Method for packaging at least one article of an order, packaging systems for packaging at least one article and storage system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for packing at least one item (1) of an order. The method comprises: - providing the at least one item (1) on an item provision surface (2), - receiving goods information of the at least one item (1) of the order, wherein the goods information comprises at least one property of the at least one item (1) of the order, - providing a packaging for the at least one item (1) of the order based on the goods information, and - moving the at least one item (1) of the order from the item provision surface (2) into the packaging based on the goods information. The invention also relates to a packaging system (10) and to a storage system.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for packaging at least one item of an order, a packaging system for packaging at least one item and a storage system.

[0002] In the prior art, it is known to prepare and package items retrieved from a storage system for shipment. However, due to the large number of different items belonging to an order and requiring them to be packed together in a single package, a significant portion of the packaging process often has to be performed manually. Furthermore, semi-automated methods have the disadvantage that different items are arbitrarily packed together in one package. This can lead to damage to heavier, more fragile, and / or lighter items within the packaging. This occurs because the order in which the items are packed is random. For example, heavy items might be stacked on top of fragile ones, potentially resulting in damage.

[0003] US 5406770 A shows a packaging device for articles of any size. KR 102 441 409 B1 shows a product handling system that can inspect articles and place them on a transport tray after inspection.

[0004] EP 4 035 843 A1 describes a method for packaging parts using a handling robot.

[0005] The FR 259 927 A1 shows a gripper head that can handle goods.

[0006] US 2016 / 340067 A shows a parcel station that has a parceling device.

[0007] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a system and a procedure that can automate the packaging process and ensure damage-free and problem-free packaging of the items.

[0008] This problem is solved by a method for packaging items of an order having the features of claim 1, by a packaging system for packaging items having the features of claim 9, and by a storage system having the features of claim 15.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for packaging at least one item of an order is provided. The method preferably comprises placing the at least one item onto an item staging area. Furthermore, the method preferably comprises receiving product information about the at least one item of the order, wherein the product information includes at least one characteristic of the at least one item of the order. The method also preferably comprises providing packaging for the at least one item of the order based on the product information, and transferring the at least one item of the order from the item staging area into the packaging based on the product information.

[0010] Compared to the prior art, the present invention offers the advantage that the items are not randomly transferred into the packaging, but rather based on product information that can describe the items. This can be achieved using the item staging area, where the items for an order are prepared. More precisely, the transfer of the items from the item staging area into the packaging can only be carried out once all items for an order are arranged on the item staging area. This allows, for example, the selection of the most robust item, which can be placed at the bottom of the packaging, to be made easily. This enables the items to be individually transferred into the packaging based on the product information.For example, other properties of the items can also be taken into account, and the items can be fed into the packaging accordingly. This allows for the individual feeding of the items into the packaging. Preferably, the present invention makes it possible to introduce different goods or items into one package. In other words, a method for packaging at least two different items can be provided. It is particularly advantageous that the product information is taken into account in order to accommodate the individual characteristics of the items.

[0011] An order can, for example, be placed by an end customer. Such an order can consist of one or more items. For instance, it is common practice today to order a wide variety of items from an online retailer. Nevertheless, an order can also comprise only a single item. An item can be a product intended for the end customer. In other words, the items can include typical household goods. Accordingly, an order can include typical household quantities of the same or different items. "Making at least one item available on the item staging area" can be understood as placing the item on the staging area. For example, an item can be retrieved from a warehouse and transported by an item handling device or a transport system (e.g., a conveyor belt).The goods are transported (e.g., by shuttle) to the staging area and placed there. The goods information can be, for example, digital data that includes at least one attribute of the item placed on the staging area. In other words, the goods information does not need to be captured when the at least one item is placed on the staging area, but can, for example, be retrieved (i.e., received) from a database. Thus, it is not necessary to use analytical tools when placing the at least one item. In particular, it is not necessary to scan, analyze, or identify an item retrieved from a storage system between its storage location and its placement on the staging area.Packaging can consist of a cardboard box or other outer packaging typically used for shipping items. Depending on the number and type of items in an order, the packaging can be tailored based on the product information. For example, packaging for particularly fragile items may offer greater protection than for robust items. Furthermore, larger packaging is needed for a large number of items in an order, while smaller packaging is appropriate for a smaller order. In other words, the packaging size can be customized for each order. This ensures that packaging with the optimal size and / or properties is provided to suit the items in the order.The transfer of at least one item from the item staging area into the packaging can then also be carried out based on the product information. As described above, particularly fragile items can be placed in the packaging in such a way as to prevent damage to the items during transport. Furthermore, the transfer process itself can be individually adapted to the items. Some items are easy to transfer, while others require a specific method. For example, when using a suction gripper, some items may require a lower vacuum than others. Excessive vacuum pressure can damage particularly fragile items.By adjusting the repositioning of at least one item based on the product information, it can be ensured that precisely the required vacuum pressure is applied to prevent damage to the item. This allows for particularly gentle item handling. The suction gripper serves only as an example, and other repositioning systems are conceivable where the repositioning can be adjusted based on product information. For instance, with a mechanical gripper, the gripping pressure can be adjusted accordingly based on the product information. Repositioning can thus involve individually packing each item of an order into its packaging. This provides a process that allows for both the automated packing of items within an order and the damage-free shipping of those items.Furthermore, this method prevents incompatible items from being placed together in the same package. Overall, it provides an efficient method for packaging items within an order.

[0012] Preferably, at least one item of an order is transported from a storage system to the item staging area. In other words, after an order is received, the ordered items can be retrieved from a storage system and transported to the item staging area. The order can comprise a single item or a multitude of items. In the case of a multiple order, the items can be transported to the item staging area individually or together. A single delivery to the item staging area is possible because all items of an order are collected at the item staging area before being moved into packaging. This allows the sequence in which the items are moved into packaging to be determined solely based on the product information.Rather, the items of an order can be transported directly from the storage system to the item staging area. "Directly" in this context means that no intermediate item recognition or identification is involved. According to the invention, the product information is determined before the items are stored in the storage system, so that after items are retrieved from the storage system, no re-identification or recognition of the items is necessary to determine the corresponding product information. Thus, an order can be transported directly to the item staging area after being retrieved from the storage system (i.e., without intermediate handling devices). This can speed up the packing of an order, thereby reducing overall delivery times. Furthermore, this can increase the overall handling capacity of a storage system.

[0013] Preferably, at least one item is fed to the item staging area by means of a shuttle and, in particular, placed on the item staging area by a transport device of the shuttle. The shuttle (also referred to as a storage and retrieval machine) can be designed to transport items or goods back and forth. In other words, a single item can be individually picked up and placed by the shuttle. The shuttle can move along a track. The shuttle can therefore be designed to individually transport items in their smallest packaging unit. In other words, no transport box or similar container is necessary for the shuttle to transport an item. By eliminating the need for additional transport equipment such as boxes or the like, moving or transporting items within the storage system can be simplified.Furthermore, the shuttle can have a transport device designed to move the item to be picked up by the shuttle onto a transport platform of the shuttle. The transport device can also be designed to move an item located on the shuttle's transport platform from the shuttle to a target position. Thus, no external transport or gripping devices are necessary to load or unload the shuttle. This allows the shuttle to autonomously enter a storage system, pick up an item from an order, transport it to the item staging area, and unload it there independently. This minimizes the required equipment. It is also conceivable to use multiple shuttles, each delivering a different item from an order to the same item staging area.This can speed up the outsourcing process.

[0014] Preferably, the product information is determined before the at least one item is stored. As described above, the product information can be determined before the goods are placed in the storage system, so that when the goods are retrieved from the storage system (i.e., when the items are transported to the staging area), no further determination of the product information is necessary.

[0015] Preferably, the item staging area is a table-like structure on which the at least one item can be passively held. In other words, the item staging area can have a surface on which the at least one item can be placed. "Passive" in this case means that the items remain on the item staging area independently, without the need for any other devices. Preferably, the item staging area is a rigid structure that is not easily movable relative to the surface on which it stands. This allows for a particularly simple design of the item staging area, thereby saving costs.

[0016] Preferably, the product information includes details such as fragility, load-bearing capacity, dimensional stability, surface finish, porosity, sensitivity, potential hazards posed by the item, refrigeration requirements, incompatibilities, state of matter, shelf life, and / or serial number of at least one item. The product information may also include batch numbers and / or manufacturing batch numbers. This facilitates, for example, the easy implementation of a recall of specific items. Thus, the product information can reflect a wide variety of different product properties. This allows the product to be processed optimally to ensure that it can be handled and transported as required without damage. For example, the fragility of the items might mean that heavy objects must not be placed on them.The load-bearing capacity of an item defines the weight it can support. This is important, for example, when determining whether items can be stacked and, if so, which items can be stacked on top of each other. The dimensional stability of an item defines its resistance to unintentional deformation. The surface texture defines how porous, wrinkled, or uneven an item's surface is. This can be important, for example, in a processing step where the item is gripped with a suction device. Based on this, the optimal vacuum level required for the suction device to hold the item can be determined. Furthermore, it can be determined how and where the suction device should contact the item to ensure a secure grip.The sensitivity of an item generally defines the environment in which it can be located without sustaining damage. Conversely, hazards emanating from the item define potential risks to other items in the vicinity. For example, it may be necessary to transport items at a specific distance from one another. The cooling requirements of an item define the climatic environment in which it can remain, and for how long, without being damaged. Incompatibilities, such as incompatibility with magnetic fields, can be identified. This ensures, for example, that electrical devices are not damaged. The state of matter primarily indicates whether the item is a solid or a liquid. Based on this, the subsequent processing of the item can be adjusted.The shelf life of an item can indicate how long it can be stored. This can be important, for example, if the item is scheduled for shipping, which will take a long time. Odor information indicates whether or not the item emits unpleasant smells. This can be crucial in determining where and with which other items the specific item is transported. Overall, product information allows items to be individually described to ensure optimal processing.

[0017] Preferably, at least one item is brought to the item staging area without outer packaging and / or transport aids. In other words, at least one item can be provided in its smallest possible packaging. This eliminates the need for additional transport aids such as transport boxes or containers, and allows the item to be used as delivered by the manufacturer. This simplifies the overall process. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to transport empty containers back to a starting point. Additionally, if the item is packaged, there is no unnecessary outer packaging that would consume storage space.

[0018] Preferably, the packaging is provided in a position relative to the item staging area that depends on the product information. In other words, the packaging into which the at least one item of an order is to be placed is provided in a spatial relationship to the item staging area. Preferably, the packaging is arranged on a packaging staging area. In particular, the packaging is provided in the immediate vicinity of the item staging area. This ensures that the provided items of an order only have to be moved a minimal distance to reach the packaging. The relative position can depend on the product information of the at least one item of an order. For example, in the case of a very large order (i.e.,When dealing with a large number of items belonging to a single order, a very large package is required. Consequently, this package (for example, the base of the box) must be positioned at a greater distance from the item staging area compared to a case where only a small package is needed, into which, for example, only one item is to be placed. By varying the staging position (i.e., the relative position) of the package with respect to the item staging area, the distance traveled between the item staging area and the package can be minimized. This can increase packing efficiency.

[0019] Preferably, the relative position is varied while at least one item is being moved into the packaging. This allows the packaging to be moved relative to the item staging area during the transfer of an item. For example, when a first item is being moved into the packaging, the bottom of the packaging can be positioned so that it is at essentially the same vertical height (i.e., in the direction of gravity) as the item staging area. Once the first item is in the packaging, the packaging can be lowered in the direction of gravity to minimize the transfer path required for a subsequent item to be placed inside. This ensures that the minimum possible transfer path between the item staging area and the packaging is always maintained.

[0020] Preferably, the packaging is positioned at a different height relative to the product placement area. Preferably, one end of the packaging is located below the product placement area relative to the product placement area. This ensures a starting position where the products have to be moved only a short distance from the placement area into the packaging.

[0021] Preferably, the packaging is placed directly adjacent to the product staging area. This also reduces walking distances. Furthermore, the space required for the packaging system can be minimized.

[0022] Preferably, the delivery direction of the at least one item and the delivery device of the packaging intersect. The delivery direction of the at least one item can be the direction of movement in which the item is fed to the item delivery area. Here, the direction of movement can be understood as a vector in two-dimensional space. In other words, the intersection of the directions of movement can be determined in a top view of the packaging system. The delivery direction of the packaging can be the direction in which the packaging is fed to its delivery position. Thus, feeding to the item delivery area and to the delivery position of the packaging can occur from different directions. This allows delivery devices to be arranged advantageously, enabling a particularly compact packaging system design.

[0023] Preferably, at least one item is moved from the item staging area into the packaging by means of a gripping device. In other words, the item can be gripped from the item staging area, moved into the packaging, and placed there. The gripping device can be an automated robot arm controlled by a control unit. The gripping device can be designed to move only one item at a time from the item staging area into the packaging.

[0024] Preferably, the gripping device is controlled based on product information. This product information can indicate how an item should be gripped and / or moved. For example, gripping operations must be performed with particular care when handling especially delicate items (e.g., the gripping device should only be operated with low acceleration). Furthermore, it can be advantageous to move difficult-to-grip items very slowly to prevent them from unintentionally falling off the gripping device. Thus, by making the gripping device control dependent on product information, malfunctions or unintentional drops from the gripping device can be avoided.

[0025] Preferably, the gripping device is equipped according to the product information. The gripping device can be designed to accommodate various gripping elements. For example, it can be equipped with a large-area vacuum gripper, a vacuum gripper with multiple suction heads, a mechanical gripper, or other gripping devices. The various adapters can be stored in a magazine near the product staging area. Based on the product information, the gripping device can select the optimal gripper. This selection can be performed, for example, by a control unit. The gripper can be designed to change the adapter automatically (i.e., without manual intervention).

[0026] Preferably, the conveying level of at least one item differs from the conveying level of the packaging. A conveying level can describe a vertical position in the direction of gravity. In other words, the items and the packaging can be fed at different heights in the direction of gravity. This allows for a particularly compact packaging system, as items and packaging can be transported above or below each other.

[0027] Preferably, the packaging (e.g., a carton) is only provided once all items in an order are available on the product staging area. This ensures that packaging is not held unnecessarily long while not all items in an order are present on the product staging area. This avoids unnecessary occupancy of the packaging staging area. Furthermore, an item that is added to the product staging area last may be placed in the packaging first, for example, because it is the most stable. This can increase the overall efficiency of the packaging process. It is also conceivable that two product staging areas could be assigned to one packaging staging area.This means, for example, that while one item staging area is being supplied with items for one order, another order can be packed into its packaging. This allows for optimal use of space within a packaging system.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a packaging system for packaging at least one article is provided. The packaging system preferably comprises an article staging area for providing at least one article, a packaging staging area for providing packaging, an article conveying device for feeding the at least one article to the article staging area, a packaging conveying device for feeding packaging to the packaging staging area, a gripping device configured to move at least one article staging on the article staging area into packaging staging on the packaging staging area, and a control unit configured to control the gripping device based on product information of the at least one article.The packaging system can be a device designed to pack the items of an order into packaging. The packaging can be, for example, a box, a carton, a shipping bag, or other types of packaging. The item staging area can be a rigid body designed to hold items or goods. Preferably, the item staging area is a substantially rectangular, flat surface that is fixed in position relative to a base on which it rests. A packaging staging area can be a device on which packaging can be placed. Preferably, the packaging staging area is smaller than the item staging area (e.g., in terms of its surface area). The item handling device can be a shuttle system, as described above.The packaging conveyor can be a device capable of transporting packaging. Furthermore, the packaging conveyor can be designed to produce packaging. For example, cartons can be in an unfolded state, and the packaging conveyor can fold these unfolded cartons to create packaging for holding items. This packaging can then be delivered to the packaging staging area. The gripping device can be a device designed to individually grip items from the item staging area and transfer them into packaging arranged on the staging area. The control unit can be a computer-like device designed to receive and process input data and output data.The output data can include, for example, control commands for various devices within the packaging system. Furthermore, the control unit can have a storage unit in which, for example, product information can be stored.

[0029] Preferably, the material handling device comprises a rail system that runs at least partially along the material staging area. The rail system can be designed to allow a shuttle to move along it. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the rail system runs at least partially along a plurality of material staging areas. Thus, different shuttles can travel on the rail system and deposit a transported item at a desired material staging area. This allows for a particularly high throughput of the packaging system. Preferably, the rail system is directly adjacent to the material staging area, so that items can be easily transferred from a shuttle to the material staging area.

[0030] Preferably, the material handling device includes a shuttle that can travel on a rail system. This allows items to be individually fed to the material staging area.

[0031] Preferably, the shuttle is designed to transport items from a storage system to the packaging system and deposit them on the item staging area. In other words, the shuttle can independently pick up and place the items using a transport device. Furthermore, the items can be fed directly from the storage system to the packaging system without any intermediate processing stations.

[0032] Preferably, the packaging system further comprises a magazine for storing a variety of different adapters for the gripping device, wherein the control unit is configured to select an adapter based on the product information. The magazine can be a storage device in which various gripping adapters for the gripping device are stored. Preferably, the adapters are stored in the magazine in such a way that the gripping device can change them automatically.

[0033] Preferably, the packaging staging area is designed to be movable between a packaging receiving position and a loading position, wherein the packaging receiving position and the loading position differ in their positioning in the direction of gravity. In other words, the packaging staging area can be designed to be movable. In the packaging receiving position, the packaging staging area can receive a package from the packaging conveying device. Once the package is on the packaging staging area, it can be moved in the direction of gravity to assume a position in which the gripping device has to travel the shortest distance when transferring an item from the item staging area into the packaging. This position can be referred to as the loading position.As mentioned above, the loading position can change during packaging loading to ensure the shortest possible distance for the gripper between the item staging area and the packaging. The direction of gravity can also be referred to as the gravitational direction.

[0034] Preferably, the gripping device is a suction gripping device. With a suction gripping device, the item is held to an adapter, such as a suction cup, by means of a vacuum.

[0035] Preferably, the suction gripping device is designed to grip at least one item based on the product information. As explained above, different items can have different requirements for a gripping process. These requirements can be met through the product information.

[0036] Preferably, the packaging conveying device is designed as a conveyor belt. This allows the packaging to be fed to the packaging staging area in a simple manner.

[0037] Preferably, the packaging conveyor and the product conveyor are arranged at different height levels in the direction of gravity. This allows product feeding and packaging feeding to be implemented in a very small space.

[0038] Preferably, the packaging conveyor and the item conveyor run perpendicular to each other. Preferably, in a top view of the packaging system, the item conveyor and the packaging conveyor run perpendicular to each other. This allows the item entry into the packaging system and the packaging exit from the system to be realized on different sides of the packaging system, thus enabling an advantageous spatial arrangement of the packaging system. Preferably, the packaging system has a portal-like structure, with the gripping device positioned so that it can grasp the items from above in the direction of gravity. In other words, the packaging system can be constructed analogously to a gantry crane. The packaging system can have a rectangular shape. The gripping device can, for example, be movable in a first direction on a movable arm.Furthermore, the gripping device on the first arm can be moved in a second direction by means of a movable slide. An extension mechanism allows the gripping device to be moved in a third direction (i.e., in the direction of gravity). This enables the gripping device to reach any position within the packaging system.

[0039] Preferably, a plurality of item staging areas and a plurality of packaging staging areas are provided, with each packaging staging area being assigned to one item staging area, and a gripping device being arranged and designed to serve the plurality of item staging areas and packaging staging areas. In other words, only one gripping device can be provided to serve a plurality of packaging staging areas. This allows for an efficient packaging system.

[0040] Preferably, a storage system is provided comprising a storage area for storing items, a material handling device for storing and retrieving the items into and out of the storage area, and a packaging system according to one of the above embodiments, wherein the material handling device is configured to supply items from the storage area to the item staging area of ​​the packaging system. Preferably, the items retrieved from the storage area are supplied directly to the packaging system without the need for item recognition and / or identification.

[0041] Preferably, the product information of at least one item is determined by a product information determination unit before it is stored in the storage area. This eliminates the need to re-identify or recognize the item after it has been retrieved in order to obtain product information.

[0042] Preferably, a computer program with program code is provided which, when executed on a computing unit, performs the above-mentioned method. The computer program can be in any type of code, particularly code suitable for controlling logistics systems. According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a computer-readable medium comprising a computer program as defined above. The computer-readable medium can be any digital data storage device, such as a USB flash drive, a hard drive, a CD-ROM, an SD card, or an SSD. Of course, the computer program does not have to be stored on such a computer-readable medium to be made available to a customer, but can also be obtained via the internet.

[0043] The features and embodiments described above can be combined with other features or embodiments to form new embodiments. All advantages and features described in connection with the features or embodiments also apply analogously to the new embodiments. The features and advantages described above with regard to the method also apply analogously to the device and vice versa.

[0044] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the figures, using preferred embodiments as an example. Fig. 1 is a schematic and perspective view of a packaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic top view of a packaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3is a schematic and perspective view of a packaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a packaging system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The packaging system 10 has a portal-like structure and extends essentially in a first direction R1, a second direction R2, and a third direction R3. The three directions are orthogonal to each other. The packaging system 10 has a plurality of item staging areas 2. More precisely, the packaging system 10 of the present embodiment comprises six item staging areas 2. Furthermore, the packaging system 10 comprises four packaging staging areas 3. The packaging staging areas 3 are configured to provide packaging (not shown in the figure). The packaging is fed in via a packaging conveyor device (not shown in the figure).Furthermore, the packaging system 10 has a gripping device 5 designed to transfer articles from the article staging area 2 into a provided package on the packaging staging area 3. The gripping device has a first arm 7 that can move in the first direction R1 across the packaging system 10. The gripping device 5 also has a carriage 8 with which it can move in the second direction R2 across the packaging system 10. A second arm 9 allows the gripping device to move in the third direction R3. Thus, the gripping device 5 can reach any position in the packaging system 10. In the present embodiment, the packaging system 10 has only a single gripping device 5. It is also conceivable that a plurality of such packaging systems 10, as described in [reference], could be used. Fig. 1They are shown and can be arranged to increase the throughput of items.

[0046] Fig. 2 is a schematic top view of the in Fig. 1 packaging system 10 shown. Furthermore, in Fig. 2 An article conveying device 4 is shown. The article conveying device 4 is designed as a shuttle which is movable on a rail system. In the Fig. 2In the depicted situation, the article conveyor 4 is currently depositing an article 1 with a transport device 11 onto an article staging area 2. At this point, there is no packaging yet on the adjacent packaging staging area 3. This will only be added once all articles of an order are arranged on the article staging area 2. Once the article conveyor 4 has deposited the article 1 on the article staging area 2, the article conveyor 4 moves out of the packaging system 10 in the second direction R2 (see arrow in Fig. 2 This allows another article conveyor 4 to enter the packaging system 10 in the same direction and unload an article 1 at the same or a different article staging area 2. This significantly increases throughput.

[0047] Fig. 3Figure 1 is a schematic and perspective view of a packaging system 10, as shown in the preceding figures. Fig. 3Four lines indicate different levels in the third direction R3 (i.e., in the direction of gravity). The level defined by line 12 is the packaging feed level 12. In this level, items are fed to the packaging staging areas 2 by the item feeder 4. In contrast, a packaging feed level 13 is located vertically below (i.e., in the third direction R3) the item feed level. In other words, packages and items can be fed to their respective target positions at different levels. This allows the packaging system 10 to be designed to be particularly compact. Furthermore, the figures show an adapter magazine 6, which stores a variety of different adapters for the gripper 5. The gripper 5 can automatically move to the magazine and change an adapter there.The control unit determines which adapter is correct for the upcoming gripping order based on the product information. This ensures that a successful gripping process can always be carried out.

[0048] Fig. 4Figure 1 is a schematic flowchart illustrating the sequence of a process according to an embodiment of the present invention. In step S1, at least one item is placed on an item staging area. In the present embodiment, this is accomplished by an item conveying device that automatically positions an item 1 on the item staging area 2. In the next step S2, product information for the at least one item is received. This product information is indicative of at least one property of the at least one item. In a subsequent step S3, packaging for the at least one item is provided based on the product information. The packaging is selected to be optimally suited to the items provided in the order. In step S4, the at least one item is then transferred into the packaging.This is done based on product information, ensuring that items are placed in the packaging according to their characteristics, which are known from the product information. Reference symbol list:

[0049] 1. Item 2. Item staging area 3. Packaging staging area 4. Item conveying device 5. Gripping device 6. Magazine 7. First arm 8. Slide 9. Second arm 10. Packaging system 11. Transport device 12. Item infeed level 13. Packaging infeed level R1. First direction R2. Second direction R3. Third direction

Claims

1. Method for packaging at least one item (1) of an order, comprising: - providing the at least one item (1) on an item provision area (2), - receiving goods information of the at least one item (1) of the order, wherein the goods information comprises at least one characteristic of the at least one item (1) of the order, - providing packaging for the at least one item (1) of the order based on the goods information, and - displacing the at least one item (1) of the order from the item provision area (2) into the packaging based on the goods information, characterized in that the goods information is determined before storing the at least one item (1).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one item (1) is fed to the item provision area (2) by means of a shuttle and, in particular, is deposited on the item provision area (2) by a transport device (11) of the shuttle.

3. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the goods information comprises fragility, load-bearing capacity, dimensional stability, surface properties, porosity, sensitivity, possible hazards emanating from the item (1), cooling requirements, incompatibilities, state of aggregation, shelf life, odor information, and / or a serial number of the at least one item (1).

4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one item (1) is fed to the item provision area (2) without outer packaging and / or transport aid.

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging is provided in a relative position to the item provision area (2) that is dependent on the goods information.

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging is provided at a different height position in the direction of gravity compared to the item provision area (2).

7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a conveying level of the at least one item (1) differs from the conveying level of the packaging.

8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging is only provided when all items (1) of an order are provided on the item provision area (2).

9. Packaging system (10) for packaging at least one item (1), wherein the packaging system (10) comprises: - an item provision area (2) for providing at least one item (1), - a packaging provision area (3) for providing packaging, - an item conveyor device (4) for supplying the at least one item (1) to the item provision area (2), - a packaging conveyor device for supplying a packaging to the packaging provision area (3), - a gripping device (5) designed to move at least one item provided on the item provision area (2) into a packaging provided on the packaging provision area (3), and - a control unit designed to control the gripping device (5) based on goods information of the at least one item (1), wherein the goods information is determined before the at least one item (1) is stored.

10. Packaging system (10) according to claim 9, further comprising: a magazine (6) for accommodating a plurality of different adapters for the gripping device (5), wherein the control unit is designed to determine an adapter based on the goods information.

11. Packaging system (10) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the packaging provision area (3) is designed to be displaceable between a packaging receiving position and a loading position, wherein the packaging receiving position and the loading position differ in terms of their positioning in the direction of gravity.

12. Packaging system (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein a plurality of item provision areas (2) and a plurality of packaging provision areas (3) are provided, wherein each packaging provision area (3) is associated with an item provision area (2), wherein a gripping device (5) is arranged and designed so that it can serve the plurality of item provision areas (2) and packaging provision areas (3).

13. Packaging system (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the item conveyor device (4) comprises a shuttle which is movable on a rail system.

14. Packaging system (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the packaging provision area (3) is designed to be displaceable between a packaging receiving position and a loading position, wherein the packaging receiving position and the loading position differ in terms of their positioning in the direction of gravity.

15. Storage system comprising: a storage area for storing items, an item conveyor device (4) for storing and retrieving the items (1) in or from the storage area, a packaging system (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the item conveyor device (4) is designed to supply items (1) from the storage area to the item provision area (2) of the packaging system (10).

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