Picking facility for picking different goods, especially hanging goods, and methods for operating such a picking facility

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of logistics. It concerns a picking system for picking various goods, particularly those that can be transported in a suspended manner, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] It also concerns a method for operating such an order-picking system. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] With the increasing flow of goods and the changing nature of goods distribution and supply, logistics problems and solutions are becoming increasingly important. Goods stored and held in large warehouses, especially high-bay warehouses, must be retrieved, assembled into shipments, and delivered as quickly as possible in line with orders. An important part of this goods handling process is picking, i.e., the assembly of specific subsets (items) from a total quantity (assortment) based on orders. This can be a customer order or a production order.

[0004] The state of the art offers a variety of solutions to picking problems.

[0005] The document DE 4335637 C1 discloses a sorting system for sorting individual items via collection zones and accumulation lines connected to a continuous conveyor system, with a reader as a component of a control device for reading an identification number encoding specific identification features on an individual item to be sorted; diverting devices upstream of the accumulation lines and one or more discharge points within a discharge device downstream of the collection zones, characterized by the following features: (a) an assignment device as a component of a control device for assigning the identification number to a placeholder number containing the desired position in the flow of individual items in the following collection zones, accumulation lines and discharge points;(b) a first collection zone adapted to the batch size(s) of the individual items to be sorted for receiving all individual items of one or more batches provided with a placeholder number, wherein the first collection zone contains m accumulation lines for the individual items according to a first component of the placeholder number, which is a pre-sorting feature, wherein each accumulation line has a storage capacity q for the item to be sorted and m and q are integers; (c) a second, third and fourth collection zone with a number of n accumulation lines in each collection zone according to a second, third and fourth component of the placeholder number, each of which is a further differentiating pre-sorting feature, wherein the accumulation lines have a respective storage capacity r, and n and r are integers;(d) Control elements as part of a control device with a delimitation of the individual pieces read in such a way that the numerically constant batch contains the corresponding number of individual pieces which flow out of the sorting system in a predetermined sequence, and a blocking after receiving q = n <3> Individual parts in each individual accumulation line in the first collection zone and after recording r = n <2> Individual items in each individual accumulation line in the second, third or fourth collection zone; (e) after the fourth collection zone, a discharge device for the pre-sorted individual items with a second allocation device as part of the control device for the allocation of the placeholder number to the specific discharge point corresponding to the predetermined fifth component of the placeholder number;where (f) the number m of the accumulation lines in the first collection zone, the capacity q of a accumulation line in the first collection zone, the number n of accumulation lines in each further collection zone, the capacity r of the accumulation lines in the further collection zones are in a certain relationship to the sorting system configuration M;

[0006] The document EP 582224 A1 shows a method for sorting a plurality of individually conveyed objects in a suspended conveyor device, wherein the objects circulate unsorted on a first conveyor circuit and from there are transferred individually and automatically to at least one second conveyor path and assembled into groups, wherein the second conveyor path is designed as a second conveyor circuit on which the objects circulate, and wherein an automatically switchable switch is arranged between the first and the second conveyor circuit.

[0007] The document DE 9406061 U1 discloses a sorting system for sorting individually conveyed objects, in particular an overhead conveyor system, with two counter-rotating conveyor circuits that convey the objects to be sorted in sequence. Between them, an automatically switchable switch arrangement is provided, with which the objects can be transferred individually from one conveyor circuit to the other. The two conveyor circuits are arranged as a pair of conveyor circuits on either side of an additional conveyor line, the conveying direction of which coincides with that of the conveyor circuits at the level of the switch arrangement. The switch arrangement is designed to transfer the objects selectively from the conveyor line to each of the conveyor circuits and from each of the conveyor circuits to the conveyor line.

[0008] In this way, objects arriving unsorted on the conveyor line can be selectively and optionally transferred via the switch arrangement to one of the two conveyor circuits and collected there, for example, in groups, after which the groups are transferred back to the conveyor line, sorted by group. By selectively transferring objects from one conveyor circuit to the other, from there back to the first conveyor circuit, or onto the conveyor line, numerous additional sorting criteria can be met, such as changing the order of the objects within the groups. It is also possible to selectively allow objects on the conveyor line to pass through the switch arrangement without transferring them to one or the other conveyor circuit.

[0009] A similar sorting system is known from the document WO 95 / 27672 A1.

[0010] The document DE 10039394 C1 describes a sorting system for sorting a plurality of objects in at least three sorting runs, comprising: an input station for inputting the objects to be sorted into the sorting system; an output station for outputting the objects to be sorted from the sorting system; and a plurality of accumulation sections on which the objects are accumulated until a respective sorting run is completed.It is characterized by a division of the accumulation sections into a first and a second block of accumulation sections; a first transport section which connects the input station with the first block of accumulation sections in such a way that these can be filled from the input station in a first sorting step; a second transport section which connects the first block with the second block in such a way that the objects are transferred directly from the first block to the second block in a second sorting run; and a third transport section which connects the second block with the first block in such a way that the objects are transferred directly from the second block back to the first block in a third sorting run.

[0011] The document DE 20103664 U1 discloses a conveyor system for articles in a warehouse that can be moved on slide rails on hooked supports, in particular coat hangers. The conveyor system includes an intermediate storage area for newly delivered articles and a sorting system for sorting the articles into individual collection points according to any criteria. The intermediate storage area is formed by at least one sorting buffer with a continuous, closed, ring-shaped conveyor line.

[0012] Document EP 2581329 A1 discloses an overhead conveyor system for picking orders with at least one item of goods assigned to a respective order and / or for returns management, comprising trolleys, as well as loading stations, a batch buffer with multiple lines, and packing stations. The loading stations, the batch buffer, and the packing stations are connected to one another by overhead conveyor rails, and the trolleys and goods have identification devices. The overhead conveyor system comprises a management system for identifying and temporarily linking a trolley to a product. Identification detection devices for a trolley and the goods are arranged in the area of ​​the loading station and the packing station, and the identification detection devices are connected to the management system.

[0013] Document EP 2714552 B1 discloses a distribution device that is used particularly in overhead conveyors and is used, for example, to assemble a delivery of garments that can be stored on hangers as hanging garments in a hanging warehouse. The distribution device can also be used in the B2B and B2C sectors, for example, by conveying hanging bags or transport bags that are suitable for holding piece goods, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or similar.

[0014] The well-known distribution system is composed of a few, technically simple conveyor elements, consisting exclusively of straight sections, curves, and "simple" switches. Of course, differences in height can be overcome using lifts or similar devices. The distribution system is very compact. The distances between individual sections of the storage carousels, as well as between the storage carousels themselves, can be kept very small. The investment costs are lower than with conventional systems, particularly because standard components are used. The system is driven continuously. It requires no inclines or declines and is therefore extremely space-saving in its preferably vertical orientation. It also features 180° bends, but unlike the state of the art, these also function as switches.

[0015] The well-known distribution device is frequently used, for example, in order picking systems. The order picking system can have a goods receiving area, a warehouse, the distribution device, an optional sorter, and a goods issue area. These components of the order picking system are connected to each other via a conveyor system. According to EP2714552 B1, the system can process order picking orders. The term "order picking" refers to the assembly of piece goods into a (order picking) order. The goal of order picking is to assemble partial quantities from a total quantity of goods (assortment) based on requirements (orders). An order consists of one or more order items, also referred to as order lines. An order line specifies the respective quantity of an item. An "order batch" is the combination of several orders into a processing lot.A batch is therefore a grouping of multiple orders into an ordered set or list of orders. In batch mode, the orders are first collected and sorted, then processed sequentially in one batch. This well-known system is used primarily in online commerce (B2B, B2C, etc.).

[0016] The publication WO 2014 / 053380 A1 describes a portable conveyor system with a modular conveyor system, in particular with a modular overhead conveyor system, and with a plurality of transport modules, each of which is formed from a plurality of pre-installed and pre-tested conveyor system components, wherein the modules are arranged directly adjacent to one another and / or one above the other in order to jointly form the system when connected to one another, wherein the conveyor system comprises: a plurality of conveyor lines which together form a pre-defined conveyor line course with regard to a material flow, wherein each of the conveyor lines has a separate machine frame; at least one drive; at least one control device;and a transport means which is movable along the conveyor path by means of the at least one drive in order to transport load carriers, preferably hanging hangers, bags or trolleys, through the system; and wherein each module has: a standardized external dimension; a supporting structure whose dimensions are adapted to the standardized external dimension; and at least one of the conveyor paths, wherein the machine frame of each of the conveyor paths is permanently connected to the supporting structure, preferably along a uniform grid.

[0017] Each of the modules features at least parts of a (suspended) conveyor system. This conveyor system is used to transport load carriers, such as bags or hangers, in a hanging position. Overhead conveyors are used, for example, in the clothing industry for the internal transport of garments. The garments can be transported hanging or lying down. When the garments are transported hanging on hangers, they are referred to as hanging garments. When the garments are transported lying down, the bags are used. In this case, the garments are referred to as flattened garments, which are placed in the bags. A load carrier can also be implemented, for example, as a so-called "trolley." A trolley is a type of carriage that moves along a guide rail and from which goods or loads are suspended. Platforms are often attached to the carriages to transport heavy or bulky unit loads in a hanging position.

[0018] The load carriers essentially circulate clockwise through the system. The route essentially extends along the outer edges of the system. However, the load carriers can also be routed to branches within individual (functional) modules and circulate there.

[0019] The document EP 2789555 B1 discloses a device for the order-oriented provision of individual items for multiple orders from a warehouse, comprising at least one intermediate storage unit connected to a warehouse for the intermediate storage of individual items of at least one order, a collection area connected to the at least one intermediate storage unit for collecting the individual items of the at least one completed order, and a separation area having several delivery lines for the order-oriented provision of the individual items of the at least one completed order. In particular, the intermediate storage unit is designed as a circulating storage unit. The individual items temporarily stored in the intermediate storage unit are continuously stored in a circulating manner.

[0020] The publication WO 2017 / 027897 A1 describes a picking system for picking articles from storage containers into order containers, with a control computer for managing and processing picking orders and with at least one picking station according to the goods-to-person principle, at which a number of articles predetermined by the control computer can be picked from the storage containers into conveyor pockets, and with an overhead conveyor system for transporting the conveyor pockets and with a packing station for packing articles removed from the conveyor pockets and assigned to a picking order into the order container assigned to the picking order, wherein an order container conveyor system for transporting order containers, in particular boxes, is provided at the picking station, and wherein the control computer is designed to process a first picking order to specify the number of articles to be picked at the picking station in such a way thatthat the number of articles required for picking the first picking order is picked into the order container assigned to the first picking order and further articles contained in the storage container are picked into at least one conveyor pocket for later picking of further picking orders at the packing station.

[0021] In all order picking systems, it is desirable to achieve effective and rapid sorting and assembly of the desired goods with the least possible equipment expenditure and at a high throughput, so that the goods belonging to an order can be completely and accurately assembled and made ready for dispatch.

[0022] If a matrix sorter is used for order picking, this usually requires a high level of equipment expenditure if a large number of shipping locations have to be served with the goods combinations according to the order.

[0023] DE 10 2011 103194 A1 discloses an order picking system according to the preamble of claim 1. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an order picking system which, despite a high throughput, can be realized with a reduced expenditure on equipment, so that either a matrix sorter used can be made simpler or can be eliminated entirely.

[0025] A further object of the invention is to provide a method for operating such an order picking system.

[0026] These objects are achieved by a picking system according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 10.

[0027] The order picking system according to the invention for picking different goods that can be transported in a suspended manner is defined in claim 1 and comprises at least one loading station with a plurality of parallel loading locations for loading the goods to be picked into the order picking system and at least one shipping station with a plurality of parallel shipping locations for delivering the picked goods to the shipping department, wherein at least one intermediate storage is provided between the loading station and the shipping station for picking the goods.

[0028] It is characterized in that the at least one intermediate storage device comprises a dynamic storage device for the intermediate storage of the goods provided for order picking and a retrieval storage device connected downstream of the dynamic storage device for storing goods retrieved from the dynamic storage device and pre-sorted in the process, which are arranged within a common circulating conveyor and are connected to one another via the common circulating conveyor.

[0029] A circulating conveyor is a conveyor that transports goods in a closed circuit. Actuable or switchable switches can be provided at various points along the circulating conveyor, allowing new goods to be selectively introduced into the circuit or removed from circulating goods. The goods are divided into transport units, each of which can be moved independently and added to or removed from the circuit. The goods circulating in the circuit and stored in the dynamic storage are arranged in a specific order, which is usually based on the staggered removal of goods from the warehouse, but does not correspond to the batches of goods specified by orders.

[0030] By pre-sorting the goods in the call-off storage, the goods are already grouped together in a combination corresponding to the orders, so that a subsequent matrix sorter is relieved of sorting work and can be dimensioned accordingly smaller or eliminated entirely.

[0031] An embodiment of the order-picking system according to the invention is characterized in that a matrix sorter is arranged between the intermediate storage area and the shipping station for further sorting. The use of such a matrix sorter is particularly desirable when the goods of an order are to be delivered to the shipping station in a specific order.

[0032] Another embodiment of the order-picking system according to the invention is characterized in that the circulating conveyor is divided into two areas, that the dynamic storage is arranged in one of the two areas and the retrieval storage is arranged in the other of the two areas, and that the circulating conveyor is provided for transporting the goods from the dynamic storage to the retrieval storage.

[0033] This results in a compact and effective buffer with sorting function that enables a high throughput of goods.

[0034] The order-picking system according to the invention is characterized in that the circulating conveyor has a plurality of conveyor lines, and that the dynamic storage and the retrieval storage are each formed by a plurality of storage lines extending as branches from predetermined conveyor lines of the circulating conveyor.

[0035] This configuration contributes to the compactness of the system and enables short connections between the storage lines and storage sections of the intermediate storage facility.

[0036] According to the invention, the storage sections each have an inlet and an outlet, and the storage sections are each connected with the inlet to a first conveyor section and with the outlet to a second conveyor section.

[0037] According to the invention, the conveying directions of the first and second conveying sections are opposite.

[0038] According to the invention, the storage sections are connected to the associated conveyor sections of the circulating conveyor on the input side via an operable exit switch and on the output side via an operable entry switch.

[0039] Furthermore, the equipment requirements can be reduced according to the invention by designing the storage sections as gravity sections, each with a gradient from the entrance to the exit, along which the conveyed goods move automatically from the entrance to the exit due to gravity. A stop mechanism is then provided at the exit of each storage section to halt the downward movement of the goods. When an item is to be removed from the storage section, it is separated and fed into the circulating conveyor via the corresponding entry gate.

[0040] To create the gravity conveyors, the first conveyor sections can run at a first height and the second conveyor sections at a second height, with the first height being greater than the second height. The height difference must be selected such that the resulting gradient allows for safe and sufficiently fast movement of the goods along the gravity conveyor, even with low goods weight.

[0041] Furthermore, the storage sections of the dynamic storage and the on-demand storage can run parallel to each other, with the storage sections of the dynamic storage each having the same first gradient, the storage sections of the on-demand storage each having the same second gradient, and the first gradient and the second gradient being oriented opposite each other. These measures also increase the throughput and compactness of the system.

[0042] In particular, the circulating conveyor can change from the second height to the first height when transitioning from the first area to the second area and from the second height to the first height when transitioning from the second area to the first area.

[0043] The goods to be picked can be fed into the circulating conveyor for intermediate storage and pre-sorting between the two areas of the circulating conveyor via a feed line and can then be removed from the retrieval storage in a pre-sorted manner via a discharge line.

[0044] At least one return line with an associated output switch can also be provided at the exit of the dynamic storage to the retrieval storage, via which goods can be selectively conveyed back from the second conveyor line to the first conveyor line on the way from the dynamic storage to the retrieval storage.

[0045] Another embodiment of the order-picking system according to the invention is characterized in that the circulating conveyor comprises an overhead conveyor. The goods are transported suspended on the overhead conveyor, which allows for an increased density of goods on the transport routes and storage sections.

[0046] In particular, the goods to be picked can be transported in the circulating conveyor suspended from individual carriages along a guide rail. The carriages in the circulating conveyor are moved by a driven conveyor chain guided parallel to the guide rail on its own rail, which is in releasable engagement with the carriages. Suitable carriages and guide rails are described and disclosed in detail, for example, in WO 2016 / 030275 A1. However, it is also conceivable to arrange a conveyor chain laterally, as shown in WO 2016 / 030273 A1.

[0047] In particular, if the goods to be picked are predominantly fashion items, transport bags can be permanently attached to the trolley and / or clothes hangers can be detachably attached to transport the goods to be picked.

[0048] A further increase in throughput results if several buffers operating in parallel are provided in the picking system.

[0049] If trolleys on rails are used to transport the goods, a return of the trolleys not carrying goods from the dispatch station to the loading station can be provided in order to achieve a closed circuit of the means of transport.

[0050] In particular, at least one empty storage area can be provided in the return system for the carriages not loaded with goods.

[0051] A control system can be provided for the operation of the order picking system, which compiles the corresponding goods per order according to incoming orders and forwards them in compiled form to the shipping locations in the shipping station.

[0052] The method according to the invention for operating a picking system according to the invention is defined in claim 10 and is characterized in that the goods belonging to a plurality of orders are first stored in the dynamic memory of the at least one intermediate storage, then pre-sorted in the retrieval memory and subsequently transferred to the individual shipping locations in the shipping station, so that all goods belonging to an order are present at the respective shipping location.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the goods are pre-sorted on the way from the dynamic storage to the retrieval storage.

[0054] For pre-sorting, the goods coming from the dynamic storage can either be returned to the dynamic storage or transported to the retrieval storage.

[0055] In particular, the optional return of the goods to the dynamic storage can be carried out via at least one return line which is connected to the circulating conveyor via a controllable exit switch. BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

[0056] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an order picking system suitable for implementing the present invention; Figure 2 shows a Figure 1comparable order picking system, which is designed for goods to be transported in different ways and is equipped with several intermediate storage units operating in parallel; Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of an intermediate storage unit according to the invention with a return path between the dynamic storage unit and the pre-storage unit; Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of an intermediate storage unit according to the invention with two parallel return paths between the dynamic storage unit and the pre-storage unit; Figure 5 shows a Figure 3 comparable embodiment of an intermediate storage device according to the invention with an additional return line in front of the return path between dynamic storage device and pre-storage device; Figure 6 shows a Figure 5comparable embodiment of an intermediate storage according to the invention, wherein the dynamic storage is divided and has an additional feed line and return path between the parts of the dynamic storage; Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a complete order picking system according to the invention, which is suitable for the transport of goods in hanging bags and by means of coat hangers and has an empty storage in the return of the empty transport means; Figure 8 shows a Figure 7 comparable embodiment of a complete order picking system according to the invention, in which two empty storage units are provided for the empty transport means; Figure 9 shows, in various partial figures, different views of an intermediate storage unit according to an embodiment of the invention, which operates with gravity sections as storage sections; Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the Figure 9(a); Figure 11 shows a section of an embodiment of a circulating conveyor as it can be used in the intermediate storage of the invention; and Figure 12 shows an exemplary conveyor carriage of a circulating conveyor according to Figure 11 with attached carrying bag. WAYS OF IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

[0057] In Figure 1 A schematic representation of a picking system 10 suitable for implementing the present invention is shown. The picking system 10 typically obtains the goods to be picked from a warehouse 16, which may be configured, for example, as a high-bay warehouse. However, other types of warehouses are also conceivable.

[0058] When corresponding orders A are placed, the goods requested in the orders are retrieved from the warehouse 16 and fed into the picking system 10 via a loading station 11. In the loading station 11, there are usually several loading stations (35, 36 in Figure 7 ) are arranged, at which the goods coming from the warehouse 16 are recorded (by means of RFID, barcode or the like) and are assigned to the transport means circulating within the order picking system (e.g. transport bag 55 in Figure 12 ) and fed. The recorded data is transmitted to a central controller 56, into which the information about orders A is fed and which controls the operation of the order picking system 10 and carries out the order picking.

[0059] The goods retrieved from the warehouse 16 are transported from the loading station 11 to a buffer 12, where they are temporarily stored for further order processing. To process orders A, the goods belonging to each order must now be grouped ("batch") so that they can then be packed in the shipping station 14 and prepared for delivery. The shipping station 14 typically comprises a plurality of individual, parallel-operating shipping stations (40 in Figure 7 ). The goods are assembled in such a way that one order A can be completely processed at one shipping location. For this purpose, a matrix sorter 13 can be used - especially if the goods of an order are to be available in a specific order (in Fig. 1 and 2(shown in dashed lines as an option), to which the goods are fed from the intermediate storage 12, and which forwards the goods in groups to the shipping locations in the shipping station 14. The processes taking place in the intermediate storage 12, if applicable in the matrix sorter 13, and in the shipping station 14, which in particular require the actuation of a large number of switches, are controlled by the controller 56 in accordance with the orders A. From the shipping station 14, the picked and packaged goods then go to the shipping area 15 to be delivered to the respective customers.

[0060] If the goods stored in warehouse 16 and to be picked are of various types, such as small appliances, household appliances, clothing, shirts, linens, cosmetics, etc., it is expedient to transport the goods within the picking system in different ways adapted to the goods. For example, coat hangers can be provided for jackets, coats, shirts, or dresses, on which the goods are transported through the picking system while hanging, while other goods are moved through the picking system in suitable transport bags.

[0061] In such a case, the basic structure of the picking system changes as in Figure 2 The order picking system 10' of the Figure 2 differs from the order picking system 10 of the Figure 1This is achieved, among other things, by having two different loading stations 11a and 11b, one of which is intended for loading goods hanging on coat hangers and the other for loading transport bags. The goods processed in the two loading stations 11a and 11b are reunited at the exit of the loading stations and then processed together in any order. This further processing can take place in a single buffer, but can also, as Figure 2 shows, are carried out in two parallel operating buffers 12.1 and 12.2, which then, if necessary, work again on a common matrix sorter 13 at the output. To increase the goods throughput, however, several complete picking lines operating in parallel can also be provided in the picking system.

[0062] For example, if the goods are transported through the order picking system on individual trolleys hanging on rails (transport unit 41 in Figure 9 ), the (empty) trolleys must be returned to the loading station 11 or to the loading stations 11a and 11b for reloading after the goods have been picked up at the shipping station 14. For this purpose, the Figure 1 a return 17 is provided. In the picking system 10' of the Figure 2 Depending on the different transport type, two return lines 17a and 17b are used, which are assigned to the different loading stations 11a and 11b.

[0063] In order to make the inherently complex matrix sorter 13 smaller than usual or even eliminate it entirely, even with a large number of shipping locations, the invention provides for a special pre-sorting of the goods in the buffer 12. For this purpose, a special structure of the buffer 12, or 12.1 and 12.2, serves, as explained below.

[0064] An example of such a special structure is shown in Figure 3 The buffer 12a of the Figure 3comprises a circulating conveyor 20, which, in the example shown, has a (essentially horizontal) rectangular basic shape with two opposite long sides (conveyor tracks 20a and 20c) and two opposite short sides (conveyor tracks 20b and 20d). As indicated by the arrows, the goods conveyed by the circulating conveyor 20 move clockwise around the rectangle on the conveyor tracks 20a-d.

[0065] The rectangular basic shape of the circulating conveyor 20 is now divided into a first area UF1 (right) and a second area UF2 (left). In the first area UF1 (in Figure 3framed by a dashed rectangle), a dynamic buffer 18 is arranged, which contains a plurality of storage sections 23, which are combined into a total of five storage sections 21, each comprising eight parallel storage sections. The storage sections 23 run as right-angled branches between the conveyor section 20a and the conveyor section 20c of the circulating conveyor 20. Each storage section 23 has a (in Figure 3 entrance and one (in Figure 3 below) exit so that the goods are transported in the direction of the arrow (from top to bottom).

[0066] At the entrance to each storage section 23, an operable exit switch 22 is arranged, which, when actuated, ensures that goods conveyed on the conveyor section 20a are diverted from the conveyor section 20a into the storage section 23. At the exit of each storage section 23, an operable entry switch 24 is arranged, which, when actuated, ensures that goods are diverted from the storage section 23 into the conveyor section 20c of the circulating conveyor 20. For this purpose, it is also necessary to separate the goods on the storage section 23 before the entry switch 24 and to transport them out of the storage section 23 via the entry switch 24.

[0067] In the second area UF2 (in Figure 3(also framed by a dashed rectangle) a pre-buffer 19 is arranged, which contains a total of five parallel storage sections 26 in a group. The storage sections 26 run as right-angled branches between the conveyor section 20c and the conveyor section 20a of the circulating conveyor 20. Each storage section 26 has a (in Figure 3 entrance below and one (in Figure 3 (top) exit, so that the goods are transported therein in the direction of the arrow indicated (from bottom to top). The transport direction on the storage lines 26 is thus opposite to the transport direction on the storage lines 23.

[0068] At the entrance to each storage section 26, an operable exit switch 25 is arranged, which, when actuated, ensures that goods transported on the conveyor section 20c are diverted from the conveyor section 20c into the storage section 26. At the exit of each storage section 26, an operable entry switch 27 is arranged, which, when actuated, ensures that goods are diverted from the storage section 26 into the conveyor section 20a of the circulating conveyor 20. For this purpose, it is also necessary to separate the goods on the storage section 26 before the entry switch 27 and to transport them out of the storage section 26 via the entry switch 27.

[0069] The dynamic storage 18 and the retrieval storage 19 are thus closely connected to one another in terms of transport technology via the circulating conveyor 20. A gap is left between the dynamic storage 18 and the retrieval storage 19, in which several conveying lines 30, 31, 32 lead away from the circulating conveyor 20 and towards the circulating conveyor 20. Goods arriving from the loading station 11 are fed into the circulating conveyor 20 via a feed line 30 and a corresponding entry switch and then temporarily stored in the dynamic storage 18 and its storage sections 23. On the other hand, the goods pre-sorted and stored in the retrieval storage 19 are removed from the circulating conveyor 20 via an exit switch via a discharge line 31 and forwarded to the matrix sorter 13 (or directly to the dispatch station 14).When using carrier bags, a further discharge line 32 with a corresponding exit switch can be used to transport empty carrier bags to the shipping station 14.

[0070] The storage sections 23 and 26 are designed in the illustrated embodiment as passive gravity sections, which have a gradient from the entrance to the exit, and on which the conveyed goods (e.g. hanging on the previously mentioned carriages) move automatically (i.e. without the intervention of a conveyor chain or the like) from the entrance to the exit due to gravity. For this purpose, it is necessary that the conveyor section 20a in the first area UF1 of the circulating conveyor 20 is higher than the conveyor section 20c. Conversely, the conveyor section 20c in the second area UF2 of the circulating conveyor 20 must be higher than the conveyor section 20a in order to create a counter-directional gradient. In order to ensure the closed circuit, the conveyor section 20a must have an incline (42a,c in Figure 9), as well as the conveyor section 20c at the transition from the first area UF1 to the second area UF2. Accordingly, a gradient section (42b,d in Figure 9 ) in the conveyor lines 20b and 20c. These special features will be discussed in connection with the Figure 9 and 10 further and discussed again.

[0071] In order to enable a closed circulation within the first area UF1 or the dynamic storage 18, a return line 28 with a corresponding exit switch 57 at the entrance and an entry switch at the exit is arranged on the side of the dynamic storage 18 adjacent to the call-off storage 19. An ascending conveyor 29 is used to overcome the height difference. With the help of the return line 28 and a corresponding control of the associated exit switch 57, it is possible to fill the call-off storage 19 with goods pre-sorted according to the order. For this purpose, goods are removed from the dynamic storage 18 in (unsorted) sequence onto the conveyor line 20c and conveyed further by the circulating conveyor 20 towards the call-off storage 19.By appropriately controlling the exit switch 57 of the return line 28, those of the retrieved goods that are required at the dispatch station 14 according to the order are allowed to pass through the exit switch 57 to the retrieval storage 19. The other, unneeded goods are guided back to the dynamic storage 18 via the return line 28 and transported. In the retrieval storage 19, the passed-through goods can then be appropriately grouped in the storage lines 26 and finally transported to the dispatch station 14 via the discharge line 31.

[0072] Figure 4 shows a opposite Figure 3A slightly modified embodiment of an intermediate storage device according to the invention. The difference in the intermediate storage device 12b is that instead of the single return path 28, two parallel return paths 28a and 28b are now provided, each with corresponding ascending conveyors 29a and 29b and exit switches 57a and 57b, which further facilitate or accelerate the rearrangement or re-sorting of goods on the way from the dynamic storage device 18 to the retrieval storage device 19.

[0073] Figure 5 shows a opposite Figure 3 A slightly modified embodiment of an intermediate storage device according to the invention. The difference in the intermediate storage device 12c is that a return line 33 branches off from the circulating conveyor 20 before the return line 28, via which goods can be transported back from the circulating conveyor 20 to the loading station 11 if necessary.

[0074] Figure 6 shows a opposite Figure 3A slightly modified embodiment of an intermediate storage device according to the invention. The difference in the intermediate storage device 12d is that an additional return line 28c is installed in the central section of the dynamic storage device 18, and a further feed line 34 is provided at this location. Thus, the dynamic storage device 18 is divided into two sub-storage devices, which can be filled separately and from which goods can be rearranged separately.

[0075] In Figure 7An exemplary embodiment of a picking system is shown, showing further details. The picking system 10, which can be designed, for example, for throughputs in the order of several thousand transport units or goods per hour, comprises a first loading station 11a with a total of six parallel loading stations 35, at each of which clothing can be loaded onto hangers for transport within the picking system ("Garment On Hanger" GOH). A second loading station 11b, also with six loading stations 36, serves to fill transport bags ("bags") with goods that cannot be hung on a hanger.

[0076] For intermediate storage, two parallel operating intermediate storage units 12.1 and 12.2 are provided, each having an internal structure as shown by way of example in Figures 3 to 6. In this case, a matrix sorter 13 with two consecutive sorting stages 13a and 13b is arranged behind the intermediate storage units 12.1 and 12.2. From the output of the matrix sorter 13, the goods reach the shipping station 14 with a total of 28 individual, parallel operating shipping locations 40. The goods are transported between the individual system sections via distribution rings VR1 to VR9, with the distribution ring VR8 bringing the goods sorted according to the order to the individual shipping locations 40, and the distribution ring VR9 collecting the empty transport vehicles for return via the empty return lines 38 and 39 to the corresponding loading stations 11a and 11b.An empty storage area 37 is integrated into the empty return line 39 for the empty transport bags, where the empty transport bags can be collected and temporarily stored. The distribution ring VR6 collects the pre-sorted goods from both buffers 12.1 and 12.2 and forwards them to the matrix sorter 13. It can be seen that the matrix sorter 13, with five lines each in the two sorting stages 13a and 13b, can be designed very small due to the pre-sorting in the buffers 12.1 and 12.2.

[0077] Distribution ring VR7 connects the two sorting stages 13a and 13b. Distribution ring VR4 distributes the returned empty transport containers (without the goods hanging on coat hangers) to the individual loading stations 35 of loading station 11a, while distribution ring VR3 distributes the empty transport bags to the loading stations 36 of loading station 11b. The transport containers filled with goods are collected by distribution rings VR1, VR2, and VR5 for input into the buffers 12.1 and 12.2.

[0078] In such an order-picking system 10", the goods belonging to a plurality of orders are first stored in a largely random manner in the dynamic storage of the intermediate storage units 12.1 and 12.2, then pre-sorted by means of the retrieval storage unit, and finally transferred via the matrix sorter 13 to the individual shipping locations 40 in the shipping station 14 in such a way that all goods belonging to an order are present at the respective shipping location 40 in a predetermined sequence. If, in particular, a predetermined sequence is not necessary (e.g., when the order is placed by an end user of the goods), the matrix sorter can be dispensed with entirely. The pre-sorting takes place with the aid of the circulating conveyor 20 within the intermediate storage units 12.1 and 12.2 by targeted exchange of the goods between the dynamic storage unit 18 and the retrieval storage unit 19, including the return lines 28 and 28a-c, respectively.

[0079] Figure 8 shows a Figure 7comparable embodiment with a picking system 10‴, which differs from the picking system 10" only in that an empty storage area 37' is also planned in the empty return line 38 for the empty transport means (without the goods hanging on coat hangers).

[0080] The Figure 9 and 10 show in different subfigures different views of a buffer of the Figure 3-6 shown type, which - as already mentioned above - works with gravitational paths as storage paths. This leads to the Figure 9 shown intermediate storage 12e to a height profile of the circulating conveyor 20, which as shown in Figure 9(d) and the one in Figure 10 enlarged side view according to Figure 9(a)can be seen, changes between two different heights h1 and h2. As shown in sub-figure 9(e), gradient sections 42b and 42d are installed in the short lateral conveyor sections 20b and 20d of the circulating conveyor 20 for the height change, while gradient sections 42a and 42c are installed in the long conveyor sections 20a and 20c between the dynamic storage 18 and the retrieval storage 19. Sub-figures 9(c) and 9(f) show the (linear) gradient of the storage sections 23 and 26, respectively, while sub-figure 9(b) shows the return section 28 with the (necessary) incline conveyor 29.

[0081] Figure 11shows a section of an exemplary embodiment of a circulating conveyor, such as can be used in the intermediate storage 12 or 12.1, 12.2 or 12a-e. The circulating conveyor 20 comprises a conveyor chain 46, which is guided by its chain links 47 in a rail in the running direction or conveying direction marked with an arrow. Below the rail 43 of the conveyor chain 46, a guide rail 44 is held parallel by means of support elements 45, in which individual carriages 50 are mounted so as to be movable in the running direction. The guide rail 44 with the carriages 50 is also part of the storage sections 23 and 26 in the intermediate storage areas. The chain links 47 of the conveyor chain 46 are in engagement with the carriages 50 via downwardly projecting drivers 48 and 49 and a bolt-shaped engagement element 52 on the carriage 50, so that a conveying movement of the conveyor chain 46 causes a corresponding movement of the engaged carriages 50.On each of the carriages 50, a connecting element 51 is provided, by means of which, for example, a carrying bag or a coat hanger can be attached to the carriage 50 in a hanging manner.

[0082] Figure 12 shows an exemplary carriage 50 of a circulating conveyor according to Figure 11 with attached carrying bag 55. The carrying bag 55 hangs on a carrying bracket 54, which is designed as a hanger in the middle and passes through an eyelet 53 on the carriage 50, which, due to its spatial shape, enables the carrying bag to be stably hung both transversely and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 44.

Claims

1. An order-picking installation (10, 10', 10", 10‴) for the order-picking of different goods, in particular goods that are capable of being transported in a suspended state, said order-picking installation (10, 10', 10", 10‴) comprising at least one supply station (11) having a plurality of supply locations (35, 36) which for supplying the goods to be order-picked to the order-picking installation (10, 10', 10", 10‴) are disposed in parallel, as well as at least one dispatch station (14) having a plurality of dispatch locations (40) which for dispensing the order-picked goods for dispatch are disposed in parallel, wherein at least one temporary store (12; 12.1, 12.2; 12a-d) is provided for order-picking the goods between the supply station (11) and the dispatch station (14), wherein the at least one temporary store (12; 12.1, 12.2; 12a-d) has a dynamic store (18) for temporarily storing the goods provided for the order-picking, and a standby store (19), downstream of the dynamic store (18), for storing goods which are retrieved from the dynamic store (18) and thereby pre-sorted and which are disposed within a common continuous conveyor (20) and are connected to each other by way of the common continuous conveyor (20), wherein the continuous conveyor (20) comprises a plurality of conveyor sections (20a-d), and in that the dynamic store (18) and the standby store (19) are in each case formed by a plurality of storage sections (23, 26) which as branches depart from predefined conveyor sections (20a, 20c) of the continuous conveyor (20), which comprise in each case one entry and one exit, and in that the storage sections (23, 26) by way of the entry are in each case connected to a first conveyor section (20a, or 20c, respectively), and by way of the exit are in each case connected to a second conveyor section (20c, or 20a, respectively), wherein the conveying directions of the first (20a respectively 20c) and the second (20c respectively 20a) conveyor section are mutually opposed and in that each of the storage sections (23, 26) are connected to the associated conveyor sections (20a, 20c) of the continuous conveyor (20) at the entry side by way of an activatable egress turnout (22, 25) and at the exit by way of an activatable access turnout (24, 27), characterized in that the storage sections (23, 26) are in each case configured as gravity sections which comprise a gradient from the entry to the exit, and on which the conveyed goods by virtue of gravity move in a self-acting manner from the entry to the exit.

2. The order-picking installation as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a matrix sorting unit (13) for further sorting is disposed between the temporary store (12; 12.1, 12.2; 1 2a-d) and the dispatch station (14).

3. The order-picking installation as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the continuous conveyor (20) is sub-divided into two regions (UF1, UF2), in that the dynamic store (18) is disposed in one of the two regions (UF1, UF2), and the standby store (19) is disposed in the other of the two regions (UF1, UF2), and in that the continuous conveyor (20) is provided for transporting the goods from the dynamic store (18) to the standby store (18).

4. The order-picking installation as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the goods to be order-picked for temporary storage and pre-sorting between the two regions (UF1, UF2) of the continuous conveyor (20) by way of an infeed line (30) are capable of being fed into the continuous conveyor (20), and there by way of an outfeed line (31) are also again capable of being retrieved in a pre-sorted state from the standby store (19).

5. The order-picking installation as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that at least one return section (18; 18a-c) having an associated egress turnout (57; 57a) is provided at the exit of the dynamic store (18) toward the standby store (19), goods in transit from the dynamic store (18) to the standby store (19) by way of said return section (18; 18a-c) being able to be selectively conveyed from the second conveyor section (20c) back to the first conveyor section (20a).

6. The order-picking installation as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the continuous conveyor (20) comprises an overhead conveyor and in that the goods to be order-picked in the continuous conveyor (20) are preferably transported in a suspended manner on individual carriages (50) along a running rail (44), and in that the carriages (50) in the continuous conveyor (20) are moved by a driven conveyor chain (46) which so as to be parallel with the running rail (44) is guided in a dedicated rail (43) and which releasably engages with the carriages (50).

7. The order-picking installation as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of temporary stores (12.1, 12.2) operating in parallel are provided in the order-picking installation (10').

8. The order-picking installation as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that a return (17) of the carriages (50) not impinged with goods from the dispatch station (14) to the supply station (11) is provided and in that preferably at least one empties store (37, 37') for the carriages (50) not impinged with goods is provided in the return (17) .

9. The order-picking installation as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a controller (56) is provided for the operation of the order-picking installation (10, 10', 10", 10‴), said controller (56) assembling the respective goods per order as stipulated by the incoming orders, and directing said goods in the assembled form to the dispatch locations (40) in the dispatch station (14).

10. A method for operating an order-picking installation as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the goods associated with a plurality of orders are first stored in the dynamic store (18) of the at least one temporary store (12; 12.1, 12.2; 12a-d), then pre-sorted into the standby store (19), and subsequently transferred to the individual dispatch locations (40) in the dispatch station (14) such that all goods associated with one order are present at the respective dispatch location (40).

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the goods are pre-sorted when in transit from the dynamic store (18) to the standby store (19), wherein preferably the goods which for pre-sorting emanate from the dynamic store (18) are selectively returned to the dynamic store (18) or conveyed onward to the standby store (19).

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the selective returning of the goods to the dynamic store (18) takes place by way of at least one return section (28; 28a-c) which by way of a controllable egress turnout (57; 57a,b) is connected to the continuous conveyor (20).