Sorting arrangement for sorting objects and corresponding method

Abstract

The invention relates to a sorting arrangement for sorting objects, in particular postal items, of different shapes, volumes and / or weights, wherein the sorting arrangement comprises a horizontal sorter (1) with a plurality of load-handling devices (2) for objects to be sorted, which are moved along a sorting path (3) of the horizontal sorter (1) and can be individually controlled for diverting a lying object into at least one first end point (4) of the sorting arrangement, wherein the sorting arrangement comprises a pocket sorter (5) with a plurality of load-handling devices (2) designed as hanging pockets (2.1) for objects to be sorted, characterized in that the pocket sorter (5) has a pocket emptying mechanism (6) from which the pockets (2.1) are emptied into at least one second end point (4) different from the at least one first end point (4), wherein these two end points (4) are assigned the same sorting goal.A corresponding procedure is described below.

Description

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sorting arrangement for sorting objects, in particular postal items, of different shapes, volumes, and / or weights. The sorting arrangement comprises a horizontal sorter with a plurality of load-handling devices for objects to be sorted. These load-handling devices move along a sorting path of the horizontal sorter and can be individually controlled to eject an object resting on one of the load-handling devices into at least one first end point of the sorting arrangement. The sorting arrangement further comprises a pocket sorter with a plurality of load-handling devices designed as hanging pockets for objects to be sorted. Such a sorting arrangement is known from DE 10 2018 219 583 B4.

[0002] The FR 2 940 151 A1 shows the merging of letters with standard letter mail, whereby both types were previously diverted to separate sorting facilities.

[0003] Distribution centers in the courier, express, and parcel (CEP) industry are responsible for receiving parcels, packages, and other goods—generally shipments—within specific dimensions and weight limits and distributing them according to their destination. Unlike warehouse distribution centers, CEP distribution centers are not designed to process orders, but rather to distribute the incoming volume of parcels and other shipments as completely as possible within a defined time window, known as a shift. Shipments arrive at the CEP distribution center at different times and via a variety of transport modes. Shipments are not necessarily separated by size. Unloading can be automated, semi-automated, or manual.

[0004] Loose shipments can be placed on the sorting system immediately, whereas for packaged shipments, which are delivered, for example, on pallets or in roll containers, placement on a sorter of the distribution center can only take place if personnel are available for unloading and free capacity is available on the flat sorter and / or at a terminal.

[0005] The distribution of shipments occurs after the address label, which contains the delivery direction information, is scanned. This delivery direction information is predominantly the sole sorting criterion, retrieved from an address database. During a shift, the assignment of delivery directions to the sorting stations is usually fixed, leaving little room for optimizations regarding personnel deployment, such as walking routes.

[0006] The sorting machines used can be configured as closed loops (loop sorters) or in a line (line sorters). Both types are characterized by a small number of load handling devices (LHDs) used to transport shipments to their destinations, relative to the number of shipments distributed per hour, typically less than 1:10. For example, a 500-meter-long parcel sorter might have 500 LHDs with a distribution capacity of 9,000 shipments per hour. This is primarily due to the comparatively high cost of the LHDs relative to the overall cost of the sorting machine.

[0007] The distribution capacity of a stationary sorter has its practical limits, typically around 10,000 to 20,000 shipments per hour. To achieve higher throughput within a distribution center, multiple sorters are used, usually routing shipments to shared terminals. The relatively small number of stationary sorters means that, as intended, each one can only be occupied by a single shipment from the point of origin until it first reaches the terminal. After the shipment is routed to the terminal, the sorter must be made available for a new shipment. Longer holding times for shipments for temporary storage would significantly reduce the sorter's distribution capacity. Therefore, a sorter is neither suitable nor intended for the temporary storage of shipments.

[0008] The terminals serve as temporary storage for shipments heading in the same direction. For operational reasons, shipments are collected at the terminal before a distribution center employee retrieves and loads them. Loading can be done loose in swap bodies or trucks, in roll containers, bags, or other receptacles. Small shipments are often transferred directly to transport vehicles, especially when small-item sorters are used. A specific order for shipments at the terminals, based on a delivery list (the courier's stop list), cannot be guaranteed. The number of terminals required depends on operational needs, specifically the number of directions the distribution center is intended to serve.

[0009] The number and storage capacity of the terminals determine their space requirements in the distribution center and therefore significantly influence the size and cost of the building and the sorter that must reach them. For operational reasons, terminals are typically located on the warehouse floor and compete with other logistics operations. They thus represent a costly storage medium.

[0010] The emptying of the terminals and the loading of shipments is primarily carried out by employees of the distribution center. In addition to the actual loading activity, there are also the unproductive walking distances that an employee must travel to empty a full terminal. If full terminals are not emptied immediately, the shipments destined for that terminal remain on the sorter, thus reducing its distribution capacity. The last few minutes of a shift before the so-called cut-off time present a particular challenge. While the goal is to distribute and ship as many shipments as possible to achieve a high service level, the staffing requirements increase significantly if all terminals are to be emptied shortly before the cut-off time.

[0011] The object of the invention is therefore to further develop the sorting arrangement described above in such a way that it has, on the one hand, a high sorting performance and, on the other hand, a high degree of temporal flexibility in the feeding of the end points.

[0012] This problem is solved by a sorting arrangement having the features of claim 1. Dependent claim 10 relates to a corresponding method. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0013] Accordingly, the sorting arrangement provides that the pocket sorter has a pocket emptying system from which the pockets are emptied into at least one second terminal that is different from the at least one first terminal.

[0014] The invention is thus based on the understanding that the sorting performance of the horizontal sorter can be increased by means of the buffer function of the pocket sorter, despite the horizontal sorter lacking its own buffer function. For example, it is possible to feed the horizontal sorter only those objects to be sorted at the first destination that, due to their dimensions, weight, or other characteristics, are unsuitable for handling by the pocket sorter. This applies in particular to especially large and / or bulky objects, which, however, experience shows represent only 5 to a maximum of 10% of the shipment volume in the CEP (courier, express, and parcel) sector.

[0015] For example, the sorting capacity of the horizontal sorter can be used exclusively to sort the aforementioned objects that the pocket sorter cannot process, while the objects that the pocket sorter is simultaneously handling are emptied from the pocket sorter into the second terminal. This latter action can be staggered and / or only performed upon request. Until the request, the objects can be held in a buffer within the pocket sorter. Similarly, the second terminal can be made available for the transfer of objects from the pocket sorter to the second terminal only immediately before the request, for example, at a discharge station of the pocket sorter. This reduces the footprint of the distribution center and simultaneously increases the sorting capacity of the horizontal sorter, as it is no longer burdened with the objects sorted by the pocket sorter.

[0016] The sorting arrangement also includes a merging process that combines the first and second endpoints, which have the same sorting objective. This merging process combines the sorting volumes of the first and second endpoints. However, the merging of the sorting volumes of the first and second endpoints does not mean that the two sorting volumes are combined into a single volume, mixed, tipped into one another, or otherwise irreversibly combined without further sorting. Rather, it is intended that the sorting volumes of the first and second endpoints, even after being merged, remain separate sorting volumes.For example, the endpoints can each be a wire mesh container with the same sorting goal, which can then be combined for onward transport to the sorting goal or an intermediate station and loaded together, for example, onto a transport vehicle. The combining can therefore also be the logical joining of two means of transport, such as two wire mesh containers, so that they form a logical unit for onward transport.

[0017] For example, at the terminal station, the objects sorted from the first terminal station, which may have a larger individual volume and weight compared to the sorted objects of the second terminal station, can be arranged below the sorted objects of the second terminal station in order to achieve the object-friendly onward transport of the sorted objects at the terminal station.

[0018] The horizontal sorter can have a fixed number of load handling devices and preferably include a line sorter and / or a circular sorter, or be a line sorter or a circular sorter.

[0019] Depending on an object-specific selection criterion, an object to be sorted can be fed into either the horizontal sorter or the pocket sorter. The object-specific selection criterion can be an object's weight, volume, shape, dimension, or destination. The sorting system can incorporate a dimensioning, weighing, and scanning system for capturing the object-specific selection criterion.

[0020] The pocket sorter can have at least one pocket buffer in which at least one group of pockets from a plurality of the pocket sorter's pockets are held, all with the same sorting goal, for example, being destined to be emptied into the same second destination. Preferably, several of these groups, each consisting of a plurality of pockets, are held in the pocket buffer. At least two of the groups can differ from each other in that each group is assigned a different sorting goal.

[0021] The pocket buffer can have several parallel buffer circuits from which the pockets can be removed individually or in groups. If the pocket buffer has multiple buffer circuits, it can be provided that pockets with the same sorting goal are held in the same buffer circuit of the pocket sorter. The pockets in the buffer circuit do not need to undergo any further sorting. In particular, it is not necessary for the pockets with the same sorting goal to be arranged consecutively in the buffer circuit and / or to have a sequence. Rather, selective removal from the buffer circuit can ensure that only the pockets of the same group of pockets with the same sorting goal are removed.

[0022] After being diverted from the bag buffer, bags from the same group, all with the same sorting goal, can be fed directly to the second terminal as a compact cluster. The bags within this cluster are in a random order. If, in addition, sequencing of the bags within the cluster is required, the bags can be subjected to a sequencing process. This sequencing, which can be implemented, for example, as a sorting matrix, arranges the bags within the cluster into a preferred order.

[0023] Alternatively, sequencing can be achieved when removing bags of the same group from the bag buffer by removing the bags from the buffer circuit in the order of the desired sequence. Accordingly, the final sequence of the bags is established during removal from the buffer, thus eliminating the need for a subsequent sorting matrix or other sequencing process. However, this method has the disadvantage that, particularly with long buffer circuits, the sorting performance is reduced due to the large number of complete bag cycles required.

[0024] The pocket buffer has the advantage that the second terminal only needs to be provided for the actual unloading of the buffer into the terminal and, in particular, not, as with the sorting arrangements known from the prior art, during the entire sorting process for each individual discharge of a shipment, for example from a lying sorter.

[0025] Accordingly, the pocket sorter can have a sequencing system for sorting the pockets of the batch discharged from the pocket buffer so that they have a desired order. This system is designed to arrange the pockets discharged from the buffer into the order in which they are fed to the final destination. The pockets that are sorted by type with respect to their sorting target and that have been arranged in a specific order as a result of the sequencing system constitute the so-called batch.

[0026] The pocket sorter has the advantage that the number of LAMs, and thus the number of pockets, is infinitely scalable. The relatively low cost per LAM allows the LAMs to be used not only for transport and sorting but also for intermediate storage and sequencing of shipments.

[0027] The intermediate storage can typically be built into a spare space in a hall thanks to the suspended arrangement of the LAM (Lambing Automation Module), without occupying functional and costly floor space. Furthermore, the use of this sorting technology with buffer and sequencing functions allows for the decoupling of logical sorting destinations (LAM unloading station) and physical endpoints.

[0028] The distribution of the objects to be sorted across the sorters of the sorting arrangement can be structured as follows, for example. Small items are automatically conveyed to a load handling device of the pocket conveyor. Items that can be conveyed are divided into those that can be transported on both a horizontal sorter and a pocket sorter, and those that can only be sorted on a horizontal sorter.

[0029] Shipments that can be sorted using a sorting system are routed directly to their respective first destination. The same applies to manually handled, non-transportable shipments, which are manually transported directly to the first destination or to a further destination where the first and second destinations are consolidated. Alternatively, the non-transportable shipments can be moved to an interim storage area for manual distribution.

[0030] Shipments being sorted by the bag sorter can be buffered on it. This temporary storage can take place in a dynamic buffer, which can consist of any number of bags, thus ensuring high flexibility. Only when a criterion for retrieval is met can the shipments be selectively removed from the dynamic buffer and transferred to a bag buffer (dynamic batch buffer). These criteria are typically not limited to departure times, total volume of sorted shipments with the same destination, prioritizations, weight classes, size classes, and the like.

[0031] The pocket buffer (dynamic batch buffer) can include pre-sorting. For example, the pocket buffer can have multiple buffer circuits, with all pockets destined for the same second destination being held in the same buffer circuit until they are removed from the buffer circuit as a group of pockets with the same sorting objective, for example, upon request. Preferably, each buffer circuit can accommodate, i.e., buffer, multiple groups of pockets destined for the same second destination or with the same sorting objective.

[0032] This pre-sorting in the pocket buffer (dynamic batch buffer) can be fully automated based on at least one criterion. These criteria typically include, but are not limited to, the departure time, identification of the carrier, the aforementioned total volume of items with the same destination, prioritization, weight class, size class, and / or similar factors.

[0033] While horizontal sorters primarily store data at the sorter end stations, pocket sorters utilize a dedicated buffer. Unlike horizontal sorters, pocket sorters allow for virtually unlimited expansion of their buffer capacity, or capacity to accommodate additional pockets, vertically. This frees up valuable floor space for other tasks, relieving it of buffer storage capacity (especially at the end stations).

[0034] The described arrangement thus makes it possible to increase sorting performance, increase buffer capacities, use the existing building volume of a distribution center more intelligently, reduce structural infrastructure requirements, and create sequences in sorting to facilitate downstream processes.

[0035] According to another aspect, a method for sorting objects, particularly postal items, of different shapes, volumes, or weights is proposed, which includes sorting a large number of objects to be sorted using a horizontal sorter into at least one first endpoint of the horizontal sorter. The method further includes sorting a large number of objects to be sorted using a pocket sorter with a large number of load-handling devices designed as hanging pockets for the objects to be sorted. The method is characterized by emptying the pockets of the pocket sorter into at least one second endpoint, different from the first endpoint, with both endpoints having the same sorting objective. The method can be carried out with a sorting arrangement of the type described above.

[0036] The method can preferably be carried out using a sorting arrangement of the type described above.

[0037] The procedure can involve merging pairs from one of the first and one of the second endpoints that are assigned the same sorting target.

[0038] The procedure can further include determining an object-specific selection criterion for each of the multitude of objects to be sorted, whereby, depending on the determined object-specific selection criterion, the objects to be sorted are fed into the horizontal sorter or the pocket sorter.

[0039] Determining the object-specific selection criterion can involve determining an object weight, object dimension, or object volume and comparing a determined object weight, object dimension, or object volume with a permissible range of values ​​for insertion into the pocket sorter.

[0040] In the event that the specific object-related selection criterion lies outside the permissible range of values ​​for insertion into the pocket sorter, the object to be sorted can be inserted into the flat sorter or removed for manual sorting.

[0041] The method may include buffering a plurality of the pockets of the pocket sorter that are intended to be emptied into the same second terminal before the pockets are fed to the second terminal as a compact bunch of pockets and the objects contained in the pockets are emptied into the second terminal simultaneously or in continuous succession.

[0042] The process can further include sequencing the bags of the bulk after buffering and before emptying them into the final destination, so that the bags of the bulk are arranged in a specific order in which they are fed to the second destination. The sequencing transforms the bulk of bags, consisting of bags unsorted with respect to their order but with the same sorting goal, into a batch of bags with the same sorting goal, which, beyond the properties of the bulk itself, exhibit a specific order relative to each other.

[0043] The objects to be sorted can be sorted directly into their assigned first destination by the flat sorter. However, the objects to be sorted can only be sorted into their assigned second destination by the pocket sorter after being fed into it, once a selection criterion for the consolidated sorting of all objects fed into the pocket sorter and assigned to the same destination is met, or a selection command is generated.

[0044] The method can further include summing at least one physical quantity, preferably a weight and / or a volume, of all objects assigned to and to be sorted at the same endpoint that have been fed into the pocket sorter, wherein these objects to be sorted are emptied into the second endpoint when a threshold value for the physical quantity is reached.

[0045] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are explained with reference to the figures below. These show: Figure 1 shows a sorting material feeder of a sorting arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a sorting arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a pocket sorter; Figure 4 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a pocket sorter; and Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of an exemplary pocket sorter.

[0046] The Figure 1Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a sorting feeder for a sorting arrangement according to the invention. In principle, it can be provided that, depending on an object-specific selection criterion, an object to be sorted is fed either into the horizontal sorter 1 or the pocket sorter 5. The object-specific selection criterion can be, for example, an object's weight, volume, dimensions, or destination. The sorting arrangement, or the illustrated sorting feeder, can include a dimensioning, weighing, scanning system 9 for detecting the object-specific selection criterion. For example, particularly bulky or heavy objects can be recognized as such by the dimensioning, weighing, scanning system 9 and fed into the horizontal sorter 1, in particular placed on or inserted into one of the load-handling devices 2 of the horizontal sorter 1.The horizontal sorter can, for example, be a cross-belt sorter that is well known from the state of the art.

[0047] In particular, lightweight objects that are unsuitable for transport via the flat sorter 1 can be identified as such by the Dimensioning, Weighing, and Scanning System 9 and diverted towards the pocket sorter 5. For example, these objects can be transferred to an automatic feeder 11 of the pocket sorter 5, where the objects are placed into a pocket formed by the load-handling devices 2 of the pocket sorter. To increase operational reliability, another Dimensioning, Weighing, and Scanning System 9 can be installed directly upstream of the automatic feeder 11, for example, to prevent the automatic feeder from becoming blocked, or to sum up the dimensions, weights, or other characteristics of multiple objects placed in the same pocket to achieve optimized pocket filling.The pocket sorter 5 also features a manual small item feeder 10, which allows the manual insertion of objects that cannot be sorted automatically or fed into the sorting arrangement.

[0048] An example sorting arrangement is shown in Figure 2 shown. This can be used, for example, in a distribution center of the CEP industry and has the task of receiving parcels, packages and other goods, generally called shipments, within certain dimensions and weights and distributing them according to shipping directions.

[0049] Unlike a warehouse distribution center, a CEP (courier, express, and parcel) distribution center does not process orders, but rather distributes the incoming shipment volume as completely as possible within a defined time window, known as a shift. Shipments arrive at different times in various modes of transport. They may already be separated by size, but this is not mandatory. Unloading can be automatic, semi-automatic, or manual.

[0050] Loose shipments are immediately fed into the sorting system. Packaged shipments, such as those on pallets or in roll containers, can be fed into the sorter only when personnel and available capacity are available. If the courier, express, and parcel (CEP) service provider handles parcels and packages separately within its network, different sorters, tailored to the product range, are typically found in its distribution center. Shipments are sorted after the address label, which contains the directional information, has been electronically read. This directional information is the primary sorting criterion, retrieved from an address database. During a shift, the assignment of directions to the four delivery points is usually fixed, leaving little room for optimization regarding personnel deployment (walking distances, etc.).

[0051] The horizontal sorter 1 is typically designed as a closed loop or in a linear configuration, also known as a line sorter. Both types share the characteristic that their number of load handling devices 2, on which the shipments or objects to be sorted are transported to the endpoints, is small in relation to the number of shipments distributed per hour, typically less than 1:10. For example, a 500 m long parcel sorter might have 500 load handling devices 2 with a distribution capacity of 9000 shipments per hour. This is due, among other things, to the comparatively high cost share of the load handling devices 2 in relation to the overall horizontal sorter 1.

[0052] The distribution capacity of a single sorter is practically limited to approximately 10,000 to 20,000 items per hour. To achieve higher throughput within a distribution center, multiple sorters must be used, typically discharging items into shared terminals 4. The relatively small number of load handling devices 3 means that a load handling device 2 is only occupied by a single shipment from the point of origin to terminal 4, and is then available for reuse after the shipment is discharged into terminal 4. Otherwise, the distribution capacity of the single sorter 1 decreases significantly. Therefore, a single sorter 1 is not suitable for the temporary storage of shipments.

[0053] The function of temporarily storing shipments with the same destination is handled by terminal 4. For operational reasons, shipments are collected at terminal 4 before being picked up and loaded by an employee. Loading can be done loose in swap bodies or trucks, roll containers, bags, or bins. Small shipments are often transferred directly to transport vehicles, especially when small-item sorters are used. A specific order of shipments at terminal 4, corresponding to a delivery list (parcel carrier stop list), cannot be maintained. The number of terminals is determined by operational requirements, specifically how many directions are served by the respective distribution center.The number and storage capacity of the terminals (Terminal 4) determine their space requirements in the distribution center and therefore significantly influence the size and cost of the building and the sorter (1), which must be able to reach all terminals. For operational reasons, the terminals are typically located on the warehouse floor and compete with other logistics operations. They thus represent a cost-intensive storage medium.

[0054] The emptying of terminal 4 and the loading of shipments are predominantly carried out by people. In addition to the actual loading activity, there are also the unproductive walking distances to reach a full terminal 4 and empty it. If full terminal 4s are not emptied immediately, the shipments destined for these terminal 4s remain on sorter 1 and reduce the distribution throughput.

[0055] The final minutes of a shift before the so-called cut-off time present a particular challenge. While the goal is to distribute and dispatch as many packages as possible to achieve a high service level, this significantly increases staffing requirements to empty all terminals just before the cut-off time.

[0056] To solve this problem, the following is proposed: Figure 2The sorting arrangement shown according to the invention comprises a combination of a horizontal sorter 1 and a pocket sorter 5, wherein it is particularly successful in shifting the intermediate storage capacity from the endpoints 4 to the pocket sorter. Since pocket sorters 5 are inherently well suited to arranging essential functional components, such as a pocket buffer 7 or a sequencing unit 8, vertically one above the other, the pocket sorter has a comparatively smaller footprint while maintaining at least the functionality of the horizontal sorter.

[0057] Furthermore, pocket sorters offer the advantage that the number of load handling devices 2, and thus the number of pockets, is virtually infinitely scalable. In addition, the cost per load handling device 2 is relatively low, allowing for functional expansion of the pocket sorter 5 without significant additional costs. Moreover, in addition to the pure transport and sorting tasks, the pocket sorter also offers the aforementioned essential functions of buffering and sequencing shipments, which a horizontal sorter can only provide to a limited extent or not at all.

[0058] The intermediate buffer in the pocket sorter 5 can typically be installed in a free space within a warehouse thanks to the suspended arrangement of the load handling devices 2. Since no access to the system is required, this assembly can be mounted vertically above the warehouse floor without occupying valuable floor space. Furthermore, the use of a pocket sorter with its buffering and sequencing functions allows for the decoupling of logical sorting destinations (LAM unloading stations) and physical endpoints. This also results in significant savings potential in the infrastructure of a distribution center.

[0059] The automated sorting processes can be structured as follows, for example. Small shipments are automatically conveyed to a load handling device 2 of the pocket sorter 5. Conveyable shipments are divided into those that can be transported on both a horizontal sorter 1 and a pocket sorter 5, and those that can only be sorted on a horizontal sorter 1. Shipments processed on a horizontal sorter 1 are routed directly to their respective destination 4. The same applies to manually handled, non-conveyable shipments, which are either manually transported directly to destination 4 or wait in a manual intermediate storage area for further distribution.

[0060] Shipments sorted by the pocket sorter 5 can be buffered on it. A pocket buffer 7.1 can be provided for this purpose. Typically, this pocket buffer 7.1 is designed as a dynamic buffer, which can consist of any number of load handling devices 2, in this case, pockets, thus ensuring maximum flexibility. Only when at least one criterion for removal is met are the relevant shipments directed out of the pocket buffer 7.1. This criterion is typically not limited to a departure time, a volume calculation, a prioritization, a weight class, or a size class; it can also be any other criterion according to which sorting can occur.

[0061] After the goods are removed from the pocket buffer 7.1, the sorting capacity can be increased via a further buffer. This pre-sorting can be carried out fully automatically based on various criteria. The criteria typically include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: departure time, carrier, volume calculation, prioritization, weight class, size class; however, any other criterion by which classification can be performed is also possible.

[0062] The comparatively higher sorting capacity compared to purely horizontal sorter arrangements allows for a more compact design of the terminal stations 4, thus reducing the space required in the distribution center. For this purpose, the load handling devices 2 are transported in the produced sequence to one or more unloading stations 6, which can be configured as pocket emptying systems. These unloading stations 6 can be designed for manual emptying or for fully automatic emptying of the load handling device 2. Subsequently, if necessary, the shipments automatically separated by the load handling devices 2 are consolidated with the manually separated shipments. Further consolidation takes place between the shipments sorted by the pocket sorter 5 and those sorted by the horizontal sorter 1.However, consolidation within the meaning of the invention does not mean that the shipments are reunited, thus forming a single sorting volume. In particular, it is not necessary for the shipments to be combined at a single unloading station, for example, by being tipped together. Rather, different terminal stations 4, which have the same sorting destination but were fed by different sorters—namely, the horizontal sorter 1 on the one hand and a pocket sorter 5 on the other—must be brought together in order to be loaded uniformly, for example, onto the same transport vehicle, without the shipments from both terminal stations 4, for example, from both wire mesh containers, being mixed together.

[0063] Furthermore, employee productivity can be increased because the distances between the terminal stations 4 are reduced by transporting the goods to the employee. The employee no longer needs to go to the terminal station 4. This is achieved in particular by buffering and sequencing the load handling devices 2 of the pocket sorter 5, for which the aforementioned pocket buffer 7.1 and the sequencing unit 8 can be provided. Through buffering and sequencing, the load handling devices 2 can be specifically assigned to an employee at a particular time precisely those shipments that are needed for loading at that time. This eliminates the need for many terminal stations 4 to be open simultaneously and filled sporadically over the course of an entire shift. This buffering, which essentially takes place at the terminal stations 4 in the case of the lying sorter 1, is handled by at least one pocket buffer 7.1 in the case of the pocket sorter 5.This frees up valuable functional floor space for other tasks and prevents it from being occupied by buffer media, especially endpoints 4.

[0064] The Figure 3 Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a pocket sorter 5 according to the invention. The pocket sorter 5 has a dynamic buffer 14 into which the pockets 2.1 are fed after being loaded and stored until required. The dynamic buffer 14 has, in particular, the function of supplying the first pocket buffer 7.1, which is designed as a dynamic batch buffer, with further pockets 2.1 to be sorted precisely to the extent that the sorting performance of the first pocket buffer 7.1 is optimized.

[0065] While the dynamic buffer 14 is almost infinitely scalable, the first pocket buffer 7.1 has limited sorting performance and scalability.

[0066] The first pocket buffer 7.1 has several buffer circuits 12 arranged in parallel to each other. Each buffer circuit 12 has an outlet 13 that merge downstream (compare Figures 4 and 5It is intended that those bags 2.1 that form a group of bags 2.1 and have the same sorting goal, i.e., an assignment to the same endpoint 4, are held in the same buffer circuit 12. Therefore, pre-sorting takes place when the bags 2.1 are transferred from the dynamic buffer 14 to the first bag buffer 7.1, even though each buffer circuit 12 contains several of the previously described groups of bags 2.1. Upon request, the bags 2.1 that are assigned to the same group, i.e., have the same sorting goal, can be diverted from buffer circuit 12 to the connected discharge 13. The bags 2.1 of the same group can be diverted in such a way that, after diverting, they form a compact cluster of bags 2.1 of the same group, i.e., are sorted by type with respect to their sorting goal. This is in Figure 4 shown. The single-variety groups can be formed according to the embodiment shown. Figure 4They will be directed to a relevant endpoint 4 according to their sorting destination.

[0067] In the embodiment according to Figure 5 In contrast, when groups of pockets 2.1 with the same sorting goal are removed, a mixed group of pockets 2.1 with different sorting goals is generated, wherein all pockets 2.1 of the removed groups are contained in the group in an arbitrary order. Preferably, after removal, no pockets 2.1 of a previously removed group are retained in the first pocket buffer 7.1 or in the relevant buffer circuit 12.

[0068] The separation of the bags 2.1 according to their groups or sorting objectives takes place in a sorting matrix 8, to which the bags 2.1 are fed after being discharged via the discharge 13. As in the Figure 5As can be seen, the several complete groups of bags 2.1 with the same sorting goal are fed into the sorting matrix 8 in an arbitrary order. The bags 2.1 leave the sorting matrix 8 sorted by type, i.e., as a compact cluster of bags 2.1, with all bags 2.1 belonging to a group of bags with the same sorting goal being removed from the sorting matrix 8 immediately one after the other.

[0069] The Figure 5 It can also be seen that the sorting matrix 8 can be configured to establish not only the purity of the sorted items but also a sequence of the bags 2.1 within the same group, thus creating a sequencing of the bags 2.1. This sequencing can, for example, be intended to achieve a further sorting stage in a postal distribution center, such as sorting to a smaller range of postal codes.

[0070] Compared to existing sorting systems, this increases the number of sortable shipments per unit of time. Buffer capacities are increased, and space in a distribution center is used more efficiently, particularly vertically. This reduces the structural infrastructure requirements, and the use of the pocket sorter 5 creates sequencing during sorting, thereby simplifying downstream processes.

[0071] The features of the invention disclosed in the foregoing description, in the drawing and in the claims can be essential for the realization of the invention, both individually and in any combination. Reference symbol list:

[0072] 1. Horizontal sorter 2. Load handling device 2.1. Pocket 3. Sorting section 4. End station 5. Pocket sorter 6. Pocket emptying 7.1. First pocket buffer! Dynamic batch buffer 8. Sequencing / Sorting matrix 9. Dimensioning, weighing, scanning system 10. Manual small item feed 11. Automatic feed 12. Buffer circuit 13. Rejection 14. Dynamic buffer

Claims

1. A sorting arrangement for sorting objects, in particular mail items, of different shapes, volumes and / or weights, the sorting arrangement having a flat sorter (1) with a plurality of load receiving means (2) for objects to be sorted, which load receiving means (2) are moved along a sorting line (3) of the flat sorter (1) and can be individually controlled for discharging a supported object into at least one first terminal (4) of the sorting arrangement, the sorting arrangement having a pouch sorter (5) with a plurality of load receiving means (2) for objects to be sorted, which load receiving means (2) are in the form of hanging pouches (2.1), characterized in that the pouch sorter (5) has a pouch unloading means (6) by which the pouches (2.1) are unloaded into at least one second terminal (4) different from the at least one first terminal (4), these two terminals (4) being assigned the same sorting destination, wherein the sorting arrangement comprises a merging means by which at least one of said first terminals (4) and at least one of said second terminals (4) having the same sorting destination are merged, which comprises the merger of the sorting volumes of the first and the second terminals (4), wherein in the merger merged sorting volumes of the first and the second terminal (4) are still retained as sorting volumes separated from one another even after a merging.

2. The sorting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the flat sorter (1) comprises a fixed number of load receiving means (2) and preferably comprises a line sorter and / or a loop sorter, or is a line sorter or a loop sorter.

3. The sorting arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, in which, depending on an object-specific selection criterion, an object to be sorted is fed into either the flat sorter or the pouch sorter, and the object-specific selection criterion is an object weight, an object volume, an object shape, an object dimension or an object target, the sorting arrangement preferably having a dimensioning-weighing-scanning system for detecting the object-specific selection criterion.

4. The sorting arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pouch sorter (5) comprises at least one pouch buffer (7.1) having at least one buffer circuit (12) in which a plurality of the pouches (2.1) of the pouch sorter (5) destined to be unloaded into the same second terminal (4) are stored.

5. The sorting arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of pouches (2.1) is associated with at least one group and preferably with a plurality of groups, wherein for each group the pouches (2.1) of the group are intended to be unloaded into the same second terminal (4).

6. The sorting arrangement according to claim 4 or 5, in which the pouch buffer (7.1) has a plurality of buffer circuits (12) connected in parallel with one another and having a discharge unit (13), the buffer circuits (12) being set up for discharging the pouches (2.1) individually or in groups.

7. The sorting arrangement according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the plurality of pouches (2.1) of the same group, or of multiple groups, is fed as a compact bulk of pouches (2.1) to the second terminal (4).

8. The sorting arrangement according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the pouch sorter (5) is adapted to produce a compact bulk of pouches (2.1) having a specific sequence by sequenced discharge of the pouches (2.1) from the pouch buffer (7.1) and to supply the bulk to the second terminal (4).

9. The sorting arrangement according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the pouch sorter (5) for producing an order of pouches (2.1) has, downstream of the pouch buffer (7.1), a sequencing unit (8) which is arranged to sequence the pouches (2.1) of the same group discharged from the pouch buffer (7) into an order in which they are fed to the second terminal (4).

10. A method for sorting objects, in particular mail items, of different shapes, volumes and / or weights, the method comprising sorting a plurality of objects to be sorted with a flat sorter (1) into at least one first terminal (4) of the flat sorter (1), the method comprising sorting a plurality of objects to be sorted with a pouch sorter (5) with a plurality of load receiving means (2) formed as hanging pouches (2.1) for objects to be sorted, characterized in that the method comprises unloading the pouches (2.1) of the pouch sorter (5) into at least one second terminal (4) different from the at least one first terminal (4), these two terminals (4) having been assigned the same sorting destination, wherein sorting volumes of the first and of the second terminal (4) are merged in a merge, and wherein the merged sorting volumes of the first and of the second terminal (4) are still retained as sorting volumes which are separated from one another even after the merge.

11. The method according to claim 10, comprising consolidating pairs of one of said first and one of said second terminals (4) which are assigned the same sorting destination.

12. The method of claim 10 or 11, comprising determining an object-specific selection criterion for each of the plurality of objects to be sorted, wherein depending on the determined object-specific selection criterion, the objects to be sorted are fed into the flat sorter (1) or the pouch sorter (5).

13. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein determining the object-specific selection criterion comprises determining an object target, an object weight, an object shape, an object dimension, or an object volume, and matching the object-specific selection criterion determined thereby with a respective permissible range of values for feeding into the pouch sorter (5).

14. The method according to claim 13, in which, in the case that the determined object-specific selection criterion lies outside the permissible range of values for feeding into the pouch sorter (5), the object to be sorted is fed into the flat sorter (1) or is discharged for manual sorting.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, comprising buffering a plurality of groups from each of a plurality of the pouches (2.1) of the pouch sorter (5), the pouches of the same group being destined to be unloaded into the same second terminal (4), the method comprising discharging a plurality of groups, the pouches (2.1) of the discharged groups being fed in any order to a sequencing unit (8), preferably a sorting matrix.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the pouches (2.1) of the groups fed to the sequencing unit (8) are discharged from the sequencing unit (8) in an order with respect to each other in which the pouches of the same group are arranged in immediate succession.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein after discharge each of the groups of pouches (2.1) is fed to the second terminal (4) as a compact bulk of pouches (2.1) and preferably the objects received in the pouches (2.1) are unloaded into the second terminal (4) simultaneously or in continuous succession.

18. The method of claim 17, comprising, prior to unloading the pouches (2.1) into the second terminal (4), further sequencing the pouches (2.1) of the same group, wherein the pouches (2.1) of the same group are placed in a particular order with respect to each other in which they are supplied to the second terminal (4).

19. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 19, in which the objects to be sorted are sorted by the flat sorter (1) directly into their assigned first terminal (4), wherein the objects to be sorted are not sorted by the pouch sorter (5) into their assigned second terminal (4) after being inserted into the pouch sorter (5) until, when a sorting-out criterion for the consolidated sorting-out of all objects introduced into the pouch sorter (5) and assigned to the same terminal (4) is reached or a sorting-out command is generated.

20. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 20, comprising summing up at least one physical quantity, preferably a weight and / or a volume, of all objects assigned to the same second terminal (4) and to be sorted that have been fed into the pouch sorter (5), wherein said objects to be sorted are unloaded into said second terminal (4) when a threshold value for said physical quantity is reached.

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