Transfer device and method for transferring goods

Abstract

The invention relates to a transfer device (1) for transferring goods from a releasing container (S) to a receiving container (T), comprising a first provisioning device (2), a second provisioning device (3), a transfer container (4) and a container manipulation device (5, 6). The transfer device (1) is configured to put the transfer container (4) over the releasing container (S) in order to thus transfer goods from the releasing container (S) into the transfer container (4). Furthermore, the transfer device (1) is configured to tip the transfer container (4) in order to transfer goods from the transfer container (4) into the receiving container (T). The invention also relates to a corresponding method and to a picking system having such a transfer device (1).

Description

[0001] TRANSFER DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING GOODS

[0002] The invention relates to a transfer device for transferring goods from a delivery container, in particular from a box or a carton, into a receiving container, in particular into a shipping carton or shipping bag, comprising a first provision device with a first provision location for providing a delivery container, a second provision device with a second provision location for providing a receiving container, a transfer container for temporarily receiving the goods and a container manipulation device for handling the transfer container and the delivery container.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for transferring goods from a delivery container into a receiving container by means of a transfer device, in particular by means of such a transfer device.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a picking system for picking goods according to picking orders, comprising a warehouse for storing goods in storage containers, a picking station for transferring goods from storage containers into delivery containers, in particular picking containers, a transfer device for transferring goods from delivery containers into receiving containers, in particular shipping containers, an automatic first conveyor device for transporting storage containers from the warehouse to the picking station, an automatic second conveyor device for transporting empty delivery containers to the picking station and an automatic third conveyor device for transporting delivery containers loaded with goods from the picking station to the transfer device.

[0005] In a picking system, it is often necessary for goods from an order to be picked by assembling them in a picking container at a picking station according to the order.

[0006] To prepare the order for shipping, the goods may be transferred from the picking container, which remains in the shipping warehouse, into a shipping bag. The drop-off container is formed by the picking container, and the receiving container is formed by the shipping bag. Often, the transfer of goods into the shipping bag is done manually. However, devices and methods are also known from the prior art that enable the automatic filling of a shipping bag.

[0007] For example, US 2014 / 116013 A1 discloses a device and method for transferring goods from a delivery container into a shipping bag, wherein goods are delivered into a transfer container from above. The transfer container comprises two chambers, each with a hinged base and a shaft between the chambers. Documents, for example, can be pushed through the shaft and delivered directly into a shipping bag positioned beneath the transfer container. Remaining goods can be filled into the chambers and delivered into the shipping bag by folding open the base.

[0008] CN 212738571 U describes a device and method for transferring goods from a dispensing container into a shipping bag. The dispensing container is lifted by a lifting and tilting mechanism and tilted in such a way that the goods are emptied through an open top of the dispensing container and filled into a collecting hopper. The collecting hopper discharges the goods onto a vibrating filling mechanism. The filling mechanism transports the goods from the collecting hopper to a weighing and filling hopper, which then fills them into a shipping bag.

[0009] WO 2020 / 140133 A2 discloses a device and method for automatically packaging goods, wherein goods are dispensed from transport bags onto a storage shelf. A stack of goods is formed on the storage shelf. Once the stack of goods is formed, the storage shelf can be tilted so that the stack of goods slides into a shipping bag positioned adjacent to it.

[0010] In addition, from US 2021 / 0101759 Al, US 11,104,527 B l and

[0011] US 2002 / 0146308 A1 discloses various designs of a transfer device and a method for transferring goods from a delivery container to a receiving container. One object of the invention is to provide an improved transfer device and an improved method for transferring goods from a delivery container to a receiving container. In particular, automated transfer and the use of conventional boxes or cartons as delivery containers should be possible.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to create an improved order picking system.

[0013] The object is achieved by a transfer device of the type mentioned at the outset, wherein the transfer container has a base, a receiving opening opposite the base, side walls projecting from the base, in particular two, three or four side walls which delimit the receiving opening, and a dispensing opening, the container manipulation device is designed to put the transfer container, in particular with its receiving opening, over a dispensing container containing goods provided by the first provision device and to turn the transfer container together with the dispensing container so that the goods are dispensed from the dispensing container into the transfer container.Furthermore, the container manipulation device is designed to remove the dispensing container from the transfer container and to move, in particular to incline, the transfer container in such a way that goods are emptied, in particular tipped out, from the transfer container through the dispensing opening and are dispensed into a receiving container provided by the second provision device.

[0014] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method of the type mentioned at the outset, which comprises the following steps: i) providing a delivery container containing goods, in particular previously picked order goods, at the transfer device by means of a first provision device at a first provision location; ii) placing a transfer container, in particular with its receiving opening, over the provided delivery container by means of a container manipulation device, in particular by means of a first container manipulation unit of the container manipulation device; iii) turning the transfer container together with the delivery container by means of the container manipulation device, in particular by means of the first container manipulation unit of the container manipulation device, whereby the goods are delivered from the delivery container into the transfer container;iv) Removing the dispensing container from the transfer container by means of the container manipulation device, in particular by means of a second container manipulation unit of the container manipulation device; v) Providing a receiving container on the transfer device by means of a second provision device at a second provision location; vi) Positioning the transfer container by means of the container manipulation device, in particular by means of the first container manipulation unit of the container manipulation device, in such a way that the goods are emptied, in particular tipped out, from the transfer container via a discharge opening of the transfer container and delivered into the receiving container.

[0015] A particular advantage achieved by the invention is that the transfer of goods from the delivery container to the transfer container and further into the receiving container, in particular a shipping bag, can be carried out fully automatically, whereby conventional crates or boxes can be used as delivery containers. The goods in this case comprise, in particular, one or more items.

[0016] In particular, the emptying and dispensing of the goods in accordance with step vi) can be carried out solely by gravity.

[0017] It is advantageous for the delivery container to be designed as a box, in particular as a plastic box. This means that goods can be easily loaded into the delivery container and transported with the delivery container by means of an automatic conveying device. The delivery container usually comprises a base, (four) side walls projecting from the base, and a side opposite the base, on which a receiving opening delimited by the side walls is arranged. The delivery container is preferably a container pre-picked with goods, in particular order goods. For this purpose, the goods can be loaded into the delivery container, for example at a picking station in accordance with a picking order. The delivery container can preferably be transported by means of a conveying device.

[0018] It is advantageous if the transfer device comprises one or more dispensing containers. The transfer container comprises a base, which essentially forms a storage area for the goods, and side walls protruding from the base. The side walls secure the goods in the transfer container. For example, the transfer container can comprise at least two side walls, in particular three side walls. The dispensing opening enables the goods to be dispensed from the transfer container.

[0019] The side walls preferably comprise two opposing longitudinal side walls, each extending along a longitudinal side of the transfer container, in particular parallel to a longitudinal center plane of the transfer container. Furthermore, the side walls can comprise a broad side wall, which extends along a broad side of the transfer container, in particular parallel to a transverse center plane of the transfer container. Optionally, the side walls comprise a further broad side wall opposite the broad side wall, which also extends along a broad side of the transfer container, in particular parallel to a transverse center plane of the transfer container.

[0020] The longitudinal center plane in the longitudinal direction of the transfer container can run through a geometric center point of the transfer container's base. Likewise, the transverse center plane in the transverse direction of the transfer container can run through the geometric center point of the transfer container's base. The longitudinal center plane and the transverse center plane are aligned orthogonally to each other and orthogonally to the base of the transfer container.

[0021] It is advantageous if the discharge opening extends along one broad side of the transfer container, in particular parallel to the transverse center plane. The discharge opening is preferably arranged between the opposite longitudinal side walls, for example, instead of the further broad side wall or in the further broad side wall.

[0022] As described, the transfer container, in particular with its receiving opening, can be placed over a dispensing container.

[0023] An internal dimension of the transfer container can be selected such that the dispensing container is arranged between two opposing longitudinal side walls of the side walls when the transfer container is placed over the dispensing container. An internal dimension of the transfer container can be selected such that the dispensing container is arranged between two opposing wide side walls of the side walls or between a wide side wall of the side walls and a dispensing opening when the transfer container is placed over the dispensing container.

[0024] In other words, the dispensing container is (circumferentially) surrounded by the side walls of the transfer container when the transfer container is placed over the dispensing container, as can be seen, for example, in Figs. 5b, 5c, 6a, 6b, and 6c. The transfer container is accordingly designed and adapted such that a dispensing container is received between side walls, in particular the longitudinal side walls and the at least one wide side wall, when the transfer container has been placed over the dispensing container.

[0025] This ensures that the goods are guided through the side walls of the transfer container during emptying. Tilting or jamming of the goods on the side walls of the transfer container or between the side walls of the transfer container and the side walls of the delivery container S is avoided, even when transferring smaller goods.

[0026] The base of the transfer container can be used to deposit the goods and support the dispensing container. In particular, the side walls of the dispensing container can rest on the base of the transfer container. According to this embodiment, the base of the transfer container forms a storage surface and a support surface facing the side walls. The dispensing container comprises a base, the side walls projecting from the base, and a receiving opening defined by the side walls. The receiving opening of the dispensing container can be opposite the base.

[0027] Particularly preferably, the transfer container is designed as a chute.

[0028] In general, containers, in particular the dispensing container and / or the transfer container, can be provided in an upright orientation or in an upside-down orientation. In the upright orientation, the respective container is oriented with its base facing down and with the receiving opening facing up, so that the base forms a storage area for the goods. In the upside-down orientation, the respective container is oriented with its base facing up and with the receiving opening facing down. A container that can be transported on a conveyor device, such as the dispensing container, can rest on the conveyor device with its base in the upright orientation and / or with the upper edges of the side walls in the upright orientation.

[0029] The first provision device can be used to provide the dispensing container at the first provision location, in particular in an upright orientation. Similarly, the second provision device can be used to provide the receiving container at the second provision location, in particular in an upright orientation.

[0030] It is advantageous if the container manipulation device has a first container manipulation unit for handling the transfer container and optionally a second container manipulation unit for handling the dispensing container.

[0031] In this case, it is advantageous if the first container manipulation unit is designed to place the transfer container, in particular with its receiving opening, over a delivery container containing goods provided by the first provision device and to turn the transfer container together with the delivery container so that the goods are delivered from the delivery container into the transfer container.

[0032] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the second container manipulation unit is configured to remove the dispensing container from the transfer container.

[0033] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the first container manipulation unit is configured to move, in particular to incline, the transfer container in such a way that goods are emptied, in particular tipped out, from the transfer container through the discharge opening and are discharged into a receiving container provided by the second supply device.

[0034] It is advantageous if the container manipulation device, in particular the first container manipulation unit, is configured to move the transfer container from a starting position, in which the transfer container is arranged in the upright orientation, into a folded position, in which the transfer container is arranged in the upside-down orientation. In the folded position, the transfer container is preferably arranged at the first staging location. During the folding in step ii) of the method, the transfer container is preferably moved from the starting position to the folded position by means of the first container manipulation unit.

[0035] It is advantageous if the container manipulation device, in particular the first container manipulation unit, is configured to move the transfer container from the inverted position to the starting position, whereby the transfer container together with the dispensing container can be turned. During turning in step iii) of the method, the transfer container can thus be moved from the inverted position to the starting position by the first container manipulation unit. The dispensing container received in the transfer container is thereby turned from the upright orientation to the upside-down orientation, whereby the goods are dispensed from the dispensing container into the transfer container.

[0036] Furthermore, the container manipulation device, in particular the first container manipulation unit, is preferably configured to move the transfer container from the starting position into a tipping position and, if necessary, from the tipping position to the starting position. In the tipping position, the transfer container is inclined relative to a horizontal plane. In particular, the base of the transfer container and the horizontal plane enclose an angle of inclination between 0° and 90°. In the tipping position, the base of the transfer container is preferably inclined such that the goods slide, slip, and / or fall out of the transfer container via the discharge opening, in particular onto the second staging location.

[0037] The angle of inclination depends in particular on the friction between the floor of the transfer container and the goods to be dispensed and / or the position of the center of gravity of the goods to be dispensed. For example, the angle of inclination can be selected to be smaller the better the goods can slide on the floor of the transfer container or the lower the coefficient of friction between the goods and the floor of the transfer container. Particularly preferably, the floor and the horizontal plane form an angle of more than 30°, in particular between 45° and 75°.

[0038] To enable a small angle of inclination, it can be provided, for example, that the base of the transfer container is provided with a non-stick coating. After the dispensing container has been removed from the transfer container in step iv) and a receiving container has been provided in step v), the goods can be tipped out of the transfer container and transferred into a provided receiving container, in particular by moving the transfer container from the starting position to the tipping position using the container manipulation device, in particular the first container manipulation unit. For this purpose, the receiving container is positioned such that the goods land in the receiving container when tipped out of the transfer container.

[0039] Receptacles are generally intended for shipping to a customer and are therefore preferably made of a recyclable material. Receptacles can be formed, for example, by shipping boxes or shipping bags. The shipping bags can be made of plastic or paper, especially kraft paper.

[0040] To fill the receiving container with goods, the receiving containers typically have a receiving opening, particularly a closable one. At the second staging location, the receiving containers are preferably provided with the receiving opening facing upwards, i.e., in the upright orientation previously described for the delivery container and the transfer container, so that goods can be filled through the receiving opening from above.

[0041] Advantageously, the transfer device comprises a clamping device configured to secure, in particular fix, the dispensing container in the transfer container. The clamping device can be arranged, in particular, on the transfer container.

[0042] It is advantageous if the dispensing container is secured, in particular fixed, in the transfer container by the clamping device during step iii) of the method.

[0043] It is advantageous if the clamping device has clamping elements arranged essentially along the side walls of the transfer container, in particular on an upper edge of the side walls, which clamping elements can be adjusted against a delivery container received in the transfer container in order to secure, in particular to fix, the latter. For this purpose, the clamping elements can, for example, be pivotably mounted or guided by a curved guide. It is preferably provided that the transfer container, preferably in a plan view, is arranged or positionable next to the first provision location and / or next to the second provision location, in particular between the first and second provision locations. As a result, the transfer container and delivery container and / or transfer container and receiving container are positioned spatially close together, so that the transfer container only needs to be moved a short distance for the fitting over the container.On the other hand, it is possible to tip the goods from the transfer container directly into the receiving container.

[0044] Advantageously, the transfer container and / or a support structure of the first container manipulation unit (described below) are arranged in a stationary manner. "Stationary" means that the transfer container can be tilted, tipped, turned, and / or rotated, but cannot be moved from its location, in particular between the first and second staging areas, because the transfer container is movably mounted, for example, on a stationary support structure.

[0045] Alternatively, the transfer container and / or the support structure can be arranged on an automated guided vehicle. This allows the first and second staging locations to be spatially separated from one another, for example, in different areas of a picking system. The automated guided vehicle can position the transfer container next to the first staging location for slipping over the goods and next to the second staging location for discharging the goods.

[0046] It is advantageous if the first container handling unit has a support structure on which the transfer container is movably mounted. This support structure can, as previously mentioned, be stationary or arranged on an automated guided vehicle. The support structure can, for example, be designed as a support frame or support stand.

[0047] Preferably, the transfer container is mounted on the support structure so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis in order to place the transfer container over the dispensing container, and is mounted on the support structure so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis in order to tilt the transfer container and dispense goods from the transfer container. It is advantageous if the transfer container can be moved from the starting position to the dispensing position and vice versa by pivoting about the first pivot axis, and from the starting position to the tipping position and vice versa by pivoting about the second pivot axis.

[0048] It is further advantageous if the transfer container is pivoted in step ii) of the method about the, in particular stationary, first pivot axis and / or in step vi) of the method about the, in particular stationary, second pivot axis.

[0049] It can be provided that the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are identical. The transfer container can be placed over the dispensing container by pivoting along a first direction of rotation and tilted for dispensing by pivoting along a second direction of rotation. For this purpose, the second direction of rotation is opposite to the first direction of rotation. The transfer container can be mounted on the support structure via a first rotary shaft running along the first and second pivot axes.

[0050] Alternatively, the first and second pivot axes can be arranged at a distance from one another and preferably aligned parallel or orthogonally to one another. In this case, the transfer container can be placed over the dispensing container by pivoting about the first pivot axis along the first direction of rotation and tilted for dispensing by pivoting about the second pivot axis along the second direction of rotation.

[0051] The transfer container can be mounted on the support structure via a first rotary shaft running along the first pivot axis and a second rotary shaft running along the second pivot axis.

[0052] Preferably, the first and second pivot axes are aligned parallel to each other. It is expedient for the second direction of rotation to be opposite to the first direction of rotation. Alternatively, the first and second pivot axes can be aligned orthogonally to each other, with the second direction of rotation being orthogonal to the first direction of rotation.

[0053] To ensure reliable tipping, it is advantageous if the second pivot axis is aligned parallel to the discharge opening, with the discharge opening preferably extending along one side of the transfer container. In particular, a second pivot axis can run parallel to the first pivot axis. The first pivot axis and the second pivot axis can run horizontally.

[0054] It is advantageous if the first container manipulation unit comprises a first pivot drive for pivoting the transfer container about the first pivot axis and / or a second pivot drive for pivoting the transfer container about the second pivot axis.

[0055] Preferably, the first pivot drive is configured to drive the first rotary shaft, and the second pivot drive is configured to drive the second rotary shaft. If the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are identical and only one rotary shaft is provided, the first pivot drive is sufficient to pivot the transfer container about the first and second pivot axes. In this case, the second pivot drive is not required.

[0056] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the first container manipulation unit has a pivoting frame which comprises a first pivoting unit and a second pivoting unit, wherein the first pivoting unit is connected to the transfer container and mounted on the second pivoting unit so as to be pivotable about the first pivot axis, and wherein the second pivoting unit is mounted on the support structure so as to be pivotable about the second pivot axis. Particularly preferably, it is provided that a pivoting movement of the first pivoting unit about the first pivot axis and counter to the first direction of rotation, in particular in the second direction of rotation, is limited by the second pivoting unit, for example by the first pivoting unit resting on the second pivoting unit.

[0057] Advantageously, the first container manipulation unit comprises a first rotary shaft extending along the first pivot axis and a second rotary shaft extending along the second pivot axis, wherein the first rotary shaft is connected to the first pivot unit, pivotally mounted on the second pivot unit, and drivable by the first pivot drive, and wherein the second rotary shaft is connected to the second pivot unit, pivotally mounted on the support structure, and drivable by the second pivot drive. In order to handle the dispensing container and / or the transfer container, in particular to remove the dispensing container from the transfer container, it can be provided that the container manipulation device, in particular the second container manipulation unit, has a gripping unit designed to receive the dispensing container and / or the transfer container.For this purpose, the gripping unit can comprise, for example, suction grippers and / or clamp grippers.

[0058] It is advantageous if the container manipulation device comprises a gantry robot or an articulated arm robot.

[0059] The container handling device may include a second container handling unit for handling the dispensing container. The second container handling unit may be configured as a gantry robot or an articulated-arm robot.

[0060] It is advantageously provided that the first provision device comprises a, in particular automatic, conveying device which is designed to transport the dispensing container to the first provision location and to provide it there.

[0061] In this case, the conveyor device of the first staging device can, for example, lead from the picking station to the first staging location. Alternatively, it can be provided that the delivery container is transferred from a conveyor device of the picking system to the conveyor device of the first staging device.

[0062] It is advantageous if, in step i) of the method, the delivery container is transported to the first staging location by means of a conveyor device, in particular from a picking station of a picking system. This is preferably done by means of the conveyor device of the first staging device.

[0063] Furthermore, the first provision device can comprise a (further) conveying device, in particular an automatic one, which is configured to receive the delivery container from the container manipulation device, in particular from the second container manipulation unit, and transport it away. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the second provision device comprises a conveying device, in particular an automatic one, which is configured to transport the receiving container away from the second provision location.

[0064] Furthermore, it can be provided that the second provision device comprises a further, in particular automatic, conveying device which is designed to transport the receiving container to the second provision location and to make it available there.

[0065] The conveying device and / or the further conveying device of the first supply device and / or second supply device can each comprise a stationary conveying device and / or a mobile conveying device. On the one hand, the stationary conveying device can comprise a continuous conveyor, for example a roller conveyor and / or a belt conveyor. On the other hand, the mobile conveying device can comprise a discontinuous conveyor, for example an automated guided vehicle (AGV). The automated guided vehicle (AGV) can comprise a plurality of automated guided vehicles, in particular so-called "Automated Guided Vehicles" (AGVs) and / or autonomously movable transport vehicles, so-called "Autonomous Mobile Robots" (AMRs).

[0066] Preferably, the conveying devices each form a conveying plane on which containers, for example, the delivery container or the receiving container, 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.

[0067] The dispensing containers can, as previously mentioned, be provided by shipping bags. These shipping bags can, for example, be produced by providing a substantially tubular material web, and the provision device comprises a cutting device which cuts off portions of the material web and closes them at one end to produce bags or pouches. The further conveying device of the second provision device can thus be provided by a feeding device for feeding the material web. In order to provide the receiving container open at the second provision location, it is advantageous if the second provision device comprises a clamping unit which is designed to clamp the receiving container, in particular a shipping bag.

[0068] Analogously, it can be provided that the receiving container, in particular the shipping bag, is clamped in step v), preferably by means of the clamping unit.

[0069] It is advantageous if the second provision device comprises a closing device configured to close the receiving container. The closing device can, for example, be designed as a cardboard cover or be configured for closing, in particular sealing, shipping bags.

[0070] Advantageously, in a step vii) of the method, the receiving container is closed after the goods have been placed therein.

[0071] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the second supply device has a filling element, in particular a funnel, which is designed to guide the goods from the transfer container into the receiving container. This ensures that the goods are reliably dispensed into the receiving container and that no goods are lost. Accordingly, the goods can be guided through the filling element during dispensing in step vi).

[0072] In order to provide a receiving container with an optimized filling volume, it can be provided that the transfer device has a computer system, in particular a computer, which is designed to calculate a space requirement of the goods in the receiving container based on the goods in the delivery container, in particular based on dimensions of the goods in the delivery container.

[0073] For example, the computer system can receive a picking order assigned to the drop-off container and / or master data for the goods from a warehouse management system. The picking order specifies which goods, in particular which items, have been loaded into the drop-off container. The master data for the goods usually includes at least one dimension and thus a space requirement for the respective items. Based on the picking order and / or the master data, the expected space requirement of the goods in the receiving container can be calculated.

[0074] Optionally, the first provisioning device can comprise a camera system for capturing an image of the goods in the delivery container. The computer system is configured to receive and evaluate a captured image to calculate the space required by the goods in the receiving container. The image can be evaluated using an object recognition algorithm, whereby individual items of the goods recognizable in the image are detected and their dimensions are determined. The object recognition algorithm can be implemented, in particular, using artificial intelligence, for example, using machine learning, in particular using deep learning.

[0075] On the one hand, the dimensions of the items can be determined from the captured image using image processing. On the other hand, the dimensions can be determined by identifying the items of the goods using image processing and retrieving the corresponding master data for the individual items.

[0076] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the second provision device is configured to receive a calculated space requirement from the computer system and to provide a receiving container with a filling volume adapted to the space requirement.

[0077] Prefabricated order containers of different types can be provided. Order containers of different types differ particularly in terms of their filling volume. Thus, for example, two or three different order container types, such as "small," "medium," and "large," can be provided, each with a different filling volume.

[0078] Alternatively, the order containers can be custom-made. For example, by producing a shipping bag with a maximum filling volume tailored to the space requirements.

[0079] It is particularly preferred that in step i) of the method, a space requirement of the goods in the receiving container is calculated by means of a computer system based on the goods in the delivery container, in particular based on dimensions of the goods in the delivery container, and in step v) of the method, a receiving container with a filling volume adapted to the space requirement is provided.

[0080] It is also advantageous if the method for transferring goods from a delivery container to a receiving container is carried out using a transfer device as described above.

[0081] The further object is achieved by utilizing the advantages and effects described above with an order picking system of the type mentioned at the outset, wherein the transfer device is designed according to one of the aspects described above and the first provision device of the transfer device is designed to receive delivery containers loaded with goods from the third conveyor device.

[0082] The warehouse of the order picking system is preferably an automated warehouse in which goods are stored in storage containers. For this purpose, the warehouse preferably comprises a plurality of storage racks for storing the storage containers. For storing and retrieving the storage containers, the warehouse can also have an automated storage and retrieval system with single-level or multi-level storage and retrieval machines.

[0083] At the picking station, goods can be transferred from storage containers to drop-off containers, especially picking containers, according to picking orders. Each picking order is assigned to one or more drop-off containers. Storage containers and drop-off containers can be provided at the picking station for this purpose. The picking station can be configured for automatic or manual picking.

[0084] The first conveyor device of the order picking system is preferably designed to receive storage containers from the storage and retrieval system, to provide storage containers at the order picking station, and / or to transfer storage containers to the storage and retrieval system. The second conveyor device of the order picking system is preferably designed to transport empty delivery containers to the order picking station and to provide them there. The third conveyor device is designed to transport delivery containers loaded with goods from the order picking station to the transfer station. For this purpose, the third conveyor device is connected (in terms of conveyor technology) to the second conveyor device. From the third conveyor device, the delivery containers can be transferred to the first provision device of the transfer device, in particular to the conveyor device of the first provision device.

[0085] Thus, the goods picked according to the picking order can be automatically transported from the picking station to the transfer device and automatically reloaded by the transfer device into a receiving container, in particular into a shipping bag or the like.

[0086] The conveyor devices of the order picking system can each comprise a stationary conveyor device and / or a mobile conveyor device. On the one hand, the stationary conveyor device can comprise a continuous conveyor, for example, a roller conveyor and / or a belt conveyor. On the other hand, the mobile conveyor device can comprise a discontinuous conveyor, for example, an automated guided vehicle (AGV). The automated guided vehicle (AGV) can comprise a plurality of automated guided vehicles, in particular so-called "Automated Guided Vehicles" (AGVs) and / or autonomously movable transport vehicles, so-called "Autonomous Mobile Robots" (AMRs).

[0087] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.

[0088] They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

[0089] Fig. 1 shows a transfer device in perspective view;

[0090] Fig. 2 the transfer device in plan view;

[0091] Fig. 3 a transfer container;

[0092] Fig. 4 shows a first container manipulation unit of the transfer device; Figs. 5a to 5e show the transfer device for reloading goods to various process steps;

[0093] Fig. 6a to 6c show a dispensing container and a transfer container which is placed over the dispensing container, in cross-sectional view;

[0094] Fig. 7 a picking system.

[0095] 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. 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.

[0096] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a transfer device 1. Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the transfer device 1, with the conveyor devices 22, 23 shown side by side for clarity. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the conveyor devices 22, 23 can be arranged one above the other.

[0097] The transfer device 1 has a first supply device 2 for supplying dispensing containers S and a second supply device 3 for supplying receiving containers T. Furthermore, the transfer device 1 comprises a transfer container 4 and a container manipulation device. The container manipulation device has, for example, a first container manipulation unit 5 and a second container manipulation unit 6.

[0098] The first provision device 2 forms a first provision location 21 at which a dispensing container S can be provided, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. For transporting the dispensing container S to the first provision location 21, the first provision device 2 preferably comprises a conveyor device 22. In order to transport emptied dispensing containers S away, the first provision device 2 can furthermore have an optional further conveyor device 23. As a rule, a dispensing container S comprises a base and side walls projecting from the base. The dispensing container S is open on an upper side opposite the base. The dispensing container S is preferably designed as a box or carton.

[0099] Fig. 1 shows a delivery container S provided at the first delivery location 21, which, as shown by way of example in Fig. 2, contains goods W. The goods are not shown in Fig. 1. The delivery container S is oriented in an upright position, with the bottom facing downward and the top facing upward. The bottom thus rests on the conveyor device 22.

[0100] Furthermore, Fig. 1 shows an emptied dispensing container S on the additional conveyor device 23. This dispensing container S is oriented upside down, with the bottom 41 facing upward and the top facing downward. The dispensing container S rests on the additional conveyor device 23 with the upper edges of its side walls.

[0101] The second provision device 3 forms a second provision location 31 at which a receiving container T can be provided, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. For transporting receiving containers T loaded with goods W (designated T' in Fig. 2) away from the second provision location 31, the second provision device 3 preferably comprises a conveyor device 32. In order to transport an empty receiving container T (designated T' in Fig.

[0102] 2 designated by T) open, the second provision device 3 can comprise a clamping unit 33, for example for clamping shipping bags. Such shipping bags are, for example, polybags or paper sacks. The second provision device 3 can also comprise a preferably automatic feeding device 35 (as shown schematically in Figs. 1 and 2), which can provide (unfilled) receiving container T and feed it to the clamping unit 33. So that articles which are dispensed from the transfer container 4 are guided into the receiving container T, the second provision device 3 can comprise a filling element 34, in particular a funnel. The filling element 34 is preferably arranged above the second provision location 31. The receiving container T can thus be provided below the filling element 34.

[0103] As shown by way of example in Fig. 1, the transfer container 4 can be pivotally mounted on the first container manipulation unit 5, wherein the first container manipulation unit 5 is arranged or can be arranged between the first provision location 21 and the second provision location 31. This enables the transfer container 4 to be placed over the dispensing container S by pivoting it in a first direction and to be emptied by pivoting it in a second direction.

[0104] The second container manipulation unit 6 preferably comprises a gripping unit 61, which is designed to lift the dispensing container S. For this purpose, the second container manipulation unit 6 can be designed, for example, as a gantry robot. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the second container manipulation unit 6 to be designed as an articulated-arm robot.

[0105] Fig. 3 shows the transfer container 4, which comprises a base 41 and side walls 42a, 42b projecting from the base 41. The side walls 42a, 42b define a receiving opening opposite the base 41, through which the dispensing container S can be received in the transfer container 4.

[0106] Conveniently, the side walls 42a, 42b comprise two opposite longitudinal side walls 42b which extend parallel to a longitudinal center plane LE of the transfer container 4, and optionally a wide side wall 42b which extends parallel to a transverse center plane QE.

[0107] Between the longitudinal side walls 42b, in particular on an edge of the base 41 opposite the wide side wall 42, a discharge opening 43 is arranged, through which goods W can be tipped out of the transfer container 4. The discharge opening 43 is aligned in particular parallel to the transverse center plane QE.

[0108] Optionally, the side walls 42a, 42b may have a further broad side wall opposite the described broad side wall 42b, which also extends parallel to the transverse center plane QE and in which the discharge opening 43 is arranged.

[0109] The transfer container 4 can be oriented in an upright orientation, as shown in Fig. 3, in which the bottom 41 is directed downward and the receiving opening is directed upward. Alternatively, the transfer container 4 can be oriented in an upside-down orientation, in which the bottom 41 is directed upward and the receiving opening is directed downward.

[0110] In order to secure the dispensing container S in the transfer container 4, the transfer container 4 can comprise a clamping device having a plurality of clamping elements 44 that can be placed against a dispensing container S accommodated in the transfer container 4. The clamping elements 44 are arranged on an upper edge of the side walls 42a, 42b directed away from the bottom 41 of the transfer container 4.

[0111] In this case, clamping elements 44 of the clamping device can be arranged on the longitudinal side walls 42b and mounted on the respective longitudinal side wall 42a so as to be movable, in particular pivotable, in the direction of the longitudinal center plane LE. Furthermore, one or more clamping elements 44 of the clamping device can be arranged on the broad side wall 42b and mounted on the broad side wall 42b so as to be movable, in particular pivotable, in the direction of the transverse center plane QE. If the further broad side wall is provided, one or more clamping elements 44 of the clamping device can be arranged on it in the same way.

[0112] Fig. 4 shows an enlarged view of the first container manipulation unit 5 with the transfer container 4 pivotally mounted thereon.

[0113] As can be seen in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, the first container manipulation unit 5 can comprise a support structure 51 on which the transfer container 4 is pivotally mounted. The support structure 51 and / or the transfer container 4 are preferably arranged between the first staging area 21 and the second staging area 31. The support structure 51 can be stationary, as shown in Fig. 1, or arranged on an automated guided vehicle.

[0114] The transfer container 4 can be pivoted from a starting position shown in Fig. 1 into a tipping position shown in Fig. 4 and subsequently into a folding position shown in Fig. 5b. For this purpose, the transfer container 4 is preferably mounted on the support structure 51 via a pivoting frame.

[0115] The pivoting frame preferably comprises a first pivoting unit 52a and a second pivoting unit 52b. The first pivoting unit 52a is mounted on the second pivoting unit 52b so as to be pivotable about the first pivot axis A1. Furthermore, the second pivoting unit 52b is mounted on the support structure 51 so as to be pivotable about the second pivot axis A2. By pivoting the transfer container 4 in a first direction of rotation about the first pivot axis, it can thus be moved from the starting position into the turning position. Analogously, the transfer container 4 can be moved from the starting position into the tipping position by pivoting in a second direction of rotation about the second pivot axis. Furthermore, it can be provided that the first container manipulation unit 5 comprises a first rotary shaft 53a which runs along the first pivot axis A1. The first rotary shaft 53a can be connected to the first pivoting unit 52a and mounted on the support structure 51 or, as shown in Fig.4, it can be rotatably mounted on the second pivot unit 52b. It is advantageous if the first rotary shaft 53a is connected to a first pivot drive 54a and can be driven by it. The first pivot drive 54a can be mounted on the second pivot unit 52b, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4.

[0116] Furthermore, it can be provided that the first container manipulation unit 5 comprises a second rotary shaft 53b, which runs along the second pivot axis A2, in order to tilt the container in a second direction, in particular to tilt the container or to move it into the illustrated tipping position. The second rotary shaft 53b can be connected to the second pivot unit 52b and, as shown in Fig. 4, can be rotatably mounted on the support structure 51. It is advantageous if the second rotary shaft 53b is connected to a second pivot drive 54b and can be driven by it.

[0117] Preferably, a pivoting movement of the first pivot unit 52a in the second rotational direction is limited, for example, by the second pivot unit 52b. For this purpose, it can be provided that the first pivot unit 52a rests on the second pivot unit 52b in the starting position and in the tipping position.

[0118] To receive goods W in the transfer container 4, the latter can be arranged in the starting position, in which the transfer container 4 is oriented in an upright orientation. In the starting position, the bottom 41 of the transfer container 4 is oriented substantially horizontally. The starting position is shown in Fig. 1 and subsequently in Fig. 5a, Fig. 5c, and Fig. 5d.

[0119] By pivoting the transfer container 4 in the first direction of rotation about the first pivot axis A1, the transfer container 4 can be moved from the starting position to the inverted position, in which the transfer container 4 is oriented upside down. This is illustrated by way of example in Fig. 5b.

[0120] Furthermore, the transfer container 4 can be moved from the starting position into the tipping position by pivoting the transfer container 4 in the second direction of rotation about the second pivot axis A2, which allows goods W to be tipped out through the discharge opening 43. The tipping position is shown by way of example in Fig. 4 and subsequently in Fig. 5e.

[0121] The second provision device 3 is shown in a highly simplified manner in Fig. 4, wherein it provides a receiving container T, in particular a shipping bag. For this purpose, the second provision device 3 can comprise a clamping unit 33, which is configured to clamp the receiving container T so that it is opened and / or held open.

[0122] In addition, Fig. 4 shows the optional filling element 34, which is designed, for example, as a funnel.

[0123] Simplified representations of the transfer device 1 are shown in Figs. 5a to 5e. With reference to these representations, the method for transferring goods W from the delivery container S into the receiving container T is described below.

[0124] The simplified illustration shows the first and second supply devices 2, 3, the transfer container 4, and the first container manipulation unit 5 of the transfer device 1. For reasons of clarity, the second container manipulation unit 6 and the optional additional conveyor device 23 of the first supply device 2 are only shown in Fig. 5d. Furthermore, the product W is not shown in Figs. 5a to 5e for reasons of clarity.

[0125] The support structure 51 of the first container handling unit 5 is also shown in a highly simplified manner in Fig. 5a to Fig. 5e. As previously described, the pivot frame comprising the first pivot unit 52a and the second pivot unit 52b is mounted on the support structure 51. Furthermore, the optional filling element 34 of the second supply device 3 is also shown.

[0126] In Fig. 5a, the transfer container 4 is arranged in the starting position.

[0127] In a method for transferring goods W from the delivery container S into a receiving container T, in a step i), a delivery container S containing goods W is first provided at the first provision location 21, as shown in Fig. 5a and also in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. For this purpose, the delivery container S can be transported to the first provision location 21 by means of the conveyor device 22 of the first provision device 2. The delivery container S is provided in an upright orientation.

[0128] Furthermore, Fig. 5a shows a filled and closed receiving container T from a previous implementation of the method on the conveyor device 32 of the second supply device 3.

[0129] Subsequently, in a step ii), the transfer container 4 is slipped over the dispensing container S, whereby the dispensing container S is received in the transfer container 4 through the receiving opening of the latter. This can be achieved by pivoting the transfer container 4 in the first direction of rotation about the first pivot axis A1 and thus moving it from the starting position into the slipped-over position, as shown in Fig. 5b. For this purpose, the first rotary shaft 53a can be driven by the first pivot drive 54a, not shown in Figs. 5a to 5e.

[0130] As can be seen in Fig. 5b, the first pivoting unit 52a is pivoted in the first direction of rotation about the first pivot axis A1 relative to the second pivoting unit 52b, whereby the transfer container 4 is moved from the starting position into the turning position.

[0131] If necessary, the dispensing container S can be secured by the clamping device in the transfer container 4. The clamping device is not shown in Fig. 5a to Fig. 5e, although one is preferably provided.

[0132] In a step iii), the transfer container 4 together with the dispensing container S is turned over, so that the transfer container 4 is moved from the turned-over position into the starting position, as shown in Fig. 5c. This is preferably done by pivoting the transfer container 4 about the first pivot axis A1 counter to the first direction of rotation. For this purpose, the first rotary shaft 53a can in turn be driven by the first pivot drive 54a. In this process, the dispensing container S is turned from the upright orientation to the upside-down orientation, so that the goods W are dispensed from the dispensing container S into the transfer container 4. The goods W are now located in the transfer container 4. The clamping device can now be released again if the transfer container 4 was previously secured by it. Subsequently, in a step iv), the dispensing container S is removed from the transfer container 4 by means of the second container manipulation unit 6.In this case, the dispensing container S can be picked up, for example, by the gripping unit 61 and optionally delivered to the conveying device 23 of the first supply device 2, as shown by way of example in Fig. 5d.

[0133] In a step v), a receiving container T is provided at the second provisioning location 31 by means of the second provisioning device 3. Step v) is performed before the subsequent step vi) and can be performed simultaneously or temporally overlapping with steps i) to iv), as indicated by the provided receiving container T in Fig. 5a to Fig. 5e. In the example shown, the receiving container T is formed by a shipping bag, which is clamped at the provisioning location by the clamping unit 33.

[0134] Finally, in step vi), the goods W are poured into the receiving container T by appropriately positioning and aligning, in particular by tilting, the transfer container 4 about the second pivot axis A2, as shown in Fig. 5e. For this purpose, the transfer container 4 is moved from the starting position into the previously described tipping position.

[0135] The second pivot unit 52b is pivoted together with the first pivot unit 52a about the second pivot axis A2, thereby moving the transfer container 4 into the tipping position. Preferably, the first pivot unit 52a rests on the second pivot unit 52b.

[0136] Optionally, the receiving container T can be closed in a step vii), in particular by means of a closing unit of the second provision device 3, and / or delivered to the conveying device 32 of the second provision device 3.

[0137] With the conveyor device 32 of the second provision device 3, the filled and closed receiving container T can be transported away from the second provision location 31, as shown by way of example in Fig. 5a. The receiving container T can in particular be transported to a shipping station of a picking system 100 or transferred to a subsequent conveyor device (not shown). In order to package goods W with an optimized filling volume, the transfer device 1 can be provided with a computer system 7 which is configured to calculate a space requirement of the goods W in the receiving container T based on the goods W in the delivery container S. The computer system 7 is shown by way of example in Fig. 5a. The second provision device 3 is preferably configured to receive a calculated space requirement from the computer system 7 and to provide a receiving container T with a filling volume tailored to the space requirement.

[0138] Furthermore, the first provisioning device 2 can be provided with an optional camera system 24, which is configured to capture an image of the goods W in the delivery container S and transmit this image to the computer system 7. The space requirement can be determined based on the captured image.

[0139] In Fig. 6a to Fig. 6c, the transfer container 4 with a dispensing container S accommodated therein is shown in cross-sectional view, wherein the bottom 41 and the longitudinal side walls 42b are visible.

[0140] In Fig. 6a, the transfer container 4 is arranged in the folded position and placed over the delivery container S. Thus, a state is shown as it exists after step ii). Here, the transfer container 4 is oriented upside down and the delivery container S is oriented upright, with the product W being received in the delivery container S.

[0141] To secure the dispensing container S in the transfer container 4, the clamping elements 44 of the clamping device can be placed against the dispensing container S, particularly in steps ii) and / or iii), as shown in Fig. 6b. The transfer container 4 is thereby secured by clamping and / or fixed relative to the base 41 of the transfer container 4. For this purpose, the clamping elements 44, which are arranged on the longitudinal side walls 42a, are moved in the direction of the longitudinal center plane LE. Analogously, the clamping element 44 or the clamping elements 44, which are arranged on the broad side wall 42b or the broad side walls 42b, can be moved in the direction of the transverse center plane QE.

[0142] As previously described, in step iii) of the method, the transfer container 4 is turned over together with the delivery container S. This is shown by a combined view of Fig. 6b and Fig. 6c. After turning over, the transfer container 4 is in the upright orientation and the delivery container S is in the upside-down orientation. The goods W are then delivered to the transfer container 4 through the open top of the delivery container S. As can be seen in Fig. 6c, the goods W are now located in the transfer container 4.

[0143] The clamping device can now be released by moving the clamping elements 44 away from the dispensing container S. This is not explicitly shown. Once the clamping device is released, the dispensing container S can be removed from the transfer container 4 as previously described in connection with Fig. 5d.

[0144] In Fig. 7, a picking system 100 with transfer device 1 is shown schematically.

[0145] The order picking system 100 comprises a warehouse 110, which preferably has a plurality of storage racks 111 for storing storage containers U, as well as an automated storage and retrieval system. The storage and retrieval system can have at least one storage and retrieval machine 112, in particular several single-level storage and retrieval machines.

[0146] In addition, the picking system 100 comprises a picking station 120, at which goods W can be picked automatically and / or manually from storage container U into delivery container S according to picking orders. Storage containers U and delivery containers S can be provided at the picking station 120, as shown by way of example in Fig. 7.

[0147] Optionally, the order picking system 100 has a delivery container warehouse 130 in which empty delivery containers S can be temporarily stored and / or stored.

[0148] Furthermore, the order picking system 100 can comprise a goods receipt 140, in particular a receiving station, at which delivered goods W are received and, if necessary, transported to the warehouse 110 for storage.

[0149] Preferably, the order picking system 100 comprises a goods exit 150, in particular a shipping station, at which goods W, in particular receiving containers T, are prepared for shipping and / or, for example, handed over to a delivery vehicle.

[0150] The warehouse 110 and the picking station 120 are connected via a conveyor device 101, which is configured to transport storage containers U from the warehouse 110 to the picking station 120. Furthermore, a conveyor device 102 is provided, which is configured to transport delivery containers S, in particular from the delivery container warehouse 130, to the picking station 120. Preferably, the delivery container warehouse 130 and the picking station 120 are connected via the conveyor device 102.

[0151] Furthermore, the picking station 120 and the transfer device 1 are connected via a conveyor device 103, which is designed to transport delivery containers S from the picking station 120 to the transfer device 1.

[0152] Finally, the warehouse 110 can be connected to the optional goods receipt 140 via a conveyor device 104 and / or the transfer device 1 can be connected to the optional shipping station via a conveyor device 105. In this case, the conveyor device 104 is configured to transport storage containers U from the goods receipt 140 to the warehouse 110. The conveyor device 105 is configured to transport receiving containers T from the transfer device 1 to the shipping station. In this case, the conveyor device 105 is connected to the conveyor device 32 of the second provision device 3 of the transfer device 1.

[0153] Finally, it should be noted that the scope of protection is determined by the patent claims. However, the description and drawings should be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions in their own right.

[0154] In particular, it is also noted that the illustrated devices may in reality comprise more or fewer components than shown. In some cases, the illustrated devices or their components may also be shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size. Reference symbols

[0155] 1 transfer device

[0156] 2 first supply device

[0157] 21 first staging area

[0158] 22, 23 Conveyor device

[0159] 24 camera system

[0160] 3 second supply device

[0161] 31 second staging area

[0162] 32 Conveyor device

[0163] 33 clamping unit

[0164] 34 Filling element

[0165] 35 Feeding device

[0166] 4 transfer containers

[0167] 41 Floor

[0168] 42a Longitudinal side wall

[0169] 42b broad side wall

[0170] 43 Discharge opening

[0171] 44 clamping element

[0172] 5 first container manipulation unit

[0173] 51 Support structure

[0174] 52a, 52b Swivel unit 53a, 53b Rotating shaft 54a, 54b Swivel drive 6 Second container manipulation unit 61 Gripping unit

[0175] 7 Computer system

[0176] 100 picking system

[0177] 101..105 Conveyor device

[0178] 110 warehouses

[0179] 111 Storage rack

[0180] 112 storage and retrieval machine

[0181] 120 picking stations

[0182] 130 disposal container storage

[0183] 140 Goods receipt

[0184] 150 Goods issue

[0185] Al, A2 Swivel axis LE Longitudinal center plane

[0186] QE transverse median plane

[0187] S Disposal container

[0188] T Receptacle

[0189] U storage container

[0190] W goods

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. A transfer device (1) for transferring goods (W) from a delivery container (S) into a receiving container (T), in particular into a shipping carton or shipping bag, comprising a first provision device (2) with a first provision location (21) for providing a delivery container (S), a second provision device (3) with a second provision location (31) for providing a receiving container (T), a transfer container (4) for temporarily receiving the goods (W), and a container manipulation device for handling the transfer container (4) and the delivery container (S), characterized in that the transfer container (4) has a bottom (41), a receiving opening opposite the bottom (41), side walls (42a, 42b) projecting from the bottom (41) and delimiting the receiving opening, and a delivery opening (43), and is in particular adapted such that a delivery container (S) can be received between the side walls (42a, 42b),and the container manipulation device is configured to place the transfer container (4) over a delivery container (S) containing goods (W) provided by the first provision device (2) and to turn the transfer container (4) together with the delivery container (S) so that the goods (W) are delivered from the delivery container (S) into the transfer container (4), to remove the delivery container (S) from the transfer container (4), and to move the transfer container (4) such that the goods (W) are emptied from the transfer container (4) through the delivery opening (43) and delivered into a receiving container (T) provided by the second provision device (3).

2. Transfer device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a clamping device which is designed to secure the dispensing container (S) in the transfer container (4).

3. Transfer device (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the transfer container (4) is arranged or positionable next to the first provision location (21) and / or next to the second provision location (31), in particular between the first and second provision location (31).

4. Transfer device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transfer container (4) is arranged stationary or on a driverless transport vehicle.

5. Transfer device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the container manipulation device has a first container manipulation unit (5) for handling the transfer container (4) and optionally a second container manipulation unit (6) for handling the dispensing container (S).

6. Transfer device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the first container manipulation unit (5) has a support structure (51) on which the transfer container (4) is pivotally mounted about a first pivot axis (A1) in order to put the transfer container (4) over the dispensing container (S), and is pivotally mounted about a second pivot axis (A2) in order to tilt the transfer container (4) and dispense goods (W) from the transfer container (4).

7. Transfer device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the second pivot axis (A2) is aligned parallel to the discharge opening (43), wherein the discharge opening (43) preferably extends along one side of the transfer container (4).

8. Transfer device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the first container manipulation unit (5) comprises a first pivot drive (54a) to pivot the transfer container (4) about the first pivot axis (A1) and / or a second pivot drive (54b) to pivot the transfer container (4) about the second pivot axis (A2).

9. Transfer device (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the first container manipulation unit (5) has a pivoting frame which comprises a first pivoting unit (52a) and a second pivoting unit (52b), wherein the first pivoting unit (52a) is connected to the transfer container (4) and is mounted on the second pivoting unit (52b) so as to be pivotable about the first pivot axis (A1), and wherein the second pivoting unit (52b) is mounted on the support structure (51) so as to be pivotable about the second pivot axis (A2).

10. Transfer device (1) according to claim 8 and 9, characterized in that the first container manipulation unit (5) comprises a first rotary shaft (53a) running along the first pivot axis (A1) and a second rotary shaft (53b) running along the second pivot axis (A2), wherein the first rotary shaft (53a) is connected to the first pivot unit (52a), pivotally mounted on the second pivot unit (52b) and drivable by the first pivot drive (54a), and wherein the second rotary shaft (53b) is connected to the second pivot unit (52b), pivotally mounted on the support structure (51) and drivable by the second pivot drive (54b).

11. Transfer device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the container manipulation device has a gripping unit (61) which is designed to receive the dispensing container (S) and / or the transfer container (4).

12. Transfer device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the container manipulation device comprises a gantry robot or an articulated arm robot.

13. Transfer device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the container manipulation device has a second container manipulation unit (6) for handling the dispensing container (S) and is optionally designed as a gantry robot or as an articulated arm robot.

14. Transfer device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the first supply device (2) comprises a conveying device (22) which is designed to is arranged to transport the dispensing container (S) to the first staging location (21) and to make it available there.

15. Transfer device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the second supply device (3) comprises a conveying device (32) which is designed to transport the receiving container (T) away from the second supply location (31).

16. Transfer device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the second supply device (3) comprises a clamping unit (33) which is designed to clamp the receiving container (T), in particular a shipping bag.

17. Transfer device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the second supply device (3) comprises a closing device which is designed to close the receiving container (T).

18. Transfer device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the second supply device (3) has a filling element (34), in particular a funnel, which is designed to guide the goods (W) from the transfer container (4) into the receiving container (T).

19. Transfer device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that it has a computer system (7) which is set up to calculate a space requirement of the goods (W) in the receiving container (T) based on the goods (W) in the delivery container (S), in particular based on dimensions of the goods (W) in the delivery container (S).

20. Transfer device (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that the first supply device (2) comprises a camera system (24) for recording an image of the goods (W) in the delivery container (S), wherein the computer system (7) is configured to receive and evaluate a recorded image in order to calculate the space requirement of the goods (W) in the receiving container (T).

21. Transfer device (1) according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the second provision device (3) is designed to receive a calculated space requirement from the computer system (7) and to provide a receiving container (T) with a filling volume adapted to the space requirement.

22. 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 1 to 21, comprising the steps: i) providing a delivery container (S) containing goods (W) at the transfer device (1) by means of a first provision device (2) at a first provision location (21); ii) placing a transfer container (4) over the provided delivery container (S) by means of a container manipulation device; iii) turning the transfer container (4) together with the delivery container (S) by means of the container manipulation device, whereby the goods (W) are delivered from the delivery container (S) into the transfer container (4); iv) removing the delivery container (S) from the transfer container (4) by means of the container manipulation device;v) Providing a receiving container (T) on the transfer device (1) by means of a second provision device (3) at a second provision location (31); vi) Positioning the transfer container (4) by means of the container manipulation device such that the goods (W) are emptied, in particular tipped out, from the transfer container (4) via a discharge opening (43) of the transfer container (4) and discharged into the receiving container (T); 23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that the dispensing container (S) is secured, in particular fixed, in the transfer container (4) during step iii) by a clamping device of the transfer device (1), in particular by means of clamping elements (44) of the clamping device.

24. Method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the transfer container (4) is pivoted in step ii) about a first pivot axis (A1) and / or in step vi) about a second pivot axis (A2), in particular a stationary one.

25. Method according to one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that the delivery container (S) is transported in step i) by means of a conveying device (103), in particular from a picking station (120) of a picking system (100), to the transfer device (1).

26. Method according to one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that the receiving container (T), in particular a shipping bag, is clamped in step v), preferably by means of a clamping unit (33).

27. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 25, comprising the step: vii) closing the receiving container (T) after the goods (W) have been dispensed therein.

28. Method according to one of claims 22 to 27, characterized in that in step i) by means of a computer system (7) a space requirement of the goods (W) in the receiving container (T) is calculated based on the goods (W) in the delivery container (S), in particular based on dimensions of the goods (W) in the delivery container (S), and in step v) a receiving container (T) with a filling volume adapted to the space requirement is provided.

29. Method according to one of claims 22 to 28, characterized in that the transfer container (4) has a bottom (41), a receiving opening opposite the bottom (41), side walls (42a, 42b) projecting from the bottom (41) which delimit the receiving opening, and the dispensing opening (43), and is adapted such that a dispensing container (S) is received between the side walls (42a, 42b) when the transfer container (4) has been slipped over the dispensing container (S).

30. Order picking system (100) for picking goods (W) according to order picking orders, comprising a warehouse (110) for storing goods (W) in storage containers (U), a picking station (120) for transferring goods (W) from storage containers (U) into delivery containers (S), in particular order picking containers, a transfer device (1) for transferring goods (W) from delivery containers (S) into receiving containers (T), in particular shipping containers, an automatic first conveyor device (101) for transporting storage containers (U) from the warehouse (110) to the order picking station (120), an automatic second conveyor device (102) for transporting empty delivery containers (S) to the order picking station (120) and an automatic third conveyor device (103) for transporting delivery containers (S) loaded with goods (W) from the order picking station (120) to the transfer device (1), characterized in thatthat the transfer device (1) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 21 and the first supply device (2) of the transfer device (1) is designed to receive delivery containers (S) loaded with goods (W) from the third conveyor device (103).

Images