Multi-stage procedure for automatic sequencing of goods, as well as corresponding order picking system

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-stage method for sequencing goods (A1 to 15) in an order picking system (1a to 1e) comprising a first sorting device (6a to 6c) with several intermediate transport lines (7, PL1 to PL4) arranged parallel to each other with respect to the transport process and a second sorting device (11) located downstream of the first. The detected orders (AT1 to AT10) are connected to a control computer (21) of the order picking system (1a to 1e) and subsequently segmented into groups (WG1 to WG7) of goods, independent of the order limits (ATG), each group having a specifiable number of goods (A1 to 15).The groups of goods (WG1 to WG7) are selectively transferred to intermediate transport lines (7, PL1 to PL4) for sorting and are subsequently transported to the second sorting device (11), where they are sorted, group by group (WG1 to WG7), according to the order sequence. The invention also relates to an order picking system (1a to 1e) in which the aforementioned method can be carried out.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for automatically sequencing goods and a picking system as described in claims 1 and 18.

[0002] A picking system and a method of the aforementioned type are generally known from the prior art. For example, EP 2 560 899 B1 discloses a picking system and a method for picking packages, comprising a picking device for removing packages from a storage area, a buffer device for buffering the removed packages, and a dispensing device by which buffered packages are withdrawn from the buffer device according to a specific picking order. The buffer device can include at least one collection lane on which the buffered packages are collected.

[0003] A disadvantage of EP 2 560 899 B1 and other known systems for the automatic sequencing of goods is that the equipment required to create a predetermined sequence of goods in a picking system is very expensive, but is operated inefficiently.

[0004] US patent 2002 / 053535 A1 discloses a method for automatically sequencing goods in a picking system with a warehouse in which goods are stored and which includes a retrieval conveyor system, a first sorting device which has several parallel buffer conveyor lines and an input transfer device assigned to each buffer conveyor line, and an output transfer device assigned to each buffer conveyor line, a first conveyor system which connects the warehouse and the first sorting device, a second sorting device which is downstream of the first sorting device, a second conveyor system which connects the first sorting device and the second sorting device, a picking area which is downstream of the second sorting device, a third conveyor system which connects the second sorting device and the picking area, and a control system which includes a control computer and which is connected to the first sorting device and the second sorting device. comprehensively the steps: Recording multiple orders, each comprising at least one item, in the control computer; creating a desired order sequence for the orders in the picking area and a product sequence for the items within each order in the control computer; creating an overall product sequence by concatenating the orders according to the desired order sequence in the control computer; segmenting the overall product sequence into product groups, each with a predefinable number of items regardless of order limits; and creating a group sequence of the product groups according to the overall product sequence in the control computer, whereby the number of items in a product group is at most equal to the number of items that can be arranged in any order in the second sorting device; creating a retrieval group comprising ascendingly sorted product groups of the group sequence.for whose goods free capacity will be available in the first sorting device upon transfer to the first sorting device, in the control computer, retrieval of the goods comprised of the retrieval group from the warehouse by means of the retrieval conveyor technology, transport of the goods comprised of the retrieval group to the first sorting device by means of the first conveyor technology, selective transfer of the goods of the retrieval group from the first conveyor technology to the buffer conveyor lines by means of the input-side transfer devices, wherein goods of a goods group of the retrieval group are transferred into a free buffer area on at least one of the buffer conveyor lines and wherein the goods of the goods group are arranged directly adjacent to each other in any order in the at least one buffer conveyor line,Transfer of goods from the buffer conveyor lines, in group order, to the second conveyor system via the outbound transfer devices; transport of goods from the buffer conveyor lines, in group order, to the second sorting device via the second conveyor system; transport of goods from the second sorting device to the picking area in order order via the third conveyor system.

[0005] One object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved method for the automatic sequencing of goods and an improved order picking system. In particular, the equipment required to create a predetermined sequence of goods in an order picking system should be operated efficiently.

[0006] The object of the invention is solved by a multi-stage method for automatically sequencing goods in a picking system according to claim 1.

[0007] The object of the invention is also solved by a picking system according to claim 18.

[0008] The technical effect of segmenting the overall product sequence into product groups, each containing any number of items regardless of order limits, is that the second sorting device can be operated in an optimized manner, meaning close to or at its maximum sorting capacity. In this context, "optimized" means, in particular, that a product group can be defined such that the number of items it contains exactly matches the number of items that can be sorted into any desired order in a single operation by the second sorting device. "Optimized" also means, in particular, that in step e), a retrieval group can be formed that comprises those product groups in the ascending order for which free capacity will be available in the first sorting device upon transfer.

[0009] By decoupling order boundaries and segmenting the overall goods sequence independently of order boundaries, both the first and second sorting devices can be operated in an optimized manner. This means that their efficiency can be increased compared to the prior art. With the prior art's order-based processing, sorting devices, because they must be designed for the largest possible order, are too large for the majority of other cases and are therefore operated inefficiently.

[0010] For the purposes of this disclosure, an "order" may, for example, be assigned to a customer and therefore constitute a "customer order." The goods of this customer order may occupy one shipping load carrier, several shipping load carriers, or only part of a shipping load carrier (for example, when goods from several customer orders are combined on one pallet). However, an "order" may also be assigned to a shipping load carrier and therefore comprise goods that are to be loaded into or onto that shipping load carrier. Such an order may comprise goods from one or more customers.

[0011] The order sequence created in step b) and desired in the picking area does not necessarily correspond to the order in which orders are received, but can be determined according to order priority or based on a deadline for order completion (i.e., for example, based on a delivery date). The goods sequence can be a desired sequence in the picking area, but this is not mandatory. In one variant of the proposed procedure or picking system, no specific goods sequence within an order is required in the picking area. The term "sequencing orders" can generally be used synonymously with "linking orders." A goods group can comprise goods from one or more orders. The goods of an order can be comprised of one or more goods groups.

[0012] The retrieval conveyor system can include, in particular, storage and retrieval machines (single-level or multi-level) as well as shuttles in one or more aisles. The procedure proposed above also allows for the chaotic retrieval of goods in step f). This allows the retrieval performance of the conveyor system to be optimized, for example, when the goods are lined up with a view to time-optimized or path-optimized operation of the storage and retrieval machines or shuttles.

[0013] "Parallel in terms of conveying technology" or "parallel in terms of the conveying flow" does not necessarily mean "geometrically parallel," but merely that a conveying flow splits into several parallel conveying flows (which in this case run through the buffer conveying lines). The buffer conveying lines can be arranged geometrically parallel, but do not have to be. The buffer conveying lines can all be the same length and hold the same amount of goods, or they can be of different lengths and hold different amounts of goods.

[0014] The input transfer device can be formed by an infeed device arranged along the first conveying device, for example, a roller diverter, a belt transfer unit, or a pusher. The output transfer device can be formed by an outfeed device arranged along the second conveying device, for example, by conveyor rollers of the buffer conveying line, a roller diverter, or a belt transfer unit.

[0015] The statement "goods of a product group arranged directly adjacent to each other" means in particular that the goods of the product group in question are arranged without being mixed with goods of another product group (provided that a buffer conveyor line is intended to accommodate several product groups at all).

[0016] The formation of a retrieval group in step e) can take place if corresponding capacity is actually available in the first sorting device, or predictively or in anticipationally if corresponding capacity will (presumably) be available in the first sorting device when the goods of the retrieval group are transferred to the first sorting device.

[0017] The picking area may include, in particular, a manually and / or automatically operated picking station. The loading of goods into or onto destination loading equipment in step m) can be carried out manually or using loading technology. During manual loading, the worker is shown, particularly automatically, which goods to place into or onto a shipping loading equipment. This information can be displayed visually (e.g., via a screen, indicator lights, or smart glasses) and / or audibly (e.g., via a loudspeaker or headphones). For automated loading, the loading technology may also include one or more loading robots. In step m), one or more destination loading equipment, e.g., one or more shipping loading equipment, may be provided per order.

[0018] In addition to the control computer, the "control system" may include further components necessary for executing the proposed procedure. These may include, for example, data lines or radio links between the control computer and the actuators in the picking system, such as between the control computer and the outbound conveyor system, the first sorting device, the first conveyor system, the second sorting device, the second conveyor system, the picking area, and the third conveyor system. Steps f) to m) can be initiated by the control computer.The control of these steps f) to m) can then be handled, for example, by a local sub-controller, such as a sub-controller for the outbound conveyor system, a sub-controller for the first sorting device, a sub-controller for the first conveyor system, a sub-controller for the second sorting device, a sub-controller for the second conveyor system, a sub-controller for the picking area, or a sub-controller for the third conveyor system. However, steps f) to m) can also be controlled directly by the control computer. In this case, a local sub-controller is not necessary. Hybrid systems are also conceivable, in which some steps f) to m) are initiated by the control computer and others are directly controlled by the control computer.

[0019] The goods can be conveyed continuously or discontinuously using the first, second, and third conveying systems. In discontinuous conveying, the goods can be accumulated using the first, second, and / or third conveying systems. The first, second, and / or third conveying systems can therefore act as buffers, either temporarily or intermittently.

[0020] Generally, sorting in the presented method or picking system takes place in two stages, although further sorting stages are possible. Strictly speaking, pre-sorting in the first sorting stage can only occur if at least one picking group comprises more than one product group. Therefore, it is particularly advantageous if one picking group comprises several product groups, or if all picking groups comprise more than one product group.

[0021] Further advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and from the description in conjunction with the figures.

[0022] It is advantageous if groups of goods, each containing only one order, pass through the second sorting device in step k) without being sorted or bypass it. This prevents the second sorting device from being unnecessarily burdened if no specific order of goods within an order is required in the picking area. The second sorting device can therefore be operated even more efficiently.

[0023] It is also advantageous if In step b) a desired sequence of goods within each order is created in the control computer for the picking area, in step c) a desired overall sequence of goods is created by sequencing the orders, in step k) the overall sequence of goods is produced by sorting the goods in groups, group by group, in the sorting device, and in step l) the goods are transported to the picking area in the overall sequence of goods using the third conveyor technology.

[0024] In this implementation variant, the desired order of goods within an order is already defined in the picking area. The order-specific grouping of goods according to the order sequence occurs implicitly in this variant by establishing the desired overall order sequence. An explicit step for order-specific grouping of goods according to the order sequence is therefore unnecessary.

[0025] It is also advantageous if each product group contains the same number of items. This simplifies the segmentation of the overall product sequence in step d). This approach is particularly recommended if all buffer conveyor lines are the same length or can hold the same number of items.

[0026] It is particularly advantageous if the number of items in a product group exactly matches the number of items that can be sorted into any desired order in a single sorting operation by the second sorting device. This allows the second sorting device to operate at its maximum sorting capacity and therefore with exceptional efficiency.

[0027] It is advantageous if the goods of a product group within the picking group are stored in a free area of ​​exactly one of the buffer conveyor lines. This prevents the goods of a product group from being stored via multiple buffer conveyor lines. This simplifies the sorting process in the first sorting stage.

[0028] It is also advantageous if each buffer conveyor line receives goods from exactly one product group. This also simplifies the sorting process in the first sorting stage.

[0029] In the above case, it is particularly advantageous if the goods included in the retrieval group are retrieved in a chaotic sequence in step f). This allows the retrieval performance of the retrieval conveyor system to be optimized.

[0030] It is further advantageous if each buffer conveyor line receives goods from several entire product groups, with the product groups having a sequence number corresponding to the group order, and with goods from product groups with lower sequence numbers being stored further downstream in the respective buffer line than goods from product groups with higher sequence numbers. In this case, a buffer conveyor line can therefore receive goods from two, three, or more product groups. The proposed measures make it easier to achieve the required form factor for the first sorting device. Moreover, a constant conveying flow at the outlet of the first sorting device can be maintained even if re-conveying goods into the first sorting device takes a comparatively long time.

[0031] In another configuration, goods from some of the product groups within the storage group can be stored in available areas of several of the buffer conveyor lines. This allows for better utilization of the buffer conveyor lines under certain conditions. This is particularly relevant when the ratio of a buffer conveyor line's capacity to the number of goods in a product group is not an integer, where the product groups have a sequence number corresponding to their group order, and where goods from product groups with lower sequence numbers are stored further downstream in the respective buffer line than goods from product groups with higher sequence numbers. In this case, fewer or more goods are stored in a buffer conveyor line than the number of product groups it contains.

[0032] If more than one product group is stored, or can be stored, in a buffer conveyor line, it is advantageous if the goods included in the storage group are retrieved in step f) in a chaotic sequence. This means that goods from those product groups that are transferred consecutively to one of the buffer conveyor lines in step h) are retrieved according to the group sequence. In this variant, the principle of chaotic retrieval is modified insofar as product groups that end up consecutively in a buffer conveyor line are retrieved without violating the group sequence. Otherwise, the chaotic retrieval principle applies. This means that the goods of a first product group, which are stored further downstream in a buffer conveyor line, are retrieved from storage before goods of a second product group, which are stored further upstream in the buffer conveyor line.Within each of the two product groups, the goods may be located or stored in a chaotic order. It is even possible that goods from other, third product groups are mixed with goods from the first and second product groups.

[0033] If more than one product group is stored or can be stored in a buffer conveyor line, it is alternatively advantageous if the goods included in the picking group are retrieved in step f) in a chaotic sequence, whereby a picking group in step e) has a maximum (in particular, exactly) as many product groups as the buffer conveyor lines have free capacity for receiving goods of each product group when the goods of the picking group are transferred to the first sorting device. This avoids from the outset a situation where a picking group has several product groups that are transferred sequentially to a single buffer conveyor line. Therefore, chaotic picking of goods can be carried out without restriction in this case. Initial filling of the first sorting device can advantageously be done stepwise using several picking groups.In particular, as many outbound groups can be provided as there are goods groups that can be accommodated in one (the longest) buffer conveyor line.

[0034] In general, the presented procedure can be applied to order picking systems in which the goods consist of a single unit, or the presented processes can be based on a single unit of each item. However, this is not a mandatory requirement. It is also conceivable that A good in the overall sequence of goods is any piece of several goods of the same type which are stored in or on a loading aid, steps f) to l) are carried out by appropriate manipulation of the loading aid, and step m) includes the removal of the goods from or of the loading aid.

[0035] This means that in the presented process, instead of a single item, a loading aid containing multiple units of the item in question can also be used. This does not fundamentally change the sorting process, especially if only one unit of each item is removed from the respective loading aid. If multiple units of an item are required in step m), the process can be simplified by removing multiple units from a single loading aid without requiring multiple positions in the goods sequence. Instead, the goods sequence can include a multiplier at the relevant position indicating how many units of the respective item type are to be removed in step m). The indication could therefore read "3 units of item type A".However, it must be ensured that the relevant loading aid contains at least three pieces of goods type A and that in step m) pieces of goods type A are removed from or by the loading aid and transferred to or onto the target loading aid, as otherwise disruptions in the picking process may occur.

[0036] In this case, one can speak of a "sequence of goods types" rather than a "sequence of goods." Accordingly, the term "sequence of goods" in the above disclosure can be conceptually replaced by the term "sequence of goods types." Mixed forms are also conceivable, in which some of the goods are in one piece and are handled without loading aids, while other parts of the goods are transported in loading aids. Accordingly, the term "sequence of goods" in the above disclosure can conceptually be replaced by the term "mixed sequence of goods and goods types."

[0037] It should be noted, however, that the goods sequence in each of the cases mentioned can include multiple instances of a good or type of good if several pieces of the good or type of good are required at different picking stations or even at different times within the same picking station. For example, this can occur if several pieces of the good or type in question are required or intended to be placed at different locations within a pallet's packing pattern.

[0038] Advantageously, any remaining quantity of goods in or on the loading equipment after step m) can be returned to the warehouse. This makes the remaining quantity of goods available for a later picking operation, for example, if they are required again in a later order.

[0039] To better understand the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0040] They each show, in a highly simplified, schematic representation: Fig. 1 a first example of a picking system; Fig. 2 an exemplary order sequence of several consecutive orders; Fig. 3 an exemplary segmentation of the order sequence from Fig. 2 into several product groups; Fig. 4 a storage group comprising several product groups; Fig. 5 an exemplary and chaotic product sequence of the goods from Fig. 2 after removal from the warehouse; Fig. 6 the picking system from Fig. 1 in a state in which goods of the sequence from Fig. 5 partially transferred to the first sorting device; Fig. 7 the picking system from Fig. 1 in a state in which all goods of the sequence from Fig. 5 were transferred to the first sorting device; Fig. 8 shows an exemplary order of goods from Fig. 2 after removal from the first sorting device; Fig. 9 an exemplary second sorting device during the sorting of the second group of goods in Fig. 8 The illustrated order of goods; Fig. 10 the second sorting device made of Fig. 9 after sorting the second group of goods in Fig. 8 The sequence of goods shown; Fig. 11 an exemplary sequence of goods from Fig. 2 after leaving the second sorting device; Fig. 12 the picking system from Fig. 7 , after two groups of goods have left the first sorting device; Fig. 13 an exemplary order sequence of further consecutive orders; Fig. 14 an exemplary segmentation of the order sequence from Fig. 13 into several product groups; Fig. 15 a second storage group comprising several product groups; Fig. 16 the picking system made of Fig. 12 , after two further groups of goods have been transferred to the first sorting device; Fig. 17 an example of a picking system with buffer conveyor lines, each capable of holding two groups of goods; Fig. 18 an example of a picking system with buffer conveyor lines, each capable of holding more than two groups of goods; Fig. 19 how Fig. 17 , however with a bypass to circumvent the second sorting device; Fig. 20 Fig. 17 , however, with a return conveyor to the storage area.

[0041] It should be noted at the outset that in the differently described embodiments, identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals or component designations, and the disclosure contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to identical parts with the same reference numerals or component designations. Furthermore, the positional designations chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refer to the figure directly described and illustrated and, in the event of a change in position, should be applied analogously to the new position.

[0042] Fig. 1 Figure 1a shows a first example of a picking system 1a in a schematic representation. Picking system 1a comprises a warehouse 2, which here includes several storage racks 3 and a retrieval conveyor system 4. Outbound transfer devices 5 are also located in the area of ​​warehouse 2. During operation of picking system 1a, a large number of items are stored in the storage racks 3. Fig. 1 The picking system 1a comprises a first sorting device 6a, which has several parallel buffer conveyor lines 7, each with an incoming transfer device 8 and each with an outgoing transfer device 9. The picking system 1a also includes a first conveyor system 10, which connects the warehouse 2 and the first sorting device 6a. Furthermore, the picking system 1a includes a second sorting device 11, which is downstream of the first sorting device 6a. In this example, the second sorting device 11 comprises a central infeed conveyor 12 and two laterally arranged outfeed conveyors 13 and 14. The picking system 1a also includes a second conveyor system 15, which connects the first sorting device 6a and the second sorting device 11.Furthermore, the picking system 1a includes a picking area 16, which is downstream of the second sorting device 11. The picking area 16 can, for example, have a manually and / or automatically operated picking station 17 or, as shown in the example, several manually and / or automatically operated picking stations 17, as in the figure shown. Fig. 1 is shown symbolically. In the area of ​​the picking stations 17, inbound transfer devices 18 are also arranged. Furthermore, the picking system 1a includes a third conveyor system 19, which connects the second sorting device 6a and the picking area 16. Finally, the picking system 1a includes a control system 20, which has a control computer 21 and is connected to at least the first sorting device 6a and the second sorting device 11.

[0043] The retrieval conveyor system 4 can, for example, comprise several multi-level stacker cranes, single-level stacker cranes, shuttles, and the like, operating between the storage racks 3. Using the retrieval conveyor system 4, goods can be removed from the storage racks 3 and transferred to the first conveyor system 10.

[0044] The first conveyor system 10, the second conveyor system 15, the third conveyor system 19, buffer conveyor lines 7 of the first sorting device 6a, as well as the central feed conveyor 12 and the two laterally arranged discharge conveyors 13 and 14 of the second sorting device 11, can be designed as roller conveyors or include them. Alternatively or additionally, the aforementioned units can also be formed by or comprise conveyor belts, chain conveyors, and the like.

[0045] The outbound transfer devices 5 in the area of ​​the storage 2 can be formed by diverting devices arranged along the first conveyor system 10, for example by conveyor rollers of a storage conveyor line adjoining the outbound conveyor system 4, a roller diverter, or a belt transfer unit. With the aid of the transfer devices 5, goods coming from the outbound conveyor system 4 can be transferred to the first conveyor system 10.

[0046] In this example, the buffer conveying lines 7 are parallel both technically and geometrically. However, a geometrically parallel alignment of the buffer conveying lines 7 is not required. It is sufficient if a conveying flow coming from the first conveying system 10 splits, or can split, into several parallel conveying flows running through the buffer conveying lines 7.

[0047] The input transfer device 8 of the first sorting device 6a can, for example, be formed by an infeed device arranged along the first conveyor 10, such as a roller diverter, a belt reversing device, or a pusher. With the aid of the transfer devices 8, goods coming from the first conveyor 10 can be selectively transferred to the buffer conveyor lines 7. The output transfer device 9 of the first sorting device 6a can be formed by an outfeed device arranged along the second conveyor 15, such as conveyor rollers of the buffer conveyor line 7, a roller diverter, or a belt reversing device. With the aid of the transfer devices 9, goods coming from the buffer conveyor lines 7 can be transferred to the second conveyor 15.

[0048] The inbound transfer device 18 in the area of ​​the picking stations 17 can, for example, be formed by an infeed device arranged along the third conveyor system 19, such as a roller switch, a belt transfer unit, or a pusher. With the aid of the transfer devices 18, goods coming from the third conveyor system 19 can be selectively transferred to the picking stations 17.

[0049] The control system 20 can include additional components besides the control computer 21, for example, radio links between the control computer 21 and the actuators present in the picking system 1a, i.e., radio links between the control computer 21 and the outbound conveyor system 4, the first sorting device 6a, the first conveyor system 10, the second sorting device 11, the second conveyor system 15, the picking area 16, and the third conveyor system 19, as well as the one described in the Fig. 1 This is indicated symbolically. Data lines can be used as an alternative or additional means of communication between the control computer 21 and the aforementioned units, either as an alternative or in addition to radio links.

[0050] The function of the in the Fig. 1 The picking system 1a shown is now as follows: In step a), several orders, each comprising at least one item, are recorded in the control computer 21. In a process based on Fig. 2 In the illustrated example, seven orders, AT1 to AT7, are recorded. Order AT1 comprises goods A1 to A3, order AT2 comprises goods B1, order AT3 comprises goods C1 to C4, order AT4 comprises goods D1 to D5, order AT5 comprises goods E1 to E2, order AT6 comprises goods F1 to F3, and order AT7 comprises goods G1 to G6. An "order" within the meaning of this disclosure can, for example, be assigned to a customer and therefore constitute a "sales order." The goods of this sales order can occupy one shipping load carrier, several shipping load carriers, or only part of a shipping load carrier (for example, if goods from several sales orders are combined on a pallet in picking area 16). However, an "order" can also be assigned to a shipping load carrier and therefore comprise goods that are to be loaded into or onto that shipping load carrier.Such an order may include goods from one or more customers.

[0051] In step b), the control computer 21 generates a desired order sequence for orders AT1..AT7 in picking area 16 and, if applicable, a desired goods sequence for goods A1..G6 within each order AT1..AT7 of orders AT1..AT7. The order sequence does not necessarily correspond to the order in which orders AT1..AT7 are recorded in step a), but can be determined according to the priority of orders AT1..AT7 or based on a time at which an order AT1..AT7 is to be completed (i.e., for example, based on a delivery date). For example, the Fig. 2 The orders shown, AT1..AT7, were received in step a) in the sequence AT3, AT7, AT1, AT4, AT5, AT2, AT6 and are to be placed in picking area 16 in the Fig. 2 The order shown is AT1, AT2, AT3, AT4, AT5, AT6, AT7.

[0052] In step c), the control computer 21 generates a complete goods sequence by concatenating orders AT1..AT7 according to the desired order sequence. This complete goods sequence is in Fig. 2 also evident.

[0053] In step d), the overall product sequence in the control computer 21 is segmented into product groups WG1..WG4, each with a predefinable number of goods A1..G6, independent of order limits ATG. A group sequence of the product groups WG1..WG4 is then created in the control computer 21 according to the overall product sequence. The number of goods A1..G6 in a product group WG1..WG4 corresponds to a maximum of the number of goods A1..G6 that can be sorted into any desired sequence in a single sorting operation in the second sorting device 11. In this example, a maximum of six goods A1..G6 can be sorted into any desired sequence in a single sorting operation in the second sorting device 11 (see also the Fig. 9 und 10 ).

[0054] Preferably, each product group WG1..WG4 comprises the same number of goods A1..G6, and preferably the number of goods A1..G6 in a product group WG1..WG4 corresponds exactly to the number of goods A1..G6 that can be arranged in the second sorting device 11 in one sorting operation into any desired sequence (in the present example, this is six goods A1..G6). Accordingly, the following is included in the Fig. 3 In the example shown, each of the goods groups WG1..WG4 contains six goods A1..G6. Specifically, goods group WG1 includes goods A1..C2, goods group WG2 includes goods C3..D4, goods group WG3 includes goods D5..F3, and goods group WG4 includes goods G1..G6.

[0055] Of course, second sorting devices 11 are also conceivable, which can arrange a different number of goods A1..G6 in any desired order in a single sorting process. Furthermore, it is conceivable that goods groups WG1..WG4 comprise a different number of goods A1..G6. If the second sorting device 11 has a maximum sorting capacity of ten goods A1..G6, then goods group WG1 could, for example, contain the nine goods A1..D1, goods group WG12 the four goods D3..E1, goods group WG3 the five goods E2..G1, and goods group WG4 the five goods G2..G6.

[0056] As from the Fig. 3 As can be seen, the product groups WG1 to WG4 are formed independently of the order boundaries ATG, which define the boundaries between any two orders AT1 to AT7. This means that the boundaries between product groups WG1 to WG4 have no relation whatsoever to the order boundaries ATG.

[0057] In a further step e), a storage group AG1 is created in the control computer 21, which comprises ascendingly sorted product groups WG1..WG4 of the group sequence, for whose goods A1..G6 free capacity will be available in the first sorting device 6a when transferred. In the Fig. 1 In the depicted state, the first sorting device 6a is empty. It is advantageous if the storage group AG1 comprises as many product groups WG1..WG4 as such that free capacity will be available in the first sorting device 6a for the goods A1..G6 of which a transfer to the first sorting device 6a will result. In the Fig. 4 In the illustrated example, the outsourcing group AG1 therefore comprises the goods groups WG1..WG4.

[0058] The formation of a storage group AG1 can generally take place in step e) if corresponding capacity is currently available in the first sorting device 6a, or predictively if, when goods A1..G6 of storage group AG1 are transferred to the first sorting device 6a, corresponding capacity will (presumably) be available in the first sorting device 6a.

[0059] In step f), the goods A1..G6, which are part of the retrieval group AG1, are retrieved from warehouse 2 using the retrieval conveyor system 4. The control computer 21 sends a corresponding command to the retrieval conveyor system 4. It is conceivable that the retrieval conveyor system 4 executes the command autonomously, i.e., retrieves the goods A1..G6 autonomously and without further intervention from the control computer 21. However, it is also conceivable that the retrieval process is not only initiated by the control computer 21, but also actively controlled.

[0060] In step g), the goods A1..G6, comprising the storage group AG1, are conveyed to the first sorting device 6a by means of the first conveyor 10. The control computer 21 sends a corresponding command to the first conveyor 10. It is conceivable that the first conveyor 10 executes the command autonomously, i.e., conveys the goods A1..G6 autonomously and without further intervention from the control computer 21. However, it is also conceivable that the conveying of the goods is not only initiated by the control computer 21, but also actively controlled.

[0061] The outsourcing of goods A1..G6, which are part of outsourcing group AG1, can take place in a chaotic sequence, as described in the Fig. 5 This is illustrated. This allows the retrieval performance of the retrieval conveyor system 4 to be optimized, for example, when goods A1..G6 are lined up with a view to time-optimized or path-optimized operation of the retrieval conveyor system 4. Fig. 5 The sequence of goods A1..G6 at point P1 on the first conveyor system 10 is shown. As can be seen from the Fig. 5 As can be clearly seen, goods A1..G6 pass point P1 in no particular order, but in a chaotic sequence.

[0062] In a further step h), the goods A1..G6 of the storage group AG1 are selectively transferred from the first conveyor system 10 to the buffer conveyor lines 7 by means of the inbound transfer devices 8. For this purpose, the control computer 21 sends corresponding commands to the transfer devices 8. It is conceivable that the transfer devices 8 execute the commands autonomously, i.e., that the goods A1..G6 are transferred selectively from the first conveyor system 10 to the buffer conveyor lines 7 autonomously and without further intervention from the control computer 21. However, it is also conceivable that the goods transfer is not only initiated by the control computer 21, but also actively controlled.

[0063] Goods A1..G6 of product group WG1..WG4 of storage group AG1 are transferred to a free buffer area on at least one of the buffer conveyor lines 7, whereby the goods A1..G6 of product group WG1..WG4 are arranged directly adjacent to each other in any order on the at least one buffer conveyor line 7. The goods A1..G6 are conveyed downstream on the buffer conveyor lines 7. For this purpose, the control computer 21 sends corresponding commands to the buffer conveyor lines 7. It is conceivable that the buffer conveyor lines 7 execute the commands autonomously, i.e., transport the goods A1..G6 autonomously and without further intervention from the control computer 21. However, it is also conceivable that the material handling is not only initiated by the control computer 21, but also actively controlled.

[0064] The Fig. 6 The picking system 1a shows Fig. 1 in a state in which some of the goods, namely goods A1, A2, A3, B1, C2, C3, C4, D2, D4, D5, E2, F2, F3, G1, G3 and G6, have already been transferred to buffer conveyor lines 7, while some of the goods, namely goods C1, D1, D3, E1, F1, G2, G4 and G5, are still pending. For the sake of clarity, the individual goods already in Fig. 1 The components of the picking system 1a are not designated again. Furthermore, the buffer conveyor lines 7 are located in the Fig. 6 and the following figures are designated by their numbering PL1..PL4.

[0065] In the Fig. 6 In the example shown, product group WG1 is stored in buffer conveyor line PL3, product group WG2 in buffer conveyor line PL1, product group WG3 in buffer conveyor line PL2, and product group WG4 in buffer conveyor line PL4. A specific assignment between product groups WG1 and WG4 and buffer conveyor lines PL1 and PL4 is not required. This means that product groups WG1 and WG4 can be transferred to any of the available buffer conveyor lines PL1 and PL4. However, a specific assignment between product groups WG1 and WG4 and buffer conveyor lines PL1 and PL4 can be provided in an alternative embodiment. Fig. 7 The picking system 1a shows Fig. 1 finally in a state in which all goods A1..G6 were transferred to the buffer conveyor lines PL1..PL4.

[0066] In step i), the goods A1..G6 of goods groups WG1..WG4, which have been transferred to the buffer conveyor lines PL1..PL4, are transferred in the group order from the buffer conveyor lines PL1..PL4 to the second conveyor system 15 by means of the outbound transfer devices 9. For this purpose, the control computer 21 sends corresponding commands to the transfer devices 9. It is conceivable that the transfer devices 9 execute the commands autonomously, i.e., transfer the goods A1..G6 autonomously and without further intervention from the control computer 21 from the buffer conveyor lines 7 to the second conveyor system 15. However, it is also conceivable that the goods transfer is not only initiated by the control computer 21, but also actively controlled.

[0067] The Fig. 8 The sequence of goods A1..G6 at point P2 on the second conveyor system 15 is shown. As can be seen from the Fig. 8 As is clearly visible, goods A1 to G6 of goods groups WG1 to WG4 pass point P2 in the group sequence. However, within goods groups WG1 to WG4, there is no specific order for goods A1 to G6; that is, within goods groups WG1 to WG4, goods A1 to G6 are in a chaotic order. Specifically, goods A1 to G6 within goods groups WG1 to WG4 are in the (chaotic) order in which they were removed from warehouse 2.

[0068] In step j), the goods A1..G6 of the goods groups WG1..WG4 are transported in group order to the second sorting device 11 by means of the second conveyor system 15. For this purpose, the control computer 21 sends a corresponding command to the second conveyor system 15. It is conceivable that the second conveyor system 15 executes the command autonomously, i.e., conveys the goods A1..G6 autonomously and without further intervention from the control computer 21. However, it is also conceivable that the conveyance of the goods is not only initiated by the control computer 21, but also actively controlled.

[0069] In step k), the goods A1..G6 are sorted in the second sorting device 11 in groups, goods group WG1..WG4 for goods group WG1..WG4 according to the order sequence. That is, in a first sorting operation, goods A1..C2 of goods group WG1 are sorted, in a second sorting operation, goods C3..D4 of goods group WG2, in a third sorting operation, goods D5..F3 of goods group WG3, and in a fourth sorting operation, goods G1..G6 of goods group WG4.

[0070] The Fig. 9 und 10 The sorting process in the second sorting device 11 is illustrated using the example of the second product group WG2. In the Fig. 9 In the depicted state, product C3 has already been transferred from the central feed conveyor 12 to the discharge conveyor 13, and product D4 has already been transferred from the central feed conveyor 12 to the discharge conveyor 14. Product C4 is in the Fig. 9 just transferred from the central feed conveyor 12 to the discharge conveyor 13. Fig. 10 Figure 1 shows a state in which goods C3, C4, and D1 have been transferred to discharge conveyor 13 and goods D2, D3, and D4 to discharge conveyor 14. Subsequently, goods C3, C4, and D1 are transferred from discharge conveyor 13 to the third conveyor 19, followed by goods D2, D3, and D4.

[0071] For the sorting process, the control computer 21 sends a corresponding command to the second sorting device 11. It is conceivable that the second sorting device 11 executes the command autonomously, i.e., sorts goods C3..D4 autonomously and without further intervention from the control computer 21. However, it is also conceivable that the sorting process is not only initiated by the control computer 21, but also actively controlled.

[0072] In a further step l), the goods A1..G6 are transported from the second sorting device 11 to the picking area 16 by means of the third conveyor system 19 in the order sequence. For this purpose, the control computer 21 sends a corresponding command to the third conveyor system 19. It is conceivable that the third conveyor system 19 executes the command autonomously, i.e., transports the goods A1..G6 autonomously and without further intervention from the control computer 21. However, it is also conceivable that the goods transport is not only initiated by the control computer 21, but also actively controlled.

[0073] The Fig. 11 The sequence of goods A1..G6 at point P3 on the third conveyor system 19 is shown. As can be seen from the Fig. 11 As can be clearly seen, goods A1..G6 pass point P3 in the direction specified in step c) and in the Fig. 2 bis 4 The overall goods sequence shown. That is, goods A1..G6 reach picking area 16 in the order sequence of orders AT1..AT7 and the desired goods sequence of goods A1..G6 as determined in step b).

[0074] In step m), the goods A1..G6 in picking area 16 are finally transferred into or onto target loading equipment according to the recorded orders AT1..A7. For this purpose, the control computer 21 sends corresponding commands to the transfer devices 18, so that the goods A1..G6 are transferred to a desired picking station 17. For example, goods A1..A3 of order AT1 and goods B1 of order AT2 can be transferred to the left of the picking stations 17, goods C1..C4 of order AT3, goods D1..D5 of order AT4 and goods E1..E2 of order AT5 to the middle of the picking stations 17, and goods F1..F3 of order AT6 and goods G1..G6 of order AT7 to the right of the picking stations 17. It is conceivable that the transfer devices 18 execute the commands autonomously, i.e., the goods A1..G6 autonomously and without further intervention from the control computer 21 selectively transfers goods from the third conveyor system 19 to the picking stations 17. However, it would also be conceivable that the goods transfer is not only initiated by the control computer 21, but also actively controlled.

[0075] The transfer of goods A1..G6 into or onto destination loading equipment in step m) can be carried out manually or automatically using loading technology. Generally, one or more destination loading equipment, e.g., one or more shipping loading equipment, can be specified for each order in step m). During manual transfer, a screen can display which goods A1..G6 are to be loaded into which destination loading equipment. For the transfer, the control computer 21 sends corresponding commands to the picking station 17. It is conceivable that the picking stations 17 execute the commands autonomously, meaning the transfer occurs autonomously without further intervention from the control computer 21. However, it is also conceivable that the transfer is not only initiated but also actively controlled by the control computer 21.

[0076] The processes or procedures described in steps a) to m) can, in particular, be carried out continuously or repeatedly.

[0077] For example, orders AT1..AT7 can be continuously recorded (step a), order sequences and goods sequences can be continuously created (step b), overall goods sequences can be continuously created (step c), goods groups WG1..WG4 and group sequences can be continuously created (step d), outbound groups AG1 can be continuously created (step e), goods A1..A6 can be continuously outbound (step f), goods A1..A6 can be continuously conveyed to the first sorting device 6a (step g), goods A1..A6 can be continuously transferred to the buffer conveyor lines 7 (step h), goods A1..A6 can be continuously transferred to the second conveyor system 15 (step i), goods A1..A6 can be continuously transported to the second sorting device 11 (step j), goods A1..A6 can be continuously sorted in the second sorting device 11 (step k), goods A1..A6 can be continuously transported to the picking area 16 (step l), and goods A1..A6 are transferred (step m).

[0078] Fig. 12 This demonstrates a state of the Fig. 1 The illustrated picking system 1a shows that the goods A1..C2 of the goods group WG1 and the goods C3..D4 of the goods group WG2 have already left the first sorting device 6a and the buffer conveyor lines PL1 and PL3 are therefore free again.

[0079] It is further assumed that additional orders AT8..A10 have been recorded in the meantime (step a), as described in the Fig. 13 This is illustrated. Order AT8 comprises goods H1..H8, order AT9 comprises goods I1..I7, and order AT10 comprises goods J1..J5. Steps b) and c) are carried out for the newly received orders AT8..A10 in the manner already described. Fig. 13 This shows the overall goods sequence obtained in this way. Furthermore, step d) is also carried out in the manner already described for the newly received orders AT8..A10. Fig. 14 This shows the resulting product groups WG5...WG7. From the Fig. 14 It is evident that not all goods H1..J5 are included in the goods groups WG5..WG7, but that the two goods J4..J5 remain. These will only be taken into account when goods groups are formed again. Fig. 15 shows the result of a further execution of step e) and thus specifically a second outsourcing group AG2.

[0080] After repeating steps f), g) and h), the following can be done: Fig. 16 The depicted situation exists. Specifically, goods H1 to H6 of product group WG5 have been transferred to buffer conveyor line PL3, and goods H7 to I4 of product group WG6 have been transferred to buffer conveyor line PL1. Product groups WG3 and WG4 are still within the area of ​​the first sorting device 6a, but they may have left it in the meantime.

[0081] Steps i) to m) are also carried out in the manner already described.

[0082] Fig. 17 This shows another variant of a picking system 1b, which corresponds to the one described in Fig. 1 The picking system 1a shown is very similar. In contrast, the buffer conveyor lines PL1..PL4 of the first sorting device 6b are now longer, in particular twice as long as the buffer conveyor lines PL1..PL4 of the first sorting device 6a. While each of the buffer conveyor lines PL1..PL4 of the first sorting device 6a receives goods A1..G6 of exactly one product group WG1..WG4, the buffer conveyor lines PL1..PL4 of the first sorting device 6b receive goods A1..G6 of several entire product groups WG1..WG4, in this specific example, goods A1..G6 from exactly two entire product groups WG1..WG4. Fig. 17 Accordingly, goods C3 to D4 of product group WG2 are included in buffer conveyor line PL1, goods D5 to F3 of product group WG3 in buffer conveyor line PL2, and goods A1 to C2 and G1 to G6 of product groups WG1 and WG4 in buffer conveyor line PL3. However, it is also conceivable that buffer conveyor lines PL1 to PL4 are provided, each containing goods A1 to G6 from a different number of entire product groups WG1 to WG4, for example, goods A1 to G6 from three, four, or more entire product groups WG1 to WG4.

[0083] Steps a) to d), g) and i) to m) are carried out analogously to the steps already described above. Fig. 2 bis 5 and 8 bis 11 The described procedure is the same. There is only a difference in steps e), f) and h).

[0084] In step h), goods A1..G6 of the storage group AG1 are again selectively transferred from the first conveyor system 10 to the buffer conveyor lines PL1..PL4 by means of the incoming transfer devices 8, whereby goods A1..G6 of a goods group WG1..WG4 of the storage group AG1 are transferred into a free buffer area on the buffer conveyor lines PL1..PL4, and the goods A1..G6 of this goods group WG1..WG4 are arranged directly adjacent to each other in any order on at least one buffer conveyor line PL1..PL4. However, the goods A1..C2 of the goods group WG1 and the goods G1..G6 of the goods group WG4 are not located next to each other on the buffer conveyor lines PL3 and PL4, as shown in the diagram. Fig. 7 The example shown is not the case, but rather one after the other in the buffer conveying line PL3. The buffer conveying line PL4 is in the one shown. Fig. 17 The depicted state, however, is still free.

[0085] The product groups WG1..WG4 have a sequence number corresponding to the group order, whereby products A1..G6 from product groups WG1..WG4 with a lower sequence number are stored further downstream in the respective buffer conveyor line PL1..PL4 than products A1..G6 from product groups WG1..WG4 with a higher sequence number. In the Fig. 17 In the example shown, this means that goods A1..C2 of goods group WG1 are stored further downstream than goods G1..G6 of goods group WG4.

[0086] The proposed measures make it easier to achieve the required form factor for the first sorting device 6b. Furthermore, a constant feed flow at the output of the first sorting device 6b can be maintained even if the subsequent conveying of goods A1..G6 into the first sorting device 6b takes a comparatively long time.

[0087] In a first sub-variant, the goods A1..G6, comprising the retrieval group AG1, are retrieved in step f) in a chaotic sequence. Goods A1..G6 from goods groups WG1..WG4, which are transferred sequentially to a buffer conveyor line PL1..PL4 in step h), are retrieved without violating the group sequence, or rather, in accordance with the group sequence. In this variant, the principle of chaotic retrieval is thus modified insofar as goods groups WG1..WG4, which end up sequentially on a buffer conveyor line PL1..PL4, are retrieved without violating the group sequence. Otherwise, the chaotic retrieval principle applies. In this specific example, this means that (all) goods A1..C2 of goods group WG1 are outsourced before (all) goods G1..G6 of goods group WG4, but besides this condition there is no restriction on chaotic outsourcing.

[0088] In a second sub-variant, the goods A1..G6 comprised of the retrieval group AG1 are retrieved in step f) in a chaotic sequence, whereby a retrieval group AG1 in step e) has a maximum (in particular, exactly) as many goods groups WG1..WG4 as buffer conveyor lines PL1..PL4 have free capacity for receiving goods A1..G6 from each goods group WG1..WG4 when the goods A1..G6 of retrieval group AG1 are transferred to the first sorting device 6b. This avoids from the outset a situation where a retrieval group AG1 has goods groups WG1..WG4 that are transferred consecutively to a single buffer conveyor line PL1..PL4. Therefore, in step f) the goods A1..G6 of the storage group AG1 can be stored chaotically without restriction in this case, even though a buffer conveyor line PL1..PL4 can accommodate goods A1..G6 of several goods groups WG1..WG4.

[0089] In this specific example, this means that goods A1..C2 of goods group WG1 and goods G1..G6 of goods group WG4 are treated as described in the Fig. 17 As shown, the goods can be stored one after the other in the buffer conveyor line PL3 if they are retrieved one after the other in step f). If this is not the case, because, for example, goods G6 were retrieved before goods C1, then goods G1..G6 of goods group WG4 can be stored in a different order than shown in the diagram. Fig. 17 In the case shown, the buffer conveyor line PL4 is stored. It is then essentially the same as the one already in Fig. 7 The depicted state is present.

[0090] The initial filling of the first sorting device 6b can be carried out stepwise using several pick-up groups AG1 and AG2. Specifically, as many pick-up groups AG1 and AG2 can be provided as there are product groups WG1 to WG7 that can be accommodated in a buffer conveyor line PL1 to PL4. In the present example, this means that the goods H1 to J3 of product groups WG5 to WG7 can already be transferred to the first sorting device 6b, even if none of the product groups WG1 to WG4 have yet left the first sorting device 6b, since the first sorting device 6b in this example has a capacity of eight product groups WG1 to WG7. Specifically, pick-up group AG1 can be formed with product groups WG1 to WG4, followed, as before, by pick-up group AG2 with product groups WG5 to WG6. In this case, the outsourcing group AG2 could also include the goods group WG7 as well as an eighth goods group.

[0091] If the first sub-variant is followed, then the first sorting device 6b can also be filled with a single storage group AG1, which has the product groups WG1..WG7 as well as an eighth product group.

[0092] Fig. 18 This shows another variant of a picking system 1c, which corresponds to the one described in Fig. 17 The picking system 1b shown is very similar. In contrast, the buffer conveyor lines PL1..PL4 of the first sorting device 6c are somewhat longer. In particular, each of the buffer conveyor lines PL1..PL4 of the first sorting device 6c can hold fourteen items A1..G6. Accordingly, the quotient of the goods capacity of a buffer conveyor line PL1..PL4 and the number of items A1..G6 in a goods group WG1..WG7 is not a whole number. In this specific example, the aforementioned quotient is 14 / 6 = 2.33.

[0093] The one based on the Fig. 17 The technical teaching revealed in the example explained also applies analogously to the one in Fig. 18 The illustrated implementation variant is applicable. In this specific example, goods C3..D4 of product group WG2 and goods D5..F3 of product group WG3 are stored in buffer conveyor line PL1, and goods A1..C2 of product group WG1 are stored in buffer conveyor line PL3. Goods G1..G6 of product group WG4, on the other hand, are "scattered" in free areas of several of the buffer conveyor lines PL1..PL4, namely in free areas of buffer conveyor lines PL1 and PL3. Specifically, goods G3 and G6 of a first goods group part WG4' are located in buffer conveyor line PL1, and goods G1, G2, G4, and G5 of a second goods group part WG4" are located in buffer conveyor line PL3. In step i), it is therefore important to note that goods group WG4 is formed by controlling two buffer conveyor lines, PL1 and PL3. It is irrelevant whether goods G3 and G6 are first removed from buffer conveyor line PL1 and then goods G1, G2, G4, and G5 from buffer conveyor line PL3, or vice versa, since goods G1...G6 of the product group WG4 can be put back into the correct order in the second sorting device 11 anyway.

[0094] In the previous examples, it was assumed that in step b) in the control computer 21, in addition to a desired order sequence of orders AT1..AT7 in picking area 16, a desired goods sequence of goods A1..G6 is formed within each order AT1..AT7 of orders AT1..AT7 in picking area 16.

[0095] This means that In step c) a desired overall goods sequence is formed in picking area 16 by arranging the orders AT1..AT7 in succession, in step k) the overall goods sequence is produced by sorting the goods A1..G6, goods group WG1..WG4 for goods group WG1..WG4, in the second sorting device 11, and in step l) the goods A1..G6 are transported to picking area 16 in the overall goods sequence using the third conveyor technology 19.

[0096] However, this is not strictly necessary. It is conceivable that the sequence of goods A1..G6 within each order AT1..AT7 does not have to correspond to the desired sequence of goods A1..G6 in picking area 16, but rather that the goods A1..G6 of an order AT1..AT7 can arrive there in any order whatsoever.

[0097] Whereas in the previous examples the grouping of goods A1..G6 according to the order sequence in step h) was implicitly achieved by establishing the desired overall goods sequence, and an explicit step to group goods A1..G6 according to the order sequence was not necessary, in step h) the focus is now (only) on grouping goods A1..G6 according to the order sequence.

[0098] For sorting goods group WG2 (see also Fig. 9 und 10 This means that while goods C3 and C4 of order AT3 must leave the second sorting device 11 before goods D1 to D4 of order AT4, any sequence within orders AT3 and AT4 can be specified or permitted. For example, goods C3 and C4 of goods group WG2 could leave the second sorting device 11 in the sequence C4, C3, D3, D4, D1, D2. In particular, the sequence present after chaotic picking in step f) can simply be used (see also...). Fig. 8 ) within orders AT3, AT4. Accordingly, goods C3..D4 of goods group WG2 can leave the second sorting device 11, in particular in the sequence C3, C4, D4, D2, D3, D1. Based on the in Fig. 8 In the current state, only the order of goods D4 and C4 needs to be reversed.

[0099] Goods groups WG1..WG7, which each contain goods A1..J5 from only one order AT1..AT10, can pass through the second sorting device 11 in step k) without any sorting process or bypass it, since sorting the goods A1..J5 within an order AT1..AT10 is not necessary in the described implementation variant. In the present examples, this applies to goods groups WG4 and WG5.

[0100] If goods G1..G6 of product group WG4 or goods H1..H6 of product group WG5 pass through the second sorting device 11 without being sorted, they can simply be discharged one after the other from the central feed conveyor 12 onto one of the discharge conveyors 13 and 14. It would also be conceivable for the central feed conveyor 12 to be directly connected to the third conveyor system 19. In this case, the discharge of goods G1..G6 and H1..H6 onto the discharge conveyors 13 and 14 would not be necessary.

[0101] It is also conceivable that a bypass 22 is provided which bypasses the second sorting device 11, as in the one in Fig. 19 This is the case in the illustrated example of a picking system 1d. The goods groups WG4 and WG5, which contain goods G1..G6 and H1..H6 respectively, of only one order AT7 and AT8, can bypass the second sorting device 11 in step k) via the bypass 22. Such a bypass 22 can also be used in the system shown in Fig. 1 , Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 The picking system shown in 1a..1c is provided for.

[0102] In the examples disclosed so far, it was assumed that goods A1..J5 each consist of a single piece, or that the presented processes were based on one piece of each good A1..J5. However, this is not a mandatory condition. It is also conceivable that If a good A1..J5 in the overall sequence of goods is any one of several goods A1..J5 of the same type, which are stored in or on a loading aid, steps f) to l) are carried out by appropriate manipulation of the loading aid, and step m) includes the removal of the goods A1..J5 from or on the loading aid.

[0103] With regard to the examples disclosed so far, this means that in the presented examples, instead of a single item A1..J5, a loading aid containing multiple units of the respective item A1..J5 can also be provided. This means, for example, that instead of item A1, a loading aid containing multiple units of item A1 can be provided, and so on. However, this does not fundamentally change the sorting procedure, especially if one unit of item A1..J5 is taken from the respective loading aids. If multiple units of item A1..J5 are required in step m), the procedure can be simplified insofar as multiple units of item A1..J5 are taken from one loading aid without requiring multiple sorting positions. If, for example, three units of item A1 are required in step m), the sequence of items does not have to be A1, A1, A1, A2, A3, ..., but can simply be 3xA1, 1xA2, 1xA3, ...or, in simplified terms, written as 3xA1, A2, A3, ... It is only necessary to ensure that the relevant loading aid contains at least three units of goods A1 and that, in step m), three units of goods A1 are removed from or taken off the loading aid and transferred to or onto the destination loading aid.

[0104] Strictly speaking, in this case one can speak of a "sequence of goods types" rather than a "sequence of goods." Accordingly, the term "sequence of goods" in the above disclosure can be conceptually replaced by the term "sequence of goods types." Mixed forms are also conceivable, in which some of the goods A1..J5 are in one piece and are handled without loading aids, while other parts of the goods A1..J5 are transported in loading aids. Accordingly, the term "sequence of goods" in the above disclosure can conceptually be replaced by the term "mixed sequence of goods and goods types."

[0105] It should be noted, however, that the sequence of goods in each of the cases mentioned may have several instances of, for example, goods A1, if several pieces of goods or goods type A1 are needed in different picking stations 17 or even in one picking station 17 at different times, for example, if several pieces of goods or goods type A1 are needed or intended to be in a packing pattern for a pallet at different locations.

[0106] Advantageously, any remaining quantity of goods A1..J5 that remains in or on the loading aid after step m) can be stored back in warehouse 2. Fig. 20 This shows an embodiment of a picking system 1e, which corresponds to the one described in Fig. 17 The picking system 1b shown is similar. In contrast, picking system 1e includes a return conveyor 23 via which unneeded goods A1..J5 can be returned to storage 2. The return conveyor 23 is shown in the Fig. 20 In the example shown, the return conveyor 23 leads to the rear of storage 2, so that the retrieval process is not disrupted by goods A1..J5 to be returned. However, it is also conceivable that the return conveyor 23 leads to the front of storage 2, as indicated by the dashed lines. Such a return conveyor 23 can also be used in the example shown. Fig. 1 , Fig. 17 bis Fig. 19 The picking systems shown in 1a..1d are provided for.

[0107] It is also conceivable that the first conveyor technology 10 comprises a circular conveyor, as in the Fig. 20 indicated by dashed lines. Furthermore, it is possible, for example, that the second conveyor system 15 can also be connected to the return conveyor 23 and / or the circular conveyor of the first conveyor system 10, as shown in the Fig. 20 also indicated by dashed lines. The circular conveyor or the connection of the second conveyor system 15 with the return conveyor 23 allows goods A1..J5 to be returned past the first sorting device 6b or the second sorting device 11 and, in particular, to be stored back. This is advantageous, for example, if there are disruptions in the picking process or if orders AT1..AT10 are canceled or prioritized differently. Of course, the Fig. 20 proposed measures also with bypass 22 of the Fig. 19 combined and / or in the Fig. 1 , Fig. 17 bis Fig. 19 The picking systems shown in 1a..1d are provided for.

[0108] By segmenting the overall product sequence into product groups WG1..WG7, each containing any number of items A1..J5, regardless of order limits ATG, the second sorting device 11 can generally be operated optimally, i.e., close to or at its maximum sorting capacity. As already mentioned, this works particularly well when the number of items A1..J5 in a product group WG1..WG7 exactly corresponds to the number of items A1..J5 that can be sorted into any desired order in a single operation by the second sorting device 11. However, product groups WG1..WG7 can also contain fewer items A1..J5, and they can also be of different sizes. Furthermore, it should be noted that while the buffer conveyor lines PL1..PL4 in the examples shown are all the same length and contain the same number of items A1..While J5 can accommodate buffer lines, this is not a mandatory requirement for the presented procedure. The buffer conveying lines PL1..PL4 can also be of different lengths, for example, if structural conditions require it. As mentioned, one or more steps f) to m) can be initiated or controlled by the control computer 21. Controlling one or more of the steps f) to m) can also be handled by a local sub-controller.

[0109] It is advantageous if the goods A1..J5 of a goods group WG1..WG7 of the storage group AG1, AG2 are each stored in a free area of ​​exactly one of the buffer conveyor lines PL1..PL4, especially if the goods A1..J5 of all goods groups WG1..WG7 are each stored in a free area of ​​exactly one of the buffer conveyor lines PL1..PL4, as is the case with the exception of the Fig. 18 as shown in the examples.

[0110] Generally, the sorting is done in the Fig. 1 bis 20 The examples shown are in two stages, but further sorting stages would be possible.

[0111] Strictly speaking, pre-sorting in the first sorting stage 6a..6c can only take place if a storage group AG1, AG2 comprises more than one product group WG1..WG7. Therefore, it is particularly advantageous if a storage group AG1, AG2 comprises more than one product group WG1..WG7.

[0112] The examples implicitly assumed that goods A1..J5 are conveyed continuously on the first conveyor system 10, on the second conveyor system 15, and on the third conveyor system 19. However, it is also conceivable that goods A1..J5 are conveyed discontinuously on the first conveyor system 10, on the second conveyor system 15, and / or on the third conveyor system 19, and could therefore accumulate there. The first conveyor system 10, the second conveyor system 15, and / or the third conveyor system 19 can thus act as buffers, either temporarily or intermittently.

[0113] In conclusion, it is noted that the scope of protection is determined by the patent claims.

[0114] It is specifically noted that the depicted devices may in reality comprise more or fewer components than shown. In some cases, the depicted devices or their components may also be shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size. Bezugszeichenaufstellung

[0115] 1a..1e Picking system 2 Warehouse 3 Storage rack 4 Retrieval conveyor technology 5 Outbound transfer device Warehouse 6a..6 first sorting device 7 buffer conveyor line 8 input side transfer device first sorting device 9 output side transfer device first sorting device 10 first conveyor technology 11 Second sorting device 12 Central infeed conveyor 13 Discharge conveyor 14 Discharge conveyor 15 Second conveyor technology 16 Picking area 17 Picking station 18 Inbound transfer device Picking station 19 Third conveyor technology 20 Control system 21 Control computer 22 Bypass 23 Return conveyor A1..J5 Goods AG1, AG2 Storage group AT1..AT10 Order ATG Order limit P1..P3 Point PL1..PL4 Number Buffer conveyor line WG1..WG7 Goods group WG4', WG4" Goods group part

Claims

1. A multi-stage method for automatically sequencing articles (A1..J5) in a picking system (1a..1e) with a storage area (2), in which articles (A1..J5) are stored and which comprises a retrieval conveying system (4), a first sorting device (6a..6c), which has multiple buffer conveyor lines (7, PL1..PL4) which are parallel in terms of conveyance and an input-side handover device (8) assigned per buffer conveyor line (7, PL1..PL4) and an output-side handover device (9) assigned per buffer conveyor line (7, PL1..PL4), a first conveying system (10), which connects the storage area (2) and the first sorting device (6a..6c), a second sorting device (11), which is arranged downstream of the first sorting device (6a..6c), a second conveying system (15), which connects the first sorting device (6a..6c) and the second sorting device (11), a picking area (16), which is arranged downstream of the second sorting device (11), a third conveying system (19), which connects the second sorting device (11) and the picking area (16), and a control system (20), which comprises a control computer (21) and which is connected to the first sorting device (6a..6c) and second sorting device (11), comprising the steps a) acquiring multiple orders (AT1..AT10), each of which comprises at least one article (A1..J5), in the control computer (21), b) forming an order sequence of the orders (AT1..AT10) desired in the picking area (16) and an article sequence of the articles (A1..J5) within each order (AT1..AT10) of the orders (AT1..AT10) in the control computer (21), c) forming an overall article sequence by lining up the orders (AT1..AT10) in accordance with the desired order sequence in the control computer (21), d) segmenting the overall article sequence into article groups (WG1..WG7) each with a specifiable number of articles (A1..J5) independent of order boundaries (ATG) and forming a group sequence of the article groups (WG1..WG7) according to the overall article sequence in the control computer (21), wherein the number of the articles (A1..J5) in an article group (WG1..WG7) corresponds to maximally the number of the articles (A1..J5) which can be brought into any sequence in the second sorting device (11), e) forming a retrieval group (AG1, AG2), which comprises article groups (WG1..WG7) of the group sequence sorted in ascending order for whose articles (A1..J5) free capacity will be available in the first sorting device (6a..6c) upon a handover into the first sorting device (6a..6c), in the control computer (21), f) retrieving the articles (A1..J5) comprised by the retrieval group (AG1, AG2) from the storage area (2) using the retrieval conveying system (4), g) transporting the articles (A1..J5) comprised by the retrieval group (AG1, AG2) to the first sorting device (6a..6c) using the first conveying system (10), h) selectively handing over the articles (A1..J5) of the retrieval group (AG1, AG2) from the first conveying system (10) onto the buffer conveyor lines (7, PL1..PL4) using the input-side handover devices (8), wherein articles (A1..J5) of an article group (WG1..WG7) of the retrieval group (AG1, AG2) are handed over into a vacant buffer area onto at least one of the buffer conveyor lines (7, PL1..PL4) and wherein the articles (A1..J5) of the article group (WG1..WG7) in the at least one buffer conveyor line (7, PL1..PL4) are arranged directly adjacent to one another in any sequence, i) handing over the articles (A1..J5) of the article groups (WG1..WG7) handed over to the buffer conveyor lines (7, PL1..PL4) from the buffer conveyor lines (7, PL1..PL4) to the second conveying system (15) in the group sequence using the output-side handover devices (9), j) transporting the articles (A1..J5) of the article groups (WG1..WG7) to the second sorting device (11) in the group sequence using the second conveying system (15), k) sorting the articles groupwise (A1..J5), article group (WG1..WG7) by article group (WG1..WG7), according to the order sequence in the second sorting device (11), l) transporting the articles (A1..J5) from the second sorting device (11) into the picking area (16) in the order sequence using the third conveying system (19), and m) reloading the articles (A1..J5) into or onto target loading aids in accordance with the acquired orders (AT1..AT10) in the picking area (16).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that article groups (WG1..WG7) which contain articles (A1..J5) of respectively only one order (AT1..AT10) pass through the second sorting device (11) in step k) without a sorting operation or avoid it using a bypass (22).

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that an article sequence of the articles (A1..J5) desired in the picking area (16) is additionally formed within each order (AT1..AT10) of the orders (AT1..AT10) in the control computer (21) in step b), an overall article sequence desired in the picking area (16) is formed by lining up the orders (AT1..AT10) in step c), the overall article sequence is created by sorting the articles (A1..J5) groupwise, article group (WG1..WG7) by article group (WG1..WG7), in the second sorting device (11) in step k), and the articles (A1..J5) are transported into the picking area (16) in the overall article sequence with the third conveying system (19) in step l).

4. The method according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each article group (WG1..WG7) has the same number of articles (A1..J5).

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the number of articles (A1..J5) in an article group (WG1..WG7) corresponds to precisely the number of articles (A1..J5) which can be brought into any sequence in the second sorting device (11).

6. The method according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the articles (A1..J5) of an article group (WG1..WG7) of the retrieval group (AG1, AG2) are stored in a vacant region of precisely one of the buffer conveyor lines (7, PL1..PL4).

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that each of the buffer conveyor lines (7, PL1..PL4) receives articles (A1..J5) of precisely one article group (WG1..WG7).

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the retrieval of the articles (A1..J5) comprised by the retrieval group (AG1, AG2) in step f) is executed in chaotic sequence.

9. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that each of the buffer conveyor lines (7, PL1..PL4) receives articles (A1..J5) of multiple whole article groups (WG1..WG7), wherein the article groups (WG1..WG7) have an ordinal number corresponding to the group sequence and wherein articles (A1..J5) of article groups (WG1..WG7) with a lower ordinal number are stored further downstream in the respective buffer line than articles (A1..J5) of article groups (WG1..WG7) with a higher ordinal number.

10. The method according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the articles (A1..J5) of some of the article groups (WG1..WG7) of the retrieval group (AG1, AG2) are stored in vacant regions of multiple of the buffer conveyor lines (7, PL1..PL4).

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that a quotient of an article capacity of a buffer conveyor line (7, PL1..PL4) of the buffer conveyor lines (7, PL1..PL4) and the number of the articles (A1..J5) in an article group (WG1..WG7) is not integral, wherein the article groups (WG1..WG7) have an ordinal number corresponding to the group sequence and wherein articles (A1..J5) of article groups (WG1..WG7) with a lower ordinal number are stored further downstream in the respective buffer line than articles (A1..J5) of article groups (WG1..WG7) with a higher ordinal number.

12. The method according to any one of the claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the retrieval of the articles (A1..J5) comprised by the retrieval group (AG1, AG2) in step f) is executed in chaotic sequence, wherein articles (A1..J5) of those article groups (WG1..WG7) which are handed over to one of the buffer conveyor lines (7, PL1..PL4) in succession in step h) are retrieved in accordance with the group sequence.

13. The method according to any one of the claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the retrieval of the articles (A1..J5) comprised by the retrieval group (AG1, AG2) in step f) is executed in chaotic sequence, wherein a retrieval group (AG1, AG2) in step e) has maximally as many article groups (WG1..WG7) as buffer conveyor lines (7, PL1..PL4) will have free capacity for receiving articles (A1..J5) of one article group (WG1..WG7) each upon a handover of the articles (A1..J5) of the retrieval group (AG1, AG2) into the first sorting device (6a..6c).

14. The method according to any one of the claims 1 to 13, characterized in that steps f) to m) are initiated by the control computer (21).

15. The method according to any one of the claims 1 to 14, characterized in that one or multiple of the steps f) to m) are controlled by the control computer (21).

16. The method according to any one of the claims 1 to 15, characterized in that an article (A1..J5) in the overall article sequence is any piece of multiple articles (A1..J5) of the same type of article which are stored in or on a loading aid, steps f) to l) are executed by corresponding manipulation of the loading aid, and step m) comprises the removal of the article (A1..J5) from or off the loading aid.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that a remaining quantity of articles (A1..J5) which remains in or on the loading aid after step m) is stored in the storage area (2) again.

18. A picking system (1a..1e) with a storage area (2), in which articles (A1..J5) are stored and which comprises a retrieval conveying system (4), a first sorting device (6a..6c), which has multiple buffer conveyor lines (7, PL1..PL4) which are parallel in terms of conveyance and an input-side handover device (8) assigned per buffer conveyor line (7, PL1..PL4) and an output-side handover device (9) assigned per buffer conveyor line (7, PL1..PL4), a first conveying system (10), which connects the storage area (2) and the first sorting device (6a..6c), a second sorting device (11), which is arranged downstream of the first sorting device (6a..6c), a second conveying system (15), which connects the first sorting device (6a..6c) and the second sorting device (11), a picking area (16), which is arranged downstream of the second sorting device (11), a third conveying system (19), which connects the second sorting device (11) and the picking area (16), and a control system (20), which comprises a control computer (21) and which is connected to the first sorting device (6a..6c) and second sorting device (11), wherein the control computer (21) is configured for a) acquiring multiple orders (AT1..AT10), each of which comprise at least one article (A1..J5), b) forming an order sequence of the orders (AT1..AT10) desired in the picking area (16) and an article sequence of the articles (A1..J5) within each order (AT1..AT10) of the orders (AT1..AT10), c) forming an overall article sequence by lining up the orders (AT1..AT10) in accordance with the desired order sequence, d) segmenting the overall article sequence into article groups (WG1..WG7) each with a specifiable number of articles (A1..J5) independent of order boundaries (ATG) and forming a group sequence of the article groups (WG1..WG7) according to the overall article sequence, wherein the number of the articles (A1..J5) in an article group (WG1..WG7) corresponds to maximally the number of the articles (A1..J5) which can be brought into any sequence in the second sorting device (11), e) forming a retrieval group (AG1, AG2), which comprises article groups (WG1..WG7) of the group sequence sorted in ascending order for whose articles (A1..J5) free capacity will be available in the first sorting device (6a..6c) upon a handover into the first sorting device (6a..6c), f) triggering a retrieval of the articles (A1..J5) comprised by the retrieval group (AG1, AG2) from the storage area (2) using the retrieval conveying system (4), g) triggering a transport of the articles (A1..J5) comprised by the retrieval group (AG1, AG2) to the first sorting device (6a..6c) using the first conveying system (10), h) triggering a selective handover of the articles (A1..J5) of the retrieval group (AG1, AG2) from the first conveying system (10) onto the buffer conveyor lines (7, PL1..PL4) using the input-side handover devices (8), wherein articles (A1..J5) of an article group (WG1..WG7) of the retrieval group (AG1, AG2) are handed over into a vacant buffer area onto at least one of the buffer conveyor lines (7, PL1..PL4) and wherein the articles (A1..J5) of the article group (WG1..WG7) in the at least one buffer conveyor line (7, PL1..PL4) are arranged directly adjacent to one another in any sequence, i) triggering a handover of the articles (A1..J5) of the article groups (WG1..WG7) handed over to the buffer conveyor lines (7, PL1..PL4) from the buffer conveyor lines (7, PL1..PL4) to the second conveying system (15) in the group sequence using the output-side handover devices (9), j) triggering a transport of the articles (A1..J5) of the article groups (WG1..WG7) to the second sorting device (11) in the group sequence using the second conveying system (15), k) triggering a groupwise sorting of the articles (A1..J5), article group (WG1..WG7) by article group (WG1..WG7), according to the order sequence in the second sorting device (11), l) triggering a transport of the articles (A1..J5) from the second sorting device (11) into the picking area (16) in the order sequence using the third conveying system (19), and m) triggering a reloading of the articles (A1..J5) into or onto target loading aids in accordance with the acquired orders (AT1..AT10) in the picking area (16).

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