Method and repacking station for repacking goods from dispensing containers into goods receiving containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a repacking station (1, 1a., 1j) for repacking goods (23) from dispensing containers (2) into goods receiving containers (3, 3a..3b'), wherein a receiving volume in the first goods receiving container (3a) is smaller than in the dispensing container (2). The repacking station (1, 1a., 1j) comprises a goods dispensing region (A) and a goods takeover region (B) and, between them, a first goods transfer shaft (4a). The goods (23) are dispensed from the dispensing container (2) into the first goods receiving container (3a) via the first goods transfer shaft (4a). The goods (23) are then redistributed such that, in the first goods receiving container (3a), there remains just such an amount of goods (23) until a predeterminable filling height (x5) is reached in the first goods receiving container (3a). The invention further relates to an order-picking system (10) having such a repacking station (1, 1a.. 1j).

Description

[0001] METHOD AND REPACKING STATION FOR REPACKING GOODS FROM DELIVERY CONTAINERS INTO RECEIPT CONTAINERS

[0002] The invention relates to a method for repacking goods from a delivery container into a goods receiving container at a repacking station, in particular in a goods receiving area of ​​a picking system.

[0003] The invention further relates to a repacking station for repacking goods from a delivery container into a goods receiving container, comprising a goods transfer device and a first and second conveyor system. The goods transfer device comprises a goods delivery area and a goods receiving area with a delivery position. The first conveyor system is designed to transport the delivery container into the goods delivery area, and the second conveyor system is designed to transport a goods receiving container into the goods receiving area and to provide the goods receiving container in the delivery position, as well as to transport the goods receiving container out of the goods receiving area.

[0004] Finally, the invention relates to a picking system for processing picking orders, comprising a goods receiving area, a repacking station of the type mentioned above, a warehouse, at least one picking station, a storage conveyor system, and a picking conveyor system. The goods receiving area serves to receive goods delivered in delivery containers; the repacking station serves to repack (or transfer or pour) goods from the delivery containers into goods receiving containers; and the warehouse serves to store the goods in the goods receiving containers. The at least one picking station is provided for picking goods from the goods receiving containers into shipping containers according to picking orders.The storage conveyor system is designed to transport the goods receiving containers from the repacking station to the warehouse, and the picking conveyor system is designed to transport the goods receiving containers between the warehouse and at least one picking station.

[0005] Such a repacking method (also known under the general term "decanting"), such a repacking station, and such a picking system are generally known from the prior art. In known picking systems, goods are often repacked from a respective drop-off container into a respective goods receiving container, for example, to simplify or even enable handling of the goods in the picking system. This particularly affects incoming goods, as the delivered drop-off containers can have very different formats. The high number of goods handled in a picking system requires an efficient and high-performance solution for repacking goods. However, the known solutions can only partially meet the required performance characteristics, which can reduce the overall performance of a picking system.

[0006] An object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved method for repacking goods, an improved repacking station for repacking goods, and an improved order picking system. In particular, an efficient and high-performance solution for repacking goods is to be proposed.

[0007] The object of the invention is achieved by a repacking station for repacking goods from a delivery container into a plurality of goods receiving containers, which comprises: a goods transfer device which comprises a goods delivery area and a goods receiving area with a first delivery position, a first conveyor system for transporting the delivery container into the goods delivery area and a second conveyor system for transporting a first goods receiving container into the goods receiving area and for providing the first goods receiving container in the first delivery position as well as for transporting the first goods receiving container from the goods receiving area, wherein the goods transfer device further comprises a first goods transfer shaft which is arranged between the goods delivery area and the goods receiving area (and in particular is arranged above the first delivery position), and optionally a goods receiving floor,which is adjacent to the first goods transfer shaft.

[0008] The object of the invention is further achieved by a picking system of the type mentioned above, in which the repacking station is designed as specified above and in which the second conveyor system for transporting the goods receiving containers is connected to the warehouse via the storage conveyor system. The object of the invention is also achieved by a method for repacking (or transferring or pouring) goods from delivery containers into goods receiving containers at a repacking station, which method comprises the following steps: a) providing a delivery container filled with goods, b) providing at least one first goods receiving container and one second goods receiving container for repacking the goods from the one delivery container at least into the first goods receiving container and the second goods receiving container, wherein a receiving volume of the first goods receiving container is smaller than a volume of the goods in the delivery container,c) Providing a goods transfer device in the repacking station, which goods transfer device comprises a goods delivery area, a goods receiving area with a first delivery position, a first goods transfer shaft, which is arranged between the goods delivery area and the goods receiving area and in particular above the first delivery position, and a goods receiving floor, which is adjacent to the first goods transfer shaft, d) Transporting the delivery container into the goods delivery area by means of a first conveyor system, e) Transporting the first goods receiving container into the goods receiving area and providing the first goods receiving container in the first delivery position by means of a second conveyor system, f) Emptying, in particular completely emptying, the delivery container in the goods delivery area by a relative movement between the delivery container and the first goods transfer shaft such thatthat the goods are delivered from the delivery container via the first goods transfer chute into the provided first goods receiving container, g) removing the delivery container after emptying according to step f) from the goods delivery area by a relative movement between the delivery container and the first goods transfer chute, h) redistributing the goods emptied in step f) to the provided first goods receiving container and the goods receiving floor, so that only a portion of goods remains in the first goods receiving container until a predeterminable fill level is reached in the first goods receiving container and at least a portion (from the first goods receiving container) of a portion of goods exceeding the predeterminable fill level is delivered to the goods receiving floor, and i) transporting (away) the filled first goods receiving container after completion of a redistribution of the goods portions according to step h) by means of the second conveyor system.

[0009] In the above-mentioned method, the repacking station can be located, in particular, in a goods receiving area of ​​a picking system, which in particular has a warehouse and a picking station for picking goods according to picking orders. Furthermore, the goods receiving containers provided in step b) can each be empty or partially filled. Furthermore, completion of the repacking after step h) can be acknowledged by a detection device connected to a control unit, which in turn controls the second conveyor system.

[0010] The presented process, the presented repacking station and the presented picking system have the following features and advantages in particular:

[0011] The proposed measures are particularly suitable for textiles, especially for textiles packaged in plastic bags.

[0012] In the context of the invention, the term “repackaging” is understood to mean refilling or pouring goods.

[0013] The repacking of goods from delivery containers into goods receiving containers takes place in particular without reference to a picking order or customer order and is suitable, for example, for preparing the storage of goods in a warehouse.

[0014] In particular, after the goods have been repacked, the first goods receiving container and second goods receiving container are transported from the repacking station to an automated warehouse by a storage conveyor system (stationary conveyor system, for example a roller conveyor, or mobile conveyor system, for example an Automated Guided Vehicle "AGV" or Autonomous Mobile Robots "AMR") and stored in the warehouse. In particular, the warehouse can comprise one or more Eager operating devices which store the first goods receiving container and second goods receiving container in one or more Eager racks. In particular, one of the goods receiving containers is retrieved from the automated warehouse and transported to a picking station when a good is required for a picking order from this goods receiving container.In particular, the warehouse can comprise one or more storage and retrieval machines, one of which retrieves the required goods receiving container from a storage rack. This shows that the first goods receiving container and the second goods receiving container can be used in the picking system as so-called "system containers."

[0015] The first goods receiving container and the second goods receiving container are preferably standardized goods receiving containers. The first goods receiving container and the second goods receiving container preferably have a uniform (constant) receiving volume and / or uniform dimensions, regardless of the type of goods, in particular regardless of the dimensions of the goods.

[0016] The repacking station comprises a goods transfer device with a first goods transfer shaft, which has a feed opening at an upper end and a discharge opening at a lower end, as well as shaft walls. The feed opening and discharge opening are delimited by the shaft walls.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the first goods transfer shaft extends with its longitudinal axis vertically between the goods delivery area and the goods receipt area above the first delivery position.

[0018] The first goods transfer shaft allows a controlled transfer of the goods from the delivery container to the first goods receiving container. It can be almost ruled out that the goods will become unfavourably distributed when being transferred from the delivery container to the first goods receiving container and / or that the goods will accidentally fall onto the floor. On the contrary, the first goods transfer shaft with its shaft walls can serve as a guide shaft between the feed opening and the delivery opening, along which the goods can be moved. The goods can even be guided through the guide shaft during a delivery movement. This can be particularly advantageous for stackable goods that can form a stack of goods. The first goods transfer shaft is used in particular for filling exactly the first goods receiving container (and no other). For this purpose, the delivery opening is preferably smaller than 1.2 times the opening of the first goods receiving container.In particular, the first goods transfer shaft between the supply opening and the discharge opening can be bounded on all sides by shaft walls, wherein the shaft walls are in particular continuous and form closed surfaces. However, it would also be conceivable for one or more slots or other recesses to be arranged in the shaft walls. The smallest dimension of such a slot or recess can advantageously be smaller than the smallest dimension of a product, thereby preventing a product from falling out of the goods transfer shaft.

[0019] In addition, the first goods transfer chute can allow for overfilling of the first goods receiving container. If the goods are stackable, the first goods transfer chute can also be used to prevent a stack of goods that is relatively high compared to the support surface from tipping over.

[0020] It can be provided that the surface dimension of the feed opening of the first goods transfer chute is larger than the discharge opening of the delivery container through which the goods are dispensed. This enables a reliable transfer of the goods from the delivery container to the goods receiving container.

[0021] Within the scope of the invention, emptying the dispensing container into the provided first goods receiving container can be understood to mean that all goods are dispensed from the dispensing container. In other words, the dispensing container is preferably completely emptied. The goods can be received partly in the first goods receiving container and partly in the first goods transfer shaft and, if appropriate, partly on the goods receiving floor. In principle, however, a minimum proportion of goods is always dispensed into and received by the first goods receiving container. Discharge of the goods from the dispensing container preferably occurs (solely) by gravity. Accordingly, the first goods transfer shaft (or its longitudinal axis) is advantageously oriented vertically or has at least one vertical component.

[0022] When the goods are delivered into the first goods receiving container, the following cases can occur: i) The (delivered) goods are partly received in the first goods receiving container and partly in the first goods transfer shaft. The goods are therefore delivered into the first goods receiving container, but cannot be completely received by it (overfilling of the first goods receiving container). The goods therefore protrude from the first goods receiving container. The goods that cannot be received in the first goods receiving container and are located in the first goods transfer shaft are placed on the goods receiving floor in a separate process step and temporarily buffered there. If the goods are stackable and form a stack of goods, it is conceivable that the goods that protrude into the first goods transfer shaft do not touch the shaft walls of the first goods transfer shaft.ii) The (dispatched) goods are collected partly in the first goods receiving container and partly on the goods receiving floor. Goods that cannot be collected in the first goods receiving container are additionally placed on the goods receiving floor and temporarily buffered there.

[0023] In addition, in step f), a relative movement between the delivery container and the first goods transfer shaft can take place in such a way that the delivery container is moved, for example, according to a first embodiment exclusively in a horizontal movement relative to the first goods transfer shaft or according to a second embodiment in a horizontal movement and vertical movement relative to the first goods transfer shaft.

[0024] In particular, according to the first embodiment, the horizontal movement of the delivery container can be performed relative to and on or above the goods receiving floor. In other words, the delivery container can be pushed or lifted on the goods receiving floor to a transfer position above the first goods transfer shaft.

[0025] In particular, according to the second embodiment, the horizontal movement of the dispensing container can be performed relative to and on the goods receiving floor, and the vertical movement relative to the goods receiving floor. In other words, the dispensing container can be pushed along the goods receiving floor to a transfer position above the first goods transfer shaft and then lifted.

[0026] A “removal” of the dispensing container from the goods dispensing area after emptying according to step f) may comprise a vertical movement of the dispensing container, or a vertical movement and horizontal movement of the dispensing container.

[0027] This process step can be performed automatically by a manipulation device or manually by a warehouse worker. This process step can also comprise a combination of an automatic process step and a manual process step.

[0028] Emptying in step f) can be done without changing the orientation of the dispensing container or by tilting it.

[0029] The predeterminable filling level can be a maximum filling level in the first goods receiving container or any (desired) lower filling level than the maximum filling level.

[0030] The redistribution of goods in step h) can take place (directly) following step f) or following step g).

[0031] In one embodiment, the redistribution of the goods emptied in step f) to the provided first goods receiving container and the goods receiving floor is carried out in such a way that after the goods have been emptied in step f), a portion of the goods remains in the first goods receiving container and at least a portion of a portion of goods (from the first goods receiving container) that exceeds the filling level is temporarily released onto the goods receiving floor.

[0032] The proportion of goods remaining in the first goods receiving container corresponds to a first proportion of goods from the delivery container.

[0033] As will be described below, a portion of the goods that are transferred into the second goods receiving container corresponds to a second portion of the goods from the delivery container.

[0034] The first portion of the goods is determined by a predeterminable fill level in the first goods receiving container. The predeterminable fill level, which can correspond to a maximum fill level, is preferably selected such that the goods do not protrude from the first goods receiving container. This enables reliable transport of the goods with the first goods receiving container.

[0035] The second portion of goods results from the portion of goods that were transferred from the first goods receiving container and / or the first goods transfer chute and the goods receiving floor to the second goods receiving container after a first transfer, or from the goods receiving floor to the second goods receiving container after a second transfer. All or part of the goods can be removed from the goods receiving floor and transferred to the second goods receiving container. The second goods receiving container can also be filled to a predeterminable fill level. The predeterminable fill level can be a maximum fill level in the second goods receiving container or any (desired) fill level lower than the maximum fill level. In principle, the predeterminable fill level can also be determined by specifying a quantity of goods.

[0036] If the total quantity of goods from the delivery container can be completely taken up by the first goods receiving container and the second goods receiving container, the first portion and the second portion make up the total quantity of goods from the delivery container.

[0037] The described redistribution of goods according to step h) can be carried out manually by a warehouse worker or automatically by a robot.

[0038] In principle, it can be provided that, before the filled first goods receiving container is transported away in step i), completion of the redistribution is confirmed at a detection device. The detection device is connected to a control unit, which in turn controls the second conveyor system. The detection device can comprise an acknowledgment button or the like, by which an (acknowledgment) signal is generated when the warehouse worker reports the completion of a redistribution just carried out - according to step h) - to the control unit. For example, the warehouse worker (operator) reports the completion of the redistribution just carried out to the control unit by pressing the acknowledgment button on the detection device. The second conveyor system is then controlled by the control unit and, for example, a first goods receiving container is transported away.However, the detection device can also comprise an optoelectronic sensor which generates a signal and transmits it to the control unit when the warehouse worker has completed a redistribution that has just been carried out - according to step h).

[0039] According to this optional embodiment, step h) additionally comprises the following step: acknowledging the completion of the redistribution at a detection device which is connected to a control unit which in turn controls the second conveyor system in order to transport the first goods receiving container from the first delivery position or from the goods receiving area. The advantage is that the method for repacking goods from a delivery container into a first goods receiving container and a second goods receiving container is particularly simple and a high repacking performance can be achieved. The first goods transfer shaft promotes a reliable transfer of goods from the delivery container to the first goods receiving container. In addition, the first goods transfer shaft allows for "overfilling" of the first goods receiving container.The goods that cannot be accommodated in the first goods receiving container and are located in the first goods transfer chute are placed on the goods receiving floor, buffered, and transferred to the second goods receiving container in a subsequent process step. The first goods receiving container can therefore be removed immediately after step h) has been completed.

[0040] The repacking station can also be set up very simply and, if necessary, as a standard, which advantageously promotes a reliable repacking process, in particular reducing the error rate, ensuring more predictability of the repacking process and also facilitating the training of new employees.

[0041] The object of the invention is further achieved by a method for repacking (or transferring or pouring) goods from delivery containers into goods receiving containers at a repacking station, which method comprises the following steps: a) Providing a delivery container which is filled with goods, b) Providing at least one first goods receiving container and a second goods receiving container for repacking the goods from the one delivery container at least into the first goods receiving container and second goods receiving container, wherein a receiving volume of the first goods receiving container is smaller than a goods volume of the goods in the delivery container, c) Providing a goods transfer device in the repacking station, which goods transfer device comprises a goods delivery area, a goods receiving area with a first delivery position and a second delivery position, a first goods transfer shaft,which is arranged between the goods delivery area and the goods acceptance area and in particular above the first delivery position, and optionally a goods receiving floor which is adjacent to the first goods transfer shaft, d) transporting the delivery container into the goods delivery area by means of a first conveyor system, e) transporting the first goods receiving container into the goods acceptance area and providing the first goods receiving container in the first delivery position and transporting the second goods receiving container into the goods acceptance area and providing the second goods receiving container in the second delivery position, each by means of a second conveyor system, f) emptying, in particular completely emptying, the delivery container in the goods delivery area by a relative movement between the delivery container and the first goods transfer shaft in such a way,that the goods are delivered from the delivery container via the first goods transfer chute into the provided first goods receiving container, g) removing the delivery container after emptying according to step f) from the goods delivery area by a relative movement between the delivery container and the first goods transfer chute, h) redistributing the goods emptied in step f) to the provided first goods receiving container and the provided second goods receiving container and, if applicable, the goods receiving base, so that only a portion of goods remains in the first goods receiving container until a predeterminable fill level is reached in the first goods receiving container and a portion of goods exceeding the predeterminable fill level is delivered to the provided second goods receiving container and, if applicable, the goods receiving base,and i) transporting the filled first goods receiving container and the filled second goods receiving container after completion of a redistribution of the goods according to step h) by means of the second conveyor system.

[0042] In the above-mentioned method, the repacking station can be located, in particular, in a goods receiving area of ​​a picking system, which in particular has a warehouse and a picking station for picking goods according to picking orders. Furthermore, the goods receiving containers provided in step b) can each be empty or partially filled. Furthermore, completion of the repacking after step h) can be acknowledged by a detection device connected to a control unit, which in turn controls the second conveyor system.

[0043] According to this embodiment, a first delivery position and a second delivery position are provided, in which the first goods receiving container and the second goods receiving container are provided in parallel. It should be noted that a further (third, fourth, etc.) delivery position can also be provided, in which a further (third, fourth, etc.) goods receiving container is provided parallel to the first goods receiving container and the second goods receiving container.

[0044] The goods receiving floor is not absolutely necessary and can be arranged optionally.

[0045] The presented process, the presented repacking station and the presented picking system have the following features and advantages in particular:

[0046] The proposed measures are particularly suitable for textiles, especially for textiles packaged in plastic bags.

[0047] In the context of the invention, the term “repackaging” is understood to mean refilling or pouring goods.

[0048] The repacking of goods from delivery containers into goods receiving containers takes place in particular without reference to a picking order or customer order and is suitable, for example, for preparing the storage of goods in a warehouse.

[0049] In particular, after the goods have been repacked, the first goods receiving container and the second goods receiving container are transported from the repacking station to an automated warehouse by a storage and retrieval conveyor system (stationary conveyor system, for example a roller conveyor, or mobile conveyor system, for example an automated guided vehicle (AGV) or autonomous mobile robot (AMR)) and stored in the warehouse. In particular, the warehouse can comprise one or more storage and retrieval machines that store the first goods receiving container and the second goods receiving container in one or more storage racks. In particular, one of the goods receiving containers is retrieved from the automated warehouse and transported to a picking station when a good is required for a picking order from this goods receiving container.In particular, the warehouse can comprise one or more storage and retrieval machines, one of which retrieves the required goods receiving container from a storage rack. This shows that the first goods receiving container and the second goods receiving container can be used in the picking system as so-called "system containers."

[0050] The first goods receiving container and the second goods receiving container are preferably standardized goods receiving containers. The first goods receiving container and the second goods receiving container preferably have a uniform (constant) receiving volume and / or uniform dimensions, regardless of the type of goods, in particular regardless of the dimensions of the goods.

[0051] The repacking station comprises a goods transfer device with a first goods transfer shaft, which has a feed opening at an upper end and a discharge opening at a lower end, as well as shaft walls. The feed opening and discharge opening are delimited by the shaft walls.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the first goods transfer shaft extends with its longitudinal axis vertically between the goods delivery area and the goods receipt area above the first delivery position.

[0053] The first goods transfer chute allows for a controlled transfer of goods from the delivery container to the first goods receiving container. It can be virtually ruled out that the goods will become unfavorably distributed during their transfer from the delivery container to the first goods receiving container and / or that the goods will accidentally fall to the floor. On the contrary, the first goods transfer chute with its chute walls can serve as a guide chute between the feed opening and the delivery opening, along which the goods can be moved. The goods can even be guided through the guide chute during a transfer movement. This can be particularly advantageous for stackable goods that can form a stack of goods. The first goods transfer chute is used in particular to fill exactly the first goods receiving container (and no other). For this purpose, the delivery opening is preferably smaller than 1.2 times the opening of the first goods receiving container.In particular, the first goods transfer shaft between the supply opening and the discharge opening can be bounded on all sides by shaft walls, wherein the shaft walls are in particular continuous and form closed surfaces. However, it would also be conceivable for one or more slots or other recesses to be arranged in the shaft walls. The smallest dimension of such a slot or recess can advantageously be smaller than the smallest dimension of a product, thereby preventing a product from falling out of the goods transfer shaft.

[0054] In addition, the first goods transfer chute can allow for overfilling of the first goods receiving container. If the goods are stackable, even a relatively high stack of goods relative to the support surface can be secured against tipping over.

[0055] It can be provided that the surface dimension of the feed opening of the first goods transfer chute is larger than the discharge opening of the delivery container through which the goods are dispensed. This enables a reliable transfer of the goods from the delivery container to the goods receiving container.

[0056] Within the scope of the invention, emptying the dispensing container into the provided first goods receiving container can be understood to mean that all goods are dispensed from the dispensing container. In other words, the dispensing container is preferably completely emptied. The goods can be received partly in the first goods receiving container and partly in the first goods transfer shaft and, if appropriate, partly on the goods receiving floor. In principle, however, a minimum proportion of goods is always dispensed into and received by the first goods receiving container. Discharge of the goods from the dispensing container preferably occurs (solely) by gravity. Accordingly, the first goods transfer shaft (or its longitudinal axis) is advantageously oriented vertically or has at least one vertical component.

[0057] If the goods are delivered into the first goods receiving container, the following cases may occur: i) The (delivered) goods are partly received in the first goods receiving container and partly in the first goods transfer shaft. The goods are therefore delivered into the first goods receiving container, but cannot be completely received by it (overfilling of the first goods receiving container). The goods therefore protrude from the first goods receiving container. ii) The (delivered) goods are partly received in the first goods receiving container and, if a goods receiving floor is provided, partly on the goods receiving floor.

[0058] After emptying the goods according to step f), the goods can be redistributed to the first goods receiving container provided in the first delivery position and to the second goods receiving container provided in the second delivery position, and, if applicable, to the goods receiving floor. The redistribution of the goods in step h) can take place (directly) following step f) or following step g).

[0059] According to case i) described above, at least a portion of the goods exceeding the fill level can be transferred from the first goods receiving container to the second goods receiving container. A "direct" transfer of the goods from the first goods receiving container to the second goods receiving container is therefore possible.

[0060] According to case ii) described above, according to a first embodiment, at least a portion of the goods exceeding the fill level can be temporarily deposited from the first goods receiving container onto the goods receiving floor. Afterwards, all or only a portion of the goods are removed from the goods receiving floor and transferred to the second goods receiving container. An “indirect” transfer of the goods from the first goods receiving container to the second goods receiving container is therefore possible. According to a second embodiment, a portion of the goods exceeding the fill level can be transferred from the first goods receiving container to the second goods receiving container and a portion can be transferred from the goods receiving floor, if a goods receiving floor is provided, to the second goods receiving container. In this case, all or only a portion of the goods can be removed from the goods receiving floor and transferred to the second goods receiving container.

[0061] Furthermore, in step f), a relative movement between the delivery container and the first goods transfer shaft can take place in such a way that, for example, according to a first embodiment, the delivery container is moved exclusively in a horizontal movement relative to the first goods transfer shaft or, according to a second embodiment, in a horizontal movement and a vertical movement relative to the first goods transfer shaft. In particular, the horizontal movement of the delivery container according to the first embodiment can be carried out relative to and on the goods receiving floor, if a goods receiving floor is provided. In other words, the delivery container can be pushed on the goods receiving floor to a transfer position above the first goods transfer shaft.

[0062] In particular, according to the second embodiment, the horizontal movement of the dispensing container can be performed relative to and on the goods receiving floor, if a goods receiving floor is provided, and the vertical movement can be performed relative to the goods receiving floor. In other words, the dispensing container can be pushed along the goods receiving floor to a transfer position above the first goods transfer shaft and then lifted.

[0063] A “removal” of the dispensing container from the goods dispensing area after emptying according to step f) may comprise a vertical movement of the dispensing container, or a vertical movement and horizontal movement of the dispensing container.

[0064] This process step can be performed automatically by a manipulation device or manually by a warehouse worker. This process step can also comprise a combination of an automatic process step and a manual process step.

[0065] Emptying in step f) can be done without changing the orientation of the dispensing container or by tilting it.

[0066] The predeterminable filling level can be a maximum filling level in the first goods receiving container or any (desired) lower filling level than the maximum filling level.

[0067] The proportion of goods remaining in the first goods receiving container corresponds to a first proportion of goods from the delivery container.

[0068] As described, a portion of the goods transferred into the second goods receiving container corresponds to a second portion of the goods from the delivery container. The first portion of the goods is determined by a predeterminable fill level in the first goods receiving container. The predeterminable fill level, which can correspond to a maximum fill level, is preferably selected such that the goods do not protrude from the first goods receiving container. This enables reliable transport of the goods with the first goods receiving container.

[0069] The second portion of the goods results from the portion of goods which were delivered from the first goods receiving container to the second goods receiving container after a first execution, or from the first goods receiving container and from the goods receiving floor, if a goods receiving floor is provided, to the second goods receiving container after a second execution.

[0070] The second goods receiving container can also be filled to a predeterminable fill level. The predeterminable fill level can be a maximum fill level in the second goods receiving container or any (desired) lower fill level than the maximum fill level. In principle, the predeterminable fill level can also be determined by specifying a quantity of goods.

[0071] If the total quantity of goods from the delivery container can be completely taken up by the first goods receiving container and the second goods receiving container, the first portion and the second portion make up the total quantity of goods from the delivery container.

[0072] If the total quantity of goods from the delivery container is greater, i.e. in particular the total volume of goods from the delivery container is greater than the (total) capacity of the two goods receiving containers, a further portion of the goods can be distributed among further (third, fourth, etc.) goods receiving containers until a predeterminable fill level is finally reached in the first goods receiving container and, if a goods receiving floor is provided, there are no more goods on the goods receiving floor.

[0073] The described redistribution of goods according to step h) can be carried out manually by a warehouse worker or automatically by a robot.

[0074] In principle, it can be provided that, before the filled first goods receiving container and filled second goods receiving container are transported away in step i), completion of the redistribution is confirmed at a detection device. The detection device is connected to a control unit, which in turn controls the second conveyor system. The detection device can comprise an acknowledgment button or the like, which generates a signal when the warehouse worker reports the completion of a redistribution just carried out - according to step h) - to the control unit. For example, the warehouse worker (operator) reports the completion of the redistribution just carried out to the control unit by pressing the acknowledgment button on the detection device. The second conveyor system is then controlled by the control unit, and the first goods receiving container and the second goods receiving container are transported away.However, the detection device can also comprise an optoelectronic sensor system which generates an (acknowledgement) signal and transmits it to the control unit when the warehouse worker has completed a redistribution that has just been carried out - according to step h).

[0075] According to this optional embodiment, step h) additionally comprises the following step: acknowledging completion of the redistribution at a detection device which is connected to a control unit which in turn controls the second conveyor system in order to transport the first goods receiving container from the first delivery position and the second goods receiving container from the second delivery position.

[0076] The advantage is that the method for repacking goods from a delivery container into a first goods receiving container and a second goods receiving container is particularly simple and a high repacking performance can be achieved. The first goods transfer shaft promotes reliable goods transfer from the delivery container to the first goods receiving container. In addition, the first goods transfer shaft allows for "overfilling" of the first goods receiving container. The goods that cannot be picked up in the first goods receiving container and are located in the first goods transfer shaft can be placed on the goods receiving floor, temporarily buffered and reloaded into the second goods receiving container in a subsequent process step. The first goods receiving container and second goods receiving containers can therefore be transported away immediately after step h) has been completed.

[0077] The repacking station can also be set up very easily, which promotes a reliable repacking process.

[0078] It is advantageous if the first conveyor system and / or second conveyor system comprises a stationary conveyor system (e.g., roller conveyors, conveyor belts, and the like) or autonomously movable transport vehicles (e.g., industrial trucks, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), or autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). In this way, proven technical means can be used to implement the proposed repacking station or the proposed process.

[0079] The second conveyor system can comprise the storage conveyor system of the order picking system, or the second conveyor system and the storage conveyor system can be interconnected (in terms of conveyor technology).

[0080] It is also advantageous if the repacking station has a third conveyor system, which is designed as an overhead conveyor system for transporting a second goods receiving container designed as a hanging bag to the second delivery position of the goods receiving area. In this way, too, proven technical means can be used to implement the proposed repacking station or to implement the proposed method.

[0081] It is also advantageous if the repacking station has a robot (in particular a single-arm or multi-arm articulated arm robot) for redistributing the goods in the area of ​​the goods transfer device, wherein the robot's effective range extends at least into the goods delivery area and the goods receiving area in order to remove goods from the first goods receiving container and / or the goods receiving floor, if a goods receiving floor is provided, and to deposit them into the second goods receiving container. In this way, the processes at the repacking station can be carried out fully automatically. In particular, the goods transfer device can additionally comprise a robot. The robot can carry out the redistribution of the goods according to step h), as already described above.

[0082] It is also advantageous if steps d), e), i) and, if appropriate, a step j) (explained below) and at least one of steps f) to h), preferably steps f) to h), are carried out fully automatically.

[0083] The transport according to steps d), e), i), and optionally step j) can be carried out fully automatically by the first conveyor system. The first conveyor system can comprise a stationary conveyor system, for example a roller conveyor, or a mobile conveyor system, for example an automated guided vehicle (AGV) or autonomous mobile robot (AMR). The second conveyor system can comprise a stationary conveyor system, for example a roller conveyor, or a mobile conveyor system, for example an automated guided vehicle (AGV) or autonomous mobile robot (AMR).

[0084] In particular, after the goods have been repacked, the first goods receiving container and the second goods receiving container are transported from the repacking station to an automated warehouse by a storage conveyor system (stationary conveyor system, for example roller conveyors, or mobile conveyor system, for example Automated Guided Vehicle “AGV” or Autonomous Mobile Robots “AMR”) and stored in the warehouse.

[0085] In particular, the removal of the (emptied) delivery container can be carried out by a gripping device of the goods transfer device, which is mounted on a manipulation unit, for example, an articulated-arm robot, gantry robot, etc. Such a gripping device and manipulation unit also enable fully automated execution of step g).

[0086] In particular, the redistribution of the goods according to step h) from the first goods receiving container and onto the goods receiving floor, according to claim 1, and the redistribution of the goods from the first goods receiving container to the goods receiving floor, if a goods receiving floor is provided, and / or the redistribution of the goods from the first goods receiving container to the second goods receiving container, according to claim 6, can be carried out fully automatically by a robot. For this purpose, the robot can comprise a goods gripper, by means of which one or more goods can be picked up simultaneously and placed onto the goods receiving floor and / or the second goods receiving container.

[0087] Further advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention emerge from the subclaims and from the description in conjunction with the figures.

[0088] It is advantageous if the goods receiving area exclusively comprises the first delivery position and if the second conveyor system is additionally designed to transport the second goods receiving container into the goods receiving area and, after the first goods receiving container has been transported (away) from the goods receiving area, to provide the second goods receiving container in the first delivery position, or the goods receiving area comprises the first delivery position and a second delivery position and the second conveyor system is additionally designed to transport an (empty or partially filled) second goods receiving container into the goods receiving area and provide the second goods receiving container in the second delivery position and to transport the (filled or partially filled) second goods receiving container out of the goods receiving area.

[0089] In particular, it is advantageous if a) the goods receiving area exclusively comprises the first delivery position, the first goods transfer shaft is arranged above the first delivery position and a goods receiving floor is provided adjoining the first goods transfer shaft (in particular horizontally oriented), b) the goods receiving area comprises the first delivery position and a second delivery position, the first goods transfer shaft is arranged above the first delivery position and a second goods transfer shaft is arranged above the second delivery position and the (in particular horizontally oriented) goods receiving floor adjoins and connects the first and second goods transfer shafts, or c) the goods receiving area comprises the first delivery position and a second delivery position,The first goods transfer shaft is located above the first delivery position, and the (particularly horizontally oriented) goods receiving floor is adjacent to the first goods transfer shaft, leads to the second delivery position, and ends above it. This means that in embodiment c), no second goods transfer shaft is provided. In other words, the second delivery position is designed without a goods transfer shaft, or "shaftless."

[0090] In general, the goods receiving floor in the above-mentioned designs can be designed as a chute or channel, or include one. In this case, the movement of the goods placed on the goods receiving floor, especially to the second delivery position, is supported. In the case of a channel, it also prevents the goods from falling sideways off the goods receiving floor.

[0091] In connection with the aforementioned embodiments of the repacking station, a method is advantageous in which the goods receiving area exclusively comprises the first delivery position, and the method additionally comprises the step j) transporting the second goods receiving container into the goods receiving area and providing the second goods receiving container in the first delivery position during step i) or after step i) by means of the second conveyor system.

[0092] According to this embodiment, only one delivery position is provided, namely a first delivery position, in which the first goods receiving container and the second goods receiving container are provided (chronologically) consecutively at the same (at least one) delivery position. This enables, in particular, a comparatively compact design of the repacking station.

[0093] In connection with the aforementioned variants of the repacking station, a method is also advantageous in which the following steps are carried out:

[0094] Intermediate buffering of goods which exceed the predeterminable filling level in the first goods receiving container on the goods receiving floor during step j), and

[0095] Transferring at least a portion of the goods temporarily buffered on the goods receiving floor from the goods receiving floor to the provided second goods receiving container. As a result, the second goods receiving container then contains a portion of the goods originating from the delivery container.

[0096] This variant of the presented procedure refers to repacking stations with a goods receiving floor.

[0097] To allow the removal of a first goods receiving container as quickly as possible after emptying the goods according to step f), a (total) portion of goods exceeding the fill level is placed on the goods receiving floor and temporarily buffered until the second goods receiving container is ready. In other words, not just a portion of the goods from said portion is placed on the goods receiving floor, but all of the goods from that portion.

[0098] As soon as the second goods receiving container is in the first delivery position, all or part of the goods are removed from the goods receiving floor and transferred to the second goods receiving container.

[0099] For transferring goods to the second goods receiving container, a predeterminable fill level can also be provided in the second goods receiving container. The predeterminable fill level can be a maximum fill level in the second goods receiving container or any (desired) lower fill level than the maximum fill level. In principle, the predeterminable fill level can also be determined by specifying a quantity of goods.

[0100] It is now possible for the transfer to involve transferring only a portion of the goods from the goods receiving floor to the provided second goods receiving container, so that a second portion of the goods originating from the delivery container is received in the second goods receiving container, while the remaining portion of the goods remains on the goods receiving floor. In this case, the first portion, the second portion, and the remaining portion constitute the total quantity of goods from the delivery container.

[0101] The remaining portion can be buffered on the goods receiving floor until a third goods receiving container is positioned in the first delivery position. As soon as the third goods receiving container is positioned in the first delivery position, all or at least some of the remaining goods are removed from the goods receiving floor and transferred to the third goods receiving container.

[0102] If necessary, the remaining portion of the goods can be distributed among further (fourth, fifth, etc.) goods receiving containers until there are no more goods on the goods receiving floor.

[0103] Furthermore, a method is advantageous in which the goods receiving area comprises the first delivery position and a second delivery position, and in which step e) additionally comprises:

[0104] Transporting the second goods receiving container, which is designed in particular as a small load carrier, into the goods receiving area and providing the second goods receiving container in the second delivery position during step i) or after step i) by means of the second conveyor system or

[0105] Transporting a second goods receiving container, which is designed in particular as a hanging bag, into the goods receiving area and providing the second goods receiving container in the second delivery position during step i) or after step i) by means of a third conveyor system. According to this embodiment, a first delivery position and a second delivery position are provided, in which the first goods receiving container and second goods receiving container are provided in parallel. It should be noted that a further delivery position can also be provided, in which a further goods receiving container is provided parallel to the first goods receiving container and second goods receiving container.

[0106] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method presented, step h) additionally comprises:

[0107] Transferring at least a portion of the goods from the first goods receiving container and / or from the goods receiving base into the provided second goods receiving container (so that the second goods receiving container contains a portion of the goods originating from the delivery container), and wherein step i) further comprises

[0108] Removal of the filled second goods receiving container after completion of a redistribution of the goods and transfer according to step h) by means of the second conveyor system.

[0109] According to this embodiment, after emptying the goods according to step f), the goods can be redistributed to the first goods receiving container provided in the first delivery position and to the second goods receiving container provided in the second delivery position as well as to the goods receiving floor.

[0110] At least a portion of the goods that exceeds the predeterminable fill level can be transferred from the first goods receiving container to the second goods receiving container. This allows for a "direct" transfer of goods from the first goods receiving container to the second goods receiving container.

[0111] Secondly, at least a portion of the goods exceeding the predeterminable fill level can be temporarily transferred from the first goods receiving container to the goods receiving floor. Afterwards, all or only a portion of the goods are removed from the goods receiving floor and transferred to the second goods receiving container.

[0112] This allows for an "indirect" transfer of goods from the first goods receiving container to the second goods receiving container. Furthermore, a portion of the goods that exceeds the predeterminable fill level can be transferred from the first goods receiving container to the second goods receiving container, and a portion from the goods receiving base to the second goods receiving container. All or only a portion of the goods can be removed from the goods receiving base and transferred to the second goods receiving container.

[0113] The second goods receiving container can also be filled to a predeterminable fill level. The predeterminable fill level can be a maximum fill level in the second goods receiving container or any (desired) lower fill level than the maximum fill level. In principle, the predeterminable fill level can also be determined by specifying a quantity of goods.

[0114] After the goods have been handed over, the second goods receiving container contains a second portion of the goods from the delivery container.

[0115] If the total quantity of goods from the delivery container can be completely taken up by the first goods receiving container and the second goods receiving container, the first portion and the second portion make up the total quantity of goods from the delivery container.

[0116] If the total quantity of goods from the delivery container is larger, a further portion of the goods can be distributed among further (third, fourth, etc.) goods receiving containers until a predetermined fill level is reached in the first goods receiving container and there are no more goods on the goods receiving floor.

[0117] For transferring goods to the second goods receiving container, a predeterminable fill level can also be provided in the second goods receiving container. The predeterminable fill level can be a maximum fill level in the second goods receiving container or any (desired) lower fill level than the maximum fill level. In principle, the predeterminable fill level can also be determined by specifying a quantity of goods.

[0118] In principle, it can be provided that before the filled first goods receiving container and second goods receiving container are removed in step i), completion of the redistribution is confirmed at a detection device described above.

[0119] After this optional execution, step h) additionally includes the following step:

[0120] Acknowledging completion of the redistribution at a detection device which is connected to a control unit which in turn controls the second conveyor system in order to transport the first goods receiving container from the first delivery position and the second goods receiving container from the second delivery position.

[0121] It is also generally advantageous if the repacking station has an opening device for opening the dispensing container or for preparing the opening of the dispensing container. In this way, the dispensing container can be provided in the repacking station in an open state or in a state prepared for opening and / or transported to the goods dispensing area. The opening device is advantageously part of the repacking station, but in principle it can also be arranged outside of it.

[0122] In particular, it is advantageous in the above-mentioned embodiment if the opening device comprises a cutting device for cutting the dispensing container, in particular a base, a side wall, a lid of the dispensing container or an adhesive tape on the dispensing container which is used to glue the base or lid, in order to make the goods in the dispensing container accessible, wherein the dispensing container can in particular be designed as a cardboard box.

[0123] In particular, the cutting device can be arranged along the first conveyor system, and the cardboard box can rest on the first conveyor system during the cutting process. Accordingly, a bottom of the cardboard box resting on the first conveyor system or a lid of the cardboard box resting on the first conveyor system can be cut open or incised. Alternatively, a side wall of the cardboard box can also be cut open or incised.

[0124] In this context, “cutting open” can mean that the cardboard box is open after being cut open, or can be opened without further cutting. “Cutting into” on the other hand can mean that the cardboard box is simply being prepared for opening. In particular, the base, the side wall and / or the lid of the cardboard box are still connected to the box at a few points after cutting, although these few points can be cut or torn open with little effort. On the one hand, this makes opening the cardboard box easier, and on the other hand, it prevents the goods inside the cardboard box from falling out prematurely or undesirably.In this context, for the sake of completeness, it is clarified that “cutting or cutting into a cardboard box” does not necessarily mean cutting through cardboard material, but also includes cutting (adhesive) tapes that hold the cardboard material together, such as in the case of foldable flaps of an upright cardboard box that are glued together with adhesive tape.

[0125] In connection with the provision and / or opening of the dispensing container, the following process variants are also advantageous:

[0126] In general, the delivery container can be transported to the goods delivery area in step d) in a closed state and opened in the goods delivery area, the delivery container can be transported to the goods delivery area in step d) in an open state, or the delivery container can be transported to the goods delivery area in step d) in a state prepared for opening and opened in the goods delivery area.

[0127] In particular, it is advantageous if the dispensing container is provided in a closed state (in the repacking station) in step a) and is transported in a closed state to the goods dispensing area in step d), the dispensing container is provided in a closed state (in the repacking station) in step a) and is opened with an opening device or is prepared for opening and is transported in an open state or in a state prepared for opening to the goods dispensing area in step d), the dispensing container is provided in an open state (in the repacking station) in step a) and is transported in an open state to the goods dispensing area in step d), the dispensing container is provided in a state prepared for opening (in the repacking station) in step a) and is moved in a state prepared for opening to the goods dispensing area in step d),or the dispensing container is provided in step a) in a state prepared for opening (in the repacking station), opened with an opening device, and transported in step d) in the open state to the goods dispensing area. The dispensing container can be provided in the repacking station and / or transported to the goods dispensing area in a closed, open, or prepared-for-opening state.

[0128] Accordingly, opening or preparation for opening of the delivery container can be carried out before reaching the goods delivery area, either in the repacking station itself or during the transport of the delivery container to the repacking station.

[0129] If the delivery container is moved into the goods delivery area in a closed state or in a state prepared for opening, the delivery container is opened in the goods delivery area.

[0130] In principle, it would also be conceivable for the dispensing container not to be designed for closure. Opening can then be omitted entirely. In such a case, in step f) when emptying the dispensing container, the relative movement between the dispensing container and the first goods transfer chute can include tilting or turning the dispensing container, so that the dispensing container is brought into a position in which the goods can be dispensed, in particular under the influence of gravity, from the dispensing container via the first goods transfer chute into the provided first goods receiving container.

[0131] The method according to the invention can, according to an optional embodiment, additionally comprise the step:

[0132] Providing an opening device.

[0133] In other words, according to this embodiment, the opening device can be provided independently of the repacking station, so that the delivery container is opened outside the repacking station. Accordingly, the picking system can comprise the repacking station and the opening device. The repacking station is located downstream of the opening device.

[0134] In particular, step c) may additionally comprise the following step

[0135] Providing an opening device in the repacking station. Opening the dispensing container may be necessary, especially if the dispensing container is designed as a closed cardboard box filled with the goods. Such a cardboard box comprises a base, side walls, an access opening opposite the base (at the top), and a lid closing the access opening.

[0136] The base may comprise (in particular four) foldable (base) flaps arranged on the side walls and glued to the base. Adhesive tape may be used to glue the base flaps.

[0137] The lid can comprise (in particular four) foldable (lid) flaps, which are arranged on the side walls, in particular pivotably on edges of the side walls, and are glued to the lid. Adhesive tape can be used to glue the lid flaps. If the cardboard box does not comprise foldable (lid) flaps, the cardboard box, which is open at the top, can be closed with an additionally manufactured lid. The lid can be glued to the cardboard box. Adhesive tape can be used to glue the lid. Thus, for example, a gap remains between the flaps folded in to form the base, which is closed with a strip of adhesive tape.

[0138] Opening the dispensing container may include the following steps:

[0139] (only) cutting open an adhesive tape on the dispensing container, in particular an adhesive tape which is used to bond a base or lid to the dispensing container, cutting into a base, a side wall or a lid of the dispensing container and folding away the base, the side wall or the lid or a base section, side wall section or lid section, cutting away a base, a side wall or a lid of the dispensing container, or lifting off a lid.

[0140] The incision or cutting can also be designed in such a way that the bottom, lid, or side wall of the dispensing container is still connected to the dispensing container at a few points after the incision or cutting, but these points can be cut or torn open with little effort. This can facilitate opening the dispensing container, and prevent premature or unwanted falling out of the goods contained in the dispensing container.

[0141] Preparing the dispensing container for opening may include the following steps:

[0142] (only) at least partially cutting open an adhesive tape on the dispensing container, in particular an adhesive tape which is used for gluing a base or lid to the dispensing container, making a perforation on a base, a side wall or a lid of the dispensing container, or cutting into a base, a side wall or a lid of the dispensing container without folding away the base, the side wall or the lid or a base section, side wall section or lid section.

[0143] These proposed process steps can be performed automatically by the opening device or manually by a warehouse worker. These process steps can also include a combination of an automatic process step and a manual process step.

[0144] In a further advantageous embodiment of the repacking station, it can be provided that the goods transfer device additionally comprises a manipulation unit with a gripping device movable by a drive unit in the goods transfer area for lifting the delivery container relative to the first goods transfer shaft, the goods transfer device additionally comprises a manipulation unit with a gripping device movable by a drive unit in the goods transfer area for fixing a vertical position of the delivery container relative to the first goods transfer shaft and the goods receiving floor, if a goods receiving floor is provided, is designed to be vertically adjustable,the goods transfer device additionally comprises a manipulation unit with a gripping device that can be moved out of the goods transfer area by a drive unit and is movable in the goods transfer area for lifting the delivery container and / or for laterally moving the delivery container from a receiving position laterally spaced from the first goods transfer shaft to a transfer position above the first goods transfer shaft, and / or the goods transfer device additionally comprises a manipulation unit with a gripping device that can be moved out of the goods transfer area by a drive unit and is movable in the goods transfer area for lifting the delivery container and for suspended transport of the delivery container above the goods transfer area between the first delivery position and the second delivery position.

[0145] The manipulation unit can, for example, be designed as a manually operated support device, for example as a hoist with a gripping device that can be moved longitudinally along a support rail (in particular manually movable). It is also conceivable for the manipulation unit to be fully or partially motorized. For example, the hoist, the gripping device, and / or a longitudinal drive can be motor-driven (but can be activated manually or semi-automatically). Finally, it is also conceivable for the manipulation unit to be designed as a robot and execute movement sequences fully automatically. In particular, the manipulation unit can be designed as an articulated-arm robot or gantry robot.

[0146] In the given context, a method is also advantageous in which the goods transfer device additionally comprises a gripping device and in which step d) d1) comprises transporting the delivery container on the goods receiving floor into a transfer position (essentially central) above the first goods transfer shaft by means of the first conveyor system and lifting the delivery container relative to the first goods transfer shaft by means of the manipulation unit, d2) comprises transporting the delivery container on the goods receiving floor into a transfer position (essentially central) above the first goods transfer shaft by means of the first conveyor system, fixing the delivery container by means of the manipulation unit and lowering the goods receiving floor,or d3) transporting the delivery container to a receiving position laterally spaced from the first goods transfer shaft by means of the first conveyor system and then lifting the delivery container and / or laterally moving the delivery container (essentially centrally) from the receiving position to a transfer position (essentially centrally) above the first goods transfer shaft by means of the manipulation unit. Variant d1) can also include lowering the goods receiving floor, or variant d2) can also include lifting the delivery container into the goods delivery area.

[0147] It is particularly advantageous if the emptying of the dispensing container according to step f) in cases dl) or d2) takes place automatically by a relative movement between the dispensing container and the goods receiving base (i.e. because the tabs of the lid automatically fold downwards due to the weight of the goods).

[0148] In other words, a relative movement between the dispensing container and the goods receiving base causes the dispensing container to open automatically. Alternatively, in case d3), the dispensing container is emptied according to step f) solely by laterally moving the dispensing container from the receiving position to the transfer position above the first goods transfer shaft. This eliminates the need for any further steps to empty the dispensing container. The dispensing container is thus emptied in a particularly efficient manner.

[0149] In particular, a method can be advantageously provided in which the emptying of the dispensing container according to step f) in case d1) is carried out automatically by lifting the dispensing container (ie because the tabs of the base or tabs of the lid automatically fold down due to the weight of the goods), the emptying of the dispensing container according to step f) in case d2) is carried out automatically by lowering the goods receiving base (iebecause the tabs of the base or tabs of the lid automatically fold down due to the weight of the goods), or the emptying of the dispensing container according to step f) in cases d1), d2) or d3) comprises an active opening of the dispensing container by a warehouse worker or robot, or the emptying of the dispensing container comprises a movement of a goods retention device into a release position, wherein the goods retention device is provided for closing or opening the first goods transfer shaft as required and the opening of the first goods transfer shaft is released in the release position of the goods retention device.

[0150] The goods retention device can, in particular, be arranged above the first goods transfer chute. The goods retention device can be moved laterally, preferably very quickly, quickly at a downward angle, or alternatively lowered and subsequently or simultaneously moved laterally into the release position, thereby releasing the opening of the first goods transfer chute. Alternatively, the goods retention device can be hinged horizontally or vertically or moved into the release position in another way. The goods retention device can advantageously be moved by at least one actuator, for example, by electric or pneumatic actuators or by any other suitable actuation. The goods retention device can, in particular, be designed as a (horizontally) movable plate that is movable by means of a linear drive or a pivoting drive.According to an advantageous alternative embodiment, the goods retention device can be designed as a multi-part iris. The iris can comprise several slats, wherein preferably each slat is mounted on an axis. Preferably, all slats are connected to a ring via a further axis so that they can move together. The slats can be rotated inwards or outwards together via a mechanism. According to an advantageous alternative embodiment, the goods retention device can be designed as a roller shutter, which roller shutter can be moved in a horizontal plane and wound up / unwound about a winding axis parallel to the horizontal axis. Alternatively, the roller shutter can be arranged so that it can be deflected and moved between a horizontal plane and a vertical plane.

[0151] The method according to the invention may, in an optional embodiment, additionally comprise the following step:

[0152] Providing a goods retention device for closing the first goods transfer shaft, which goods retention device is preferably arranged above the goods transfer shaft and is movable into a release position in which the opening of the first goods transfer shaft is released, and a closure position in which the opening of the goods transfer shaft is closed.

[0153] In a further embodiment, a method is provided in which the delivery container is designed as a cardboard box and in which a base, a side wall, a lid of the cardboard box or an adhesive tape on the cardboard box, which is used to glue the base or lid, in case d1) before transporting the delivery container to the transfer position above the first goods transfer shaft, in case d2) before transporting the delivery container to the transfer position above the first goods transfer shaft, or in case d3) before transporting the delivery container to the receiving position laterally spaced from the first goods transfer shaft, is cut by an opening s device (of the repacking station) designed as a cutting device in order to make the goods in the delivery container accessible (in particular, the cutting device can be arranged in the course of the first conveyor system).This advantageously enables efficient, standardized access to the goods in the dispensing container.

[0154] It is also particularly advantageous if the dispensing container is designed as a cardboard box which comprises a base, side walls and a lid, wherein the base or the lid comprises foldable tabs, wherein during the emptying of the dispensing container according to step f), the base or the lid faces in the direction of the first goods transfer shaft and the tabs protrude at least temporarily into the first goods transfer shaft.

[0155] In this way, during the emptying of the dispensing container according to step f), the tabs can at least temporarily form a drop shaft that is connected to the first goods transfer shaft. This prevents goods from slipping uncontrollably out of the drop shaft during the emptying of the dispensing container. Furthermore, the tabs serve as a guide for the goods during the emptying of the dispensing container. It can also prove advantageous if the tabs are supported on the shaft walls of the first goods transfer shaft during the emptying of the dispensing container according to step f).

[0156] In a favorable embodiment of the repacking station, it can be provided that the first goods receiving container and the second goods receiving container are each designed as small load carriers, or the first goods receiving container is designed as a small load carrier and the second goods receiving container is designed as a hanging bag, and a third conveyor technology is provided which is designed by a hanging conveyor device for transporting the hanging bag into the goods receiving area and for providing the hanging bag in the second delivery position and for transporting the hanging bag out of the goods receiving area.

[0157] In a corresponding embodiment variant of the proposed method, it is advantageous if the first goods receiving container and the second goods receiving container are each designed as small load carriers, the first goods receiving container and the second goods receiving container are designed as hanging pockets, or the first goods receiving container is designed as a small load carrier and the second goods receiving container is designed as a hanging pocket, wherein the (in)transport of the first goods receiving container and the second goods receiving container according to step e), i) and j), if these are formed by a small load carrier, takes place by means of the second conveyor system, and the transport of the second goods receiving container according to step e), i) and j), if this is formed by a hanging pocket, takes place by means of a third conveyor system which is designed as an overhead conveyor system.

[0158] In this way, easy-to-handle goods containers are used for the proposed repacking station or method, with small load carriers being particularly suitable for holding a large number of goods, and hanging pockets being particularly, but not exclusively, suitable for holding one item at a time. The small load carrier comprises a base, side walls, and an opening opposite the base (at the top), and forms an upper edge along the side walls.

[0159] Generally, it is advantageous if the first goods transfer chute and / or the second goods transfer chute are funnel-shaped. This ensures that the goods are well guided during transfer into the first or second goods receiving container. A funnel-shaped first goods transfer chute is also particularly advantageous when the delivery container is larger than the first goods receiving container.

[0160] It is furthermore advantageous if a volume of the first goods transfer shaft is less than 30% of a receiving volume of the first goods receiving container, and if appropriate a volume of the second goods transfer shaft is less than 30% of a receiving volume of the second goods receiving container.In particular, it is advantageous if the goods transfer device in the above-mentioned cases a) or c) comprises a first goods receiving container which is arranged below the first goods transfer shaft, and a volume of the first goods transfer shaft is less than 30% of a receiving volume in the first goods receiving container, or the goods transfer device in the above-mentioned case b) comprises a first goods receiving container which is arranged below the first goods transfer shaft, and a volume of the first goods transfer shaft is less than 30% of a receiving volume in the first goods receiving container and comprises a second goods receiving container which is arranged below the second goods transfer shaft, and a volume of the second goods transfer shaft is less than 30% of a receiving volume in the second goods receiving container.

[0161] In this way, the proportion of goods that must be lifted from the first goods transfer chute for transfer to the goods receiving floor or into the second goods receiving container can be kept to a minimum. This allows the process to be performed relatively easily by a worker or robot.

[0162] In a further advantageous embodiment of the repacking station, it can be provided that the first goods receiving container and the second goods receiving container are each formed by a small load carrier, and the first goods transfer shaft comprises shaft walls and, at a lower end, a discharge opening which is delimited by the shaft walls and which is adapted to an opening of the small load carrier in terms of shape and / or size, and / or the first goods receiving container is formed by a small load carrier and can be provided in the first delivery position, wherein the first goods transfer shaft comprises shaft walls and, at a lower end, a discharge opening which is delimited by the shaft walls and which is adapted to an opening of the small load carrier in terms of shape and / or size, and the second goods receiving container is formed by a small load carrier and can be provided in the second delivery position,wherein the second goods transfer shaft, if a second goods transfer shaft is provided, comprises shaft walls and, at a lower end, a discharge opening which is delimited by the shaft walls and which is adapted to an opening of the small load carrier in terms of shape and / or size.

[0163] The proposed measures support the loading of the first goods receiving container and the second goods receiving container and prevent the goods from becoming jammed in the goods transfer shaft and / or the goods receiving container. Generally, the first goods transfer shaft comprises a feed opening at an upper end and a discharge opening at a lower end, as well as shaft walls. The feed opening and discharge opening are delimited by the shaft walls.

[0164] It is also advantageous if, at the first delivery position, a vertical distance from a conveying plane of the second conveyor system to a lower edge of the first goods transfer shaft is less than 30 cm in cases a), b) and c), and / or at the second delivery position, a vertical distance from a conveying plane of the second conveyor system to a lower edge of the second goods transfer shaft is less than 30 cm in case b), and / or at the second delivery position, a vertical distance from a conveying plane of the second conveyor system to a lower edge of the goods receiving floor in the region of an end above the second delivery position is less than 30 cm in case c).

[0165] This ensures, on the one hand, that the goods receiving containers can be easily made available at the first or second delivery position, and, on the other hand, that the goods cannot fall sideways onto the second conveyor system when the goods receiving containers are loaded.

[0166] For the same purpose, it is advantageous if the first goods receiving container and the second goods receiving container are each formed by a small load carrier, and in case a) a vertical distance between an upper edge of the small load carrier and a lower edge of the first goods transfer shaft is between 3 cm and 6 cm when one of the small load carriers is provided in the first delivery position, or in case b) a vertical distance between an upper edge of the small load carrier and a lower edge of the first goods transfer shaft is between 3 cm and 6 cm when a small load carrier is provided in the first delivery position, and a vertical distance between an upper edge of the small load carrier and a lower edge of the second goods transfer shaft is between 3 cm and 6 cm when a small load carrier is provided in the second delivery position,or in case c) a vertical distance between an upper edge of the small load carrier and a lower edge of the first goods transfer shaft is between 3 cm and 6 cm when a small load carrier is provided in the first delivery position, and a vertical distance between an upper edge of the small load carrier and a lower edge of the goods receiving floor is between 3 cm and 6 cm when a small load carrier is provided in the second delivery position.

[0167] Generally, the small load carrier comprises a base, side walls, and an opening opposite the base (at the top), forming a top edge along the side walls. The first goods transfer shaft comprises shaft walls and a discharge opening at a lower end. A lower edge is formed by the shaft walls. If a second goods transfer shaft is provided, this comprises shaft walls and a discharge opening at a lower end. A lower edge is formed by the shaft walls.

[0168] It is also advantageous if the repacking station has a drop-off container in the goods drop-off area, with a vertical distance between the lower edge of the open drop-off container in the goods drop-off area and the upper edge of the first goods transfer chute being in the range of 2 cm to 50 cm. This ensures that the drop-off container can be easily transported to the goods drop-off area and also prevents the goods from falling sideways past the first goods transfer chute when loading the goods receiving containers.

[0169] It is also advantageous if the repacking station has a detection device designed to acknowledge the completion of a redistribution, and a control unit connected to the detection device, which is designed to trigger a transport (and removal) of the first goods receiving container and / or second goods receiving container from the goods receiving area. It is equally advantageous if the completion of step h) is acknowledged at a detection device connected to a control unit, and the control unit triggers step i). The detection device can be connected to a control unit, which in turn controls the second conveyor system. The detection device can comprise an acknowledgment button or the like, by which an (acknowledgment) signal is generated when the warehouse worker reports the completion of a redistribution just carried out - according to step h) - to the control unit.The acknowledgement button can comprise a software-designed confirmation button on a screen interface or a hardware-designed confirmation button. However, the detection device can also comprise an optoelectronic sensor that generates an acknowledgement signal and transmits it to the control unit when the warehouse worker has completed a redistribution just performed—according to step h). In this case, the completed redistribution can be detected contactlessly. For example, the detection device can be designed as or comprise a CCD camera.

[0170] In the above context, it is advantageous if the repacking station has: a sensory detection device i) which is designed to sensory detect a number of goods placed on the goods receiving floor, and / or ii) which is designed to sensory detect a number of goods delivered into the second goods receiving container, and / or a manual detection device iii) which is designed to detect a number of goods placed on the goods receiving floor and / or a number of goods delivered into the second goods receiving container and, if applicable, a further goods receiving container, and which is designed to issue a request to a warehouse worker at the repacking station to detect said number, and a computer unit for subtracting the number of goods detected in point i), ii) or iii) from a known number of goods which were contained in the delivery container.

[0171] Accordingly, it is also advantageous in a method if i) a number of goods placed on the goods receiving floor after step h) is recorded by a sensory recording device, or a request is made to record said number via a manual recording device, wherein a number of goods located in the first goods receiving container is determined by a computer unit by subtracting the recorded number of goods that were placed on the goods receiving floor from a known number of goods that were contained in the dispensing container, and / or ii) a number of goods that were dispensed into the second goods receiving container and, if applicable, into a further goods receiving container is recorded by a sensory recording device, or a request is made to record said number via a manual recording device,wherein a number of goods in the first goods receiving container is determined by a computer unit by subtracting the total number of goods delivered into the second goods receiving container and, if applicable, a further goods receiving container from a known number of goods which were contained in the delivery container.

[0172] In this way, the number of goods placed in the first goods receiving container can be deduced from the number of goods placed on the goods receiving floor or in the second goods receiving container and the number of goods in the delivery container. This is particularly advantageous when the delivery of goods into the first goods receiving container cannot be observed, for example, because it is concealed by a goods transfer chute and / or tabs of the delivery container. The number of goods in the delivery container can be specified, for example, on a delivery note and recorded on the computer unit and stored in a database.

[0173] The method according to the invention can, according to an optional embodiment, additionally comprise the step:

[0174] Providing a sensory detection device,

[0175] Providing a manual sensory detection device, and / or

[0176] Providing a computing unit.

[0177] In other words, according to this embodiment, the sensory detection device, the manual detection device and / or the computer unit can be provided outside the repacking station.

[0178] In particular, step c) may additionally comprise the following step

[0179] Providing a sensory detection device in the repacking station, Providing a manual detection device in the repacking station, and / or

[0180] Providing a computer unit in the repacking station. In other words, according to this embodiment, the sensory detection device, the manual detection device, and / or the computer unit can be provided in the repacking station.

[0181] The manual recording device may comprise an input device, for example a keyboard or a touchscreen.

[0182] It is advantageous if the delivery container is equipped with a data carrier which contains data about a number of goods (quantity of goods) in the delivery container and / or a type of goods in the delivery container and / or a delivery container identification.

[0183] Likewise, in the method presented, it is advantageous if the delivery container is equipped with a data carrier which contains data about a number of goods in the delivery container and / or a type of goods in the delivery container and / or a delivery container identification, and if, before step f), the number of goods and / or the type of goods in the delivery container is read from the data carrier by means of a reading device and transmitted to the computer unit, and / or before step f), the delivery container identification is read from the data carrier by means of a reading device and the number of goods and / or the type of goods in the delivery container is determined in a database by means of the delivery container identification and transmitted to the computer unit.

[0184] The method according to the invention can, according to an optional embodiment, additionally comprise the step:

[0185] Providing a reader.

[0186] In other words, according to this design, the reader can be located outside the repacking station.

[0187] In particular, step c) may additionally comprise the following step of providing a reader in the repacking station. In other words, according to this embodiment, the reader may be provided in the repacking station.

[0188] The data carrier is, for example, a barcode that can be read using a barcode reader.

[0189] The data carrier can also be designed as an RFID tag (Radio Frequency Identification Tag), which is read using an RFID reader at the repacking station or the picking system (e.g., at a goods receiving area). Consequently, the number of items and / or the type of goods contained in the delivery container can be directly determined. To determine the number of items in the first goods receiving container, the computer unit is connected to the RFID reader.

[0190] However, this data can also be determined indirectly. For this purpose, a drop-off container identification can be provided as a barcode or QR code on the drop-off container or can also be stored in the RFID tag provided on the drop-off container. Accordingly, the drop-off container identification can be read using an optical recording unit or an RFID reader in the repacking station or the picking system (e.g., again at a goods receiving area). Using this drop-off container identification, a data record in a database can then be accessed. The data record stores the number of goods and / or the type of goods contained in the drop-off container. The computer unit is connected to the database via data technology. Access by the computer unit to the reader is also conceivable in this context.The product type can, for example, indicate the type and / or a product characteristic of a garment (e.g. shirt, color red, size XL).

[0191] In many cases, it is useful to consider the quantity and type of goods when processing data, for example, in the form of a statement such as "50 pieces, shirt, red, size XL." Accordingly, the quantity and type of goods can be determined as stated above.

[0192] It is also conceivable, however, that the number or type of goods is determined in a different way. For example, the type of goods contained in the dispensing container could be determined in step f) or in one of the subsequent steps by determining a goods identification on a product (for example by reading a corresponding barcode located on the product). This is particularly easy to implement if the dispensing container is loaded with a single article, i.e. with goods of the same type. It would also be conceivable for the number of goods contained in the dispensing container to be determined in step f) using a separate counting device. The repackaging station can comprise such a counting device.

[0193] It is furthermore advantageous if the first goods receiving container is equipped with a data carrier and / or the second goods receiving container is equipped with a data carrier, which data carrier contains data about a number (quantity of goods) of goods in the first / second goods receiving container and / or a type of goods in the first / second goods receiving container and / or a goods receiving container identification.

[0194] Likewise, in the method presented, it is advantageous if the first goods receptacle is equipped with a data carrier and / or the second goods receptacle is equipped with a data carrier, which data carrier contains data about a number of goods in the first / second goods receptacle and / or a type of goods in the first / second goods receptacle and / or a goods receptacle identification, and if, before step f), the number of goods and / or the type of goods in the first goods receptacle is read from the data carrier by means of a reading device and transmitted to the computer unit, before step f), the goods receptacle identification is read from the data carrier by means of a reading device and the number of goods and / or the type of goods is determined in a database by means of the goods receptacle identification and transmitted to the computer unit,Before step f), the number of goods and / or the type of goods in the second goods receiving container is read from the data carrier using a reader and transmitted to the computer unit, or Before step f), the goods receiving container identification is read from the data carrier using a reader, and the number of goods and / or the type of goods in the second goods receiving container is determined in a database using the goods receiving container identification and transmitted to the computer unit. According to this embodiment, it is possible that goods have already been delivered to the first goods receiving container in a previous repacking process, but a predeterminable fill level has not yet been reached, and therefore goods can be delivered again to this first goods receiving container in a subsequent repacking process. This embodiment is also applicable to the second goods receiving container.

[0195] If goods are already present in the first goods container prior to step f), this number can be added to the number determined in steps i) or ii) according to claim 16 to determine the total number of goods present in the first goods container after step f). The same applies to the second goods container. The technical teaching disclosed in claim 18 is also applicable mutatis mutandis to this claim. In particular, the number and type of goods can also be considered together here to ensure that the number of goods of the same type is calculated.

[0196] The method according to the invention can, according to an optional embodiment, additionally comprise the step:

[0197] Providing a reader.

[0198] In other words, according to this design, the reader can be located outside the repacking station.

[0199] In particular, step c) may additionally comprise the following step of providing a reading device in the repacking station.

[0200] In other words, according to this design, the reader can be provided in the repacking station.

[0201] The data carrier is, for example, a barcode that can be read using a barcode reader.

[0202] The data carrier can also be designed as an RFID tag (Radio Frequency Identification Tag), which is read using an RFID reader. This allows the number and / or type of goods contained in the goods receiving container to be directly determined.

[0203] However, this data can also be determined indirectly. For this purpose, a goods receiving container identification can be provided as a barcode or QR code on the goods receiving container, or it can also be stored in the RFID tag provided on the goods receiving container. Accordingly, the goods receiving container identification can be read using an optical recording unit or an RFID reader in the repacking station or the picking system. Using this goods receiving container identification, a data record in a database can then be accessed. The data record stores the number of goods and / or the type of goods contained in the goods receiving container. The type of goods can, for example, specify the type and / or a property of a piece of clothing (e.g., shirt, color red, size XE).

[0204] It is furthermore advantageous if a number of goods and / or the type of goods of these goods determined in the first goods receiving container according to step i) is stored as data on the data carrier or as data in a database which is data-technically linked to the goods receiving container identification of the first goods receiving container, and / or a number of goods and / or the type of goods of these goods determined in the second goods receiving container according to step ii) is stored as data on the data carrier or as data in a database which is data-technically linked to the goods receiving container identification of the second goods receiving container.

[0205] The technical teaching disclosed for the previous embodiment is also applicable to this embodiment. A reading process is replaced by a writing process, and a reading device is replaced by a writing device or a combined reading and writing device.

[0206] Likewise, in the method presented, it is advantageous if the goods, advantageously each item of the goods, are each equipped with an RFID tag which contains data on a type of goods of the respective goods (in or from the delivery container) and / or a respective goods identification, and if before or during step f) the number of goods is determined by means of an RFID reader, wherein preferably the number of goods is determined by the determined number of the different read out goods identifications respectively linked to a product and the determined number is transmitted to the computer unit, and / or before or during step f) the goods identification of a respective product is read from the respective RFID tag by means of an RFID reader and the goods type of each of the goods in the delivery container is determined by means of the goods identification in a database and transmitted to the computer unit.

[0207] According to one embodiment, the RFID reader comprises a passive far-field-to-near-field converter device. More specifically, a far-field antenna may be used that receives RF energy from an RF reading system and drives one or more near-field elements (RFID tags). For example, conductive loops generate a localized RF field that can be efficiently coupled to RFID tags where the far-field response is blocked. It is understood that the far-field antenna inherently allows RF signals to pass in both directions, so that, for example, the far-field antenna transmits RF energy to an RFID tag but also transmits its response back to the RFID reading system. It is also conceivable, in particular, that the RFID tags are read while the goods are falling out of the delivery container, while the goods are lying on the goods receiving floor, or while the goods are passing through the first or second goods transfer chute.In these states, the RFID tags are arranged in a favorable, loose arrangement. This means that the distance between the individual RFID tags is relatively large, making it easier to read or write to them.

[0208] It is advantageous if the goods placed on the goods receiving floor are pushed into the second goods receiving container (rather than lifted). This allows the repacking process to be designed particularly ergonomically. A particular advantage is that a worker at the repacking station does not have to lift any loads.

[0209] It is furthermore particularly advantageous if the first goods receiving container and / or the second goods receiving container in step b) already contains goods whose type is identical to the goods contained in the delivery container. In this way, partially filled goods receiving containers can be refilled according to article, whereby the storage volume of goods receiving containers filled with only one article can be optimally utilized. It is also particularly advantageous if a transport direction of the delivery container on the first conveyor system and a transport direction of the first goods receiving container and / or second goods receiving container on the second conveyor system are aligned opposite to one another. This allows the first goods receiving container to be transported away from the first goods receiving area more quickly, namely before the second goods receiving container has been loaded and transported away.Advantageously, this allows a comparatively favorable spatial arrangement (layout) of the first and second conveyor systems to be achieved, in particular when several such repacking stations are arranged in a picking system.

[0210] It is also advantageous if the procedure also includes the step

[0211] Providing a disposal conveyor system which connects to the repacking station, and if step g) additionally includes

[0212] Transfer of the (completely) emptied disposal container to the disposal conveyor system.

[0213] The disposal conveyor system connects to the repacking station, allowing empty containers to be transferred to the disposal conveyor system for subsequent removal from the repacking station. The disposal conveyor system can lead directly to the goods drop-off area or end near the goods drop-off area. The transfer can be carried out automatically by a robot or manually by a warehouse worker.

[0214] It is advantageous if a disposal conveyor system for the removal of (empty) drop-off containers after emptying is connected to the repacking station. In this way, drop-off containers that are no longer required can be automatically removed from the repacking station area.

[0215] In a further advantageous embodiment of the order picking system, it can also be provided that a first repacking station and a second repacking station are provided, a distribution conveyor system is provided, to which the first conveyor system of the first repacking station and second repacking station is connected (in terms of conveyor technology) in order to transport the delivery containers from the distribution conveyor system to the first repacking station and second repacking station, the storage conveyor system is provided, to which the second conveyor system of the first repacking station and second repacking station is connected (in terms of conveyor technology) in order to transport the (filled) goods receiving containers from the first repacking station and second repacking station to the warehouse, and / or a collective disposal conveyor system is provided, to which the disposal conveyor system of the first repacking station and second repacking station is connected (in terms of conveyor technology),to transport the (emptied) disposal containers from the disposal conveyor system of the first repacking station and second repacking station to the collective disposal conveyor system.

[0216] With the help of the proposed measures, the performance of the picking system with regard to the throughput of goods to be repackaged can be easily increased.

[0217] In a further advantageous embodiment of the order picking system, it can also be provided that it additionally comprises a retrieval conveyor system for transporting the goods receiving containers from the warehouse to the repacking station, wherein the second conveyor system for transporting the goods receiving containers is connected to the warehouse via the retrieval conveyor system.

[0218] In this way, for example, partially filled goods receiving containers can be removed from the warehouse to be subsequently filled further or completely at the repacking station. In principle, empty goods receiving containers can also be made available in the warehouse, which can be removed from the warehouse to be subsequently partially or completely filled at the repacking station.

[0219] At this point, it is noted that the embodiment variants disclosed for the presented method and the resulting advantages also apply analogously to the presented repacking station and the presented order picking system and vice versa.

[0220] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. They show, in highly simplified, schematic representations:

[0221] Fig. 1 shows a first example of an arrangement with several repacking stations in

[0222] oblique view;

[0223] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary order picking system;

[0224] Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of a repacking station with two delivery positions and two goods transfer chutes;

[0225] Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of a repacking station with two delivery positions and a goods transfer chute;

[0226] Fig. 4A is a schematic side view of a repacking station with a delivery position and a goods transfer chute;

[0227] Fig. 4B is a schematic side view of a repacking station with two delivery positions, wherein the second goods receiving container is designed as a hanging pocket;

[0228] Fig. 5 shows a section of a repacking station with a goods receiving floor with two funnel-shaped goods transfer shafts;

[0229] Fig. 6 shows a section of a repacking station with a goods receiving floor with two funnel-shaped goods transfer shafts, which are designed as (sheet metal) molded parts;

[0230] Fig. 7 shows a section of a repacking station with only a funnel-shaped goods transfer shaft and an adjoining chute;

[0231] Fig. 8 shows a section of a repacking station with a second conveyor device comprising autonomous industrial trucks;

[0232] Fig. 9 a goods receiving floor with two funnel-shaped goods transfer shafts in an oblique view;

[0233] Fig. 10 as Fig. 9, but with lateral edge strips; Fig. 11 shows a goods receiving floor in which two funnel-shaped goods transfer shafts are connected only by a horizontal goods receiving floor section;

[0234] Fig. 12 a goods receiving floor in which two funnel-shaped goods transfer

[0235] shafts are connected by a gutter;

[0236] Fig. 13 to 20 an exemplary process sequence for a repacking station with two delivery positions and two goods transfer shafts;

[0237] Fig. 21 and 22 show a section of a process sequence for a repacking station with a manipulation unit that can only perform a lifting movement;

[0238] Fig. 23 to 25 a section of a process sequence for a repacking station with a lowerable goods receiving floor;

[0239] Fig. 26 to 29 a section of a process sequence for a repacking station with only one delivery position and one goods transfer shaft;

[0240] Fig. 30 to 33 show a section of a process sequence in which the second goods receiving container is designed as a hanging pocket;

[0241] Fig. 34 and 35 a section of a process sequence in which tabs of the dispensing container protrude into the first goods transfer shaft during emptying, and

[0242] Fig. 36 a schematic representation of a repacking station with recording devices, a control unit, a database and reading devices.

[0243] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or identical component designations, whereby the disclosure contained in the entire description can be transferred mutatis mutandis to identical parts with identical reference symbols or identical component designations. The position information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., also relates to the directly described and illustrated figure and, in the event of a change in position, is to be transferred mutatis mutandis to the new position. Fig. 1 shows, in an oblique view, an exemplary repacking station 1a and a further identical repacking station 1a' for repacking (or for transferring or pouring) goods from a dispensing container 2 into a plurality of goods receiving containers 3, 3a.The repacking station 1a comprises a goods transfer device with a goods delivery area A and a goods acceptance area B, which comprises a first delivery position C1 and a second delivery position C2. It can be mentioned that the second delivery position C2 is optional, i.e., only the first (only one) delivery position C1 can be present. The goods transfer device further comprises a first goods transfer shaft 4a, which is arranged between the goods delivery area A and the goods acceptance area B, and a second goods transfer shaft 4b, which is arranged above the second delivery position C2. It can be mentioned that the second goods transfer shaft 4b is only present if the second delivery position C2 is present.In addition, the goods transfer device comprises an optional goods receiving floor 5, which adjoins the first goods transfer shaft 4a and, in this specific case, connects or delimits the two goods transfer shafts 4a, 4b. The repacking station 1a further comprises a first conveyor system 6 for transporting the delivery container 2 to the goods delivery area A. The repacking station 1a further comprises a second conveyor system 7a for transporting a first goods receiving container 3a to the goods receiving area B and for providing the first goods receiving container 3a in the first delivery position CI as well as for transporting the first goods receiving container 3a to and from the goods receiving area B. The repacking station 1a further comprises a manipulation unit 8a and an opening device 9 as well as a detection device 27a.It can be mentioned that the repacking station 1a can be set up and operated without the mentioned manipulation unit 8a, opening device 9 and detection device 27a.

[0244] In this example, the repacking station 1a is part of a picking system 10 for processing picking orders, which is explained in overview with reference to Fig. 2. The picking system 10 comprises, in addition to the repacking stations 1a, 1a', a further repacking station 1b of a different design, which is explained in more detail in Fig. 4, a goods receipt E for receiving goods which are delivered in delivery containers 2, a warehouse 11 for storing the goods in the goods receiving containers 3a, 3b and at least one picking station 12 for reloading goods from the goods receiving containers 3a, 3b into shipping containers in accordance with picking orders.Furthermore, the order picking system 10 has a (respective) storage conveyor system 36 for transporting the goods receiving containers 3a, 3b from the repacking stations 1a, 1a', 1b to the warehouse 11 and a picking conveyor system 38 for transporting the goods receiving containers 3a, 3b between the warehouse 11 and the at least one picking station 12. For this purpose, the (respective) storage conveyor system 36 is connected (in terms of conveyor technology) to the (respective) second conveyor system 7a of the (respective) first repacking stations 1a, 1a', 1b. However, the storage conveyor system 36 can also be included in the second conveyor system 7a.

[0245] In addition, a retrieval conveyor system 39 can be provided for transporting the goods receiving containers 3a, 3b from the warehouse 11 to the repacking stations 1a, 1a', 1b, wherein the second conveyor system 7a for transporting the goods receiving containers 3a, 3b is connected to the warehouse 11 via the retrieval conveyor system 39. This is shown in Fig. 2 with a dashed line. In this way, goods receiving containers 3a, 3b (in particular partially filled goods receiving containers) can be retrieved from the warehouse 11 in order to subsequently be further or completely filled at the repacking stations 1a, 1a', 1b. In principle, empty goods receiving containers 3a, 3b can also be provided in the warehouse 11, which are retrieved in order to subsequently be partially or completely filled at the repacking stations 1a, 1a', 1b.It may be mentioned that the order picking system 10 may also comprise and be operated with only one of the repacking stations 1a, 1a', 1b (or other types of repacking stations, which are described in more detail below).

[0246] The order picking system 10 can also have a disposal conveyor system 34, 34', which is connected to the repacking station 1a, 1a', 1b and is provided for the (removal) transport of (empty) delivery containers 2, as shown in Fig. 1. The disposal conveyor system 34, 34' can lead directly to the goods delivery area A or end near the goods delivery area A. The transfer of the (completely) emptied delivery containers 2 to the disposal conveyor system 34, 34' can be carried out automatically by a robot or manually by a warehouse worker.

[0247] Furthermore, an optional collective disposal conveyor system 37 can be provided in the order picking system 10, to which the disposal conveyor system 34, 34' of the repacking stations 1a, 1a', 1b is connected (in terms of conveyor technology), wherein the disposal conveyor system 34, 34' is provided to transport the (emptied) delivery containers 2 from the repacking stations 1a, 1a', 1b to the collective disposal conveyor system 37, as is also shown in Fig. 1.

[0248] In addition, an optional distribution conveyor system 35 can be provided in the order picking system 10, to which the first conveyor system 6 of the repacking stations 1a, 1a', 1b is connected (in terms of conveyor technology) in order to transport the delivery containers 2 to the repacking stations 1a, 1a', 1b, as is also shown in Fig. 1.

[0249] Fig. 3 now shows a schematic side view of the repacking station 1a or 1a'. Specifically, conveyor rollers 13 of the second conveyor system 7a, conveyor rollers 14 of the first conveyor system 6, and a knife 15 of the (optional) opening device or cutting device 9 are shown. Furthermore, a hanging carrier 16 and a gripping device 17 of the (optional) manipulation unit 8a are specifically designated.

[0250] Fig. 3 also shows some dimensions (xl, x2, x3, x4, x5), specifically the vertical distance xl from a conveying plane of the second conveyor system 7a to a lower edge of the first goods transfer shaft 4a (and here also of the second goods transfer shaft 4b), the vertical distance x2 between an upper edge of the first goods receiving container 3a and a lower edge of the first goods transfer shaft 4a (and here also between an upper edge of the second goods receiving container 3b and a lower edge of the second goods transfer shaft 4b), the vertical distance x3 from a lower edge of the opened delivery container 2 in the goods delivery area A to the upper edge of the first goods transfer shaft 4a, the distance x4 from the first conveyor system 6 to the goods delivery area A and a predeterminable fill level x5 in the first goods receiving container 3a. Advantageous values ​​for the dimensions xl..x5 will be set out in the course of this disclosure.

[0251] In the example shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the goods receiving area B comprises the first delivery position CI and the second delivery position C2, wherein the second conveyor system 7a is designed to transport an (empty or partially filled) second goods receiving container 3b into the goods receiving area B, to provide the second goods receiving container 3b in the second delivery position C2 and to transport the (filled or partially filled) second goods receiving container 3b out of the goods receiving area B. Specifically, in this example, the first goods transfer shaft 4a is arranged above the first delivery position CI, and the second goods transfer shaft 4b is arranged above the second delivery position C2. Furthermore, the goods receiving floor 5a (here horizontally oriented) borders on the first and second goods transfer shafts 4a, 4b and connects them.

[0252] Fig. 4 shows a further example (a further type) of a repacking station 1b, which is designed similarly to the repacking station 1a shown in Fig. 3. The goods receiving floor 5b (again horizontally aligned here) again borders the first goods transfer shaft 4a, but unlike the repacking station 1a, it leads to the second delivery position C2 and ends above and in front of it at an end G. This means that in this embodiment, no second goods transfer shaft 4b is provided above the second delivery position C2. In other words, the second delivery position C2 is designed without a goods transfer shaft 4b, or "shaft-less."

[0253] Fig. 4A shows a further example (a further type) of a repacking station 1c, which is designed similarly to the repacking station 1b in Fig. 4. In contrast, the goods receiving area B has exclusively the first delivery position CI, wherein the second conveyor system 7a is designed not only to transport the second goods receiving container 3b into the goods receiving area B but also, after the first goods receiving container 3a has been transported away from the goods receiving area B, to transport and provide the second goods receiving container 3b in the first delivery position CI. This process, which is visualized in Fig. 4a with the aid of the second goods receiving container 3b shown in dashed lines, is described in more detail below.In this embodiment, the first goods transfer shaft 4a is arranged above the first delivery position CI, and a goods receiving floor 5b is provided which adjoins the first goods transfer shaft 4a (in particular is horizontally aligned).

[0254] Finally, Fig. 4B shows yet another example (another type) of a repacking station 1d, which is designed similarly to the repacking station 1b shown in Fig. 4. In contrast, the repacking station 1d has a third conveyor system 26, which is designed as an overhead conveyor system and is prepared for transporting the second goods receiving container 3b' designed as a hanging pocket or for transporting several such hanging pockets. The goods receiving base 5b again ends above the second delivery position C2 at an end G, and in this case, no second goods transfer shaft 4b is provided above or at the second delivery position C2.

[0255] According to the repackaging stations 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d schematically illustrated in Figs. 3 to 4B, the second goods transfer shaft 4b, if present, has vertical shaft walls, and the first goods transfer shaft 4a is sloped on one side and thus funnel-shaped. It can be mentioned that the goods transfer shafts 4a, 4b can, for example, both be funnel-shaped and have sloped shaft walls on all sides, as is schematically illustrated in Fig. 5 for the goods receiving base 5c. It should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, only part of a repackaging station 1a, 1d is illustrated in Fig. 5.

[0256] In Figs. 1 to 5, the goods receiving floor 5a..5c is plate-shaped. However, it would also be conceivable for a goods receiving floor 5d to be designed, for example, as a (sheet metal) molded part, and for the goods transfer shafts 4a, 4b to be shaped downwards (directed toward the second conveyor system 7a), as shown in Fig. 6, analogous to the goods receiving floor 5c in Fig. 5. Fig. 6 also explicitly shows a horizontal goods receiving floor part 18, which connects the two goods transfer shafts 4a, 4b.

[0257] Fig. 7 shows a variant of a goods receiving floor 5e, which could be used, for example, in the repacking station 1b according to Fig. 4. In this case, however, the goods receiving floor 5e has a chute 19 inclined towards the second delivery position C2 or the second conveyor system 7a and / or the second goods receiving container 3b.

[0258] In Figs. 1 to 7, the second conveyor system 7a is shown as a roller conveyor. It would also be conceivable, for example, for the second conveyor system 7a and / or the first conveyor system 6 to be formed by or comprise conveyor belts. It is also conceivable for the second conveyor system 7b to comprise autonomous industrial trucks (for example, Automated Guided Vehicles "AGVs" or Autonomous Mobile Robots "AMRs") 20a, 20b, which travel on a track 21 and carry the goods receiving containers 3a, 3b, as shown in Fig.

[0259] 8. The first conveyor system 6 can also have such a mobile (AGV, AMR) conveyor system.

[0260] Figs. 9 to 12 show further different variants of goods receiving floors 5g..5j, each in an oblique view. The goods receiving floor 5g shown in Fig. 9 borders the goods transfer shafts 4a, 4b and is flat outside the goods transfer shafts 4a, 4b. The goods receiving floor 5h of Fig. 10 is designed similarly to the goods receiving floor 5g, but has lateral vertical sections intended to prevent the goods from falling down. Fig. 11 shows a goods receiving floor 5i which essentially only consists of the goods receiving floor part 18c. Fig. 12 shows a goods receiving floor 5j which is designed similarly to the goods receiving floor 5i, but again has lateral vertical sections intended to prevent the goods from falling down. The part connecting the goods transfer shafts 4a, 4b can therefore also be understood as a channel 22.It would also be conceivable for the lateral vertical sections to extend into the area of ​​the goods transfer chutes 4a, 4b, as shown in Fig. 12 with dotted lines. As already mentioned, in these embodiments, the goods transfer chutes 4a, 4b can be funnel-shaped or comprise mutually parallel wall sections.

[0261] An exemplary method for repacking goods from delivery containers 2 into goods receiving containers 3a, 3b will now be explained in more detail with reference to the schematic representations of Figs. 13 to 20, wherein the method is carried out with the aid of a repacking station 1e similar to the repacking station 1a shown in Fig. 3. In a first step, the two goods receiving containers 3a, 3b are transported to the repacking station 1e using the second conveyor system 7a (Fig. 13) and provided at the respective delivery positions C1, C2 (Fig. 14). In a further step, or already parallel to the first step, a delivery container 2 filled with goods 23 is transported to the repacking station 1e using the first conveyor system 6 (Fig. 15), optionally opened at the opening device / cutting device 9 or at least prepared for opening (Fig. 16 - see section H), and provided at the manipulation device 8 (Fig. 17).With the aid of the manipulation device 8, the delivery container 2 is transported to the goods delivery area A, whereupon the goods 23 are delivered via the first goods transfer shaft 4a into the first goods receiving container 3a (Fig. 18). In a further step, the portion of goods 23 exceeding the predeterminable fill level x5 is delivered to the goods receiving floor 5a and from there delivered (repacked) into the second goods receiving container 3b, as schematically illustrated by arrows (Fig. 19). Preferably, the delivery container 2 is transported away from the goods delivery area A immediately after being delivered to the goods receiving container 3a and before the step of delivering / repacking the goods 23 onto the goods receiving floor 5a or into the second goods receiving container 3b. Finally, the goods receiving containers 3a, 3b are transported away from the repacking station 1c with the aid of the second conveyor system 7a, for example, to the warehouse 11 (see Fig.20 and also in connection with Fig. 2).

[0262] In a further variant of the presented method for repacking goods 23, the delivery container 2 is transported into the goods delivery area A to the first goods transfer shaft 4a and then lifted vertically. Fig. 21 shows a state which is the result of the process already explained with reference to Figs. 13 to 16 and in which the delivery container 2 has already reached the first goods transfer shaft 4a. The delivery container 2 is then lifted using the manipulation device 8b, which in this case is only designed to carry out a vertical lifting movement (but not for a lateral, horizontal movement), whereupon the goods 23 are delivered via the first goods transfer shaft 4a into the first goods receiving container 3a (Fig. 22). This is followed by the process already described with reference to Figs. 19 to 20.

[0263] In a further variant of the presented method for repacking goods 23, the delivery container 2 is transported into the goods delivery area A to the first goods transfer shaft 4a, whereupon the goods receiving base 5 is lowered. Fig. 23 shows a state that is the result of the process already explained with reference to Figs. 13 to 16 and in which the delivery container 2 has already reached the first goods transfer shaft 4a. The delivery container 2 is then gripped with the manipulation device 8c, which in this case is designed as a holding device (but not for carrying out a horizontal or vertical movement of the delivery container 2) (Fig. 24). The goods receiving base 5 is subsequently lowered, whereupon the delivery container 2 opens and the goods 23 are delivered via the first goods transfer shaft 4a into the first goods receiving container 3a (Fig. 25). This is followed by the process already described with reference to Figs. 19 to 20.

[0264] The methods schematically illustrated in Fig. 16 to Fig. 25 and described here relate to transfer devices 1e..1g of the type of transfer device 1a shown in Fig. 3 with two delivery positions 11, 12 and two goods transfer shafts 4a, 4b. In a very similar manner, the aforementioned methods can also be carried out with the transfer device 1b with two delivery positions 11, 12 but only a first goods transfer shaft 4a. In this case, the portion of goods 23 exceeding the predeterminable fill level x5 is transferred directly, i.e. without depositing / repacking the goods 23 onto the goods receiving floor 5a, into the second goods receiving container 3b, as illustrated in Fig. 19 with the dashed arrow. In Fig.21 also shows an optional goods retention device 24, with which the goods 23 can be specifically prevented from passing through the first goods transfer shaft 4a, or with which passing through the goods transfer shaft 4a can be made possible.

[0265] The goods retention device 24 can be arranged, in particular, above the first goods transfer shaft 4a or in the first goods transfer shaft 4a. The goods retention device 24 can be designed, in particular, as a (horizontally) movable plate that can be moved laterally by means of a linear drive or a pivoting drive, for example, to the left in Fig. 21. According to an advantageous alternative embodiment, the goods retention device 24 can also be designed as a multi-part iris. The iris can comprise several slats, wherein each slat is preferably mounted on an axis. Preferably, all slats are connected to a ring via a further axis so that they can move together. The slats can be rotated inwards or outwards together via a mechanism.According to an advantageous alternative embodiment, the goods retention device 24 can be designed as a roller shutter, which roller shutter can be moved in a horizontal plane and wound up / unwound about a winding axis parallel to the horizontal axis. Alternatively, the roller shutter can be arranged so that it can be deflected and moved between a horizontal plane and a vertical plane.

[0266] The goods retaining device 24 can be moved laterally, preferably very quickly, quickly at a downward angle, or alternatively lowered and subsequently or simultaneously moved laterally into the release position, thereby clearing the opening of the first goods transfer chute 4a. Alternatively, the goods retaining device 24 can be hinged horizontally or vertically or moved into the release position in another way. The goods retaining device 24 can advantageously be moved by at least one actuator, for example, by an electric or pneumatic actuator or by any other suitable actuation.

[0267] Figs. 26 to 29 illustrate a method for repacking goods 23 with the aid of a repacking station 1h of the type of the repacking station 1c shown in Fig. 4A. Analogous to Fig. 21, Fig. 26 shows a state which is the result of the process already explained with reference to Figs. 13 to 16, and in which the delivery container 2 has reached the first goods transfer chute 4a. Analogous to the process shown in Fig. 22, the delivery container 2 is then lifted by the manipulation device 8b, which in this case is again designed only to perform a vertical lifting movement (but not for a lateral, horizontal movement), whereupon the goods 23 are delivered via the first goods transfer chute 4a into the first goods receiving container 3a (Fig. 27). In a further step, the portion of goods 23 exceeding the predeterminable filling level x5 is discharged onto the goods receiving floor 5a (Fig. 28).Preferably, the delivery container 2 is transported from the goods delivery area A immediately after the goods 23 have been delivered or repacked into the first goods receiving container 3a and before the step of delivering / repacking the goods 23 onto the goods receiving floor 5a. Subsequently, the first goods receiving container 3a is transported away from the (only) first delivery position CI, and the second goods receiving container 3b is transported to the first delivery position CI. Subsequently, the goods 23 are delivered from the goods receiving floor 5 into the second goods receiving container 3b (Fig. 29). Finally, the goods receiving containers 3a, 3b are transported away from the repacking station 1h using the second conveyor system 7a, analogous to the process shown in Fig. 20.

[0268] Figs. 30 to 33 now illustrate a method for repacking goods 23 with the aid of a repacking station 11 in the manner of the repacking station 1d shown in Fig. 4B. Fig. 30 shows, analogously to Fig. 21, a state which is the result of the process already explained with reference to Figs. 13 to 16 and in which the delivery container 2 has reached the first goods transfer shaft 4a. Analogously to the process shown in Fig. 22, the delivery container 2 is then lifted by the manipulation device 8b, which in this case is again only designed to carry out a vertical lifting movement (but not for a lateral, horizontal movement), whereupon the goods 23 are delivered via the first goods transfer shaft 4a into the first goods receiving container 3a (Fig. 31). In a further step, the portion of goods 23 exceeding the predeterminable filling level x5 is discharged onto the goods receiving floor 5 (Fig. 32).Preferably, the delivery container 2 is transported away from the goods delivery area A immediately after the goods 23 have been delivered into the first goods receiving container 3a and before the step of delivering / repacking the goods 23 onto the goods receiving floor 5a. In a further step, the goods 23 are delivered from the goods receiving floor 5 into the second goods receiving container 3b', which is designed here as a hanging pocket (Fig. 33). Subsequently, the first goods receiving container 3a is transported away from the repacking station 1i beforehand (during the process of repacking the goods 23 into the hanging pocket) or simultaneously with the second goods receiving container 3b'.

[0269] A method for repacking goods from delivery containers 2 into goods receiving containers 3a, 3b, 3b' at a repacking station 1, 1a.. 1i can generally comprise the following steps: a) Providing a delivery container 2 filled with goods 23, b) Providing at least one first goods receiving container 3a and one second goods receiving container 3b for repacking the goods 23 from the one delivery container 2 into at least the first goods receiving container 3a and the second goods receiving container 3b, wherein a receiving volume of the first goods receiving container 3a is smaller than a goods volume of the goods 23 in the delivery container 2, c) Providing the goods transfer device in the repacking station 1, 1a.. 1i, which goods transfer device comprises the goods delivery area A, the goods receiving area B with the first delivery position CI, the first goods transfer shaft 4a, which is arranged between the goods delivery area A and the goods receiving area B,and the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j, which is adjacent to the first goods transfer shaft 4a, d) transporting the delivery container 2 into the goods delivery area A by means of the first conveyor system 6, e) transporting the first goods receiving container 3a into the goods receiving area B and providing the first goods receiving container 3a in the first delivery position CI by means of the second conveyor system 7a, 7b, f) emptying the delivery container 2 in the goods delivery area A by a relative movement between the delivery container 2 and the first goods transfer shaft 4a such that the goods 23 are delivered from the delivery container 2 via the first goods transfer shaft 4a into the provided first goods receiving container 3a, g) removing the delivery container 2 after emptying according to step f) from the goods delivery area A by a relative movement between the delivery container 2 and the first goods transfer shaft 4a,h) redistributing the goods 23 emptied in step f) to the provided first goods receiving container 3a and the goods receiving base 5, 5a..5j, so that only a portion of goods 23 remains in the first goods receiving container 3a until the predeterminable fill level x5 in the first goods receiving container 3a is reached and at least a portion of the goods 23 exceeding the fill level x5 is dispensed onto the goods receiving base 5, 5a..5j, and i) transporting the filled first goods receiving container 3a (away) after completion of a redistribution of the goods portions according to step h) by means of the second conveyor system 7a, 7b.

[0270] The presented method is particularly suitable for textiles, especially for textiles packed in plastic bags.

[0271] The repacking of goods 23 from delivery containers 2 into goods receiving containers 3a, 3b takes place in particular without reference to a picking order or customer order and is suitable, for example, for preparing a storage of goods 23 in a warehouse 11.

[0272] In particular, after the goods 23 have been repacked, the first goods receiving container 3a and the second goods receiving container 3b are transported by the storage conveyor system 36 (stationary conveyor system, for example roller conveyors, or mobile conveyor system, for example Automated Guided Vehicle "AGV" or Autonomous Mobile Robots "AMR") from the repacking station 1, 1a.. 1i to an automated warehouse 11 and stored in the warehouse 11. In particular, the warehouse 11 can comprise one or more storage and retrieval devices which store the first goods receiving container 3a and second goods receiving container 3b in one or more storage racks. In particular, one of the goods receiving containers 3a, 3b is retrieved from the automated warehouse 11 and transported to a picking station 12 when a good 23 is required for a picking order from this goods receiving container 3a, 3b.In particular, the warehouse 11 can comprise one or more storage and retrieval machines, one of which retrieves the required goods receiving container 3a, 3b from a storage rack. It can thus be seen that the first goods receiving container 3a and the second goods receiving container 3b can be used in the order picking system 10 as a so-called "system container."

[0273] The first goods receiving container 3a and the second goods receiving container 3b are preferably standardized goods receiving containers. The first goods receiving container 3a and the second goods receiving container 3b preferably have a uniform (constant) receiving volume and / or uniform dimensions, regardless of the type of goods, in particular regardless of the dimensions of the goods.

[0274] The repacking station 1, 1a.. 1i, comprises the goods transfer device with the first goods transfer shaft 4a, which has a feed opening at an upper end and a discharge opening at a lower end, as well as shaft walls. The feed opening and discharge opening are delimited by the shaft walls.

[0275] In a preferred embodiment, the first goods transfer shaft 4a extends with its longitudinal axis vertically between the goods delivery area A and the goods acceptance area B above the first delivery position CI.

[0276] The first goods transfer chute 4a allows for a controlled transfer of the goods 23 from the delivery container 2 to the first goods receiving container 3a. It can be virtually ruled out that the goods 23 will become unfavorably distributed during their transfer from the delivery container 2 to the first goods receiving container 3a and / or that the goods 23 will accidentally fall to the floor. On the contrary, the first goods transfer chute 4a, with its chute walls, can serve as a guide chute between the feed opening and the delivery opening, along which the goods 23 can be moved. The goods 23 can even be guided through the guide chute during a transfer movement. This can prove particularly advantageous for stackable goods 23 (i.e., goods 23 that can form a stack of goods).

[0277] In addition, the first goods transfer shaft 4a can allow for overfilling of the first goods receiving container 3a. If the goods 23 are stackable, a stack of goods that is relatively high relative to the support surface can also be secured against tipping over.

[0278] It can be provided that a surface dimension of the feed opening of the first goods transfer shaft 4a is larger than an output opening of the delivery container 2 through which the goods 23 are delivered. This enables a reliable transfer of the goods 23 from the delivery container 2 to the goods receiving container 3a.

[0279] Within the scope of the invention, emptying the dispensing container 2 into the provided first goods receiving container 3a is to be understood such that all goods 23 can be dispensed from the dispensing container 2. In other words, the dispensing container 2 is preferably completely emptied. The goods 23 can be received partly in the first goods receiving container 3a and partly in the first goods transfer shaft 4a, and optionally partly on the goods receiving base 5, 5a..5j. In principle, however, a minimum proportion of goods 23 is always dispensed into and received by the first goods receiving container 3a. Dispensing of the goods 23 from the dispensing container 2 preferably occurs solely by gravity.

[0280] When the goods 23 are delivered into the first goods receiving container 3a, the following cases can occur: i) The (delivered) goods 23 are partially received in the first goods receiving container 3a and partially in the first goods transfer shaft 4a. The goods 23 are therefore delivered into the first goods receiving container 3a, but cannot be completely received by it (overfilling of the first goods receiving container 3a). The goods 23 (or at least some of the goods) therefore protrude from the first goods receiving container 3a. The goods 23 that cannot be received in the first goods receiving container 3a and are located in the first goods transfer shaft 4a can be deposited on the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j in a separate process step and temporarily buffered there.If the goods 23 are stackable and form a stack of goods, it is conceivable that the goods 23 that extend into the first goods transfer shaft 4a do not touch the shaft walls of the first goods transfer shaft 4a. ii) The (dispatched) goods 23 are received partly in the first goods receiving container 3a and partly on the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j. The goods 23 that cannot be received in the first goods receiving container 3a are additionally placed on the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j and temporarily buffered there.

[0281] In addition, in step f), a relative movement between the delivery container 2 and the first goods transfer shaft 4a can take place in such a way that the delivery container 2 is moved, for example, according to a first embodiment exclusively in a horizontal movement relative to the first goods transfer shaft 4a or according to a second embodiment in a horizontal movement and vertical movement relative to the first goods transfer shaft 4a.

[0282] In particular, the horizontal movement of the dispensing container 2 can be carried out according to a preferred

[0283] Execution on or above the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j. In other words, the delivery container 2 can be pushed or lifted on the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j to a transfer position above the first goods transfer shaft 4a.

[0284] In particular, according to a further preferred embodiment, the horizontal movement of the dispensing container 2 can be performed on the goods receiving floor 5a..5j, and the vertical movement can be performed relative to the goods receiving floor 5a..5j. In other words, the dispensing container 2 can be pushed on the goods receiving floor 5a..5j to a transfer position above the first goods transfer shaft 4a and then lifted.

[0285] A “removal” of the dispensing container 2 from the goods dispensing area A after emptying according to step f) may comprise a vertical movement of the dispensing container 2, or a vertical movement and horizontal movement of the dispensing container 2.

[0286] This process step can be performed automatically by a manipulation device 8a..8c or manually by a warehouse worker. This process step can also comprise a combination of an automatic process sub-step and a manual process sub-step.

[0287] Emptying in step f) can be carried out without changing the orientation of the dispensing container 2 or by tilting it.

[0288] The predeterminable filling level x5 can be a maximum filling level in the first goods receiving container 3a or any (desired) lower than the maximum filling level.

[0289] The redistribution of the goods 23 emptied in step f) to the provided first goods receiving container 3a and the goods receiving base 5, 5a..5j can be carried out in such a way that, after the goods 23 have been emptied in step f), a portion of the goods 23 remains in the first goods receiving container 3a, and at least a portion of the portion of goods 23 exceeding the predeterminable fill level x5 (from the first goods receiving container 3a) is temporarily dispensed onto the goods receiving base 5, 5a..5j. The redistribution of the goods 23 in step h) can take place (directly) following step f) or following step g). The portion of the goods 23 remaining in the first goods receiving container 3a corresponds to a first portion of the goods 23 from the dispensing container 2.

[0290] As will be described below, a portion of the goods 23 which are transferred into the second goods receiving container 3b corresponds to a second portion of the goods 23 from the delivery container 2.

[0291] The first portion of the goods 23 results from a predeterminable fill level x5 in the first goods receiving container 3a. The predeterminable fill level x5, which may correspond to a maximum fill level, is preferably selected such that the goods 23 (or a portion thereof) do not protrude from the first goods receiving container 3a. This enables reliable transport of the goods 23 with the first goods receiving container 3a.

[0292] The second portion of the goods 23 results from the portion of goods 23 which, according to a preferred embodiment, were delivered from the first goods receiving container 3a and / or the first goods transfer shaft 4a and the goods receiving base 5, 5a..5j into the second goods receiving container 3b, or, according to a further preferred embodiment, were delivered from the goods receiving base 5, 5a..5j into the second goods receiving container 3b.

[0293] All or only a portion of the goods 23 can be removed from the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j and transferred to the second goods receiving container 3b. The second goods receiving container 3b can also be filled to a predeterminable fill level. The predeterminable fill level can be a maximum fill level in the second goods receiving container 3b or any (desired) fill level lower than the maximum fill level. In principle, the predeterminable fill level can also be determined by specifying a quantity of goods 23.

[0294] If the total quantity of goods 23 from the delivery container 2 can be completely received by the first goods receiving container 3a and the second goods receiving container 3b, the first portion and second portion result in the total quantity of goods 23 from the delivery container 2.

[0295] The described redistribution of the goods 23 according to step h) can be carried out manually by a warehouse worker or automatically by a robot. In principle, it can be provided that, before the filled first goods receiving container 3a is removed in step i), the completion of the redistribution is confirmed by the worker at the repacking station 1a using a detection device 27a. This subsequently initiates the removal of the first goods receiving container 3a from the goods receiving area B. Details on the function of the detection device 27a are disclosed in the description of Fig. 35.

[0296] The proposed measures allow the repacking station 1, la., li to be set up very simply and, if necessary, as a standard, which advantageously promotes a reliable repacking process, in particular reduces the error rate, ensures greater predictability of the repacking process and also facilitates the training of new employees.

[0297] The method for repacking goods 23 can also comprise the step j) transporting the second goods receiving container 3b into the goods receiving area B and providing the second goods receiving container 3b in the first delivery position CI during step i) or after step i) by means of the second conveyor system 7a, 7b, wherein the goods receiving area B exclusively comprises the first delivery position CI (see also Fig. 4A and Fig. 26 to 29).

[0298] According to this embodiment, only a single delivery position is provided, namely the first delivery position CI, in which the first goods receiving container 3a and the second goods receiving container 3b are provided in succession (in time) at the same (at least one) delivery position CI. This enables, in particular, a comparatively compact design of the repackaging station 1c, 1h.

[0299] The method for repackaging goods 23 may therefore advantageously comprise the following steps:

[0300] Intermediate buffering of the goods 23 which exceed the predeterminable filling level x5 in the first goods receiving container 3a on the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j during step j), and

[0301] Transfer of at least part of the goods 23 which are on the goods receiving floor

[0302] 5, 5a..5j are temporarily buffered, from the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j into the provided second goods receiving container 3b.

[0303] (See also Fig. 4A and Figs. 26 to 29). In order to allow the removal of a first goods receiving container 3a as quickly as possible after emptying the goods 23 according to step f), a (surplus) portion of goods 23 exceeding the predeterminable fill level x5 is deposited on the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j and temporarily buffered until the second goods receiving container 3b is provided. In other words, not only a portion of the goods 23 from said portion is deposited on the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j, but all of the goods 23 from the (surplus) portion.

[0304] As soon as the second goods receiving container 3b is in the first delivery position CI, all goods 23 or part of the goods 23 are removed from the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j and transferred to the second goods receiving container 3b.

[0305] For the transfer of goods 23 into the second goods receiving container 3b, a predeterminable fill level can also be provided in the second goods receiving container 3b. The predeterminable fill level can be a maximum fill level in the second goods receiving container 3b or any (desired) fill level lower than the maximum fill level. In principle, the predeterminable fill level can also be determined by specifying a quantity of goods 23.

[0306] It is now possible that the aforementioned transfer from the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j to the provided second goods receiving container 3b concerns only a portion of the goods 23 temporarily stored on the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j, so that a second portion of the goods 23 originating from the delivery container 2 is received in the second goods receiving container 3b, and a remaining portion of the goods 23 remains on the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j. In this case, the first portion, the second portion, and the remaining portion constitute the total quantity of goods 23 from the delivery container 2.

[0307] The remaining portion can be buffered on the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j until a third goods receiving container is provided in the first delivery position CI. As soon as the third goods receiving container is in the first delivery position CI, all goods 23 or at least a portion of the remaining goods 23 are removed from the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j and transferred to the third goods receiving container. If necessary, the remaining portion of the goods 23 can be distributed among further (fourth, fifth, etc.) goods receiving containers until ultimately no more goods 23 remain on the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j.

[0308] If the goods receiving area B comprises the first delivery position CI and the second delivery position C2, step e) may additionally comprise:

[0309] Transporting the second goods receiving container 3b, which is designed in particular as a small load carrier, into the goods receiving area B and providing the second goods receiving container 3b in the second delivery position C2 during step i) or after step i) by means of the second conveyor system 7a, 7b or

[0310] Transporting a second goods receiving container 3b', which is designed in particular as a hanging bag, into the goods receiving area B and providing the second goods receiving container 3b' in the second delivery position C2 during step i) or after step i) by means of a third conveyor system 26.

[0311] (see Figs. 3, 4 and 4B as well as Figs. 14 to 25).

[0312] Generally, according to these embodiments, a first delivery position CI and a second delivery position C2 are provided, in which the first goods receiving container 3a and second goods receiving containers 3b, 3b' are provided in parallel (next to one another), i.e., so that at the time the goods 23 are delivered from the delivery container 2 via the first goods transfer chute 4a into the first goods receiving container 3a, they are simultaneously delivered to the respective delivery position CI, C2. It should be noted that a further (third, fourth, etc.) delivery position can also be provided, in which a further (third, fourth, etc.) goods receiving container can be provided parallel to the first goods receiving container 3a and second goods receiving container 3b.

[0313] In a further embodiment, step h) may additionally include:

[0314] Transferring at least a portion of the goods 23 from the first goods receiving container 3a and / or from the goods receiving base 5, 5a..5j into the provided second goods receiving container 3b, wherein step i) further comprises

[0315] Removal of the filled second goods receiving container 3b after completion of a redistribution of the goods portions and transfer according to step h) by means of the second conveyor system 7a, 7b. According to this embodiment, after emptying the goods 23 according to step f), the redistribution of the goods 23 can take place between the first goods receiving container 3a provided in the first delivery position CI and the second goods receiving container 3b provided in the second delivery position C2, as well as the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j.

[0316] At least a portion of the goods 23 that exceeds the predeterminable fill level x5 can be transferred from the first goods receiving container 3a to the second goods receiving container 3b. Accordingly, a "direct" transfer of the goods 23 from the first goods receiving container 3a to the second goods receiving container 3b is possible.

[0317] On the other hand, at least a portion of the goods 23 exceeding the predeterminable fill level x5 (excess portion) can be temporarily transferred from the first goods receiving container 3a to the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j. Thereafter, all (excess portion) of the goods 23 or only a portion of the (excess portion) of the goods 23 are removed from the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j and transferred to the second goods receiving container 3b. Thus, an "indirect" transfer of the goods 23 from the first goods receiving container 3a to the second goods receiving container 3b is possible.

[0318] Furthermore, a portion of the goods 23 that exceeds the predeterminable fill level x5 can be transferred from the first goods receiving container 3a to the second goods receiving container 3b, and a portion can be transferred from the goods receiving base 5, 5a..5j to the second goods receiving container 3b. In this case, all or only a portion of the goods 23 can be removed from the goods receiving base 5, 5a..5j and transferred to the second goods receiving container 3b.

[0319] The second goods receiving container 3b can also be filled to a predeterminable fill level. The predeterminable fill level can be a maximum fill level in the second goods receiving container 3b or any (desired) lower fill level than the maximum fill level. In principle, the predeterminable fill level can also be determined by specifying a quantity of goods 23.

[0320] After the transfer of the goods 23, the second goods receiving container 3b contains a second portion of the goods 23 from the delivery container 2. If the total quantity of goods 23 from the delivery container 2 can be completely received by the first goods receiving container 3a and the second goods receiving container 3b together, the first portion and second portion constitute the total quantity of goods 23 from the delivery container 2.

[0321] If the total quantity of goods 23 from the delivery container 2 is greater than the (sum) capacity of the two goods receiving containers 3a, 3b, a further portion of the (surplus) goods 23 can be distributed among further (third, fourth, etc.) goods receiving containers until a predeterminable filling level x5 is finally reached in the first goods receiving container 3a and there are no more goods 23 on the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j.

[0322] For the transfer of goods 23 into the second goods receiving container 3b, a predeterminable fill level x5' (not shown in the figures) can also be provided in the second goods receiving container 3b. The predeterminable fill level can be a maximum fill level in the second goods receiving container 3b or any (desired) fill level lower than the maximum fill level. In principle, the predeterminable fill level can also be determined by specifying a quantity of goods.

[0323] In principle, it can be provided that before the filled first goods receiving container 3a and second goods receiving container 3b are transported away in step i), completion of the redistribution is confirmed at a detection device 27a described above.

[0324] After this optional execution, step h) additionally includes the following step:

[0325] Acknowledging completion of the redistribution at a detection device 27a, which is connected to a control unit, which in turn controls the second conveyor system 7a, 7b in order to transport the first goods receiving container 3a from the first delivery position CI and the second goods receiving container 3b from the second delivery position C2.

[0326] According to a preferred further embodiment, a method for repacking goods 23 comprises the following steps: a) Providing a delivery container 2 which is filled with goods 23, b) Providing at least one (empty or partially filled) first goods receiving container 3a and one (empty or partially filled) second goods receiving container 3b for repacking the goods 23 from the one delivery container 2 at least into the first goods receiving container 3a and second goods receiving container 3b, wherein a receiving volume of the first goods receiving container 3a is smaller than a goods volume of the goods 23 in the delivery container 2, c) Providing a goods transfer device in the repacking station 1, 1a, 1i, which goods transfer device comprises a goods delivery area A, a goods receiving area B with a first delivery position C1 and a second delivery position C2, a first goods transfer shaft 4a,which is arranged between the goods delivery area A and the goods acceptance area B, and optionally a goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j, which is adjacent to the first goods transfer shaft 4a, d) transporting the delivery container 2 into the goods delivery area A by means of a first conveyor system 6, e) transporting the first goods receiving container 3a into the goods acceptance area B and providing the first goods receiving container 3a in the first delivery position CI and transporting the second goods receiving container 3b into the goods acceptance area B and providing the second goods receiving container 3b in the second delivery position C2, each by means of a second conveyor system 7a, 7b, f) emptying the delivery container 2 in the goods delivery area A by a relative movement between the delivery container 2 and the first goods transfer shaft 4a such thatthat the goods 23 are dispensed from the dispensing container 2 via the first goods transfer shaft 4a into the provided first goods receiving container 3a, g) removing the dispensing container 2 after emptying according to step f) from the goods dispensing area A by a relative movement between the dispensing container 2 and the first goods transfer shaft 4a, h) redistributing the goods 23 emptied in step f) to the provided first goods receiving container 3a and the provided second goods receiving container 3b and, if applicable, the goods receiving base 5, 5a..5j, so that only a portion of goods 23 remains in the first goods receiving container 3a until a predeterminable fill level x5 is reached in the first goods receiving container 3a and a portion of goods 23 exceeding the predeterminable fill level x5 is dispensed to the provided second goods receiving container 3b and, if applicable, the goods receiving base 5, 5a..5j,and i) transporting the filled first goods receiving container 3a and the filled second goods receiving container 3b after completion of a redistribution of the goods according to step h by means of the second conveyor system 7a, 7b.

[0327] According to this embodiment, a first delivery position C1 and a second delivery position C2 are provided, in which the first goods receiving container 3a and the second goods receiving container 3b are provided in parallel. It should be noted that a further (third, fourth, etc.) delivery position can also be provided, in which a further (third, fourth, etc.) goods receiving container is provided parallel to the first goods receiving container 3a and the second goods receiving container 3b.

[0328] The goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j is not absolutely necessary and can be arranged optionally.

[0329] If the goods 23 are delivered into the first goods receiving container 3a, the following cases can occur: i) The (delivered) goods 23 are received partly in the first goods receiving container 3a and partly in the first goods transfer shaft 4a. The goods 23 are therefore delivered into the first goods receiving container 3a, but cannot be completely received by it (overfilling of the first goods receiving container 3a). The goods 23 therefore protrude from the first goods receiving container 3a. ii) The (delivered) goods 23 are received partly in the first goods receiving container 3a and, if a goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j is provided, partly on the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j.

[0330] After emptying the goods 23 according to step f), the goods 23 can be redistributed to the first goods receiving container 3a provided in the first delivery position CI and to the second goods receiving container 3b provided in the second delivery position C2 and, if applicable, to the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j. The redistribution of the goods 23 in step h) can take place (directly) following step f) or following step g).

[0331] According to case i) described above, at least part of a predeterminable

[0332] The portion of goods 23 exceeding the fill level x5 can be transferred from the first goods receiving container 3a to the second goods receiving container 3b. A "direct" transfer of the goods 23 from the first goods receiving container 3a to the second goods receiving container 3b is therefore possible.

[0333] According to case ii) described above, according to a first embodiment, at least a portion (excess portion) of a portion of goods 23 exceeding the predeterminable fill level x5 can be temporarily transferred from the first goods receiving container 3a to the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j. Thereafter, all (excess) goods 23 or only a portion of the (excess) goods 23 are removed from the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j and transferred to the second goods receiving container 3b. Accordingly, an "indirect" transfer of the goods 23 from the first goods receiving container 3a to the second goods receiving container 3b is possible. According to a second embodiment, a portion of goods 23 exceeding the predeterminable filling level x5 can be transferred from the first goods receiving container 3a into the second goods receiving container 3b and a portion can be transferred from the goods receiving base 5, 5a..5j, if a goods receiving base 5, 5a..5j is provided, into the second goods receiving container 3b.All goods 23 or only a part of the goods 23 can be removed from the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j and transferred to the second goods receiving container 3b.

[0334] The second portion of the goods 23 results from the portion of goods 23 which, according to a preferred (first) embodiment, were delivered from the first goods receiving container 3a into the second goods receiving container 3b, or, according to a further preferred (second) embodiment, were delivered from the first goods receiving container 3a and from the goods receiving base 5, 5a..5j, if a goods receiving base 5, 5a..5j is provided, into the second goods receiving container 3b.

[0335] If the total quantity of goods 23 from the delivery container 2 is greater than the (sum) capacity of the two goods receiving containers 3a, 3b, a further (excess) portion of the goods 23 can be distributed among further (third, fourth, etc.) goods receiving containers until a predeterminable filling level x5 is finally reached in the first goods receiving container 3a and, if a goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j is provided, there are no more goods 23 on the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j.

[0336] Step h) may also include the following step:

[0337] Acknowledging completion of the redistribution at a detection device 27a, which is connected to a control unit, which in turn controls the second conveyor system 7a, 7b in order to transport the first goods receiving container 3a from the first delivery position CI and the second goods receiving container 3b from the second delivery position C2.

[0338] 1 to 33, the repacking stations 1, 1a..1i, specifically their goods transfer devices, comprise an advantageous but optional manipulation unit 8a..8c. The manipulation unit 8a..8c can have: a gripping device 17 which is movable by a drive unit in the goods transfer area A for lifting the delivery container 2 relative to the first goods transfer shaft 4a (see Figs. 21 and 22 and 26 to 33), a gripping device which is movable by a drive unit in the goods transfer area A for fixing a vertical position of the delivery container 2 relative to the first goods transfer shaft 4a, wherein the goods receiving base 5, 5a..5j, if provided, is designed to be vertically adjustable (see Figs. 23 to 25), a gripping device which is movable by a drive unit in the goods transfer area A for fixing a vertical position of the delivery container 2 relative to the first goods transfer shaft 4a,a gripping device 17 which can be moved into and moved in the goods transfer area A for lifting the delivery container 2 and / or for laterally moving the delivery container 2 from a takeover position laterally spaced from the first goods transfer shaft 4a into a transfer position above the first goods transfer shaft 4a (see Fig. 1 to 20) and / or a gripping device 17 which can be moved out of or into the goods transfer area A by a drive unit and is movable in the goods transfer area A for lifting the delivery container 2 and for hanging transport of the delivery container 2 above the goods transfer area B between the first delivery position CI and the second delivery position C2 (see Fig. 1 to 20).

[0339] The manipulation unit 8a..8c can, for example, be designed as a manually operated carrying device, for example as a lifting device with a gripping device 17 that can be moved longitudinally along a support rail 16 (in particular manually movable). It is also conceivable for the manipulation unit 8a..8c to be fully or partially motorized. For example, the lifting device, the gripping device 17, and / or a longitudinal drive can be motor-driven (but can be activated manually or semi-automatically). Finally, it is also conceivable for the manipulation unit 8a..8c to be designed as a robot, and for movement sequences to be carried out fully automatically. In particular, the manipulation unit 8a..8c can be designed as an articulated-arm robot or gantry robot.

[0340] In the given context, a method is also advantageous in which the goods transfer device additionally comprises a manipulation unit 8a..8c and in which step d) dl) comprises transporting the delivery container 2 on the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j into a transfer position (essentially central) above the first goods transfer shaft 4a by means of the first conveyor system 6 and lifting the delivery container 2 relative to the first goods transfer shaft 4a by means of the manipulation unit 8b (see Fig. 21 and

[0341] 22 and 26 to 33), d2) transporting the delivery container 2 on the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j into a transfer position (essentially centrally) above the first goods transfer shaft 4a by means of the first conveyor system 6, fixing the delivery container 2 by means of the manipulation unit 8c and lowering the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j (see Fig.

[0342] 23 to 25), or d3) transporting the delivery container 2 into a receiving position laterally spaced from the first goods transfer shaft 4a by means of the first conveyor system 6 and then lifting the delivery container 2 and / or laterally moving the delivery container 2 (essentially centrally) from the receiving position into a transfer position (essentially centrally) above the first goods transfer shaft 4a by means of the manipulation unit 8a (see Figs. 1 to 20).

[0343] The variant dl) can also comprise a lowering of the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j, or the variant d2) can also comprise a raising of the delivery container 2 in the goods delivery area A.

[0344] It is particularly advantageous if the emptying of the dispensing container 2 according to step f) in cases dl) or d2) takes place automatically by a relative movement between the dispensing container 2 and the goods receiving base 5, 5a..5j (ie because the tabs of the lid of the dispensing container 2 automatically fold downwards due to the weight of the goods 23).

[0345] In other words, a relative movement between the dispensing container 2 and the goods receiving base 5, 5a..5j causes the dispensing container 2 to open automatically. No further steps are required for this. It would also be conceivable, in particular, for the emptying of the dispensing container 2 according to step f) in case d3) to essentially or exclusively comprise the lateral movement of the dispensing container 2 from the receiving position to the transfer position above the first goods transfer shaft 4a. The emptying of the dispensing container 2 can take place as soon as the dispensing container 2 reaches the transfer position above the first goods transfer shaft 4a, in particular because the tabs of the base or tabs of the lid of the dispensing container 2 automatically fold downward due to the weight of the goods 23.It would also be conceivable for the tabs of the base or the tabs of the lid of the dispensing container 2 to automatically fold down under the weight of the goods 23 as soon as they are released by the assisting hand of an operator / robot. It would also be conceivable for the tabs of the base or the tabs of the lid of the dispensing container 2 to automatically fold down under the weight of the goods 23 as soon as a goods retaining device 24, which closes or opens the first goods transfer shaft 4a as needed, is moved into a release position and releases the first goods transfer shaft 4a (see also Fig. 21). All of these embodiments enable the dispensing container 2 to be emptied without lifting the dispensing container and without lowering the goods receiving base 5, 5a..5j. The dispensing container 2 is thus also emptied in a particularly efficient manner in these embodiments.

[0346] In particular, a method can be provided in which the emptying of the dispensing container 2 according to step f) in case d1) is carried out automatically by lifting the dispensing container 2 (ie because the tabs of the base or tabs of the lid automatically fold down due to the weight of the goods 23), the emptying of the dispensing container 2 according to step f) in case d2) is carried out automatically by lowering the goods receiving base 5, 5a..5j (iebecause the tabs of the base or tabs of the lid automatically fold down due to the weight of the goods 23), the emptying of the delivery container 2 according to step f) in cases d1), d2) or d3) comprises an active opening of the delivery container 2 by a warehouse worker or robot or the emptying of the delivery container 2 comprises a movement of a goods retention device 24 into a release position, wherein the goods retention device 24 is provided for closing or opening the first goods transfer shaft 4a as required and - 11 - the opening of the first goods transfer shaft 4a is released in the release position of the goods retention device 24.

[0347] In a further embodiment, a method can be provided in which the dispensing container 2 is designed as a cardboard box and in which a base, a side wall, a lid of the cardboard box or an adhesive tape on the cardboard box, which is used to glue the base or lid, is cut by the cutting device 15 of the opening device 9 in case d1) before the dispensing container 2 is transported to the transfer position above the first goods transfer shaft 4a, in case d2) before the dispensing container 2 is transported to the transfer position above the first goods transfer shaft 4a, or in case d3) before the dispensing container 2 is transported to the receiving position laterally spaced from the first goods transfer shaft 4a, in order to make the goods 23 in the dispensing container 2 accessible (in particular, the opening device 9 can preferably be arranged in the course of the first conveyor system 6).

[0348] Advantageously, this enables efficient, standardized access to the goods 23 in the dispensing container 2.

[0349] In Fig. 1 to 33, the repacking stations 1, la..li comprise an advantageous, but optional opening device 9 for opening the dispensing container 2 or for preparing the opening of the dispensing container 2. In this way, the dispensing container 2 can be provided in an open state or in a state prepared for opening in the repacking station 1, la., li and / or transported to the goods dispensing area A. The opening device 9 is advantageously part of the repacking station 1, la., li, but in principle it can also be arranged outside the same.

[0350] In particular, the opening device 9 can have a cutting device, in particular a knife 15, for cutting the dispensing container 2, in particular for cutting a bottom, a side wall, or a lid of the dispensing container 2, or an adhesive tape on the dispensing container 2, which is used to glue the bottom or lid to make the goods 23 in the dispensing container 23 accessible. The dispensing container 2 can in particular be designed as a cardboard box. In particular, the cutting device 9 can be arranged in the course of the first conveyor system 6, and the cardboard box 2 can rest on the first conveyor system 6 during the cutting process. Accordingly, a bottom of the cardboard box 2 resting on the first conveyor system 6 or a lid of the cardboard box resting on the first conveyor system 6 can be cut open or incised. Alternatively, a side wall of the cardboard box 2 can also be cut open or incised.

[0351] In the given context, "cutting open" can mean that the cardboard box 2 is open after being cut open or can be opened without further cutting. "Cutting into," on the other hand, can mean that the cardboard box 2 is merely being prepared for opening. In particular, the base, side wall, and / or lid of the cardboard box 2 are still connected to the box at a few points after being cut into, although these few points can be cut or torn open with little effort. On the one hand, this makes opening the cardboard box 2 easier, and on the other hand, it prevents the goods 23 contained in the cardboard box 2 from falling out prematurely or undesirably.

[0352] In this context, for the sake of completeness, it is clarified that “cutting or cutting into a cardboard box” does not necessarily mean cutting through the cardboard material, but can also be understood as cutting (adhesive) tapes which hold the cardboard material together, such as in the case of foldable flaps of an upright cardboard box which are glued together with adhesive tape.

[0353] In connection with the provision and / or opening of the dispensing container 2, the following process variants are also advantageous:

[0354] In general, the delivery container 2 can be transported in a closed state to the goods delivery area A in step d) and opened in the goods delivery area A, the delivery container 2 can be transported in an open state to the goods delivery area A in step d), or the delivery container 2 can be transported in a state prepared for opening to the goods delivery area A in step d) and opened in the goods delivery area A.

[0355] In particular, it is advantageous if the dispensing container 2 is provided in step a) in a closed state (in the repacking station 1, 1a., 1i) and is transported in step d) in the closed state to the goods dispensing area A, the dispensing container 2 is provided in step a) in a closed state (in the repacking station 1, 1a., 1i) and is opened with the opening device 9 or is prepared for opening and is transported in step d) in the open state or in a state prepared for opening to the goods dispensing area A, the dispensing container 2 is provided in step a) in an open state (in the repacking station 1, 1a., 1i) and is transported in step d) in the open state to the goods dispensing area A, the dispensing container 2 is provided in step a) in a state prepared for opening (in the repacking station 1, 1a., li) and in step d) is moved into the goods delivery area A in a state prepared for opening, or the delivery container 2 is provided in step a) in a state prepared for opening (in the repacking station 1, 1a., li), opened with an opening s device 9 and in step d) is transported in the open state into the goods delivery area A.

[0356] The delivery container 2 can be provided in the repacking station 1, 1a, 1i and / or transported to the goods delivery area A in a closed, open or prepared-for-opening state.

[0357] Accordingly, opening or preparation for opening of the delivery container 2 can be carried out before reaching the goods delivery area A, either in the repacking station 1, la., li itself or during the transport of the delivery container 2 to the repacking station 1, la., li.

[0358] If the delivery container 2 is moved into the goods delivery area A in a closed state or in a state prepared for opening, the delivery container 2 is opened in the goods delivery area A.

[0359] In principle, it would also be conceivable for the dispensing container A not to be designed for closure. Opening can then be omitted entirely. In such a case, in step f) when emptying the dispensing container 2, the relative movement between the dispensing container 2 and the first goods transfer shaft 4a can include tilting or turning the dispensing container 2, so that the dispensing container 2 is brought into a position in which the goods 23 can be dispensed, in particular under the influence of gravity, from the dispensing container 2 via the first goods transfer shaft 4a into the provided first goods receiving container 3a.

[0360] The method according to the invention can, according to an optional embodiment, additionally comprise the step:

[0361] Providing the opening s device 9 include.

[0362] In other words, according to this embodiment, the opening device 9 can be provided independently of the repacking station 1, 1a, 1i, so that the delivery container 2 is opened outside the repacking station 1, 1a, 1i. Accordingly, the order-picking system 10 can comprise the repacking station 1, 1a, 1i and the opening device 9. The repacking station 1, 1a, 1i is located downstream of the opening device 9.

[0363] In particular, step c) may additionally comprise the following step

[0364] Providing an opening device 9 in the repacking station 1, la., li. include.

[0365] Opening the dispensing container 2 may be necessary, in particular, if the dispensing container 2 is designed as an (upright and) closed cardboard box filled with the goods 23. Such a cardboard box 2 comprises a base, side walls, an access opening opposite the base (on the top), and a lid closing the access opening.

[0366] The base may comprise (in particular four) foldable (base) flaps arranged on the side walls and glued to the base. Adhesive tape may be used to glue the base flaps.

[0367] The lid can comprise (in particular four) foldable (lid) flaps, which are arranged on the side walls, in particular pivotably on edges of the side walls, and are glued to the lid. Adhesive tape can be used to glue the flaps of the lid. If the cardboard box 2 does not comprise foldable (lid) flaps, the cardboard box 2, which is open at the top, can be closed with an additionally manufactured lid. The lid can be glued to the cardboard box 2. Adhesive tape can be used to glue the lid. Thus, for example, a gap remains between the flaps folded in to form the base, which gap is closed by a strip of adhesive tape.

[0368] Opening the dispensing container 2 may in particular comprise the following steps:

[0369] (only) cutting open an adhesive tape on the dispensing container 2, in particular an adhesive tape which is used for gluing a base or lid to the dispensing container 2, cutting into a base, a side wall or a lid of the dispensing container 2 and folding away the base, the side wall or the lid or a base section, side wall section or lid section, cutting away a base, a side wall or a lid of the dispensing container 2, or lifting off a lid.

[0370] The incision or cutting away can, in particular, also be designed such that the bottom, lid, or side wall of the dispensing container 2 is still connected to the dispensing container 2 at a few points after the incision or cutting away, but these points can be cut or torn open with little effort. On the one hand, this can facilitate the opening of the dispensing container 2, and on the other hand, it can prevent premature or undesired falling out of the goods 23 contained in the dispensing container 2.

[0371] Preparing the dispensing container 2 for opening may in particular comprise the following steps:

[0372] (only) at least partially cutting open an adhesive tape on the dispensing container 2, in particular an adhesive tape used to bond a base or lid to the dispensing container 2, applying a perforation to a base, a side wall, or a lid of the dispensing container 2, or cutting into a base, a side wall, or a lid of the dispensing container 2 without folding away the base, the side wall, or the lid or a base section, side wall section, or lid section. These proposed opening method steps can be carried out automatically by the opening device 9 or manually by a person (warehouse worker). These method steps can also comprise a combination of an automatic method sub-step and a manual method sub-step.

[0373] 34 and 35 show a possible sequence for emptying the dispensing container 2, in which the dispensing container 2 is designed as a cardboard box comprising a base, side walls, and a lid, wherein the base or the lid comprises foldable tabs. According to this embodiment, the base or the lid faces toward the first goods transfer chute 4a during the emptying of the dispensing container 2 according to step f), and the tabs protrude at least temporarily into the first goods transfer chute 4a, as can be clearly seen in Fig. 35. In this way, during the emptying of the dispensing container 2 according to step f), the tabs can at least temporarily form a drop chute connected to the first goods transfer chute 4a. This can prevent goods 23 from slipping uncontrollably laterally out of the drop chute during the emptying of the dispensing container 2.In addition, the tabs serve as a guide for the goods 23 during the emptying of the delivery container 2. It may also prove advantageous if the tabs are supported on the shaft walls of the first goods transfer shaft 4a during the emptying of the delivery container 2 according to step f).

[0374] In a favorable embodiment of the repacking station 1, 1a, 1i or of the repacking method, it can be provided that the first goods receiving container 3a and the second goods receiving container 3b are each designed as small load carriers, or the first goods receiving container 3a and the second goods receiving container 3b are designed as hanging bags, or the first goods receiving container 3a is designed as a small load carrier and the second goods receiving container 3b' is designed as a hanging bag, and a third conveyor system 26 is provided which is designed as a hanging conveyor device for transporting the hanging bag 3b' into the goods receiving area B and for providing the hanging bag 3b' in the second delivery position C2 and for transporting the hanging bag 3b' out of the goods receiving area B.The transport of the first goods receiving container 3a and the second goods receiving container 3b according to step e), i) and j), if these are formed by a small load carrier, takes place by means of the second conveyor system 6, and the transport of the second goods receiving container 3b ' according to step e), i) and j), if this is formed by a hanging pocket, takes place by means of a third conveyor system 26, which is designed as an overhead conveyor system.

[0375] In this way, easy-to-handle goods receiving containers 3a, 3b, 3b' are used for the proposed repacking station 1, 1a, 1i or for the proposed method, wherein small load carriers 3a, 3b are particularly suitable for receiving a plurality of goods 23 and hanging pockets 3b' are particularly, but not exclusively, suitable for receiving one item 23 at a time. The small load carrier 3a, 3b comprises a base, side walls and an opening opposite the base (on the top) and forms an upper edge on the side walls.

[0376] In general, it is advantageous if the first goods transfer chute 4a and / or the second goods transfer chute 4b are funnel-shaped. This ensures that the goods 23 are well guided during delivery into the first and second goods receiving containers 3a, 3b, respectively. A funnel-shaped first goods transfer chute 4a is also particularly advantageous when the delivery container 2, in particular an output opening of the delivery container 2, is larger than an opening of the first goods receiving container 3a.

[0377] It is furthermore advantageous if a volume of the first goods transfer shaft 4a is less than 30% of a receiving volume of the first goods receiving container 3a, and optionally a volume of the second goods transfer shaft 4b is less than 30% of a receiving volume of the second goods receiving container 3b.

[0378] In particular, it is advantageous if the goods transfer device in the above-mentioned cases a) or c) comprises a first goods receiving container 3a which is arranged below the first goods transfer shaft 4a, and a volume of the first goods transfer shaft 4a is less than 30% of a receiving volume in the first goods receiving container 3a, or the goods transfer device in the above-mentioned case b) comprises a first goods receiving container 3a which is arranged below the first goods transfer shaft 4a, and a volume of the first goods transfer shaft 4a is less than 30% of a receiving volume in the first goods receiving container 3a and comprises a second goods receiving container 3b which is arranged below the second goods transfer shaft 4b, and a volume of the second goods transfer shaft 4b is less than 30% of a receiving volume in the second goods receiving container 3b.

[0379] In this way, the proportion of goods 23 that must be lifted from the first goods transfer shaft 4a for transfer to the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j or into the second goods receiving container 3b can be kept to a minimum. This allows the process to be performed relatively easily by a worker or robot.

[0380] In a further advantageous embodiment of the repacking station 1a, 1i, it can be provided that the first goods receiving container 3a and the second goods receiving container 3b are each formed by a small load carrier and the first goods transfer shaft 4a comprises shaft walls and, at a lower end, a discharge opening which is delimited by the shaft walls and which is adapted to an opening of the small load carrier in terms of shape and / or size, and / or the first goods receiving container 3a is formed by a small load carrier and can be or is provided in the first delivery position CI, wherein the first goods transfer shaft 4a comprises shaft walls and, at a lower end, a discharge opening which is delimited by the shaft walls and which is adapted to an opening of the small load carrier in terms of shape and / or size,and the second goods receiving container 3b is formed by a small load carrier and can be provided or is provided in the second delivery position C2, wherein the second goods transfer shaft 4b, if a second goods transfer shaft 4b is provided, comprises shaft walls and, at a lower end, a discharge opening which is delimited by the shaft walls and which is adapted to an opening of the small load carrier in terms of shape and / or size.

[0381] The proposed measures assist loading of the first goods receiving container 3a and the second goods receiving container 3b and prevent wedging of the goods 23 in the goods transfer shaft 4a, 4b and / or in the goods receiving container 3a, 3b. In general, the first goods transfer shaft 4a comprises a feed opening at an upper end and a discharge opening at a lower end, as well as shaft walls. The feed opening and the discharge opening are delimited by the shaft walls. It is also advantageous if the vertical distance xl at the first delivery position CI in cases a), b) and c) is less than 30 cm, and / or the vertical distance xl at the second delivery position C2 in case b) is less than 30 cm, and / or the vertical distance xl at the second delivery position C2 in the region of the end G above the second delivery position C2 in case c) is less than 30 cm.

[0382] This ensures, on the one hand, that the goods receiving containers 3a, 3b can be provided without problems at the first delivery position CI or at the second delivery position C2, and, on the other hand, that the goods 23 cannot fall onto the second conveyor system 7b from the side of the goods receiving containers 3a, 3b when loading them.

[0383] For the same purpose, it is advantageous if the first goods receiving container 3a and the second goods receiving container 3b are each formed by a small load carrier, and the vertical distance x2 in case a) is between 3 cm and 6 cm if one of the small load carriers is provided in the first delivery position CI, or the vertical distance x2 in case b) is between 3 cm and 6 cm if small load carriers are provided in the first delivery position CI and in the second delivery position C2, or the vertical distance x2 in case c) is between 3 cm and 6 cm if small load carriers are provided in the first delivery position CI and in the second delivery position C2.

[0384] Generally, the small load carrier comprises a base, side walls, and an opening opposite the base (at the top), and forms an upper edge on the side walls. The first goods transfer shaft 4a comprises shaft walls and, at a lower end, a discharge opening. A lower edge of the discharge opening can be formed by the shaft walls. If a second goods transfer shaft 4b is provided, this comprises shaft walls and, at a lower end, a discharge opening. A lower edge of the discharge opening can be formed by the shaft walls. It is also advantageous if the repacking station 1a, 1i has a discharge container 2 in the goods discharge area A, wherein the vertical distance x3 is in a range from 2 cm to 50 cm.This ensures, on the one hand, that the delivery container 2 can be transported easily into the goods delivery area A, and, on the other hand, that the goods 23 cannot fall sideways past the first goods transfer shaft 4a when loading the first goods receiving container 3a.

[0385] It is also advantageous if the distance x4 between the first conveyor system 6 and the goods delivery area A is less than 5 m. In this way, the delivery container 2 only needs to be moved a short distance outside the first conveyor system 6.

[0386] Fig. 36 now shows a schematic representation of a repacking station Ij, which is based on the repacking station la shown in Fig. 3. The following disclosure is also applicable, analogously, to the repacking stations lb..li shown in the other figures.

[0387] In this example, the repacking station Ij has a detection device 27a, which is designed to acknowledge the completion of a redistribution, and a control unit 28 connected to the detection device 27a, which is designed to trigger a removal of the first goods receiving container 3a and / or the second goods receiving container 3b, 3b' from the goods receiving area B. In other words, the completion of step h) is acknowledged at the detection device 27a, whereupon the control unit 28 triggers step i) and controls the second conveyor system 7a accordingly, as indicated by a dashed line in Fig. 36.

[0388] The detection device 27a can comprise an acknowledgment button or the like, as is the case in Fig. 36. When the warehouse worker reports the completion of a redistribution just performed - according to step h) - by pressing the acknowledgment button, an (acknowledgment) signal is generated and forwarded to the control unit 28. The acknowledgment button can comprise a hardware-based confirmation button, as is the case for the detection device 27a in Fig. 36. The acknowledgment button can also comprise a software-based confirmation button on a screen surface, as is the case in Fig. 36 for the detection device 27b formed by the touchscreen. Such an (acknowledgment) signal can alternatively be generated by an optoelectronic sensor and transmitted to the control unit 28 when the warehouse worker has completed a redistribution just performed - according to step h), as is the case in Fig.36 is the case for the detection device 27c. In this case, the redistribution that has taken place can be detected contactlessly. For example, the detection device 27c can be designed as a CCD camera or include one.

[0389] In the above context, it is advantageous if the repacking station Ij has the following components: a sensory detection device 27c i) which is designed to sensorically detect a number of goods 23 placed on the goods receiving floor 5a, and / or ii) which is designed to sensorically detect a number of goods 23 delivered into the second goods receiving container 3b, and / or a manual detection device 27b iii) which is designed to detect a number of goods 23 from the goods 23 placed on the goods receiving floor 5a and / or a number of goods 23 from the goods 23 delivered into the second goods receiving container 3b and, if applicable, a further goods receiving container, and which is designed to issue a request to a warehouse worker at the repacking station Ij to detect said number, and a computer unit 30 for subtracting the number specified in point i),ii) or iii) the number of goods 23 recorded from a known number of goods 23 contained in the dispensing container 2.

[0390] Accordingly, it is also advantageous in a repackaging method if i) a number of the goods 23 placed on the goods receiving base 5a after step h) is detected by a sensory detection device 27c, or a request is made to record said number via a manual detection device 27b, wherein a number of goods 23 located in the first goods receiving container 3a is determined by the computer unit 30 by subtracting the detected number of goods 23 that were placed on the goods receiving base 5a from a known number of goods 23 that were contained in the delivery container 2, and / or ii) a number of goods 23 that were delivered into the second goods receiving container 3b and optionally into a further goods receiving container is detected by a sensory detection device 27c, or a request is made to record said number via a manual detection device 27b,wherein a number of goods located in the first goods receiving container 3a is determined by the computer unit 30 by subtracting the total number of goods 23 delivered into the second goods receiving container 3b and, if applicable, a further goods receiving container from a known number of goods 23 which were contained in the delivery container 2.

[0391] In this way, the number of goods 23 delivered into the first goods receiving container 3a can be deduced from a number of goods 23 placed on the goods receiving base 5a or delivered into the second goods receiving container 3b and a number of goods 23 in the delivery container 2. This is particularly advantageous when the delivery of goods 23 into the first goods receiving container 3a cannot be observed, for example because it is concealed by the first goods transfer shaft 4a and / or by tabs of the delivery container 2. The number of goods 23 in the delivery container 2 can, for example, be specified on a delivery note and recorded on the computer unit 30 and stored in a database 33.

[0392] The method according to the invention can, according to an optional embodiment, additionally comprise the step:

[0393] Providing a sensory detection device 27c, providing a manual detection device 27a, 27b and / or providing a computer unit 30.

[0394] In other words, according to this embodiment, the sensory detection device 27c, the manual detection device 27a, 27b and / or the computer unit 30 can be provided outside the repacking station Ij.

[0395] In particular, step c) may additionally comprise the following step

[0396] Providing a sensory detection device 27c in the repacking station Ij, Providing a manual detection device 27a, 27b in the repacking station Ij and / or

[0397] Providing a computer unit 30 in the repacking station 1j. In other words, according to this embodiment, the sensory detection device 27c, the manual detection device 27a, 27b, and / or the computer unit 30 can be provided in the repacking station 1j. The manual detection device 27b can comprise an input device, for example, a keyboard or a touchscreen.

[0398] It is advantageous if the delivery container 2 is equipped with a data carrier 31a containing data about a number of goods 23 (i.e., the quantity of goods) in the delivery container 2 and / or a type of goods 23 in the delivery container 2 and / or a delivery container identification. It is also advantageous if the repackaging station 1j has a first reading device 32a for reading a data carrier 31a of the delivery container 2, which is connected to the computer unit 30 for data transmission.

[0399] In this context, it is also advantageous if, before step f), the number of goods 23 and / or the type of goods 23 in the delivery container 2 is read from the data carrier 31a by means of a first reading device 32a and transmitted to the computer unit 30, and / or before step f), the delivery container identification is read from the data carrier 31a by means of a first reading device 32a and the number of goods 23 and / or the type of goods 23 in the delivery container 2 is determined in a database 33 by means of the delivery container identification and transmitted to the computer unit 30.

[0400] The method according to the invention can, according to an optional embodiment, additionally comprise the step:

[0401] Providing a first reader 32a.

[0402] In other words, according to this embodiment, the first reading device 32a can be provided outside the repacking station Ij.

[0403] In particular, step c) may additionally comprise the following step

[0404] Providing a first reader 32a in the repacking station Ij.

[0405] In other words, according to this embodiment, the first reading device 32a can be provided in the repackaging station 1j. The data carrier 31a can, for example, be a barcode that can be read using a barcode reading device 32a.

[0406] The data carrier 31a can, in particular, also be designed as an RFID tag (Radio Frequency Identification Tag), which is read using an RFID reader 32a of the repacking station 1j or the picking system 10 (e.g., at goods receipt E). Consequently, the number of goods 23 and / or the type of goods 23 contained in the delivery container 2 can be determined directly. To determine the number of goods 23 contained in the delivery container 2, the computer unit 30 is connected to the RFID reader 32a for data processing, as indicated by a dashed line in Fig. 36.

[0407] The aforementioned data can in particular be determined indirectly. For this purpose, a delivery container identification can be provided as a barcode or QR code on the delivery container 2 or can also be stored in the RFID tag provided on the delivery container 2. Accordingly, the delivery container identification can be read with an optical detection unit 32a or an RFID reader 32a of the repacking station 1j or the picking system 10 (e.g. again at the goods receipt E). With the help of this delivery container identification, a data record in a database 33 can subsequently be accessed. The number of goods 23 and / or the type of goods 23 contained in the delivery container 2 is stored in the data record. The computer unit 30 is data-technically connected to the database 33. Access by the computer unit 30 to the reader 32a is also conceivable in this context.The product type can, for example, indicate the type and / or a product characteristic of a garment (e.g. shirt, color red, size XL).

[0408] In many cases, it is useful to consider the quantity and type of a product 23 when processing data, for example, in the form of a statement such as "50 pieces, shirt, red, size XL). Accordingly, the quantity and type of product can be determined as stated above.

[0409] Alternatively, the type of goods 23 contained in the delivery container 2 could be determined by determining a goods identification on a good 23 in step f) or during one of the subsequent steps (for example, by reading a corresponding barcode arranged on the good 23). This is particularly feasible when the delivery container 2 is loaded with a single item, i.e., with goods 23 of the same goods type. It would also be conceivable for the number of goods 23 contained in the delivery container 2 to be determined in step f) using a separate counting device. The repackaging station 1j can comprise such a counting device.

[0410] Specifically, it can be provided that before or during step f) the number of goods 23 is determined by means of an RFID reader (not explicitly shown in Fig. 34), wherein preferably the number of goods 23 is determined by the determined number of the different read out goods identifications respectively linked to a good 23 and the determined number is transmitted to the computer unit 30, and / or before or during step f) the goods identification of a respective good 23 is read out from the respective RFID tag by means of an RFID reader and the goods type of each of the goods 23 in the delivery container 2 is determined by means of the goods identification in the database 33 and transmitted to the computer unit 30.

[0411] It is also conceivable, in particular, for the RFID tags to be read while the goods 23 are falling out of the delivery container 2, while the goods 23 are lying on the goods receiving floor 5a, or while the goods 23 are passing through the first or second goods transfer chute 4a, 4b. In these states, the RFID tags are advantageously arranged in a loose arrangement. This means that the distance between the individual RFID tags is relatively large, which facilitates reading or writing to them.

[0412] It is further advantageous if the first goods receiving container 3a is equipped with a data carrier 31b and / or the second goods receiving container 3b is equipped with a data carrier 31c, which data carriers 31b, 31c contain data about a number (quantity of goods) of goods 23 in the first / second goods receiving container 3a, 3b and / or a type of goods 23 in the first / second goods receiving container 3a, 3b and / or a goods receiving container identification. It is also advantageous if the repacking station 1j has a second reading device 32b for reading a data carrier 31b, 31c of the first goods receiving container 3a or the second goods receiving container 3b, 3b, which is connected to the computer unit 30 for data transmission.

[0413] In this context, it is also advantageous if, before step f), the number of goods 23 and / or the type of goods 23 in the first goods receiving container 3a is read from the data carrier 31b by means of a second reading device 32b and transmitted to the computer unit 30, before step f), the goods receiving container identification is read from the data carrier 31b by means of a second reading device 32b and the number of goods 23 and / or the type of goods 23 is determined in a database 33 by means of the goods receiving container identification and transmitted to the computer unit 30, before step f), the number of goods 23 and / or the type of goods 23 in the second goods receiving container 3b is read from the data carrier 31c by means of a second reading device 32b and transmitted to the computer unit 30,or before step f), the goods receiving container identification is read from the data carrier 31c by means of a second reading device 32b and the number of goods 23 and / or the type of goods 23 in the second goods receiving container 3b is determined in a database 33 by means of the goods receiving container identification and transmitted to the computer unit 30.

[0414] According to this embodiment, it is possible that goods 23 have already been dispensed into the first goods receiving container 3a in a previous repacking process, but a predeterminable fill level x5 has not yet been reached, and therefore, goods 23 can be dispensed again into this first goods receiving container 3a in a subsequent repacking process. This embodiment is also applicable to the second goods receiving container 3b.

[0415] If goods 23 are already present in the first goods receiving container 3a prior to step f), this number can be added to the number determined in steps i) or ii) according to claim 16 in order to determine a total number of goods 23 present in the first goods receiving container 3a after step f). The same applies to the second goods receiving container 3b. The technical teaching disclosed in claim 18 is also applicable mutatis mutandis to this embodiment. In particular, a joint consideration of the number and type of goods of a good 23 is also possible here, so that it can be ensured that the number of goods 23 of the same type is calculated.

[0416] The method according to the invention can, according to an optional embodiment, additionally comprise the step:

[0417] Providing a second reading device 32b. In other words, according to this embodiment, the second reading device 32b can be provided outside the repackaging station 1j.

[0418] In particular, step c) may additionally comprise the following step

[0419] Providing a second reader 32b in the repacking station Ij.

[0420] In other words, according to this embodiment, the second reading device 32b can be provided in the repacking station Ij.

[0421] The reading devices 32a, 32b can be arranged independently of the repacking station 1j. For example, the first reading device 32a can be arranged along a path of the first conveyor system 6, and the second reading device 32b can be arranged along a path of the second conveyor system 7a. It is also conceivable that two separate second reading devices 32b are provided for reading the data carriers 31b and 31c.

[0422] The data carrier 31b, 31c can, for example, be a barcode that can be read with the aid of a barcode reader 32b.

[0423] The data carrier 31b, 31c can, in particular, also be designed as an RFID tag (Radio Frequency Identification Tag), which is read using an RFID reader 32b. Consequently, the number of goods 23 and / or the type of goods 23 contained in the goods receiving container 3a, 3b can be directly determined.

[0424] However, this data can also be determined indirectly. For this purpose, a goods receiving container identification can be provided as a barcode or QR code on the goods receiving container 3a, 3b or can also be stored in the RFID tag provided on the goods receiving container 3a, 3b. Accordingly, the goods receiving container identification can be read with an optical detection unit 32b or an RFID reader 32b of the repacking station 1j or the picking system 10. With the help of this goods receiving container identification, a data record in a database 33 can subsequently be accessed. The data record stores the number of goods 23 and / or the type of goods 23 contained in the goods receiving container 3a, 3b. The type of goods can, for example, indicate the type and / or a property of a piece of clothing (e.g., shirt, color red, size XL).It is further advantageous in a method for repackaging if a number of goods 23 determined in the first goods receiving container 3a according to step i) and / or the type of goods of these goods 23 is stored as data on the data carrier 31b or as data in a database 33 which is data-linked to the goods receiving container identification of the first goods receiving container 3a, and / or a number of goods 23 determined in the second goods receiving container 3b according to step ii) and / or the type of goods of these goods 23 is stored as data on the data carrier 31c or as data in a database 33 which is data-linked to the goods receiving container identification of the second goods receiving container 3b.

[0425] The technical teaching disclosed for the previous embodiment is also applicable to this embodiment. A reading process is replaced by a writing process, and a reading device is replaced by a writing device or a combined reading and writing device 32b.

[0426] In summary, the repacking station Ij can comprise a database 33 which is connected to the computer unit 30 and in which

[0427] Data on a type of goods and / or data on a number of goods 23 contained in the delivery container 2 are stored, which are linked to a delivery container identification of the delivery container 2,

[0428] Data on a type of goods and / or data on a number of goods 23 contained in the first goods receiving container 3a are stored, which are linked to a goods receiving container identification of the first goods receiving container 3a, and / or

[0429] Data on a type of goods and / or data on a number of goods 23 contained in the second goods receiving container 3b are stored, which are linked to a goods receiving container identification of the second goods receiving container 3b.

[0430] The method according to the invention can accordingly additionally comprise the step:

[0431] Providing a database 33, and / or providing a computer unit 30.

[0432] In other words, according to this embodiment, the database 33 and / or the computer unit 30 can be provided outside the repacking station Ij.

[0433] In particular, step c) may additionally comprise the following step

[0434] Providing a database 33 in the repacking station Ij and / or

[0435] Providing a computer unit 30 in the repacking station Ij.

[0436] In other words, according to this embodiment, the database 33 and / or the computer unit 30 can be provided in the repacking station Ij.

[0437] In general, it is advantageous if the goods 23 placed on the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j are pushed into the second goods receiving container 3b, 3b' (and not lifted). In this way, the repacking process can be designed particularly ergonomically. A particular advantage is that a worker at the repacking station 1, 1a..1j does not have to lift any loads.

[0438] It is furthermore particularly advantageous if the first goods receiving container 3a and / or the second goods receiving container 3b, 3b' in step b) already contains goods 23 whose type of goods is identical to the goods 23 contained in the delivery container 2. In this way, a single-article filling of partially filled goods receiving containers 3a, 3b, 3b' can be realized, whereby the receiving volume of single-article filled goods receiving containers 3a, 3b, 3b' can be optimally utilized.

[0439] It is also particularly advantageous if a transport direction of the delivery container 2 on the first conveyor system 6 and a transport direction of the first goods receiving container 3a and / or second goods receiving container 3b on the second conveyor system 7a, 7b are oriented in opposite directions to one another (particularly in the cases shown in Figs. 3 and 4). This allows the first goods receiving container 3a to be removed more quickly from the first goods receiving area B, namely before the second goods receiving container 3b has been loaded and removed. This advantageously allows a comparatively favorable spatial arrangement (layout) of the first conveyor system 6 and second conveyor system 7a, 7b to be achieved, particularly when several such repacking stations 1, 1a, 1j are arranged in a picking system 10.

[0440] It is also advantageous if steps d), e), i) and, if applicable, step j), and at least one of steps f) to h), preferably steps f) to h), are carried out fully automatically.

[0441] The transport according to steps d), e), i) and, if applicable, step j) can be carried out fully automatically by the first conveyor system 6.

[0442] The repacking of the goods 23 can be performed not only manually but also entirely or partially by a robot. In this context, it is advantageous if the repacking station 1, 1a..lj has a robot, in particular a single-arm or multi-arm articulated arm robot or gantry robot, for redistributing the goods 23 in the area of ​​the goods transfer device, wherein the robot's effective area extends at least in the goods delivery area A and the goods receiving area B in order to remove goods 23 from the first goods receiving container 3b and / or the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j, if a goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j is provided, and to deposit them into the second goods receiving container 3b, 3b'. In this way, the processes at the repacking station 1, 1a..lj can be carried out (fully) automatically. In particular, the robot can be part of the goods transfer device and, for example, be formed by or comprise the manipulation unit 8a..8c.The robot can carry out the redistribution of the goods 23 according to step h), as already described above.

[0443] In particular, the removal of the (emptied) delivery container 2 can be carried out by the gripping device 17 of the goods transfer device, as described above, which is mounted on a manipulation unit 8, for example, an articulated-arm robot, gantry robot, or the like. The gripping device 17 and the manipulation unit 8a..8c enable fully automated execution of step g).

[0444] In particular, the redistribution of the goods 23 according to step h) from the first goods receiving container 3a and onto the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j, according to claim 1, and the redistribution of the goods 23 from the first goods receiving container 3a to the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j, if a goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j is provided, and / or the redistribution of the goods 23 from the first goods receiving container 3a into the second goods receiving container 3b, according to claim 6, can be carried out fully automatically by a robot. For this purpose, the robot can comprise a goods gripper 17, in particular a robot comprising several robot arms with respective goods grippers, by means of which one or more goods 23 can be picked up and placed on the goods receiving floor 5, 5a..5j and / or the second goods receiving container 3b.

[0445] Finally, it should be noted that the scope of protection is determined by the patent claims. However, the description and drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying the independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description.

[0446] 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.

[0447] Reference symbol list, la..lj repacking station

[0448] Delivery container, 3a..3b' Goods receiving container a, 4b Goods transfer shaft, 5a..5j Goods receiving floor first conveyor a, 7b second conveyor a..8c Manipulation unit

[0449] Opening device (cutting device)0 Order picking system 1 Warehouse 2 Order picking station 3 First conveyor roller 4 Second conveyor roller 5 Knife 6 Hanging carrier 7 Gripper 8, 18a..18c Horizontal goods receiving floor section 9 Chute 0a, 20b Autonomous industrial truck 1 Track 2 Channel 3 Goods 4 Goods retention device 26 Third conveyor device / Overhead conveyor device

[0450] 27a. ,27c detection device

[0451] 28 Control unit

[0452] 30 computer unit

[0453] 31a..31c Data carrier / container identification

[0454] 32a, 32b reader

[0455] 33 Database

[0456] 34, 34' Waste disposal conveyor technology

[0457] 35 Distribution conveyor technology

[0458] 36 single-storage conveyor technology

[0459] 37 Collective disposal conveyor technology

[0460] 38 Order picking conveyor technology

[0461] 39 Retrieval conveyor technology

[0462] AW arenabgabebereich

[0463] BW arena takeover area

[0464] C1, C2 Delivery location

[0465] E Goods receipt

[0466] F Goods issue

[0467] G End worktop

[0468] H Section xl Vertical distance goods receiving area / goods receiving floor x2 Vertical distance goods receiving container / goods receiving floor x3 Vertical distance delivery container / goods receiving floor x4 Distance first conveyor system / goods delivery area x5 Predeterminable filling level

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. A method for repacking goods (23) from a delivery container (2) into goods receiving containers (3, 3a..3b') at a repacking station (1, 1a..1j), in particular in a goods receipt (E) of a picking system (10), characterized by the steps of a) providing a delivery container (2) filled with goods (23), b) providing at least one first goods receiving container (3a) and one second goods receiving container (3b, 3b') for repacking the goods (23) from the one delivery container (2) at least into the first goods receiving container (3a) and second goods receiving container (3b, 3b'), wherein a receiving volume of the first goods receiving container (3a) is smaller than a goods volume of the goods (23) in the delivery container (2), c) providing a goods transfer device in the repacking station (1, 1a..lj), which goods transfer device comprises a goods delivery area (A), a goods acceptance area (B) with a first delivery position (CI), a first goods transfer shaft (4a) which is arranged between the goods delivery area (A) and the goods acceptance area (B), and a goods receiving floor (5, 5a..5j), which is adjacent to the first goods transfer shaft (4a), d) transporting the delivery container (2) into the goods delivery area (A) by means of a first conveyor system (6), e) transporting the first goods receiving container (3a) into the goods receiving area (B) and providing the first goods receiving container (3a) in the first delivery position (CI) by means of a second conveyor system (7a, 7b), f) emptying the delivery container (2) in the goods delivery area (A) by a relative movement between the delivery container (2) and the first goods transfer shaft (4a) such that the goods (23) are delivered from the delivery container (2) via the first goods transfer shaft (4a) into the provided first goods receiving container (3a), g) removing the delivery container (2) after emptying according to step f) from the goods delivery area (A) by a relative movement between the delivery container (2) and the first goods transfer shaft (4a),. h) redistributing the goods (23) emptied in step f) to the provided first goods receiving container (3a) and the goods receiving base (5, 5a..5j), so that only a portion of goods (23) remains in the first goods receiving container (3a) until a predeterminable fill level (x5) in the first goods receiving container (3a) is reached and at least a portion of a portion of goods (23) exceeding the predeterminable fill level (x5) is dispensed onto the goods receiving base (5, 5a..5j), and i) transporting the filled first goods receiving container (3a) after completion of a redistribution of the goods portions according to step h) by means of the second conveyor system (7a, 7b).

2. Method for repacking goods (23) according to claim 1, characterized in that the goods receiving area (B) exclusively comprises the first delivery position (CI), and the method additionally comprises the step j) transporting the second goods receiving container (3b) into the goods receiving area (B) and providing the second goods receiving container (3b) in the first delivery position (CI) during step i) or after step i) by means of the second conveyor system (7a, 7b).

3. A method for repackaging goods (23) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the steps Intermediate buffering of the goods (23) which exceed the predeterminable filling level (x5) in the first goods receiving container (3a) on the goods receiving floor (5, 5a..5j), in particular during step j), and Transfer of at least part of the goods (23) which are temporarily buffered on the goods receiving floor (5, 5a..5j) from the goods receiving floor (5, 5a..5j) into the provided second goods receiving container (3b, 3b').

4. Method for repacking goods (23) according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the goods receiving area (B) comprises the first delivery position (CI) and a second delivery position (C2), and in addition the following steps are provided, Transporting the second goods receiving container (3b), which in particular serves as Small load carrier is designed, into the goods receiving area (B) and providing the second goods receiving container (3b) in the second delivery position (C2) during step i) or after step i) by means of the second conveyor system (7a, 7b) or Transporting a second goods receiving container (3b'), which is designed in particular as a hanging pocket, into the goods receiving area (B) and providing the second goods receiving container (3b') in the second delivery position (C2) during step i) or after step i) by means of a third conveyor system (26).

5. A method for repackaging goods (23) according to claim 4, characterized in that step h) additionally comprises Transferring at least some of the goods (23) from the first goods receiving container (3a) and / or from the goods receiving base (5, 5a..5j) into the provided second goods receiving container (3b), and that step i) further comprises Removal of the filled second goods receiving container (3b) after completion of a redistribution of the goods portions and transfer according to step h) by means of the second conveyor system (7a, 7b).

6. A method for repacking goods (23) from a delivery container (2) into goods receiving containers (3a, 3b) at a repacking station (1, 1a..lj), in particular in a goods receipt (E) of a picking system (10), characterized by the steps a) providing a delivery container (2) which is filled with goods (23), b) providing at least one first goods receiving container (3a) and one second goods receiving container (3b) for repacking the goods (23) from the one delivery container (2) at least into the first goods receiving container (3a) and second goods receiving container (3b), wherein a receiving volume of the first goods receiving container (3a) is smaller than a goods volume of the goods (23) in the delivery container (2), c) providing a goods transfer device in the repacking station (1, 1a..lj), which goods transfer device comprises a goods delivery area (A), a goods receiving area (B) with a first delivery position (CI) and a second delivery position (C2), a first goods transfer shaft (4a) which is arranged between the goods delivery area (A) and the goods acceptance area (B), and optionally a goods receiving floor (5, 5a..5j) which is adjacent to the first goods transfer shaft (4a), d) transporting the delivery container (2) into the goods delivery area (A) by means of a first conveyor system (6), e) transporting the first goods receiving container (3a) into the goods acceptance area (B) and providing the first goods receiving container (3a) in the first delivery position (C1) and transporting the second goods receiving container (3b) into the goods acceptance area (B) and providing the second goods receiving container (3b) in the second delivery position (C2), each by means of a second conveyor system (7a, 7b), f) emptying the delivery container (2) in the goods delivery area (A) by a relative movement between the delivery container (2) and the first goods transfer shaft (4a) in such a way,that the goods (23) are delivered from the delivery container (2) via the first goods transfer shaft (4a) into the provided first goods receiving container (3a), g) removing the delivery container (2) after emptying according to step f) from the goods delivery area (A) by a relative movement between the delivery container (2) and the first goods transfer shaft (4a), h) redistributing the goods (23) emptied in step f) to the provided first goods receiving container (3a) and provided second goods receiving container (3b) and optionally the goods receiving base (5, 5a..5j), so that only a portion of goods (23) remains in the first goods receiving container (3a) until a predeterminable filling level (x5) is reached in the first goods receiving container (3a) and a portion of goods (23) exceeding the predeterminable filling level (x5) is transferred to the provided second goods receiving container (3b) and optionally the goods receiving base (5, 5a..5j) is submitted,and i) transporting the filled first goods receiving container (3a) and filled second goods receiving container (3b) after completion of a redistribution of the goods portions according to step h) by means of the second conveyor system (7a, 7b).

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the delivery container (2) in step d) is transported in a closed state into the goods delivery area (A) and is opened in the goods delivery area (A), the dispensing container (2) is transported in step d) in an open state into the goods dispensing area (A), or the dispensing container (2) is transported in step d) in a state prepared for opening into the goods dispensing area (A) and is opened in the goods dispensing area (A).

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the dispensing container (2) is provided in a closed state in step a) and is transported in the closed state to the goods dispensing area (A) in step d), the dispensing container (2) is provided in a closed state in step a) and is opened or prepared for opening with an opening device (9) and is transported in the open state or state prepared for opening to the goods dispensing area (A) in step d), the dispensing container (2) is provided in an open state in step a) and is transported in the open state to the goods dispensing area (A) in step d), the dispensing container (2) is provided in a prepared state for opening in step a) and is moved in the prepared state for opening to the goods dispensing area (A) in step d),or the dispensing container (2) is provided in step a) in a state prepared for opening, opened with an opening device (9) and transported in step d) in the opened state into the goods dispensing area (A).

9. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the goods transfer device additionally comprises a manipulation unit (8a..8c) and that step d) d1) comprises transporting the delivery container (2) on the goods receiving floor (5, 5a..5j) into a transfer position above the first goods transfer shaft (4a) by means of the first conveyor system (6) and lifting the delivery container (2) relative to the first goods transfer shaft (4a) by means of the manipulation unit (8b), d2) comprises transporting the delivery container (2) on the goods receiving floor (5, 5a..5j) into a transfer position above the first goods transfer shaft (4a, 4b) by means of the first conveyor system (6), fixing the delivery container (2) by means of the manipulation unit (8c) and lowering the goods receiving floor (5, 5a..5j), or d3) transporting the delivery container (2) into a receiving position laterally spaced from the first goods transfer shaft (4a) by means of the first conveyor system (6) and then lifting the delivery container (2) and / or laterally moving the delivery container (2) from the receiving position into a transfer position above the first goods transfer shaft (4a) by means of the manipulation unit (8a).

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the emptying of the dispensing container (2) according to step f) in cases d1) or d2) takes place automatically by a relative movement between the dispensing container (2) and the goods receiving base (5, 5a..5j).

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the emptying of the delivery container (2) according to step f) in case d1) takes place automatically by lifting the delivery container (2), the emptying of the delivery container (2) according to step f) in case d2) takes place automatically by lowering the goods receiving base (5, 5a..5j), the emptying of the delivery container (2) according to step f) in cases d1), d2) or d3) comprises an active opening of the delivery container (2) by a warehouse worker or robot or the emptying of the delivery container (2) comprises moving a goods retention device (24) into a release position, wherein the goods retention device (24) is provided for closing or opening the first goods transfer shaft (4a) as needed and the opening of the first goods transfer shaft (4a) is released in the release position of the goods retention device (24).

12. Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the dispensing container (2) is designed as a cardboard box and a bottom, a side wall, a lid of the cardboard box or an adhesive tape on the cardboard box, which is used for gluing the bottom or lid, in case d1) before transporting the dispensing container (2) into the transfer position above the first goods transfer shaft (4a), in case d2) before transporting the dispensing container (2) into the transfer position above the first goods transfer shaft (4a), or in case d3) before transporting the delivery container (2) to the receiving position laterally spaced from the first goods transfer shaft (4a), is cut by an opening device (9) designed as a cutting device in order to make the goods (23) in the delivery container (2) accessible.

13. Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the dispensing container (2) is designed as a cardboard box which comprises a base, side walls and a lid, wherein the base or the lid comprises foldable tabs, wherein during the emptying of the dispensing container (2) according to step f), the base or the lid faces in the direction of the first goods transfer shaft (4a) and the tabs protrude at least temporarily into the first goods transfer shaft (4a).

14. Method according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the first goods receiving container (3a) and the second goods receiving container (3b) are each designed as small load carriers, the first goods receiving container (3a) and the second goods receiving container (3b') are designed as hanging pockets or the first goods receiving container (3a) is designed as a small load carrier and the second goods receiving container (3b') is designed as a hanging pocket, wherein the transport of the first goods receiving container (3a) and the second goods receiving container (3b) according to step e), i) and j), if they are formed by a small load carrier, takes place by means of the second conveyor system (7a, 7b), and the transport of the second goods receiving container (3b') according to step e), i) and j), if it is formed by a hanging pocket, takes place by means of a third conveyor system (26) which is designed as an overhead conveyor system.

15. Method according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that completion of step h) is acknowledged at a detection device (27a..27c) which is connected to a control unit (28), and the control unit (28) triggers step i).

16. Method according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that i) a number of the goods receiving base (5, 5a..5j) after step h) deposited goods (23) is detected by a sensory detection device (27c), or a request is made to detect said number via a manual detection device (27b), wherein a number of goods (23) located in the first goods receiving container (3a) is determined by a computer unit (30) by subtracting the detected number of goods (23) which are on the goods receiving base (5, 5a..5j) were deposited, is determined from a known number of goods (23) which were contained in the dispensing container (2), and / or ii) a number of goods (23) which were dispensed into the second goods receiving container (3b, 3b') and optionally into a further goods receiving container (3b, 3b') is detected by a sensory detection device (27c), or a request is made to record the said number via a manual detection device (27b), wherein a number of goods (23) located in the first goods receiving container (3a) is determined by a computer unit (30) by subtracting the total number of goods (23) dispensed into the second goods receiving container (3b, 3b') and optionally into a further goods receiving container (3b, 3b') from a known number of goods (23) which were contained in the dispensing container (2).

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that the dispensing container (2) is equipped with a data carrier (31a) which contains data about a number of goods (23) in the dispensing container (2) and / or a type of goods (23) in the dispensing container (2) and / or a dispensing container identification, and in that before step f) the number of goods (23) and / or the type of goods (23) in the dispensing container (2) is read from the data carrier (31a) by means of a reading device (32a) and transmitted to the computer unit (30), and / or before step f) the dispensing container identification is read from the data carrier (31a) by means of a reading device (32a) and the number of goods (23) and / or the type of goods (23) in the dispensing container (2) is determined in a database (33) by means of the dispensing container identification and transmitted to the computer unit (30).

18. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that the goods (23), in particular each of the goods (23), are each equipped with an RFID tag which contains data on a type of goods of the respective goods (23) and / or a respective goods identification, and before or during step f) the number of goods (23) is determined by means of an RFID reader and transmitted to the computer unit (30), and / or before or during step f) the goods identification of a respective goods (23) is read from the respective RFID tag by means of an RFID reader and the goods type of each of the goods (23) in the dispensing container (2) is determined by means of the goods identification in a database (33) and transmitted to the computer unit (30).

19. Method according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the first goods receiving container (3a) is equipped with a data carrier (31b) and / or the second goods receiving container (3b) is equipped with a data carrier (31c), which data carrier (31b, 31c) contains data about a number of goods (23) in the first / second goods receiving container (3a, 3b, 3b') and / or a type of goods (23) in the first / second goods receiving container (3a, 3b, 3b') and / or a goods receiving container identification, and that before step f), the number of goods (23) and / or the type of goods (23) in the first goods receiving container (3a) is read from the data carrier (31b) by means of a reading device (32b) and transmitted to the computer unit (30),before step f) the goods receiving container identification is read from the data carrier (31b) by means of a reading device (32b) and the number of goods (23) and / or the type of goods (23) is determined by means of the goods receiving container identification in a database (33) and transmitted to the computer unit (30), before step f) the number of goods (23) and / or the type of goods (23) in the second goods receiving container (3b, 3b') is read from the data carrier (31c) by means of a reading device (32b) and transmitted to the computer unit (30), or before step f) the goods receiving container identification is read from the data carrier (31c) by means of a reading device (32b) and the number of goods (23) and / or the type of goods (23) in the second goods receiving container (3b, 3b') is determined by means of the goods receiving container identification in a database (33) and transmitted to the computer unit (30)., 20. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that a number of goods (23) determined in the first goods receiving container (3a) according to step i) and / or the type of goods of these goods (23) is stored as data on the data carrier (31b) or is stored as data in a database (33) which is connected to the Goods receiving container identification of the first goods receiving container (3a) are linked by data technology, and / or a number of goods (23) determined in the second goods receiving container (3b, 3b') according to step ii) and / or the type of goods of these goods (23) is stored as data on the data carrier (31c) or is stored as data in a database (33) which is linked by data technology to the goods receiving container identification of the second goods receiving container (3b, 3b').

21. Method according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the goods (23) placed on the goods receiving base (5, 5a..5j) are pushed into the second goods receiving container (3b, 3b').

22. Method according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the first goods receiving container (3a) and / or the second goods receiving container (3b, 3b') in step b) already contains goods (23) whose type of goods is identical to the goods (23) contained in the delivery container (2).

23. Method according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that steps d), e), i) and optionally step j), and at least one of steps f) to h), preferably steps f) to h), are carried out fully automatically.

24. Method according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that a transport direction of the delivery container (2) on the first conveyor system (6) and a transport direction of the first goods receiving container (3a) and / or second goods receiving container (3b) on the second conveyor system (7a, 7b) are aligned opposite to each other.

25. Method according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the method additionally comprises the step Providing a disposal conveyor system (34, 34 ') which is connected to the repacking station (1, 1a.. 1j), and that step g) additionally comprises Transfer of the emptied container (2) to the disposal conveyor system (34, 34').

26. Repacking station (1, 1a.. 1j) for repacking goods (23) from a delivery container (2) into a plurality of goods receiving containers (3, 3a..3b'), in particular for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 25, comprising a goods transfer device which comprises a goods delivery area (A) and a goods receiving area (B) with a first delivery position (CI), a first conveyor system (6) for transporting the delivery container (2) into the goods delivery area (A), and a second conveyor system (7a, 7b) for transporting a first goods receiving container (3a) into the goods receiving area (B) and for providing the first goods receiving container (3a) in the first delivery position (CI) as well as for transporting the first goods receiving container (3a) out of the goods receiving area (B), characterized in that the goods transfer device further comprises a first goods transfer shaft (4a) which is arranged between the goods delivery area (A) and the goods receiving area (B), and optionally a goods receiving floor (5, 5a..5j) which is adjacent to the first goods transfer shaft (4a).

27. Repacking station (1, 1a.. 1j) according to claim 26, characterized in that the goods receiving area (B) exclusively comprises the first delivery position (CI) and that the second conveyor system (7a, 7b) is designed to additionally transport the second goods receiving container (3b) into the goods receiving area (B) and, after the first goods receiving container (3a) has been transported from the goods receiving area (B), to provide the second goods receiving container (3b) in the first delivery position (CI), or the goods receiving area (B) comprises the first delivery position (CI) and a second delivery position (C2) and that the second conveyor system (7a, 7b) is designed to additionally transport a second goods receiving container (3b) into the goods receiving area (B) and providing the second goods receiving container (3b) in the second - I ll - Delivery position (C2) and for transporting the second goods receiving container (3b) from the goods receiving area (B).

28. Repacking station (1, 1a..lj) according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that a) the goods receiving area (B) exclusively comprises the first delivery position (CI), the first goods transfer shaft (4a) is arranged above the first delivery position (CI), and a goods receiving floor (5, 5a..5j) adjoining the first goods transfer shaft (4a) is provided, b) the goods receiving area (B) comprises the first delivery position (CI) and a second delivery position (C2), the first goods transfer shaft (4a) is arranged above the first delivery position (CI), and a second goods transfer shaft (4b) is arranged above the second delivery position (C2), and the goods receiving floor (5, 5a..5j) adjoins the first and second goods transfer shaft (4a, 4b) and connects them, or c) the goods receiving area (B) comprises the first delivery position (CI) and a second delivery position (C2), the first goods transfer shaft (4a) is arranged above the first delivery position (CI) and the goods receiving floor (5, 5a..5j) adjoins the first goods transfer shaft (4a), leads to the second delivery position (C2) and ends above the same.

29. Repacking station (1, la..lj) according to one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that the first goods transfer shaft (4a) and / or the second goods transfer shaft (4b) is funnel-shaped.

30. Repacking station (1, 1a..lj) according to one of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that a volume of the first goods transfer shaft (4a) is less than 30% of a receiving volume of the first goods receiving container (3a), and optionally a volume of the second goods transfer shaft (4b) is less than 30% of a receiving volume of the second goods receiving container (3b).

31. Repacking station (1, la..lj) according to one of claims 28 to 30, characterized in that the first goods receiving container (3a) and the second goods receiving container (3b) are each formed by a small load carrier, and the first goods transfer shaft (4a) comprises shaft walls and, at a lower end, a discharge opening which is delimited by the shaft walls and which is adapted to an opening of the small load carrier in terms of shape and / or size, and / or the first goods receiving container (3a) is formed by a small load carrier and can be provided in the first delivery position (C1), wherein the first goods transfer shaft (4a) comprises shaft walls and, at a lower end, a discharge opening which is delimited by the shaft walls and which is adapted to an opening of the small load carrier in terms of shape and / or size, and the second goods receiving container (3b) is formed by a small load carrier and can be provided in the second delivery position (C2), wherein the second goods transfer shaft (4a),if a second goods transfer shaft (4a) is provided, comprises shaft walls and at a lower end a discharge opening which is delimited by the shaft walls and which is adapted to an opening of the small load carrier in terms of shape and / or size., 32. Repacking station (1, 1a..lj) according to one of claims 28 to 31, characterized in that the first goods receiving container (3a) and the second goods receiving container (3b) are each formed by a small load carrier, and in case a) a vertical distance (x2) between an upper edge of the small load carrier and a lower edge of the first goods transfer shaft (4a) is between 3 cm and 6 cm when one of the small load carriers is provided in the first delivery position (CI), or in case b) a vertical distance (x2) between an upper edge of the small load carrier and a lower edge of the first goods transfer shaft (4a) is between 3 cm and 6 cm when a small load carrier is provided in the first delivery position (CI), and a vertical distance (x2) between an upper edge of the small load carrier and a lower edge of the second goods transfer shaft (4b) is between 3 cm and 6 cm,when a small load carrier is provided in the second delivery position (C2), or in case c) a vertical distance (x2) between an upper edge of the small load carrier and a lower edge of the first goods transfer shaft (4a) is between 3 cm and 6 cm when a small load carrier is provided in the first delivery position (CI), and a vertical distance (x2) between an upper edge of the small load carrier and a lower edge of the goods receiving floor (5, 5a..5j) is between 3 cm and 6 cm when a small load carrier is provided in the second delivery position (C2).

33. Repacking station (1, la..lj) according to one of claims 26 to 32, characterized by an opening device (9) for opening the dispensing container (2) or for preparing the opening of the dispensing container (2).

34. Repacking station (1, 1a..lj) according to claim 33, characterized in that the opening device (9) comprises a cutting device for cutting the dispensing container (2), in particular a bottom, a side wall, a lid of the dispensing container (2) or an adhesive tape on the dispensing container (2), which is used to glue the bottom or lid, in order to make the goods (23) in the dispensing container (2) accessible, and that the dispensing container (2) is designed in particular as a cardboard box.

35. Repacking station (1, 1a..lj) according to one of claims 26 to 34, characterized in that the first conveyor system (6) and / or second conveyor system (7a, 7b) comprises a stationary conveyor system or autonomously movable transport vehicles.

36. Repacking station (1, 1a..lj) according to one of claims 26 to 35, characterized in that the goods transfer device additionally comprises a manipulation unit (8a, 8b) with a gripping device (17) movable by a drive unit in the goods transfer area (A) for lifting the delivery container (2) relative to the first goods transfer shaft (4a), the goods transfer device additionally comprises a manipulation unit (8c) with a gripping device movable by a drive unit in the goods transfer area (A) for fixing a vertical position of the delivery container (2) relative to the first goods transfer shaft (4a, 4b) and the goods receiving floor (5, 5a..5j), if a goods receiving floor (5, 5a..5j) is provided, is designed to be vertically adjustable, the goods transfer device additionally comprises a manipulation unit (8a) with a gripping device movable by a drive unit out of the goods transfer area (A) and in the goods transfer area (A) for lifting the delivery container (2) and / or for laterally moving the delivery container (2) from a receiving position laterally spaced from the first goods transfer shaft (4a) into a transfer position above the first goods transfer shaft (4a), and / or the goods transfer device additionally comprises a manipulation unit (8a) with a gripping device (17) that can be moved out of the goods transfer area (A) by a drive unit and is movable in the goods transfer area (A) for lifting the delivery container (2) and for suspended transport of the delivery container (2) above the goods transfer area (B) between the first delivery position (C1) and the second delivery position (C2).

37. Repacking station (1, 1a..lj) according to one of claims 26 to 36, characterized by a third conveyor system (26) which is designed by a hanging conveyor system for transporting a second goods receiving container (3b ') designed as a hanging pocket into the second delivery position (C2) of the goods receiving area (B).

38. Repacking station (1, 1a..lj) according to one of claims 26 to 37, characterized in that the first goods receiving container (3a) and the second goods receiving container (3b) are each designed as small load carriers, or the first goods receiving container (3a) is designed as a small load carrier and the second goods receiving container (3b') is designed as a hanging bag, and a third conveyor system (26) is provided which is designed by a hanging conveyor device for transporting the hanging bag into the goods receiving area (B) and for providing the hanging bag in the second delivery position (C2) and for transporting the hanging bag out of the goods receiving area (B).

39. Repacking station (1, 1a..lj) according to one of claims 26 to 38, characterized by a detection device (27a..27c) which is designed to acknowledge the completion of a redistribution of the goods (23) originating from the delivery container (2), and a control unit (28) connected to the detection device (27a..27c) which is designed to Triggering a transport of the first goods receiving container (3a) and / or second goods receiving container (3a, 3b, 3b') from the goods receiving area (B).

40. Repacking station (1, 1a..lj) according to one of claims 26 to 39, characterized by a sensory detection device (27c) i) which is designed for the sensory detection of a number of goods receiving base (5, 5a..5j), and / or ii) which is designed for the sensory detection of a number of goods (23) placed in the second goods receiving container (3b, 3b'), and / or a manual detection device (27b) iii) which is designed to detect a number of goods (23) from goods (23) placed on the goods receiving floor (5, 5a..5j) and / or a number of goods (23) from goods (23) delivered into the second goods receiving container (3b, 3b') and optionally a further goods receiving container (3b, 3b'), and which is designed to issue a request to a warehouse worker at the repacking station (1, 1a..lj) to detect said number, and a computer unit (30) for subtracting the number of goods (23) detected in point i), ii) or iii) from a known number of goods (23) which were contained in the delivery container (2).

41. Repacking station (1, 1a..lj) according to one of claims 26 to 40, characterized in that the dispensing container (2) is equipped with a data carrier (3 la) which contains data about a number of goods (23) in the dispensing container (2) and / or a type of goods (23) in the dispensing container (2) and / or a dispensing container identification and / or the goods (23), in particular each of the goods (23), are each equipped with an RFID tag which contains data about a type of goods of the respective goods (23) and / or a respective goods identification.

42. Repacking station (1, 1a..lj) according to one of claims 26 to 41, characterized in that the first goods receiving container (3a) is provided with a data carrier (31b) and / or the second goods receiving container (3b, 3b') is equipped with a data carrier (31b), which data carrier (31b, 32c) contains data about a number of goods (23) in the first / second goods receiving container (3a, 3b, 3b) and / or a type of goods (23) in the first / second goods receiving container (3a, 3b, 3b) and / or a goods receiving container identification.

43. Repacking station (1, 1a..lj) according to claim 41 or 42, characterized by a first reading device (32a) for reading a data carrier (31a) of the dispensing container (2), which is connected to the computer unit (30) for data transmission, and / or a second reading device (32b) for reading a data carrier (31b, 31c) of the first goods receiving container (3a) or the second goods receiving container (3b, 3b'), which is connected to the computer unit (30) for data transmission.

44. Repacking station (1, la..lj) according to one of claims 26 to 43, characterized by a database (33) which is connected to a computer unit (30) and in which Data on a type of goods and / or data on a number of goods (23) contained in the dispensing container (2) are stored, which are linked to a dispensing container identification of the dispensing container (2), Data on a type of goods and / or data on a number of goods (23) contained in the first goods receiving container (3 a) are stored, which are linked to a goods receiving container identification of the first goods receiving container (3 a), and / or Data relating to a type of goods and / or data relating to a number of goods (23) contained in the second goods receiving container (3b, 3b') are stored, which are linked to a goods receiving container identification of the second goods receiving container (3b, 3b').

45. Repacking station (1, 1a..lj) according to one of claims 26 to 44, characterized by a robot for redistributing the goods (23) originating from the delivery container (2) in the region of the goods transfer device, wherein an effective range of the robot extends at least in the goods delivery area (A) and the goods receiving area (B) in order to remove goods (23) from the first goods receiving container (3a) and / or the goods receiving base (5, 5a..5j), if a goods receiving base (5, 5a..5j) is provided, and to deliver them into the second goods receiving container (3b, 3b').

46. ​​Order picking system (10) for processing order picking, comprising a goods receipt (E) for receiving goods (23) which are stored in delivery containers (2) are delivered, a repacking station (1, 1a.. 1j) for repacking goods (23) from the delivery containers (2) into goods receiving containers (3a, 3b), a warehouse (11) for storing the goods (23) in the goods receiving containers (3a, 3b), at least one picking station (12) for reloading goods (23) from the goods receiving containers (3a, 3b) into shipping containers according to picking orders, a storage conveyor system (36) for transporting the goods receiving containers (3a, 3b) from the repacking station (1, 1a., 1j) to the warehouse (11), and a picking conveyor system (38) for transporting the goods receiving containers (3a, 3b) between the warehouse (11) and the at least one picking station (12), characterized in that the repacking station (1, 1a.. 1j) according to one of the claims 26 to 45 and that the second conveyor system (7a, 7b) for transporting the goods receiving containers (3a, 3b) is connected to the warehouse (11) via the storage conveyor system (36).

47. Order picking system (10) for processing order picking orders according to claim 46, characterized in that a disposal conveyor system (34, 34') for the delivery containers (2) after emptying is connected to the repacking station (1, 1a, 1j).

48. Order picking system (10) for processing order picking according to claim 47, characterized in that a first repacking station (1, la.. lj) and a second repacking station (1, la.. lj) are provided, a distribution conveyor system (35) is provided, to which the first conveyor system (6) of the first repacking station (1, la.. lj) and the second repacking station (1, la.. lj) are connected, in order to transport the delivery containers (2) from the distribution conveyor system (35) to the first repacking station (1, la.. lj) and to the second repacking station (1, la., lj), the storage conveyor system (36) is provided, to which the second conveyor system (7a, 7b) of the first repacking station (1, la.. lj) and the second repacking station (1, la.. lj) are connected in order to transport the goods receiving containers (3a, 3b) from the first repacking station (1, la., lj) and the second repacking station (1, la., lj) to the goods warehouse (11), and / or a collective disposal conveyor system (37) is provided, to which the disposal conveyor system (34, 34') of the first repacking station (1, la.. lj) and the second repacking station (1, la., lj) is connected in order to transport the delivery containers (2) from the disposal conveyor system (34, 34') of the first repacking station (1, la.. lj) and the second repacking station (1, la.. lj) to the collective disposal conveyor system (37).

49. Order picking system (10) for processing order picking orders according to one of claims 46 to 48, characterized in that it additionally comprises a retrieval conveyor system (39) for transporting the goods receiving containers (3a, 3b) from the warehouse (11) to the repacking station (1, 1a.. 1j), wherein the second conveyor system (7a, 7b) for transporting the goods receiving containers (3a, 3b) is connected to the warehouse (11) via the retrieval conveyor system (39).

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