Expedition lung for an order picking facility

Abstract

The present invention relates to a commissioning installation comprising a goods output buffer (3) with at least one storage area (4) where the commissioned goods units are stored before leaving the installation, and at least one preparation area (6) to which these units are supplied, according to a predefined automatic sequence, by means of a control device. The present invention also relates to a pallet racking system for the goods output buffer and a drive device for this system. The invention further relates to a gravity conveyor belt (5) for the preparation area of ​​the goods output buffer.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a picking system for picking different goods into goods units and to a goods output buffer for such a picking system. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Retail stores, such as grocery stores, sell a wide variety of goods. Consequently, it is not possible for these stores to stock large quantities of goods, as this would require an exceptionally large amount of space. Conversely, wholesalers and manufacturers are not interested in delivering individual items to retailers, as this would be very costly. Therefore, order picking is necessary in distribution centers or fulfillment centers. Manufacturers deliver single-product goods in large quantities or large packaging units, which are then broken down into individual items or smaller packages and distributed to the retail stores.At the same time, various goods, for example those destined for a retail store, are regrouped into units to simplify transport. Accordingly, order picking can be seen as the process of separating or reducing the size of large, single-product packages and assembling different goods into a new unit.

[0003] This applies not only to supplying branches of retail chains, such as supermarkets, but also to delivering to customers of mail-order companies. Due to the wide variety of goods that need to be handled during such order picking processes, different packaging options are used for producing the finished, picked units. For example, in the food retail sector, both standard EU pallets, on which goods are simply stacked, and roll containers are used. These roll containers consist of a platform for storing goods, side walls to support the goods, and casters on the underside of the platform for moving the containers. Furthermore, other types of carriers can be used for units containing several different items.Due to the different carriers, such as pallets, roll containers or other types of carriers, it is difficult to effectively manage the handling of goods units during goods dispatch.

[0004] Furthermore, another challenge lies in coordinating the picking process with the release of the picked units at the shipping area. If the goods are picked into their respective units too early, they must be temporarily stored until the appropriate transport vehicle is ready for collection by the recipient. This can lead to congestion of necessary traffic routes within the picking system. Conversely, if picking starts too late, it can result in undesirable waiting times and idle periods for transport vehicles, such as trucks, when delivering to retail stores.

[0005] EP 3 023 364 A1 relates to a storage and retrieval machine for storing and retrieving items from a rack, comprising a load handling device for receiving the items to be stored and retrieved on the storage and retrieval machine, a gripping device for grasping the items to be stored and retrieved and for moving the items from the rack onto the load handling device and / or from the load handling device into the rack, a chassis which serves to move the storage and retrieval machine on a first level along at least one rack, a lifting device which is arranged on the chassis and on which the load handling device is arranged and which serves to move the load handling device along a direction that runs transversely to the first level, wherein the gripping device is designed in such a way that several different types of items can be handled. REVELATION OF THE INVENTION TASK OF INVENTION

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a goods issue buffer for a picking system that can handle different carriers for the various goods and, moreover, ensure efficient goods issue. Furthermore, the solution according to the invention should be technically simple to implement and manage. TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0007] This problem is solved by a goods output buffer of a picking system with the features of claim 1. Further embodiments of the invention are claimed in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0008] The accompanying figures show in a purely schematic way in Fig. 1 an overview of a picking system with a goods issue buffer according to the invention; Fig. 2 a sectional view through a goods issue buffer; Fig. 3 a top view of a horizontal section through the goods issue buffer of the Figure 2 Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of the outgoing goods buffer according to Figure 2 Fig. 5 Side views of a storage and retrieval machine according to the invention with adjustable lifting means in partial images a) to c); Fig. 6 A sectional view through shelf compartments of a shelf of the goods issue buffer during loading or unloading of goods units in partial images a) and b); Fig. 7 A side view of a first embodiment of a gravity conveyor according to the invention of a goods issue buffer; Fig. 8 A top view of the gravity conveyor made of Figure 7 Fig. 9 shows another top view of the gravity conveyor. Figure 7Fig. 10: A side view in the direction of transport of a second embodiment of a gravity conveyor; Fig. 11: A side view according to Figure 10 in operation with a pallet; Fig.12 a side view of the gravity conveyor according to Figure 10 in operation with a roll container; and in Figs. 13 to 15 side views of the gravity conveyor. Figures 10 to 12 to illustrate how the towing carriage works. EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0009] Further advantages, characteristics, and features of the present invention will become clear in the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. However, the invention is not limited to these exemplary embodiments.

[0010] The Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a picking system 1 according to the invention, comprising a picking area 2 and a goods issue buffer 3. In picking area 2, goods of the same type, grouped into larger packaging units, are received. These packaging units are then broken down into individual items in picking area 2 to assemble units of goods containing different types of goods for further shipment. This is the case, for example, in distribution centers that supply retail stores with the various goods in their product range. In the distribution center, or the corresponding picking system that forms or is integrated into the distribution center, a large number of different goods are thus repackaged from packaging units containing single-type goods into units containing mixed goods in order to supply the individual stores with smaller quantities.In this way, manufacturers can deliver goods in large quantities and packaging units, while after order picking, individual units are available for shipment to the various retail stores, each containing a wide variety of goods. The same order picking principle can also be applied to mail-order companies, which likewise receive a wide variety of goods in large quantities and ship differently assembled packages to individual customers. Accordingly, a dedicated warehouse for single-product packaging units is usually provided in the order picking area, or a dedicated warehouse is attached to order picking area 2, so that single-product packaging units can be made available for order picking in order picking area 2.

[0011] The order picking system 1 according to the invention comprises, in addition to the order picking area 2, a goods issue buffer 3, which includes a storage area 4 and a staging area 6. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of gravity conveyors 5 are provided in the staging area 6; however, the staging area 6 can also be designed differently, although the gravity conveyors 5 are advantageous, as will be shown later. The goods issue area, with, for example, a loading ramp 7 with an outlet 33, is arranged directly adjacent to and associated with the staging area 6.

[0012] A goods unit transfer point 11 is provided between the goods issue buffer 3 and the picking area 2, via which the picked goods units can be transferred to the goods issue buffer 3. Instead of the one in Figure 1In addition to the single goods unit transfer 11 shown, several goods unit transfers may be provided and by-pass transport routes (not shown) may be provided that allow the ready-picked goods units to be issued directly to the goods issue area bypassing the goods issue buffer 3.

[0013] The Figure 2 Figure 3 shows the goods output buffer 3 according to the invention in a sectional view, showing that the storage area 4 in the illustrated embodiment is designed as a pallet rack storage system.

[0014] The pallet racking system has a large number of shelf compartments (12) into which different units of goods (9, 10) can be stored. Unit of goods (9) is, for example, a stack of pallets stored on a Euro pallet, while unit of goods (10) is a roll container.

[0015] As from the Figure 2As can be seen, the rack compartments 12 are designed so that three roll containers 10 or two pallets 9 can be stored one behind the other. The pallet racking system comprises a total of two racks, between which a storage aisle is formed, along which a storage vehicle 13 can move. Additionally, a pallet holder of the storage vehicle 13 is height-adjustable along a mast 14, so that along a plane defined by the storage aisle and the vertical direction to it, the pallet holder of the storage vehicle 13 can reach each rack compartment 12 of the pallet racking system in order to store or retrieve goods units 9, 10 from the rack compartments 12 of the pallet racking system. For this purpose, the storage vehicle 13 has, as will be shown later, telescopic lifting devices in the form of forks extending towards the rack compartments, which enable the removal of goods units 9, 10 or the storage of goods units 9, 10 into the rack compartments 12.

[0016] The pallet racking system also integrates the storage point 15 and the retrieval points 16, with both the storage point 15 and the retrieval point 16 each being located within the area of ​​a shelf compartment.

[0017] Storage point 15 is the end of the goods unit transfer 11, which can comprise any conveyor belt that delivers goods units from picking area 2 for transfer to the goods issue buffer. From the picking area, the picked goods units 9 and 10 are thus transported via goods unit transfer 11 to storage point 15, the transfer point where the storage vehicle 13 can take over the goods units 9 and 10 and store them in the storage bays 12 of racking area 4.

[0018] Furthermore, storage area 4 of the outbound buffer 3 comprises a plurality of outbound points 16, which simultaneously form the entrance to the staging area. In the present embodiment, all shelf compartments of the lowest level along the outbound shelf are designed as outbound points 16, such that the gravity conveyors 5 forming the staging area extend into the corresponding shelf. When retrieving the goods units 9, 10 from storage area 4 of the outbound buffer 3, the storage and retrieval machine 13 retrieves the goods units 9, 10 to be retrieved from the shelf compartments 12 and places them on the gravity conveyors 5 of the staging area or at the outbound points 16. From there, the goods units move automatically on the gravity conveyor to a picking point, from which they can be removed from the staging area for loading onto a truck.

[0019] A computerized data processing system controls the storage of goods units in storage area 4 of the outbound buffer 3 and their provision in the staging area or on the gravity conveyors 5. This is preferably integrated into the computerized control system of the entire picking system. The picking system first records the receipt of picking orders and then controls and monitors the corresponding picking process. With the outbound buffer 3, picking can now take place independently of a predetermined or expected outbound time, as the completed picking units can be temporarily stored or buffered in the outbound buffer 3.At the predetermined or desired goods issue time, the picked goods units 9 and 10 are transferred from storage area 4 of goods issue buffer 3 to the staging area, from where they can be loaded directly into a suitable transport vehicle, such as a truck. Through appropriate software control, the goods units 9 and 10 can be kept in the staging area in a desired sequence, corresponding to a desired loading configuration for truck 8. This loading configuration can be based, for example, on the route of the recipients being served and / or a necessary or desired weight distribution within truck 8.If the goods units 9, 10 are arranged in staging area 6, a truck driver who is to collect the picked goods units can be assigned gate 33 of loading ramp 7 assigned to staging area 6, where the truck driver can independently load the picked goods units 9, 10 into the truck 8.

[0020] This is made possible in particular by the gravity conveyors 5 used in the illustrated embodiment in the staging area 6, which ensure the automatic feeding of the goods units to a picking point 34 for the truck driver. Accordingly, the truck driver only needs to pick up the individual goods units 9, 10 at the picking point 34, for example with a hand pallet truck, and transfer them to his truck in the specified sequence in order to obtain a loaded truck 8 containing the goods units in a desired loading pattern.

[0021] Since the assignment of truck 8 to a specific gate 33 of the goods issue area or to a specific staging area 6 clearly defines which goods units 9 and 10 are to be loaded into truck 8, no additional personnel from the picking system are required to organize the goods issue. Furthermore, automated display or printout of loading information can be provided to the truck driver.

[0022] As from the Figure 1 As can be seen, several gravity conveyors 5 of the staging area can be assigned to a gate 33 of the goods issue area. The number of corresponding gravity conveyors 5 depends on the local conditions, such as the number of goods units 9, 10 to be kept in the staging area, and is variable within the given parameters.

[0023] The Figure 3shows a horizontal section through the outbound buffer 3, as it is located in Figure 2 This is shown in the area of ​​the lowest shelf compartments or the output points 16. The top view clearly shows that two storage and retrieval machines 13 are arranged to move along the storage aisle 36. These machines serve the shelf compartments 12 on the one hand and the output points 16 for transferring the goods units to the staging area 6 and storage point 15 on the other. Additionally, in the Figure 3 To the left and right of the gravity conveyor tracks 5, two additional outsourcing lanes 35 are provided, via which special goods or special cases can be provided.

[0024] The Figure 4 shows in a detailed view of the Figure 2An embodiment of the storage area 4, in which it has a heat-insulating housing 17 that directly encloses the shelf compartments and includes both the storage aisle and the storage point 15 and the dispensing points 16. The housing 17 only requires corresponding openings, in particular closable openings, at the storage point 15 and at the dispensing points 16.

[0025] The heat-insulating housing 17 serves to regulate the temperature in storage area 4, for which climate control units 18 in the form of heating and / or cooling devices are provided. A suitable temperature control medium, such as air, can be brought to the desired temperatures by the climate control units 18 and introduced into the housing 17 to set the desired temperatures there.

[0026] In particular, this can be achieved in the exemplary embodiment of the Figure 4The pallet racking system shown has several climate zones, allowing for the storage of different goods, such as temperature-sensitive goods requiring refrigeration. In the illustrated embodiment, the pallet racking system, designed as a high-bay warehouse, is divided into several climate zones, with warmer zones in the upper area and cooler zones in the lower area. For example, the temperature in the upper area of ​​the pallet racking system can be set to approximately 12°C, while a temperature of 5°C can be set in the lower area. This can be achieved, for example, by supplying the temperature control medium, such as cooling and / or heating air, to the interior of the housing 17 via lines 19 and 20, and extracting it again on the opposite side, resulting in horizontal flows of the temperature control media.This allows different zones with different temperatures to be set.

[0027] The Figure 5 a) bis c) Figure 13 shows a storage and retrieval machine 13, as it can be used in storage area 4 of the outbound buffer. The storage and retrieval machine 13 comprises a goods unit receiving unit 23, on which lifting means 22 in the form of forks are arranged, which are telescopically extendable perpendicular to the plane of the image in order to engage in the storage compartments 12 of the pallet racking system. Furthermore, the lifting means in the form of forks are shown in sub-figures a) to c) of the Figure 5 It is shown that their distance from each other is also adjustable in order to be able to carry different units of goods.

[0028] In the Figure 5a The forks 22 of the storage and retrieval machine 13 are arranged at close intervals to accommodate a goods unit 9 in the form of a pallet. In partial diagram b) of the Figure 5The tines 22 have moved apart, so that there is a greater distance between them than in partial image a) of the Figure 5 , so that the storage and retrieval machine 13 can accommodate two roll containers side by side on the goods unit receptacle 23.

[0029] In partial image c) of the Figure 5 The illustration shows that the storage and retrieval machine 13 with the lifting devices 23 also serves to hold so-called "slave" pallets, which are used to store roll containers in the rack.

[0030] The Figure 6 Figures a) and b) show the storage of the different goods units 9, 10 in the pallet racking system, showing the vertical supports 25 and the crossbeams or base plates 26 of the pallet racking system or racking systems. Figure 6 a)Pallets are stored in shelf compartment 12, and it is shown that the left pallet is being inserted or removed using the lifting devices 22 of the storage vehicle 13. For this purpose, the pallet 27 of the pallet unit 9 has clearances 31 into which the forks 22 of the storage and retrieval machine can engage.

[0031] In Figure 6 b) The figure shows that two goods units 10 based on roll containers 28 are arranged side by side on a so-called "slave" pallet 24, with the forks 22 spaced further apart, as shown in Figure 5 The figure shows that the roll containers 28 can be removed simultaneously. The roll containers 28 have a base plate 32 and side support walls 30 as well as casters 29 that allow them to be moved. The casters 29 are held in corresponding recesses of the slave pallet 24 during storage.

[0032] The Figure 7Figure 5 shows a side view of a gravity conveyor 5, as it may be provided in the staging area 6 of the goods output buffer 3.

[0033] On the in Fig. 7 In the first embodiment of a gravity conveyor 5 according to the invention, in the form of a roller conveyor, different goods units 9, 10 based on roll containers and EU standard pallets can be transported simultaneously or sequentially. The transport is effected by the gravity of the goods units 9, 10 and the inclined arrangement of the roller conveyor 5.

[0034] The side view shows a strut 44 of the gravity roller conveyor 5, which runs at a distinct inclination to the horizontal, from top to bottom from the left side of the image to the right side. Accordingly, the goods units 9, 10 are moved by gravity on the roller conveyor 5 due to their own weight and the goods on the roll containers or pallets. Fig. 1 moved to the right.

[0035] The Fig. 8 shows a top view of the gravity roller conveyor 5 from Fig. 7 . In the lower part of the image Fig. 8The strut 44 is visible, in which a plurality of rollers 45 are arranged and freely rotatable within the strut 44. Parallel to the strut 44, a strut 46 is arranged at a distance from the strut 44 and also has a plurality of rollers 47, which are again freely rotatable within the strut 46. Between the struts 44 and 46, in one section of the gravity roller conveyor 5, two further struts 49 and 51 are arranged, while in another section of the gravity roller conveyor 5, a plate 54 is provided. In both the struts 49 and 51 and in the plate 54, a plurality of rollers 50, 52, 53 are again freely rotatable, arranged one behind the other along the transport direction. A recess 61 is formed between the struts 46 and 51 and between the strut 46 and the plate 53, while a recess 62 is provided between the strut 44 and the strut 49 and between the strut 44 and the plate 54.The recesses 61 and 62 are provided continuously along the entire length of the gravity roller conveyor 5 along the transport direction, wherein the recesses 61 and 62 provide a sufficiently deep clearance to accommodate the wheels 29 of the roll containers 28 when the roll containers 28 are on the roller conveyors 44, 45; 46, 47; 49, 50; 51, 52 and 53, 54 with their base plate 32 (see . Fig. 7 are stored.

[0036] The rollers 45, 47, 50, 52, 53 are mounted in the struts 44, 46, 49, 51 and the plate 54 in such a way that they define a uniform transport plane, which means that they are arranged so that a flat object placed on the rollers 45, 47, 50, 52 and 53 touches rollers of all roller tracks.

[0037] Alternatively, the transport levels for the individual roller conveyors 44, 45; 46, 47; 49, 50; 51, 52; 53, 54 could define different transport levels, whereby, for example, roller conveyors could be grouped together to define a transport area, such as roller conveyors 44, 45 and 46, 47, so that one type of carrier, for example the roll containers 28, is moved only on these roller conveyors, while a second type of carrier, for example the EU standard pallets 27, is moved on roller conveyors 49, 50 and 51, 52 or 53, 54, which could then define a different transport level.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment of the Fig. 8The roll containers 28 with their base plates 32 rest on the roller tracks 44, 45; 46, 47, as well as 49, 50 and 51, 52 or 53, 54 and are transported by gravity according to the inclination of the gravity roller track due to the freely rotating rollers, with the wheels 29 on the underside of the roll containers 28 being carried without contact in the recesses 61 and 62.

[0039] The EU standard pallets can be stored either only by the middle roller conveyors 49, 50 and 51, 52 or 53, 54 or also by all roller conveyors 49, 50; 51, 52; 53, 54 or only the outer roller conveyors 44, 45 and 46, 47 and moved according to the inclination of the gravity roller conveyor 1 due to the freely rotating rollers 45, 47, 50, 52, 53.

[0040] At the end of gravity - roller track 5, which is in Fig. 9As described in more detail using the example of one of two adjacent gravity roller conveyors 5, there is a transfer station 55 where the goods units 9, 10 transported there, i.e., the roll containers 8 or the EU standard pallets 27, are transferred, for example, to pallet trucks for loading onto trucks. While guide rails 57 are sufficient for the EU standard pallets, which were supported on the rollers of the roller conveyors with their contact surfaces, allowing the EU standard pallets to slide to the end of the gravity roller conveyor 5 using their residual kinetic energy and be slowed down accordingly by friction during the sliding motion, additional braking devices can be provided, especially for the roll containers. For example, a stop 58 can also be provided as a braking device for the EU standard pallets, enabling them to be brought to a complete stop.

[0041] Similarly, the roll containers 28 can also be braked. However, it is advantageous if the roll containers 28 are already mounted on their wheels at the transfer station 55 to allow them to easily roll away from the transfer station 55. For this reason, a separate braking device (not shown) in the form of a brake rocker or the like can be provided for the roll containers 28. This device slows the movement of the roll containers 28 but then allows them to be easily removed from the transfer station 55 by tilting the rocker back.

[0042] In order to activate the separate braking device for the roll containers 28, an identification device 56 can also be provided, by means of which it can be identified which type of goods unit is currently at the transfer station 55 at the end of the

[0043] Gravity - roller conveyor 5 approaches. This can be achieved through various electronic, mechanical, or electromechanical systems, whereby in Fig. 9 a simple mechanical system is represented in such a way that a pivotable rod 60 is provided transversely across the gravity roller conveyor 5 at the transition to the transfer station 55, which can be moved by the wheels 29 of a roll container 28, i.e., can be pushed downwards, so that this movement of the rod 60 can trigger a mechanical release of a braking device, for example in the form of a brake rocker.

[0044] The Figures 10 to 15 The figures show a second embodiment of a gravity conveyor 5', in which a roadway with road surfaces 65, 66 is provided for the transport of the roll containers 28 instead of a roller conveyor. Figure 10Figure 1 shows a side view of a corresponding gravity conveyor 5' in the direction of transport, with two rail arrangements 61, 62 mounted on a base support 60. These rail arrangements comprise roller tracks 63, 64 on one side and roadways 65, 66 on the other. EU standard pallets can be transported on the roller tracks 63, 64, while roll containers 28 can travel on the roadways 65, 66 with their wheels 29. To ensure that the goods units 9, 10 placed on the gravity conveyor 5' actually move along the inclined track, a carriage 67 is provided, which can be moved along the direction of transport of the gravity conveyor 5' both in the direction of transport and against the direction of transport.

[0045] The carrier carriage 67 has a transport carriage or sled 69 which is movably arranged on the frame 60. For example, the carriage or sled 69 can slide along a rail arrangement or be mounted on rollers. Furthermore, an arrangement on a conveyor chain or the like is also conceivable. The transport of the carrier carriage 67 can be achieved by various drive means, such as conveyor chains, electric motors, and the like.

[0046] A foldable driver 68 is arranged on the carriage or sled 69, which is moved into the unfolded position by a spring device, as shown in the Figures 10 to 12The carrier 68 is pre-tensioned, as shown. It can be folded onto the carriage or slide 69 in a direction corresponding to the transport direction on the gravity conveyor 5', while folding in the other direction is not possible. Accordingly, in the unfolded position, when the carrier 68 is against an EU standard pallet 27 or a roll container 28, it can push the pallet accordingly. This is shown in the Figure 11 and 12 shown, the gravity conveyor track 5' when operating with an EU standard pallet ( Figure 11 ) and a roll container 28 ( Figure 12 ) show.

[0047] The operating principle of the carriage 67 with the foldable carrier 68 is described in the Figures 13 to 15 depicted. In Figure 13It is shown that several goods units 9, 10 have already reached the end of the gravity conveyor 5', while one goods unit 10 is still located at the beginning of the gravity conveyor 5'. In order to ensure that the goods unit 10 is also transported in the direction of transport if the gradient of the gravity conveyor is insufficient for independent transport, the carrier carriage 67 is moved towards the beginning of the gravity conveyor 5', folding inwards under the goods units 9, 10 already located at the end of the gravity conveyor 5'. This is shown in Figure 13As shown, after reaching the beginning of the gravity conveyor 5', the foldable carrier 68 unfolds due to spring tension and can rest against the roll container or the goods unit 10. The movement of the carrier carriage 67 towards the end of the gravity conveyor 5' pushes the goods unit 10 towards the end of the gravity conveyor 5'. This ensures that all goods units 9 and 10 are arranged in a continuous sequence at the end of the gravity conveyor 5'.

Claims

1. Shipping buffer of a picking system in which goods are picked into goods units, with at least one storage area (4) in which the picked goods units (9, 10) are stored before they leave the picking system, wherein: the shipping buffer further comprises at least one staging area (6) and at least one automated operating device (13), wherein the picked goods units are automatically staged in the staging area by the operating device in accordance with a predetermined sequence, the staging area comprises at least one gravity conveyor and the handling device comprises a storage and retrieval machine, characterized in that the storage and retrieval machine is designed to handle goods units (9, 10) with a plurality of goods stored on different carriers, wherein the storage and retrieval machine (13) being movable in two dimensions in a plane of movement parallel to a rack and having at least one lifting unit movable transversely to the plane of movement for lifting and carrying the various carriers, the lifting unit being designed to be adjustable to accommodate different carriers, and the lifting unit has two forks arms (22) which can be extended transversely to the direction of movement of the rack-serving device in an extension direction and whose distance from each other can be adjusted transversely to the extension direction, and wherein the storage and retrieval machine (13) is designed and adjustable so that it can carry Euro pallets and roll containers and other carrier pallets and, depending on the setting, at least two roll containers.

2. Shipping buffer according to claim 1, wherein the storage and retrieval machine (13) is arranged in relation to the storage area and the staging area such that picked goods units can be automatically transferred from the storage area to the staging area using the storage and retrieval machine.

3. Shipping buffer according to claim 1, wherein the fork arms (22) has a width that extends transversely to the extension direction and is dimensioned such that a carrier is held securely.

4. Shipping buffer according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gravity conveyor track has a transport track which is inclined to the horizontal and comprises transport means such that carriers which can be arranged on the transport track are moved at least partially by gravity, wherein the transport track is designed such that at least first, self-propelled carriers (28) with wheels on their underside and at least second, non-self-propelled carriers (27) with support surfaces on their underside can be transported simultaneously on the gravity conveyor, wherein the carriers are arranged with their underside aligned with the transport track, wherein the gravity conveyor comprises at least one motor-driven pushing element (67) which is movable along the transport track, so that at least one additional type of carrier can be pushed along the transport track.

5. Shipping buffer according to claim 4, wherein the pushing element (67) is movable in the transport direction and in the opposite direction, wherein the pushing element (67) is designed such that it only has a pushing function in the transport direction and has no pushing function in the opposite direction and can be moved past carriers located on the conveyor, and in particular can be folded in the transport direction.

6. Shipping buffer according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the conveyor path comprises transport means that can be driven by the carriers themselves.

7. Shipping buffer according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the conveyor path comprises at least one element from the group comprising endless belts, rollers, wheels, tracks and sliding elements, wherein in particular the endless belts, rollers and / or wheels are at least partially freely rotatably mounted and / or the conveyor belt comprises at least one conveyor plane which forms at least part of the surface of the conveyor belt on which the carriers are mounted.

8. Shipping buffer according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the conveyor path has at least three conveyor sections extending parallel to each other along the conveyor direction of the conveyor belt, each conveyor section having conveyor means, wherein in particular one or more conveyor sections are combined into groups, each group being designed for one or more types of carriers, and preferably the carriers are roll containers (28) and EU pallets (27).

9. Shipping buffer according to claim 8, wherein the transport areas have at least partially different transport levels which are offset relative to each other and / or the transport areas are separated from each other by one or more recesses which extend parallel to the transport areas along the transport direction of the transport track.

10. Shipping buffer according to claim 9, wherein the recesses define a predetermined clearance along the transport direction over the entire length of the conveyor path between adjacent transport areas, so that the wheels of the carriers can be moved in the recesses without contact and / or the sliding element or elements can be accommodated in a movable manner.

11. Shipping buffer according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein two transport areas forming a first group are provided, which comprise rollers as transport means, which are arranged in two parallel roller conveyors, and wherein two further transport areas forming a second group are provided, which comprise tracks as transport means, which are arranged as two parallel tracks.

12. Shipping buffer according to one of claims 4 to 11, wherein at least one braking device for braking the carriers is provided at the end of the conveyor path and / or at least one identification device for identifying the carriers is arranged at the end of the conveyor path, wherein in particular the braking device and the identification device are designed to interact in such a way that the braking device is selected or activated depending on the identification of the carrier.

13. Shipping buffer according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the pallet rack storage system has at least two racks, each of which has a plurality of rack compartments (12) arranged next to and above each other, in which the picked goods units (9, 10) can be stored, and a rack serving device (13) which can be moved in a plane between the racks, wherein an end of a gravity conveyor track is arranged in at least one area of a rack compartment and / or the pallet rack storage comprises an air-conditioning housing so that the rack compartments can be operated at temperatures different from the ambient temperature and / or at temperatures different from each other.

14. Shipping buffer according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the pallet rack warehouse comprises air conditioning units (18) and / or the pallet rack warehouse comprises different climate zones, which are preferably arranged from bottom to top with increasing temperature.

15. Shipping buffer according to one of claims 13 or 14, wherein one or more air flows can be adjusted in the air conditioning housing (17).

16. Order picking system with a shipping buffer according to one of the preceding claims.

17. Method for dispensing picked goods units from a picking system in which different goods are assembled into goods units, comprising the following steps: provision of a shipping buffer according to one of claims 1 to 15, feeding at least part of the picked goods units into the shipping buffer, storing at least some of the goods units fed into the shipping buffer in a storage area of the shipping buffer, removing a sequence of goods units from the storage area to a staging area of the shipping buffer and storing the goods units in the corresponding sequence, and dispensing the goods units from the staging area in the order specified by the sequence.

18. Method according to claim 17, wherein the storage and retrieval of the goods units into the storage area is automated.

19. Method according to one of claims 17 or 18, wherein the goods units are dispensed from the staging area step by step by removing individual goods units from a transfer position, wherein further goods units to be dispensed are automatically and forcibly fed into the transfer position.

Images