Overhead conveyor system for a picking system

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a suspended conveyor device for a picking system.

[0002] WO 2020 / 160585 A2 discloses a transport carrier system for an overhead conveyor. In particular, the transport carrier has a universally usable base body and a support body that can be exchanged via a connecting device. In one configuration, the support body is equipped with a fully enclosed receiving opening for transporting bags, and in a second configuration, with a hook for transporting goods on clothes hangers. A disadvantage of this and other known transport carrier systems is that they do not allow individual movement of a transport carrier by a picking system. Instead, in known picking systems, transport carriers are moved collectively with other transport carriers. This leads to performance losses in the operation of known picking systems and results in these systems requiring a comparatively large amount of installation space.Furthermore, the supporting structure of known order picking systems cannot be designed very flexibly.

[0003] Furthermore, WO 2019 / 234046 A2 describes a transport carrier system for an overhead conveyor, wherein the transport carriers have a drive device and can therefore move autonomously along a rail system. Only a destination needs to be specified once. The route is then determined autonomously by the transport carrier.

[0004] US 6,886,651 B1, which describes the features of the preamble of claim 1 and the preamble of claim 18, discloses an overhead conveyor for a picking system, comprising a support structure and a transport carrier for transporting hanging garments. The support structure forms a running surface. The transport carrier comprises a base body, a drive device for moving the transport carrier on the running surface, and a holding force generator by which the transport body adheres movably to the support structure. The base body forms a first transport carrier side and a second transport carrier side. The drive device comprises drive elements that bear against the running surface. The drive elements are each coupled to a motor and arranged on the transport carrier sides. The drive elements also simultaneously form the holding force generators.

[0005] One object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved overhead conveyor device for a picking system.

[0006] The object of the invention is solved by a suspended conveyor device for a picking system according to claims 1 and 18.

[0007] The proposed measures allow the supporting structure to be designed with particular flexibility, as it only needs to provide a driving surface for the transport carriers.

[0008] Furthermore, the proposed measures allow for the individual selection of the transport carrier's route, speed, acceleration, and / or distance to another, preceding transport carrier. By specifying the speed and / or distance to the preceding transport carrier, a specific throughput of transport carriers can also be defined or achieved. For example, the aforementioned speed and distance can be increased in curves and decreased on straight sections. The throughput can be kept constant. It is also possible to individually control any pendulum motion of the hanging garments that may occur during acceleration or braking of the transport carrier.The drive wheels of the transport carrier are driven in such a way as to counteract any pendulum motion. Control algorithms for this purpose are generally known and are therefore not described in detail here.

[0009] Hanging goods can generally consist of garments that hang on the transport carriers by means of clothes hangers, or of transport bags for holding goods that hang on the transport carriers.

[0010] It is advantageous if the hanging conveyor or transport carrier(s) includes the hanging goods that can be transported with the transport carrier, and the hanging goods may have a transport bag with a bag body for storing goods.

[0011] In particular, the transport bag and the transport carrier are coupled to one another. In a preferred embodiment, the transport bag comprises a suspension bracket, wherein the suspension bracket and the transport carrier are pivotally coupled to one another via a hinge connection such that the suspension bracket is pivotable relative to the transport carrier about an axis running substantially parallel to the suspended conveying device (or substantially orthogonal to the transport direction of the transport carrier). The transport carrier can be provided with a first coupling element and the suspension bracket with a second coupling element, wherein the first coupling element and the second coupling element are couplingable and form the hinge connection. The first coupling element can comprise a pivot mount and the second coupling element a pivot bearing axis. The pivot bearing axis can be formed on a hook.In another embodiment, the articulated connection between the suspension beam and the transport carrier can comprise an elastic body, in particular made of elastomeric material, which is connected to the suspension beam on one side and to the transport carrier on the other. The suspension beam and the transport carrier are preferably permanently or inseparably connected to each other via the elastic body (the elastic articulated connection).

[0012] It can be advantageous to perform the following steps according to a procedure for controlling transport carriers for transporting hanging garments on an overhead conveyor for a picking system: Providing a route marker along a transport route, comprising a reporting marker and a query marker, which is assigned to a switch section of the transport route, wherein the switch section comprises an entry track leading to a node of the switch section and several exit tracks leading away from the node, and the entry track and each exit track each form a path for the transport carrier in the switch section, wherein the query marker is arranged along the entry track; providing a movement instruction in a memory of a transport carrier, which comprises a path definition that specifies a path of paths for the transport carrier in the switch section; moving the transport carrier along the transport route by a movement controller of the transport carrier; passing the switch section by the transport carrier, comprising the steps: retrieving the path definition from the electronic memory;When the transport carrier reaches the query marker, the drive controller selects the path in the switch section according to the path definition, controls the transport carrier so that it moves along the selected path in the switch section, and transmits a further movement instruction from a higher-level controller to the transport carrier when it reaches the notification marker, with the further movement instruction being stored in the transport carrier's memory.

[0013] The route marking is provided along the transport path. Preferably, the route marking is arranged on the supporting structure, particularly on the driving surface. Furthermore, the route marking includes at least the query marking and the signaling marking. As described below, the route marking may also include additional markings.

[0014] The query marker indicates a location, such as a turning point, along the transport path that is upstream of the switch section node in one direction of travel for the transport carrier. Furthermore, the query marker influences the behavior of the transport carrier. Specifically, upon reaching the query marker, the transport carrier or its control system is prompted to retrieve the path definition from memory. Thus, the query marker essentially acts as a turning point. For this purpose, the query marker is positioned along the approach track of the switch section.

[0015] Furthermore, the reporting marker indicates a location or reporting point along the transport route where the transmission of a new or further travel instruction is possible and, if necessary, required. The reporting marker is preferably assigned to a merging section described below, where several sections of the transport route converge into one.

[0016] The route marking may include a guide marking that directs the transport carrier along the route. The guide marking is preferably tracked by the transport carrier as it moves. For this purpose, it is particularly advantageous if the guide marking is detected by the transport carrier, especially by its detection unit, and the transport carrier is controlled by the drive control system in such a way that it moves along the guide marking.

[0017] Preferably, the guide marking is designed as a guide line running along the transport path, with a first edge and a second edge. When the transport carrier moves, it selectively follows either the first edge or the second edge. The (optical) guide marking can thus be designed as a guide or travel line on the surface of the supporting structure, along which the transport carrier is to travel. To form the branching of the transport path in the switch section, the guide line can branch, for example in a star or Y shape, to mark the entry and exit sections.

[0018] Furthermore, the driving marking may include a, in particular a first, switching mark, wherein the transport carrier is controlled by the driving control system in response to reaching this switching mark such that the first edge of the driving marking is followed by the transport carrier, and / or include a, in particular a second, switching mark, wherein the transport carrier is controlled by the driving control system in response to reaching this switching mark such that the second edge of the driving mark is followed by the transport carrier. Thus, either the first or the second edge can be followed, regardless of whether the transport carrier was following the first or second edge when reaching the respective switching mark. This allows, for example, forced guidance to be achieved, such as when a section of the route must not be traveled by the transport carrier.

[0019] Similarly, a transport carrier may be configured so that its drive control system is designed to follow a first guideline for a driving line in response to the detection of a first-type switching marker, for example, the first switching marker, and to follow a second guideline for a driving line in response to the detection of a second-type switching marker, for example, the second switching marker. The first and second guidelines can be formed or provided, in particular, by the first and second edges of the driving line.

[0020] Furthermore, it may be provided that the route marking includes a control marking with which a movement dynamic of the transport carrier, in particular a speed, an acceleration profile and / or a distance to a transport carrier moving ahead, can be influenced.

[0021] For example, a control marker can act as a stopping point if the marker causes the transport vehicle to stop. Changes in the speed or acceleration of the transport vehicle, and / or changes in the distance between the transport vehicle and another, especially a preceding, transport vehicle, can also be influenced by a control marker.

[0022] The query marker, the notification marker, the rule marker, the control marker, and the like can essentially be grouped under the term "control marker." Thus, a control marker can be a query marker, a notification marker, a rule marker, and / or a control marker.

[0023] It is advantageous if the transport carrier moves at a higher speed in straight sections of the transport path than in curved sections. Furthermore, it can be provided that the transport carrier moves at a greater distance from a preceding transport carrier in sections of the transport path where, for example, switch sections or merging sections are located. This can be achieved with one or more control markers.

[0024] Furthermore, it may be provided that the road marking includes additional markings, such as a control marking.

[0025] It can be stipulated that reaching the control marker triggers the transmission of a notification signal, as described below in connection with the notification marker. This allows the arrival of the transport vehicle at a defined location to be verified without necessarily transmitting a new driving instruction.

[0026] It is advantageous for a transport vehicle if the driving control system is designed to trigger the transmission of a message signal in response to the detection of a control mark.

[0027] It may be provided that the route marking, in particular the route markings described above, is detected and recognized by the transport carrier, in particular by a detection unit of the transport carrier, or that the transport carrier is detected and recognized by the route marking. In the latter case, the respective marking may be designed to signal to the transport control system that it has been reached.

[0028] It is advantageous if the route marking, in particular the query marking and / or the notification marking, can be detected by the transport carrier, for example by a detection unit of the transport carrier, or is detected and evaluated by the detection unit of the transport carrier, especially to recognize the query marking and / or the notification marking. One step of detecting and evaluating the route marking preferably takes place while the transport carrier is moving along the transport path. This allows the route marking to be designed as an essentially passive marking, so that, in particular, no power and / or data lines need to be connected to the markings.

[0029] Preferably, the route marking, in particular the query marking, the notification marking, the control marking, and / or the driving marking, is selected from a group comprising an optical marking, a mechanical marking, an electronic marking, a magnetic marking, and / or an electromagnetic marking.

[0030] An optical marking can be applied to the supporting structure, for example, by painting, gluing, etching, engraving, printing, or similar methods. The optical marking can be in the form of a barcode or QR code. Furthermore, the optical marking (in the direction of transport) can be longer and affect several successive transport carriers. Although the use of optical markings is advantageous, markings based on other methods can also be used, such as mechanical, electronic, and / or magnetic markings.

[0031] A mechanical marker can, for example, be designed as a button which is actuated by the transport carrier, or as a (spring-loaded) stop which actuates a button arranged on the transport carrier when the transport carrier reaches the respective marker.

[0032] Furthermore, an electronic marker can be designed as an electrical connection device, whereby an electrical connection is established between the marker and the transport carrier when the transport carrier reaches the respective marker.

[0033] A magnetic or electromagnetic marker can be provided, for example, by a stationary electromagnet or permanent magnet, whose magnetic field can be detected by a magnetic field sensor mounted on the transport carrier when the carrier reaches the respective marker. Alternatively, the magnetic field sensor can also be mounted stationary on the support structure and provide the marker. In this case, the electromagnet or permanent magnet can be mounted on the transport carrier.

[0034] To detect and, if necessary, recognize the path marking, the transport carrier may be equipped with a detection unit connected to the drive control system. This unit can detect and read path markings, particularly those arranged on the support structure of the distribution module and / or the overhead conveyor, especially driving and / or control markings. The movement of the transport carrier on the support structure can be controlled by means of the path markings. The detection unit may be designed as a surface sensor or include one.

[0035] It is advantageous if the detection unit comprises a sensor, in particular a travel surface sensor, selected from a group consisting of optical sensors, mechanical sensors, electronic sensors, and / or magnetic field sensors. It is also expedient if the travel path marking is designed accordingly. The travel path marking can influence the movement of the transport carrier. In particular, the travel surface sensor can be designed as an optical travel surface sensor, the travel path marking as an optical travel path marking, and / or the control marking as an optical control marking. In other words, the behavior of the transport carrier in this embodiment is influenced by markings on the support structure.

[0036] In order to selectively detect different areas, for example two edges of the driving line independently of each other, it is preferably provided that the sensor comprises a first sensor unit and a second sensor unit, which can be activated and / or read out alternately.

[0037] It can therefore be provided that the driving marking is designed as a driving line running along the transport route with a first edge and a second edge, and that the transport carrier has a detection unit connected to the driving control, which includes a sensor with a first sensor unit and a second sensor unit, wherein the first sensor unit is configured to detect the first edge of the driving marking and the second sensor unit is configured to detect the second edge of the driving marking.

[0038] It is advantageous if the transport carrier, particularly its detection unit, has a first sensor unit for detecting the first edge and a second sensor unit for detecting the second edge. The drive control system can selectively activate and / or read data from either the first sensor unit to track the first edge or the second sensor unit to track the second edge. For example, only the first or second sensor unit can be activated, so that no signal is output from the other sensor unit. Alternatively, both sensor units can be activated, but signals can be selectively read from only one of them, depending on which edge is to be tracked.

[0039] It is also possible for the detection unit to include an area sensor, such as a photosensor or a camera, with which the driving path can be detected. The first and second sensor units can be formed by a first pixel group, which detects the first edge, and a second pixel group, which detects the second edge.

[0040] The driving instruction and / or further driving instructions are stored in the memory of the transport carrier. This can be achieved by the (further) driving instruction being transmitted from the higher-level control system, in particular via the communication unit, to the transport carrier or its driving control system and stored in the memory. Preferably, the memory is designed as a writable and readable (electronic) memory.

[0041] On the one hand, the travel instruction, in particular an initial travel instruction, can be transmitted from the higher-level control system, especially via a communication unit of the higher-level control system, to the transport carrier at a starting point of the transport carrier, for example in a warehouse for hanging garments, at a loading station, or the like, in order to provide the travel instruction. The subsequent travel instruction or instructions can also be transmitted from the higher-level control system, especially via a communication unit of the higher-level control system, to the transport carrier at one or more signaling markers, as described below.

[0042] It is advantageous if the further driving instructions also include a route definition.

[0043] Furthermore, the driving instruction and / or the further driving instruction may include a release instruction.

[0044] In the switch section, the transport path branches at a node. For this purpose, the switch section comprises the approach track leading to the node, over which the transport carrier is moved to the node, and several, in particular two, outbound tracks leading away from the node. Several such switch sections can be provided along the transport path, as described below.

[0045] It is advantageous if the driving marker includes a driving marker of the turnout section, wherein a first edge of the driving marker of the turnout section runs along the entry track and further along a first exit track, and a second edge of the driving marker of the turnout section runs along the entry track and further along a second exit track. The edges are arranged such that, within the turnout section, the first edge defines a first path and the second edge defines a second path. When the transport carrier is activated by the driving control system, it is controlled such that the first edge is followed if the first path is selected, or the second edge is followed if the second path is selected.

[0046] The path definition specifies a route for the transport carrier, at least within one section of the transport route or supporting structure, and thus essentially forms the basis for the train control system's decision regarding which path should be selected or traversed in the (next) switch section or sections. Essentially, the path definition specifies the run-out path along which the transport carrier should move away from the node.

[0047] The path definition can include, for example, the selection of a specific route marker within a switch section, such as the sequence "straight ahead, diversion, diversion, straight ahead." This path definition, as mentioned, is transmitted to the train control system, stored in its memory, and then used for the autonomous selection of a route marker or the autonomous switching of the switches. That is, in the first switch section, the route marker that results in straight ahead is selected; in the second switch section, the route marker that results in a diversion, and so on. The transmission of the path definition can be optical, radio-based, or wired.

[0048] If there are two run-out paths and thus two selectable routes in the turnout section, the route definition can, for example, be specified in binary, where "0" defines a first route or run-out path and "1" defines a second route or run-out path. Thus, for example, each turnout section specified by the train's operating instructions can be assigned a bit. Figuratively speaking, "0" and "1" could, for example, mean "left" and "right".

[0049] The path definition typically includes a selection parameter or a bit for each switch section between the point where the transport carrier receives the travel instruction (e.g., the starting point or signal marker) and the next signal marker, a destination, and / or a previously defined control marker. Thus, the path definition essentially describes the route to be traveled by the transport carrier, for example, up to the signal marker where the transport carrier receives the further travel instruction.

[0050] To implement a complex transport system, it can be advantageous for the route marking along the transport path to include a multitude of query markers, each assigned to a switch section of the transport path. Each switch section comprises an entry track leading to a node within that section and several exit tracks leading away from that node. The entry track and each exit track together form a path for the transport vehicle within the respective switch section, with the corresponding query marker located along the entry track. The path definition can consist of a list of multiple list elements, each defining a path for the transport vehicle within one of the switch sections. Furthermore, the transport vehicle traverses several, particularly consecutive, switch sections.The selection of a route is carried out according to one of the list items. It is expedient to select the run-out section for successive turnout sections according to successive list items.

[0051] Such a list, with, for example, four list elements, can include the list elements "left, right, right, left" or "0, 1, 1, 0" as described previously: "straight ahead, diversion, diversion, straight ahead". This specifies the branch routes to be selected for the next four switch sections. In this example, the transport vehicle would select the first / left, the second / right, the second / right again, and finally the first / left exit route in the first, second, third, and fourth switch sections, respectively. Naturally, the list can contain any number of list elements. While shorter lists require more frequent transmission of new route definitions or driving instructions, they also allow for greater system flexibility.

[0052] It is advantageous to assign a number to each list element and to increment a marker counter by the train control system when the (respective) turnout section(s) are passed and the query marker is reached (by the transport carrier). The route can then be selected according to the list element whose number corresponds to the marker counter. This allows the train control system to essentially keep track of how many turnout sections have been passed and consider the corresponding list element. The marker counter is incremented by one. Thus, when the transport carrier reaches the first turnout section and therefore the first query marker, the marker counter is incremented from zero to one. The route within the turnout section is then selected according to the first list element. Similarly, in the i-th turnout section, the marker counter is incremented from i-1 to i.The route is selected according to the i-th list element. The marker counter can, for example, be implemented as a counting variable in the vehicle control system.

[0053] Alternatively, the first list item can be used to select the route and then deleted after the route has been selected. This makes the next list item the "first list item" used to select the route in the next switch section. No marker counter is required in this case.

[0054] Once the routes for all list elements of the route definition have been selected, it can be advantageous for the route controller to reset the marker counter to zero. This allows the list elements of a route definition to be assigned ascending sequential numbers, starting from one, for a subsequent route instruction transmitted to the transport carrier at the signal marker. Thus, the route instruction transmitted at the signal marker is independent of how many switch sections the transport carrier has traversed on its way to the signal marker. Furthermore, the same route instruction or route definition could be repeated, which can be useful, for example, in a closed loop.

[0055] It is advantageous if the transport carrier's driving control system is configured to retrieve the driving instruction from the electronic memory in response to the detection of a query marker and to select a run-out section of that switch section which is assigned to the detected query marker, in accordance with the driving instruction, in particular in accordance with the route definition.

[0056] When the transport carrier is moved along the transport path, it may reach a switch section. Upon passing through the switch section, the transport carrier is essentially moved along the transport path via the entry track and one of the exit tracks. The drive control system selects which exit track the transport carrier will travel, based on the path definition.

[0057] It is advantageous if the transport route includes a merging section with a node, a first entry track leading to the node, a second entry track leading to the node, and an exit track leading away from the node. In this configuration, the transport carrier can be guided to the node via one of the entry tracks, transferred to the exit track, and then guided away from the node via the exit track. This allows multiple routes to be merged, enabling, for example, transport carriers from different starting points or reporting markers to be directed to a common destination.

[0058] Preferably, in the merging section, the first inlet section and the outlet section provide a first path for the transport carrier, in particular for a transport carrier which is moved to the node via the first inlet section, and the second inlet section and the outlet section provide a second path for the transport carrier, in particular for a transport carrier which is moved to the node via the first inlet section.

[0059] If a route marking and a merging section are provided, it is advantageous if the route marking includes a route marking of the merging section, wherein a first edge of the route marking of the merging section runs along the first approach track and further along the exit track, and a second edge of the route marking of the switch section runs along the second approach track and further along the exit track. The transport carrier can be controlled by the train control system such that the first edge is followed when the transport carrier is guided via the first approach track to the node and transferred to the exit track, and the second edge is followed when the transport carrier is guided via the second approach track to the node and transferred to the exit track. The route marking of the merging section can, in particular, be Y-shaped.

[0060] For example, a first switching mark can be arranged along the first infeed section, ensuring that the transport carrier necessarily follows the first edge. This easily prevents the transport carrier from following the second edge and being misdirected onto the second infeed section, for instance, due to a previous setting. Similarly, a second switching mark can be arranged along the second infeed section, ensuring that the transport carrier necessarily follows the second edge.

[0061] Alternatively, it can be provided that an acute angle is included between adjacent inlet sections and / or an obtuse angle is included between inlet and outlet sections. In this case, a rule can be implemented in the vehicle control system stipulating that, particularly in the merging section, an edge leading to an acute angle must not be followed.

[0062] It is also conceivable that edge tracking is briefly interrupted in the (immediate) area of ​​the node of the merging section and the transport carrier continues straight ahead. Edge tracking can be resumed immediately after the node. This also ensures that the transport carrier does not turn onto an inlet track.

[0063] It may be advantageous for the transport route to include a connecting section that links one of the exit tracks of the turnout section with one of the entry tracks of the merging section. Similarly, a connecting section may also be provided that links the exit track of the merging section with the entry track of the turnout section or another turnout section.

[0064] Various devices may be arranged along the connecting route, in particular a loading device for loading hanging bags transported on transport carriers, an unloading device for unloading such hanging bags, a sorting device for sorting the transport carriers, buffer devices for buffering transport carriers and / or the like.

[0065] It is advantageous if the reporting marker is assigned to the merging section and arranged along its first inlet section.

[0066] For example, to ensure reliable transmission of the further driving instructions and / or to avoid a collision in the merging section, it may be advantageous if the transport carrier is stopped by the driving control when it reaches the warning marker.

[0067] In the merging section, it is possible that a transport carrier is moved towards the node along both the first and a subsequent infeed section. Therefore, coordinating the transport carriers can be particularly useful here.

[0068] This can be achieved in particular by assigning the signal marker to the merging section and arranging it along the first entry section of the merging section, wherein the transport carrier is moved to the signal marker when moving over the first entry section, and the further travel instruction includes a release instruction which specifies when the transport carrier is to be moved from the signal marker to the node and transferred to the exit section, and the procedure includes the following step: controlling the transport carrier by the travel control system according to the further travel instruction, so that the transport carrier is moved from the first entry section to the exit section according to the release instruction.

[0069] The release instruction can, for example, trigger the transport vehicle to start moving or continue moving. A waiting period can be specified for this purpose, indicating how long the transport vehicle should remain at, for example, the reporting marker or the starting point, before it starts moving. If the transport vehicle is to start moving or continue moving immediately, this waiting period can be zero.

[0070] It is advantageous if the release instruction is defined by the higher-level control system in such a way that the transport carrier is moved onto the run-out track without colliding with another transport carrier.

[0071] To sort hanging garments, it may be provided in particular that the release instruction is determined by the control system in such a way that the transport carrier is placed behind another transport carrier on the outbound track, which is moved from the second inbound track of the inbound tracks to the outbound track.

[0072] Coordination of the transport carriers can also be achieved by designing the drive control system to communicate with the drive control system of another transport carrier. Preferably, the signal marker is assigned to the merging section and arranged along the first entry section of the merging section, wherein the transport carrier is moved to the signal marker as it moves along the first entry section, the drive control system being designed to communicate with other transport carriers, and the method comprising the following steps: Sending a stop signal by a drive control of another transport carrier when the other transport carrier is in the merging section, controlling the transport carrier by the drive control so that it is stopped along the first entry track when a stop signal is received, controlling the transport carrier by the drive control so that it is moved from the first entry track to the exit track when no stop signal is received.

[0073] The stop signal can be sent by the transport carrier and / or the other transport carrier while passing through the merging section.

[0074] Alternatively, the procedure can include a step in which the transport carrier's control system sends a request signal once it has received the further travel instruction. The other transport carrier's control system can then send the stop signal in response to receiving the request signal.

[0075] It is advantageous if the vehicle control system is designed to send and receive a request signal and / or to send and receive a stop signal.

[0076] Furthermore, it may be provided that the transport carrier has sensors connected to the drive control system (for signal and / or data transmission) for detecting another transport carrier, particularly in the merging section. The sensors can be provided, for example, by distance sensors as described below or be designed analogously to them.

[0077] It is advantageous if the signal marker is assigned to the merging section and arranged along the first inlet section of the merging section, wherein the transport carrier is moved to the signal marker when moving the transport carrier over the first inlet section, wherein the drive control is connected to a sensor system for detecting another transport carrier in the merging section, and the method comprises the following steps: Controlling the transport carrier by the drive control system so that it is stopped along the first entry track when another transport carrier is detected by the sensors in the switch section; controlling the transport carrier by the drive control system so that it is moved from the first entry track to the exit track when no other transport carrier is detected by the sensors in the switch section.

[0078] To ensure a smooth flow of transport in the merging section, it may be necessary to implement an individual priority rule or a general priority rule for each merging section.

[0079] It can also be stipulated that each transport carrier is assigned a transport order with a defined priority. A priority rule could, for example, stipulate that the transport carrier with a higher-priority transport order has priority in the merging section. In this case, the priority of the assigned transport order can be transmitted from one transport carrier to another, or from both transport carriers to each other. The stop signal can then be sent by the transport carrier to which the higher-priority transport carrier is assigned. Alternatively, it can be stipulated that the lower-priority transport carrier stops automatically. In this case, sending the stop signal is not necessary.

[0080] To transmit further travel instructions, it is advantageous if the higher-level control system, and in particular its communication unit, is designed for wired or wireless communication, especially optical or radio-based communication. For example, data and commands can be sent from the higher-level control system of the overhead conveyor or order picking system to the transport carrier, or vice versa. For wired communication, powerline communication technology is particularly suitable, specifically by utilizing the overhead conveyor's power supply system for data transmission.

[0081] It is advantageous if the procedure also includes the following step: Transmitting a message signal from the transport carrier to the higher-level control system when the transport carrier reaches the message marker, wherein the message signal is sent by the transport carrier's drive control system and received by the higher-level control system, with the transmission of the further drive instruction taking place in response to the higher-level control system receiving the message signal.

[0082] This allows the higher-level control system to be notified when the alert marker is reached, and thus the further driving instructions can be transmitted at an optimal time.

[0083] To intervene in the transport of hanging garments by the transport carrier, for example, due to a change in the order structure, the travel instruction can include a target identifier for the signal marker to which the transport carrier is directed according to the path definition. When the signal signal is sent, the target identifier of the signal marker is also transmitted from the transport carrier's control unit to the higher-level control unit. Upon receiving the signal signal, the target identifier of the signal marker is also received by the higher-level control unit and compared with an actual identifier of the signal marker to which the target identifier was sent. This process can include a step for creating a further travel instruction, which contains a corrective path definition if the target identifier differs from the actual identifier.This further driving instruction can then be transmitted to the transport carrier.

[0084] When the transport vehicle reaches the detection marker, the higher-level control system transmits a new or subsequent travel instruction to the transport vehicle. This can be done via a communication unit of the higher-level control system, which is located in the area of ​​the detection marker.

[0085] It is advantageous if the subsequent driving instruction is transmitted and made available in a single sending step by the higher-level control system, particularly by a communication unit of the higher-level control system. In a subsequent receiving step, the driving control system of the transport vehicle can receive the subsequent driving instruction and then store it in the memory of the transport vehicle.

[0086] To confirm receipt of the further driving instruction, it may be provided that the transmission of the further driving instruction also includes the following step: Sending a reception signal to the higher-level control system by the driving control system of the transport carrier when the further driving instruction has been received by the driving control system.

[0087] To move the transport carrier, it is preferably designed to be self-propelled. Thus, the transport carrier is preferably moved by the transport carrier's drive control system activating one or more drive devices of the transport carrier in such a way that it is moved along the transport path.

[0088] To enable the transport carrier to move autonomously, it is preferably provided that it includes a drive device designed to convert supplied drive energy, particularly electrical energy, into kinetic energy for transporting the hanging garments. To drive wheels arranged on opposite sides differently, allowing the transport carrier to follow, for example, a curved trajectory, it is preferably provided that the transport carrier includes two drive devices, as described in more detail below.

[0089] Furthermore, the transport carrier can have a base body, with the drive device arranged on the base body. It is advantageous if the drive device arranged on the base body is designed to move the transport carrier along a support structure, in particular on the support structure of an overhead conveyor system.

[0090] Furthermore, the transport carrier can have several wheels rotatably mounted on the base body. Preferably, the drive device, as described in detail below, has an electrically operated motor mounted on the transport carrier, wherein one of the wheels is designed as the (first) drive wheel, which is coupled to the motor.

[0091] It is advantageous if the drive device incorporates a traction drive through which the drive wheel is coupled to the motor (of the drive device). This makes the drive relatively quiet and low-maintenance. A toothed belt or a flat belt is particularly suitable as the traction element for the traction drive. Alternatively, the drive device can also include a gearbox, gears, and / or a friction drive through which the drive wheel is coupled to the motor (of the drive device).

[0092] It is advantageous if the driving control system is designed to send a message signal and / or to receive a driving instruction.

[0093] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the transport carrier's control system is configured to receive a path definition from a higher-level control system, where the path definition specifies a route for the transport carrier at least within a switch section, particularly the supporting structure or the transport route, to store a received path definition in the transport carrier's memory, and to select one of several routes within the switch section according to the received path definition. With the proposed measures, the transport carrier's autonomy is achieved by enabling it to independently determine its path within a switch section. For example, the transport carrier can follow one of several guide markings. In this way, autonomous movement of the transport carrier can be implemented particularly effectively.The higher-level control system specifies the route, which is then autonomously followed by the transport vehicle using the driving control system, as already described in connection with the route definition.

[0094] It is advantageous if the drive control system is designed to influence or control the movement of the transport carrier, particularly on a support structure, based on motion data stored in (electronic) memory. Specifically, the movement data can be used to influence the route, speed, acceleration, and / or distance of the transport carrier to another, preceding transport carrier.For example, the motion data can include a target route, target speed, target acceleration, and / or target distance to another, preceding transport carrier. This data is then loaded into the drive control system, which uses the stored transport data and parameters to execute the corresponding movement of the transport carrier. Accordingly, the drive control system can move the transport carrier along the stored route, set or regulate the stored target speed, set or regulate the stored target acceleration, and / or set or regulate the stored target distance to another, preceding transport carrier. In general, the movement of the transport carrier can be influenced by control and / or regulation interventions.

[0095] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the transport carrier's drive control system is designed to receive the weight of the mass being transported from a higher-level control system, store this weight in the transport carrier's memory, and execute an acceleration profile based on this weight. In this way, the transport carrier's driving dynamics can be adapted to the goods. The weight can, for example, be derived from a database in which the weight is stored as associated with a particular item, or it can be determined by weighing. In particular, the weight of the mass carried by the transport carrier can also influence the compensation of any pendulum movement of the hanging goods, provided such a control system is in place.

[0096] It is particularly advantageous if the transport carrier's drive control system is designed to regulate the speed of the transport carrier and / or the distance to another transport carrier. This allows for individual control of speed and / or distance to another transport carrier. The operation of the transport carriers can thus be carried out and influenced with particular flexibility. For distance control, the transport carrier can be equipped with at least one distance sensor, which is connected to the drive control system (for signal and / or data transmission).

[0097] It is particularly advantageous if the transport carrier has several distance sensors connected to the drive control system (for signal and / or data transmission) and arranged in pairs to form an angle greater than 0° and less than 180°. This allows for precise control of the distance between transport carriers, even in curves or switch areas. The signal from the distance sensor pointing into the curve is prioritized or exclusively evaluated. For example, the distance sensor can be an ultrasonic sensor.

[0098] According to the invention, the drive device comprises drive elements which bear against the driving surface. The drive device comprises one or more electrically driven motors. In the first embodiment, the electrically driven motor of the drive device is arranged on the base body, with a first drive element and a second drive element being coupled to the electrically driven motor. In the second embodiment, the multiple electrically driven motors are arranged on the base body, with a first drive element being coupled to a first motor and a second drive element being coupled to a second motor.

[0099] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the base body is equipped with the first and second drive elements, with the first drive element located on the first side of the transport carrier and the second drive element on the second side. The proposed measures allow the transport carrier to travel straight ahead on the track surface (when the drive elements are controlled in the same way) as well as around curves (when the drive elements are controlled differently).

[0100] It is advantageous if the drive components each include one or more drive wheels. This allows the drive system to be of a comparatively simple design.

[0101] Furthermore, the first drive element can comprise an endlessly circulating first track or chain guided around the drive wheels of the first drive element on the first side of the transport carrier, and / or the second drive element can comprise an endlessly circulating second track or chain guided around the drive wheels of the second drive element on the second side of the transport carrier. This increases the contact area with the driving surface.

[0102] It is particularly advantageous if the first and second drive elements each have an outer circumference and several adhesive force generators are arranged on the outer circumference of the drive elements. This allows a comparatively high adhesive force to be generated between the transport carrier and the driving surface, even when the drive elements are in motion. Furthermore, the proposed system is fault-tolerant, as the failure of one adhesive force generator does not lead to a total system failure. Preferably, several adhesive force generators are arranged on a circumferential surface or on the outer circumference of the drive wheels, or on a surface of the track or chain.

[0103] Alternatively or additionally, the adhesive force generator can be arranged on the base body between the first and second sides of the transport carrier. This allows the adhesive force generator to be attached to fixed, non-moving parts of the transport carrier, thus simplifying its construction.

[0104] It is particularly advantageous if the adhesive force generator comprises a permanent magnet, adhesive lamellae (based on the gecko principle), suction cups, and / or a hook-and-loop fastener (especially a part of a hook-and-loop fastener), for example, hooks or mushroom-shaped hooks. If the adhesive force generator includes a permanent magnet, it is advantageous if the supporting structure forms a running surface and is made of a (ferro)magnetic material (for example, a sheet of steel), with the transport carrier being movably attached to the running surface by means of (or with the aid of) the permanent magnets. That is, the transport carrier then adheres to the running surface by magnetic force. While the use of one or more permanent magnets for this purpose is advantageous, the use of one or more electromagnets to generate the adhesive force necessary for the transport carrier to adhere to the running surface would also be conceivable.A particular advantage is that the adhesive force is generated without contact. This means that at least one permanent magnet does not need to be in contact with the running surface, but can be positioned slightly away from it. Besides the (electro)magnetic principle, other technologies are also used to generate an adhesive force, namely the aforementioned adhesive strips (based on the gecko principle), suction cups and / or hooks or mushroom-shaped hook-and-loop fasteners. In these cases, the adhesive force is generated by contact between the adhesive force generator and the running surface. It is particularly advantageous if the adhesive force generators are arranged on the outer circumference of the drive components, as described above. While the running surface is generally smooth when using adhesive strips and / or suction cups, it can incorporate part of the hook-and-loop fastener when using a hook-and-loop fastener. The other part of the hook-and-loop fastener is then located on the transport carrier (especially on the outer circumference of the drive components).Suction cups can also be connected to a vacuum generator to create or increase the adhesive force.

[0105] It is particularly advantageous if the transport carrier includes a hinge arrangement that allows the hanging garment to swivel relative to the base body by more than 45° and, in particular, by at least 90° perpendicular to the direction of movement of the transport carrier. This makes it possible for the transport carrier to travel even on non-horizontally oriented surfaces without the hanging garment obstructing its movement. The surface can be inclined or even vertically oriented, essentially forming a wall. The transport carriers, which are attached to the surface, can also travel on this wall. For example, a space-saving storage area for the transport carriers can be created in this way. For this purpose, the transport carrier can have an extension rod with an eyelet attached to it and a hook for hanging garments rotatably mounted therein.By selecting the appropriate length of the extension rod, the lateral swivel angle can be influenced in particular.

[0106] Alternatively, it may be provided that the hanging garment is coupled to the transport carrier in such a way that a swinging of the hanging garment relative to the base body, in particular perpendicular to the direction of movement, is prevented.

[0107] It is particularly advantageous if the transport carrier comprises a base body and a support body with a receptacle for hanging the garment. Specifically, the receptacle can include a fully enclosed opening (eyelet) for attaching a hanger of the garment or an open section (hook) for attaching or suspending a hanger of the garment.

[0108] It is advantageous if the support structure is attached to the base body via a connecting device that allows for interchangeable mounting. This makes the support structure flexible and suitable for a wide variety of hanging garments. Furthermore, the hanging garment can include a transport bag with a storage compartment.

[0109] It is advantageous if the transport carrier has an energy storage device and / or an energy source electrically connected to the motor. Alternatively or additionally, the transport carrier can be designed to include the hanging garment, which has a transport bag with a bag body for storing the garment, wherein the transport bag has an energy storage device and / or an energy source electrically connected to the motor.

[0110] In particular, the motor can be connected to the energy storage device or energy source via a switching or control element. The energy storage device can be designed, for example, as a battery or as a capacitor (e.g., a "supercapacitor"). The energy storage device can be charged while the transport carrier is in motion, for example, via a power supply system arranged along the support structure or travel surface, or stationary at a charging station of the overhead conveyor or order picking system.

[0111] The energy source can, for example, be designed as a solar module and be used in addition to or as an alternative to an energy storage system. The proposed measures enable or support the individual movement of the transport carrier within the order picking system. In particular, the proposed transport carrier is at least temporarily independent of a (stationary) energy supply system of the order picking system.

[0112] It is also advantageous if the overhead conveyor has an electrical power supply system comprising an insulator and exposed electrical conductors running along (and, in particular, arranged on) the supporting structure or track surface, with the transport carrier having current collectors that are electrically in contact with the electrical conductors and electrically connected to the motor. This makes it possible to supply power to the transport carrier and drive it independently of an optional energy storage device or energy source. Furthermore, the energy storage device can also be charged via the power supply system, particularly during movement of the transport carrier.The current collectors can, for example, be designed as sliding contacts and slide / grind on the electrical conductors when the transport carrier moves. If the electrical conductors are arranged on the support structure or running surface and the collectors roll on them, the collectors can also be designed as wheels of the transport carrier.

[0113] It is further advantageous if the overhead conveyor system has an inductive power supply system or an inductive power transmission system along the support structure, particularly on or at the support structure or track surface, and if the power transmission to the motor (and optionally to a charging circuit of an energy storage device connected to the motor) of the transport carrier is inductive. This allows the power transmission to the transport carrier to be contactless and therefore silent and wear-free. In particular, the inductive power supply system can include at least one electrical conductor running parallel to the support structure or track surface and a coil which is arranged on the transport carrier and electrically connected to the motor, with the power transmission to the coil being contactless.In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the transport carrier comprises a ferromagnetic core around which the coil is wound and which at least partially surrounds the at least one electrical conductor. This allows for better guidance of the magnetic flux and improves the efficiency of the inductive power transfer.

[0114] The electrical power supply system is advantageously only installed on straight sections of the track. This allows for a simpler design of the electrical power supply system. In curves and at switches, the motor in this design is powered from the energy storage device or the energy source of the transport carrier.

[0115] It is advantageous that the transport carrier(s) of the overhead conveyor, the overhead conveyor itself, and / or its support structure are designed according to one of the aspects described above. Preferably, the transport carrier is movably mounted on the support structure.

[0116] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the supporting structure has at least one control element and the drive control system is designed to influence or control the movement of a control element of the supporting structure based on control data stored or stored in memory, for example, based on the driving command. In particular, such a control element can be understood as a device in a picking system that can be controlled by the drive control system, such as a lift. Generally, the movement of the control element can be influenced by control and / or regulation interventions.

[0117] It is advantageous if the transport carrier's drive control system and / or at least one control element of the support structure are designed for optical, wired, or wireless communication. As previously described in connection with the communication unit, data and commands can be sent from the higher-level control system of the overhead conveyor or order picking system to the transport carrier, or vice versa.

[0118] Preferably, the transport carrier comprises a light source connected to the drive control system, and the control element of the support structure comprises a light-sensitive element, wherein a control command from the drive control system of the transport carrier to the control element of the support structure can be transmitted via the light source and the light-sensitive element. In other words, the transmission of data or control commands from the transport carrier to the support structure occurs optically. For example, the control element can be activated or switched when the light-sensitive element receives light from the light source. This light can be modulated or unmodulated. Furthermore, more complex data transmission is also possible with appropriate modulation of the light source.

[0119] It is particularly advantageous if the supporting structure has a controllable light source and the transport carrier has an optical surface sensor connected to the drive control system, whereby a control command can be transmitted from the supporting structure to the drive control system of the transport carrier via the light source and the optical surface sensor. In particular, the controllable light source on the transport carrier or the supporting structure can have several individually activatable and matrix-arranged light points. This means that the control commands transmitted to the transport carrier are not fixed, but can be flexibly adapted to a specific situation. The light points can function as path markings, in particular as driving and / or control markings. The above statements regarding path markings, in particular driving and / or control markings, therefore apply analogously.

[0120] In this context, "matrix-shaped arrangement" can mean that several light points are arranged in a row (in the form of a 1 x m matrix), thus forming a row of light points. This allows, in particular, the creation of a one-dimensional control command. Furthermore, "matrix-shaped arrangement" can mean that several, and especially at least two, such rows of light points are arranged side by side (in the form of an n x m matrix, where n > 1). This allows, for example, the creation of a multi-dimensional control command, thereby increasing the number of control commands that can be created.

[0121] It is advantageous if setting a target speed or distance of a transport carrier to another transport carrier is achieved using a path marker, for example, a control marker, which is located within the support structure and detectable by the transport carrier. This allows the behavior of the transport carriers to be easily influenced by placing appropriate markers on the support structure. Complicated data transmission procedures from a higher-level control system are not required.

[0122] It is further advantageous if the transport carrier has a driving surface sensor connected to the driving control system, with which a control marking arranged on the support structure can be read, wherein detection of the control marking triggers a message from the driving control system to a higher-level control system, or a short-range radio receiver connected to the driving control system, with which a signal from a short-range radio transmitter arranged on the support structure can be received, wherein reception of the signal by the short-range radio receiver triggers a message from the driving control system to a higher-level control system, or has a short-range radio transmitter, wherein reception of a signal from the short-range radio transmitter of the transport carrier by a short-range radio receiver arranged on the support structure triggers a message from the transport carrier (with the aid of the short-range radio receiver) to a higher-level control system.

[0123] As previously explained, further actions can be linked to the reporting process, such as transmitting commands or data from the higher-level control system to the transport vehicle. For example, the (further) driving instructions can be transmitted to the transport vehicle, which may include a target speed, a target acceleration, and / or a target distance of the transport vehicle to another, preceding transport vehicle.

[0124] The reporting point can be formed by an (optical) reporting marker and / or control marker. If this marker is detected by the track surface sensor, it triggers a message from the drive control system to the higher-level control system, which in turn can trigger the subsequent actions already described. The reporting point or reporting marker can also be formed by a short-range radio transmitter mounted on the support structure. If its signal is received by the short-range radio receiver of the transport carrier, it also triggers a message from the drive control system to a higher-level control system, which can trigger the subsequent actions already described. Alternatively, the transport carrier can have a short-range radio transmitter. If its signal is detected by a short-range radio receiver mounted on the support structure, this in turn triggers a message to a higher-level control system, which can also trigger the subsequent actions already described.In both cases, it is advantageous if the short-range radio transmitter sends out a unique identifier so that it can be determined which short-range radio transmitter is receiving a signal. In this context, "short range" specifically means a range of a few centimeters to a few meters (for example, less than two meters).

[0125] Preferably, the drive controller's signal to the higher-level controller can trigger the higher-level controller to send or transmit a path definition to the drive controller. For example, the transport network formed by the supporting structure can be divided into several segments separated by control markers, in particular query markers and / or signal markers or signaling points. These segments can be formed, for example, by distribution modules as described above. When the drive controller actively signals at a signaling point (for example, a control marker acting as a signaling point), the drive controller receives the path definition for the next segment from the higher-level controller. In this way, the measure supports the flexible and autonomous movement of the transport carrier through the transport network.

[0126] In a further advantageous embodiment of the overhead conveyor, a local position is assigned to the path marker, in particular the travel marker and / or control marker, or to the short-range radio transmitter or receiver arranged on the support structure. The report from the travel control to the higher-level control system causes the higher-level control system to adjust the path definition based on this position if the target position of the transport carrier does not correspond to the local position of the path marker, in particular the travel marker and / or control marker, or of the short-range radio transmitter or receiver. This can be verified, in particular, by comparing a target identifier, which essentially specifies the target position, with an actual identifier, which specifies the local position of the respective marker, as described above.It can happen that the actual position of the transport carrier, for example, the position from which the signal was sent, does not match the position assumed by the train control system. Selecting a route in a turnout section according to the route definition stored in memory then leads to incorrect switching and routing. However, the proposed measures allow for the correction of any deviation between the actual position of the transport carrier and the position assumed by the train control system, thus correcting the target position of the transport carrier—that is, setting it back to its actual position or specifying an alternative route.

[0127] It is also conceivable that the track marking, in particular the driving marking and / or the control marking, or the short-range radio transmitter or receiver arranged on the support structure, are designed to enable the simultaneous reporting of the driving controls of several transport carriers to the higher-level control system. In this way, the behavior of a group of transport carriers can subsequently be influenced.

[0128] It is advantageous if the power supply system of the overhead conveyor (for example, a conductor rail or an inductive power supply system), especially the power supply system described above, is also designed for wired communication with the drive control system of the transport carrier. This allows the power supply system to provide a dual benefit.

[0129] It is also advantageous if the energy supply system of the overhead conveyor is divided into several supply segments, each with a different address in the conveyor's communication system. In particular, the address can be determined by the transport carrier. This allows for relatively simple localization of a transport carrier.

[0130] It is also advantageous if the energy supply system of the overhead conveyor is divided into several supply segments, with each supply segment being assigned a specific location. When the transport carrier enters this supply segment, a higher-level control system adjusts the path definition based on the location assigned to that segment if the target position of the transport carrier does not match the location of the energy supply segment. It is also possible for each supply segment to be assigned a specific location, with the path definition adjustment depending on the particular supply segment into which the transport carrier has entered.Choosing a specific path according to the path definition stored in memory leads to switching errors and misrouting in the case of the aforementioned deviation. However, the proposed measures allow for the correction of deviations between the actual position of the transport carrier and the position assumed by the drive control system, thus correcting the target position of the transport carrier back to its actual position (in this case, the position of the supply segment into which the transport carrier enters). An adjusted or corrective path definition can then be transmitted, for example, when transferring the further driving instructions to the transport carrier.

[0131] It is particularly advantageous, especially in the embodiment in which the transport carrier has a drive control unit and an associated writable and readable memory, if the electrical power supply system comprises an insulator and exposed electrical conductors which run along the supporting structure or driving surface (and in particular are arranged on or at it), and the transport carrier has current collectors which are electrically in contact with the conductors and are electrically connected both to a motor of the drive device and electrically to the drive control unit via a communication module of the transport carrier.This makes it possible not only to supply a transport carrier with power independently of an energy storage device or energy source integrated into the transport carrier, but also to transmit data and / or control commands to and from the transport carrier via the electrical power supply system. A voltage or electrical signal applied to the electrical conductors is also present at the inputs of the communication module, which can extract and convert the data from the signal. The communication module is thus also connected to the current collectors or the electrical conductors via data transmission.In particular, galvanic isolation between the current collectors and the inputs of the drive control system can be implemented in the communication module, for example, using an optocoupler or an isolation transformer. Naturally, the power supply for the communication module, the drive control system, and other modules can also be provided via the current collectors. The current collectors can, for example, be designed as sliding contacts and slide / rub along the electrical conductors when the transport carrier moves. If the electrical conductors are arranged on the support structure or running surface and the collectors roll along them, the collectors can also be designed as wheels of the transport carrier.

[0132] It is further advantageous if the overhead conveyor system has an inductive power supply system or an inductive power transmission system along the support structure, particularly on the support structure, and / or along the travel surface, particularly on the travel surface, and if the power transmission to a motor of the drive device of the transport carrier and / or data transmission to a communication module of the transport carrier connected to the drive control system is inductive. This allows the power transmission to the transport carrier and also the transmission of data and / or control commands to and from the transport carrier to be contactless.In particular, the inductive power supply system can comprise at least one electrical conductor running along the support structure or running surface, as well as a coil which is arranged on the transport carrier and electrically connected to the motor and the communication module, with energy and / or data transmission to the coil being contactless. A voltage or electrical signal applied to the coil is also present at the inputs of the communication module, which can extract and convert the data from the signal. The communication module is thus also connected to the coil or the electrical conductors via data transmission. In particular, galvanic isolation between the coil and the inputs of the drive control system can be implemented in the communication module, for example, using an optocoupler or an isolation transformer.Naturally, the coil can also supply power to the communication module, the drive control unit, and other modules. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the transport carrier comprises a ferromagnetic core around which the coil is wound, and which at least partially surrounds the at least one electrical conductor. This allows for better guidance of the magnetic flux and improves the efficiency of the inductive power transfer.

[0133] Preferably, the overhead conveyor system comprises at least one distribution module with a support structure, the support structure forming a travel surface and a transport path. The transport path is arranged along the support structure and includes a switch section with a node. Furthermore, the switch section comprises an entry track leading to the node and a first and second exit track leading away from the node. The entry track and the first exit track provide a first path, and the entry track and the second exit track provide a second path for the transport carrier. In addition, the distribution module includes a path marker and a communication unit for a higher-level control system. The path marker is arranged along the transport path on the support structure and includes a query marker, which is detectable, in particular, by the transport carrier.The query marker is assigned to the switch section and arranged along the approach track. Furthermore, the route marker features a signal marker, which is particularly detectable by the transport vehicle. The communication unit is located in the area of ​​the signal marker and is designed to send a movement instruction. This movement instruction includes a release instruction and / or a route definition for the transport vehicle.

[0134] Furthermore, the transport carrier's drive control system is designed to receive a driving instruction sent by the communication unit of at least one distribution module, to store this instruction in the transport carrier's memory, to retrieve it from the memory, and to control the transport carrier according to the driving instruction.

[0135] It is particularly preferred that the overhead conveyor device comprises a plurality of such distribution modules and / or a plurality of such transport carriers.

[0136] The higher-level control system can comprise one or more communication units, each assigned to a distribution module. The communication unit of the at least one distribution module is therefore preferably the communication unit or one of the communication units of the higher-level control system.

[0137] The proposed measures make it possible to move a transport carrier individually and (largely) independently of other transport carriers in the order picking system. A particular advantage of the invention is that the transport carrier can navigate or move autonomously between a starting point and a destination, namely the location of the notification marker. Furthermore, it is advantageous that only a portion of the route, and not the entire route to be traveled by the transport carrier, needs to be specified. This allows for flexible responses to misrouting, changes in order structure, and the like. In addition, communication between the transport carrier and the higher-level control system does not need to be ensured everywhere along the transport route, but only at selected locations, such as in the area of ​​the notification marker(s).The transport vehicle can essentially be guided from marker to marker until the destination is reached. Each marker offers an opportunity for route correction, making the process particularly flexible.

[0138] Furthermore, a key advantage of the distribution module lies in its ability to provide sections of an overhead conveyor system that allow communication with the transport carrier, particularly for transmitting further travel instructions. The distribution module thus enables a modular design of the overhead conveyor system, for example, by connecting several such distribution modules in series. The distribution module is specifically designed to carry out the procedure described above.

[0139] To better understand the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0140] They show, in highly simplified, schematic representations: Fig. 1 a method for controlling transport carriers of an overhead conveyor; Fig. 2 a transport carrier passing through a switch section of the overhead conveyor; Fig. 3 a transmission of a further travel command to the transport carrier; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a section of a transport network with a switch; Figs. 5a to 5c a section of an overhead conveyor with a switch section; Figs. 6a to 6c a section of the overhead conveyor with a merging section; Fig. 7 a section of a transport path with several switch sections; Fig. 8 a view of a transport carrier with hanging goods from an oblique angle above; Fig. 9 a view of an overhead conveyor with a running surface and the transport carrier adhering to it. Fig. 8 from a low angle; Fig. 10 the transport carrier made of Fig. 8in a detailed view from a top oblique angle; Fig. 11 the transport carrier made of Fig. 8 in a detailed view from a low angle; Fig. 12 the overhead conveyor device made of Fig. 9 in detailed front view; Fig. 13 an exemplary transport carrier with caterpillar tracks from an oblique top view; Fig. 14 a hanging conveyor device with an exemplary transport carrier and articulated connection to the hanging goods in front view; Fig. 15 an exemplary electrical block diagram of a transport carrier.

[0141] It should be noted at the outset that in the differently described embodiments, identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals or component designations, and the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to identical parts with the same reference numerals or component designations. Furthermore, the positional designations chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refer to the figure directly described and illustrated and must be applied analogously to the new position if the position changes.

[0142] In Figs. 1 to 3 is a method 100 for controlling transport carriers 3 for transporting hanging goods 10 on a hanging conveyor device 1 for a picking system shown schematically.

[0143] Furthermore, in Figs. 5a to 6cA section of a suspended conveyor device 1, in particular a distributor module 2, with a transport carrier 3 moving along a transport path S, shown schematically from below.

[0144] In procedure 100, a route marking U, V1..V5 is first provided, which essentially serves to mark a transport route S and / or critical points along the transport route S, such as junctions, mergings, checkpoints and the like.

[0145] The route marking U, V1..V5 comprises at least one query marking V1 and one notification marking V2, the function of which is described in more detail below. The term control marking V1..V5 can encompass, among other things, the query marking V1 and the notification marking V2. In other words, a control marking V1..V5 can, for example, be configured as a query marking V1 or as a notification marking V2.

[0146] Furthermore, the route marking U, V1..V5, can include a driving marking U, which extends along the transport path S and guides the transport carrier 3 along the transport path S. This driving marking U can, for example, be designed as a driving line or guide line along which the transport carrier 3 can travel. The driving line comprises a first edge and a second edge.

[0147] Furthermore, a route specification is provided for a transport carrier 3. This route specification is stored in an (electronic) memory 35 of the transport carrier 3 and can thus be retrieved by the transport carrier 3 at any time. For this purpose, the route specification can be transmitted, for example, from a higher-level control unit 6 to a drive controller 34 of the transport carrier 3 and stored by it in the memory 35.

[0148] Furthermore, the method includes a step of moving 130 the transport carrier 3 along the transport path S. This can be done autonomously by the transport carrier 3, which is controlled accordingly by the drive control 34. For example, the transport carrier 3 can include one or more drive devices 15, which are controlled by the drive control 34.

[0149] To ensure that the transport carrier 3 in the order picking system or on the overhead conveyor 1 is not moved along only a single route, the transport path S is typically provided with one or more switch sections W. The switch section(s) W comprise one or more, in particular two, paths that can be traversed by the transport carrier 3.

[0150] The previously described route specification includes a route definition that specifies a route to be selected in the turnout section W or in one or more turnout sections W of the turnout sections W.

[0151] For example, the drive control unit 34 of the transport carrier 3 can be configured to receive the route specification, in particular the route definition, from the higher-level control unit 6, to store 35 this route definition in the memory 35 of the transport carrier 3, and to select one route from several routes in a switch section W using the drive control unit 34 and according to this route definition. The route definition can be transmitted using optical, wired, or radio-based communication (in particular via power line communication).

[0152] The path definition can, for example, include the values ​​or list elements "Straight ahead" or "Detour". This can also be specified in binary form as "0" or "1". "Straight ahead" or "0" can mean, for example, that transport carrier 3 should select a first path. Similarly, "Detour" or "1" can mean that transport carrier 3 should select a second path. If transport carrier 3 is to pass through several switch sections W, the path definition can include a sequence or a list of several list elements.

[0153] The path definition can thus include the selection of a specific path or a specific driving marker U in a turnout section W, or a sequence of path or driving marker selections U for, for example, the next four turnout sections W, such as the sequence "straight ahead, diversion, diversion, straight ahead". The sequence can essentially be viewed as a list comprising several list elements. This path definition is transmitted to the train control unit 34, stored in memory 35, and then serves to select a specific path or a specific driving marker U. In the case of a driving marker U, the driving marker U that results in straight ahead is selected in the first turnout section W, the driving marker U that results in a diversion is selected in the second turnout section W, and so on. For this purpose, it can be provided that the transport carrier 3 is equipped with a detection unit or...The transport carrier 3 follows the left or right edge of the travel marker U, guided by a surface sensor 30 and a control unit 33. By selecting the corresponding edge, the desired path within the switch section W can be determined. The higher-level control unit 6 thus specifies the path, which is then autonomously followed by the transport carrier 3 using the drive control unit 34. The sequence can also be specified purely in binary, for example, in the sequence "0, 1, 1, 0", and then used directly to control a light source on the transport carrier 3 connected to the drive control unit 34.

[0154] Naturally, the transmission of data from the higher-level control unit 6 to the drive control unit 34 of the transport carrier 3 is not limited to path definitions; a target speed or a target distance to a preceding transport carrier 3 can also be transmitted. This can be done in addition to or as an alternative to control using control markers V1..V5. For this purpose, the driving instruction can, for example, include the target speed and / or the target distance.

[0155] It is particularly advantageous if the drive control 34 of the transport carrier 3 is configured to receive the weight of a mass carried by the transport carrier 3 (e.g., the weight of the goods) from the higher-level control 6, to store this weight in memory 35, and to execute an acceleration profile using the drive control 34 and depending on this weight. In this way, the driving dynamics of the transport carrier 3 can be adapted to the goods. The weight can, for example, be taken from a database in which the weight is stored and assigned to a specific item, or it can be determined by weighing.

[0156] When transport carrier 3 is moved along transport path S, it may reach a switch section W, whereupon transport carrier 3 passes through switch section W. Upon passing through switch section W, transport carrier 3 essentially selects and follows one of the possible paths according to the path definition.

[0157] In order to enable increased flexibility of the transport by the transport carrier 3, by rerouting the transport carrier 3 if necessary or adjusting a route of the transport carrier 3, it is provided that at so-called reporting points, which are marked by a reporting marker V2, a transmission of a new or further driving instruction 150 takes place.

[0158] As in Fig. 2In schematic terms, passing 140 through switch section W comprises one step of retrieving 141 of the path definition. This occurs in response to the transport carrier 3 reaching the query marker V1. For this purpose, the transport carrier 3 can detect and evaluate the route markers U, V1..V5 in order to (autonomously) recognize the query marker V1 and thus its arrival. This is achieved, for example, through an interaction between the query marker V1 and the transport carrier 3. In particular, the query marker V1 is designed as an optical marker, which can be detected by a detection unit of the transport carrier 3, preferably by means of light-sensitive elements 7 such as photodiodes. Alternatively, the query marker V1 can be designed as a tactile element that actuates a push button arranged on the transport carrier 3.

[0159] Subsequently, one of the paths in the switch section W is selected according to the path definition by the drive control 34, and finally the transport carrier 3 is controlled by the drive control 34. The transport carrier 3 is controlled in such a way that it follows the previously selected path or is moved along this path.

[0160] The transmission of the further travel instruction 150 from the higher-level control unit 6 to the transport carrier 3 occurs in response to the transport carrier 3 reaching the signal marker V2. For this purpose, the transport carrier 3 can detect and evaluate the route markers U, V1..V5 in order to recognize the signal marker V2 and thus its arrival (autonomously). This can be achieved, as previously described in connection with the query marker V1, through an interaction between the signal marker V2 and the transport carrier 3.

[0161] Preferably, the method 100 comprises a step of transmitting a signal 160, wherein the signal is sent by the drive controller 34 of the transport carrier 3 and received by the higher-level controller 6. The signal is transmitted in response to the reaching of the signal marker V2. This can be done, for example, by a communication module 37 of the transport carrier 3, in particular a short-range radio transmitter 8. In this case, the signal can be received by a communication unit 5 of the higher-level controller 6, in particular by a short-range radio receiver 9. Alternatively, the signal marker V2 can be designed as a push button, which is actuated by a push button element arranged on the transport carrier 3.If the transmission of the message signal 160 is planned, then it is expedient if the transmission of the further driving instruction 150 is carried out in response to the receipt of the message signal by the higher-level control 6.

[0162] Preferably, when transmitting the further travel instruction 150, a message signal is transmitted from the transport carrier 3 to the higher-level control unit 6 in a first step 151. Here, the message signal is initially sent by the travel control unit 34 of the transport carrier 3 when the transport carrier 3 reaches the message marker V2.

[0163] The transmission of the further driving instruction 150 is preferably carried out as in Fig. 3The process is illustrated and comprises a step of transmitting 151 the further driving instruction by the higher-level controller 6, in particular by the communication unit 5 of the higher-level controller 6. This can be done wirelessly, for example by a short-range radio transmitter 8 of the communication unit 5. Alternatively, the transmission 151 can also be done via a wired connection. Furthermore, the transmission 150 can comprise a step of receiving 152 the further driving instruction by the driving controller 34 of the transport carrier 3, in particular by the communication module 37. In the case described above, the further driving instruction can also be received wirelessly, for example by a short-range radio receiver 9 of the transport carrier 3, in particular by the driving controller 34. Alternatively, the reception 151 can also be done via a wired connection. The received further driving controller 34 is stored in the memory 35 of the transport carrier 3 in a storage step 153 and thus made available therein.

[0164] Regardless of how the transfer of the further driving instruction 150 is carried out, a previously provided driving instruction can be deleted from memory 35 when the further driving instruction is transferred.

[0165] An exemplary electrical block diagram of a transport carrier 3 is shown in Fig. 15 shown.

[0166] Fig. 4 Additionally, a schematic representation of a section of a transport network with a switch section W, which is optionally connected to a light-sensitive element 100, is shown.

[0167] Thus, for example in another possible embodiment, it can be provided that the control marking V1..V5, in particular the signal marking V2, triggers an (active) signal from the drive control 34 to the higher-level control 6. The reading of the control marking V1..V5, in particular the signal marking V2, can in turn be carried out by the driving surface sensor 30 or another sensor of the transport carrier 3.

[0168] For example, a signal from the drive controller 34 to the higher-level controller 6 can trigger the higher-level controller 6 to send a path definition. For example, the transport network formed by the support structure 4 can be divided into several segments separated by signaling points. When the drive controller 34 actively signals at a control marker V1..V5 acting as a signaling point, the drive controller 34 receives the path definition for the next segment from the higher-level controller 6. In this way, the transport carrier 3 can be flexibly guided through the transport network (see also the supply segments Y1..Y4 in [reference]). Fig. 4 The control marker V1..V5, which acts as a reporting point, can also be referred to as reporting marker V2.

[0169] It would also be conceivable that short-range radio transmitters 8 are distributed throughout the transport network and that the transport carriers 3 have short-range radio receivers 9 connected to the drive control 34, or vice versa, as in the Fig. 4 This is shown schematically. If a short-range radio receiver 9 detects a signal from a short-range radio transmitter 8, the drive controller 34 can report this to the higher-level controller 6, and consequently, a path definition can be transmitted from the higher-level controller 6 to the drive controller 34. If short-range radio receivers 9 are distributed in the transport network and the transport vehicles 3 have short-range radio transmitters 8, then the following are described in the Fig. 4The roles shown are reversed. In this case, the reception of the signal from the short-range radio transmitter 8 at the stationary short-range radio receiver 9 can trigger the short-range radio receiver 9 to report the transport carrier 3 to the higher-level control unit 6 and, consequently, also the transmission of a path definition from the higher-level control unit 6 to the drive control unit 34.

[0170] A local position can be assigned to the control marker V1..V5 or the short-range radio transmitter 8 (or alternatively, the short-range radio receiver arranged in the transport network), and the report from the drive control 34 to the higher-level control 6 can cause the higher-level control 6 to adjust the path definition from the aforementioned position if a target position of the transport carrier 3 does not correspond to the local position of the control marker V1..V5 or the short-range radio transmitter 8 (or the short-range radio receiver). It is possible that the actual position of the transport carrier 3, which is determined when the control marker V1..V5 or the short-range radio transmitter 8 is detected, differs from the position of this control marker V1..V5.The position of the transport carrier 3 (target position) as determined by the drive controller 34, as determined by the control unit 34, may not correspond to the position of the transport carrier 3 (target position). Selecting a specific path according to the path definition stored in memory 35 may then lead to switching errors and misrouting. To verify whether the target position of the transport carrier 3 corresponds to the actual position of the control markers V1..V5, particularly the signal marker V2, the drive instruction may include a target identifier specifying the target position, and the control markers V1..V5 include an actual identifier assigned to the respective control marker's position. The target and actual identifiers can be compared by the higher-level control unit 6.The proposed measures allow for the consideration of deviations between the actual position of transport carrier 3 and the position assumed by the drive control 34, or alternatively, for the correction of the target position of transport carrier 3, i.e., its return to its actual position. Consideration of the actual position of transport carrier 3 can be achieved, for example, by creating an additional drive instruction that includes a corrective path definition. This additional drive instruction can then be transmitted to transport carrier 3.

[0171] It would also be conceivable that the control marking V1..V5 or the short-range radio transmitter 8 (or the short-range radio receiver) are designed to cause the simultaneous reporting of the driving controls 34 of several transport carriers 3 to the higher-level control 6.

[0172] In Figs. 5a to 5cFigure 1 shows a schematic view of a section of an overhead conveyor 1, in particular a distribution module 2, from below, as well as the movement of a transport carrier 3 as it passes through switch section W 140. For the sake of clarity, the overhead goods 10 are not shown.

[0173] The overhead conveyor 1 or the distribution module 2 comprises a support structure 4, which forms a travel surface T along which the transport carrier 3 can move. The support structure 4 can, for example, be designed as a plate against which the transport carrier 3 rests and rolls. The transport path S runs along the support structure 4.

[0174] Furthermore, the overhead conveyor 1 or the distributor module 2 includes a path marker U, V1..V5, which is arranged on the support structure 4 along the transport path S. The path marker U, V1..V5 includes one or more control markers V1..V5, in particular the previously described query marker V1 and / or signal marker V2.

[0175] The transport path S comprises the turnout section W, with the transport path S branching at a node of the turnout section W, such that the turnout section W has an entry track X1 leading towards the node and several, in particular two, exit tracks X2, X3 leading away from the node. The entry track X1 and a first or second exit track X2, X3 provide a first or second path, respectively, for the transport carrier 3 in the turnout section W. The query marker V1 is assigned to the turnout section W and arranged along its entry track X1.

[0176] In the switch section W, it may be provided that the driving marking U, in particular the driving line, branches off, as is the case in Figs. 5a to 5c This is shown. Here, the first edge can run along the first path and the second edge along the second path.

[0177] In Fig. 5a The transport carrier 3 approaches the dashed-line marked switch section W, where the transport carrier 3 reaches the query marker V1, as shown in Fig. 5b This is shown. At this point, the path definition is retrieved from memory 35, which specifies, at least for the switch section W just reached, which path should be chosen.

[0178] If the path definition specifies, for example, the first path, then the transport carrier 3 is moved along the first exit path X2, in particular straight ahead. For this purpose, the transport carrier 3 can follow the travel marking U that extends along the first path, for example by following the first edge of the travel line. This can, for example, correspond to the previously described "straight ahead" movement.

[0179] Alternatively, the transport carrier 3 is moved further along the second discharge path X3 if the path definition specifies the second path, as in Fig. 5c as indicated by the dashed transport carrier 3. For this purpose, the transport carrier 3 can follow the driving marking U that extends along the second path, for example by following the second edge of the driving line. This can, for example, correspond to the previously described "detour".

[0180] If several sections of the transport route S are to be merged into one section, it is advantageous if the transport route S includes a merging section Z, as exemplified in Figs. 6a to 6c This is illustrated. Here, several sections of the transport path S converge at a node, such that the merging section Z has several, in particular two, inbound sections X1', X1" leading to the node and an outbound section X2 leading away from the node. The signal marker V2 can be assigned to the merging section Z and arranged along a first inbound section X1' of the inbound sections X1', X1" as shown in Figs. 6a to 6c as shown. Of course, a reporting marker V2 can also be placed along a second entry section X1".

[0181] In Fig. 6aWhen transport carrier 3 reaches the dashed line merging section Z, where transport carrier 3 reaches the reporting marker V2, as shown in Fig. 6b As shown. At this time and / or location, data is transmitted between the transport carrier 3 and the higher-level control system 6. In particular, the further travel instruction is transmitted to the transport carrier 3. This can be done as described previously. The further travel instruction can include a further or new path definition if necessary.

[0182] If no further track sections W exist between the signal marker V2, where the transport carrier 3 is located, and a destination to which the transport carrier 3 is to travel, then, for example, no path definition is required. The travel instruction can include other specifications, such as the target speed, the target distance, a release instruction described below, or the like. For data transmission, the distribution module 2 can include a communication unit 5 of the higher-level control system 6, which is located in the area of ​​the signal marker V2.

[0183] While transport carrier 3 is located in the merging section Z, for example at the signal marker V2, it can happen that another transport carrier 3, shown with a dashed line, also travels along the second inlet track X1" and thus reaches the merging section Z, as shown in Fig. 6b is shown.

[0184] In this case, it is advantageous for the travel instruction to include a release instruction that specifies to transport carrier 3 when it should move across the node onto the run-out track X2. The release instruction can be created by the higher-level controller 6 in such a way that this occurs without collision with the other transport carrier 3, for example, by placing transport carrier 3 in front of the other transport carrier 3 or, as in Fig. 6c shown, after which the other transport carrier 3 is inserted.

[0185] Alternatively, it can be provided that the transport carrier 3 is equipped with sensors for detecting the other transport carrier 3 in the switch section W or is designed for communication with the other transport carrier 3, so that the passage through the node and transfer of the transport carrier 3 onto the run-out track X2 by the transport carrier 3 or its drive control 34, in particular without collision with the other transport carrier 3, can take place autonomously.

[0186] In the depicted section of the overhead conveyor 1 or the distributor module 2, it may be provided that one of the discharge sections X2, X3 of the switch section W is connected to one of the inlet sections X1', X1" of the merging section Z via a connecting section, as indicated by dashed lines in Figs. 5a to 6c as indicated.

[0187] In Fig. 7Figure 1 schematically depicts a section of a transport route S, which includes several switch sections W. As shown, the transport route S can also have several merging sections Z.

[0188] As shown, each of the switch sections W and / or the merging sections Z can be assigned a control marker V1..V5, specifically a query marker V1 or a message marker V2.

[0189] In addition to the control markings V1..V5 already described, the route marking U, V1..V5 can include further control markings V1..V5. Such a control marking V1..V5 can, for example, be a control marking V3, which specifies a target speed of the transport carrier 3 and / or a target distance of the transport carrier 3. Detection of the control marking V3 can thus cause the transport carrier 3, or its drive control 34, to adjust its speed and / or distance to a preceding transport carrier 3. Such a control marking V3 can be located at any point along the transport route S, depending on where speed or distance control is required or desired. In the example shown, the control marking V3 is located immediately before a curve.

[0190] Furthermore, such a control marker V1..V5 can also be a switching marker V4, which specifies to the transport carrier 3, or rather its travel direction, which edge of the travel path is to be followed. In the example shown, the switching marker V4 is located upstream of the merging sections Z and indicates that the left edge in the transport direction D is to be followed. This ensures that the transport carrier 3 does not accidentally make a wrong turn in the merging section Z. In the example shown, this ensures straight-ahead travel.

[0191] Furthermore, the route marking U, V1..V5 can include a further control marking V1..V5, namely a control marking V5. Analogous to the reporting marking V2, the control marking V5 can trigger a report from the transport carrier 3 to the higher-level control system 6. This allows monitoring of whether a transport carrier 3, or all transport carriers 3 of a transport carrier group, have passed a control point marked by the control marking V5. The transmission of a further travel instruction is not strictly necessary in this case.

[0192] In the case of several switch sections W, as exemplified in Fig. 7As shown, the path definition can specify in which switch section W the transport carrier 3 should turn or be diverted. To turn in the first switch section W, the transport carrier 3 can have a path definition in its memory 35 containing the value or list element "Diversion" or "1". Similarly, the transport carrier 3 can have a path definition in its memory 35 containing the values ​​or list elements "Straight Ahead, Diversion" or "0, 1" if the transport carrier 3 is to turn in the second switch section W. For the third or fourth switch section W, the path definition can contain the values ​​or list elements "Straight Ahead, Straight Ahead, Diversion" or "0, 0, 1" or "Straight Ahead, Straight Ahead, Straight Ahead, Diversion" or "0, 0, 0, 1".

[0193] A transport carrier 3, which is to turn at the first switch, may have a path definition provided in its memory 35, which includes the value "diversion" or "1".

[0194] Furthermore, the driving control unit 34 can be configured to include a marker counter, which is incremented by the value "1" at each turnout section W or upon detection of the query marker V1. Each of the list elements described above can be assigned an ordinal number. In the example "0, 1", list element "0" is the first list element, corresponding to the ordinal number "1", and list element "1" is the second list element, corresponding to the ordinal number "2". The same applies to further list elements. The selection of the run-out section X2, X3 can now be made according to the list element whose ordinal number corresponds to the marker counter. In the first turnout section W, the marker counter corresponds to the value "1", therefore the selection is made according to the first list element; in the second turnout section W, the marker counter corresponds to the value "2", therefore the selection is made according to the second list element, and so on.

[0195] In the example shown, the transport path S, its switch sections W and merging sections Z, as well as the connecting sections, essentially form a sorting device, with each connecting section providing a sorting track. In such a case, for example, the control marker V5 can be used to check whether all transport carriers 3 to be sorted have passed the control point, and in particular, in the correct order.

[0196] Figs. 8 to 12 show a hanging conveyor device 1 for a picking system, or a transport carrier 3 for transporting hanging goods 10. Fig. 8 shows the transport carrier 3 with a hanging garment 10 from a diagonal top view, Fig. 9 The suspended conveyor device 1 is shown from a low angle. Fig. 10 shows the transport carrier 3 in a detailed view from a slant above, Fig. 11 shows the transport carrier 3 in a detailed view from a low angle and Fig. 12shows the transport carrier 3 or the overhead conveyor device 1 in a detailed front view.

[0197] The overhead conveyor 1 comprises a support structure 4, which forms a travel surface T, and a transport carrier 3 for transporting hanging garments 10, which forms a base body 13. The base body 13 forms a first side of the transport carrier and a second side, in particular opposite the first side. The hanging garments 10 include, for example, a transport bag with a bag body 11, which is attached to a hanger 12 and is intended for storing goods not explicitly shown here. Alternatively, the hanging garments 10 can also be a garment that hangs from the transport carrier 3 by means of a clothes hanger.

[0198] The transport carrier 3 can - as shown in the diagram in Fig. 9In the illustrated example, the support body 14 has a receptacle for hanging the hanging garment 10. The receptacle can have a fully enclosed opening for attaching the hanger 12 of the hanging garment 10. Alternatively, an open receptacle section (hook) could be provided for attaching or hanging the hanger 12 of the hanging garment 10. The support body 14 can be attached to the base body 13 in a replaceable manner, particularly via a connecting device.

[0199] Furthermore, the transport carrier 3 comprises two drive devices 15 for moving the transport carrier 3 on the driving surface T and an adhesion force generator by which the transport carrier 3 adheres to the supporting structure 4 and in particular to the driving surface T in a movable manner.

[0200] The drive devices 15 each comprise drive elements that bear against the running surface T and several electrically operated motors 18 that are arranged on the base body 13. In particular, the drive elements in this example are formed by drive wheels 16a, 16b. In the example shown, a first drive element on the first side of the transport carrier comprises a first drive wheel 16a and a second drive wheel 16b. Furthermore, a second drive element on the second side of the transport carrier comprises a first drive wheel 16a and a second drive wheel 16b.

[0201] Thus, on the first side of the transport carrier (right) are two drive wheels 16a, 16b of a first drive wheel pair 17a, which form the first drive element, and on the second side of the transport carrier (left) are two drive wheels 16a, 16b of a second drive wheel pair 17b, which form the second drive element. The drive wheels 16a, 16b of the first drive element are coupled to a first motor 18 of the electrically driven motors 18. Similarly, the drive wheels 16a, 16b of the second drive element are coupled to a second motor 18 of the electrically driven motors 18.

[0202] In this example, two motors 18 are provided. However, it would also be conceivable that the drive elements are coupled to a single motor 18.

[0203] The coupling of the drive elements with the electrically operated motors 18 can be effected via a motor pinion 19 located on the respective motor 18 as well as via gears 20a, 20b of a first gear pair 21a and gears 20a, 20b of a second gear pair 21b. Specifically, the first gear 20a of the first gear pair 21a is coaxial with the first drive gear 16a of the first drive gear pair 17a, the second gear 20b of the first gear pair 21a is coaxial with the second drive gear 16b of the first drive gear pair 17a, the first gear 20a of the second gear pair 21b is coaxial with the first drive gear 16a of the second drive gear pair 17b and the second gear 20b of the second gear pair 21b is coaxial with the second drive gear 16b of the second drive gear pair 17b.

[0204] The drive wheels 16a, 16b can be coupled to the motors 18 via gear drives. The use of a traction drive would also be conceivable here.

[0205] Although the drive of the transport carrier 3 in the Figs. 8 to 12 In the example shown, the drive is carried out by motors 18 arranged on the transport carrier 3; however, it would also be conceivable that the transport carrier 3 could be driven by means of the linear motor principle. For example, coils could be provided along the travel surface T and a short-circuit coil, a separately excited coil, or a permanent magnet 22 could be provided on the transport carrier 3, so that the arrangement acts as a linear asynchronous motor or a linear synchronous motor.

[0206] The transport carrier 3 further comprises one or more adhesive force generators, which may preferably include two permanent magnets 22, as shown in Figs. 8 to 12The permanent magnets 22, or adhesive force generators, are arranged on the base body 13 between the first and second transport carrier sides.

[0207] The support structure 4 also forms the driving surface T and is preferably made of a (ferro)magnetic material. For example, the support structure 4 or the driving surface T can be made of a sheet of steel. With the aid of the permanent magnets 22, the transport carrier 3 adheres upside down to the driving surface T, and the transport carrier 3 is movable on the driving surface T.

[0208] In the Figs. 8 to 12In the example shown, the drive elements are formed by drive wheels 16a, 16b. However, this is not the only conceivable possibility. It would also be conceivable that the drive elements comprise a first endlessly rotating track 23 guided around the drive wheels 16a, 16b of the first pair of drive wheels 17a on the first side of the transport carrier and a second endlessly rotating track 23 guided around the drive wheels 16a, 16b of the second pair of drive wheels 17b on the second side of the transport carrier, as shown in the example in Fig. 13 The example shown is the case.

[0209] Similarly, it would also be conceivable to use chains instead of caterpillar tracks. The drive elements would then be formed by a first endless chain running around the drive wheels 16a, 16b of the first drive wheel pair 17a on the first side of the transport carrier and by a second endless chain running around the drive wheels 16a, 16b of the second drive wheel pair 17b on the second side of the transport carrier.

[0210] In the Figs. 8 to 13 In the example shown, the adhesive force generators comprise permanent magnets 22. However, this is not the only conceivable possibility. It would also be conceivable that the adhesive force generators comprise adhesive lamellae based on the gecko principle, suction cups, and / or a hook-and-loop fastener, and thus, for example, hooks 29 or mushroom-shaped hook-and-loop fasteners, which are arranged on the outer circumference of the drive elements, i.e., for example, circumferentially on the drive wheels or on the outside of the crawler tracks or chains. Fig. 12are optional suction cups 24 through dashed circles on the drive wheel and in Fig. 13 The dotted circles on the track 23 indicate this. In reality, the application of suction cups 24 is of course not limited to the drive wheel and the track 23. They can alternatively or additionally be arranged on the other drive wheels and / or on the track 23. In the case of a hook-and-loop fastener, part of the fastener can be arranged on the outer circumference of the drive components. The other part of the fastener is then located on the running surface T.

[0211] When using adhesive strips, suction cups 24 or a hook and loop fastener, the permanent magnets 22 can be omitted or provided in addition to the aforementioned adhesive force generators.

[0212] The in Figs. 8 to 13The illustrated embodiment of the overhead conveyor 1 or the transport carrier 3 comprises an optional power supply system 39, which has an insulator and exposed electrical conductors 25 that run along the travel surface T and can be attached to it (in Fig. 12 The transport carrier 3 can also have current collectors (in Figs. 8 to 13 (not shown), which are electrically in contact with the electrical conductors 25 and electrically connected to the motors 18. The current collectors can be designed as sliding contacts that slide / rub on the electrical conductors 25 when the transport carrier 3 moves. Alternatively, the current collectors can be wheel- or roller-shaped and roll on the electrical conductors 25.

[0213] Instead of contact-based energy transmission, contactless energy transmission using an inductive power supply system could also be provided, as described below.

[0214] Furthermore, it may be provided that the power supply system 39 is only intended for straight sections of the guide rail. This allows the power supply system 39 to be designed more simply.

[0215] Optionally, the motor 18 can be supplied with power from an energy storage device 26 when traveling on curves and / or switches (see also...). Fig. 15 ). This can be provided regardless of whether the energy supply system 39 is designed for contact-based or contactless energy transmission.

[0216] It may be provided that the transport carrier 3 and / or the hanging garment 10, in particular the transport bag, has an energy storage device 26 or an energy source electrically connected to the motors 18. The position of the energy storage device 26 shown in Figures 8 to 10 is not mandatory. Instead, the energy storage device 26 can, for example, also be installed in a housing of a control unit 33 (see also Figure 8). Fig. 15 ).

[0217] In particular, the motors 18 are connected to the energy storage device 26 or the energy source via switching or control elements. The energy storage device 26 can, for example, be designed as a battery. The energy source can be designed as a solar module.

[0218] As an alternative to the electrical conductors 25, which function as conductor rails as described above, an inductive power supply system can be provided along the supporting structure 4 or along the driving surface T, and the energy transfer to the motor 18 (and, if necessary, to a charging circuit of an energy source connected to the motor 18) of the transport carrier 3 can be carried out inductively.

[0219] In particular, the inductive power supply system can have one or more electrical conductors 25 running parallel to the support structure 4 or the driving surface T, and a coil arranged on the transport carrier 3 can be electrically connected to the motor 18, with the energy transfer to the coil being contactless. The transport carrier 3 particularly preferably comprises a ferromagnetic core around which the coil is wound and which at least partially surrounds the at least one electrical conductor 25. The ferromagnetic core and the coil can additionally be protected by a housing.

[0220] If the adhesive force generators comprise permanent magnets 22 and the support structure 4 is made of a (ferro)magnetic material, it is advantageous if the electrical conductors 25 are arranged below the support structure 4, as shown in Fig. 12as shown. However, it would also be conceivable that the electrical conductors 25 are arranged above the support structure 4, specifically above an insulating area of ​​the support structure 4, or even if the support structure 4 is made entirely of an insulating material. In this case, adhesive strips, suction cups and / or a hook-and-loop fastener should be provided as sources of adhesion.

[0221] If the energy supply system 39 of the overhead conveyor 1 (i.e., the conductor rail or the inductive energy supply system) is also designed for wired communication with the drive control 34 of the transport carrier 3, it can be advantageously provided that the energy supply system 39 of the overhead conveyor 1 is divided into several supply segments Y1..Y4, which have different addresses in a communication system of the overhead conveyor 1, as in the Fig. 4 is symbolically represented.

[0222] A supply segment Y1..Y4 of the energy supply system 39 can also be assigned a local position. The entry of the transport carrier 3 into this supply segment Y1..Y4 causes the higher-level control 6 to adjust the path definition from this position if the target position of the transport carrier 3 does not match the local position of the supply segment Y1..Y4 of the energy supply system 39. Selecting a specific path according to the path definition stored in memory 35 leads to switching errors and misrouting in the case of this deviation.The proposed measures allow for a deviation of the actual position of the transport carrier 3 from the position assumed by the drive control 34, and the target position of the transport carrier 3 can be corrected, i.e., set back to its actual position (in this case, to the position of the supply segment Y1..Y4, into which the transport carrier 3 enters).

[0223] In the Fig. 4 In the example shown, no supply segment Y1..Y4 is provided in the area of ​​the switch section W. Instead, the transport carrier 3 is supplied there from the energy storage unit 26. However, this is not mandatory; a supply segment Y1..Y4 could also be provided in the area of ​​the switch.

[0224] It is also conceivable that the driving surface T is not horizontally oriented, as in the Fig. 9 and Fig. 12The surface is not depicted as straight, but runs diagonally or is even vertically oriented, thus essentially forming a wall. The transport carriers 3, which adhere to the driving surface T, can also travel along this wall. For example, a space-saving storage area for the transport carriers 3 could be created in this way. In this context, it is particularly advantageous if the transport carrier 3 includes a hinge arrangement that allows the hanging goods 10 to pivot relative to the base body 13 by more than 45° and, in particular, by at least 90° transversely to the direction of movement of the transport carrier 3. This is shown in Fig. 14The transport carrier 3 includes an extension rod 27 with an eyelet 28 attached to it and a hook 29 rotatably mounted therein for a hanging garment 10. Due to the suspension, this garment can swivel out both longitudinally and transversely (see the double arrow). The lateral swivel angle can be determined, in particular, by selecting the appropriate length of the extension rod 27.

[0225] The overhead conveyor 1 has further features. Specifically, this concerns the travel marking U and the control marking V1..V5, which are attached to the travel surface T, as well as the travel surface sensor 30 arranged on the transport carrier 3. In addition, the transport carrier 3 can include several, in particular two, distance sensors 31, which are attached to the base body 8 by means of sensor holders 32. Fig. 9It is also evident that the route marking U is divided into a switch section W and three routes X1..X3, in particular the entry route X1 and the exit routes X2, X3.

[0226] As in Fig. 15 As can be seen, the transport carrier 3 can include a control unit 33, with a drive control 34, for example designed as a microcontroller, an associated memory 35 (data and / or program memory) and, if applicable, a power electronics 36 and a communication module 37 connected to the drive control 34.

[0227] The driving control unit 34 or the communication module 37 can be configured for optical, radio-based or wired communication, in particular for communication via the power supply system 39 according to the powerline communication technology.

[0228] Furthermore, the control unit 33 can include an energy management module 38 and the associated energy storage unit 26.

[0229] The driving control unit 34 can also be connected to the driving surface sensor 30 and the distance sensor 31 (or, if two distance sensors 31 are present, both distance sensors 31).

[0230] The power electronics 36 can be connected to both motors 18 (or, in the case of only one motor 18, only the motor 18). Furthermore, the energy management module 38 and the communication module 37 are preferably connected to or part of the power supply system 39.

[0231] It should be noted here that this is in the Fig. 15 The block diagram shown and the function of the control unit 33 do not only refer to the transport carrier 3 described above, but to all types of transport carriers 3.

[0232] The function of the transport carrier 3 equipped in this way is as follows: As mentioned, the transport carrier 3 has the drive control 34 and the associated writable and readable memory 35. In particular, the drive control 34 can be configured to influence, control, or regulate the movement of the transport carrier 3 on the support structure 4 based on movement data stored in the memory 35.

[0233] For example, the drive control unit 34 of the transport carrier 3 can be configured to regulate the speed of the transport carrier 3. For this purpose, the motors 18 are controlled accordingly by the drive control unit 34. Specifically, the drive control unit 34 controls the power electronics 36 connected to the motors 18, which obtains the electrical energy required for operating the motors 18 from the energy supply system 39 or from the energy storage device 26 via the energy management module 38.

[0234] The detection unit or the travel surface sensor 30 can be used to guide the transport carrier 3 along the travel marking U. The travel marking U can be, for example, a line painted, printed, or affixed to the travel surface T, which has a different brightness and / or color than the rest of the travel surface T. For example, the travel marking U can be black on a light background. In this case, the travel surface sensor 30 is designed as an optical travel surface sensor 30, for example, as a sensor array of several optical sensors. By evaluating the sensor signal, directional corrections or changes of direction for the transport carrier 3 can be derived. A directional correction or change of direction is carried out by controlling the motors 18 differently. Different rotational speeds cause the transport carrier 3 to travel in a curve.

[0235] It would also be conceivable that the driving marking U is designed as a magnetic strip and the driving surface sensor 30 as a magnetic sensor (in particular as a Hall sensor). The transport carrier 3 can also be guided along the driving marking U in this way.

[0236] If the transport carrier 3 has one or more distance sensors 31, the distance sensor 31 (or distance sensors 31) can be configured to measure a distance to another, preceding transport carrier 3 and connected to the drive control 34. The drive control 34 can be configured to regulate a distance to the other, preceding transport carrier 3 based on the distance measured by the distance sensor 31 (or distance sensors 31). For example, the distance sensor 31 can be configured as an ultrasonic sensor.

[0237] In this example, the two distance sensors 31 are advantageously arranged at an acute angle (greater than 0° and less than 90°) to each other. This allows the distance to a preceding transport carrier 3 to be measured accurately even in curves or in the switch section W. The signal from the distance sensor 31 pointing into the curve is preferentially or exclusively evaluated. However, an angle of greater than 0° and less than 180° between the two distance sensors 31 would also be possible.

[0238] The drive control 34 of the transport carrier 3 can therefore be designed to regulate the speed of the transport carrier 3 and / or to regulate the distance to another transport carrier 3.

[0239] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the movement of the transport carrier 3 on the support structure 4 is influenced by means of the control marking V1..V5. This can also be applied optically or magnetically to the driving surface T and read by the driving surface sensor 30 or another sensor provided for this purpose, whereby the same considerations apply as for the driving marking U.

[0240] For example, the control marker V1..V5 can mean that the transport carrier 3 should change its speed (i.e., increase or decrease it) upon detection of the control marker V1..V5, change its distance to a preceding transport carrier 3 (i.e., increase or decrease it), or stop. In this case, the control marker V1..V5 provides a previously described control marker V3, which essentially regulates the movement dynamics of the transport carrier 3. Similarly, the control marker V1..V5 can mean that the transport carrier 3 should continue its journey at the switch section W, starting from the entry track X1 or first travel track X1, along one of the exit tracks X2, X3, specifically along the second travel track X2 or along the third travel track X3. In this case, the control marker V1..V5 provides a previously described query marker V1.

[0241] Setting a target speed of the transport carrier 3 or a target distance of the transport carrier 3 to another transport carrier 3 can therefore be effected by means of a control marking V1..V5, which is arranged in the area of ​​the support structure 4 so that it can be detected by the transport carrier 3.

[0242] In this example, the travel surface sensor 30 of the transport carrier 3 is, in summary, a light-sensitive element 7 connected to the travel controller 34. This element reads an optical travel marking U and / or optical control marking V1..V5 mounted on the support structure 4, which can be used to influence the movement of the transport carrier 3 on the support structure 4. The optical marking can be configured as a travel line or travel marking U on the travel surface T of the support structure 4, or it can be configured as a control element or control marking V1..V5 for the transport carrier 3. It can act as a turning point if the control marking V1..V5 influences the direction of travel of the transport carrier 3, or as a stopping point if the control marking V1..V5 causes the transport carrier 3 to stop. The optical control marking V1..V5 can also be configured as a barcode or QR code. Furthermore, the optical control marking V1..V5 can also be longer and act on several successive transport carriers 3.

[0243] It would also be conceivable that the path marking U, V1..V5, in particular the path marking U and / or the control marking V1..V5, is not fixed to the support structure 4, but is designed as a controllable light source, thereby allowing a control command to be transmitted from the light source to the path sensor 30 or another light-sensitive element 7 of the transport carrier 3, and thus from the support structure 4 to the drive control unit 34 of the transport carrier 3. For example, the controllable light source on the support structure 4 could have several individually activatable and matrix-arranged light points. With the proposed measures, the control commands transmitted to the transport carrier 3 are not fixed, but can be flexibly adapted to a specific situation.

[0244] For example, the control marker V1..V5 can be used to change the speed of transport carrier 3 as needed, to change the distance to a preceding transport carrier 3 as needed, to stop transport carrier 3 as needed, and / or to control the direction or path of transport carrier 3 at switch section W as needed. The driving marker U can also flexibly influence the direction or path of transport carrier 3. By appropriately specifying the speed of transport carrier 3 and the distance of transport carrier 3 to a preceding transport carrier 3, a specific throughput of transport carriers 3 can also be specified or achieved. For example, the aforementioned speed and distance can be reduced in curves and increased on straight sections. The aforementioned throughput can, in particular, be kept constant.

[0245] It is conceivable not only to control the transport carrier 3 by a path marker U, V1..V5, for example a driving marker U and / or control marker V1..V5, on the support structure 4, but also to control (fixed) elements of the overhead conveyor 1 by the transport carrier 3. In other words, the driving control 34 can be configured to influence a movement of a control element of the support structure 4 based on control data stored in the memory 35.

[0246] For example, the transport carrier 3 can have a light source connected to the drive control 34 and the control element of the support structure 4 can have a light-sensitive element 7, wherein a control command from the drive control 34 of the transport carrier 3 to the control element of the support structure 4 can be transmitted via the light source and the light-sensitive element 7.

[0247] The proposed measures make it possible for the transport carrier 3 to move autonomously over the transport network formed by the supporting structure 4, in particular as described above.

[0248] In particular, it is possible for the transport carrier 3 to move along the transport route S from a starting point, for example a loading station or a storage area for hanging garments, to a destination, for example a picking station. Route planning can be carried out by the higher-level control system 6, whereby the entire route from the starting point to the destination is essentially segmented or divided into sections, each of which runs to a signal marker V2 or from the last signal marker V2 to the destination. This allows the transport carrier 3 to navigate the transport network with particular flexibility.

[0249] Finally, it is also noted that the scope of protection is defined by the patent claims. However, the description and drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments shown and described can, in themselves, represent independent inventive solutions.

[0250] It is specifically noted that the depicted devices may in reality comprise more or fewer components than shown. In some cases, the depicted devices or their components may also be shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size. Reference numeral list

[0251] 1 Overhead conveyor 37 Communication module (communication) 2 Distribution module 3 Transport carrier 38 Energy management module (energy management) 4 supporting structure 5 Communication unit 39 Energy supply system 6 higher control 100 Control methods 7 light-sensitive element 110 Providing the road markings 8 Short-range radio transmitter 9 Short-range radio receiver 120 Providing the driving instructions 130 Moving the transport carrier 10 Hanging goods 11 Bag body 140 Passing the switch section 12 Iron 141 Retrieving the path definition 13 base body 142 Selecting the path 14 Supporting body 143 Targeting the transport carrier 15 drive device 150 Transferring the further driving instructions 16a, 16b drive wheel 17a, 17b drive gear pair 151 Sending the further driving instruction 18 Motor 152 Receiving the further 19 Motor pinion Driving instructions 20a, 20b gear 153 Saving the further driving instructions 21a, 21b gear pair 22 Permanent magnet 160 Sending the message signal 23 Caterpillar track D Direction of transport 24 suction cup S Transport route T Driving surface 25 electrical conductor U Lane markings 26 Energy storage V1..V5 Tax mark 27 Extension rod V1 Query marker 28 eyelet V2 Reporting mark 29 Hook V3 Regulation marking V4 toggle marker 30 Driving surface sensor V5 Control mark 31 Distance sensor (obstacle sensor) W Switch section X1, X1', X1" inrun track 32 Sensor holder X2, X3 Run-off area 33 control unit Y1..Y4 Supply segment 34 Vehicle control (microcontroller) Z Merger section 35 memory 36 Power electronics

Claims

1. An overhead conveying device (1) for an order-picking system comprising a support structure (4) which forms a driving surface (T), and a transport carrier (3) for transporting a hanging article (10), which has a base body (13), and a drive device (15) for moving the transport carrier (3) on the driving surface (T), wherein the drive device (15) comprises drive elements, which rest on the driving surface (T), and a plurality of electrically powered motors (18) arranged on the base body (13), wherein a first drive element of the drive elements is coupled to a first motor (18) of the electrically powered motors (18) and a second drive element of the drive elements is coupled to a second motor (18) of the electrically powered motors (18), wherein the base body (13) forms a first transport carrier side and a second transport carrier side and is provided with the first and second drive element, wherein the first drive element is arranged on the first transport carrier side and the second drive element on the second transport carrier side, wherein the transport carrier (3) additionally comprises a holding force generator, by which the transport carrier (3) adheres movably to the support structure (4), characterized in that the generation of the holding force takes place contactlessly, the holding force generator comprises a permanent magnet (22) or an electromagnet and is arranged on the base body (13) between the first transport carrier side and the second transport carrier side.

2. The overhead conveying device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second drive elements each comprise one or multiple drive wheels (16a, 16b), wherein the first drive element comprises an endlessly circulating first crawler belt (23) guided on the first transport carrier side around the drive wheels (16a, 16b) of the first drive element, and / or wherein the second drive element comprises an endlessly circulating second crawler belt (23) guided on the second transport carrier side around the drive wheels (16a, 16b) of the second drive element.

3. The overhead conveying device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second drive elements each comprise one or multiple drive wheels (16a, 16b), wherein the first drive element comprises an endlessly circulating first chain guided on the first transport carrier side around the drive wheels (16a, 16b) of the first drive element, and / or wherein the second drive element comprises an endlessly circulating second chain guided on the second transport carrier side around the drive wheels (16a, 16b) of the second drive element.

4. The overhead conveying device (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the support structure (4) forms a driving surface (T) and is made of a ferromagnetic material, wherein the transport carrier (3) is movably adhered to the driving surface (T) via the permanent magnets (22).

5. The overhead conveying device (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transport carrier (3) has an energy storage (26) electrically connected to the motor (18) and / or an energy source electrically connected to the motor (18), and / or the overhead conveying device (1) comprises the hanging article (10), which has a transport bag with a bag body (11) for storing an article, wherein preferably the transport bag has an energy storage (26) electrically connected to the motor (18) and / or an energy source electrically connected to the motor (18).

6. The overhead conveying device (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized by an electrical energy supply system (39) comprising an insulator and exposed electrical conductors (25) that are arranged along the support structure (4), in particular on the support structure (4), wherein the transport carrier (3) has current collectors that are in electrical contact with the conductors (25) and are electrically connected to the motor (18).

7. The overhead conveying device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the electrical energy supply system (39) is provided only on straight route sections of the support structure (4).

8. The overhead conveying device (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that an inductive energy supply system (39) is arranged along the support structure (4), in particular on the support structure (4), and the energy transmission to the motor (18) of the transport carrier (3) is inductive, wherein preferably the inductive energy supply system (39) comprises at least one electrical conductor (25) extending parallel to the support structure (4) and a coil, which is arranged on the transport carrier (3) and is electrically connected to the motor (18), wherein the energy transmission to the coil is contactless, wherein preferably the transport carrier (3) comprises a ferromagnetic core, around which the coil is wound and which at least partially surrounds the at least one electrical conductor (25).

9. The overhead conveying device (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the transport carrier (3) has a driving control (34) and an electronic memory (35) connected to the driving control (34), wherein preferably the transport carrier (3) has a plurality of distance sensors (31), which are connected to the driving control (34) and are arranged in such a way that the distance sensors (31) form an angle greater than 0° and less than 180° in pairs.

10. The overhead conveying device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the support structure (4) forms the driving surface (T) along which a transport path (S) is arranged, and in that a superordinate controller (6), at least one distribution module (2) and the transport carrier (3) for transporting a hanging article (10) are provided along the transport path (S), wherein the at least one distribution module (2) comprises a support structure (4) which forms a driving surface (T) and a transport path (S) along the driving surface (T) for a transport carrier (3), wherein the transport path (S) has a diverter section (W) with a node, an infeed route (X1) leading to the node, a first outfeed route (X2) leading away from the node and a second outfeed route (X3) leading away from the node, wherein the infeed route (X1) and the first outfeed route (X2) provide a first path for a transport carrier (3) and the infeed route (X1) and the second outfeed route (X3) provide a second path for the transport carrier (3), and comprises a track marking (U, V1..V5) and a communication unit (5) of the superordinate controller (6), wherein the track marking (U, V1..V5) is arranged along the transport path (S) on the support structure (4) and has a query marking (V1), which is assigned to the diverter section (W) and arranged along the infeed route (X1), and has a notification marking (V2), wherein the communication unit (5) is arranged in the region of the notification marking (V2) and is configured to send a driving specification, which comprises a release instruction and / or a path definition for the transport carrier (3), wherein the driving control (34) of the transport carrier (3) is configured to receive a driving specification sent by the communication unit (5) of the at least one distribution module (2), to store the driving specification in the memory (35) of the transport carrier (3), to access the driving specification from the memory (35), and to actuate the transport carrier (3) according to the driving specification.

11. The overhead conveying device (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the support structure (4) has at least one control element, and the driving control (34) is configured to control a movement of the at least one control element of the support structure (4) on the basis of control data stored in the electronic memory (35), wherein preferably the driving control (34) of the transport carrier (3) and / or the at least one control element of the support structure (4) is configured for optical, wired or radio-based communication.

12. The overhead conveying device (1) according to one of the claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the transport carrier (3) has a light source connected to the driving control (34) and the control element of the support structure (4) has a light-sensitive element (7), wherein a control command can be transmitted from the driving control (34) of the transport carrier (3) to the control element of the support structure (4) with the light source via the light-sensitive element (7).

13. The overhead conveying device (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the support structure (4) has a controllable light source and the transport carrier (3) has an optical driving surface sensor (30) connected to the driving control (34), wherein a control command can be transmitted from the support structure (4) to the driving control (34) of the transport carrier (3) by the light source and the optical driving surface sensor (30), wherein preferably the controllable light source on the transport carrier (3) or the support structure (4) has a plurality of individually activatable luminous dots arranged in the form of a matrix.

14. The overhead conveying device (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the transport carrier (3) has a driving surface sensor (30) connected to the driving control (34), with which a control marking (V1..V5) arranged on the support structure (4), in particular a notification marking (V2), can be read, wherein detecting the control marking (V1..V5) triggers notification of the driving control (34) to a superordinate controller (6), or has a short-range radio receiver (9) connected to the driving control (34), with which a signal of a short-range radio transmitter (8) arranged on the support structure (4) can be received, wherein receiving the signal by the short-range radio receiver (9) triggers notification of the driving control (34) to a superordinate controller (6), or has a short-range radio transmitter (8), wherein receiving a signal from the short-range radio transmitter (8) of the transport carrier (3) by a short-range radio receiver (9) arranged on the support structure (4) triggers notification of the transport carrier (3) to a superordinate controller (6), wherein preferably the notification of the driving control (34) to the superordinate controller (6) causes the superordinate controller (6) to send a path definition to the driving control (34).

15. The overhead conveying device (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the track marking (U, V1..V5) or the short-range radio transmitter (8) arranged on the support structure (4) or the short-range radio receiver (9) arranged on the support structure (4) are configured to effect the simultaneous notification of the driving controls (34) of a plurality of transport carriers (3) to the superordinate controller (6).

16. The overhead conveying device (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the overhead conveying device (1) comprises an energy supply system (39), which is also configured for wired communication with the driving control (34) of the transport carrier (3), wherein preferably the electrical energy supply system (39) comprises an insulator and exposed electrical conductors (25), which are arranged along the support structure (4), in particular on the support structure (4), wherein the transport carrier (3) has current collectors, which are in electrical contact with the conductors (25) and are both electrically connected to a motor (18) of the drive device (15) and are electrically connected to the driving control (34) via a communication module (37) of the transport carrier (3).

17. The overhead conveying device (1) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that an inductive energy supply system (39) is provided along the support structure (4), in particular on the support structure (4), and the energy transmission to a motor (18) of the drive device (15) of the transport carrier (3) and / or a data transmission to a communication module (37) of the transport carrier (3) connected to the driving control (34) is inductive.

18. An overhead conveying device (1) for an order-picking system comprising a support structure (4) which forms a driving surface (T), and a transport carrier (3) for transporting a hanging article (10), which has a base body (13), wherein the base body (13) forms a first transport carrier side and a second transport carrier side, and a drive device (15) for moving the transport carrier (3) on the driving surface (T), wherein the transport carrier (3) additionally comprises a holding force generator, by which the transport carrier (3) adheres movably to the support structure (4), characterized in that the holding force is generated by contact of the holding force generator with the driving surface, wherein the holding force generator comprises adhesive lamellae, suction cups (24) and / or a Velcro strip of a Velcro fastening.

19. The overhead conveying device (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that the transport carrier (3) has a driving control (34) and an electronic memory (35) connected to the driving control (34), wherein preferably the holding force generator additionally comprises a permanent magnet (22) or electromagnet, wherein preferably the support structure (4) forms a driving surface (T) and is made of a ferromagnetic material, wherein the transport carrier (3) is movably adhered to the driving surface (T) via the permanent magnets (22).

20. The overhead conveying device (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that the support structure (4) forms the driving surface (T) along which a transport path (S) is arranged, and in that a superordinate controller (6), at least one distribution module (2) and the transport carrier (3) for transporting a hanging article (10) are provided along the transport path (S), wherein the at least one distribution module (2) comprises a support structure (4) which forms a driving surface (T) and a transport path (S) along the driving surface (T) for a transport carrier (3), wherein the transport path (S) has a diverter section (W) with a node, an infeed route (X1) leading to the node, a first outfeed route (X2) leading away from the node and a second outfeed route (X3) leading away from the node, wherein the infeed route (X1) and the first outfeed route (X2) provide a first path for a transport carrier (3) and the infeed route (X1) and the second outfeed route (X3) provide a second path for the transport carrier (3), and comprises a track marking (U, V1..V5) and a communication unit (5) of the superordinate controller (6), wherein the track marking (U, V1..V5) is arranged along the transport path (S) on the support structure (4) and has a query marking (V1), which is assigned to the diverter section (W) and arranged along the infeed route (X1), and has a notification marking (V2), wherein the communication unit (5) is arranged in the region of the notification marking (V2) and is configured to send a driving specification, which comprises a release instruction and / or a path definition for the transport carrier (3), wherein the driving control (34) of the transport carrier (3) is configured to receive a driving specification sent by the communication unit (5) of the at least one distribution module (2), to store the driving specification in the memory (35) of the transport carrier (3), to access the driving specification from the memory (35), and to actuate the transport carrier (3) according to the driving specification.