Device and method for the automated loading of a load carrier with load units forming a load stack

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) and to a method for the automated loading of a load carrier with load units forming a load stack, comprising a first provision apparatus (2) for providing load carriers, a second provision apparatus (3) for providing load units, and a transfer system for picking up load units and setting them down in three-dimensional loading positions on the load stack. The transfer system comprises a transfer unit (4) having a transfer device (5) which can be moved in space. The transfer device (5) comprises a support apparatus having a support surface and a push unit.

Description

[0001] Device and method for the automated loading of a load carrier with loading units forming a loading stack

[0002] The invention relates to a device for the automated loading of a load carrier with load units forming a loading stack, in particular load units of different dimensions. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the automated loading of a load carrier with load units forming a loading stack, in particular load units of different dimensions, using such a device. The device comprises a first provision device for providing load carriers at a first provision location, a second provision device for providing load units at a second provision location, a transfer system for picking up load units from the second provision location and depositing load units at spatial loading positions on the load carrier and / or the loading stack, and a control unit for controlling the transfer system.The transfer system comprises a transfer unit with a transfer device that is movable in space, wherein the first and second staging stations are arranged in the effective range of the transfer unit. The transfer device of the transfer unit and, if applicable, the transfer device of a further transfer unit described below (each) comprises a base frame, a support device arranged on the base frame with a support surface forming a support surface for (one or more) load units, and a push-off unit, wherein the push-off unit has a push-off element that forms a contact surface that can be placed against a load unit resting on the contact surface. The push-off element is movable relative to the contact surface such that a distance between a front edge of the support surface and the contact surface can be changed.

[0003] In this case, “a push-off element which is movable relative to the support support such that a distance between a front edge of the support support and the contact surface can be changed” is to be understood in such a way that a push-off element and a support support are movable relative to one another. This can mean that a support support is moved forwards or backwards relative to the push-off element such that the push-off element can act as a passive push-off element (in the sense of a stripping element). This can mean that a push-off element is moved forwards or backwards relative to the support support such that the push-off element can act as an active push-off element. The method according to the invention comprises the following steps: i) providing a load carrier at the first provision location by the first provision device of the device;ii) Providing a load unit at the second staging location by the second staging device of the device; iii) aligning the support support of the transfer device at the second staging location; iv) pushing the (one or more) load units from the second staging location onto the support support of the transfer device; v) moving the transfer device from the second staging location to the first staging location, wherein the support support is aligned with a loading position on the load carrier at which the (one or more) load units are to be delivered; vi) loading the load carrier, wherein the (one or more) load units are pushed or stripped (actively or passively) from the support support of the transfer device to the loading position by means of the push-off unit.

[0004] Devices and methods for the automated loading of a load carrier with loading units forming a loading stack are known from the prior art as so-called palletizing devices.

[0005] For example, US 5,944,479 A describes such a palletizing device, wherein the load carrier is provided at a first staging location. The load unit is delivered from a second staging location onto a support support and positioned in front of a push-off element on the support support. To deliver the load unit to a loading position, the support support can be extended horizontally. To ensure that the push-off element can be retracted below the second staging location and thus move the load unit past the push-off element, the push-off element is designed to be particularly flat, whereby a contact point of the push-off element on the load unit is located far down, which can lead to problems with load units with a high center of gravity.

[0006] Furthermore, EP 2 247 517 A1 and EP 2 456 696 A1 each disclose a device for the automated loading of a load carrier, wherein the loading unit is delivered from the second supply location onto the support support at the rear and from the support support via a front edge.

[0007] In such devices, the transfer from the second staging location to the support support and from the support support to the loading stack takes place via different sides or edges of the support support. As a result, the first and second staging locations are arranged next to each other in a plan view. This results in a large amount of space being required. Instead of the push-off element, it is also known from the prior art that the support supports comprise conveyor tracks, which are driven in opposite directions when the support supports are retracted to transfer load units.

[0008] Furthermore, palletizing devices are known from the prior art, for example from EP 2 358 617 A1, in which a gripping unit is attached to an articulated-arm robot to transfer load units from a first staging location onto a load carrier. However, the load units are not supported from below, which can lead to problems, especially with load units that are difficult to grip.

[0009] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved device and an improved method of the type mentioned above. In particular, a smaller space requirement for the device and / or reliable loading of the load carrier are to be achieved.

[0010] The object is achieved by a device of the type mentioned at the outset, wherein the support support with its front edge can be aligned alternately at the first or second provision location, in particular in alignment with the second provision level and / or with a conveying level described below, so that a load unit can be pushed over the front edge from the second provision location onto the support support or from the support support onto a load carrier provided at the first provision location, the sliding element is arranged above the support surface and the support device has a clamping element that can be adjusted between an initial position and a clamping position, wherein in the initial position a load unit resting on the support surface can be moved past the clamping element, and the clamping element projects over the support support in the clamping position so that the load unit resting on the support surface can be fixed between the positioning surface and the clamping element,the device has a first staging level and a second staging level, which are arranged one above the other, wherein the first staging location is arranged in the first staging level and the second staging location is arranged in the second staging level, and the first and second staging locations are positioned one above the other, in particular vertically, the device further comprises an intermediate layer staging device, which comprises a delivery device and a handling device, which is configured to receive intermediate layers from the delivery device and deliver them to the second staging location, the second staging device has a clarification conveyor system for transporting load units away from the second staging location, and / or the transfer system has a further transfer unit with a transfer device that can be moved in space, wherein the transfer unit and the further transfer unit have an overlapping effective range,the first and second provisioning locations are arranged in the overlapping effective area and the transfer devices of the transfer unit and the further transfer unit can be moved past each other.

[0011] If the transfer system comprises a further transfer unit, the further transfer unit has a transfer device that can be moved in space. The transfer unit and the further transfer unit have an overlapping effective area, and the first and second staging locations are arranged in the overlapping effective area. The transfer device of the further transfer unit comprises a base frame, a support device arranged on the base frame with a support support forming a support surface for (one or more) load units, and a push-off unit. The push-off unit comprises a push-off element that forms a support surface that can be placed against a load unit resting on the support support and is movable relative to the support support such that a distance between a front edge of the support support and the support surface can be changed.

[0012] In this context, "a push-off element that is movable relative to the support support such that a distance between a front edge of the support support and the contact surface can be changed" is to be understood in such a way that a push-off element and a support support are movable relative to one another. This can mean that a support support is moved forwards or backwards relative to the push-off element such that the push-off element can act as a passive push-off element (in the sense of a stripping element). This can mean that a push-off element is moved forwards or backwards relative to the support support such that the push-off element can act as an active push-off element.

[0013] One advantage achieved with the invention is in particular that the device can be realized with a small space requirement or footprint.

[0014] This can be achieved, in particular, by allowing the load units to be pushed onto and off the support support from the same side. Thus, the first and second loading positions do not necessarily have to be arranged next to each other in a plan view.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, this can be achieved by arranging the staging areas (vertically) one above the other. This allows load units and load carriers to be transported and staged one above the other in a space-saving manner. It is expedient for the first staging level to be located below the second staging level. A simple movement sequence is possible in which the load unit is advantageously moved essentially only in the vertical direction (Z direction) between the first staging level and the second staging level. This largely avoids acceleration forces in the horizontal direction (X and Y directions), allowing sensitive load units to be reliably stacked on the load carrier even when high performance is required.

[0016] A further advantage achieved with the invention is in particular that loading units can be handled in a simple and reliable manner with the transfer device.

[0017] Particularly when load units are pushed up and down over the same side of the support surface, i.e. over the front, the load units do not have to be moved past the push-off element. Likewise, the push-off element does not have to be moved out of the way for the load units to be pushed onto the support surface. This results in a particularly simple design of the transfer unit, in particular the transfer device, and a reliable loading process. Furthermore, intermediate layers, which are often used to stabilize the load stack, can be handled with the same transfer device as the load units. This results in a particularly simple and space-saving design of the device and also allows loading stacks to be formed particularly reliably.

[0018] Furthermore, the invention ensures high availability of the device and thus a reliable loading process. In particular, the clarification conveyor technology allows loading units that are not suitable for (automated) loading of the load carrier using the transfer system to be transported away from the staging area.

[0019] By using an additional transfer unit that accesses the same supply locations, the performance of the device can be increased while maintaining approximately the same space requirements. For this purpose, the transfer unit and the additional transfer unit can be arranged side by side. The redundancy of the transfer units allows the device to continue operating even if one of the transfer units fails, thereby increasing the availability of the device and thus also increasing process reliability.

[0020] The load carriers that can be made available at the first staging location can include, for example, pallets, trolleys (roller containers), transport racks with multiple shelves and the like.

[0021] Typically, trolleys comprise a loading platform for holding the load units on the top side of the loading platform, as well as rollers or wheels arranged on the bottom side of the loading platform for transporting the trolley. Two (opposite) side walls usually protrude from the loading platform, defining the sides of the trolley. The stack of loads can thus be formed on the loading platform between the side walls and secured by them. The side walls are typically grid-shaped.

[0022] To secure load units during loading, the load carrier can be supported by a stacking aid, which provides three side walls against which the load units can be positioned. This is particularly useful for a load carrier designed as a pallet.

[0023] The load units that are provided for loading at the first loading station can be of a wide variety of types and include, for example, crates, bottle containers, cartons, and the like. Furthermore, the load units can be of different dimensions. This allows for the creation of a so-called mixed-case palletizing.

[0024] The various load units can be handled automatically using the transfer system. However, in individual cases, load units may not be suitable for automated handling by the transfer system, in particular the transfer device of the transfer unit if a single transfer unit is provided, or the transfer device of the transfer unit and the additional transfer unit if a single transfer unit and an additional transfer unit are provided, and / or the (automated) loading of the load carrier, and therefore must be manually placed onto the loading stack or cannot be placed onto the loading stack at all.Load units are not suitable for automated handling and / or (automated) loading of the load carrier if, for example, they are deformed or excessively dirty, or if they are placed at the initial staging location in the wrong orientation and / or order. Likewise, a load unit may not be suitable for automated loading if the predetermined loading position is inaccessible to the support surface of the transfer device, for example, because it is located between two load units and the distance between them is narrower than the support surface.

[0025] The spatial loading positions can include a horizontal position and a vertical position as well as an orientation of the load unit in the loading stack. The loading positions are advantageously determined by a computer system, in particular a computer system of the device. For this purpose, a packing pattern for the loading stack can be defined in advance, which specifies a loading position for each load unit that is to be loaded onto the respective load carrier to form the loading stack. Alternatively, a loading position can be determined for each load unit when it is provided at the second staging location. The loading position can be determined depending on the respective load unit, its dimensions, its orientation at the second staging location and / or the availability of space on the loading stack.

[0026] The release or pushing of the load unit from the support support (to the loading position) can be carried out by means of a pushing element (or a pushing element and a further pushing element if a pushing element and a further pushing element are provided) of the pushing unit by active or passive pushing. On the one hand, during active pushing, the pushing element is moved by means of a drive device along the support support in the direction of its front edge, whereby the load unit is pushed over the front edge of the support support. On the other hand, during passive pushing, a position of the pushing element is fixed and the support support is retracted with its front edge in the direction of the pushing element, so that the load unit is essentially stripped from the support support by the pushing element.During passive pushing, the pusher element can act as a stripping element (or as a stripping element and another stripping element, if a stripping element and another stripping element are provided). Furthermore, the pusher element (or the pusher element and another pusher element, if a pusher element and another pusher element are provided) can serve as a positioning stop for the load unit when pushing the load unit onto the transfer device.

[0027] The additional transfer unit is preferably configured analogously to the transfer unit, in particular mirrored to it on a vertical plane. It is expedient if the additional transfer unit also has a transfer device that is movable in space, and the first and second staging stations are arranged within the effective range of the additional transfer unit. The transfer device of the additional transfer unit is preferably configured identically to the transfer device of the previously described transfer unit.

[0028] It is advantageously provided that the support support of the transfer device of the transfer unit and / or the further transfer unit is mounted on the base frame in a horizontally extendable manner via a drive device.

[0029] The push-off element is preferably mounted on the base frame so that it can be moved horizontally, in particular along the support support, via a drive device.

[0030] Advantageously, the control unit is configured to control the transfer system such that the transfer devices of the transfer unit and the additional transfer unit are alternately aligned at the first or second staging location and moved past each other. This allows the transfer devices to be moved collision-free within their effective range and to alternately access the first or second staging location. It is also advantageous if the transfer unit and / or the additional transfer unit are arranged stationary (fixed in place). The transfer unit and / or the additional transfer unit is anchored, for example, to a support surface.

[0031] It is advantageous if the transfer unit has a horizontal support structure on which the transfer device of the transfer unit is mounted, preferably via the base frame, and a vertical support structure on which the horizontal support structure is mounted for vertical movement, in particular by means of a drive device, and / or horizontal movement, in particular by means of a drive device. Optionally, it can be provided that the transfer device is mounted for movement along the horizontal support structure via a drive device.

[0032] It is advantageous if the further transfer unit has a horizontal support structure on which the transfer device of the transfer unit is mounted, preferably via the base frame, and a vertical support structure on which the horizontal support structure is mounted for vertical movement, in particular by means of a drive device, and / or horizontal movement, in particular by means of a drive device. Optionally, it can be provided that the transfer device is mounted for movement along the horizontal support structure via a drive device.

[0033] Preferably, the first provision location and / or the second provision location are arranged substantially symmetrically between the, in particular vertical, support structure of the transfer unit and the, in particular vertical, support structure of the further transfer unit.

[0034] It is particularly preferred that the control unit is configured to control the transfer system in such a way that the transfer device of the transfer unit is aligned at the first staging location and, meanwhile, the transfer device of the further transfer unit is aligned at the second staging location and vice versa.

[0035] In order to transport load carriers, in particular pallets and / or roll containers, to the first staging location in an automated manner, it can be provided that the first staging device has a load carrier conveyor system leading to, leading away from, and / or forming the first staging location. The load carrier conveyor system preferably comprises a two-track conveyor system, particularly preferably a two-track belt conveyor and / or a two-track chain conveyor. Advantageously, the first staging device has a workstation for, in particular, manual loading of load carriers, wherein the load carrier conveyor system is configured to provide load carriers at the workstation. For this purpose, the workstation and the first staging location can be arranged spatially overlapping. Thus, the load carrier can remain at the first staging location for manual loading.Alternatively, it can be provided that the first staging area and the workstation are arranged at a spatial distance and are connected via the load carrier conveyor system.

[0036] At the workstation, for example, a load unit can be manually placed onto the loading stack and / or the loading stack can be manually completed if this is not possible automatically, particularly if load units are not suitable for automated handling and / or automated loading or cannot be placed in the specific loading position. If the workstation and the first staging area overlap spatially, it is advantageous to stop the transfer system for the duration of manual loading.

[0037] In order to provide the loading units at this workstation for (manual) loading, it is advantageous if the second staging area and the workstation are connected via the clarification conveyor system.

[0038] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the second staging area and the work station are arranged at different heights, and the clarification conveyor system comprises a vertical conveyor device, in particular a load unit lifter, a chute, and / or an ascending or descending conveyor. It is particularly preferred that the work station be arranged at the same height as the first staging area, in particular at the staging level.

[0039] It is advantageous if the first staging device has a vertical, and in particular horizontally movable, boundary wall which is arranged on a side of the first staging location facing away from the transfer device and can be aligned with the first staging location in order to delimit the first staging location. The load units can be positioned against the boundary wall when loading the load carrier, thus preventing the load units from falling down. Particularly preferably, the boundary wall can be placed against a load carrier, in particular a trolley, which is provided on the first staging location. In the case of a trolley, three sides of the trolley are then delimited by the boundary wall and by the side walls of the trolley. Loading can take place via the free fourth side. On the other three sides, the load units are secured against falling down.The boundary wall can be moved horizontally away from the staging area in particular so that load carriers can be staging using the stacking aids described above.

[0040] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the first provision device comprises a spreading device which spreads the side walls of a load carrier, in particular a trolley, at least vertically or obliquely outwardly for loading. The spreading device has two pins arranged at the same height that are movable, in particular pivotable, between a spread position and a non-spread position, wherein the pins protrude beyond the first provision location in the spread position. The movable pins can, for example, be arranged on the boundary wall so as to be pivotable about a vertical pivot axis.

[0041] In order to check whether the loading unit has been successfully placed on the loading stack and / or to check whether a predetermined loading position on the loading stack is actually free and / or accessible, it can be provided that the first provision device has a detection unit for detecting the loading stack, in particular an uppermost layer of the loading stack.

[0042] For example, a predetermined loading position could be at least partially occupied by a load unit that has tipped over or shifted on the loading stack, making loading with the next load unit impossible. If this is detected by the detection unit, the load carrier and, if applicable, the load units to be loaded next on it can be made available at the previously described workstation. At the workstation, the loading stack can be manually corrected and / or completed.

[0043] It is advantageous if the second staging device has a load unit conveyor system that leads in a conveying direction to the second staging location and, in particular, forms the second staging location. Thus, the load units can be transported to the second staging location automatically. Particularly preferably, the load unit conveyor system comprises a roller conveyor that forms the second staging location.

[0044] It is expedient if the second provision device has an unloading station for unloading load units from loading aids onto the load unit conveyor system. Thus, the load units can be transported on a loading aid, for example, on a tray, unloaded from it, and provided at the second provision location via the load unit conveyor system. A loading aid and such an unloading station are known, for example, from the Austrian patent application with the application number

[0045] A 50965 / 2021 and from the international application PCT / AT2022 / 060425, which are hereby incorporated in full.

[0046] To position the load units, it is preferably provided that the second provision device has an alignment device for aligning load units on the load unit conveyor system, wherein the alignment device preferably comprises one centering slide that can be moved orthogonally to the conveying direction or two centering slides that can be moved toward one another orthogonally to the conveying direction. The load units can thus be aligned by the centering slide(s), in particular between the centering slides.

[0047] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the second provision device has a rotating device for rotating load units about a vertical rotation axis and / or a tilting device for tilting load units about a horizontal tilting axis. This allows the pose or orientation of the load units to be changed, particularly on the load unit conveyor system.

[0048] It may be expedient for several load units to be placed together as a group onto the loading stack in one loading step. For this purpose, the second provision device can have a grouping device for grouping several load units, in particular on the load unit conveyor system.

[0049] It may also be advantageous for only a single load unit to be placed onto the stack in a single loading step. For this purpose, the second supply device may comprise a separating device for separating load units, particularly on the load unit conveyor system. The separating of the load units may also occur during the unloading of the load units from a loading device via the previously described unloading station.

[0050] It is expedient if the grouping device, the singling device, the aligning device, the tilting device and / or the rotating device are arranged upstream of the second staging location in a process or conveying direction. For transferring load units from the second staging location to a transfer device positioned at the second staging location, it is preferably provided that the second staging device has a pushing device for pushing load units from the second staging location onto a support support aligned with the second staging location (the supporting device of the transfer device, if one supporting device is provided, or the supporting device and further supporting device of the transfer device, if one supporting device and another supporting device are provided).

[0051] The push-off device may comprise a slider that forms a surface that can be positioned against the loading unit provided at the second staging location. The slider is positioned opposite the provided loading unit.

[0052] The pushing device for pushing load units can be designed in such a way that it can push one load unit or several load units (arranged one behind the other or next to each other in a pushing direction) at the same time.

[0053] Likewise, the transfer device can accommodate one load unit on the support support of the support device, or one load unit on the support support of the support device and another support device, if one support device and another support device are provided. Or, the transfer device can accommodate more than one load unit, for example two load units, on the support support of the support device, or more than one load unit, for example two load units, on the support support of the support device and another support device, if one support device and another support device are provided. The load units are preferably arranged one behind the other (in a pushing direction) or, if appropriate, next to one another.

[0054] It is expedient for the push-off device to have a slider that can be moved horizontally orthogonally to the conveying direction of the load unit conveyor system. The slider is preferably arranged above the conveying plane of the load unit conveyor system, in particular at least partially above a conveyor device forming the second staging area.

[0055] It is advantageous if the load unit conveyor system comprises a plurality of spaced-apart conveyor elements, which in particular form the second staging area, and the pusher meshes with the conveyor elements at least in some areas. This allows even particularly flat load units or intermediate layers to be pushed off from the second staging area. The load unit conveyor system can thus comprise a roller conveyor, as described above, whose conveyor elements are formed by the conveyor rollers.

[0056] The slider preferably comprises a sliding platform arranged above the conveying plane. Spaced-apart and downwardly directed extensions can be arranged on the sliding platform, each of which engages in a gap between two adjacent conveying elements. Alternatively or additionally, a brush element can be arranged on a lower edge of the sliding platform and / or on a lower edge of the extensions, which brush element engages at least partially in the gaps between two adjacent conveying elements and / or which rests against an upper side of the conveying elements.

[0057] To detect a loading unit provided at the second staging location and / or to check whether the loading unit provided at the second staging location can be delivered to the loading position, it is advantageous if the second staging device has a detection unit for this purpose. The detection unit can, for example, comprise a camera system.

[0058] Furthermore, the detection unit for the described checking can be connected, for example, to a computer system which is configured to receive and evaluate data, for example image information, detected by the detection unit.

[0059] It should be noted at this point that the first provision device does not necessarily have to comprise the detection unit for detecting the loading stack, and the second provision device does not necessarily have to comprise the detection unit for detecting a loading unit provided on the second provision location and / or for checking whether the loading unit provided on the second provision location can be delivered to the loading position.

[0060] In principle, the device for the automated loading of a load carrier can comprise a (single) detection unit for detecting the loading stack, in particular an uppermost layer of the loading stack, and / or for detecting a loading unit provided on the second provision location and / or for checking whether the loading unit provided on the second provision location can be delivered to the loading position.It also proves to be advantageous if the control unit is set up to control the pushing device for pushing the loading unit from the second staging location onto the support support if the check shows that the loading unit can be delivered to the loading position (in particular to the load carrier) by the transfer device, and to control the second staging device, in particular a clarification conveyor technology of the second staging device, for transporting the loading unit away from the second staging location if the check shows that the loading unit cannot be delivered to the loading position (in particular to the load carrier) by the transfer device.

[0061] As described above, it may happen that in individual cases, load units are not suitable for automated handling by the transfer system, in particular the transfer device of the transfer unit if one transfer unit is provided, or the transfer device of the transfer unit and the further transfer unit if one transfer unit and another transfer unit are provided, and / or the (automated) loading of the load carrier, and therefore must be manually placed onto the loading stack or cannot be placed onto the loading stack at all. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the above disclosure.

[0062] Advantageously, the transfer device comprises a further support device arranged on the base frame, with a support surface forming a support surface for receiving load units. The support surfaces of the support device and the further support device are arranged parallel to one another at a distance, in particular an adjustable distance. Thus, large load units can be received by the support device and the further support device and thus supported over a wide area. The distance between the support surfaces can be adjustable, for example, by a drive device.

[0063] According to a possible embodiment, it can be provided that the base frame comprises a base frame element and a further base frame element, and the support device is arranged on the base frame element and the further support device is arranged on the further base frame element, wherein the distance between the support supports of the support device arranged parallel to one another and the further support device is adjustable by a drive device.

[0064] The base frame element and the additional base frame element enable the easy attachment of the support device and additional support device combined with the flexibility in changing an outer width of the transfer device and / or adapting to different widths of the load units.

[0065] It may also prove advantageous if the control unit is configured to control the transfer unit and / or the further transfer unit in such a way that on the transfer unit the distance between the support supports of the support device and the further support device is set to a minimized distance by a drive device so that the further transfer unit can be moved past the transfer unit, and / or on the further transfer unit the distance between the support supports of the support device and the further support device is set to a minimized distance by a drive device so that the transfer unit can be moved past the further transfer unit.

[0066] By setting the distance between the support device and the further support device to a minimum, the outer width of the transfer device can be minimized. This means that a transfer device of the transfer unit and a transfer device of the further transfer unit, provided a transfer unit and further transfer unit are provided, can now be moved past each other without collision, even in tight spaces between the vertical support structures on which the transfer device of the transfer unit and the transfer device of the further transfer unit are mounted. The vertical support structures can therefore be arranged next to each other with a minimum distance, so that the outer dimensions of the device for the automated loading of a load carrier can be kept small.

[0067] It is also advantageous if the control unit is set up to control the transfer unit and / or the further transfer unit in such a way that on the transfer unit the distance between the support supports of the support device and the further support device is set by a drive device to a distance defined by a width of the load unit before the load unit is pushed by the push-off device from the second staging location onto the support supports of the support device and the further support device, and / or on the further transfer unit the distance between the support supports of the support device and the further support device is set by a drive device to a distance defined by a width of the load unit before the load unit is pushed by the push-off device from the second staging location onto the support supports of the support device and the further support device.

[0068] By adjusting the distance between the support device and other support devices to a distance defined by the width of a load unit, optimal support for the load unit is always provided. Furthermore, the distance is individually adjusted to the respective width of the different load units, thus enabling optimized loading of the load carrier. This means that even a narrow gap at a loading position on the load carrier can be used to accommodate a load unit, as the support device and other support devices can be positioned close together and retracted into the gap. This allows the loading volume of a load stack to be optimized.

[0069] It may also prove advantageous if the control unit is configured to control the transfer unit and / or the further transfer unit in such a way that the transfer device of the transfer unit is moved vertically relative to the second staging location after (one or more) load units have been pushed from the second staging location onto the support support, and the transfer device of the further transfer unit is moved horizontally relative to the first staging location after (the one or more) load units have been delivered from the support support onto the load carrier, so that the transfer device of the transfer unit and the transfer device of the further transfer unit are moved past each other (collision-free).

[0070] This makes the movement sequences of the transfer devices simple.

[0071] In particular, after pushing (one or more) load units from the second staging location onto the support support of the transfer device, if a support device is provided, or the support device and another support device of the transfer device, if a support device and another support device are provided, the transfer device of the transfer unit can be removed from the second staging location by a vertical movement. This largely avoids acceleration forces in the horizontal direction (X and Y directions), allowing sensitive load units to be reliably stacked on the load carrier even under high performance requirements.

[0072] In particular, the transfer device of the further transfer unit can be removed from the first provision location by a horizontal movement after the delivery of (the one or more) load units from the support support of the support device of the further transfer device, if a support device is provided, or the support device and further support device of the further transfer device, if a support device and a further support device are provided, onto the load carrier.

[0073] Optionally, the support device and / or the additional support device can have a side element projecting upwards from the support support, in particular from the support surface. The support support and the side element can, for example, form an L-shaped element and / or be formed by an L-shaped profile. If the transfer device comprises only the (single) support device, it can comprise side elements projecting upwards from the support support and arranged parallel and spaced apart from one another.

[0074] The (one or more) loading units are arranged (placed) between the raised side elements.

[0075] The upstanding side elements serve to laterally secure the load unit against slipping off the support support and / or to laterally clamp the (one or more) load units between the side elements of the support device and the further support device if one support device and one further support device are provided, or between the side elements of the support device if the (one only) support device is provided.

[0076] It is advantageous if the push-off element is arranged between the support supports of the support device and the further support device and preferably projects beyond their support surfaces. For this purpose, the push-off element can, for example, be T-shaped so that it projects laterally beyond the two support supports. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the push-off unit comprises a further push-off element which forms a positioning surface that can be positioned against a load unit resting on the support support of the further support device, wherein the further push-off element is movable relative to the support support of the further support device such that a distance between a front edge of the support support of the further support device and the positioning surface can be changed, wherein the push-off element is arranged above the support surface (support support) of the support device and the further push-off element is arranged above the support surface (support support) of the further support device.

[0077] In this case, the push-off element can be arranged above the support support of the support device, and the further push-off element can be arranged above the support support of the further support device, and can be mounted on the base frame so that they can move along the respective support support. It is particularly preferred that the push-off element and the further push-off element protrude upwards from the respective support support.

[0078] Analogous to the support device, it is preferably provided that the further support device has a clamping element which is movable between a starting position and a clamping position, wherein in the starting position a loading unit resting on the support surface (support support) of the further support device can be moved past the clamping element of the further support device, and the clamping element of the further support device projects over the support support of the further support device in the clamping position, so that the loading unit resting on the support surface (support support) of the further support device can be fixed, in particular clamped, between the contact surface of the further push-off element and the clamping element of the further support device.

[0079] It is advantageous if the push-off unit comprises an adjusting device for adjusting a distance between the front edge of the support pad and the contact surface of the push-off element. If the transfer device comprises a further support device, it is further expedient if the push-off unit comprises a further adjusting device for adjusting a distance between the front edge of the support pad of the further support device and the contact surface of the further push-off element.

[0080] This allows the distance between the front edge of the support pad and the contact surface of the respective push-off element to be adjusted to the length of the load unit. The push-off element can thus also serve as a stop element when sliding the load unit onto the support pad.

[0081] Furthermore, this also allows for adjusting the distance and, if necessary, the clamping force between the contact surface of the push-off element and / or the additional push-off element and the clamping element of the support device and / or the clamping element of the additional support device. To achieve an improved clamping effect, the push-off element and / or the additional push-off element can be spring-mounted.

[0082] Particularly preferably, the support supports of the support device and the additional support device are mounted independently of one another, in particular each by means of a drive device, on the base frame and / or on the horizontal support structure so that they can be extended horizontally. Thus, especially small load units can be accommodated selectively by the support device or the additional support device. For larger load units, both support devices can be used together.

[0083] What is described for the support device also applies to the other support device.

[0084] The procedural task is further achieved by utilizing the advantages and effects described above by a method of the type mentioned at the outset, wherein the support support is aligned with its front edge at the second provision location in step iii) and with its front edge at the loading position in step vi), and the load unit is pushed onto the support support via the front edge in step iv) and released from the support support via the front edge in step vii), the first provision location is arranged in a first provision plane of the device and the second provision location is arranged in a second provision plane of the device, wherein the first and second provision locations are arranged one above the other, in particular vertically, and the transfer device is moved in step v) in the vertical direction from the second provision plane to the loading position, steps ii) to vi) are repeated for an intermediate layer instead of the load unit,the loading unit is detected during provision in step ii) by means of a detection unit and checked to see whether the loading unit can be delivered to the loading position, wherein steps iii) to vi) are carried out if the loading unit can be delivered to the loading position and the loading unit is transported away from the second provision location in a step vii) via a clarification conveyor system if the loading unit cannot be delivered to the loading position. Steps ii) to vi) form a loading cycle, which is repeated alternately with the transfer device of one transfer unit and a transfer device of another transfer unit in a temporally overlapping manner, wherein steps iii) and iv) are carried out with the transfer device of the further transfer unit,while steps v) and vi) are performed with the transfer device of the transfer unit. The loading cycle can be performed with the transfer device of the transfer unit during a first execution and with the transfer device of the further transfer unit during a staggered repetition, with steps v) and vi) of the first execution being performed during steps iii) and iv) of the repetition.

[0085] In other words, steps iii) and iv) can be performed beforehand with the transfer device of the further transfer unit, while steps v) and vi) are performed with the transfer device of the transfer unit. Subsequently, steps iii) and iv) can be performed with the transfer device of the transfer unit, while steps v) and vi) are then performed with the transfer device of the further transfer unit.

[0086] The pushing in step iv) preferably takes place in a pushing direction, and the unloading in step vi) in a unloading direction, with the unloading direction being oriented antiparallel to the pushing direction. The pushing direction and the unloading direction are preferably aligned horizontally and orthogonally to the previously described conveying direction of the loading unit conveyor system.

[0087] It is advantageous if, when step ii) for the intermediate layer is repeated, the intermediate layer is provided by means of a supply device of an intermediate layer supply device and is removed from the supply device by means of a handling device of the intermediate layer supply device and placed on the second supply location. It is also expedient if the load unit and any subsequent load units are transported from the second supply location to the workstation via the clarification conveyor system. The load carrier can be provided at the workstation with an incomplete load stack formed thereon by means of the first supply device, in particular by means of the load carrier conveyor system. If the workstation and the first supply location overlap, the load carrier can be provided for this purpose at the first supply location.Alternatively, the load carrier can be transported to the workstation using the load carrier conveyor system if the workstation and the first staging location are spatially separated. The load unit(s) transported to the workstation can then be manually deposited onto the loading stack. It may be useful to stop the transfer system for the manual deposit of the load unit(s). This is particularly advantageous for safety reasons if the workstation and the first staging location overlap spatially, and manual deposit or loading therefore takes place at the first staging location.

[0088] It may also prove advantageous if step iii) comprises a movement sequence of the transfer device of the transfer unit after loading according to step vi), which has a horizontal movement relative to the first staging location, a vertical movement between the first staging location and the second staging location and a horizontal movement relative to the second staging location, and / or a movement sequence of the transfer device of the further transfer unit after loading according to step vi), which has a horizontal movement relative to the first staging location, a vertical movement between the first staging location and the second staging location and a horizontal movement relative to the second staging location.

[0089] It may prove advantageous if both the movement sequence of the transfer device of the transfer unit and the movement sequence of the transfer device of the further transfer unit are designed in such a way that they include a horizontal movement relative to the first staging location, a vertical movement between the first staging location and the second staging location, and a horizontal movement relative to the second staging location. The horizontal movement relative to the first staging location of the transfer device of the transfer unit and the horizontal movement relative to the first staging location of the transfer device of the further transfer unit can be opposite.In other words, the horizontal movement relative to the first staging location is carried out to the left by the transfer device of the transfer unit, while the horizontal movement relative to the first staging location is carried out to the right by the transfer device of the further transfer unit, see Fig. 12a and Fig. 12d.

[0090] In this case, the horizontal movement relative to the second staging location of the transfer device of the transfer unit and the horizontal movement relative to the second staging location of the transfer device of the further transfer unit can be opposite. In other words, the horizontal movement relative to the second staging location of the transfer device of the transfer unit is performed to the right, while the horizontal movement relative to the second staging location of the transfer device of the further transfer unit is performed to the left, see Fig. 12a and Fig. 12d.

[0091] In this case, the horizontal movement relative to the first staging location and the horizontal movement relative to the second staging location of the transfer device can be opposite to the transfer unit, see Fig. 12a and Fig. 12d.

[0092] In this case, the horizontal movement relative to the first provision location and the horizontal movement relative to the second provision location can be opposite to the transfer device of the further transfer unit, see Fig. 12a and Fig. 12d.

[0093] The vertical movement between the first staging location and the second staging location of the transfer device of the transfer unit and the vertical movement between the first staging location and the second staging location of the transfer device of the further transfer unit can be synchronized. In other words, the vertical movement between the first staging location and the second staging location is performed either from bottom to top or from top to bottom.

[0094] Through these described movement sequences, the transfer device of the transfer unit is moved out of the movement range of the transfer device of the further transfer unit, and the transfer device of the further transfer unit is moved out of the movement range of the transfer device of the transfer unit. Preferably, the first staging location and the second staging location can be arranged substantially symmetrically between the, in particular vertical, support structure of the transfer unit and the, in particular vertical, support structure of the further transfer unit, so that equally symmetrical movement sequences also result.

[0095] It may also prove advantageous if step v) comprises a vertical movement of the transfer device of the transfer unit after step iv) has been carried out and after the transfer device of the further transfer unit has previously been moved out of a movement range of the transfer device of the transfer unit by a horizontal movement relative to the first provision location (and after loading according to step vi)).

[0096] This measure can advantageously be combined with the movement sequence of the transfer device of the transfer unit and / or with the movement sequence of the transfer device of the further transfer unit.

[0097] Thus, the movement sequence for the transfer device of the transfer unit can comprise a horizontal movement relative to the first staging location, a vertical movement between the first staging location and the second staging location, and a horizontal movement relative to the second staging location, while the transfer device of the further transfer unit is moved away from the second staging location with a vertical movement. Thus, the transfer device of the transfer unit and the transfer device of the further transfer unit can be moved past each other without colliding. As a result, the movement space required by the movement sequence for the transfer device of the transfer unit and the vertical movement for the transfer device of the further transfer unit can be kept small.

[0098] Likewise, the movement sequence for the transfer device of the further transfer unit can comprise a horizontal movement relative to the first staging location, a vertical movement between the first staging location and the second staging location, and a horizontal movement relative to the second staging location, while the transfer device of the transfer unit is moved away from the second staging location with a vertical movement. Thus, the transfer device of the further transfer unit and the transfer device of the transfer unit can be moved past each other without colliding. As a result, the movement space required by the movement sequence for the transfer device of the further transfer unit and the vertical movement for the transfer device of the transfer unit can be kept small.

[0099] In step iii) and step v), the transfer device of the transfer unit and the transfer device of the further transfer unit can be moved past each other (collision-free).

[0100] If the transfer device of the transfer unit comprises a support device with the support support and a further support device with the support support, wherein the support supports of the support device and the further support device are designed to receive (one or more) load units and are arranged parallel to one another at a distance, and / or the transfer device of the further transfer unit comprises a support device with the support support and a further support device with the support support, wherein the support supports of the support device and the further support device are designed to receive (one or more) load units and are arranged parallel to one another at a distance, step iii) can comprise

[0101] Adjusting the distance between the support pads of the support device and other support devices by a drive device to a minimized distance, on the transfer device of the transfer unit, and / or

[0102] Adjusting the distance between the support pads of the support device and further support device by a drive device to a minimized distance on the transfer device of the further transfer unit.

[0103] The adjustment of the distance between the support supports of the support device and further support device by a drive device to the minimized distance on the transfer device of the transfer unit or further transfer unit can be carried out before the movement according to step v).

[0104] If the transfer device of the transfer unit comprises a support device with the support support and a further support device with the support support, wherein the support supports of the support device and the further support device are designed to receive (one or more) load units and are arranged parallel to one another at a distance, and / or the transfer device of the further transfer unit comprises a support device with the support support and a further support device with the support support, wherein the support supports of the support device and the further support device are designed to receive (one or more) load units and are arranged parallel to one another at a distance, step iii) can comprise

[0105] Adjusting the distance between the support pads of the support device and further support devices by a drive device to a distance defined by a width of the load unit, on the transfer device of the transfer unit, before the load unit is pushed by the pusher device from the second staging location onto the support pads of the support device and further support devices, and / or

[0106] Adjusting the distance between the support supports of the support device and the further support device by a drive device to a distance defined by a width of the load unit on the transfer device of the further transfer unit, before the load unit is pushed by the push-off device from the second staging location onto the support supports of the support device and the further support device.

[0107] The adjustment of the distance between the support supports of the support device and further support device by a drive device to a distance defined by a width of the load unit, on the transfer device of the transfer unit or further transfer unit, can take place before the load unit is pushed by the push-off device from the second staging location onto the support supports of the support device and further support device.

[0108] It is advantageous if the loading unit is provided in step ii) in a loading orientation at the second provision location, wherein the loading orientation is determined before or during step ii) by means of a computer system. The loading orientation is preferably determined depending on the loading position. Furthermore, a loading orientation can be determined for several loading units provided one after the other, in particular for all loading units of the loading stack. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the loading unit is aligned, in particular rotated or tilted, during step ii) in such a way that it is provided in the loading orientation at the second provision location.

[0109] In order to deliver multiple load units to the loading stack in one loading step, it is preferably provided that in step ii) several load units are grouped and aligned such that they are provided one after the other at the second provision location in the pushing direction in which the load units are pushed from the second provision location onto the support support in step iv). In this case, the load units can be grouped, for example, using the previously described grouping device.

[0110] It is advantageous if the transfer device and / or the further transfer device, as described above, each has a support device and a further support device with a support surface forming a support surface for load units, wherein for steps iii) to vi), optionally one of the support supports of the support device or of the further support device, or the support supports of the support device and of the further support device, are used. For example, for small load units, one of the support supports of the support device or the support support of the further support device can be used. For large load units, both support supports can be used.

[0111] For the purposes of the invention, small load units are understood to mean, in particular, load units whose width does not exceed twice the width, in particular 1.5 times the width, of the support surface. Similarly, load units with a width that exceeds twice the width, in particular 1.5 times the width, of the support surface are referred to as large load carriers.

[0112] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.

[0113] They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

[0114] Fig. 1 shows a device for the automated loading of a load carrier in a perspective view;

[0115] Fig. 2 shows a section of the device in side view; Fig. 3 shows a first provision level of the device in plan view;

[0116] Fig. 4 shows a second provision level of the device in plan view;

[0117] Fig. 5 shows a first embodiment of a transfer device in perspective view;

[0118] Fig. 6 shows a second embodiment of a transfer device in perspective view;

[0119] Fig. 7 shows a third embodiment of a transfer device in perspective view;

[0120] Fig. 8 shows a fourth embodiment of a transfer device in perspective view;

[0121] Fig. 9 shows a fifth embodiment of a transfer device in perspective view;

[0122] Fig. 10 shows a sixth embodiment of a transfer device in perspective view;

[0123] Fig. 11 shows a method for the automated loading of a load carrier;

[0124] Fig. 12a to 12i show a modified method for the automated loading of a load carrier in sequence representation;

[0125] Fig. 13 a device for the automated loading of a load carrier in perspective view.

[0126] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations. The disclosures contained throughout the description can be applied mutatis mutandis to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure and, in the event of a change in position, is to be applied mutatis mutandis to the new position.

[0127] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a device 1 for the automated loading of a load carrier with load units LE forming a loading stack. Figs. 2 to 4 show sections of the device 1 in highly simplified views.

[0128] The device 1 comprises a first provision device 2, preferably arranged in a first provision level BE', for providing (different) load carriers at a first provision location BP'. For example, in Fig. 1, a load carrier designed as a pallet is provided at the first provision location BP', and in Fig. 2, a load carrier designed as a trolley RW is provided at the first provision location BP'.

[0129] In addition, the device 1 comprises a second provision device 3, preferably arranged in a second provision level BE", for providing loading units LE at a second provision location BP". For reasons of clarity, no loading unit LE is shown at the second provision location BP" in Figs. 1 to 4.

[0130] As can be seen in Fig. 1, the first provision plane BE' and the second provision plane BE" each extend horizontally in the X and Y directions. The first and second provision planes BE', BE" are arranged one above the other in the vertical Z direction.

[0131] In Fig. 2, a section of the device 1 is shown in side view, wherein it can be seen that the first supply location BP' and the second supply location BP" (in the Z direction) are preferably arranged vertically one above the other.

[0132] Furthermore, the device 1 comprises a transfer system by means of which load units LE can be transferred from the second provision location BP" to a load carrier provided at the first provision location BP'. For this purpose, the transfer system has a transfer unit 4 and an optional further transfer unit 4', each of which comprises a transfer device 5 for handling the load units LE.

[0133] The transfer devices 5 are each movable in space, in particular in the X, Y, and / or Z directions. The transfer units 4, 4' each comprise a horizontal support structure 42 extending in the X direction and a vertical support structure 43 extending in the Z direction, wherein the transfer devices 5 are mounted via a base frame on the respective horizontal support structure 42 and preferably via a drive device for extension in the Y direction. Optionally, the transfer devices 5 can be mounted via a drive device for movement along the respective horizontal support structure 42.

[0134] In order to move the transfer devices 5 vertically between the provision locations BP', BP", the horizontal support structure 42 is movable in the Z direction on the vertical support structure 43 via a drive device 44. Furthermore, it can be provided that the horizontal support structure 42 is mounted on the vertical support structure 43 via a drive device 44 so that it can be moved horizontally in the X direction. In Fig. 1, for example, the transfer device 5 of the transfer unit 4 is aligned at the level of the second provision location BP". The transfer device 5 of the further transfer unit 4' is moved further down in the direction of the first provision location BP'. In contrast, in Fig.2 the transfer device 5 of the transfer unit 4 with a picked-up loading unit LE is moved vertically downwards and positioned in the area of ​​the first staging location BP' while the transfer device 5 of the further transfer unit 4' is moved further upwards in the direction of the second staging location BP".

[0135] To control the transfer system, in particular to move the transfer devices 5, the device 1 comprises a control unit 6 shown schematically in Fig. 1.

[0136] Furthermore, the transfer devices 5 each have a support device and an optional further support device, each with a support support 51. The support devices are preferably arranged on a base frame of the transfer device 5. Particularly preferably, the support devices are mounted on the base frame so that they can be moved in the X direction, so that a distance between the support devices is adjustable.

[0137] The support support 51 of the respective support device forms a support surface which extends horizontally in the X direction essentially over a width of the support support 51 and in the Y direction up to a front edge 55 of the support support 51. Load units LE can be received on the support surface. Preferably, the support supports 51 are each mounted on the base frame of the transfer device 5 so as to be extendable horizontally in the Y direction, in particular independently of one another, via a drive device in order to align them with a load carrier or at the second provision location BP. For this purpose, for example, the support device and / or the further support device can be mounted on the base frame of the transfer device 5 so as to be movable in the Y direction.

[0138] Fig. 3 shows a plan view of the first provision device 2 in the first provision plane BE'.

[0139] The support supports 51 can, as shown in Fig. 3 for the support supports 51 of the transfer unit 4, be partially extended so that they protrude over the first staging location BP', in particular over a load carrier provided thereon. In the example shown, the support supports 51 of the transfer unit 4 protrude over the provided roll container. The support supports 51 are thus aligned with a possible loading position for a load unit LE (not shown). Of course, the support supports 51 can also be extended over the entire depth of the load carrier (roller carriage RW) and / or the first staging location BP' in order to deposit a load unit LE at the very rear. The support supports 51 of the further transfer unit 4', in contrast, are retracted in the example shown in Fig. 3.

[0140] The first supply device 2 can have a load carrier conveyor system 21, which is designed to transport load carriers in a conveying direction FR. Particularly preferably, the load carrier conveyor system 21 comprises a two-track conveyor system.

[0141] In order to delimit the first staging area BP' and secure load units LE during loading 160 on the load carrier, the first staging device 2 can comprise a boundary wall 22. The boundary wall 22 is arranged on a side of the first staging area BP' facing away from the support supports 51 and, as indicated by a double arrow, is horizontally movable, in particular in the Y direction or orthogonally to the conveying direction FR. Thus, the boundary wall 22 can be positioned against the load carrier, for example, against the trolley RW.

[0142] Furthermore, the first provision device 2 can have a spreading device comprising two pins 23. The pins 23 are adjustable between a spreading position shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 and a non-spreading position shown in dashed lines in Fig. 3. In the spreading position, the pins 23 interact with side walls SW of the load carrier (rolling carriage) provided at the first provision location BP' and spread them apart, as can be seen in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. For this purpose, the pins 23 can be pivotally mounted on the boundary wall 22.

[0143] In order to detect the loading stack, the first provision device 2 can have a detection unit 24.

[0144] Furthermore, the first provisioning device 2 can have an optional workstation AP for manual loading 160 of load carriers, shown in dashed lines in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3. The optional workstation AP can be arranged, as shown, spatially spaced from the first provisioning location BP' or overlapping it. Fig. 4 shows a plan view of the second provisioning device 3 in the second provisioning level BE".

[0145] The support supports 51 can, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 for the support supports 51 of the transfer unit 4, be extended into a receiving position in which they are aligned with their front edge 55 at the second staging location BP". Thus, a loading unit LE (not shown) can be pushed onto the second staging location BP" via the front edges 55 of the support supports 51. The support supports 51 of the further transfer unit 4' are retracted in Fig. 4.

[0146] Furthermore, the second provision device 3 can have a load unit conveyor system 31, which is designed to transport load carriers in the conveying direction FR. Particularly preferably, the load carrier conveyor system 21 comprises a (stationary) conveyor device, in particular a roller and / or belt conveyor device. The conveying direction FR of the load unit conveyor system 31 and the load carrier conveyor system 21 can run parallel, as shown. Likewise, the conveying directions FR can run antiparallel or intersect each other.

[0147] Advantageously, the load unit conveyor system 31 comprises a conveyor device with spaced-apart conveyor elements 311, which forms the second staging area BP. This conveyor device is, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, preferably designed as a roller conveyor, wherein the conveyor elements 311 are formed by conveyor rollers.

[0148] In order to deliver load units LE from loading aids, for example, trays, onto the load unit conveyor system 31, the second supply device 3 can be provided with an unloading station 32. For reasons of clarity, the unloading station 32 is only shown in Fig. 4.

[0149] For aligning 130 or centering the load units LE on the load unit conveyor 31, the second provision device 3 can comprise an alignment device 33. The alignment device 33 can have one (centering) slide 331 that is movable in the Y direction or, as shown, two (centering) slides 331 that are movable toward one another (along the Y direction).

[0150] Furthermore, the second provision device 3 can comprise a tilting and / or rotating device 34, by means of which the loading units LE can be tilted about a horizontal tilting axis and / or rotated about a vertical rotation axis. The tilting and / or rotating device 34 can be formed by two separate units or by a combination device. The rotating device 34 can be designed, for example, as a rotatable rotary gripper (Fig. 1), as a turntable (Fig. 4), or the like.

[0151] In order to provide several loading units LE grouped or individually one after the other at the second provision location BP, the second provision device 3 can have a grouping and / or singling device 35. The grouping device can be formed by a stop element against which the loading units LE can be positioned in the conveying direction FR. The singling device 35 can be formed by conveyor segments that follow one another in the conveying direction FR and are driven at different speeds.

[0152] Furthermore, the second supply device 3 can comprise a pushing device which has a slider 36 which can be moved orthogonally to the conveying direction FR, in particular along the Y-direction. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the slider 36 comprises a pushing platform and preferably extensions arranged on a lower edge of the pushing platform which mesh with the conveying elements 311 and / or a brush element (not shown) arranged on the lower edge of the pushing platform. Particularly preferably, the brush element is dimensioned such that it brushes against the conveying elements 311. The extensions and / or the brush element enable particularly flat objects (loading units LE or intermediate layers) to be pushed off from the second supply location BP.

[0153] Optionally, the push-off device can have a stop 36', which is shown in dashed lines in Fig. 4. The stop 36' can be brought into an actuating position in which the stop 36' limits the second staging location BP" in the conveying direction. Load units LE can thus be positioned at the second staging location BP" against the stop 36'. For this purpose, the stop 36' can be positioned so as to project upwards from a conveying plane. In addition, the stop 36' can be moved into a starting position in which load units LE can be moved past it. In the starting position, the stop 36' is, for example, retracted below the conveying plane, moved laterally out of a conveying path or positioned at a passage height above the conveying plane so that load units LE can be moved between the conveying plane and the stop 36'. In addition, the second staging device 3 can have a2, with which loading units LE provided at the second staging location BP can be detected and / or checked. The detection unit 37 comprises, for example, one or more cameras.

[0154] In order to transport load units LE away from the second staging location "BP" and, in particular, to staging them at the previously described workstation AP, the second staging device 3 can have a clarification conveyor system 38. This can be designed analogously to the load unit conveyor system 31 or can be provided by the load unit conveyor system 31. Particularly preferably, the clarification conveyor system 38 connects the second staging location "BP" to the workstation AP by means of conveyor technology.

[0155] If the second supply location BP and the work station AP are arranged at different height levels, as shown for example in Fig. 1, it can be provided that the clarification conveyor technology 38 has a vertical conveyor device 39.

[0156] Furthermore, the device 1 may comprise an intermediate layer provision device 7, shown in dashed lines in Fig. 4. For reasons of clarity, this is not shown in Fig. 1.

[0157] On the one hand, the intermediate layer supply device 7 comprises a supply device 71 for supplying intermediate layers. For this purpose, the supply device 71 can comprise a magazine for intermediate layers, in particular for intermediate layers of different dimensions. Alternatively or additionally, the supply device 71 can also comprise an intermediate layer conveyor system for transporting intermediate layers.

[0158] On the other hand, the intermediate layer supply device 7 has a handling device 72, by means of which intermediate layers can be removed from the supply device 71 and delivered to the second supply location BP". The handling device 72 can be designed, for example, as a gantry robot, as shown in Fig. 4.

[0159] Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 each show a transfer device 5 with a support device which forms a (single) support support 51.

[0160] The transfer device 5 according to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 can be mounted on the (single) support

[0161] 51 can accommodate a loading unit LE, as shown. Optionally, the transfer device 5 can also accommodate more than one loading unit LE on the (single) support 51. Preferably, the loading units LE are arranged one behind the other in such an embodiment.

[0162] As can be seen, the transfer device 5 is mounted on the horizontal support structure 42 via a base frame 56, either movable along the horizontal support structure 42 in the X direction or fixedly mounted on the horizontal support structure 42. According to this embodiment, the base frame 56 can comprise a support plate.

[0163] As further indicated by dashed lines, upstanding side elements 54 can be provided along the longitudinal edges of the support support 51 and on the support support 51 (support surface).

[0164] In order to release load units LE from the support support 51, the transfer device 5 comprises a push-off unit with a push-off element 52.

[0165] As shown in Fig. 5, the push-off element 52 can be arranged above the support support 51. Alternatively, the push-off element 52 and another push-off element 52' can be arranged above the support support 51 of the support device, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0166] The push-off element 52 is shown in dashed lines in Fig. 2 to Fig. 4. Optionally, a further push-off element 52' (not shown) can also be provided here. For reasons of clarity, the push-off elements 52, 52' are not shown in Fig. 1. The push-off element 52 and / or the further push-off element 52' can of course be designed in the examples shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 as described in connection with Fig. 5 and / or Fig. 6.

[0167] According to Fig. 5, the push-off element 52 and the support support 51 are movable relative to one another in a Y-direction, so that a distance between a front edge 55 of the support support 51 and a contact surface of the push-off element 52 can be changed. This can mean that a support support 51 is moved forwards or backwards in the Y-direction relative to the push-off element 52, so that the push-off element 52 can act as a passive push-off element (in the sense of a stripping element). This can mean that a push-off element 52 is moved forwards or backwards in the Y-direction relative to the support support 51, so that the push-off element 52 can act as an active push-off element.6, the push-off element 52, the further push-off element 52' and the support support 51 are movable relative to one another in a Y-direction, such that a distance between a front edge 55 of the support support 51 and a contact surface of the push-off elements 52, 52' is variable. This can mean that a support support 51 is moved forwards or backwards in the Y-direction relative to the push-off elements 52, 52', such that the push-off elements 52, 52' can act as passive push-off elements (in the sense of stripping elements). This can mean that the push-off elements 52, 52' are moved forwards or backwards in the Y-direction relative to the support support 51, such that the push-off elements 52, 52' can act as active push-off elements.

[0168] According to a first embodiment, a load unit LE can be released from the support support 51 by means of the push-off element 52 or by means of the push-off element 52 and another push-off element 52', if a push-off element 52 and another push-off element 52' are provided, by active pushing. For this purpose, the push-off element 52 or the push-off elements 52, 52' can each be moved along the support support 51, in particular by means of a drive device. Load units LE can be pushed off the support support 51 by moving the push-off element 52 or the push-off elements 52, 52' in the Y direction.

[0169] In a second embodiment, a load unit LE can be released from the support support 51 by means of the push-off element 52 or by means of the push-off element 52 and another push-off element 52', if a push-off element 52 and another push-off element 52' are provided, by passive pushing. For this purpose, a position of the push-off element 52 or of the push-off elements 52, 52' can remain unchanged and the support support 51 can be retracted with its front edge 55 in the direction of the push-off element 52 or the push-off elements 52, 52', so that the load unit LE is essentially stripped from the support support 51 by the push-off element 52 or the push-off elements 52, 52'.

[0170] To secure the load unit LE on the support support 51, the support device can comprise one or more clamping elements 53. The clamping element(s) 53 are pivotally mounted on the support support 51 and can be folded up into a clamping position. Thus, the load unit LE can be secured in the clamping position between the push-off element(s) 52, 52' and the clamping element(s) 53, as can be seen in particular in Fig. 6 (but not in Fig. 5).

[0171] The clamping element(s) 53 can be pivoted from the clamping position into a starting position, in which they are folded into a recess in the support support 51, so that the loading unit LE can be pushed over the clamping element(s) 53. In the starting position, the clamping element(s) 53 do not protrude beyond the support surface in the Z direction. For example, the clamping elements 53 can be flush with the support support 51 and thus form the support surface in some areas. For reasons of clarity, the sliding elements 52, 52' and the clamping elements 53 are not shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4.

[0172] Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 each show a transfer device 5 with a support device and a further support device, wherein the support supports 51 of the support devices are arranged at a distance from one another. The distance between the support supports 51 of the support device arranged parallel to one another and the further support device can optionally be adjusted by a drive device (not shown).

[0173] The transfer device 5 according to Figs. 7 and 8 can accommodate a loading unit LE on the support supports 51, as shown. Optionally, the transfer device 5 can also accommodate more than one loading unit LE on the support supports 51. In such an embodiment, the loading units LE are preferably arranged one behind the other.

[0174] As can be seen, the transfer device 5 is mounted on the horizontal support structure 42 via a base frame 56, either movable along the horizontal support structure 42 in the X direction or fixedly mounted on the horizontal support structure 42. According to this embodiment, the base frame 56 can comprise a support plate.

[0175] As further indicated by dashed lines, a side element 54 projecting upwards from the respective support support 51 can be provided.

[0176] In order to release load units LE from the support supports 51, the transfer device comprises a push-off unit with a push-off element 52.

[0177] As shown in Fig. 7, the push-off element 52 can be arranged between the support supports 51 and protrude in the X direction above the support supports 51. Alternatively, the push-off element 52 can be arranged above the support support 51 of the support device, as shown in Fig. 8. Furthermore, a further push-off element 52' can be provided, which is arranged above the support support 51 of the further support device.

[0178] Furthermore, the push-off element 52 and / or the further push-off element 52' can each be moved along the support supports 51, in particular by means of an adjusting device.

[0179] The push-off element 52 is shown in dashed lines in Fig. 2 to Fig. 4. Optionally, a further push-off element 52' (not shown) can also be provided here. For reasons of clarity, the push-off elements 52, 52' are not shown in Fig. 1. The push-off element 52 and / or the further push-off element 52' can of course be designed in the examples shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 as described in connection with Fig. 7 and / or Fig. 8.

[0180] According to Fig. 7, the push-off element 52 and the support supports 51 are movable relative to one another in a Y-direction, such that a distance between a front edge 55 of the support supports 51 and a contact surface of the push-off element 52 is variable. This can mean that the support supports 51 are moved forwards or backwards in the Y-direction relative to the push-off element 52, such that the push-off element 52 can act as a passive push-off element (in the sense of a stripping element). This can mean that a push-off element 52 is moved forwards or backwards in the Y-direction relative to the support supports 51, such that the push-off element 52 can act as an active push-off element.

[0181] According to Fig. 8, the push-off element 52, the further push-off element 52' and the support supports 51 of the support device / further support device are movable relative to one another in a Y-direction, such that a distance between a front edge 55 of the support supports 51 and a contact surface of the push-off elements 52, 52' is variable. This can mean that the support supports 51 are moved forwards or backwards in the Y-direction relative to the push-off elements 52, 52', such that the push-off elements 52, 52' can act as passive push-off elements (in the sense of stripping elements). This can mean that the push-off elements 52, 52' are moved forwards or backwards in the Y-direction relative to the support supports 51, such that the push-off elements 52, 52' can act as active push-off elements.According to a first embodiment, a load unit LE can be released from the support supports 51 by means of the push-off element 52 or by means of the push-off element 52 and another push-off element 52', if one push-off element 52 and another push-off element 52' are provided, by active pushing. For this purpose, the push-off element 52 or the push-off elements 52, 52' can each be moved along the support supports 51, in particular by means of a drive device. Load units LE can be pushed off the support supports 51 by moving the push-off element 52 or the push-off elements 52, 52' in the Y direction.

[0182] In a second embodiment, a load unit LE can be released from the support supports 51 by means of the push-off element 52 or by means of the push-off element 52 and a further push-off element 52', if a push-off element 52 and a further push-off element 52' are provided, by passive pushing. For this purpose, a position of the push-off element 52 or of the push-off elements 52, 52' can remain unchanged and the support supports 51 can each be retracted with their front edge 55 in the direction of the push-off element 52 or of the push-off elements 52, 52', so that the load unit LE is essentially stripped from the support supports 51 by the push-off element 52 or the push-off elements 52, 52'.

[0183] To secure the loading unit LE on the support supports 51, the support device and / or the additional support device can each comprise a clamping element 53. The clamping element(s) 53 are each pivotally mounted on one of the support supports 51 and can be folded up into a clamping position. Thus, the loading unit LE can be secured in the clamping position between the sliding element(s) 52, 52' and the clamping element(s) 53, as can be seen in particular in Fig. 8 (but not in Fig. 7).

[0184] The clamping element(s) 53 can be pivoted from the clamping position into a starting position in which they are folded into a recess in the support supports 51 so that the loading unit LE can be pushed over the clamping elements 53. In the starting position, the clamping element(s) 53 do not protrude beyond the support surface in the Z direction. For example, the clamping elements 53 can be flush with the support support 51 and thus form the support surface in some areas. For reasons of clarity, the sliding elements 52, 52' and the clamping elements 53 are not shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4. Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 each show a transfer device 5 with one support device and a further support device, wherein the support supports 51 of the support devices are arranged at a distance from one another.The distance between the support supports 51 of the support device arranged parallel to each other and further support device can optionally be adjustable by a drive device (not shown).

[0185] The transfer device 5 according to Figs. 9 and 10 can accommodate a loading unit LE on the support supports 51, as shown. Optionally, the transfer device 5 can also accommodate more than one loading unit LE on the support supports 51. In such an embodiment, the loading units LE are preferably arranged one behind the other.

[0186] As can be seen, the transfer device 5 is mounted on the horizontal support structure 42 via a base frame 56, either movable along the horizontal support structure 42 in the X direction or stationary on the horizontal support structure 42. According to this embodiment, the base frame comprises a base frame element and a further base frame element, with the support device being arranged on the base frame element and the further support device being arranged on the further base frame element. According to this embodiment, the base frame element and further base frame elements can each comprise a support plate. Reference is also made to the embodiments in Figs. 5, 6 and Figs. 7, 8.

[0187] According to Fig. 9, the push-off element 52 and the support supports 51 are movable relative to one another in a Y-direction, such that a distance between a front edge 55 of the support supports 51 and a contact surface of the push-off element 52 is variable. This can mean that the support supports 51 are moved forwards or backwards in the Y-direction relative to the push-off element 52, such that the push-off element 52 can act as a passive push-off element (in the sense of a stripping element). This can mean that a push-off element 52 is moved forwards or backwards in the Y-direction relative to the support supports 51, such that the push-off element 52 can act as an active push-off element.

[0188] According to Fig. 10, the sliding element 52, the further sliding element 52' and the support supports 51 of the support device / further supporting device are movable relative to one another in a Y-direction, such that a distance between a front edge 55 of the support supports 51 and a contact surface of the sliding elements 52, 52' is variable. This can mean that the support supports 51 are moved forwards or backwards in the Y-direction relative to the sliding elements 52, 52', such that the sliding elements 52, 52' can act as passive sliding elements (in the sense of stripping elements). This can mean that the sliding elements 52, 52' are moved forwards or backwards in the Y-direction relative to the support supports 51, such that the sliding elements 52, 52' can act as active sliding elements.

[0189] According to a first embodiment, a load unit LE can be released from the support supports 51 by means of the push-off element 52 or by means of the push-off element 52 and another push-off element 52', if one push-off element 52 and another push-off element 52' are provided, by active pushing. For this purpose, the push-off element 52 or the push-off elements 52, 52' can each be moved along the support supports 51, in particular by means of a drive device. Load units LE can be pushed off the support supports 51 by moving the push-off element 52 or the push-off elements 52, 52' in the Y direction.

[0190] In a second embodiment, a load unit LE can be released from the support supports 51 by means of the push-off element 52 or by means of the push-off element 52 and a further push-off element 52', if a push-off element 52 and a further push-off element 52' are provided, by passive pushing. For this purpose, a position of the push-off element 52 or of the push-off elements 52, 52' can remain unchanged and the support supports 51 can each be retracted with their front edge 55 in the direction of the push-off element 52 or of the push-off elements 52, 52', so that the load unit LE is essentially stripped from the support supports 51 by the push-off element 52 or the push-off elements 52, 52'.

[0191] In Fig. 11, a method 100 for the automated loading of a load carrier with loading units LE forming a loading stack by means of a previously described device 1 is schematically shown.

[0192] The transfer device 5 of the transfer unit 4, or the transfer device 5 of the transfer unit 4 and the transfer device 5 of the further transfer unit 4', if a transfer unit 4 and a further transfer unit 4' are provided, can be designed according to one of the embodiments of Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. The method 100 comprises, on the one hand, in a first step, providing 110 a load carrier, which is to be loaded with load units LE, at the first provision location BP'. In this case, for example, a pallet as shown in Fig. 1 or a trolley RW as shown in Fig. 2 can be provided. The provision 110 takes place here by means of the previously described first provision device 2. A loading stack comprising several load units LE can now be formed on the provided load carrier.

[0193] For this purpose, the method 100 comprises, on the other hand, in a second step, providing 120 a loading unit LE, which is to be loaded onto the load carrier, at the second provision location BP". This step can be repeated for several loading units LE in order to form the loading stack. The provision 120 takes place by means of the second provision device 3 described above. In this case, the loading unit LE can first be unloaded from a loading aid by the unloading station 32 and transferred to the loading unit conveyor system 31 and transported by means of this to the second provision location BP". In this case, the loading unit LE can be singulated or several loading units LE can be grouped.It can also be provided that the loading unit LE is aligned by the alignment device 33 and tilted and / or rotated by means of the tilting and / or rotating device 34 in order to provide the loading unit LE in a loading orientation required for the loading position.

[0194] Subsequently, in a third step, the support support(s) 51 of the transfer device 5 are aligned 130 at the second staging location BP". In this case, one of the support supports 51 or both support supports 51, preferably with their respective front edge 55, can be aligned at the second staging location BP", as shown by way of example in Fig. 4. The support supports 51 are preferably aligned such that the support surface is aligned with a conveying plane of the load unit conveyor system 31.

[0195] In a fourth step, the loading unit LE is pushed from the second staging location BP onto the support support(s) 51 by means of the pushing device, in particular by means of the previously described pusher 36, as it is pushed 140 onto the support support(s) 51. For this purpose, the pusher 36 can be moved orthogonally to the conveying direction FR, preferably by means of a drive device.

[0196] If the transfer device 5 has a support device and a further support device, one of the support supports 51 or both support supports 51 can be used during alignment 130 and pushing 140, in particular depending on a width of the load unit LE and / or the loading position. In this case, it is particularly provided that only one of the support supports 51 is used for small load units LE or narrow loading positions. Small load units LE are generally understood to be load units LE whose width does not exceed 1.5 times the width of the support support 51. A narrow loading position is usually understood to be a loading position whose width (in the X direction) is narrower than a minimum width of two support supports 51 arranged next to one another. For example, a loading position can be located between two load units LE that have already been deposited.If a distance between the loading units LE and thus a width of the loading position is smaller than the space required for two support supports 51 arranged next to one another, it can be provided that only one support support 51 is used.

[0197] Once the load unit LE is positioned on the support support(s) 51, in a fifth step, the transfer device 5 is moved 150 from the second staging location BP" to the first staging location BP'. In this case, the support support 51 or the support supports 51, preferably with their respective front edge 55, are aligned with the loading position on the load carrier.

[0198] In a sixth step, the load carrier is loaded 160, with the load unit LE being pushed off the support(s) 51 by means of the push-off unit and thereby delivered to the loading position. The first step of providing 110 the load carrier can essentially take place at any time, but in particular before the sixth step. Particularly preferably, the provision 110 takes place as the first step in time.

[0199] The loading stack can be formed by repeating the described steps two to six for different loading units LE and different loading positions on the load carrier or loading stack.

[0200] If, in step ii), for example, a loading unit LE is detected by the detection unit 37 which cannot be (automatically) placed on the loading stack, this loading unit LE and any subsequent loading units LE are transported away from the second provisioning location BP in a seventh step vii) via the clarification conveyor system 38 and, in particular, made available at the previously described workstation AP. In this case, the load carrier can also be transported to the workstation AP and made available there. Thus, a manual completion 170 of the loading stack can take place at the workstation AP.

[0201] In Fig. 12a to Fig. 12i, a modified method for the automated loading of a load carrier with loading units LE forming a loading stack by means of a device 1 for the automated loading of a load carrier is described.

[0202] It should be noted at this point that the control unit 6 (as shown in Fig. 1) is configured to control the transfer device 5 of the transfer unit 4 and / or the transfer device 5 of the further transfer unit 4' in order to carry out the subsequent method steps. The transfer device 5 of the transfer unit 4 and / or the transfer device 5 of the further transfer unit 4' can be designed according to one of the embodiments of Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, and Fig. 10.

[0203] According to this embodiment, the transfer system comprises the transfer unit 4 and the further transfer unit 4'.

[0204] The transfer unit 4 has a spatially movable transfer device 5. The further transfer unit 4' also has a spatially movable transfer device 5. The first and second provision locations BP', BP" are arranged within the effective range of the transfer unit 4 and the further transfer unit 4'.

[0205] The transfer device 5 of the transfer unit 4, as shown for example in Fig. 9 and Fig.10, comprises a base frame 56 with a base frame element and a further base frame element, the support device, which is arranged on the base frame element and has a support support 51 for one or more load units LE, and the further support device, which is arranged on the further base frame element and has a support support 51 for one or more load units LE, and a push-off unit, which has a push-off element 52, which forms a positioning surface that can be positioned against the load unit LE resting on the support supports 51 of the support device and the further support device and is movable relative to the support supports 51 of the support device and the further support device, so that a distance between a front edge 55 of the support supports 51 of the support device and the further support device and the positioning surface can be changed.

[0206] Preferably, the distance between the support supports 51 of the support device and further support devices is adjustable by a drive device.

[0207] The support device and further support devices are arranged parallel to each other.

[0208] The transfer device 5 of the further transfer unit 4', as shown for example in Fig. 9 and Fig.10, comprises a base frame 56 with a base frame element and a further base frame element, the support device, which is arranged on the base frame element and has a support support 51 for one or more load units LE, and the further support device, which is arranged on the further base frame element and has a support support 51 for one or more load units LE, and a push-off unit, which has a push-off element 52, which forms a positioning surface that can be positioned against the load unit LE resting on the support supports 51 of the support device and the further support device and is movable relative to the support supports 51 of the support device and the further support device, so that a distance between a front edge 55 of the support supports 51 of the support device and the further support device and the positioning surface can be changed.

[0209] Preferably, the distance between the support supports 51 of the support device and further support devices is adjustable by a drive device.

[0210] The support device and further support devices are arranged parallel to each other.

[0211] The method for the automated loading of a load carrier with loading units LE forming a loading stack comprises the following steps: i) Providing (as described, for example, in Fig. 11) a load carrier at the first provisioning location BP' by a first provisioning device 2 of the device 1; ii) Providing (as described, for example, in Fig. 11) a loading unit LE at the second provisioning location BP" by a second provisioning device 3 of the device 1; iii) Aligning a support support 51 of a transfer device 5 at the second provisioning location BP"; iv) Pushing (as described, for example, in Fig.11) of the loading unit LE from the second provision location BP” onto the support support 51 of the transfer device 5; v) moving the transfer device 5 from the second provision location BP'' to the first provision location BP', wherein the support support 51 is aligned with a loading position on the load carrier to which the loading unit LE is to be delivered; vi) loading (as described, for example, in Fig. 11) of the load carrier, wherein the loading unit LE is pushed from the support support 51 to the loading position (actively or passively) by means of a pushing unit of the transfer device 5.

[0212] In this case, steps ii) to vi) can form a loading cycle, which is repeated alternately with the transfer device 5 of the transfer unit 4 and the transfer device 5 of the further transfer unit 4' in an overlapping manner. Steps iii) and iv) are performed with the transfer device 5 of the further transfer unit 4', while steps v) and vi) are performed with the transfer device 5 of the transfer unit 4.

[0213] In this case, step iii) after loading according to step vi) can be the one shown in Fig. 12a to

[0214] Fig. 12f shown movement sequence (see dash-dotted line in Fig. 12a) for the transfer device 5 of the transfer unit 4. The movement sequence of the transfer device 5 comprises a horizontal movement relative to the first staging location BP', as can be seen from Figs. 12a and 12b, and then a vertical movement between the first staging location BP' and the second staging location BP", as can be seen from Figs. 12c to 12e, and then a horizontal movement relative to the second staging location BP", as can be seen from Figs. 12e and 12f.

[0215] In this case, step iii) after loading according to step vi) can be the one shown in Fig. 12d to

[0216] Fig. 12i shown movement sequence (see dash-dotted line in Fig. 12d) for the transfer device 5 of the further transfer unit 4'. The movement sequence of the transfer device 5 comprises a horizontal movement relative to the first staging location BP', as shown in Figs. 12d and 12e, and then a vertical movement between the first staging location BP' and the second staging location BP", as shown in Figs. 12f to 12h, and then a horizontal movement relative to the second staging location BP", as shown in Figs. 12h and 12i.

[0217] In addition, step iii) may comprise adjusting the distance between the support supports 51 of the support device and further support device by a drive device to a minimized distance AM (as shown by way of example in Fig. 12d) on the transfer device 5 of the transfer unit 4.

[0218] In addition, step iii) may comprise adjusting the distance between the support supports 51 of the support device and the further support device by a drive device to a minimized distance AM (as shown by way of example in Fig. 12g) on ​​the transfer device 5 of the further transfer unit 4'.

[0219] It may prove advantageous if the distance between the support supports 51 of the support device and the further support device is adjusted by a drive device to the minimized distance AM on the transfer device 5 of the transfer unit 4 before moving the transfer device 5 of the further transfer unit 4' according to step v). Preferably, the distance AM is adjusted during the horizontal movement relative to the first staging location BP', as shown in Figs. 12a and 12b.

[0220] It may prove advantageous if the distance between the support supports 51 of the support device and the further support device is adjusted by a drive device to the minimized distance AM on the transfer device 5 of the further transfer unit 4' before moving the transfer device 5 of the transfer unit 4 according to step v). Preferably, the distance AM is adjusted during the horizontal movement relative to the first provision location BP', as shown in Fig. 12d and Fig. 12e.

[0221] Step v) can comprise a vertical movement (see dash-dotted line in Fig. 12b) of the transfer device 5 of the further transfer unit 4' after step iv) has been carried out and after the transfer device 5 of the transfer unit 4 has previously been moved out of a movement range of the transfer device 5 of the further transfer unit 4' by a horizontal movement relative to the first staging location BP' (and after loading according to step vi)). Step v) can comprise a vertical movement (see dash-dotted line in Fig. 12f) of the transfer device 5 of the transfer unit 4 after step iv) has been carried out and after the transfer device 5 of the further transfer unit 4' has previously been moved out of a movement range of the transfer device 5 of the transfer unit 4 by a horizontal movement (see Fig. 12e) relative to the first staging location BP' (and after loading according to step vi)).

[0222] As can be seen in Figs. 12a to 12i, in step iii) and step v), the transfer device 5 of the transfer unit 4 and the transfer device 5 of the further transfer unit 4' are moved past each other (collision-free). In doing so, the transfer device 5 of the transfer unit 4 is moved out of the movement range of the transfer device 5 of the further transfer unit 4', and the transfer device 5 of the further transfer unit 4' is moved out of the movement range of the transfer device 5 of the transfer unit 4.

[0223] In addition, step iii) may comprise adjusting the distance between the support supports 51 of the support device and further support device by a drive device to a distance AD ​​defined by a width of the load unit LE (as shown in Fig. 12f) on the transfer device 5 of the transfer unit 4, before the load unit LE is pushed by the push-off device from the second staging location BP" onto the support supports 51 of the support device and further support device.

[0224] In addition, step iii) may comprise adjusting the distance between the support supports 51 of the support device and the further support device by a drive device to a distance AD ​​defined by a width of the load unit LE (as shown in Fig. 12i) on the transfer device 5 of the further transfer unit 4', before the load unit LE is pushed off by the push-off device from the second staging location BP'' onto the support supports 51 of the support device and the further support device.

[0225] The distance between the support supports 51 of the support device and the further support device is adjusted by a drive device to a distance AD ​​defined by a width of the load unit LE on the transfer device 5 of the transfer unit 4 before the load unit LE is pushed by the pusher device from the second staging location BP" onto the support supports 51 of the support device and the further support device. Preferably, the defined distance AD ​​is adjusted on the horizontal movement relative to the second staging location BP", as shown in Fig. 12e and Fig. 12f.

[0226] The distance between the support supports 51 of the support device and the further support device is adjusted by a drive device to a distance AD ​​defined by a width of the load unit LE on the transfer device 5 of the further transfer unit 4' before the load unit LE is pushed by the pusher device from the second staging location BP'' onto the support supports 51 of the support device and the further support device. Preferably, the defined distance AD ​​is adjusted on the horizontal movement relative to the second staging location BP", as shown in Fig. 12h and Fig. 12i.

[0227] It should also be noted that it may prove advantageous if a movement speed of the (unloaded) transfer device 5 on the vertical movement from the first staging location BP' to the second staging location BP" is higher than a movement speed of the (loaded) transfer device 5 on the vertical movement from the second staging location BP" to the first staging location BP'.

[0228] Fig. 13 shows a device 1 for the automated loading of a load carrier with loading units LE forming a loading stack. In contrast to the above figures, the transfer system comprises only one (single) transfer unit 4 with a spatially movable transfer device 5, as described above. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the above description.

[0229] Finally, it should be noted that the scope of protection is determined by the patent claims. However, the description and drawings should be considered for the interpretation of the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions in their own right.

[0230] In particular, it is also noted that the illustrated devices may in reality comprise more or fewer components than shown. In some cases, the illustrated devices or their components may also be shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size. Reference symbols

[0231] 1 device

[0232] 2 first supply device

[0233] 21 Load carrier conveyor technology

[0234] 22 Limitation sw and

[0235] 23 cones

[0236] 24 Recording unit

[0237] 3 second supply device

[0238] 31 Load unit conveyor technology

[0239] 311 conveyor elements

[0240] 331 slider

[0241] 32 unloading station

[0242] 33 Alignment device

[0243] 34 Rotating device

[0244] 35 Separation device

[0245] 36 sliders

[0246] 36' stop

[0247] 37 Recording unit

[0248] 38 Clarification conveying technology

[0249] 39 Vertical conveyor device

[0250] 4, 4' transfer unit

[0251] 42, 43 Supporting structure

[0252] 44 Drive device

[0253] 5 Transfer device

[0254] 51 support pad

[0255] 52, 52' From sliding element

[0256] 53 clamping element

[0257] 54 page element

[0258] 55 leading edge

[0259] 56 base frames

[0260] 6 Control unit

[0261] 7 Intermediate layer supply device

[0262] 71 Loading device

[0263] 72 Handling device

[0264] AP Workplace

[0265] AM Minimized distance

[0266] AD Defined distance

[0267] BE',BE“ Provisioning level

[0268] BP', BP“ Provisioning location FR Conveying direction

[0269] LE loading unit

[0270] RW trolley

[0271] SW side wall

[0272] 100 procedures

[0273] 110 Provision of load carriers

[0274] 120 Provision of loading units

[0275] 130 Aligning the transfer device

[0276] 140 Sliding the loading unit

[0277] 150 Moving the transfer device

[0278] 160 Loading the load carrier

[0279] 170 manual completion

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. Device (1) for the automated loading of a load carrier with load units (LE) forming a loading stack, comprising a first provision device (2) for providing load carriers at a first provision location (BP'), a second provision device (3) for providing load units (LE) at a second provision location (BP"), a transfer system for picking up load units (LE) from the second provision location (BP") and depositing load units (LE) at spatial loading positions on the loading stack, and a control unit (6) for controlling the transfer system, wherein the transfer system has a transfer unit (4) with a transfer device (5) that is movable in space, and the first and second provision locations (BP', BP") are arranged in the effective range of the transfer unit (4), wherein the transfer device (5) has a base frame (56),a support device arranged on the base frame (56) with a support support (51) forming a support surface for load units (LE) and a push-off unit, wherein the push-off unit has a push-off element (52) which forms a positioning surface that can be placed against a load unit (LE) resting on the support support (51) and is movable relative to the support support (51) so that a distance between a front edge (55) of the support support (51) and the positioning surface can be changed, characterized in that the support support (51) can be aligned with its front edge (55) alternately at the first or second provision location (BP', BP") so that a load unit (LE) can be pushed over the front edge (55) from the second provision location (BP") onto the support support (51) or from the support support (51) onto a load carrier provided at the first provision location (BP').

2. Device (1) for the automated loading of a load carrier with load units (LE) forming a loading stack, in particular according to claim 1, comprising a first supply device (2) for supplying load carriers at a first supply location (BP'), a second supply device (3) for supplying load units (LE) at a second supply location (BP”), a transfer system for picking up load units (LE) from the second supply location (BP”) and depositing load units (LE) at spatial loading positions on the loading stack and a control unit (6) for controlling the transfer system, wherein the transfer system comprises a transfer unit (4) with a movable transfer device (5) and the first and second provision locations (BP', BP") are arranged in the effective range of the transfer unit (4), wherein the transfer device (5) comprises a base frame (56), a support device arranged on the base frame (56) with a support support (51) forming a support surface for load units (LE), and a push-off unit, wherein the push-off unit has a push-off element (52) which forms a positioning surface that can be positioned against a load unit (LE) resting on the support support (51) and is movable relative to the support support (51) so that a distance between a front edge (55) of the support support (51) and the positioning surface can be changed, characterized in that the push-off element (52) is arranged above the support surface and the support device has a clamping element (53) that can be adjusted between an initial position and a clamping position,wherein in the starting position, a loading unit (LE) resting on the support surface can be moved past the clamping element (53), and the clamping element (53) projects beyond the support support (51) in the clamping position, so that the loading unit (LE) resting on the support surface can be fixed between the contact surface and the clamping element (53).

3. Device (1) for the automated loading of a load carrier with load units (LE) forming a loading stack, in particular according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a first provision device (2) for providing load carriers at a first provision location (BP'), a second provision device (3) for providing load units (LE) at a second provision location (BP"), a transfer system for picking up load units (LE) from the second provision location (BP") and depositing load units (LE) at spatial loading positions on the loading stack and a control unit (6) for controlling the transfer system, wherein the transfer system has a transfer unit (4) with a transfer device (5) that is movable in space and the first and second provision locations (BP', BP") are arranged in the effective range of the transfer unit (4), wherein the transfer device (5) has a base frame (56),a support device arranged on the base frame (56) with a support support (51) forming a support surface for load units (LE) and a push-off unit, wherein the push-off unit has a push-off element (52) which forms a positioning surface that can be adjusted against a load unit (LE) resting on the support support (51) and is movable relative to the support support (51), so that a, Distance between a front edge (55) of the support support (51) and the contact surface is variable, characterized in that the device (1) has a first provision plane (BE') and a second provision plane (BE"), which are arranged one above the other, wherein the first provision location (BP') is arranged in the first provision plane (BE') and the second provision location (BP") is arranged in the second provision plane (BE") and the first and second provision locations (BP', BP") are positioned one above the other.

4. Device (1) for the automated loading of a load carrier with load units (LE) forming a loading stack, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a first provision device (2) for providing load carriers at a first provision location (BP'), a second provision device (3) for providing load units (LE) at a second provision location (BP"), a transfer system for picking up load units (LE) from the second provision location (BP") and depositing load units (LE) at spatial loading positions on the loading stack and a control unit (6) for controlling the transfer system, wherein the transfer system has a transfer unit (4) with a transfer device (5) that is movable in space and the first and second provision locations (BP', BP") are arranged in the effective range of the transfer unit (4), wherein the transfer device (5) has a base frame (56),a support device arranged on the base frame (56) with a support support (51) forming a support surface for load units (LE) and a push-off unit, wherein the push-off unit has a push-off element (52) which forms a positioning surface that can be positioned against a load unit (LE) resting on the support support (51) and is movable relative to the support support (51) so that a distance between a front edge (55) of the support support (51) and the positioning surface can be changed, characterized in that the device (1) further comprises an intermediate layer provision device (7) which comprises a supply device (71) and a handling device (72) which is designed to receive intermediate layers from the supply device (71) and to deliver them to the second supply location (BP).

5. Device (1) for the automated loading of a load carrier with load units (LE) forming a loading stack, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 4, a first provision device (2) for providing load carriers at a first provision location (BP'), a second provision device (3) for providing load units (LE) at a second provision location (BP"), a transfer system for picking up load units (LE) from the second provision location (BP") and depositing load units (LE) at spatial loading positions on the loading stack and a control unit (6) for controlling the transfer system, wherein the transfer system has a transfer unit (4) with a transfer device (5) that is movable in space and the first and second provision locations (BP', BP") are arranged in the effective range of the transfer unit (4), wherein the transfer device (5) has a base frame (56),a support device arranged on the base frame (56) with a support support (51) forming a support surface for load units (LE) and a push-off unit, wherein the push-off unit has a push-off element (52) which forms a positioning surface that can be placed against a load unit (LE) resting on the support support (51) and is movable relative to the support support (51) so that a distance between a front edge (55) of the support support (51) and the positioning surface can be changed, characterized in that the second provision device (3) has a clarification conveyor system (38) for transporting load units (LE) away from the second provision location (BP).

6. Device (1) for the automated loading of a load carrier with load units (LE) forming a loading stack, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a first provision device (2) for providing load carriers at a first provision location (BP'), a second provision device (3) for providing load units (LE) at a second provision location (BP"), a transfer system for picking up load units (LE) from the second provision location (BP") and depositing load units (LE) at spatial loading positions on the loading stack and a control unit (6) for controlling the transfer system, wherein the transfer system has a transfer unit (4) with a transfer device (5) that is movable in space and the first and second provision locations (BP', BP") are arranged in the effective range of the transfer unit (4), wherein the transfer device (5) has a base frame (56),a support device arranged on the base frame (56) with a support support (51) forming a support surface for loading units (LE) and, comprises a push-off unit, wherein the push-off unit has a push-off element (52) which forms a positioning surface which can be positioned against a loading unit (LE) resting on the support support (51) and is movable relative to the support support (51) so that a distance between a front edge (55) of the support support (51) and the positioning surface can be changed, characterized in that the transfer system has a further transfer unit (4') with a transfer device (5) which can be moved in space, wherein the transfer unit (4) and the further transfer unit (4') have an overlapping effective range, the first and second provision locations (BP', BP") are arranged in the overlapping effective range and the transfer devices (5) of the transfer unit (4) and the further transfer unit (4') can be moved past one another.

7. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the transfer system comprises a further transfer unit (4') with a transfer device (5) that is movable in space, wherein the transfer unit (4) and the further transfer unit (4') have an overlapping effective range, the first and second provisioning locations (BP', BP") are arranged in the overlapping effective range, wherein the transfer device (5) of the further transfer unit (4') comprises a base frame (56), a support device arranged on the base frame (56) with a support surface (51) for load units (LE) that forms a support surface, and a push-off unit, wherein the push-off unit has a push-off element (52) that forms a support surface that can be positioned against a load unit (LE) resting on the support surface (51) and is movable relative to the support surface (51),so that a distance between a front edge (55) of the support pad (51) and the contact surface can be changed., 8. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the transfer unit (4) and / or the further transfer unit (4') are arranged stationary.

9. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the transfer unit (4) has a horizontal support structure (42) on which the transfer device (5) of the transfer unit (4) is mounted, and a vertical support structure (43) on which the horizontal support structure (42) is mounted so as to be vertically and / or horizontally movable.

10. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the further transfer unit (4') has a horizontal support structure (42) on which the transfer device (5) of the further transfer unit (4') is mounted, and a vertical support structure (43) on which the horizontal support structure (42) is mounted so as to be vertically and / or horizontally movable.

11. Device (1) according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the control unit (6) is designed to control the transfer system in such a way that the transfer devices (5) of the transfer unit (4) and the further transfer unit (4') are alternately aligned at the first or second provision location (BP', BP"), wherein the transfer devices (5) are moved past one another.

12. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the first supply device (2) has a load carrier conveyor system (21) leading to the first supply location (BP'), leading away from it and / or forming it.

13. Device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the first supply device (2) has a work station (AP) for, in particular manually, loading of load carriers, wherein the load carrier conveyor system (21) is designed to provide load carriers at the work station (AP).

14. Device (1) according to claim 5 and 13, characterized in that the second supply station (BP”) and the work station (AP) are connected via the clarification conveyor system (38).

15. Device (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the second supply location (BP”) and the work station (AP) are arranged at different heights and the clarification conveyor technology (38) comprises a vertical conveyor device (39), in particular a load unit lifter, a chute and / or an ascending or descending conveyor.

16. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the first supply device (2) has a vertical, in particular horizontally movable, Boundary wall (22) which is arranged on a side of the first provision location (BP') facing away from the transfer device (5) and can be aligned with the first provision location (BP') in order to delimit the same.

17. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the first provision device (2) comprises a spreading device which spreads side walls (SW) of a load carrier, in particular a trolley (RW), at least vertically or obliquely outwards for loading, wherein the spreading device has two pins (23) arranged in particular at the same height and movable between a spreading position and a non-spreading position, wherein the pins (23) project beyond the first provision location (BP') in the spreading position.

18. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the first provision device (2) is assigned a detection unit (24) for detecting the loading stack, in particular an uppermost layer of the loading stack.

19. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the second supply device (3) has a loading unit conveyor system (31) leading in a conveying direction (FR) to the second supply location (BP”) and in particular forming the second supply location (BP”).

20. Device (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that the second supply device (3) has an unloading station (32) for unloading loading units (LE) from loading aids onto the loading unit conveyor system (31).

21. Device (1) according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the second supply device (3) has an alignment device (33) for aligning load units (LE) on the load unit conveyor (31), wherein the alignment device (33) preferably comprises a slider (331) movable orthogonally to the conveying direction (FR).

22. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the second supply device (3) has a rotating device (34) for rotating loading units (LE) about a vertical axis of rotation and / or a tilting device for tilting loading units (LE) about a horizontal tilting axis.

23. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the second supply device (3) has a grouping device for grouping a plurality of loading units (LE) and / or a singling device (35) for singling loading units (LE).

24. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the second provision device (3) has a pushing device for pushing load units (LE) from the second provision location (BP”) onto the support support (51).

25. Device (1) according to claim 19 and 24, characterized in that the pushing-off device has a slider (36) which is horizontally movable orthogonally to the conveying direction (FR) and which preferably projects above a conveying plane of the loading unit conveying system (31).

26. Device (1) according to claim 25, characterized in that the loading unit conveyor system (31) has a plurality of conveyor elements (311) spaced apart from one another and the slider (36) meshes at least partially with the conveyor elements (311).

27. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that the second provision device (3) is assigned a detection unit (37) for detecting a loading unit (LE) provided on the second provision location (BP”) and / or for checking whether the loading unit (LE) provided on the second provision location (BP”) can be delivered to the loading position.

28. Device (1) according to claim 27, characterized in that the control unit (6) is designed to control the pushing device for pushing the loading unit (LE) from the second Provisioning location (BP”) onto the support support (51) if the check shows that the loading unit (LE) can be delivered to the loading position by the transfer device (5), and the second provisioning device (3), in particular a clarification conveyor technology (38) of the second provisioning device (3), to transport the loading unit (LE) away from the second provisioning location (BP”) if the check shows that the loading unit (LE) cannot be delivered to the loading position by the transfer device (5).

29. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 28, characterized in that the pushing-off unit comprises an adjusting device for adjusting a distance between the front edge (55) of the support support (51) and the contact surface of the pushing-off element (52).

30. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 29, characterized in that the transfer device (5) has a further support device arranged on the base frame (56) with a support support (51) forming a support surface for receiving load units (LE), wherein the support supports (51) of the support device and the further support device are arranged parallel to one another with a, in particular adjustable, distance.

31. Device (1) according to claim 30, characterized in that the base frame (56) comprises a base frame element and a further base frame element, and the support device is arranged on the base frame element and the further support device is arranged on the further base frame element, wherein the distance between the support supports (51) of the support device arranged parallel to one another and the further support device is adjustable by a drive device.

32. Device (1) according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that the control unit (6) is designed to control the transfer unit (4) and / or the further transfer unit (4') in such a way that on the transfer unit (4) the distance between the support supports (51) of the Support device and further support device is set to a minimized distance (AM) by a drive device so that the further transfer unit (4') can be moved past the transfer unit (4), and / or on the further transfer unit (4') the distance between the support supports (51) of the support device and further support device is set to a minimized distance (AM) by a drive device so that the transfer unit (4) can be moved past the further transfer unit (4').

33. Device (1) according to one of claims 30 to 32, characterized in that the control unit (6) is configured to control the transfer unit (4) and / or the further transfer unit (4') in such a way that, on the transfer unit (4), the distance between the support supports (51) of the support device and the further support device is adjusted by a drive device to a distance (AD) defined by a width of the load unit (LE) before the load unit (LE) is pushed by the push-off device from the second staging area (BP") onto the support supports (51) of the support device and the further support device, and / or, on the further transfer unit (4'), the distance between the support supports (51) of the support device and the further support device is adjusted by a drive device to a distance (AD) defined by a width of the load unit (LE),before the load unit (LE) is pushed by the push-off device from the second staging area (BP”) onto the support supports (51) of the support device and further support device.

34. Device (1) according to one of claims 30 to 33, characterized in that the control unit (6) is designed to control the transfer unit (4) and / or the further transfer unit (4') in such a way that the transfer device (5) of the transfer unit (4) is moved vertically relative to the second provision location (BP") after the load units (LE) have been pushed from the second provision location (BP") onto the support support (51), and the transfer device (5) of the further transfer unit (4') is moved horizontally relative to the first provision location (BP') after the load units (LE) have been delivered from the support support (51) to the load carrier, so that the transfer device (5) of the transfer unit (4) and the transfer device (5) of the further transfer unit (4') are moved past one another.

35. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 34, characterized in that the support device and / or the further support device has a side element (54) projecting upwards relative to the support support (51), in particular relative to the support surface.

36. Device (1) according to claim 30 or 35, characterized in that the push-off element (52) is arranged between the support supports (51) of the support device and further support device and preferably projects beyond their support surfaces.

37. Device (1) according to claim 30 or 35, characterized in that the pushing unit comprises a further pushing element (52') which forms a positioning surface which can be positioned against a loading unit (LE) resting on the support support (51) of the further supporting device, wherein the further pushing element (52') is movable relative to the support support (51) of the further supporting device, so that a distance between a front edge (55) of the support support (51) of the further supporting device and the positioning surface can be changed, wherein the pushing element (52') is arranged above the support support (51) of the supporting device and the further pushing element (52') is arranged above the support support (51) of the further supporting device.

38. Device (1) according to claim 37, characterized in that the further support device has a clamping element (53) which is movable between a starting position and a clamping position, wherein in the starting position a loading unit (LE) resting on the support support (51) of the further support device can be moved past the clamping element (53), and the clamping element (53) projects over the support support (51) of the further support device in the clamping position, so that the loading unit (LE) resting on the support support (51) of the further support device can be fixed between the contact surface of the further push-off element (52 ') and the clamping element (53).

39. Device (1) according to claim 37 or 38, characterized in that the pushing-off unit comprises a further adjusting device for adjusting a distance between the front edge (55) of the support support (51) of the further supporting device and the contact surface of the further pushing-off element (52').

40. Device (1) according to one of claims 30 to 39, characterized in that the support supports (51) of the support device and the further support device are mounted on the base frame (56) so as to be horizontally extendable independently of one another.

41. Method (100) for the automated loading of a load carrier with loading units (LE) forming a loading stack by means of a device (1) for the automated loading of a load carrier, in particular by means of a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 40, comprising the following steps: i) providing (110) a load carrier at the first provision location (BP') by a first provision device (2) of the device (1); ii) providing (120) a loading unit (LE) at the second provision location (BP") by a second provision device (3) of the device (1); iii) aligning (130) a support support (51) of a transfer device (5) at the second provision location (BP"); iv) pushing (140) the loading unit (LE) from the second provision location (BP") onto the support support (51) of the transfer device (5);v) moving (150) the transfer device (5) from the second staging location (BP”) to the first staging location (BP'), wherein the support support (51) is aligned at a loading position on the load carrier at which the load unit (LE) is to be delivered; vi) loading (160) the load carrier, wherein the load unit (LE) is pushed from the support support (51) to the loading position by means of a push-off unit of the transfer device (5); characterized in that the support support (51) is aligned with its front edge (55) at the second staging location (BP”) in step iii) and with its front edge (55) at the loading position in step vi), and the load unit (LE) is pushed onto the support support (51) via the front edge (55) in step iv) and released from the support support (51) via the front edge (55) in step vi).

42. Method (100) for the automated loading of a load carrier with loading units (LE) forming a loading stack, in particular according to claim 41, by means of a device (1) for the automated loading of a load carrier, in particular by means of a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 40, comprising the following steps: i) Providing (110) a load carrier at the first provision location (BP') by a first provision device (2) of the device (1); ii) Providing (120) a loading unit (LE) at the second provision location (BP") by a second provision device (3) of the device (1); iii) Aligning (130) a support support (51) of a transfer device (5) at the second provision location (BP"); iv) Sliding (140) the loading unit (LE) from the second provision location (BP") onto the support support (51) of the transfer device (5); v) Moving (150) the transfer device (5) from the second provision location (BP") to the first provision location (BP'), wherein the support support (51) is aligned at a loading position on the load carrier at which the loading unit (LE) is to be delivered; vi) loading (160) of the load carrier, wherein the loading unit (LE) is pushed from the support support (51) to the loading position by means of a pushing unit of the transfer device (5);characterized in that the first provision location (BP') is arranged in a first provision level (BE') of the device (1) and the second provision location (BP") is arranged in a second provision level (BE") of the device (1), wherein the first and second provision locations (BP', BP") are arranged one above the other, in particular vertically, and the transfer device (5) is moved in step v) in the vertical direction from the second provision level (BE") to the loading position.; 43. Method (100) for the automated loading of a load carrier with loading units (LE) forming a loading stack, in particular according to claim 41 or 42, by means of a device (1) for the automated loading of a load carrier, in particular by means of a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 40, comprising the following steps: i) providing (110) a load carrier at the first provision location (BP') by a first provision device (2) of the device (1); ii) providing (120) a loading unit (LE) at the second provision location (BP") by a second provision device (3) of the device (1); iii) aligning (130) a support support (51) of a transfer device (5) at the second provision location (BP"); iv) pushing (140) the loading unit (LE) from the second provision location (BP") onto the support support (51) of the transfer device (5); v) moving (150) the transfer device (5) from the second staging location (BP”) to the first staging location (BP'), wherein the support support (51) is aligned with a loading position on the load carrier at which the load unit (LE) is to be delivered; vi) loading (160) the load carrier, wherein the load unit (LE) is pushed from the support support (51) to the loading position by means of a push-off unit of the transfer device (5); characterized in that steps ii) to vi) are repeated for an intermediate layer instead of the load unit (LE).

44. Method (100) according to claim 43, characterized in that, when repeating step ii) for the intermediate layer, the intermediate layer is provided by means of a supply device (71) of an intermediate layer supply device (7) and is removed from the supply device (71) by means of a handling device (72) of the intermediate layer supply device (7) and delivered to the second supply location (BP”).

45. A method (100) for the automated loading of a load carrier with loading units (LE) forming a loading stack, in particular according to one of claims 41 to 44, by means of a device (1) for the automated loading of a load carrier, in particular by means of a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 40, comprising the following steps: i) providing (110) a load carrier at the first provision location (BP') by a first provision device (2) of the device (1); ii) providing (120) a loading unit (LE) at the second provision location (BP") by a second provision device (3) of the device (1); iii) aligning (130) a support support (51) of a transfer device (5) at the second provision location (BP"); iv) pushing (140) the loading unit (LE) from the second provision location (BP") onto the support support (51) of the transfer device (5);v) moving (150) the transfer device (5) from the second staging location (BP”) to the first staging location (BP'), wherein the support support (51) is aligned at a loading position on the load carrier at which the loading unit (LE) is to be delivered; vi) Loading (160) of the load carrier, wherein the load unit (LE) is pushed from the support support (51) to the loading position by means of a pushing unit of the transfer device (5); characterized in that the load unit (LE) is detected by means of a detection unit (37) during provision in step ii) and it is checked whether the load unit (LE) can be delivered to the loading position, wherein steps iii) to vi) are carried out if the load unit (LE) can be delivered to the loading position and the load unit (LE) is transported away from the second provision location (BP) via a clarification conveyor system (38) in a step vii) if the load unit (LE) cannot be delivered to the loading position.

46. Method (100) according to claim 45, characterized in that in step vii) the loading unit (LE) and optionally subsequent loading units (LE) are transported from the second provision location (BP”) via the clarification conveyor system (38) to a work station (AP), the load carrier with an incomplete loading stack formed thereon is provided at the work station (AP) by means of the first provision device (2), and the loading unit (LE) transported to the work station (AP) or the loading units (LE) transported to the work station (AP) are manually placed onto the loading stack.

47. Method (100) for the automated loading of a load carrier with loading units (LE) forming a loading stack, in particular according to one of claims 41 to 46, by means of a device (1) for the automated loading of a load carrier, in particular by means of a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 40, comprising the following steps: i) providing (110) a load carrier at the first provision location (BP') by a first provision device (2) of the device (1); ii) providing (120) a loading unit (LE) at the second provision location (BP") by a second provision device (3) of the device (1); iii) aligning (130) a support support (51) of a transfer device (5) at the second staging location (BP"); iv) pushing (140) the load unit (LE) from the second staging location (BP") onto the support support (51) of the transfer device (5); v) moving (150) the transfer device (5) from the second staging location (BP") to the first staging location (BP'), wherein the support support (51) is aligned at a loading position on the load carrier at which the load unit (LE) is to be delivered; vi) loading (160) the load carrier, wherein the load unit (LE) is pushed from the support support (51) to the loading position by means of a pushing unit of the transfer device (5);characterized in that steps ii) to vi) form a loading cycle which is repeated alternately with the transfer device (5) of a transfer unit (4) and a transfer device (5) of a further transfer unit (4') in a time-overlapping manner, wherein steps iii) and iv) are carried out with the transfer device (5) of the further transfer unit (4'), while steps v) and vi) are carried out with the transfer device (5) of the transfer unit (4); 48. Method (100) according to one of claims 41 to 47, characterized in that step iii) comprises a movement sequence of the transfer device (5) of the transfer unit (4) after loading according to step vi), which has a horizontal movement relative to the first supply location (BP'), a vertical movement between the first supply location (BP') and the second supply location (BP") and a horizontal movement relative to the second supply location (BP"), and / or a movement sequence of the transfer device (5) of the further transfer unit (4') after loading according to step vi), which has a horizontal movement relative to the first supply location (BP'), a vertical movement between the first supply location (BP') and the second supply location (BP") and a horizontal movement relative to the second supply location (BP").

49. Method (100) according to one of claims 41 to 48, characterized in that step v) a vertical movement of the transfer device (5) of the transfer unit (4) after step iv) has been carried out and after the transfer device (5) of the further transfer unit (4') has previously been moved by a horizontal movement relative to the first provision location (BP') out of a movement range of the transfer device (5) of the transfer unit (4).

50. Method (100) according to one of claims 41 to 49, characterized in that in step iii) and step v) the transfer device (5) of the transfer unit (4) and the transfer device (5) of the further transfer unit (4') are moved past each other.

51. Method (100) according to one of claims 41 to 50, characterized in that the transfer device (5) of the transfer unit (4) comprises a support device with the Supporting support (51) for receiving the loading unit (LE) and a further supporting device with the supporting support (51) for receiving the loading unit (LE), wherein the supporting supports (51) of the supporting device and the further supporting device are arranged parallel to one another at a distance, and / or the transfer device (5) of the further transfer unit (4') has a supporting device with the supporting support (51) for receiving the loading unit (LE) and a further supporting device with the supporting support (51) for receiving the loading unit (LE), wherein the supporting supports (51) of the supporting device and the further supporting device are arranged parallel to one another at a distance, wherein step iii) comprises Adjusting the distance between the support supports (51) of the support device and further support devices by means of a drive device to a minimized distance (AM), on the transfer device (5) of the transfer unit (4), and / or Adjusting the distance between the support supports (51) of the support device and further support device by means of a drive device to a minimized distance (AM) on the transfer device (5) of the further transfer unit (4').

52. Method (100) according to claim 51, characterized in that the adjustment of the distance between the support supports (51) of the support device and further Support device by a drive device to the minimized distance (AM), on the transfer device (5) of the transfer unit (4) or further transfer unit (4'), before moving according to step v).

53. Method (100) according to one of claims 41 to 52, characterized in that the transfer device (5) of the transfer unit (4) comprises a support device with the Supporting support (51) for receiving the loading unit (LE) and a further supporting device with the supporting support (51) for receiving the loading unit (LE), wherein the supporting supports (51) of the supporting device and the further supporting device are arranged parallel to one another at a distance, and / or the transfer device (5) of the further transfer unit (4') has a supporting device with the supporting support (51) for receiving the loading unit (LE) and a further supporting device with the supporting support (51) for receiving the loading unit (LE), wherein the supporting supports (51) of the supporting device and the further supporting device are arranged parallel to one another at a distance, wherein step iii) comprises Adjusting the distance between the support supports (51) of the support device and further support devices by a drive device to a distance (AD) defined by a width of the load unit (LE), on the transfer device (5) of the transfer unit (4), before the load unit (LE) is pushed by the push-off device from the second staging area (BP) onto the support supports (51) of the support device and further support devices, and / or Adjusting the distance between the support supports (51) of the support device and the further support device by means of a drive device to a distance (AD) defined by a width of the loading unit (LE), on the transfer device (5) of the further transfer unit (4'), before the loading unit (LE) is pushed by the push-off device from the second staging location (BP”) onto the support supports (51) of the support device and the further support device.

54. Method (100) according to claim 53, characterized in that the adjustment of the distance between the support supports (51) of the support device and further support device by a drive device to the distance (AD) defined by a width of the loading unit (LE), on the transfer device (5) of the transfer unit (4) or further Transfer unit (4') takes place before the loading unit (LE) is pushed by the pushing device from the second staging area (BP”) onto the support supports (51) of the supporting device and further supporting device.

55. Method (100) according to one of claims 41 to 54, characterized in that the loading unit (LE) is provided in step ii) in a loading orientation at the second provision location (BP”), wherein the loading orientation is determined before or during step ii) by means of a computer system.

56. Method (100) according to claim 55, characterized in that the loading unit (LE) is aligned during step ii) such that it is provided in the loading orientation at the second provision location (BP”).

57. Method (100) according to one of claims 41 to 56, characterized in that in step ii) a plurality of loading units (LE) are grouped and aligned such that they are provided one after the other at the second provision location (BP") in a pushing-on direction in which the loading units (LE) are pushed from the second provision location (BP") onto the support support (51) in step iv).

58. Method (100) according to one of claims 41 to 57, characterized in that the transfer device (5) has a support device and a further support device, each with a support support (51) forming a support surface for load units (LE), wherein for steps iii) to vi) optionally one of the support supports (51) or the support supports (51) of the support device and the further support device are used.

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