position has been removed by the transfer device, the source or target container, which is held in a central position by the transfer device, can be lifted into the picking position. At the same time, the source or target container to be removed can be removed by the transfer device. Once the new source or target container has reached the picking position, the transfer device can use a handling element to move underneath the source container, which is now in the picking position, so that the source container is supported by the handling element during the picking process. The transfer device or lifting carriage can then be lowered back towards the receiving position.

[0048] Optionally, the orientation of the source or target container can be varied during the transfer from the receiving position to the picking position. This allows the source or target container to be positioned at an angle or orientation in the picking position. This can simplify the removal of items from the source or target container.

[0049] Optionally, when the source container is in the picking position, a handling element of a transfer device can be relocated so that the handling element carries the source or target container. This eliminates the need for the transfer device to remain in the picking position to carry the source or target container; instead, the transfer device can be relocated back to the pick-up position to pick up the next source or target container. This can significantly reduce cycle times.

[0050] Optionally, when the handling element is carrying the source or destination container in the picking position, the transfer device can be moved toward the transfer position. This allows the transfer element to be immediately moved back to a position where a new source or destination container can be picked up.

[0051] Optionally, the handling element can pull the source or target container out of the picking position after a picking process is completed. This allows the source or target container to be conveyed to a removal device and the contour cleared so that a new source or target container can be moved into the tipping position.

[0052] According to a further aspect, a use of a picking and / or packing station according to one of the above embodiments during a picking process is provided.

[0053] Individual features and embodiments can be combined with other features and other embodiments to form new embodiments. Embodiments and advantages mentioned in connection with the embodiments or features then apply analogously to the new embodiments. Advantages and embodiments mentioned in connection with the device also apply analogously to the use, and vice versa.

[0054] In the following, embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings: Fig. 1 shows a schematic and perspective view of a picking system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 shows a schematic section through a picking and / or packing station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 shows a schematic section through a picking system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 shows a schematic section through a picking system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 shows a schematic section of a part of the picking and / or packing station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 shows a schematic section of a part of the picking and / or packing station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a picking and / or packing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The picking and / or packing system 10 may also be referred to as a picking and / or packing system 10. The picking and / or packing system 10 comprises a picking and / or packing station 1 for providing source or target containers 2 (in Fig. 1 not shown). Furthermore, the picking and / or packing system 10 has a plurality of storage locations 8 for target containers. A picking person stands on a height-adjustable platform 9 and removes individual goods from a source container 2 provided at the picking and / or packing station 1 and, in accordance with the transmitted instructions, transfers them to target containers provided at the storage locations. The picking and / or packing station 1 has an interface 11 with which information is transmitted to the user. Furthermore, the interface comprises buttons arranged at the picking and / or packing station 1 so that the user can not only record information but can also enter information into the system themselves. For example, the user can signal that a source or target container is empty. The picking and / or packing station 1 can also be referred to as a vertical shaft.Vertical shaft because the source or destination containers (2) are moved in the direction of gravity. More precisely, the source or destination containers 2 are fed to the picking and / or packing station 1 on a feed device 6, lifted vertically there, then subjected to a picking process and removed again via a removal device 7. The removal device 7 is located vertically (i.e. in the direction of gravity) above the feed device 6. In the present embodiment, each storage location 8 has its own supply and removal device. However, the containers can also be provided at the storage locations 8 in other ways. As in . Fig. 1, the storage locations 8 are arranged in a row with the picking and / or packing station directly adjacent. In a further embodiment not shown, two or more picking and / or packing stations 1 are arranged next to one another. In this case, some of the picking and / or packing stations 1 can provide source containers, and another part of the picking and / or packing stations 1 can provide target containers. This allows a highly modular system to be created in a very small space.

[0056] Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the picking and / or packing station 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] In Fig. 1 shows the feed device 6, on which source or target containers are fed (see arrow in Fig. 2). After the picking process in the picking and / or packing station 1, the source or target containers 2 are removed via a removal device 7 (see arrow in Fig. 2). The picking and / or packing station receives the source or target container / source carton 2 at a receiving position. The source container 2 is placed on a transfer device 3. This is done by a transport mechanism 33, which moves the source or target container 2 from the feed device 6 to the transfer device 3. The transfer device 3 can then move the source or target container in the direction of gravity R1. More specifically, the transfer device 3 can bring the source or target container 2 into the picking position P2. In the picking position P2, a user 12 can efficiently reach into the source or target container and remove articles and feed them to the target containers. Furthermore, the transfer device 3 is guided in a guide 32, so that during the transfer from the receiving position P1 (see Fig. 3) the source or target container 2 is tilted relative to the horizontal (102) into the picking position P2. This allows the user 12 to reach into the source container even more efficiently.

[0058] Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the picking and / or packing station 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. The picking and / or packing station 1 shown in Figure 3 essentially corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 2, with the difference that the transfer device 3 is in a different position. More precisely, the transfer device 3 is located in Fig. 3 in the takeover position P1. Here, it can be seen that the user 12 does not have direct access to the source or target container. The source or target container has just been taken over by the feed device 6 and is now ready to be moved in the direction of gravity R1. The transfer device 4 transports in the Fig. 3, the embodiment shown is currently picking up a source or target container in order to feed it to the device 7.

[0059] Fig. 4 is a schematic sectional view of the picking and / or packing station 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Station 1 shown in Figure 4 essentially corresponds to the station shown in Fig. 3, with the difference that the transfer device 3 is located on the path between the receiving position P1 and the picking position P2. It can be seen that the transport mechanism 33 does not move and remains at the receiving position P1. Rather, only a support structure 31 of the transfer device 3 moves between the receiving position and the picking position P2.

[0060] Fig. 5 is a schematic sectional view of the picking and / or packing station 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 differs from the Fig. 4, that the source or destination container is arranged in the picking position P2. In the picking position P2, the user 12 can reach directly into the source or destination container 2 and remove articles or, depending on the process, place them therein. Due to the curved guide 32, the source or destination container 2 has an inclination relative to the horizontal R2. In the present embodiment, the inclination is 12°. This inclination has been shown to provide the best possible efficiency for handling articles.

[0061] Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic and perspective view of a part of the picking and / or packing station. Fig. In the picking and / or packing station 1 shown in Figure 6, the source or destination container is in the picking position P2. The support structure of the relocation device 3 is also in the picking position P2 in this state. The transport mechanism 33 is stationary and remains permanently in the transfer position B1. The support structure 31 of the relocation device 3 is also in the picking position P2 in this state. The transport mechanism 33 is stationary and remains permanently in the transfer position B1. The transfer device P4 is arranged at the same inclination as the support structure 31 in the picking position. The transfer device 4 has a handling element 41 which is movable. Furthermore, the transfer device 4 has stationary conveyor elements 42.The handling element 41 can be moved under the source or target container 2 and, by means of the hook element 43, pull the source or target container 2 onto the conveyor elements 42. This allows the source or target container 2 to be supported by the handling element when the support structure 31 is on its way to the receiving position P1, and the source or target container can be removed from the viewing position.

[0062] Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a section of the picking and / or packing station 1. In the Fig. 7, the handling element 41 is moved under the source or target container 2 and is pulling it onto the conveyor elements 42 by means of the hook element 43. This allows space to be created in the picking and / or packing station 1 so that the relocation device 3 can bring a new source or target container 2 into the picking position.

[0063] The source or destination container is then transferred from the transfer device 4 to a removal device 7. List of reference symbols: 1 picking and / or packing station 2 source or destination containers 3 Shifting device 4 Transfer device 5 Linear drive 6 Feed device 7 Discharge device 9 podium 10 Picking and / or packing system 11 Interface 12 users 31 Support structure 32 Guide 33 Transport mechanism 41 Handling element 42 conveyor elements 43 Hook element P1 takeover position P2 picking position

Claims

[1] Picking and / or packing station (1) for providing a source or target container (2), comprising a transfer device (3) for transferring the source or target container (2) from a receiving position (P1) to a picking position (P2), a transfer device (4) for moving the source or target container (2) from the picking position (P2) to a delivery position, wherein the displacement device (3) is designed to displace the source or target container (2) in the direction of gravity (R1) when displacing the source or target container (2) from the receiving position (P1) to the picking position (P2). [2] Picking and / or packing station (1) according to claim 1, wherein the displacement device (3) has a fork-like support structure (31) for carrying the source or destination container (2). [3] Picking and / or packing station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the displacement device (3) is designed to incline the source or target container (2) relative to the horizontal during a displacement of the source or target container (2) from the receiving position (P1) to the picking position (P2). [4] Picking and / or packing station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the displacement device (3) is guided in a guide (32) during a displacement of the source or target container (2) from the receiving position (P1) to the picking position (P2). [5] Picking and / or packing station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the picking station has a transport mechanism (33) designed to transport the source or target container (2) to the takeover position (P1) so that the transfer device (3) can handle the source or target container (2). [6] Picking and / or packing station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer device (4) has a movable handling element (41) which is designed to pull the source or target container (2) out of the picking position (P2). [7] Picking and / or packing station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer device (4) is designed to vary the orientation during a movement of the source or target container (2) from the picking position (P2). [8] Picking and / or packing station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the handling element (41) has at least one hook element (43) which is displaceable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the hook element (43) in the extended position is designed to engage the source or target container (2) with the handling element (41). [9] Picking and / or packing system (10) with a picking station according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a feeding device (6) for feeding the source or target container (2).

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