Method for transferring goods between containers, and transfer device and turning device therefor

Abstract

The invention relates to a turning device (100) and to a method for turning containers (S, T), wherein the containers (S, T) are received between two turning conveying devices. The turning conveying devices are rotated about an axis of rotation in order to turn the containers (S, T). The invention also relates to a transfer device (1) and to a method for transferring goods from a receiving container (S) to a releasing container (T), wherein a receiving container (T) is slipped over a releasing container (S) at a slip-over station (4) in order to form a turning pair. The turning pair is turned by means of the turning device (100). Subsequently, the releasing container (S) can be removed from the receiving container (T) at a removal station (5) in order to release the goods into the receiving container.

Description

[0001] Method for transferring goods between containers, as well as transfer device and turning device therefor

[0002] The invention relates to a turning device for containers, in particular for a turning pair comprising a delivery container and a receiving container placed over the delivery container, with a container manipulation unit for transporting and turning the containers and a rotating device for rotating the container manipulation unit, wherein the container manipulation unit comprises a first turning conveyor device with a first conveying plane and a second turning conveyor device with a second conveying plane. The first and second conveying planes are arranged opposite one another and directed towards one another, wherein the containers can be positioned between the first and second turning conveyor devices. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for turning containers by means of a turning device, in particular by means of a turning device according to the invention.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for transferring goods from a delivery container to a receiving container by means of a transfer device, in particular a transfer device described below. Furthermore, the invention relates to a transfer device for transferring goods from a delivery container to a receiving container, in particular for carrying out a method according to the invention, comprising a first provision device for providing delivery containers, a second provision device for providing receiving containers, and a turning device for turning the delivery containers in order to transfer the goods from the delivery container to the receiving container.

[0004] Finally, the invention relates to a picking warehouse for carrying out such a method, comprising a goods receipt for receiving goods delivered in drop-off containers, a transfer device for transferring the goods from the drop-off containers into receiving containers, a warehouse for storing the goods in the receiving containers, a picking station for reloading goods from the receiving containers into shipping containers in accordance with picking orders, a warehouse conveyor system for transporting the receiving containers between the transfer device and the warehouse, and a picking conveyor system for transporting the receiving containers between the warehouse and the picking station. In picking warehouses, it is often necessary to reload or transfer goods from a drop-off container filled with goods into an empty or only partially filled receiving container.For example, goods are delivered to the picking warehouse in a delivery container, especially a carton, and are to be transferred to a storage container, especially a crate. This is referred to as decanting the goods. During decanting, the delivery containers essentially serve as the drop-off containers, and the storage containers serve as the receiving containers.

[0005] Devices and methods for emptying containers and for transferring goods from a delivery container to a receiving container and devices and methods for turning containers are known from the prior art.

[0006] EP 2 644 515 A1 discloses a method and a device for emptying a dispensing container, in particular for emptying beverage crates. Here, the dispensing container is enclosed by a frame and turned together with the frame, whereby the bottles are dispensed upside down from the beverage crate into the frame. The beverage crate is removed from the frame and the frame is then turned back. By turning the frame back, the bottles are oriented upright again and can then be dispensed downwards onto a storage surface by opening the frame. However, the bottles are not transferred into a receiving container. A further disadvantage is that essentially two rotational movements must be performed before the bottles can be further processed.

[0007] US 2021 / 0101759 A1 discloses a two-stage method and device for transferring goods from a delivery container to a receiving container. First, the goods are tipped out of the delivery container onto a receiving surface by pivoting the delivery container. The goods are then tipped into the receiving container by pivoting the receiving surface. The disadvantage of this method is that the goods are temporarily neither protected nor enclosed by the delivery container nor the receiving container, so there is a risk that small items in particular will be lost or damaged when being placed in the receiving container, for example, because they rub against the edges of the receiving container or get caught.

[0008] EP 2 762 426 A1 discloses a device for turning an object, in particular a package of stacked bags. This device comprises two opposing turning conveyors, with the object being clamped between them. The turning conveyors are rotated about a horizontal axis of rotation, turning the clamped object. The object can be transported out of the device by means of the turning conveyor, which is now arranged at the bottom. A disadvantage of this device is that a complex transmission is required to transfer the drive force from a stationary drive device to the rotatable conveyors.

[0009] An object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved device and an improved method for turning containers, for example, turning pairs. In particular, turning the containers should enable a simple and reliable automated transfer of goods from a delivery container to a receiving container.

[0010] Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved method and an improved transfer device for transferring goods from a delivery container to a receiving container.

[0011] Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved order picking warehouse in which goods can be transferred from a delivery container to a receiving container in a simple and reliable manner.

[0012] The first object is achieved with a turning device of the type mentioned above, in which the turning device comprises a pivoting frame and a support structure, wherein the pivoting frame is mounted on the support structure for rotation about a rotation axis, and the first and second turning conveyor devices are arranged on the pivoting frame. Rotation of the pivoting frame of the turning device therefore results in the turning of a turning pair.

[0013] The first and second turning conveyor devices can each comprise a plurality of optional conveyor rollers, wherein at least one of the conveyor rollers is designed as a motorized roller, in particular a gearless one, with a drive device. Alternatively or additionally, the container handling unit can comprise an optional clamping device designed to fix the containers between the first and second turning conveyor devices. The conveyor rollers allow the turning pair to be transported within the turning device, as well as picked up and released from the turning device. The clamping device ensures that the turning pair is securely held during the turning process.

[0014] Furthermore, the first object is achieved with a method for turning containers, which comprises the following steps: a) providing a container manipulation unit for transporting and turning the containers, which comprises a first turning conveyor device and a second turning conveyor device, wherein the first turning conveyor device forms a first conveying plane and the second turning conveyor device forms a second conveying plane, wherein the first conveying plane and the second conveying plane are arranged opposite one another at a normal distance (defined at least by the height of the turning pair); b) providing a turning pair, comprising a delivery container and a receiving container placed over the delivery container, in the container manipulation unit between the first turning conveyor device and the second turning conveyor device;c) optionally fixing the turning pair, in particular by means of a clamping device of the container manipulation unit between the first turning conveyor device and the second turning conveyor device of the container manipulation unit; d) rotating the container manipulation unit, in particular by means of the rotating device of the turning device and in particular by more than 90°, preferably by at least 120°, particularly preferably by 180°, about a horizontal rotation axis, and turning the turning pair, wherein in particular the drive device of the motor rollers is also moved; e) delivering the turning pair to the second turning conveyor device, wherein the receiving container of the turning pair is placed with its base on a second conveyor plane formed by the second turning conveyor device; f) transporting the turning pair out of the container manipulation unit;

[0015] Advantageously, the first turning conveyor device of the container manipulation unit provided in step a) can comprise at least one self-driven motor roller with a drive device, and the second turning conveyor device of the container manipulation unit provided in step a) can comprise a self-driven motor roller with a drive device. In step b), the at least one motor roller of the first turning conveyor device is driven by means of its drive device in order to position the turning pair in the container manipulation unit. In step f), the turning pair is transported out of the container manipulation unit by driving the at least one motor roller of the second turning conveyor device by means of its drive device.

[0016] Analogous procedures can also be provided for a container alone, with the container taking the place of the turning pair.

[0017] Furthermore, it is conceivable that one or more of steps c), d), e) f) are carried out for several turning pairs or several containers simultaneously.

[0018] A particular advantage achieved with the invention is that the use of self-driven motor rollers enables their drive devices to be moved substantially along with the rotation of the turning conveyor device, whereby no complex mechanism is required to transmit a drive force from a stationary drive device to a movable, in particular rotatable, turning conveyor device. Thus, on the one hand, containers can be turned particularly reliably and in a simple manner. On the other hand, maintenance effort is reduced, since no power transmission mechanism, in particular a rotationally invariant one, for example with belt drives, gears and the like, is required. The maintenance effort can be further reduced if the motor roller is designed, for example, as a gearless motor roller.

[0019] Dispensing containers and receiving containers are containers. Containers are generally designed to contain goods. For this purpose, a container can have a base and an open side opposite the base. The container expediently comprises side walls projecting from the base. In this case, it can be provided that the upper edges of the side walls delimit the open side. Optionally, a container, in particular the dispensing container, can be closed by a lid opposite the base. To provide the open side, the lid can have an open window, which has been cut into the lid, for example. In this case, the open side is delimited by the lid, in particular by edges of the window.

[0020] In principle, containers can be transported by means of a conveying device, in particular by means of the turning conveying device, and / or made available in different orientations. In this case, a distinction can be made in particular between an upright orientation and an upside down orientation. In the upright orientation, the respective container is oriented with its base facing downwards and with its open side facing upwards. Upright orientation is therefore understood in particular to mean that the base of the respective container faces a staging plane on which the respective container can be placed. In this case, the container can rest with its base on the staging plane. In the upside down orientation, the respective container is oriented with its open side facing downwards and with its base facing upwards.Upside-down orientation is thus understood in particular to mean that the bottom of the respective container faces away from the staging level on which the respective container is to be placed. In this case, the container can rest on the staging level, for example, with the upper edges of its side walls or with an optional lid. The staging levels can be formed, for example, by the first and / or second staging device described below and / or by one or more of the conveying levels described below.

[0021] Preferably, the receiving container is dimensioned such that the delivery container can be accommodated therein and / or the receiving container can be placed over the delivery container. The height of the delivery container is preferably equal to or less than the height of the receiving container, ensuring that all of the goods in the delivery container can be accommodated in the receiving container. In some cases, however, the height of the delivery container can also be greater than the height of the receiving container.

[0022] The first reversible conveyor device and / or the second reversible conveyor device is preferably designed as a roller conveyor. Alternatively, the first reversible conveyor device and / or the second reversible conveyor device can be designed as a belt conveyor, in particular as a two-track belt conveyor. In this case, the respective reversible conveyor device can comprise one or more conveyor belts and at least two conveyor rollers around which the conveyor belt or belts are arranged to encircle. The conveyor belt or belts can be driven by the at least one motor roller.

[0023] Preferably, the first conveying plane and the second conveying plane are defined and / or formed by the conveying rollers of the respective reversing conveying device. Provision can be made here for containers to be placed and / or transported directly on the conveying rollers. In this case, the respective conveying plane is defined and formed by the conveying rollers. Alternatively, the conveying planes can run at a distance from the conveying rollers, for example, because a conveyor belt is stretched around the conveying rollers. In this case, the conveying planes are defined by the conveying rollers, but are formed by the conveyor belt.

[0024] It is advantageous if the motor roller comprises a roller axis and a roller body rotatably mounted relative to the latter, and the drive device comprises an electric motor, in particular a DC motor, which is arranged within the roller body. The electric motor preferably comprises a rotor, in particular connected to the roller body, and a stator, which are arranged coaxially to the roller axis. The rotor can have a plurality of permanent magnets connected to the roller body. In addition, the stator can have several stator laminated cores with windings. The windings can be fed by drive electronics, preferably with a DC voltage of, for example, less than 50 V (protective extra-low voltage), in particular 24 V or 48 V. The electric motor is therefore preferably designed as an external rotor motor.

[0025] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the first and / or second reversible conveyor device each has one or more roller groups, each roller group comprising a conveyor roller configured as a motor roller and a plurality of passive conveyor rollers. The passive conveyor rollers of a roller group are connected to the motor roller of the roller group via a belt transmission to transmit a drive force from the motor roller to the passive conveyor rollers. This allows the drive force of one motor roller to be used for multiple conveyor rollers, thus requiring fewer motor rollers and fewer drive devices.

[0026] In order to fix or brake the conveyor rollers during rotation of the container manipulation unit and thus prevent unintentional movement of a container to be turned, in particular of the turning pair, out of the container manipulation unit, it is preferably provided that the container manipulation unit further comprises a braking system via which at least one of the conveyor rollers, in particular the at least one motor roller, of the first turning conveyor device and at least one of the conveyor rollers, in particular the at least one motor roller, of the second turning conveyor device can be subjected to a holding force. It is therefore advantageous if, in step d), the at least one self-driven motor roller of the first turning conveyor device and / or the at least one self-driven motor roller of the second turning conveyor device is subjected to a holding force.These measures allow for the use of a lower clamping force to secure the container or the turning pair, thus allowing for particularly gentle handling of the containers and the goods contained therein. To further reduce the clamping force, the conveyor rollers can be provided with an anti-slip coating, for example, a rubber coating.

[0027] It is particularly preferred that at least one of the conveyor rollers, in particular the at least one motorized roller, of the first turning conveyor device and at least one conveyor roller, in particular the at least one motorized roller, of the second turning conveyor device be equipped with a brake. The brake can, for example, be designed as a brake belt, which is arranged on an underside of the conveyor rollers and can be applied against the conveyor rollers to prevent undesired rotation and / or to effect braking.

[0028] In order to clamp the containers between the first and second conveyor levels for turning, the clamping device can be provided with an adjustment mechanism, wherein the first turning conveyor device and the second turning conveyor device are mounted on the pivoting frame so that they can move relative to one another by means of the adjustment mechanism, so that a normal distance between the first and second conveyor levels can be changed. Thus, the containers, in particular turning pairs, can be clamped between the first conveyor level and the second conveyor level for turning by positioning the turning conveyor devices on opposite sides of the containers or the turning pair.In this case, it can be provided that the first turning conveyor device is rigidly connected to the pivoting frame and the second turning conveyor device is movably mounted on the pivoting frame, the first turning conveyor device is movably mounted on the pivoting frame and the second turning conveyor device is rigidly connected to the pivoting frame, or the first and second turning conveyor devices are movably mounted on the pivoting frame. Advantageously, it is provided that the adjustment mechanism has an actuator by means of which the first turning conveyor device and / or the second turning conveyor device can be moved along the clamping direction, in particular in the clamping direction and counter to the clamping direction.

[0029] In the method for turning containers, it is advantageous if the first and second turning conveyor devices are moved relative to one another in step c) by means of the adjustment mechanism along a clamping direction, whereby the normal distance between the first and second conveying planes is reduced until the second conveying plane is positioned against the bottom of the receiving container of the turning pair in order to clamp the turning pair between the first and second conveying planes and to fix them during turning in step d). Furthermore, it is advantageous if the first and second turning conveyor devices are moved relative to one another in step e) by means of the adjustment mechanism along the clamping direction, whereby the normal distance between the first and second conveying planes is increased in order to release the fixation of the turning pair.In this case, the turning pair is essentially transferred to the second turning conveyor and the receiving container is placed with its base on the second conveyor level.

[0030] Alternatively, the first and second turning conveyor devices can be rigidly connected to the pivoting frame. This allows for a simplified design of the container handling unit. The first and second turning conveyor devices are preferably arranged with a defined, in particular fixed, standard distance between the first and second conveying planes.

[0031] In order to secure the containers, in particular the turning pair, during turning, the clamping device can have at least one clamping element that is movable along a clamping direction between a starting position of the clamping element retracted relative to the second conveying plane and a clamping position of the clamping element projecting relative to the second conveying plane (in the direction of the first conveying plane). Containers can thereby be clamped between the clamping element and the first turning conveyor device. Particularly preferably, the at least one clamping element is arranged between two (adjacent) conveyor rollers of the second turning conveyor device.Furthermore, it can be provided that the clamping device has at least one further clamping element which is movable along the clamping direction between a starting position of the further clamping element retracted relative to the first conveying plane and a clamping position of the further clamping element projecting relative to the first conveying plane (in the direction of the second conveying plane). As a result, a container to be turned, in particular the turning pair, can be clamped between the further clamping element and the second turning conveyor device and fixed during turning. Thus, no reversing is necessary between two successive turning processes, since the container manipulation unit is designed to be essentially rotationally symmetrical. Particularly preferably, the at least one further clamping element is arranged between two (adjacent) conveyor rollers of the first turning conveyor device.

[0032] The clamping direction preferably runs orthogonally to the second conveying plane, in particular in the direction from the second conveying plane to the first conveying plane.

[0033] It is advantageous if the number of clamping elements and / or additional clamping elements is greater than or equal to the maximum number of turning pairs that the container handling unit can accommodate. This means that if, for example, a maximum of three turning pairs can be accommodated by the turning device, it is advantageous if at least three clamping elements and / or three additional clamping elements are provided.

[0034] In the method for turning containers, it is preferably provided that in step c), the at least one clamping element is moved from the starting position to the clamping position in order to clamp the turning pair between the at least one clamping element and the first conveying plane and to fix it during turning in step d), and in step e), the at least one clamping element is moved from the clamping position along the clamping direction to the starting position, wherein the turning pair is lowered and released onto the second conveying plane. A subsequent turning process can be carried out analogously using the additional clamping unit.

[0035] It is also advantageous if the (additional) clamping elements assigned to the first and / or second turning conveyor device are individually movable. In this way, differences in the height of a container or turning pair can be effectively compensated. The proposed measures are particularly advantageous when a large number of containers or turning pairs are simultaneously received in the container handling unit and subsequently turned, because the individually movable (additional) clamping elements also allow differences in the height of several containers or turning pairs to be effectively compensated. In the context of this disclosure, "individually movable" refers in particular to spring-loaded clamping elements that are jointly driven but can adapt to the shape of the container, turning pair, or containers, turning pairs due to the spring action.

[0036] For example, the clamping elements can be individually movable such that a first of the (further) clamping elements fixes a first of the plurality of containers in step c) and releases it in step e) and a second of the (further) clamping elements fixes a second of the plurality of containers in step c) and releases it in step e).

[0037] It is advantageous if the container manipulation unit is designed to simultaneously receive a plurality of containers, in particular a plurality of turning pairs, and the turning device is designed to simultaneously turn the containers, in particular a plurality of turning pairs.

[0038] A reversible pair comprises a dispensing container and a receiving container placed over the dispensing container.

[0039] The container manipulation unit comprises a first receiving position and a second receiving position between the first and second turning conveyor devices, wherein a first receiving position is configured for a first of the plurality of containers, in particular a first turning pair of a plurality of turning pairs, and a second receiving position is configured for a second of the plurality of containers, in particular a second turning pair of a plurality of turning pairs. The container manipulation unit can additionally comprise a third receiving position between the first and second turning conveyor devices, wherein a third receiving position is configured for a third of the plurality of containers, in particular a third turning pair of a plurality of turning pairs.According to a possible embodiment, the first receiving position and second receiving position and optionally the third receiving position can be formed along the first and second turning conveyor devices and in particular arranged one behind the other.Accordingly, it is also advantageous if the clamping device has a plurality of individually movable clamping elements, wherein a first of the clamping elements is assigned to a first receiving position for a first of the plurality of containers, in particular a first turning pair of a plurality of turning pairs, and a second of the clamping elements is assigned to a second receiving position for a second of the plurality of containers, in particular a second turning pair of a plurality of turning pairs, and / or has a plurality of individually movable further clamping elements, wherein a first of the further clamping elements is assigned to a first receiving position for a first of the plurality of containers, in particular a first turning pair of a plurality of turning pairs, and a second of the further clamping elements is assigned to a second receiving position for a second of the plurality of containers, in particular a second turning pair of a plurality of turning pairs.

[0040] In order to prevent an unintentional movement out of the containers, in particular of the turning pair, it is advantageous if the container manipulation unit further comprises a securing system, in particular one that can be activated and deactivated, for limiting a displacement movement of the containers, in particular along the first and / or second turning conveyor device, when they are positioned for turning between the first turning conveyor device and the second turning conveyor device.

[0041] It is advantageous if the security system is activated in step c) and deactivated in step e). In this case, it can be provided that in step c) the securing of the containers and an activation of the security system are carried out in a temporally overlapping manner, simultaneously or sequentially. In particular, it can be provided that the securing is started or initiated at a first point in time and the activation takes place at a subsequent second point in time. Alternatively, it can be provided that the activation takes place at the first point in time and the securing is started or initiated at the subsequent second point in time. Analogously, it can be provided that in step e) the release of the turning pair and a deactivation of the security system are carried out in a temporally overlapping manner, simultaneously or sequentially.In particular, it can be provided that the release is initiated, initiated, and / or carried out at a first point in time, and the deactivation takes place at a subsequent second point in time. Alternatively, it can be provided that the deactivation takes place at the first point in time, and the release is initiated, initiated, and / or carried out at the subsequent second point in time. The securing system preferably comprises two stop elements assigned to the first turning conveyor device and / or preferably two stop elements assigned to the second turning conveyor device.

[0042] The stop elements assigned to the first turning conveyor device and / or assigned to the second turning conveyor device are preferably moved into the securing position by rotating the container manipulation unit about a horizontal rotation axis (R) before turning the containers, in particular the turning pair or the plurality of turning pairs. After turning the containers, in particular the turning pair or the plurality of turning pairs, by rotating the container manipulation unit about a horizontal rotation axis (R), the stop elements assigned to the first turning conveyor device and / or assigned to the second turning conveyor device can be moved into the starting position.

[0043] The stop elements assigned to the first turning conveyor device can be arranged at opposite ends of the first turning conveyor device and can be movably mounted between a starting position retracted relative to the first conveying plane and a securing position projecting relative to the first conveying plane (in the direction of the second conveying plane). In the retracted starting position, the containers or the turning pair can be moved past the stop element along the first turning conveyor device. In the securing position, the displacement of the containers or the turning pair along the first turning conveyor device is limited, in particular, by the stop elements.

[0044] Analogously, the stop elements assigned to the second turning conveyor device can be arranged at opposite ends of the second turning conveyor device and mounted for movement between a starting position retracted relative to the second conveying plane and a securing position projecting relative to the second conveying plane (in the direction of the first conveying plane). In the retracted starting position, the containers can be moved past the stop element along the first turning conveyor device. In the extended securing position, the movement of the containers along the first turning conveyor device is limited, in particular by the stop elements.

[0045] In the securing position, the aforementioned stop elements limit the movement of the containers along the first and second turning conveyors. In the starting position, however, the containers can move along the first and second turning conveyors past the stop elements. This means that in the securing position, a turning pair is securely held in the turning device even during turning.

[0046] It is advantageous if the stop elements assigned to the first turning conveyor device and / or the stop elements assigned to the second turning conveyor device are moved from the starting position to the securing position to activate the safety system and from the securing position to the starting position to deactivate the safety system.

[0047] The proposed measures are particularly advantageous when a large number of turning pairs are accommodated in the turning device at the same time and turned in succession, because the stop elements allow turning pairs located outside the axis of rotation, which are sometimes subject to high centrifugal forces during turning, to be held securely in the turning device.

[0048] In order to provide a mobile turning device, it can be provided that the turning device comprises an automated guided vehicle, for example an AMR or an AGV, wherein the support structure is arranged on the automated guided vehicle.

[0049] The further object is achieved with a method of the type mentioned at the outset, wherein the method comprises the following steps: i) providing a dispensing container containing goods by means of a first providing device; ii) providing a receiving container by means of a second providing device; iii) placing the receiving container over the dispensing container, forming a turning pair comprising the dispensing container and the receiving container placed over it; iv) turning the turning pair by means of an automatic turning device; v) providing the turning pair at a removal station and removing the dispensing container from the receiving container by means of an automatic removal device. In this case, the dispensing container is provided in step i) in the upright orientation, in particular as described above. The first providing device can form a turning plane on which the dispensing container is provided.Furthermore, in step ii), the receiving container is provided by means of a second provision device in the upside-down orientation, in particular as described above. The second provision device can form a provision plane on which the receiving container is provided.

[0050] The transfer in step iii) is carried out by means of an automatic transfer device such that the delivery container is at least partially arranged in the receiving container. Furthermore, during the transfer in step iv), the receiving container of the transfer pair is moved into the upright orientation, and the delivery container of the transfer pair is moved into the upside-down orientation. The delivery container remains in the receiving container. Thus, the goods are essentially tipped from the delivery container into the receiving container. For this purpose, the transfer device is preferably designed according to one of the previously described aspects.

[0051] In step v), the goods are dispensed into the receiving container by removing the dispensing container from the receiving container, for example, by pulling it upwards. Thus, the goods are easily transferred from the dispensing container to the receiving container. The method is preferably carried out using a transfer device according to one of the aspects described below.

[0052] Furthermore, the further object is achieved with a transfer device of the type mentioned at the outset, wherein the transfer device further comprises a slipping station with an automatic slipping device and a removal station with an automatic removal device.

[0053] The first provision device is configured to provide dispensing containers in an upright orientation at the turning station. Furthermore, the second provision device is configured to provide receiving containers in an upside-down orientation at the turning station.

[0054] Furthermore, the transfer device is configured to receive receiving containers provided on the transfer device and to transfer them over delivery containers provided on the transfer device to form turning pairs consisting of a delivery container and a receiving container placed over it. Furthermore, the transfer device is configured to receive turning pairs from the transfer station, turn them over so that the receiving container is oriented upright and the delivery container is oriented upside down, and transfer them to the removal station.

[0055] The removal device is designed to remove dispensing containers from receiving containers.

[0056] A particular advantage achieved with the method and device according to the invention is that the transfer of goods is carried out in a simple manner by forming and subsequently turning the turning pair, whereby the transfer can be carried out efficiently, reliably, and quickly. Furthermore, the goods are located in one of the containers at all times during the transfer and are thus always protected and secured by the delivery container and / or the receiving container. This enables particularly careful handling of the goods. Furthermore, even goods comprising a large number of, particularly small, items can be transferred reliably and without loss.

[0057] It is advantageous if the delivery container is transported to the inverting station in step i) by means of a delivery container conveyor and / or the receiving container in step ii) is transported by means of a receiving container conveyor. This enables automatic transport of the containers.

[0058] For this purpose, the first supply device can comprise a delivery container conveyor for transporting the delivery containers to the turning station, and / or the second supply device can comprise a receiving container conveyor for transporting the receiving containers to the turning station. It is advantageous if the delivery container conveyor and / or the receiving container conveyor each form a conveyor plane on which the respective containers can be transported. Particularly preferably, the delivery container conveyor is designed as a roller conveyor. The receiving container conveyor preferably comprises a roller conveyor and / or a belt conveyor.

[0059] To prepare the receiving container in the upside-down orientation, it can be provided for it to be delivered to the receiving container conveyor in the upside-down orientation. This can be done manually or automatically. However, it is advantageous if the receiving container rests with its base on the conveyor level, as this ensures particularly reliable transport on a roller conveyor. Therefore, the receiving container is preferably initially transported in the upright orientation and only turned into the upside-down orientation shortly before the inversion station.

[0060] It is therefore advantageous if the receiving container is transported in step ii) in the upright orientation to a container rotator of the transfer device, is then turned over by means of the container rotator and thereby brought into the upside down orientation, and is finally transported by the container rotator to the turning station.

[0061] It is preferably provided that the receiving container conveying device comprises a first conveying section for transporting the receiving container to the container rotator and a second conveying section for transporting the receiving container from the container rotator to the turning station.

[0062] It is furthermore advantageous if the second provision device has a container rotator which is designed to turn over a receiving container provided on the container rotator in an upright orientation in order to bring it into the upside-down orientation.

[0063] Thus, in step ii), the receiving container can be transported in the upright orientation in the first conveying section of the receiving container conveyor to the container rotator of the transfer device and turned over by the container rotator, whereby the receiving container is moved into the upside-down orientation. Subsequently, the receiving container can be transported in the second conveying section of the receiving container conveyor from the container rotator to the turning station. A particular advantage achieved in this way is that a large part of the transport of the receiving container can be carried out in the upright orientation, whereby the receiving container rests stably with its base and thus with a large surface area on the conveyor devices, thus ensuring reliable transport.

[0064] It is advantageously provided that the first conveyor section of the receiving container supply device is designed to transfer the receiving container to the container rotator and / or the second conveyor section of the receiving container supply device is designed to receive the receiving container from the container rotator. The first and second conveyor sections can be designed identically, for example as belt conveyors or roller conveyors. It is advantageously provided that the first conveyor section is provided by a roller conveyor and the second conveyor section by a belt conveyor, in particular a two-track belt conveyor. This enables particularly reliable transport of the receiving container, since it is avoided that the receiving container, when in the upside-down orientation, becomes caught with its upper edges on its side walls between conveyor rollers of the roller conveyor.

[0065] It can be provided that the container rotator comprises a robot unit and / or a turning device. The turning device can be designed in particular according to one of the aspects described above.

[0066] In order to rotate receiving containers using gravity, it is preferably provided that the first conveyor section is arranged at an upper height level and the second conveyor section is arranged at a lower height level, in particular one above the other. The container rotator preferably comprises a chute that is at least partially curved, in particular C-shaped, with a sliding surface, wherein the chute runs from the upper height level to the lower height level and a lower end of the chute adjoins the second conveyor section.

[0067] It is expedient if the first conveyor section is designed to deliver the receiving container onto the chute and / or the second conveyor section is designed to receive the receiving container from the chute.

[0068] It is advantageous if the container rotator has a tilting edge, which is arranged at an end of the first conveyor section facing the chute and adjoins the first conveyor section, and the sliding surface is arranged at a distance from the tilting edge, in particular parallel to it. The tilting edge can be formed, for example, by an end piece of the first conveyor section.

[0069] It is advantageous if, in step ii), the receiving container is tilted about the tipping edge and deposited onto the chute so that the receiving container rests at least partially against the sliding surface with the upper edges of the side walls of the receiving container, and is moved along the chute to the second conveyor section and deposited thereon, wherein the receiving container is brought into the upside-down orientation. In order to guide the receiving container along the chute, it can be provided that the container rotator comprises two opposing side guides which protrude from the sliding surface in the direction of the first conveyor section and laterally delimit the sliding surface. Preferably, the container rotator comprises a shaft through which the receiving container can slide, wherein a bottom wall of the shaft is formed by the chute and side walls of the shaft are formed by the side guides.

[0070] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the container rotator comprises a guide element arranged opposite the slide surface and preferably parallel to it, in order to guide the receiving container along the slide. The guide element can, for example, form a top wall of the shaft opposite the bottom wall.

[0071] In order to guide the receiving containers through the container rotator in a timed manner, it can be provided that the container rotator comprises a stop device which is designed to stop the receiving container along a slide path which leads along the slide from an upper end of the slide to a lower end of the slide, wherein the stop device comprises a first catch arm which is arranged between the upper end of the slide and the lower end of the slide and is adjustable between a catch position and a release position. As a result, a receiving container can already be delivered to the container rotator, even though a lower end of the slide or an exit of the container rotator is still occupied by a preceding receiving container. In the catch position, the first catch arm is moved into the slide path so that it is blocked. This means that the receiving container cannot pass through the catch arm and is thus stopped.In the release position, the first catch arm is moved out of the slide path, leaving it free. The receiving container is thus released by moving the catch arm from the catch position to the release position.

[0072] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the stop device comprises a second catch arm, which is arranged between the upper end of the slide and the first catch arm and is adjustable between a catch position in which the second catch arm is moved into the slide path, and a release position in which the second catch arm is moved out of the slide path. Thus, the receiving container can be stopped at different locations along the slide path. If necessary, two receiving containers can also be stopped along the slide path, namely one by the first catch arm and one by the second catch arm. Preferably, the first catch arm and the second catch arm are spaced from one another such that (exactly) one receiving container can be accommodated between them.

[0073] Furthermore, it can be provided that the first catching arm and the second catching arm are coupled to one another, in particular via a coupling mechanism, in such a way that the second catching arm is moved into the release position when the first catching arm is moved into the catching position, and the second catching arm is moved into the catching position when the first catching arm is moved into the release position. This enables a receiving container to be moved essentially in stages along the chute, namely first from the first conveyor section to the second catching arm, then from the second catching arm to the first catching arm, and finally from the first catching arm to the second conveyor section. This allows several receiving containers to be moved one after the other along the chute in a timed manner, thereby increasing the throughput of the container rotator. Coupling can be software-controlled, for example. Alternatively, a mechanical coupling mechanism can also be provided.

[0074] Particularly preferably, the first and second catch arms are rigidly connected to a shaft and essentially form a rocker that is pivotally mounted about a rotational axis running along the shaft. The rotational axis is preferably aligned parallel to the sliding surface. In this case, it can be provided that the first and second catch arms enclose an angle, in particular an angle of at least 90°, preferably of at least 120°, in particular approximately 135°. As a result, when the first catch arm is pivoted into the catch position, the second catch arm is automatically moved into the release position, and vice versa.

[0075] The transfer, i.e. the placing of the receiving container over the dispensing container, takes place at the transfer station using an automatic transfer device.

[0076] It is preferably provided that the slipping device comprises a slipping robot unit which is designed to pick up receiving containers and move them in space in order to slip receiving containers over dispensing containers.

[0077] It is advantageous if, in step iii), the receiving container is aligned above the delivery container by the slip-over device, in particular by the slip-over robot unit, and lowered in such a way that the receiving container is slipped (collision-free) over the delivery container, whereby the delivery container is received in the receiving container.

[0078] Preferably, the inverting station comprises a delivery container supply conveyor for supplying the delivery containers to the inverting device and / or a receiving container supply conveyor for supplying the receiving containers to the inverting device. The delivery container supply conveyor is preferably designed as a roller conveyor. Advantageously, the receiving container supply conveyor is designed as a belt conveyor to prevent the receiving container from becoming jammed, as described above.

[0079] The delivery container supply conveyor can, in particular, be connected to the delivery container conveyor or be formed by it. Similarly, the receiving container supply conveyor can be connected to the receiving container conveyor or be formed by it.

[0080] It is advantageous if the delivery container supply conveyor and / or the receiving container supply conveyor each form a conveying plane and each comprise at least one positioning element, which can be moved between a starting position of the positioning elements retracted relative to the conveying plane and a stop position projecting relative to the conveying plane. The positioning elements can be designed as stop elements against which the respective containers can be positioned. This allows the delivery containers and receiving containers to be precisely positioned in the conveying direction of the respective supply conveyor.

[0081] The positioning elements can, in particular, be arranged such that they can be moved from the starting position to the stop position between two adjacent conveyor rollers of the respective supply conveyor. If the supply conveyor, in particular the receiving container supply conveyor, comprises a belt conveyor, it is preferably designed as a two-track belt conveyor with two conveyor belts running parallel and spaced from one another. Thus, it can be provided that the positioning elements are arranged such that they can be moved from the starting position to the stop position between the parallel conveyor belts.

[0082] In order to position the containers orthogonally to the respective conveying direction, it is preferably provided that the slipping station comprises an alignment device which has horizontally extendable pushing elements for displacing the delivery containers on the delivery container supply conveyor and / or horizontally extendable pushing elements for displacing the receiving containers on the receiving container supply conveyor.

[0083] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the slip-on device comprises a gripping unit which is designed to receive at least one receiving container.

[0084] In this case, the gripping unit of the slip-on device can comprise a suction gripper, a clamping gripper, and / or a positive-locking gripper. This allows the receiving container, in particular a box, to be reliably gripped and lifted. The positive-locking gripper can, for example, comprise a plurality of pins that interact positively with projections, depressions, recesses, and / or holes in or on the receiving container to lift it.

[0085] It is also advantageous if the gripping unit of the transfer device is designed to accommodate a plurality of receiving containers, in particular two, three, or four receiving containers. Thus, several receiving containers can be simultaneously placed over several delivery containers, thereby shortening the cycle time of the transfer device and increasing throughput.

[0086] It is advantageous if, when the receiving container is placed over the dispensing container, the side walls of the dispensing container are pressed toward the opposite side wall by means of pressure elements to center the dispensing container in the receiving container. This allows any bulge in the dispensing container to be pressed in, thus reducing or compressing the opening of the dispensing container to such an extent that it fits into the receiving container.

[0087] For this purpose, it can be provided that the gripping unit has a plurality of pressing elements, in particular movable and / or forming a funnel, which can be placed on the side walls of the dispensing container in order to center the dispensing container relative to and / or in the receiving container when the receiving container is placed over it. The pressing elements are preferably arranged in pairs opposite one another so that they can be placed on opposite side walls of the dispensing container. The gripping unit therefore particularly preferably comprises two or four pressing elements. It is advantageous if the pressing elements can be moved from a (moved apart) starting position, in which opposing pressing elements are moved away from one another, into a (moved towards one another) pressing position, in which opposing pressing elements are moved towards one another.In the pressing position, the distance between opposing pressing elements is preferably equal to or less than the distance between opposing side walls against which the pressing elements are to be placed. For this purpose, the distance is preferably measured at those points on the opposing pressing elements that are closest together in the pressing position. It is advantageous if the pressing elements are mounted so that they can be pivoted or guided by a curved guide, allowing them to be moved from the starting position to the pressing position.

[0088] Preferably, opposing pressing elements are inclined towards each other in the pressing position so that they essentially form a funnel that tapers towards the top.

[0089] The transfer device can advantageously have a trapdoor through which the receiving container can be delivered downwards. The receiving container conveying device and / or the receiving container supply conveyor is preferably designed to deliver receiving containers onto the trapdoor. The delivery container supply conveyor can be arranged below the trapdoor and designed to align the delivery container with the trapdoor. The transfer device preferably comprises a shaft, in particular a vertical shaft, which connects the trapdoor and the delivery container supply conveyor such that the receiving container can be delivered through the trapdoor to an upper end of the shaft and to the delivery container supply conveyor at a lower end of the shaft.If a delivery container is provided at the lower end of the shaft by the delivery container supply conveyor, the receiving container is placed over the delivery container when it is dispensed at the lower end.

[0090] It is advantageous if step iv) includes:

[0091] Turning the turning pair by rotating a container manipulation unit about a horizontal rotation axis, wherein the turning device comprises the container manipulation unit.

[0092] This allows the turning process to be carried out in a small space. In particular, the container handling unit can be designed to transport and turn the containers or the turning pair.

[0093] The container manipulation unit may comprise a first turning conveyor device and a second turning conveyor device.

[0094] The container manipulation unit may be provided before step iv).

[0095] It is advantageous for the first turning conveyor device to form a first conveyor plane, and for the second turning conveyor device to form a second conveyor plane, wherein the first conveyor plane and the second conveyor plane are arranged at a normal distance from each other and opposite each other. This allows the turning pair to be easily picked up and held in the turning device.

[0096] It is also advantageous if the first turning conveyor device is equipped with at least one self-driven motor roller with a drive device, and the second turning conveyor device is equipped with a self-driven motor roller with a drive device. The conveyor rollers allow the turning pair to be transported within the turning device, as well as picked up and released from the turning device.

[0097] It is also particularly advantageous if the turning pair is secured between the first turning conveyor and the second turning conveyor of the container handling unit by means of a clamping device of the container handling unit. The clamping device ensures that the turning pair is securely held during the turning process.

[0098] Taking advantage of the advantages and effects previously described in connection with the method for turning containers, it is preferably provided that the turning in step iv) comprises the following steps:

[0099] Transporting the turning pair from the turning station to the turning device;

[0100] Transferring the turning pair to a container manipulation unit of the turning device;

[0101] Turning the turning pair according to a method for turning containers according to one of the previously described aspects; transferring the turning pair to the removal station.

[0102] It is therefore advantageous if the turning device of the transfer device is designed according to one of the aspects described above.

[0103] In a related aspect, a method is also advantageous which comprises the following steps: i) providing a dispensing container containing goods in an upright orientation at a slipping station by means of a first providing device; ii) providing a receiving container in an upside down orientation at the slipping station by means of a second providing device; iii) slipping the receiving container over the dispensing container by means of an automatic slipping device such that the dispensing container is at least partially arranged in the receiving container, whereby a turning pair is formed which comprises the dispensing container and the receiving container slipped over it;iv-a) Providing a container manipulation unit for transporting and turning the containers, which comprises a first turning conveyor device and a second turning conveyor device, wherein the first turning conveyor device forms a first conveying plane and the second turning conveyor device forms a second conveying plane, wherein the first conveying plane and the second conveying plane are arranged at a normal distance from one another and opposite one another; iv-b) Transporting the turning pair from the turning station to the turning device; iv-c) Transferring the turning pair, comprising the delivery container and the receiving container placed over the delivery container, to the container manipulation unit between the first turning conveyor device and the second turning conveyor device by placing the delivery container with its base on the first conveying plane;iv-d) optionally fixing the turning pair, in particular by means of a clamping device of the container manipulation unit between the first turning conveyor device and the second turning conveyor device of the container manipulation unit; iv-e) rotating the container manipulation unit about a horizontal rotation axis and turning the turning pair, in particular with the aid of a rotating device of the turning device; iv-f) delivering the turning pair to the second turning conveyor device, wherein the receiving container of the turning pair is placed with its base on the second conveyor level; iv-g) in the case of step iv-d) detaching or releasing the turning pair by means of the clamping device; iv-h) transporting the turning pair out of the container manipulation unit; iv-i) transferring the turning pair to the removal station. v) removing the delivery container from the receiving container by means of an automatic removal device, wherein the goods are delivered into the receiving container.

[0104] In this context, it is advantageous if the first turning conveyor device (101) of the container manipulation unit provided in step iv-a) comprises at least one self-driven motor roller (106') with a drive device and the second turning conveyor device (102) of the container manipulation unit provided in step iv-a) comprises a self-driven motor roller (106') with a drive device, in step iv-c) the at least one motor roller of the first turning conveyor device is driven by means of its drive device in order to position the turning pair in the container manipulation unit; the turning pair is transported out of the container manipulation unit in step iv-h) by the at least one motor roller of the second turning conveyor device being driven by means of its drive device.

[0105] The embodiments and advantages already mentioned in this aspect apply accordingly. In particular, step iv-g) can also be performed before step iv-f).

[0106] It is advantageously provided that the first supply device, in particular the dispensing container supply conveyor, forms a main conveying plane, and the turning device is adjustable between a first and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the first conveying plane of the turning device is aligned with the main conveying plane and in the second configuration the second conveying plane of the turning device is aligned with the main conveying plane.

[0107] Preferably, the removal station comprises a first removal conveyor for receiving turning pairs from the turning device, for providing the turning pairs at the removal device, and for transporting the receiving containers away from the turning device. Optionally, a second removal conveyor for receiving delivery containers from the removal device and for transporting the delivery containers away from the turning device. The first and / or second removal conveyor can each be designed as a roller conveyor or belt conveyor.

[0108] To position the turning pairs on the removal device, the first removal conveyor device can form a conveying plane and comprise at least one positioning element that can be moved between a starting position retracted relative to the conveying plane and a stop position projecting relative to the conveying plane. The positioning elements of the first removal conveyor device can be designed analogously to the previously described positioning elements of the supply conveyors.

[0109] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the removal station comprises an alignment device, which is designed, in particular, analogously to the previously described alignment device of the slipping station. The alignment device preferably has horizontally extendable push elements for displacing the turning pairs on the first removal conveyor device.

[0110] It is preferably provided that in step v) the removal of the dispensing container is carried out by the latter being grasped and lifted from above by the removal device, whereby the dispensing container is pulled out of the receiving container.

[0111] The removal device preferably comprises a removal robot unit configured to pick up dispensing containers and move them in space to remove them from the receiving containers. It is advantageous if the removal device comprises a gripping unit configured to pick up at least one dispensing container.

[0112] Preferably, the removal station comprises a retaining device for retaining the receiving container during the removal of the dispensing container. The retaining device can be designed, for example, as a clamping device. The clamping device preferably comprises opposing clamping elements that can be moved toward one another, between which the receiving container can be secured by clamping.

[0113] It is therefore advantageous if the receiving container is held back by the retaining device during step v).

[0114] In order to ensure that all the goods are dispensed from the dispensing container, it can be provided that the dispensing container is shaken during step v), in particular while it is lifted by the removal device.

[0115] For this purpose, the removal device can comprise a vibrating device configured to vibrate the dispensing container. For example, the vibrating device can be configured to move the gripping unit in an oscillating, back-and-forth, or up-and-down manner.

[0116] Furthermore, it can be provided that the removal station comprises a control device which is designed to check whether the dispensing container is empty after the dispensing container has been removed from the receiving container. For this purpose, the control device can, for example, have a sensor system for detecting goods in an interior of the dispensing container. The sensor system can, in particular, comprise an ultrasonic sensor, a distance sensor or a camera for recording an image of the interior of the dispensing container. Furthermore, the control device can have a data processing unit which evaluates an image recorded by the camera, in particular by means of an object recognition algorithm, in order to recognize goods. If no goods are detected, it can be confirmed that the dispensing container has been completely emptied.

[0117] It is advantageous if the inspection device is arranged between the first and second removal conveyor devices. This allows the dispensing container to be moved over the inspection device and the interior of the dispensing container to be detected.

[0118] In the method described, it is therefore preferably provided that after the dispensing container has been removed from the receiving container, the control device is used to check whether the dispensing container is empty.

[0119] In particular, it can be provided that the dispensing container is moved at a defined distance above the inspection device, and that the inspection device has a distance sensor by means of which a distance between the inspection device and the bottom of the dispensing container is detected. For example, the measured distance can be compared with a target distance, which is derived from the defined distance at which the dispensing container is moved. If the measured distance is shorter, this may indicate that goods remain in the dispensing container. The dispensing container can then be transported, for example, by the second removal conveyor to a troubleshooting workstation.

[0120] In order to be able to carry out the method particularly efficiently, it is advantageous if a plurality of dispensing containers, in particular three dispensing containers, are provided in step i) and a plurality of receiving containers, in particular three receiving containers, are provided in step ii). In this case, a number of provided dispensing containers preferably corresponds to a number of provided receiving containers. Furthermore, it is advantageous if step iii) is carried out simultaneously for the provided dispensing containers and receiving containers, wherein in each case a receiving container is placed over a respective dispensing container in order to form a plurality of turning pairs, in particular three turning pairs, and / or step iv) (in particular step iv-e) is carried out simultaneously for the turning pairs formed in step iii) and / or step v) is carried out simultaneously for the turning pairs turned in step iv).In this context, individually movable clamping elements are also of particular advantage.

[0121] By utilizing the advantages and effects described above, the object is further achieved with a picking warehouse of the type mentioned above, wherein the transfer device is designed according to one of the aspects described above. Preferably, the warehouse conveyor system is connected to the removal station of the transfer device, in particular to the first removal conveyor system, and / or is configured to receive receiving containers from it. It is expedient if the removal station, in particular the first removal conveyor system, of the transfer device is configured to transfer receiving containers to the warehouse conveyor system of the picking warehouse.

[0122] It is advantageous if the order-picking warehouse includes a delivery conveyor system for transporting the drop-off containers to the transfer device, in particular from the goods receiving area to the transfer device. It is particularly advantageous if the first provision device of the transfer device, in particular the drop-off container conveyor system, is connected to the delivery conveyor system and / or is configured to receive drop-off containers from the delivery conveyor system. It is expedient if the delivery conveyor system is designed to transfer drop-off containers to the first provision device, in particular to the drop-off container conveyor system, of the transfer device.

[0123] In addition, the picking warehouse can comprise a picking conveyor system that connects the warehouse and the picking station, a shipping conveyor system for transporting shipping containers that connects the picking station to a goods exit of the picking warehouse, and / or an empties conveyor system for transporting empty receiving containers to the transfer device.

[0124] The previously described conveying devices of the transfer device, in particular the delivery container conveying device, the receiving container conveying device, the first removal conveying device, and / or the second removal conveying device, as well as the conveying techniques described in connection with the order-picking warehouse, in particular the delivery conveyor, the warehouse conveyor, the order-picking conveyor, the shipping conveyor, and / or the empties conveyor, can each comprise a stationary conveyor and / or a mobile conveyor. On the one hand, the stationary conveyor can comprise a continuous conveyor, for example, a roller conveyor and / or a belt conveyor. On the other hand, the mobile conveyor can comprise a discontinuous conveyor, for example, an automated guided vehicle.The driverless transport system can comprise a plurality of driverless transport vehicles, in particular automatically guided transport vehicles, so-called “Automated Guided Vehicles” (AGVs for short) and / or autonomously movable transport vehicles, so-called “Autonomous Mobile Robots” (AMR for short).

[0125] Preferably, the conveying devices each form a conveying plane on which containers can rest and be transported. These conveying planes can be provided, for example, by conveyor rollers of a roller conveyor, by a conveyor belt of a belt conveyor, by a receiving platform of a transport vehicle, or the like.

[0126] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.

[0127] They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

[0128] Fig. 1a to 1d show a turning device for turning containers;

[0129] Fig. 2a to 2c show a further turning device for turning containers;

[0130] Fig. 3 a motor roller;

[0131] Fig. 4 a roller group consisting of a motor roller and several conveyor rollers;

[0132] Fig. 5 shows a transfer device for transferring goods from a delivery container to a receiving container;

[0133] Fig. 6 shows an enlarged section of the transfer device;

[0134] Fig. 7a and 7b show a container rotator for turning over receiving containers;

[0135] Fig. 8a to 8c a turning station for forming turning pairs;

[0136] Fig. 9a to 9d a gripping unit of a slipping device;

[0137] Fig. 10a to 10c a removal station for separating turning pairs;

[0138] Fig. 11 shows a functional principle of the transfer device;

[0139] Fig. 12a to 12e the transfer device in plan view;

[0140] Fig. 13 shows a picking warehouse. By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations, whereby the disclosures contained throughout the description can be applied mutatis mutandis to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure and, in the event of a change in position, is to be applied mutatis mutandis to the new position.

[0141] Fig. 1a to Fig. 1c and Fig. 2a to Fig. 2c show a side view of a turning device 100 for containers S, T, in particular for turning pairs. A turning pair generally comprises one or more delivery containers S and a receiving container T placed over this or these delivery containers S.

[0142] For transporting and turning the containers S, T, the turning device 100 comprises a container manipulation unit. The container manipulation unit has a first turning conveyor device 101 and a second turning conveyor device 102. The first turning conveyor device 101 forms a first conveying plane FE', and the second turning conveyor device 102 forms a second conveying plane FE". As can be seen from Fig. 1a, the turning conveyor devices 101, 102 are arranged opposite one another with conveying planes FE', FE" directed towards one another. Furthermore, the container manipulation unit comprises an optional clamping device for fixing the containers S, T between the first turning conveyor device 101 and the second turning conveyor device 102.

[0143] The turning device 100 further comprises a rotating device having a pivoting frame 103 and a stationary support structure 104. The pivoting frame 103 is mounted on the support structure 104 for rotation about a rotation axis R. The first and second turning conveyor devices 101, 102 are mounted on the pivoting frame 103. The rotating device preferably comprises a rotary drive 105, by which the pivoting frame 103 can be rotated. Rotation of the pivoting frame 103 of the rotating device therefore results in the turning of a turning pair.

[0144] In addition, the turning conveyor devices 101, 102 each comprise a plurality of optional conveyor rollers 106. At least one conveyor roller 106 of the first turning conveyor device 101 and at least one conveyor roller 106 of the second turning conveyor device 102 is designed as a self-driven, in particular gearless, motor roller 106' with a drive device.

[0145] According to one embodiment of the clamping device, it is provided that it has at least one clamping element 107 arranged between two (adjacent) conveyor rollers 106 of the second turning conveyor device 102. The at least one clamping element 107 is movable along a clamping direction in the direction of the first turning conveyor device 101 in order to fix containers S, T by clamping. For this purpose, the at least one clamping element 107 can be moved between a starting position retracted relative to the second conveying plane FE" and a clamping position projecting relative to the second conveying plane FE" in the direction of the first conveying plane FE'.

[0146] Analogously, it can be provided that the clamping device has at least one further clamping element 108, which is arranged between two (adjacent) conveyor rollers 106 of the first turning conveyor device 101. The at least one further clamping element 108 is movable along the clamping direction in the direction of the second turning conveyor device 102 in order to fix containers S, T by clamping. For this purpose, the at least one further clamping element 108 can be moved between a starting position retracted relative to the first conveying plane FE' and a clamping position projecting relative to the first conveying plane FE' in the direction of the second conveying plane FE".

[0147] The at least one clamping element 107 is arranged in the clamping position in Fig. 1a to Fig. 1c and in the starting position in Fig. 1d. Furthermore, the at least one further clamping element 108 is arranged in the starting position in Fig. 1a to Fig. 1d.

[0148] Alternatively, the clamping device may be provided with an adjustment mechanism to change a normal distance between the first conveying plane FE' and the second conveying plane FE". For this purpose, the turning conveyor devices 101, 102 are mounted on the pivoting frame 103 by means of the adjustment mechanism so as to be movable relative to one another along the clamping direction. This is shown schematically in Fig. 2a to Fig. 2c.

[0149] Although not explicitly shown, it can also be provided that the clamping device has both the previously described clamping elements 107 and the described adjustment mechanism. Furthermore, the container manipulation unit can have an optional securing system with a plurality of stop elements 109. The stop elements 109 are arranged at both ends of the turning conveyor devices 101, 102 and, analogously to the clamping elements 107, can be moved between a starting position retracted relative to the respective conveying plane FE', FE" and a securing position protruding relative to the respective conveying plane FE', FE". The securing position essentially corresponds to the clamping position. The stop elements 109 are provided in the securing position in Fig. 1a to Fig. 1c and in the starting position in Fig. 1d. The securing system can be provided in all described embodiments of the clamping device, although this is not shown in Fig.2a to Fig. 2c is not shown for reasons of clarity.

[0150] In order to turn one or more containers S, T and / or one or more turning pairs, these are provided on the first turning conveyor device 101, as shown in Fig. 1a or Fig. 2a.

[0151] Subsequently, the containers S, T are fixed between the first and second turning conveyor devices 101, 102. This can be done by means of the clamping elements 107 as shown in Fig. 1a or by means of the adjustment mechanism as shown in Fig. 2b.

[0152] Furthermore, the containers S, T can be secured by means of the previously described securing system by moving the stop elements 109 into the securing position, as shown by way of example in Fig. 1a.

[0153] Now, the container manipulation unit can be rotated, in particular by 180°, about the rotation axis R, whereby the containers S, T and / or the turning pairs are turned, as can be seen from Fig. 1b, Fig. 1c and Fig. 2c.

[0154] In order to release the containers S, T or the turning pairs after turning, the clamping elements 107 can be moved from the clamping position into the starting position, whereby the containers S, T are lowered onto the second conveying level FE", as shown in Fig. 1d. Alternatively, the turning conveyor devices 101, 102 can be moved apart again by means of the adjusting mechanism in order to release the containers S, T or the turning pairs, as shown in Fig. 2c. If the containers S, T were secured by means of the securing system, the stop elements 109 can now also be moved back into the starting position, as is also shown by way of example in Fig. 1d.

[0155] Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a conveyor roller 106 of the turning device 100, designed as a motor roller 106'. For reasons of clarity, an electrical connection of the motor roller 106' to an electrical power supply is not shown. The motor roller comprises a roller axis 113 and a roller body 116 rotatably mounted relative to the latter. The drive device of the motor roller 106' comprises an electric motor with a rotor 110 arranged coaxially to the roller axis 113, which is connected (rotationally fixed) to the roller body 116, and a stator 111 arranged coaxially to the roller axis 113. Typically, a conveyor roller 106, in particular the motor roller 106', is rotatably mounted via the roller axis 113 on opposite frame profiles 114 of the respective turning conveyor device 101, 102. Optionally, the motor roller 106' can additionally have a brake 112.Particularly preferably, the motor roller 106' is designed as described in WO 2016 / 141396 A1.

[0156] Furthermore, it can be provided that several conveyor rollers 106 of the first turning conveyor device 101 form a roller group and / or that several conveyor rollers 106 of the second turning conveyor device 102 form a roller group. Such a roller group is shown in Fig. 4. The roller group comprises a motor roller 106' and several conveyor rollers 106. The conveyor rollers 106 are connected to the motor roller 106' via a belt transmission 115. Belts of the belt transmission 115 can be guided in guide grooves 117 optionally provided for this purpose on the conveyor rollers 106 and the motor roller 106'. Such optional guide grooves 117 are shown by way of example in Fig. 3. The guide grooves 117 can be arranged, for example, on the roller body 116 or on a connecting part onto which the roller body 116 is attached.

[0157] In Fig. 5, a transfer device 1 for automatically transferring goods from a delivery container S into a receiving container T is shown in perspective view, wherein the transfer device 1 comprises a first supply device 2, a second supply device 3, a turning station 4, a turning device 100 and a removal station 5.

[0158] In order to transport the dispensing container S to the slipping station 4, it is preferably provided that the first supply device 2 comprises a dispensing container conveyor device 21. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the second supply device 3 comprises a receiving container conveyor device 31a, 31b.

[0159] Optionally, the second supply device 3 can comprise a container rotator 6, which is configured to move the receiving container T from the upright orientation to the upside-down orientation. It is advantageous if the receiving container conveying device 31a, 31b has a first conveying section 31a leading toward the container rotator 6 and a second conveying section 31b leading away from the container rotator 6.

[0160] Furthermore, the slipping station 4 has a slipping device 41, which is configured to slip receiving containers T provided at the slipping station 4 over delivery containers S also provided at the slipping station 4, in order to form turning pairs. The turning pairs are formed such that the delivery container S of the respective turning pair is in an upright orientation and the receiving container T of the respective turning pair is in an upside-down orientation. The slipping station 4 is preferably arranged in a conveyor-related manner adjacent to the first supply device 2 and the second supply device 3.

[0161] It is expedient if the slip-on device 41 comprises a gripping unit 7 designed to grip receiving containers T. Preferably, the slip-on device 41 is designed as a gantry robot with such a gripping unit 7, as shown by way of example in Fig. 5. Alternatively, however, the slip-on device 41 can also be designed as an articulated-arm robot with such a gripping unit 7.

[0162] The turning device 100 is configured to turn the turning pairs formed in the turning station 4 so that the delivery containers S are in the upside-down orientation and the receiving containers T are in the upright orientation. The turning device 100 is preferably arranged in a conveyor-related manner adjacent to the turning device 41. Particularly preferably, the turning device 100 is configured according to one of the previously described aspects.

[0163] Finally, the removal station 5 has a removal device 51 which is designed to remove delivery containers S from the receiving containers T, in particular to separate turning pairs. The removal station 5 preferably comprises a first removal conveyor device 52, by means of which turning pairs are taken over from the turning device 100 and made available at the removal station 5. By means of the first removal conveyor device 52, the receiving containers T can also be transported away from the removal device 51. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the removal station 5 comprises a second removal conveyor device 53, to which removed delivery containers S are delivered and by means of which the delivery containers S can be transported away from the removal device 51.

[0164] It is expedient if the removal device 51 comprises a gripping unit 7 designed to grip dispensing containers S. Preferably, the removal device 51 is designed as a gantry robot with such a gripping unit 7, as shown by way of example in Fig. 5. Alternatively, however, the removal device 51 can also be designed as an articulated-arm robot with such a gripping unit 7.

[0165] In Fig. 6, the first and second supply devices 2, 3 and the turning station 4 are shown in an enlarged view, wherein the turning device 41 is not shown for reasons of clarity.

[0166] As can be seen in Fig. 6, the first conveyor section 31a leads to the container rotator 6, with the receiving container T being transported in an upright orientation. The second conveyor section 31b leads away from the container rotator 6 and toward the eversion station 4.

[0167] As shown, it can be provided that the first conveyor section 31a is arranged at an upper height level and the second conveyor section 31b is arranged at a lower height level. The two conveyor sections 31a, 31b are preferably arranged one above the other and aligned with each other.

[0168] As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the container rotator 6 may comprise a, in particular C-shaped, chute 61. The chute 61 extends at least partially along an arc and thus connects the first conveyor section 31a to the second conveyor section 31b.

[0169] The container rotator 6 can further comprise a tilting edge 62, via which the receiving container T can be tilted downwards. Thus, the receiving container T can be transported in an upright orientation via the first conveyor section 31a to the container rotator 6 and delivered to the chute 61 via the tilting edge 62. In this case, the container S, T is tilted substantially downwards so that its open side, in particular with upper edges of side walls of the receiving container T, at least partially rests on a sliding surface of the chute 61, as indicated by the dashed receiving container T. The tilting edge 62 can be provided, for example, by an end piece of the first conveyor section 31a.

[0170] In order to limit the chute 61 laterally, the container rotator 6 can have two opposite side guides 63.

[0171] Furthermore, the container rotator 6 may comprise a guide element 64, which is arranged opposite the sliding surface and guides the receiving container T along the slide 61. As can be seen in Fig. 6, the slide 61, the side guides 63 and the guide element 64 can essentially form a shaft through which the receiving container T can be guided.

[0172] The receiving container T can slide downwards along the chute 61, in particular by utilizing gravity, and be transferred in an upside-down orientation to the second conveyor section 31b, as indicated in Fig. 6 by a dashed receiving container T.

[0173] Furthermore, the container rotator 6 can include a stop device. Preferably, the stop device comprises a first catch arm 65, which is positioned between the upper end of the chute 61 and the lower end of the chute 61 and is adjustable between a catch position and a release position.

[0174] When moving the receiving container T along the chute 61, the first catching arm 65 can initially be arranged in the catching position, so that the receiving container T is delivered to the container rotator 6, moved to the first catching arm 65, and stopped by it, as shown by way of example in Fig. 7a. To release the receiving container T, the first catching arm 65 is moved from the catching position to the release position, the receiving container T is released, and moved to the lower end of the chute 61, as shown by way of example in Fig. 7b.

[0175] So that several collection containers can be moved in a synchronized manner by the container rotator 6, the stop device can comprise a second catch arm 66, which is positioned between the upper end of the chute 61 and the first catch arm 65 and, like the first catch arm 65, is adjustable between a catch position and a release position. For this purpose, the first catch arm 65 and the second catch arm 66 can be rigidly connected to a shaft 67, as shown in Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b, and thus form a rocker which is pivotally mounted about an axis of rotation running along the shaft 67. If the rocker is pivoted in a first direction, for example counterclockwise, the first catch arm 65 is moved into the catch position and the second catch arm 66 is moved into the release position.If the rocker is pivoted in a second direction opposite to the first direction, for example clockwise, the first catch arm 65 is moved into the release position and the second catch arm 66 is moved into the catch position.

[0176] Thus, when turning over several receiving containers T, it can be provided that the first catching arm 65 is initially positioned in the catching position and the second catching arm 66 is positioned in the release position, as shown in Fig. 7a. The receiving container T can thus be delivered to the container rotator 6, moved to the first catching arm 65, and stopped by it.

[0177] Subsequently, the first catching arm 65 can be moved into the release position and, in particular at the same time, the second catching arm 66 can be moved into the catching position, as shown in Fig. 7b. In this case, the first receiving container T is released and moved to the lower end of the chute 61. Meanwhile, another receiving container T can already be delivered to the container rotator 6. This is moved along the chute 61 to the second catching arm 66 and stopped by it.

[0178] If the second catching arm 66 is subsequently moved into the release position and the first catching arm 65 into the catching position, the further receiving container T is transferred from the second catching arm 66 to the first catching arm 65, as can be seen from a combination of Fig. 7b and Fig. 7a.

[0179] In order to provide the dispensing containers S at the unillustrated slipping device 41, the slipping station 4 can comprise a dispensing container supply conveyor 42. Analogously, the slipping station 4 can comprise a receiving container supply conveyor 43 in order to provide the receiving containers T at the unillustrated slipping device 41.

[0180] The delivery container supply conveyor 42 and the receiving container supply conveyor 43 can each be designed as a roller conveyor and / or a belt conveyor. Particularly preferably, the delivery container supply conveyor 42 is designed as a roller conveyor and the receiving container supply conveyor 43 as a belt conveyor, in particular as a two-track belt conveyor with two conveyor belts running parallel and spaced from one another, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0181] In order to position the delivery containers S and / or the receiving containers T at defined positions and, in particular, to align them with one another, it can be provided that the delivery container supply conveyor 42 and / or the receiving container supply conveyor 43 each have at least one positioning element 8. The supply conveyors shown, for example, each comprise three positioning elements 8 arranged downstream of one another in the conveying direction. The first removal conveyor device 52 can also comprise such positioning elements 8, as can be seen in Fig. 5.

[0182] As can be seen in Fig. 6, the positioning elements 8 can be moved between a starting position retracted relative to a conveying plane of the respective supply conveyor 42, 43 or the first removal conveyor device 52, in which the positioning elements 8 are arranged below the respective conveying plane, and a stop position projecting (upwards) relative to the respective conveying plane.

[0183] In the example shown, a first positioning element 8 and a second positioning element 8 of the delivery container supply conveyor 42 and of the receiving container supply conveyor 43, which is arranged upstream of the first positioning element 8, are in the stop position, with a delivery container S and a receiving container T being positioned against the first positioning element 8 of the respective supply conveyor 42, 43. In addition, a further delivery container S and a further receiving container T can be positioned against the second positioning element 8 of the respective supply conveyor 42, 43. Finally, a third positioning element 8 of the delivery container supply conveyor 42 and of the receiving container supply conveyor 43, which is arranged upstream of the respective second positioning element 8, is arranged in the starting position, so that the further delivery container S or the further receiving container T can be transported over the respective third positioning element 8.

[0184] If the respective supply conveyor 42, 43 is designed as a belt conveyor, in particular as a two-track belt conveyor, it can be provided that the positioning elements 8 are movably arranged between the conveyor belts, as shown in Fig. 6 using the example of the receiving container supply conveyor 43. Alternatively, it can be provided that the positioning elements 8 are movably arranged between two adjacent conveyor rollers 106, as shown in Fig. 6 using the example of the discharge container supply conveyor 42, if the respective supply conveyor 42, 43 is designed as a roller conveyor.

[0185] Furthermore, it can be provided that the slipping station 4 comprises an optional alignment device. The alignment device preferably has at least one horizontally extendable pusher element 9 for displacing the delivery containers S on the delivery container supply conveyor 42 and / or at least one horizontally extendable pusher element 9 for displacing the receiving containers T on the receiving container supply conveyor 43. As shown in Fig. 12a to Fig. 12e, the removal station 5 can also comprise such an alignment device, which has at least one horizontally extendable pusher element 9 for displacing the turning pairs on the first removal conveyor 52.

[0186] It is advantageous if the dispensing container conveying device 21 comprises a roller conveyor as in the example shown.

[0187] Fig. 8a to Fig. 8c show a front view of the slipping station 4. The gripping unit 7 of the slipping device 41 is configured to pick up the receiving containers T.

[0188] For slipping over, the dispensing container S and the receiving container T are provided at the slipping station 4 as described above and positioned by means of the positioning elements 8 (not shown in Fig. 8a to Fig. 8c). If necessary, the dispensing container S and the receiving container T are positioned horizontally by the pushing elements 9 as described above. This is shown in Fig. 8a.

[0189] In order to place receiving containers T over delivery containers S, these are picked up by the gripping unit 7 of the transfer device 41 and, if necessary, lifted, as can be seen from a comparison of Fig. 8a and Fig. 8b. Subsequently, the receiving containers T are positioned above the delivery containers S and lowered onto them, as can be seen in Fig. 8c. This forms the so-called turning pairs.

[0190] It can be provided that the gripping unit 7 of the slip-on device 41 is dimensioned such that it can accommodate several, in particular three, receiving containers T, as shown below in Fig. 12a to Fig. 12e. Thus, several, in particular three, turning pairs can be formed simultaneously. Fig. 9a to Fig. 9d show the slipping of the receiving container T over the dispensing container S. To grip the receiving container T, the gripping unit 7 can comprise several gripping elements 71, which can be designed, for example, as suction grippers or as clamping grippers.

[0191] In addition, the gripping unit 7 can have several, in particular four, optional pressing elements 72 in order to center the dispensing container S during the turning process relative to and / or in the receiving container T. The pressing elements 72 are preferably arranged opposite one another in pairs so that they can be placed against the side walls of the dispensing container S. The pressing elements 72 are preferably movable, for example mounted on the gripping unit 7 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis.

[0192] When slipped over, the pressing elements 72 can be adjusted, for example pivoted, from an initial position shown in Fig. 9a into a pressing position shown in Fig. 9b. In the pressing position, opposing pressing elements 72 are spaced apart from one another such that, when the gripping unit 7 is lowered, they are placed against opposite side walls of the dispensing container S and, if necessary, press these in the direction of the respective opposite side wall, as shown in Fig. 9b and Fig. 9c. A distance between opposing pressing elements 72 in the respective pressing position preferably corresponds at most to one width or length of the receiving container.

[0193] Preferably, the pressing elements 72 are arranged at an angle in the pressing position, so that opposing pressing elements 72 essentially form a funnel tapering upwards. Thus, the upper edges of the side walls of the dispensing container S are essentially introduced into the receiving container T.

[0194] When the receiving container T is placed over the dispensing container S, the pressing elements 72 can be moved back from the pressing position to the starting position, as shown in Fig. d.

[0195] Fig. 10a to Fig. 10c show a front view of the removal station 5. The gripping unit 7 of the removal station 5 is configured to receive the delivery containers S. The removal station 5 comprises, on the one hand, the first removal conveyor device 52, on which the turning pairs are provided, as shown in Fig. 10a. On the other hand, the removal station 5 comprises the second removal conveyor device 53, by means of which delivery containers S removed from the receiving containers T can be transported away, as can be seen in Fig. 10c.

[0196] When removing the dispensing container S from the receiving container T, in particular in order to separate a turning pair, the gripping unit 7 of the removal device 51 is first positioned above the turning pair, as indicated in Fig. 10a. The dispensing containers S are then picked up and lifted by the gripping unit 7, whereby the dispensing containers S are pulled out of the receiving containers T. In this case, it is expedient if the receiving container T is held back or fixed by an optional retaining device 55 of the removal station, as shown in Fig. 10a. For this purpose, the retaining device preferably comprises clamping elements lying opposite one another (in pairs). For reasons of clarity, the retaining device is not shown in Fig. 10b and Fig. 10c.

[0197] The discharge container T pulled out of the receiving container T is transferred by the removal device 51 from the first removal conveyor device 52 to the second removal conveyor device 53, as can be seen from a combination of Fig. 10b and Fig. 10c.

[0198] To check whether the dispensing container S is empty, the removal station can have an optional control device 54, which in particular has a sensor system for detecting an interior of the dispensing container S, for example a camera, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like. The control device 54 is arranged, for example, between the first and second removal conveyor devices 52, 53. Thus, the dispensing container S can be moved over the control device 54 by means of the removal device 51, as shown in Fig. 10b, wherein the control device 54 can detect an interior of the dispensing container.

[0199] Finally, the receiving containers T, now filled with goods, can be removed. Furthermore, the delivery containers S can be delivered to the second removal conveyor device 53, as shown in Fig. 10c, and transported, for example, to a disposal site. It can be provided that the gripping unit 7 of the removal device 51 is dimensioned such that it can accommodate several, in particular three, delivery containers S, as shown below in Fig. 12a to Fig. 12e. Thus, several, in particular three, turning pairs can be separated simultaneously.

[0200] Fig. 11 schematically illustrates the functional principle of the transfer device 1. First, a delivery container S filled with goods is provided in an upright orientation, i.e., with the open side facing up, and a receiving container T, particularly an empty one, is provided in an upside-down orientation, i.e., with the open side facing down. The open side of the respective containers S, T is indicated in Fig. 11 by three small arrows.

[0201] Subsequently, the receiving container T is placed over the discharge container S, as indicated by a downward-pointing arrow. The thus formed turning pair, which comprises the discharge container S and the receiving container T, is turned by a 180° rotation, as indicated by a curved arrow.

[0202] Finally, the delivery container S can be removed from the receiving container T. This is indicated by an upward-pointing arrow. The goods are then dispensed into the receiving container T. The delivery container S is now in the upside-down orientation, while the receiving container T is in the upright orientation.

[0203] Optionally, two or more (small) dispensing containers S can be provided and the receiving container T can be placed over the two or more dispensing containers S, for example if goods from several small dispensing containers S are to be dispensed into a (single) large receiving container T. In this case, the turning pair comprises a receiving container T and two or more dispensing containers S. The turning pair can now be turned and subsequently the two or more dispensing containers S can be removed from the receiving container T by means of the removal device 51.

[0204] In Fig. 12a to Fig. 12e, the transfer device 1 is shown in a simplified representation in plan view.

[0205] In a method for transferring goods from a delivery container S into a receiving container T, in a first and second step i) and ii) delivery container S is provided by means of the first provision device 2 and receiving container T is provided by means of the second provision device 3 at the turning station 4, as shown in Fig. 12a.

[0206] Here, the delivery containers S can be transported to the turning station 4 by the delivery container conveyor 21, and the receiving containers T can be transported by the receiving container conveyor 31a, 31b. The conveying direction is indicated by an arrow. Particularly preferably, the delivery containers S and / or the receiving containers T are positioned in steps i) and ii) as previously described by means of the positioning elements 8 and / or aligned by means of the pushing elements 9.

[0207] In a subsequent step iii), the slipping takes place, wherein the provided receiving containers T are slipped over the dispensing containers S by the slipping device 41, as indicated in Fig. 12b. Step iii) preferably takes place as described in connection with Fig. 8a to Fig. 8c.

[0208] By placing the receiving containers T over the delivery containers S, the turning pairs are formed, which are then transferred to the turning device 100.

[0209] In a fourth step iv), the turning pairs are positioned in the turning device 100 and rotated by the latter about its rotation axis R to turn the turning pairs, as schematically illustrated in Fig. 12c. Turning preferably takes place as previously described in connection with the turning device 100.

[0210] Subsequently, the now turned turning pairs are provided at the removal station 5 as shown in Fig. 12d. Here, the turning pairs can be transferred from the turning device 100 to the first removal conveyor device 52 and provided in the effective area of ​​the removal device 51.

[0211] The turning pairs provided at the removal station 5 can be separated in a subsequent step v) by removing the delivery containers S from the receiving containers T by the removal device 51, in particular as previously described in connection with Fig. 10a to Fig. 10c.

[0212] Furthermore, the receiving containers T can be transferred to the second removal conveyor device 53 and transported away from the removal device 51 by the latter. This is shown in Fig. 12e. The receiving containers T can be transported away from the removal device 51 by means of the first removal conveyor device 52 and transported, for example, to a container storage facility.

[0213] The method can be carried out sequentially for one delivery container S and one receiving container T or, as shown in Fig. 12a to Fig. 12e, simultaneously for several, in particular three, delivery containers S and receiving containers T, wherein also several, in particular three, turning pairs are formed.

[0214] Fig. 13 shows a schematic representation of an order picking warehouse 10 with a transfer device 1, which is designed according to one of the aspects described above.

[0215] The picking warehouse 10 comprises a goods receipt 11 for receiving goods delivered in delivery containers S, for example, in delivery containers. The delivery containers S can be transported from the goods receipt 11 to the transfer device 1. For this purpose, the picking warehouse 10 can comprise a delivery conveyor system 12a, which connects the goods receipt 11 and the transfer device 1. Alternatively, the transfer device 1 can be arranged directly adjacent to the goods receipt 11.

[0216] By means of the transfer device 1, delivered goods can be decanted, i.e. transferred from the delivery containers S into, in particular storable, receiving containers T, for example boxes.

[0217] In addition, the picking warehouse 10 comprises a warehouse 13 for storing receiving containers T filled with goods. It is provided that the picking warehouse 10 has a storage conveyor system 12b for transporting the receiving containers T between the transfer device 1 and the warehouse 13. The storage conveyor system 12b is preferably connected to the first removal conveyor system 52 of the transfer device 1.

[0218] The picking warehouse 10 further comprises a picking station 14, preferably with at least one picking device, for transferring goods from the receiving containers T into shipping containers according to picking orders. It is provided that the picking warehouse 10 has a picking conveyor system 12c for transporting the receiving containers T between the goods warehouse 13 and the picking station 14. Furthermore, it can be provided that the picking warehouse 10 includes a goods exit 15, which is connected to the picking station 14 via a shipping conveyor system 12d.

[0219] Optionally, the picking warehouse 10 comprises a receiving container buffer 16 for temporarily storing or storing empty receiving containers T.

[0220] Furthermore, it can be provided that the picking warehouse 10 comprises an empties conveyor system 12e, which connects the picking station 14 and the transfer device 1, the picking station 14 and the receiving container buffer 16, and / or the receiving container buffer 16 and the transfer device 1. The empties conveyor system 12e preferably connects to the receiving container conveyor device 31a, 31b, in particular to the first conveyor section 31a, in order to transport empty receiving containers T from the picking station 14 and / or from the receiving container buffer 16 to the transfer device 1.

[0221] Finally, it should be noted that the scope of protection is determined by the patent claims. However, the description and drawings should be considered for the interpretation of the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions in their own right.

[0222] In particular, it is also noted that the devices depicted 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.

[0223] Reference symbol list

[0224] Transfer device first provision device

[0225] Dispensing container conveyor device second supply device a, 31b Receiving container conveyor device a first conveyor section b second conveyor section

[0226] Stülp station

[0227] S tuck device

[0228] Dispensing container supply conveyor

[0229] Receiving container supply conveyor

[0230] Collection station

[0231] Removal device first removal conveyor device second removal conveyor device

[0232] Control device

[0233] restraint device

[0234] Container turner

[0235] slide

[0236] tipping edge

[0237] Side guide

[0238] Guide element first tentacle second tentacle

[0239] Wave

[0240] gripping unit

[0241] Gripping elements

[0242] Pressure elements

[0243] Positioning element

[0244] Shear element

[0245] picking warehouse

[0246] Goods receipt a..12e conveyor technology

[0247] warehouse

[0248] Picking station

[0249] Goods issue

[0250] Receiving container buffer 0 Turning device 1 First turning conveyor device 2 Second turning conveyor device 3 Pivoting frame 104 Support structure

[0251] 105 Rotary drive

[0252] 106 conveyor roller

[0253] 106' Motor roll

[0254] 107 clamping element

[0255] 108 additional clamping element

[0256] 109 Stop element

[0257] 110 Rotor

[0258] 111 Stator

[0259] 112 Brake

[0260] 113 Roller axle

[0261] 114 frame profile

[0262] 115 Belt drive

[0263] 116 roller bodies

[0264] 117 Guide groove

[0265] FE' first funding level

[0266] FE" second funding level

[0267] R rotation axis

[0268] S Disposal container

[0269] T Receptacle

[0270] W goods

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. A turning device (100) for containers (S, T), in particular a turning pair comprising a delivery container (S) and a receiving container (T) placed over the delivery container (S), with a container manipulation unit for transporting and turning the containers (S, T) and a rotating device for rotating the container manipulation unit, wherein the container manipulation unit comprises a first turning conveyor device (101) with a first conveying plane (FE') and a second turning conveyor device (102) with a second conveying plane (FE"), wherein the first and second conveying planes (FE', FE") are arranged opposite one another and directed towards one another, and wherein the containers (S, T) are positionable between the first and second turning conveyor devices (101, 102), and wherein the rotating device comprises a pivoting frame (103) and a support structure (104),wherein the pivoting frame (103) is mounted on the support structure (104) so ​​as to be rotatable about a rotation axis (R) and the first and second turning conveyor devices (101, 102) are arranged on the pivoting frame (103).

2. Turning device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second turning conveyor devices (101, 102) each comprise a plurality of conveyor rollers (106), wherein at least one conveyor roller (106) of the conveyor rollers (106) is designed as a motor roller (106') with a drive device.

3. Turning device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the container manipulation unit comprises a clamping device which is designed to fix the containers (S, T) between the first and second turning conveyor devices (101, 102).

4. Turning device (100) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the motor roller (106 ') comprises a roller axis (113) and a roller body (116) rotatably mounted relative to the latter, and the drive device comprises an electric motor, in particular a DC motor, which is arranged within the roller body (116).

5. Turning device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first and / or second turning conveyor device (101, 102) each have one or more roller groups, each roller group comprising a conveyor roller (106) designed as a motor roller (106') and a plurality of passive conveyor rollers (106), the passive conveyor rollers (106) of a roller group being connected to the motor roller (106') of the roller group via a belt transmission (115) in order to transmit a drive force from the motor roller (106') to the passive conveyor rollers (106).

6. Turning device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the container manipulation unit (101, 102) further comprises a braking system, via which at least one of the conveyor rollers (106), in particular the at least one motor roller (106'), of the first turning conveyor device (101) and / or at least one of the conveyor rollers (106), in particular the at least one motor roller (106'), of the second turning conveyor device (102), can be subjected to a holding force.

7. Turning device (100) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the clamping device has an adjusting mechanism, wherein the first turning conveyor device (101) and second turning conveyor device (102) are mounted on the pivoting frame (103) so as to be movable relative to one another by means of the adjusting mechanism, so that a normal distance between the first and second conveying planes (FE', FE") can be changed in order to clamp the containers (S, T) between the first and second conveying planes (FE', FE") for turning.

8. Turning device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first and second turning conveyor devices (101, 102) are rigidly connected to the pivoting frame (103).

9. Turning device (100) according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the clamping device has at least one clamping element (107) which is movable along a clamping direction between a starting position of the clamping element (107) retracted relative to the second conveying plane (FE") and a clamping position of the clamping element (107) projecting relative to the second conveying plane (FE").

10. Turning device (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that the clamping device has at least one further clamping element (108) which is arranged along the clamping direction is movable between a starting position of the further clamping element (108) retracted relative to the first conveying plane (FE') and a clamping position of the further clamping element (108) projecting relative to the first conveying plane (FE').

11. Turning device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the container manipulation unit further comprises a securing system for limiting a displacement movement of the containers (S, T) when they are positioned for turning between the first turning conveyor device (101) and the second turning conveyor device (102), wherein the securing system comprises two stop elements (109) which are assigned to the first turning conveyor device (101) and which are arranged at opposite ends of the first turning conveyor device (101) and are movable between a starting position retracted relative to the first conveying plane (FE'), in which the containers (S, T) can be moved past the stop element (109) along the first turning conveyor device (101), and a securing position projecting relative to the first conveying plane (FE'), in which a displacement of the containers (S, T) along the first turning conveyor device (101) is limited.and / or comprises two stop elements (109) which are assigned to the second turning conveyor device (102) and which are arranged at opposite ends of the second turning conveyor device (102) and are movable between a starting position retracted relative to the second conveying plane (FE"), in which the containers (S, T) can be moved past the stop element (109) along the second turning conveyor device (102), and a securing position projecting relative to the second conveying plane (FE") in the direction of the first conveying plane (FE'), in which a displacement of the containers (S, T) along the second turning conveyor device (102) is limited.

12. Turning device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the container manipulation unit is designed to simultaneously receive a plurality of containers (S, T), in particular a plurality of turning pairs, and the rotating device is designed to simultaneously turn the containers (S, T), in particular a plurality of turning pairs.

13. Turning device (100) according to one of claims 3 to 12, characterized in that the clamping device a plurality of individually movable clamping elements (107), wherein a first of the clamping elements (107) is assigned to a first receiving position for a first of the plurality of containers (S, T), in particular a first of the plurality of turning pairs, and a second of the clamping elements (107) is assigned to a second receiving position for a second of the plurality of containers (S, T), in particular a second of the plurality of turning pairs, and / or a plurality of individually movable further clamping elements (108), wherein a first of the further clamping elements (108) is assigned to a first receiving position for a first of the plurality of containers (S, T), in particular a first of the plurality of turning pairs, and a second of the further clamping elements (107) is assigned to a second receiving position for a second of the plurality of containers (S, T), in particular a second of the plurality of turning pairs.

14. A method for turning containers (S, T) by means of a turning device (100), in particular by means of a turning device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the following steps: a) providing a container manipulation unit for transporting and turning the containers (S, T), which comprises a first turning conveyor device (101) and a second turning conveyor device (102), wherein the first turning conveyor device (101) forms a first conveying plane (FE') and the second turning conveyor device (102) forms a second conveying plane (FE"), wherein the first conveying plane (FE') and the second conveying plane (FE") are arranged at a normal distance from one another and opposite one another; b) providing at least one container (S, T) in the container manipulation unit between the first turning conveyor device (101) and the second turning conveyor device (102);c) optionally fixing the container (S, T), in particular by means of a clamping device of the container manipulation unit between the first turning conveyor device (101) and the second turning conveyor device (102) of the container manipulation unit; d) rotating the container manipulation unit about a horizontal rotation axis (R) and turning the container (S, T); e) delivering the container (S, T) to the second turning conveyor device (102); 0 Transporting the container (S, T) from the container manipulation unit.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that in step b) a plurality of containers (S, T) are provided individually, in particular separately from one another, for example next to one another or one behind the other, and step c) is carried out simultaneously for the containers (S, T) provided and / or step d) is carried out simultaneously for the containers (S, T) provided and / or step e) is carried out simultaneously for the containers (S, T) provided and / or step f) is carried out simultaneously for the containers (S, T) provided.

16. A method for turning containers (S, T) by means of a turning device (100), in particular by means of a turning device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the following steps: a) providing a container manipulation unit for transporting and turning the containers (S, T), which comprises a first turning conveyor device (101) and a second turning conveyor device (102), wherein the first turning conveyor device (101) forms a first conveying plane (FE') and the second turning conveyor device (102) forms a second conveying plane (FE"), wherein the first conveying plane (FE') and the second conveying plane (FE") are arranged at a normal distance from one another and opposite one another;b) Providing a turning pair, comprising a delivery container (S) and a receiving container (T) placed over the delivery container (S), in the container manipulation unit between the first turning conveyor device (101) and the second turning conveyor device (102), by placing the delivery container (S) with its base on the first conveyor plane (FE'); c) Optionally fixing the turning pair, in particular by means of a clamping device of the container manipulation unit between the first turning conveyor device (101) and the second turning conveyor device (102) of the container manipulation unit; d) Rotating the container manipulation unit about a horizontal rotation axis (R) and turning the turning pair; e) Delivering the turning pair to the second turning conveyor device (102), wherein the receiving container (T) of the turning pair is placed with its base on the second conveyor level (FE); f) Transporting the turning pair out of the container manipulation unit.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that the first turning conveyor device (101) of the container manipulation unit provided in step a) comprises at least one self-driven motor roller (106') with a drive device and the second turning conveyor device (102) of the container manipulation unit provided in step a) comprises a self-driven motor roller (106') with a drive device, in step b) the at least one motor roller (106') of the first turning conveyor device (101) is driven by means of its drive device in order to position the turning pair in the container manipulation unit; the turning pair is transported out of the container manipulation unit in step f) by driving the at least one motor roller (106') of the second turning conveyor device (102) by means of its drive device.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that in step b) a plurality of turning pairs are provided and step c) is carried out simultaneously for the provided turning pairs and / or step d) is carried out simultaneously for the provided turning pairs and / or step e) is carried out simultaneously for the provided turning pairs and / or step f) is carried out simultaneously for the provided turning pairs.

19. Method according to one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the clamping device has an adjusting mechanism, wherein in step c) the first and second turning conveyor devices (101, 102) are moved relative to one another along a clamping direction by means of the adjusting mechanism, whereby the normal distance between the first and second conveying planes (FE', FE") is reduced until the second conveying plane (FE") is positioned against the bottom of the receiving container (T) of the turning pair in order to clamp the turning pair between the first and second conveying planes (FE', FE") and to fix it during turning in step d), or until the second conveying plane (FE") is positioned against the bottom of the container (S, T) in order to clamp the container (S, T) between the first and second conveying planes (FE', FE") and to fix it during turning in step d), and in step e) the first and second turning conveyor devices (101,102) are moved relative to each other along the clamping direction by means of the adjustment mechanism, whereby the normal distance between the first and second conveying planes (FE', FE") is increased in order to release a fixation of the turning pair or the container (S, T).

20. Method according to one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the clamping device has at least one clamping element (107) which is movable along a clamping direction between a starting position retracted with respect to the second conveying plane (FE") and a clamping position projecting with respect to the second conveying plane (FE"), wherein in step c) the at least one clamping element (107) is moved from the starting position into the clamping position in order to clamp the turning pair between the at least one clamping element (107) and the first conveying plane (FE') and to fix it during the turning in step d), or to clamp the container (S, T) between the at least one clamping element (107) and the first conveying plane (FE') and to fix it during the turning in step d), and in step e) the at least one clamping element (107) is moved from the clamping position along the clamping direction into the starting position, wherein the turning pair or the container (S,T) and delivered to the second conveyor level (FE").

21. Method according to one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that the clamping elements (107) are individually movable and a first of the clamping elements (107) fixes a first of the plurality of containers (S, T) in step c) and releases it in step e) and a second of the clamping elements (107) fixes a second of the plurality of containers (S, T) in step c) and releases it in step e).

22. Method according to one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that in step d) the at least one self-driven motor roller (106') of the first turning conveyor device (101) and / or the at least one self-driven motor roller (106') of the second turning conveyor device (102) is subjected to a holding force.

23. Method according to one of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that the container manipulation unit comprises a safety system for limiting a displacement movement of the containers (S, T), and the safety system is activated in step c) and deactivated in step e).

24. Method according to claim 23, characterized in that the securing system comprises two stop elements (109) which are assigned to the first turning conveyor device (101) and which are arranged at opposite ends of the first turning conveyor device (101) and are movable between a starting position retracted relative to the first conveying plane (FE'), in which the turning pair or the container (S, T) can be moved past the stop element (109) along the first turning conveyor device (101), and a securing position projecting relative to the first conveying plane (FE'), in which a displacement of the turning pair or container (S, T) along the first turning conveyor device (101) is limited,wherein the stop elements (109) assigned to the first turning conveyor device (101) are moved from the starting position to the securing position to activate the safety system and from the securing position to the starting position to deactivate the safety system.

25. Method according to one of claims 23 or 24, characterized in that the securing system comprises two stop elements (109) which are assigned to the second turning conveyor device (102) and which are arranged at opposite ends of the second turning conveyor device (102) and between a starting position retracted relative to the second conveying plane (FE"), in which the turning pair or the container (S, T) on the stop element (109) along the second turning conveyor device (102) can be moved past, and a securing position projecting relative to the second conveying plane (FE"), in which a displacement of the turning pair or containers (S, T) along the second turning conveyor device (102) is limited, wherein the stop elements (109) assigned to the second turning conveyor device (101) are moved from the starting position into the securing position to activate the securing system and from the securing position into the starting position to deactivate the securing system.

26. A method for transferring goods (W) from a delivery container (S) into a receiving container (T) by means of a transfer device (1), in particular by means of a transfer device (1) according to one of claims 51 to 73, comprising the steps: i) providing a delivery container (S) containing goods (W) in an upright orientation at a turning station (4) by means of a first supply device (2); ii) providing a receiving container (T) in an upside-down orientation at the turning station (4) by means of a second supply device (3); iii) placing the receiving container (T) over the delivery container (S) by means of an automatic turning device (41) such that the delivery container (S) is at least partially arranged in the receiving container (T), forming a turning pair which comprises the delivery container (S) and the receiving container (T) placed over it;iv) Turning the turning pair by means of an automatic turning device (100), in particular a turning device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the receiving container (T) of the turning pair is brought into an upright orientation and the delivery container (S) of the turning pair is brought into an upside-down orientation, and the delivery container (S) remains in the receiving container (T); v) Providing the turning pair at a removal station (5) and removing the delivery container (S) from the receiving container (T) by means of an automatic removal device (51), wherein the product (W) is delivered into the receiving container (T); 27. Method according to claim 26, characterized in that in step ii) the receiving container (T) is transported in the upright orientation to a container rotator (6) of the transfer device (1), then turned over by means of the container rotator (6) and in the process the upside down orientation, and finally transported by the container turner (6) to the turning station (4).

28. Method according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the delivery container (S) is transported to the turning station (4) in step i) by means of a delivery container conveying device (21) and / or the receiving container (T) is transported to the turning station (4) in step ii) by means of a receiving container conveying device (31a, 31b).

29. Method according to claim 28, characterized in that in step ii) the receiving container (T) is transported in the upright orientation in a first conveying section (31a) of the receiving container conveying device (31a, 31b) to a container rotator (6) of the transfer device (1), is turned over by means of the container rotator (6), wherein the receiving container (T) is brought into the upside down orientation, and is transported in a second conveying section (31b) of the receiving container conveying device (31a, 31b) by the container rotator (6) to the turning station (4).

30. Method according to claim 29, characterized in that the first conveyor section (31a) is arranged at an upper height level and the second conveyor section (31b) is arranged at a lower height level and the container rotator (6) comprises a chute (61) which is at least partially curved and has a sliding surface, wherein the chute (61) runs from the upper height level to the lower height level and a lower end of the chute (61) adjoins the second conveyor section (31b) and the receiving container (T) is tilted in step ii) about a tilting edge (62) at an end of the first conveyor section (31a) directed towards the chute (61) and is delivered onto the chute (61) so that the receiving container (T) rests at least partially against the sliding surface with upper edges of side walls of the receiving container (T), and is moved along the chute (61) to the second conveyor section (31b) and delivered to it, wherein the receiving container (T) is brought into the head-first orientation.

31. Method according to one of claims 26 to 30, characterized in that in step iii) the receiving container (T) is aligned above the delivery container (S) by the turning device (41), in particular by a turning robot unit, and is lowered in such a way that the receiving container (T) is turned over the delivery container (S), the delivery container (S) being received in the receiving container (T).

32. Method according to claim 31, characterized in that side walls of the dispensing container (S) are pressed by means of pressing elements in the direction of a respective opposite side wall when the receiving container (T) is placed over the dispensing container (S) in order to center the dispensing container (S) in the receiving container (T).

33. Method according to one of claims 26 to 32, characterized in that step iv) comprises: Turning the turning pair by rotating a container manipulation unit about a horizontal rotation axis (R), wherein the turning device (100) comprises the container manipulation unit, and wherein in particular the container manipulation unit is designed to transport and turn the containers (S, T) or the turning pair.

34. Method according to claim 33, characterized in that the container manipulation unit comprises a first turning conveyor device (101) and a second turning conveyor device (102) and is provided in particular before step iv).

35. Method according to claim 34, characterized in that the first turning conveyor device (101) forms a first conveying plane (FE') and the second turning conveyor device (102) forms a second conveying plane (FE"), wherein the first conveying plane (FE') and the second conveying plane (FE") are arranged at a normal distance from one another and opposite one another.

36. Method according to claim 34 or 35, characterized in that the first turning conveyor device (101) is equipped with at least one self-driven motor roller (106') with a drive device and the second turning conveyor device (102) is equipped with a self-driven motor roller (106') with a drive device.

37. Method according to one of claims 34 to 36, characterized in that the turning pair is fixed by means of a clamping device of the container manipulation unit between the first turning conveyor device (101) and the second turning conveyor device (102) of the container manipulation unit.

38. Method according to one of claims 26 to 37, characterized in that the turning in step iv) comprises the following steps: Transporting the turning pair from the turning station (4) to the turning device (100); Transferring the turning pair to a container manipulation unit of the turning device (100); Turning the turning pair, in particular according to a method according to one of claims 14 to 25; Transfer of the turning pair to the removal station (5).

39. A method for transferring goods (W) from a delivery container (S) into a receiving container (T) by means of a transfer device (1), in particular by means of a transfer device (1) according to one of claims 51 to 73, comprising the steps: i) providing a delivery container (S) containing goods (W) in an upright orientation at a turning station (4) by means of a first supply device (2); ii) providing a receiving container (T) in an upside-down orientation at the turning station (4) by means of a second supply device (3); iii) placing the receiving container (T) over the delivery container (S) by means of an automatic turning device (41) such that the delivery container (S) is at least partially arranged in the receiving container (T), forming a turning pair which comprises the delivery container (S) and the receiving container (T) placed thereover;iv-a) Providing a container manipulation unit for transporting and turning the containers (S, T), which comprises a first turning conveyor device (101) and a second turning conveyor device (102), wherein the first turning conveyor device (101) forms a first conveying plane (FE') and the second turning conveyor device (102) forms a second conveying plane (FE"), wherein the first conveying plane (FE') and the second conveying plane (FE") are arranged at a normal distance from one another and opposite one another; iv-b) Transporting the turning pair from the turning station (4) to the turning device (100); iv-c) Transferring the turning pair, comprising the delivery container (S) and the receiving container (T) placed over the delivery container (S), to the container manipulation unit between the first turning conveyor device (101) and the second turning conveyor device (102), by placing the delivery container (S) with its base on the first conveying plane (FE'); iv-d) Optionally fixing the turning pair, in particular by means of a clamping device of the container manipulation unit between the first turning conveyor device (101) and the second turning conveyor device (102) of the container manipulation unit; iv-e) Rotating the container manipulation unit about a horizontal axis of rotation (R) and turning the turning pair; iv-f) Transferring the turning pair to the second turning conveyor device (102), wherein the receiving container (T) of the turning pair is placed with its base on the second conveying plane (FE');iv-g) in the case of step iv-d) releasing the turning pair by means of the clamping device; iv-h) transporting the turning pair from the container manipulation unit; iv-i) transferring the turning pair to the removal station (5). v) removing the delivery container (S) from the receiving container (T) by means of an automatic removal device (51), whereby the goods (W) are delivered into the receiving container (T); 40. Method according to claim 39, characterized in that the first turning conveyor device (101) of the container manipulation unit provided in step iv-a) comprises at least one self-driven motor roller (106') with a drive device and the second turning conveyor device (102) of the container manipulation unit provided in step iv-a) comprises a self-driven motor roller (106') with a drive device, in step iv-c), the at least one motor roller (106') of the first turning conveyor device (101) is driven by means of its drive device in order to position the turning pair in the container manipulation unit; in step iv-h), the turning pair is transported out of the container manipulation unit by driving the at least one motor roller (106') of the second turning conveyor device (102) by means of its drive device.

41. Method according to one of claims 26 to 40, characterized in that in step v) the removal of the dispensing container (S) is carried out by the latter being grasped and lifted from above by the removal device (51), in particular by a removal robot unit, whereby the dispensing container (S) is pulled out of the receiving container (T).

42. Method according to one of claims 26 to 41, characterized in that the receiving container (T) is retained by a retaining device 55 during step v).

43. Method according to one of claims 26 to 42, characterized in that the dispensing container (S) is shaken during step v), in particular while it is being lifted by the removal device (51).

44. Method according to one of claims 26 to 43, further comprising the step: vi) transporting the receiving container (T) away from the turning device (100) by means of a first removal conveyor device (52) and / or transporting the delivery container (S) away from the turning device (100) by means of a second removal conveyor device (53).

45. Method according to one of claims 26 to 44, characterized in that in step i) a plurality of dispensing containers (S), in particular three dispensing containers (S), and in step ii) a plurality of receiving containers (T), in particular three receiving containers (T), are provided, wherein a number of provided dispensing containers (S) corresponds to a number of provided receiving containers (T), and step iii) is preferably carried out simultaneously for the provided dispensing containers (S) and receiving containers (T), wherein in each case a receiving container (T) is placed over a respective dispensing container (S) in order to form a plurality of turning pairs, in particular three turning pairs, and / or step iv) is carried out simultaneously for the turning pairs formed in step iii) and / or step v) is carried out simultaneously for the turning pairs turned in step iv).

46. ​​Method according to one of claims 26 to 45, characterized in that step iv) comprises the following step: Fixing the turning pair or the plurality of turning pairs by means of a clamping device of the container manipulation unit between a first turning conveyor device (101) and a second turning conveyor device (102) of the container manipulation unit, before turning the turning pair or the plurality of turning pairs by rotating the container manipulation unit about a horizontal axis of rotation (R).

47. Method according to claim 46, characterized in that at least one clamping element (107) of the clamping device is moved along a clamping direction into a clamping position projecting beyond the second conveying plane (FE") for clamping the turning pair and is moved along the clamping direction into a starting position retracted relative to the second conveying plane (FE") for releasing the turning pair, wherein the second turning conveyor device (102) forms the second conveying plane (FE"), and / or at least one further clamping element (108) of the clamping device is moved along a clamping direction into a clamping position projecting beyond the first conveying plane (FE') for clamping the turning pair and is moved along the clamping direction into a starting position retracted relative to the first conveying plane (FE') for releasing the turning pair, wherein the first turning conveyor device (101) forms the first conveying plane (FE').

48. Method according to claim 46, characterized in that a plurality of clamping elements (107) of the clamping device are each moved along a clamping direction into a clamping position projecting beyond the second conveying plane (FE") for clamping the turning pairs and are each moved along the clamping direction into a relative to the second conveying plane (FE") are moved to a starting position retracted, wherein the second turning conveyor device (102) forms the second conveying plane (FE"), and / or a plurality of further clamping elements (108) of the clamping device are each moved along a clamping direction into a clamping position projecting beyond the first conveying plane (FE') for clamping the turning pairs and are moved along the clamping direction into a starting position retracted relative to the first conveying plane (FE') for releasing the turning pairs, wherein the first turning conveyor device (101) forms the first conveying plane (FE').

49. Method according to claim 48, characterized in that the clamping elements (107) are individually movable and a first of the clamping elements (107), in particular in step iv-d), fixes a first of the plurality of turning pairs or, in particular in step iv-g), releases it and a second of the clamping elements (107), in particular in step iv-d), fixes a second of the plurality of turning pairs or, in particular in step iv-g), releases it and / or the further clamping elements (108) are individually movable and a first of the further clamping elements (108), in particular in step iv-d), fixes a first of the plurality of turning pairs or, in particular in step iv-g), releases it and a second of the further clamping elements (108), in particular in step iv-d), fixes a second of the plurality of turning pairs or, in particular in step iv-g), releases it.

50. Method according to one of claims 26 to 49, characterized in that a displacement movement of the containers (S, T), in particular of the turning pair or the plurality of turning pairs, is limited by a securing system of the container manipulation unit when the containers (S, T), in particular of the turning pair or the plurality of turning pairs, are positioned for turning between the first turning conveyor device (101) and the second turning conveyor device (101), wherein two stop elements (109) of the securing system, which are assigned to the first turning conveyor device (101) and which are arranged at opposite ends of the first turning conveyor device (101), are moved to limit a displacement of the containers (S, T), in particular of the turning pair or the plurality of turning pairs, along the first turning conveyor device (101) into a securing position projecting beyond the first conveying plane (FE') and to release the containers (S, T), in particular of theTurning pair or the plurality of turning pairs, and to enable a movement of the containers (S, T), in particular the turning pair or the plurality of turning pairs, along the first turning conveyor device (101) past the stop element (109) into a starting position retracted relative to the first conveying plane (FE') and / or two stop elements (109) of the securing system, which are assigned to the second turning conveyor device (102) and which are arranged at opposite ends of the second turning conveyor device (102), to limit a displacement of the containers (S, T), in particular the turning pair or the plurality of turning pairs, along the second turning conveyor device (102) into a securing position projecting beyond the second conveying plane (FE") and to release the containers (S, T), in particular the turning pair or the plurality of turning pairs, and to enable a movement of the containers (S, T),in particular the turning pair or the plurality of turning pairs, along the second turning conveyor device (102) past the stop element (109) into a starting position retracted relative to the second conveying plane (FE").

51. Transfer device (1) for transferring goods (W) from a delivery container (S) into a receiving container (T), in particular for carrying out a method according to one of claims 26 to 50, comprising a first supply device (2) for supplying delivery containers (S), a second supply device (3) for supplying receiving containers (T) and a turning device (100) for turning the delivery containers (S) in order to deliver the goods (W) from the delivery container (S) into the receiving container (T), characterized in that the transfer device (1) further comprises a turning station (4) with an automatic turning device (41) and a removal station (5) with an automatic removal device (51), wherein the first supply device (2) is configured to provide dispensing containers (S) in an upright orientation at the slipping station (4), the second supply device (3) is configured to provide receiving containers (T) in an upside-down orientation at the slipping station (4), the slipping device (41) is configured to receive receiving containers (T) provided at the slipping device (41) and to slip them over dispensing containers (S) provided at the slipping device (41) in order to form turning pairs each consisting of a dispensing container (S) together with a receiving container (T) slipped over it, the turning device (100) is configured to receive turning pairs from the slipping station (4), to turn them so that the receiving container (T) is oriented in the upright orientation and the dispensing container (S) is oriented in the upside-down orientation, and to transfer them to the removal station (5), and the removal device (51) is configured toDispensing containers (S) are to be removed from receiving containers (T).

52. Transfer device (1) according to claim 51, characterized in that the first supply device (2) comprises a dispensing container conveying device (21) for transporting the dispensing containers (S) to the turning-over station (4) and / or the second supply device (3) comprises a receiving container conveying device (31a, 31b) for transporting the receiving containers (T) to the turning-over station (4).

53. Transfer device (1) according to claim 51 or 52, characterized in that the second supply device (3) has a container rotator (6) which is designed to turn over a receiving container (T) provided on the container rotator (6) in an upright orientation in order to bring it into the upside-down orientation.

54. Transfer device (1) according to claim 52 and 53, characterized in that the receiving container conveying device (31a, 31b) comprises a first conveying section (31a) for transporting the receiving container (T) to the container rotator (6) and a second conveying section (31b) for transporting the receiving container (T) from the container rotator (6) to the turning station (4).

55. Transfer device (1) according to claim 53 or 54, characterized in that the container rotator (6) for turning the receiving container (T) comprises a robot unit and / or a turning device (100), in particular a turning device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13.

56. Transfer device (1) according to claim 54, characterized in that the first conveyor section (31a) is arranged at an upper height level and the second conveyor section (31b) is arranged at a lower height level, in particular one above the other, and the container rotator (6) comprises an at least partially curved, in particular C-shaped, chute (61) with a sliding surface, wherein the chute (61) runs from the upper height level to the lower height level and a lower end of the chute (61) adjoins the second conveyor section (31b).

57. Transfer device (1) according to claim 56, characterized in that the container rotator (6) has a tilting edge (62) which is arranged at an end of the first conveyor section (31a) directed towards the chute (61) and adjoins the first conveyor section (31a), and the sliding surface is arranged at a distance from the tilting edge (62), in particular parallel to it.

58. Transfer device (1) according to claim 56 or 57, characterized in that the container rotator (6) comprises two mutually opposite side guides (63) which project from the sliding surface in the direction of the first conveying section (31a) and laterally delimit the sliding surface.

59. Transfer device (1) according to one of claims 56 to 58, characterized in that the container rotator (6) comprises a guide element (64) which is arranged opposite the sliding surface and preferably running parallel thereto in order to guide the receiving container (T) along the slide (61).

60. Transfer device (1) according to one of claims 56 to 59, characterized in that the container rotator (6) comprises a stop device which is designed to stop the receiving container (T) along a sliding path which leads along the slide (61) from an upper end of the slide (61) to a lower end of the slide (61), wherein the stop device comprises a first catch arm (65) which is arranged between the upper end of the slide (61) and the lower end of the slide (61) and adjustable between a catching position in which the first catching arm (65) is moved into the sliding path and a release position in which the first catching arm (65) is moved out of the sliding path.

61. Transfer device (1) according to claim 60, characterized in that the stop device comprises a second catch arm (66) which is arranged between the upper end of the chute (61) and the first catch arm (65) and is adjustable between a catch position in which the second catch arm (66) is moved into the slide path and a release position in which the second catch arm (66) is moved out of the slide path.

62. Transfer device (1) according to claim 61, characterized in that the first catching arm (65) and the second catching arm (66) are coupled to one another in such a way that the second catching arm (66) is moved into the release position when the first catching arm (65) is moved into the catching position, and the second catching arm (66) is moved into the catching position when the first catching arm (65) is moved into the release position.

63. Transfer device (1) according to one of claims 51 to 62, characterized in that the turning station (4) comprises a delivery container supply conveyor (42) for supplying the delivery containers (S) to the turning device (41) and / or a receiving container supply conveyor (43) for supplying the receiving containers (T) to the turning device (41).

64. Transfer device (1) according to claim 63, characterized in that the delivery container supply conveyor (42) and / or the receiving container supply conveyor (43) each form a conveying plane and each comprise at least one positioning element (8) which is movable between a starting position of the positioning elements (8) retracted relative to the conveying plane and a stop position projecting relative to the conveying plane.

65. Transfer device (1) according to claim 63 or 64, characterized in that the slipping station (4) comprises an alignment device which has horizontally extendable pushing elements (9) for displacing the delivery containers (S) on the delivery container supply conveyor (42) and / or horizontally extendable pushing elements (9) for displacing the receiving containers (T) on the receiving container supply conveyor (43).

66. Transfer device (1) according to one of claims 51 to 65, characterized in that the turning device (41) comprises a gripping unit (7) which is designed to receive at least one receiving container (T).

67. Transfer device (1) according to one of claims 51 to 66, characterized in that the gripping unit (7) has a plurality of pressing elements, in particular movable and / or forming a funnel, which can be placed on side walls of the dispensing container (S) in order to center the dispensing container (S) in the receiving container when the receiving container (T) is placed over it.

68. Transfer device (1) according to one of claims 51 to 67, characterized in that the removal station (5) comprises a first removal conveyor device (52) for receiving turning pairs from the turning device (100), for providing the turning pairs at the removal device (51) and for transporting the receiving containers (T) away from the turning device (100) and optionally a second removal conveyor device (53) for receiving delivery containers (S) from the removal device (51) and for transporting the delivery containers (S) away from the turning device (100).

69. Transfer device (1) according to claim 68, characterized in that the first removal conveyor device (52) forms a conveying plane and comprises at least one positioning element (8) which is movable between a starting position retracted relative to the conveying plane and a stop position projecting relative to the conveying plane.

70. Transfer device (1) according to claim 68 or 69, characterized in that the removal station (5) comprises an alignment device which has horizontally extendable pushing elements (9) for displacing the turning pairs on the first removal conveyor device (52).

71. Transfer device (1) according to one of claims 51 to 70, characterized in that the removal device (51) comprises a gripping unit (7) which is designed to receive at least one dispensing container (S).

72. Transfer device (1) according to one of claims 51 to 71, characterized in that the removal station (5) comprises a control device (54) which is used is designed to check whether the dispensing container (S) is empty after the dispensing container (S) has been removed from the receiving container (T).

73. Transfer device (1) according to one of claims 51 to 72, characterized in that the turning device (100) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 13.

74. Order picking warehouse (10) for carrying out a method according to one of claims 26 to 50, comprising a goods entrance (11) for receiving goods (W) which are delivered in delivery containers (S), a transfer device (1) for transferring the goods from the delivery containers (S) into receiving containers (T), a goods warehouse (13) for storing the goods in the receiving containers (T), a picking station (14) for transferring goods from the receiving containers (T) into shipping containers in accordance with order picking orders, a warehouse conveyor system (12b) for transporting the receiving containers (T) between the transfer device (1) and the goods warehouse (13), and an order picking conveyor system for transporting the receiving containers (T) between the goods warehouse (13) and the picking station (14), characterized in that the transfer device (1) is designed according to one of claims 51 to 73.

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