STACKING EQUIPMENT AND STACKING PROCEDURES

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a stacking device and a stacking method as well as a storage device and a treatment plant with the features in the preamble of the independent claims.

[0002] FR 2 027 346 A1, which discloses the preamble of claim 1, shows a stacking device and a method for destacking or so-called depalletizing a pallet containing layers of bottles and cardboard lids. The pallet containing the layers of bottles is fed onto a lifting table on a roller conveyor, placed there, and then lifted step by step by the lifting table. During depalletizing, the uppermost layer of bottles with its lid is pushed onto a platform by a chain-driven pusher beam. Subsequently, the lid is lifted from the layer of bottles by a vacuum gripper and placed next to the stacking device for disposal. The layer of bottles, now free of its lid, is then pushed onto a conveyor belt. This pushing is effected by the next depalletized layer of bottles, which pushes the previous layer away.

[0003] DE 20 2013 103 400 U1 also deals with a depalletizer that pushes layers of bottles standing on intermediate shelves from a supplied pallet onto a lifting floor using a layer pusher and an adjustable holding frame, and removes the intermediate shelves with a disposal device.

[0004] Another stacking device and stacking method are known from WO 2015 / 128452 A1. This device includes a stacking point for a single stationary stack of containers, a loading point for the supply and removal of layers of goods, and a handling device with a multi-axis movable handling unit for handling and moving the open-bottomed, hinged containers and for each layer of goods contained therein.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to improve the previously known stacking technique with regard to its possible applications and quality.

[0006] The invention solves this problem with the features in the independent claims.

[0007] The claimed stacking technology, i.e. the stacking device, the stacking method, the storage device and the treatment plant, have various advantages.

[0008] The claimed stacking technology for goods in the form of layers comprises, in one aspect of the invention, a loading point for supplying and / or removing layers, a stacking point for arranging a stack of containers, and a handling device arranged between the stacking point and the loading point. The container stack comprises at least one mobile stacking carrier and stacked box-like, open-bottomed, and stackable containers. The handling device handles the open-bottomed containers in this downward-facing position and moves them, along with each layer of goods contained therein, from the stacking point to the loading point and / or from the loading point to the stacking point.

[0009] The goods can be carried along by the handled invertible container and moved while standing on a support surface, e.g., a base of the handling device. The invertible container can also rest on the support surface during movement or can hover above it at a distance. The carrying and moving of the goods can also be effected by an additional layer holder. The invertible container can be moved synchronously with this movement.

[0010] The stacking technology further comprises a controlled, movable stacking transporter that alternately arranges a filled stack of containers (each containing one layer of goods) and a buffer stack of empty containers at the stacking point. This arrangement can include positioning the filled and buffer stacks at the stacking point. The stacking point is preferably a stationary location on the stacking device. The loading point can also preferably be a stationary location on the stacking device. The stacking transporter can accommodate at least one filled stack and at least one empty stack. The stacking transporter has suitable stacking fixtures for this purpose.

[0011] For the required stacking technology and its functions, a design of the stacking transporter with at least two stacking supports arranged side by side and alternately positionable at the stacking point is advantageous. The stacking supports are arranged, for example, one behind the other in the direction of movement of the stacking transporter. One of the stacking supports is intended for a filled stack of containers and the other for a buffer stack of containers.

[0012] At the stacking point, the relevant container stack can be built up by adding or removing stackable containers. These containers can be empty or filled with a layer of goods. Layers of goods can be added and / or removed at the loading point. The layers of goods can also be created and / or broken down at the loading point, for example, into individual rows.

[0013] The handling device can, at the stacking point, slide a flip-top container filled with a layer of goods and facing downwards onto a so-called filled container stack or slide it off a filled container stack. Conversely, the handling device can remove an empty flip-top container from the so-called buffer container stack located at the stacking point or transfer and place it onto a buffer container stack. This removal and placement can also be accomplished by a sliding movement or by another movement, such as a lifting movement, of the handling device.

[0014] The container stack arrangement at the stacking point can be continuously changed. After each removal or transfer operation of an empty or filled clamshell container, a stack change can be performed at the stacking point. During the stack change, the two preferred container stacks are exchanged. The times for the stack change and the times for moving a clamshell container back and forth between the stacking point and the loading point can be overlapped, thus saving time.

[0015] It is advantageous if the stacking point and the loading point are located on opposite sides of the handling device. This allows the lidded containers to be moved back and forth between the stacking point and the loading point in a straight sliding motion. This is particularly advantageous for handling and moving a lidded container, open at the bottom, along with its contents, from the stacking point to the loading point and / or in the opposite direction. The stacking point and the loading point are preferably located close to the handling device, especially its machine frame.

[0016] The claimed stacking device and stacking method offer the advantage of high efficiency. They allow for particularly fast and successive assembly and disassembly of a filled container stack and a buffer container stack at the stacking point and on a mobile stacking support located there, e.g., a transport pallet. Such successive assembly and disassembly of the container stacks is faster than the restacking of empty and filled containers at the stacking point and within the existing container stack using a stack guide and stack lifter, as described in WO 2015 / 128452 A1.

[0017] With the previously known stacking technique, the handling device must both move the containers with the stored goods and restack the flip-top containers.

[0018] The stacking technology, with its independently movable stacking transporter in addition to the handling device, offers high flexibility with moderate construction costs and high performance. The movements and functions of the stacking transporter during stack changes can be coordinated with the bidirectional movements of the handling device and the respective inverted container between the stacking point and the loading point.

[0019] The stacking technology is preferably also designed to remove empty flip-top containers from the buffering container stack at the stacking point and / or to transfer empty flip-top containers to the buffering container stack at the stacking point.

[0020] The stacking system can be configured to load individual layers of goods into empty clamshell containers at the loading point and then place these containers into a successively built-up stack of filled containers at the stacking point. Alternatively, the stacking system can be configured to remove layers of goods from a successively dismantled stack of filled containers at the stacking point and then unload the respective layer of goods from the clamshell container at the loading point. The stacking system can be configured to perform either the loading and unloading of layers of goods as separate processes, or a combined process of loading and unloading, as well as unloading and unloading.

[0021] When loading and storing layers of goods in the filled container stack, the empty lidded containers used for this purpose can be removed from the buffering container stack and brought to the loading point for the respective layer of goods. During the storage of the layers of goods along with the lidded containers, the filled container stack is built up successively, and the buffering container stack with the empty lidded containers is dismantled successively.

[0022] Conversely, when unloading layers of goods, the stackable containers filled with a layer of goods are moved to the loading point and, after the layer of goods has been unloaded, are moved empty back to the buffer stack of containers. In this process, the filled stack of containers is gradually dismantled and the buffer stack of containers is gradually built up.

[0023] The stacking device can be configured to form filled and / or buffered container stacks on a mobile stacking carrier located on the stacking transporter. The container stacks in question can be assembled and disassembled at the stacking point on the stacking carrier. The term "container stack" encompasses, on the one hand, the stacking carrier with one or more stacked containers placed on it, and on the other hand, at the beginning or end of the stacking process, also just the stacking carrier itself.

[0024] The stacking system is designed to place the bottom layer of goods in a filled container stack onto the mobile stacking carrier, and the next higher layers of goods onto the base of a lower, top-mounted container. Each layer of goods is enclosed laterally and on its top by an upper, top-mounted container positioned above it.

[0025] The stackable containers are designed to be stacked. They have the aforementioned box-like shape with a side wall, a bottom at one end, and a large opening at the other end. The opening is sized to accommodate the layer of goods and can fully extend around it. The side wall and bottom are at least largely, and preferably completely, closed. Stacked containers can be secured in their relative positions by a locking mechanism.

[0026] The inverted container is handled by the handling device in an inverted position with the container opening facing downwards. When loading a layer of goods, the inverted container can be inverted over the layer of goods in a relative downward movement, allowing it to be held in its inner cavity. Conversely, when unloading, the inverted container can be lifted and separated from the layer of goods it holds. The inverted container and / or the layer of goods can be raised and lowered for this relative movement.

[0027] Alternatively, loading and unloading a layer of goods into and from a lidded container can be carried out in a different manner, whereby the lidded container can be designed according to the circumstances and equipped with movable wall sections. The handling device is designed accordingly for the aforementioned loading and unloading operations as well as the storage and retrieval of a layer of goods.

[0028] The stacking system can be designed and controlled in such a way that, at the end of the storage process and upon reaching a predetermined stacking height, the assembled, filled stack of containers is removed by the stacking transporter. Furthermore, a new buffer stack of empty containers is fed to the stacking transporter. This new buffer stack replaces the old buffer stack that was previously dismantled during storage.

[0029] On the other hand, the stacking technology can be designed and controlled in such a way that, at the end of the goods retrieval process, the assembled buffer stack of containers is removed by the stacking transporter and a new, filled stack of containers is fed to the stacking transporter. The new, filled stack of containers replaces the previously dismantled, old, filled stack of containers.

[0030] The stacking technology can also be designed and controlled such that the removal of a filled container stack and the supply of a buffer container stack to and from the stacking transporter are time-intersected by a bidirectional movement of the handling device with a tipping container between the stacking point and the loading point. Conversely, the supply of a filled container stack and the removal of a buffer container stack to and from the stacking transporter can also be time-intersected by the aforementioned bidirectional movement of the handling device. This increases the efficiency of the stacking technology. Interruptions and pauses in the stacking process can be avoided or at least minimized.

[0031] For this purpose, at the end of the storage process, the assembled, filled stack of containers can be removed from the stacking transporter, and a new buffering stack of containers can be fed to the stacking transporter. During this time, the handling device handles the last empty lidded container of the dismantled buffering stack and loads a layer of goods into it at the loading point, then moves it to the stacking point and to the mobile stacking support of the just-dismantled buffering stack, which has meanwhile been positioned there by the stacking transporter. The stacking support of the dismantled buffering stack can thus become the stacking support for the new, filled stack of containers to be assembled.

[0032] Conversely, at the end of the unloading process, the buffer stack of containers that has been built up can be removed by the stacker transporter, and a new, filled stack of containers can be added. During this time, the handling device at the loading point can unload the goods from the last top-loading container of the filled stack and then move the empty top-loading container to the stacking point and to the mobile stacking support for the dismantled filled stack of containers, which has already been positioned there by the stacker transporter. This mobile stacking support for the just-dismantled filled stack of containers then forms the base of the new buffer stack of containers to be built upon it.

[0033] In both of the aforementioned cases, during the storage and retrieval of goods, the mobile stacking carrier of the container stack that has just been dismantled can be transferred from the stacking transporter to the other stacking point. This can occur during the removal and delivery of the container stacks. The transfer of the mobile stacking carrier can take place either in combination with the aforementioned overlap in the bidirectional movement of the handling device or without such an overlap.

[0034] Repositioning the mobile stacker is advantageous for unloading a filled or buffered stack of containers at one side of the stacker and feeding a new buffered or filled stack of containers at the other. This loading and unloading of container stacks to and from the stacker can be carried out efficiently in a circular motion. The container stacks can be fed to and removed from the stacker via feed conveyors. The loading and unloading processes can overlap. Alternatively, other sequences are possible.

[0035] When storing and retrieving layers of goods, the relevant container stack can be completely filled with layers of goods or completely emptied. Alternatively, partial filling or emptying is possible. Accordingly, the filled carrier stack can only be partially assembled or disassembled, resulting in a correspondingly lower stack height. Partial filling and partial emptying can depend, for example, on a filling line connected to the stacking device and its demand or capacity.

[0036] It is advantageous to maintain a predetermined and consistent stack height for container stacks during partial filling or emptying. To achieve this, after loading or unloading, as many empty stackable containers as needed can be placed on top of the partially filled or partially emptied stack until the desired stack height is reached. These empty stackable containers can then be removed from the adjacent buffer stack. The buffer stack is then completely removed, or reduced to a single remaining empty stackable container.

[0037] Maintaining a consistent stack height despite partial filling or emptying, and ensuring a consistent number of inverted containers within the stack, is advantageous for uniform operating conditions of the stacking system and storage facility. In particular, all available inverted containers can always be transferred between the filled and buffered container stacks at the stacking point. No inverted containers remain that would require separate removal or insertion.

[0038] For the aforementioned stack exchange, it is advantageous if the stack transporter and the stack holders are movable transversely to a preferably linear displacement direction of the handling device and the handled lid container. The displacement direction is preferably the direction of a straight, direct connection between the loading and stacking points.

[0039] There are various options for the design and functionality of the stacking conveyor. In one advantageous embodiment, the stacking conveyor features a linear conveyor with the aforementioned stacking holders. A particularly advantageous design is the linear conveyor as a carriage conveyor. This includes a carriage with at least two stacking holders, a preferably linear carriage guide, and a carriage drive. This is especially beneficial for efficiently moving and arranging, and in particular positioning, the differently weighted, filled, and buffered container stacks at the stacking point.

[0040] The stacking fixtures can include a guide, centering device, or similar for the precise positioning of the stacking carrier and the stack of containers. The stacking carrier can be detachably placed onto the stacking fixture. A linear conveyor, especially a sliding conveyor, can be controlled with exceptional precision. The stacking device can include a control unit to which the handling device and the stacking transporter, as well as other components of the stacking device, such as the feed conveyors and possibly a layering table at the loading point, are connected.

[0041] The stacking device can have a lifting mechanism at the stacking point, designed and intended for lifting and lowering a mobile stacking carrier onto and off the stacking transporter and the stacking receptacle. The stacking transporter can move under the raised stacking carrier. This enables the aforementioned transfer of the mobile stacking carrier from a recently dismantled stack of containers on the stacking transporter, in particular the transfer from one stacking receptacle to another.

[0042] The stacking transporter can be connected to the aforementioned feed conveyors for the supply and / or removal of filled and buffered stacks of containers. For this purpose, the stacking transporter can have transfer conveyors, in particular cross conveyors, with lifting devices at the connection points of the feed conveyors, which allow the container stack to be lifted and detached from the stacking transporter.

[0043] The feed conveyors can be connected to a transport device of a storage unit for container stacks. The filled and buffering container stacks can be stored and temporarily held in the storage unit. The storage unit can, for example, form a temporary buffer for empty bottles between a bottle producer, such as a blow molding machine, a depacker, or the like, and a filling line.

[0044] The stacking device can include at least one mobile stacking carrier. This carrier has a top, a bottom, and a transport receptacle. The top can be designed to accommodate a downward-facing, open-ended container and, if applicable, a layer of goods contained therein. The open-ended container can be guided and thus positioned and held in a defined location on the mobile stacking carrier. The guidance can be, for example, a mechanical, positive-locking mechanism. Such a locking mechanism can also be formed between the side wall and the bottom of the respective open-ended containers.

[0045] The base of the stacking carrier can be designed to form a defined standing surface for the stacking carrier, particularly in relation to a stacking receptacle on the stacking transporter. The base can also be adapted to the top or the upper container bottom of a flip-top container, thereby providing a guiding function. Adapting the base to the top or the container bottom of a flip-top container that has been inverted within the container stack and is positioned with the opening facing downwards allows for the stacking of several smaller, individual container stacks. A mobile stacking carrier is positioned between each container stack. The assembly and disassembly of such multi-part container stacks can be carried out by the aforementioned transport device. A transport receptacle on the stacking carrier can facilitate defined engagement with a transport loader, such as a loading fork or other transport device.A transport receptacle can, for example, be designed as a defined insertion opening with support elements on a side wall of the mobile stacking carrier. Alternatively, other designs of the transport receptacle are possible, e.g., in the form of projections, coupling elements, or the like.

[0046] In an advantageous embodiment, a layering table can be arranged at the loading point of the stacking device. This layering table can be part of a layering device, a rowing device, or a combined layering and rowing device.

[0047] The handling device can also be designed in various ways, both structurally and functionally. It can include a multi-axis movable handling device for empty or filled inverted containers. This handling device is designed to handle the inverted containers, which are open at the bottom, in this inverted position.

[0048] The handling device may also include a support platform on which the goods contained in a clamshell container can be moved from the stacking point to the loading point and vice versa. Empty clamshell containers can also be moved on the support platform. The support platform bridges the horizontal gap between the stacking and loading points.

[0049] The support platform can be moved along with the handling device. This can involve vertical movement and, if necessary, lateral movement, allowing the support platform to be positioned close to the stacking point and / or the loading point. This is advantageous for the unimpeded transfer of a layer of goods and / or a lidded container from the support platform to the loading point and onto or from a stacking carrier or the base of a lidded container located there. At the loading point, this transfer onto or from a layer table, for example, located at the loading point, is facilitated.

[0050] By adjusting the height of the handling device and the support platform, particularly on a machine frame, it is possible to adapt to the changing stack heights of the filled and buffering container stacks during the stacking process. The loading point can have a fixed height. For example, it may only have one loading table. Alternatively, several loading tables or other suitable units for receiving a layer of goods can be arranged one above the other at the loading point.

[0051] The handling device can have one or more single- or multi-axis adjustment mechanisms for the handling unit and / or the support platform. A counterweight can be provided to balance vertical movements. This relieves the load on the one or more drives of the adjustment mechanism and facilitates precise vertical positioning.

[0052] The handling device can include a handling tool for releasably holding a lidded container, which can be moved and guided multi-axis by the adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism can consist of, for example, a swiveling or telescopic boom with a guide function for the handling tool when moving a lidded container, and a carriage for height adjustment during loading and unloading, as well as for adapting to varying stacking heights. Alternatively, the handling device can be designed as a multi-axis industrial robot, such as an articulated robot. The support platform can have its own adjustment mechanism.

[0053] The handling tool can be designed as a gripping device. It can, for example, include one or more preferably adhesive grippers and / or mechanical grippers, as well as a positioning device for a lidded container. An adhesive gripper can, for example, be designed as a suction gripper, magnetic gripper, or the like, and can grip the bottom of the container from above. A mechanical gripper can have a positive locking and latching function. This can also function if an adhesive gripper fails and can provide a safety device to prevent the lidded container from being lost.

[0054] The invention also relates to a processing plant for goods, in particular empty or filled bottles, wherein the processing plant comprises a stacking device for the goods in the form of layers. The stacking device is designed as claimed.

[0055] The processing plant may also include a layer and / or row forming device connected to a loading point of the stacking system. The layer forming device creates a layer of goods from one or more supplied rows and places this layer at the aforementioned loading point, in particular on a layering table. The row forming device can separate the layer of goods placed at the loading point and form one or more rows of goods, which can then be transported away using appropriate conveying technology.

[0056] The processing system can include a goods delivery unit upstream of the stacking unit and a goods handling unit downstream of the stacking unit. A goods delivery unit can be configured, for example, as an unpacker or as a product generator, particularly a bottle generator. A goods handling unit can be configured, for example, as a filling system. The goods delivery unit and the goods handling unit can be connected to the aforementioned loading points.

[0057] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0058] The claimed stacking device and the claimed treatment plant as well as the claimed stacking method can have the following further embodiments, which can be used individually or in combination.

[0059] The stacking device, in particular the handling device, can be designed to remove the empty lidded containers from the buffering container stack at the stacking point when storing layers of goods, whereby the filled container stack is successively built up and the buffering container stack is successively dismantled.

[0060] The stacking device, in particular the handling device, can be designed to transfer the emptied lidded containers to the buffering container stack at the stacking point (9) when unloading layers of goods, whereby the filled container stack is successively dismantled and the buffering container stack is successively built up.

[0061] The stacking device can be designed to form filled and / or buffering container stacks, each on a mobile stacking carrier located on the stacking transporter.

[0062] The handling device can be designed to lift a downward-opening lidded container from a picked-up and carried layer of goods at the loading point for unloading and / or to lower an empty lidded container over a prepared layer of goods at the loading point for loading.

[0063] The handling device can be designed to move a downward-facing, open-ended container with a layer of goods inside, mounted on a transported platform, from the loading point to the stacking point and vice versa. This movement is carried out in one direction only.

[0064] The handling device can be designed to move a downward-facing, open-ended container with a layer of goods inside from a transported platform to a loading table at the loading point, or vice versa, from a loading table to a transported platform. This also occurs in the direction of movement.

[0065] At the loading point of the stacking device, a layer table of a layer formation device and / or a layer table of a row formation device may be arranged. The layer table may be fixed at the loading point or movable, in particular as part of a layer conveyor.

[0066] The handling device can be configured to move a downward-facing, open-topped container containing a layer of goods from a transported support platform to the top of the uppermost, open-topped container in the filled stack of containers. Conversely, the handling device can be configured to move the uppermost, downward-facing, open-topped container containing a layer of goods from the filled stack of containers to a transported support platform.

[0067] The stacking device's stacking conveyor can include a linear conveyor with stacking fixtures. The linear conveyor can include a carriage with stacking fixtures, a carriage guide, and a carriage drive.

[0068] The handling device can comprise a handling unit and a movable, preferably horizontal, support platform. The handling unit and the support platform can be arranged to be movable vertically and, optionally, laterally. The handling unit can be movable in one direction, reversing between the stacking point and the loading point. The handling device can include at least one adjustment mechanism and, optionally, a counterweight for adjusting the height of the handling unit and the support platform.

[0069] A handling device of the handling system can include a handling tool for releasably holding a downward-opening, hinged container. The handling tool can be designed as a gripping device. It can comprise one or more grippers, preferably fluidic and mechanical, as well as a positioning device for a hinged container.

[0070] The stacking transporter and the stacking fixtures of the stacking device can be movable transversely to a preferably linear displacement direction of the handling device when moving the lid containers.

[0071] The stacking transporter may have a transfer conveyor, in particular a transverse conveyor, with lifting means at the connection points of feed conveyors of the stacking device.

[0072] The feed conveyors of the stacking device can be connected to a transport device of a storage device for container stacks.

[0073] The stacking device can include a control system for its components, in particular the stacking transporter and the handling device.

[0074] The features specified for the claimed stacking device and the claimed treatment plant can also be features of the claimed stacking method and the treatment method, and vice versa.

[0075] The invention is illustrated in the drawings in an exemplary and schematic manner. Specifically, the drawings show: Figures 1 to 4: a process for gripping and stacking a layer of goods with lidded containers in various steps; Figure 5: a top view of a processing system with two stacking devices and a storage device; Figures 6 and 7: a stacking device of Figure 5 in different perspective views, Figures 8 and 9: a front view and a top view of the stacking device of Figure 5 Figure 10: a truncated top view of a stacking transporter of the stacking device from Figure 5 Figure 11: a longitudinal section through a stacking device of Figure 5 Figures 12 and 13: a handling tool of a stacking device of Figure 5 in various sectional views, Figure 14: a stack of containers consisting of a stacking carrier and several slip-on containers and Figure 15: a loading point of the stacking device of Figure 5with a layering and / or row forming device.

[0076] The invention relates to a stacking device (8) and a stacking method for layers of goods (3). It further relates to a treatment plant (1).

[0077] The goods arrangement (3) can consist of one or more goods (2). The goods (2) can be arranged side by side and optionally also one above the other in a planar or matrix-like arrangement. In the illustrated and preferred embodiments, the goods (2) consist of empty or filled bottles or other containers. Alternatively, other goods shapes, e.g., packages or the like, are possible. In the illustrated embodiments, empty and lightweight plastic bottles are used. They can have a rotationally symmetrical or irregular base shape. Such bottles can be unstable when standing. Figure 11 This training makes that clear.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiments, the goods (2) are positioned side by side within the goods position (3). They can be arranged in a regular matrix formed by several adjacent and identically oriented rows of goods. Figure 11 Figure (3) shows such a goods arrangement. In another embodiment, a row offset and a nesting of the individual goods (2) in adjacent rows are also possible.

[0079] Figures 1 to 4Figure 4 illustrates a stacking process in several steps. Layers of goods (3) are stacked using slip-on containers (4), which have a side wall (47), a downward-facing opening (49) at the front, and an upward-facing bottom (48) at the opposite end. The opening (49) is large and its size is adapted to the layer format and the outline of a layer of goods (3). The slip-on containers (4) can be in the shape of inverted boxes or trays. They can be placed over a layer of goods (3) with their lower opening (49). This allows them to hold the layer of goods (3) in their hollow interior, which is otherwise supported from below. Figures 8 to 11 This training and arrangement demonstrate this.

[0080] The lidded container (4) can, for example, have a cubic shape and any desired dimensions, such as those corresponding to a Euro pallet. It can be made of any material, in particular plastic, metal, or wood, or even composite materials. The dimensions of the container's interior are preferably adapted to the size and shape of the goods layer and are slightly larger.

[0081] In the inverted position, the side wall (47) of the container surrounds the goods (3) on its sides. It preferably encloses the goods on all sides, thus providing lateral guidance for the goods (3). In the illustrated embodiments, the four side walls of the container wall (47) are rigidly connected to each other and preferably also to the container base (48). They thus form a kind of frame for the goods (3). In the illustrated embodiments, the walls of the side wall of the container (47) have a profiled cross-sectional shape and are solid. In another embodiment, they can have interruptions, such as perforations, a grid, or the like. They can also be formed by individual, spaced-apart struts, for example, in conjunction with corner posts. Other suitable wall designs are also possible.In the illustrated embodiments, the container wall (47) is rigid and cannot deform, or can only deform to a negligible extent. In another embodiment, it can have greater flexibility.

[0082] The height of the side wall of the container (47) is preferably at least equal to or greater than the height of the goods layer (3). The lidded containers (4) can thus completely accommodate a goods layer (3) within their interior, which is enclosed by the side wall of the container (47) and the bottom of the container (48).

[0083] The container base (48) has multiple functions. On the one hand, it covers the layer of goods (3) contained within the container. On the other hand, the outer surface of the container base (48) forms a standing surface for the next layer of goods (3) in the next higher stackable container (4). The upper surface of the container base (48) and the standing surface it forms can be essentially flat.

[0084] The container bottom (48) preferably has a closed and stable wall. Alternatively, it may have perforations, and is designed at least as a grid bottom or perforated bottom. The essentially flat surface shape allows the goods layer (3) and its contents (2) to be moved on the outside of the container bottom (48) and along the base.

[0085] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a first lower layer of goods (3) in a lidded container (4) and a second layer of goods (3) arranged and provided above it at a small distance. According to Figure 2 The slip-on container (4) is placed over this second layer of goods (3), in particular slipped over it from above. The loose slip-on container (4) is held in a suspended position, with the lower opening-side edge of its side wall (47) ending above the underside of the layer of goods (3). In this position, according to Figures 2 and 3The upper inverted container (4) is then moved laterally, in particular horizontally, thereby, for example, carrying the goods layer (3) with it and pushing it over the lower inverted container (4) and placing it on its support base (48). During the moving movement, the upper goods layer (3) is supported from below by a support base (19) (not shown), on which the goods layer (3) can slide or glide during lateral movement. Alternatively, it is possible that an empty inverted container (4) is arranged on the support base (19) and that the aforementioned goods layer (3) is supported on the outside of its container base (43) during its moving movement.

[0086] In another embodiment, not shown, the handling device (11) can include a layer holder that has a holding function and, if necessary, a sliding function for the goods layer (3). The layer holder can, for example, be assigned to the handling device (13). Alternatively, the layer holder can be assigned to a loading point (10). The layer holder can hold and align a goods layer (3) that is at least partially separated from the inverting container (4). The inverting container (4) can be used for this purpose. e.g. The goods layer (3) is lifted slightly so that the layer holder has lateral access to it, allowing it to grasp, hold, and align the goods layer (3). The layer holder can also move the goods layer (3), if necessary by means of its own drive, with the suspended lid container (4) moving synchronously.

[0087] At the end of the lateral sliding process according to Figure 3The upper lidded container still hovers at a distance above the lower lidded container (4). In the last step according to Figure 4 The upper lid container (4) is lowered and placed onto the lower lid container (4). In this process, the side wall (47) of the lower lid container (4) comes into contact with the base (48) of the lower lid container (4) and rests against it. In this position, the interior or receiving space containing the received goods (3) is completely enclosed on all sides.

[0088] To secure the relative position of the stacked invertible containers (4) within the container stack (5), a mutual and preferably positive-locking guide for the invertible containers (4) can be provided in the contact area. This guide can, for example, be designed as a mutual positive-locking latch (50). The latch (50) can be designed in any suitable manner. In one embodiment, the container base (48) has one or more local or, if necessary, circumferential step-like recesses on its outer surface, which positively engage, center, and laterally secure the opening-side edge of the lateral container wall (47) of the upper invertible container (4). In another embodiment, the edges of the lateral container wall (47) can also have a step-like design. In addition, any other embodiments are possible, in particular interlocking pins or ribs and corresponding receiving openings.

[0089] Figures 5 to 11 Illustrate a stacking device (8), a storage device (37) and a treatment plant (1) as well as a stacking process.

[0090] Figure 5 Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of a treatment plant (1) for the goods (2), wherein the treatment plant (1) comprises two stacking devices (8) and a storage device (37), which is connected to the stacking devices (8) via a transport device (39).

[0091] In the embodiments shown, the stacking devices (8) each comprise a handling device (11) which is arranged between a stationary loading point (10) for the supply and / or removal of layers of goods (3) and a stationary stacking point (9) for the arrangement of a stack of containers (5,6) to be built up or taken down.

[0092] The stacking device (8) further comprises a controlled, movable stacking transporter (12) which is arranged in the area of ​​the stacking point (9) and which alternately arranges, in particular positions, a filled stack of containers (5) made of hinged containers (4) with each containing layers of goods (3) and a buffering stack of containers (6) made of empty hinged containers (4) at the stacking point (9). The stacking point (9) and the loading point (10) are arranged, for example, on opposite sides of the handling device (11) and its machine frame (23). Alternatively, another arrangement, e.g., at a corner, is possible.

[0093] The container stacks (5,6) each comprise a mobile stacking carrier (7) and one or more of the previously described slip-on containers (4) stacked on top of it. Figure 14 This training and arrangement demonstrates this.

[0094] The stacking support (7) forms the base of the container stack (5, 6) to be erected upon it and also provides the support surface for the lowest layer of goods (3) in the container stack (5, 6). The mobile stacking support (7) has a support top (44) on its upper side, a support base (45) optionally on its lower side, and also a transport receptacle (46). The latter is, for example, designed to fit the transport device (39). The support top (44) receives a layer of goods (3) and the lowest drop-in container (4). The drop-in container (4), which is open at the bottom, is guided into place, for example, by a locking mechanism (50).

[0095] The support base (45) can have multiple functions and can provide a defined standing surface for the stacking support (7) and the stack of containers (5, 6) erected on it, on the ground or hall floor, and possibly also on the upper lidded container (4) of a lower stack of containers (5, 6). The latter allows for the stacking of several stacks of containers (5, 6). In these cases, a positive-locking guide function may be present, for example.

[0096] The handling device (11) comprises a preferably tower-like machine frame (23), a movable handling device (13) with a handling tool (14), and a movable support platform (9). The handling device (13) is movable along multiple axes and is designed for handling the inverted containers (4) in the inverted position of the inverted carriers (4) with the container opening (49) facing downwards. The support platform (19) can be moved synchronously or asynchronously with the handling device (13). The handling device (13) and the support platform (19) are preferably mounted on the machine frame (23) so as to be movable vertically and vertically as well as horizontally. The handling device (11) also includes one or more adjustment devices (20, 21) for the aforementioned vertical and / or lateral adjustment of the handling device (13) and the support platform (19). Preferably, a separate adjustment device (20,21) is provided for the handling device (13) and for the support floor (19).The one or more adjustment devices (20, 21) have drives arranged and designed according to the number of axes and are controllable. The dead weight of the handling device (13) and / or the support platform (19) can be compensated by an adjustable counterweight (22) in the machine frame (23).

[0097] The handling device (13) is designed for the releasable holding and handling of a flip-top container (4). In the illustrated embodiments, the handling tool (14) is designed as a gripping device (15) and has one or more grippers (16, 17) as well as a positioning device (18) for a flip-top container (4) gripped in a flip-top position. In the illustrated embodiment, adhesive grippers (16) and mechanical grippers (17) are used. The adhesive grippers (16) are, for example, designed as suction grippers and interact with adjacent and positioned stops to define the height of the flip-top container (4) gripped at the container base (48). The adhesive grippers (16) grip the upper surface of the container base (48). The mechanical grippers (16) are equipped, for example, with extendable pins that engage in a form-fitting manner in corresponding receiving openings on a side wall (47) of the gripped lid container (4).The positioning device (18) can engage diagonally opposite corner regions of the preferably cuboid-shaped lid container (4). The positioning device (18) has, for example, a positioning element adapted to the corner regions and provided with a V-opening, which is moved to and away from the container corner by a controlled positioning drive (18). The grippers (16, 17) and the positioning device (18) can be connected to the control unit (36). The gripping device (15) also has, for example, a rectangular support frame, which is connected to the adjustment device (20) and on which the grippers (16, 17) and the positioning device (18) are arranged. Alternatively, the handling tool (14) can be configured differently.

[0098] In the illustrated embodiments, the adjustment device (20) comprises a carriage that is vertically adjustable and driven for height adjustment within the machine frame (23), and a horizontally movable and adjustable arm on the carriage, at the end of which the handling tool (14) is mounted. By a horizontal displacement movement of the arm in the displacement direction (24), the handling tool (14) can be moved above the support platform (19) located below it, extending beyond the stacking point (9) and the loading point (10). A gripped, downward-opening lid container (4) can also be moved accordingly. A vertical movement of the carriage allows for the lifting and lowering of the handling tool (14) and the gripped lid container (4).This vertical movement can be used at the loading point (10) for loading the goods layer (3) into the lidded container (4) and at the stacking point (9) for unloading the goods layer (3) from the lidded container (4).

[0099] The support platform (19) forms a support surface for bracing a layer of goods (3) on its underside when the layer of goods (3) is moved in the direction of movement (24) from the stacking point (9) to the loading point (10) and vice versa. The support platform (19) can be moved horizontally by the adjustment device (21) and brought close to the stacking point (9) and the loading point (10). Furthermore, height adjustment is possible to adapt the support platform height to the current stacking height at the stacking point (9) on the one hand and to, for example, a constant loading height at the loading point (10) on the other. Such an adaptive height adjustment is also possible with the handling device (13). The one or more adjustment devices (20, 21), in particular their controllable drives, are connected to the control unit (36).

[0100] The stack transporter (12) has two stack supports (30, 31) arranged side by side and alternately positionable at the stacking point (9), each for a filled container stack (5) and a buffer container stack (6). The stack supports (12) are arranged side by side transversely to the direction of travel (24) and are movable transversely to the direction of travel (24). In the illustrated embodiments, the stack transporter (12) is designed as a linear conveyor (25) with a linear conveying motion. Alternatively, it can be designed as a rotary conveyor with a rotating conveying motion for adjusting the stack supports (30, 31). The linear conveyor (25) is, for example, designed as a slide conveyor. It has a slide (27) with the preferably two stack supports (30, 31), a preferably floor-mounted slide guide (28), and a slide drive (29). This design of the linear conveyor (25) is, for example, Figure 10The slide (27) has, for example, one or more longitudinal beams aligned along the adjustment direction and possibly connected to each other by crossbeams to form a frame. The slide (27) is in Figure 10 The stack holder (30, 31) is indicated by the dashed line. The stack holder (30, 31) is marked by dashed lines. The slide guide (28) can, for example, have a rail with low-friction bearings, such as a ball screw guide. One or more longitudinal beams of the slide (27) can be guided on this rail with low friction. The slide drive (28) can, for example, be designed as a toothed belt drive. It can comprise one or more toothed belts connected to the ends of the slide (27) and a drive motor with gearbox.

[0101] The linear conveyor (25) is mounted on a frame (26) and may be guided. The frame (26) can, for example, support the guide rails of the carriage guide (28). The frame (26) is longer than the linear conveyor (25) or the carriage (27). The travel path of the carriage (27) is dimensioned such that one and the other receiving point (30, 31) can be positioned alternately at the stacking point (9). The carriage (27) assumes an end position at one end or the other end of the frame (26) in each instance.

[0102] How Figure 10 As illustrated, the stacking device (8) or the stacking transporter (12) has a lifting device (32) at the stacking point (9). This is designed and intended for lifting and lowering a stack of containers (5, 6), in particular the respective stacking carrier (7), from and onto a receiving point (30, 31) on the stacking transporter (12), in particular on the carriage (27).

[0103] The stacking transporter (12) is connected to a feed conveyor (35) at each end of the frame (26). The connection is preferably oriented transversely to the direction of movement and adjustment of the stacking transporter (12). Filled stacks of containers (5) and buffer stacks of containers (6) can be fed to and removed from the stacking transporter (12) via the feed conveyors (35). The stacking transporter (12) can have a transfer conveyor (33), in particular a transverse conveyor, with a lifting device (34) at each connection point of the feed conveyors (35). With the liftable and lowerable transfer conveyor (33), a stack of containers (5, 6), in particular its stacking carrier (7), can be lifted at the stacking support (30, 31) and released from it. In this lifted position, the respective stack of containers (5, 6) can then be transported to the connected feed conveyor (35). When a stack of containers (5,6) is fed from a feed conveyor (35), this process takes place in the reverse direction.

[0104] The stack transporter (12) and its aforementioned components as well as the feed conveyors (35) are also connected to the control system (36).

[0105] The feed conveyors (35) are connected to a transport device (39), which in turn is connected to a storage device (37) for stacks of containers (5, 6). The transport device (38) can be configured in any suitable manner, e.g., as a rail conveyor, as an automated guided vehicle (AGV), as a single or multiple forklift, or the like. The storage device (37) can comprise several storage locations (38) for stacks of containers (5, 6). The transport device (39) can transport the stacks of containers (5, 6) from the feed conveyors (35) to the storage locations (38) and in the opposite direction.

[0106] A layer table (40) can be arranged at the loading point (10). This is the case, for example, in Figure 15The layer table (40) can be rigid or movable, the movable version comprising, for example, a belt or conveyor belt that is movable in a circumferential or reversible direction (24) and which accommodates a layer of goods (3) on its upper surface for loading and unloading. The layer table (40) can be connected to a layer forming device (41), a row forming device (42), or a combined layer and row forming device (41, 42). The devices (41, 42) can each be connected to a goods conveyor (43) that transports the goods (2) in a single or multiple rows.

[0107] At the in Figure 5In the treatment system (1) shown, the left stacking device (8) is designed and configured, for example, for supplying layers of goods (3) to the loading point (10) and for storing the layers of goods (3) in a filled stack of goods containers (5). A layer-forming device (41) is arranged on the layer table (40), which forms a layer of goods (3) on the layer table (40) from the goods (2), in particular bottles, which are fed in rows from the conveyor (43). A predetermined row of goods (2) is defined on the conveyor (43) and pushed onto the layer table (40), adjacent to an existing row of goods there.

[0108] The right stacking device (8) of Figure 5 is designed for unloading and removing layers of goods (3) at the loading point (10), wherein a row-forming device (42) is arranged on the layer table (40). This breaks down the layer of goods (3) into individual rows of goods and transfers them to the goods conveyor (43).

[0109] The following are examples of the functional cycles of the stacking device (8) for storing and retrieving layers of goods (3).

[0110] To store a layer of goods (3), the buffering container stack (6) is positioned at the stacking point (9) by the stack transporter (12). The handling device (11), in particular its handling unit (13), grasps the uppermost empty lidded container (4), lifts it if necessary to release it, and then moves it in the direction of travel (24) to the loading point (10). Subsequently, the prepared layer of goods (3) is loaded into the empty lidded container (4) at the loading point (10), e.g., by lowering the lidded container (4). The handling device (11) then moves the received layer of goods (3) and the lidded container (4) via the support platform (19) to the stacking point (9). In the meantime, a stack change has taken place at the stacking point (9), with the stack transporter (12) now positioning the filled container stack (5) or its stacking support (7) at the stacking point (9).The handling device (11) then slides the goods layer (3) and the inverted container (4) onto the stacking carrier (7) or the uppermost inverted container in the filled container stack (5). The handling device (11) then releases the inverted container (4). Another stack change can then be carried out, whereby the empty container stack (6) is again positioned at the stacking point (9).

[0111] The aforementioned cycle is repeated, whereby the filled container stack (5) is successively built up during storage and the buffering container stack (6) is correspondingly successively reduced by removing the lid containers (4).

[0112] When the filled stack of containers (5) reaches a predetermined stacking height, the filled stack of containers (5) is brought to the adjacent feed conveyor (35) and discharged from it and transferred to the transport device (39).

[0113] Here, one last empty inverted container (4) remains on the dismantled buffer stack (6). This is positioned at the stacking point (9) by the carriage movement during the removal of the filled container stack (5) and is taken over and handled by the handling device (11) for loading a layer of goods (3). During this movement of the inverted container (4) from the stacking point (9) to the loading point (10) and back, the stack transporter (12) transfers the filled container stack (5) to the feed conveyor (35).

[0114] The stacking transporter (12), in particular its carriage (27), then moves back in the adjustment and displacement direction. Prior to this, the stacking carrier (7) of the now completely dismantled buffering container stack (6), located at the stacking point (9), has been lifted by the lifting device (32) and detached from the stacking holder (30). The return movement of the stacking transporter (12) or the carriage (27) also moves the stacking holder (30, 31) past the lifted stacking carrier (7) and changes its position. The stacking carrier (7) can then be lowered again by the lifting device (32) and is thereby transferred to the other stacking holder (31). The stacking carrier (7) then serves to build a new filled container stack (5) and receives the goods layer (11) and the associated overhead container (4) supplied by the handling device (11).

[0115] The aforementioned return movement of the stack transporter (12) or the carriage (27) positions the other stack receiver (30) on the other feed conveyor (35), which feeds a new buffering stack of containers (6) with empty lidded containers to the transfer conveyor (33), which then places and positions it on the stack receiver (30). The previously described cycle for storing layers of goods (3) can then start again.

[0116] In this operating mode, the stacking support (7) and the last empty inverted container (4) of the dismantled buffering container stack (6) form the stacking support (7) and the first inverted container (4) in the newly assembled filled container stack (5). The number of containers in the incoming and outgoing container stacks (5, 6) is always the same.

[0117] When storing layers of goods (3), the filled container stack (5) can be built up entirely from filled lidded containers (4) or can be completely filled.

[0118] Alternatively, partial filling of the container stack (5) is possible. The partially filled container stack (5) contains only some filled lidded containers (4) with layers of goods (3) and is not yet fully assembled or has not yet reached the intended stacking height. After the storage process is complete, the handling device (11) can then supplement the partially filled container stack (5) with empty lidded containers (4) until it reaches the intended stacking height for removal. The handling device (11) removes the empty lidded containers (4) from the buffer container stack (6) and places them on the partially filled container stack (5). The partially filled container stack (5) is thus successively assembled in the manner described above, and the buffer container stack (6) is correspondingly successively disassembled.

[0119] When retrieving goods layers (3), the cycle described above takes place in reverse order, as can be seen, for example, in the right-hand stacking device (8) of Figure 5 is executed.

[0120] The handling device (11) removes, for example, the top layer of goods (3) and its lidded container (4) from the new, filled carrier stack (5) positioned at the stacking station (9) and moves them across the support platform (19) to the loading station (10). Here, the layer of goods (3) is unloaded from the lidded container (4), which is then moved back to the stacking station (9). In the meantime, a stack change has taken place at the stacking station (9), with a buffer stack of containers (6) being provided and taking over the supplied empty lidded container (4). The handling device (11) waits at the stacking station (9) until another stack change has been completed and the filled container stack (5) is once again positioned at the stacking station (9).

[0121] When the buffering container stack (6) has reached a predetermined stacking height and the filled carrier stack (5) has been reduced to the last warning layer (3) and the last overhead container (4), the buffering container stack (6) is removed by the stack transporter (12) and transferred to the adjacent feed conveyor (35). During this time, the handling device (11) moves the last layer of goods (3) with the overhead container (4) to the loading point (10) and unloads it there.

[0122] During this period, the stack transporter (12) has, on the one hand, removed the buffer stack (6) and, on the other hand, performed an adjustment or displacement movement in which, as described above, the stack carrier (7) remaining from the filled container stack (5) has been lifted by the lifting device (32) and transferred to the stack receiving point (30), whereupon it is ready at the stacking point (9) to build a new buffer stack of containers (6) and takes over the empty stacking carrier (4) that has just been fed in. During this period, a new filled stack of carriers (5) has also been fed to the stack transporter (12).

[0123] The previously described retrieval cycle can then be repeated. In this cycle, the stacking carrier (7) and the last inverted container (4) of the just-dismantled filled carrier stack (5) form the stacking carrier (7) and the first empty inverted container (4) of the newly assembled buffer container stack (6). Thus, the number of containers in the filled and buffer container stacks (5, 6) remains the same during retrieval.

[0124] During the aforementioned removal of goods layers (3), the filled container stack (5) can be completely dismantled or completely emptied from filled lidded containers (4).

[0125] Alternatively, partial emptying of the container stack (5) is possible. The partially emptied container stack (5) still contains some filled lidded containers (4) with layers of goods (3) and is not yet completely dismantled. After the unloading process is complete, the handling device (11) can then replenish the partially emptied container stack (5) with empty lidded containers (4) until it reaches the intended stack height for removal. The handling device (11) removes the empty lidded containers (4) from the buffer container stack (6) and places them on the partially emptied container stack (5). The partially emptied container stack (5) is thus successively built up in the manner described above, and the buffer container stack (6) is correspondingly successively dismantled.

[0126] The empty lidded containers (4) removed from the buffering container stack (6) were previously placed and stacked on the buffering container stack (6) or on the stacking support (7) during the unloading of the goods layers (3). The number of containers is the same during partial unloading and when the partially emptied container stack (5) is subsequently replenished.

[0127] This is also the case when storing and replenishing the partially filled container stack (5) as described above. In addition, the last stackable container (4) of the respective container stack (5, 6) that was just removed during storage and retrieval can be used by the handling device (11) to build a new container stack (6, 5) as described above.

[0128] The handling device (11) can optionally be modified so that, when adding to a partially filled or partially emptied stack of containers (5), it can handle several empty lidded containers (4) together, e.g. in a small stack, and transfer them to the partially filled stack of containers (5).

[0129] The partially filled or partially emptied stack of containers (5), supplemented with empty lidded containers (4), can be stored in the storage unit (37). It can be fully filled or fully emptied by the stacking unit (8) at a later time. The supplemented empty lidded containers (4) can first be removed and placed on the buffering stack of containers (6) or on the stacking support (7) and stacked. They can then be used to store the layers of goods (3) in the manner described above. Intermediate stages with further partial filling or emptying of the stack of containers (5) are also possible.

[0130] In the embodiment of Figure 5 The two stacking devices (8) are used only for storage and retrieval. This is useful, for example, if the infeed and outfeed of goods (2) on the conveyors (43) take place simultaneously. This can happen, for example, if the conveyors (43) are connected to a filling line (not shown) in the processing plant (1). In this case, for example, from the right stacking device (8) into Figure 5 Layers of goods (3) are removed from the lid containers (2) and fed to the filling unit via the material conveyor (43). Filled containers (2) then reach the left stacking unit (8) via the other material conveyor (43) and, after the formation of layers of goods (3), are placed into a filled container stack (5). Layers of goods (3) from both empty and filled containers (2) can be stored in the storage unit (37).

[0131] In another embodiment not shown, a stacking device (8) can perform both the storage and retrieval of layers of goods (3). These layers (3) can again consist of identical or different goods (2), in particular empty and filled lidded containers (2). The stacking devices (8) are also capable of handling different goods (2), e.g., different container formats, in a different manner and storing and retrieving them from filled stacks of containers (5).

[0132] Various modifications of the illustrated and described embodiments are possible. In a modification of the cycles described above, the removal of one assembled container stack (5, 6) can be delayed until the other container stack (6, 5) is completely dismantled. The previously described function of using the last inverted container in the just-dismantled stack to form the first inverted container in the newly assembled stack can then be omitted.

[0133] Furthermore, the handling device (11) can be modified in terms of its design and function. The handling device (13) can, for example, be designed as a multi-axis industrial robot, in particular an articulated robot. Lifting and lowering movements for loading and unloading a layer of goods (3) into and out of a stacking container (4) can also be effected by a lifting and lowering movement at the stacking point (9) and / or the loading point (10). The stacking container (4) can remain at its current height or can also be raised or lowered accordingly. The stacking conveyor (12) can be designed as a ring or circular conveyor or a recirculating conveyor with a straight section in the area of ​​the stacking point (9) instead of a linear conveyor (25), or in some other way. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0134] 1 Treatment system 2 Goods, bottle 3 Goods storage 4 Slip-on container 5 Stack of containers, filled 6 Stack of containers, empty 7 Mobile stacking carrier 8 Stacking device 9 Stacking point 10 Loading point 11 Handling device 12 Stacking transporter 13 Handling device for slip-on containers 14 Handling tool 15 Gripping device 16 Gripper, suction gripper 17 Gripper, plug-in gripper 18 Positioning device 19 Support platform 20 Adjustment device, handling device 21 Adjustment device, support platform 22 Counterweight 23 Machine frame 24 Direction of travel 25 Linear conveyor 26 Frame 27 Slide 28 Slide guide 29 Slide drive 30 Stacking device 31 Stacking device 32 Lifting device 33 Transfer conveyor, cross conveyor 34 Lifting means 35 Feed conveyor 36 Control 37 Storage device 38 Storage space 39 Transport device 40 Layering table 41 Layering device 42 Rowing device 43 Goods conveyor 44 Support ceiling 45 Support base 46 Transport holder 47 Container wall 48 Container base 49 Container opening 50 Locking mechanism

Claims

1. Stacking device for goods (2) in the form of goods layers (3), wherein the stacking device (8) comprises - a loading point (10) for the supply and / or discharge of goods (3), - a stacking point (9) for the arrangement of a container stack (5, 6) which comprises at least one mobile stack carrier (7) and box-like slip-on containers (4) which are stacked on the former, are open at the bottom and can be stacked on one another, - a handling device (11) arranged between the stacking point (9) and the loading point (10), - wherein the handling device (11) is designed to handle an slip-on container (4), which is open on the underside, and to move it together with a goods layer (3) received therein from the stacking point (9) to the loading point (10) and / or from the loading point (10) to the stacking point (9), characterized in that the stacking device (8) has a stack transporter (12) which is movable in a controlled manner, is preferably designed as a linear conveyor (26), and is designed to alternately arrange a filled container stack (5) comprising slip-on containers (4) with goods layers (3) received in each of them, and a buffer-storing container stack (6) comprising empty slip-on containers (4) at the stacking point (9), wherein the stack transporter (12) has at least two stack receptacles (30, 31) which are arranged side-by-side and are positionable alternately at the stacking point (9), one of which is provided for a filled container stack (5) and another for a buffer-storing container stack (6), wherein the stack transporter (12) and the stack receptacles (30, 31) are preferably movable transversely with respect to a preferably linear displacement direction (24) of the handling device (11).

2. Stacking device according to Claim 1, characterized in that that the stacking device (8), in particular the handling device (11), is designed to load the goods layers (3) at the loading point (10) in each case into an empty slip-on container (4) taken from the buffer-storing container stack (6) and to store them with this in a filled container stack (5) to be built up successively at the stacking point (9), and / or to remove goods layers (3) in slip-on containers (4) from a filled container stack (5) to be removed successively from storage at the stacking point (9), and to unload the respective goods layer (3) from the slip-on container (4) at the loading point (10), and to transfer the emptied slip-on container (4) to the buffering container stack (6).

3. Stacking device according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stacking device (8) has, at the stacking point (9), a lifting device (32) for lifting and lowering a container stack (5, 6) from and onto the stack transporter (12), and preferably the stack transporter (12) is connected to feed conveyors (35) for feeding and / or discharging filled container stacks (5) and buffer-storing container stacks (6).

4. Stacking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handling device (11) has a multi-axis movable handling unit (13) for the slip-on containers (4) and optionally the goods layer (3) received in each of them, wherein the handling unit (13) is designed for handling the slip-on containers (4) which are open on the underside, and wherein the handling device (11) preferably has a bearing base (19) which can be moved together with the handling unit (13), and wherein preferably the handling unit (13) and the bearing base (19) are arranged so as to be movable vertically and optionally laterally, wherein the handling device (11) has at least one adjustment device (20, 21) and optionally a counterweight (22).

5. Stacking device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the handling unit (13) of the handling device (11) has a handling tool (14) for detachably holding a downwardly open slip-on container (4), wherein the handling tool (14) can be designed as a gripping device (15).

6. Stacking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stacking device (8) is designed to fill the filled carrier stack (5) completely or partially with goods layers (3) or to empty it completely or partially of goods layers (3) during storage and removal of goods layers (3), wherein, in the case of partial filling or partial emptying after storage on or removal from the carrier stack (5), empty slip-on containers (4) are moved from the buffer-storing container stack (6) until a predetermined stack height is reached.

7. Manipulating system for goods (2), in particular empty or filled bottles, wherein the manipulating system (1) comprises a stacking device (8) for the goods (2) in the form of goods layers (3), characterized in that the stacking device (8) is designed according to at least one of Claims 1 to 6.

8. Manipulating system according to Claim 7, characterized in that the manipulating system (1) has a storage device (37) for container stacks (5, 6) comprising slip-on containers (4).

9. Method for stacking goods (2) in the form of goods layers (3) by means of a stacking device (8), - wherein goods layers (3) are supplied and / or discharged at a loading point (10), - wherein, at a stacking point (9), a container stack (5, 6) is arranged, which comprises at least one mobile stack carrier (7) and box-like slip-on containers (4) which are stacked on it, are open at the bottom and can be stacked on one another, - a handling device (11) is arranged between the stacking point (9) and the loading point (10), - wherein the handling device (11) handles a slip-on container (4), which is open at the bottom, and moves it together with a goods layer (3) received therein from the stacking point (9) to the loading point (10) and / or from the loading point (10) to the stacking point (9), characterized in that a stack transporter (12) which is movable in a controlled manner alternately arranges, at the stacking point (9), a filled container stack (5) comprising slip-on containers (4) with goods layers (3) received therein in each case and a buffer-storing container stack (6) comprising empty slip-on containers (4), wherein the stack transporter (12) has at least two stack receptacles (30, 31) which are arranged side-by-side and are alternately positionable at the stacking point (9), one of which is provided for a filled container stack (5) and another for a buffer-storing container stack (6), wherein the stack transporter (12) and the stack receptacles (30, 31) are preferably movable transversely with respect to a preferably linear displacement direction (24) of the handling device (11).

10. Method according to Claim 9, characterized in that the handling device (11) in each case removes an empty slip-on container (4) from the buffer-storing container stack (3) at the stacking point (5) during the storage of the goods layers (6) and during the construction of a filled container stack (9), feeds it to the loading point (10), loads a provided goods layer (3) into the slip-on container (4) there, and moves the slip-on container (4) with the received goods layer (3) to the stacking point (9) and onto the filled container stack (5) which has been arranged there in the meantime, and then releases the slip-on container (4), wherein the stack transporter (12) then moves the filled container stack (5) away and arranges the buffer-storing container stack (6) at the stacking point (9).

11. Method according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, when the goods layers (3) are removed, the handling device (11) removes in each case one slip-on container (4) with a received goods layer (3) at the stacking point (9) from the filled container stack (5) and moves it to the loading point (10), unloads the goods layer (3) there and then moves the empty slip-on container (4) back to the stacking point (9) and discharges it to the buffer-storing container stack (6) which has been arranged there in the meantime, wherein the stack transporter (12) then moves the buffer-storing container stack (6) away and arranges the filled container stack (5) at the stacking point (9).

12. Method according to Claim 9, 10 or 11, characterized in that the stacking device (8) fills the filled carrier stack (5) completely or partially with goods layers (3) when storing goods layers (3), wherein, in the case of partial filling after storage on the carrier stack (5), empty slip-on containers (4) are moved from the buffer-storing container stack (6) until a predetermined stack height is reached and / or the stacking device (8) empties the filled carrier stack (5) completely or partially of goods layers (3) when removing goods layers (3) from storage, wherein, in the case of partial emptying after removal from storage onto the carrier stack (5), empty slip-on containers (4) are moved from the buffer-storing container stack (6) until a predetermined stack height is reached.

13. Method according to one of Claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, at the end of storage and when a predetermined stack height is reached, the filled container stack (5) is discharged from the stack transporter (12) and a new buffer-storing container stack (6) is fed to the stack transporter (12) and / or, at the end of removal from storage, the buffer-storing container stack (6) is discharged from the stack transporter (12) and a new filled container stack (5) is fed to the stack transporter (12).

14. Method according to one of Claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the discharge of a filled container stack (5) and the supply of a buffer-storing container stack (6) and / or the supply of a filled container stack (5) and the discharge of a buffer-storing container stack (6) from or to the stack transporter (12) is overlapped temporally by a bidirectional movement of the handling device (11) with a slip-on container (4) between the stacking point (9) of the charging point (10).

15. Method according to one of Claims 9 to 14, characterized in that, during the removal and supply of the container stacks (5, 6), a mobile stack carrier (7) of the newly depleted container stack (5, 6) is moved to the stack receptacles (30, 31) of the stack transporter (12).