Methods and stations for picking goods in accordance with GTP principles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for picking articles at a picking station according to the Good to Packet (GTP) principle, where articles are picked from a plurality of product load carriers to a plurality of order load carriers. The plurality of order load carriers are transported through the picking station in a first row, and articles are presented on the product load carriers and picked from there. According to the invention, in order to achieve high throughput, product load carriers are also transported through the picking station in a second row, which is arranged diagonally relative to the first row. Picking occurs from a stream of product and order containers that are simultaneously transported through the picking station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of picking goods at a picking station according to the GTP (goods-to-person) principle, a method by which goods are picked onto an order carrier, and a corresponding picking station.

Background Art

[0002] The operation of a picking station for picking according to the GTP principle is well-known. In that case, multiple products or goods of one order are transported to respective picking stations. For that purpose, these products or goods are usually transported in containers, trays, etc. At that location, those products or goods are taken out of the so-called storage or product containers and placed on the corresponding containers, trays, etc. of one order, the so-called order containers.

[0003] This process is usually repeated using the zone picking process until each order or sub-order is completed.

[0004] In order to increase throughput and / or reduce the amount of movement of product containers, operators often pick in parallel for multiple orders, so multiple order containers are held in parallel at the picking station.

[0005] Therefore, when there are multiple order containers, the location where the goods should be placed can be displayed to the picker by a display. Therefore, this is called "put-to-light". In addition, when multiple product containers are similarly transported to the picking station, the pick-to-light method can also be implemented, so the picking of goods is also simplified.

[0006] Therefore, the storage location is the location for the order container on which the products / goods from the storage container are placed by the picker.

[0007] Therefore, a put-to-right display is a display for pickers, indicating which order container the item, or multiple items, or packing unit, etc., that the picker has just taken from the product container should be placed in.

[0008] Conversely, the pick-up area is the location for product containers from which pickers retrieve goods, etc. Therefore, a pick-to-light display is a display that shows pickers the product containers, and / or perhaps the goods and / or their quantities, for the picking step.

[0009] Patent Document 1 discloses a method that includes preparing an order container at a loading point for placing various items taken from a storage tank. Storage containers containing multiple items are automatically moved to the retrieval position so that the items are taken out of their respective storage containers and transferred to the order container. A first confirmation signal is generated after the items are taken out so that the storage container is moved to the post-retrieval position and then to the retrieval position while the next storage container is in the pre-retrieval position.

[0010] Patent Document 2 describes a method and picking station for picking articles from a source loading auxiliary device to a destination loading auxiliary device by an order picker. The loading auxiliary devices are transported to a picking station via a first conveyor system, prepared at the picking station for picking articles, and after the picking operation, discharged again from the picking station via a second conveyor system. Prior to the picking operation at the picking station, the transport movements of the multiple source loading auxiliary devices and multiple destination loading auxiliary devices necessary for processing a picking order can be coordinated by a control device so that they are gathered on a common picking conveyor of the first conveyor system, passing through a work area or order picker, and are arranged adjacent to each other as a single picking group on this picking conveyor and presented to the order picker.

[0011] Patent Document 3 describes an order picking method for articles at an order picking station. In this method, multiple source containers are transported to a picking point in any order, and multiple destination containers are prepared in a sorting buffer that includes multiple buffer points before a single loading point. To process multiple different order lines, when articles belonging to a first order line are placed in a first destination container, the container is transported back to the sorting buffer and temporarily buffered at the sorting point until a source container containing articles belonging to a second order line is transported to a buffer track section located upstream of the picking point. To process multiple different order lines, when articles belonging to a second order line are placed in a second destination container, if a source container containing articles belonging to the second order line has already been transported to the buffer track section, the container is transported back to the sorting buffer, moved via the second sorting point to one of the multiple buffer points, and then moved to the loading point. This invention also relates to an order picking station.

[0012] Patent Document 4 discloses a method and picking station for picking items in accordance with the GTP principle. In this picking station, items are placed on multiple order carriers that are transported in a single line through the station. The placement of each order carrier in the line changes over time as preceding order carriers are loaded and transported. This disclosure also relates to a corresponding order picking station.

[0013] Therefore, there remains a need for simplified picking solutions that follow the GTP principle, simplifying the structure of picking stations and making picking easier for pickers without reducing throughput. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0014] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 2 769936 A1 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0104286 A1 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2018 / 006112 A1 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0355340 A1 [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] This objective is achieved by the picking method described in claim 1 and the picking station described in claim 11.

[0016] According to the present invention, when product carriers are transported via picking stations even in a second row positioned diagonally to the first row, and picking is performed from a single flow consisting of multiple products and order containers transported simultaneously via picking stations, it is recognized that picking performance can be improved with better usability or the aforementioned operational flexibility, without expensive and complex designs.

[0017] In other words, the worker (a human, an automated robot, or an automated robot guided by a human) performs the order fulfillment process by taking products from the product carrier "on the fly" and placing them into the order carrier while the product carrier is in motion.

[0018] Unless the worker is late, the movement of product and order carriers on each conveying system will not stop, pause, or halt, for example, if the worker has not yet completed their work and / or has not confirmed that the loading and / or unloading has been completed on time. The next product carrier will move simultaneously, following the current product carrier. Once the unloading operation is complete, as soon as the product carrier is transported (for example, along the takeaway conveyor), the order carrier will begin moving simultaneously, following the product carrier and moving away from the worker. Any empty order carrier located upstream of the completed order carrier(s) being carried away will simultaneously follow the completed order carrier(s).

[0019] Furthermore, both load carriers can be moved simultaneously (in parallel) and continuously (at all times). These load carriers can also be transported at the same or different speeds.

[0020] Therefore, order cargo carriers and product cargo carriers may be transported through the picking station at different and / or varying speeds. That is, for example, product cargo carriers may move through the picking station at a faster speed than cargo carriers.

[0021] It is also possible to change the speed. For example, the product container can be quickly started to move at a higher acceleration and speed, so that the container can quickly reach within the reach of the operator. Once it reaches within the reach of the operator, deceleration can be gradually started, and probably, depending on the type of order to be picked, it is possible to enable the operator to pick the product on the fly. Orders with one or two items can be picked using a single or two product load carriers. In this case, these product load carriers can be moved quickly because the picking time or duration at the station is short. These product load carriers will be controlled to become available simultaneously or successively immediately afterwards. In this case, the order load carrier can also be moved quickly.

[0022] If the order load carrier and the product load carrier share a common takeaway after picking, the exchange and discharge of these load carriers can be optimized.

[0023] In this case, the common takeaway needs to be in series with the first row of the order load carrier or the second row of the product load carrier. In other words, the common takeaway forms a straight-line extension of each conveying system along its longitudinal axis.

[0024] To optimize the presentation of the items in the load carrier to the operator, it is possible to change the orientation of these load carriers on the conveying system. In other words, the order load carrier and / or the product load carrier are conveyed through the picking station with the narrow side facing forward and / or with the wide side facing forward.

[0025] For example, an operator may face a load carrier with a wide side facing forward at the donor (picking) position and a load carrier with a narrow side facing forward at the loading or order position. Or, the operator may face a load carrier with a narrow side facing forward at the donor (picking) position and a load carrier with a wide side facing forward at the loading or order position. Or, the operator may face a load carrier with a wide side facing forward at the donor (picking) position and a load carrier with a wide side facing forward at the loading or order position. Or, the operator may face a load carrier with a narrow side facing forward at the donor (picking) position and a load carrier with a narrow side facing forward at the loading or order position.

[0026] During the implementation of order fulfillment, it is often necessary to integrate multiple sub-orders that are picked at multiple different times and / or locations and temporarily buffered within multiple order load carriers. Similarly, it is often necessary to integrate multiple product load carriers by combining two or more empty product load carriers. Therefore, according to the present invention, for the integration of multiple load carriers, by unloading from multiple product load carriers and loading onto multiple product load carriers, and / or by unloading from multiple order load carriers and loading onto multiple order load carriers, the partial picking can be integrated to do is possible.

[0027] When the order load carriers and product load carriers are each transported through the picking station at different and / or varying speeds, it becomes possible to change the path of the order load carriers to reach the loading position via the product load carrier transport system. This may be necessary to perform a "top-up" operation on multiple order containers picked elsewhere with the products to be picked within the current pick station.

[0028] If a product carrier contains items that will be needed in the near future for further orders, the corresponding carrier can be buffered at the picking station and released immediately. In other words, after the items desired for picking an order have been retrieved, the used product carrier can be transported from the picking location to a temporary buffer location for use in subsequent picking operations.

[0029] Similarly, there may be cases where an order cannot be fulfilled or completed immediately, but the control system knows that the order can be completed in the near future. In such cases, after the items to be picked for partial order picking have been placed, the order carrier may be transported from the picking location to a reuse buffer location. From there, the order carrier may be returned to the order carrier queue for the subsequent completion of order picking.

[0030] The present invention further relates to a picking station for picking articles in accordance with the GTP principle. Multiple articles are picked into an order carrier, the articles in the product carrier are transported via the picking station on a first linear transport system, and the order carrier is transported via the picking station on a second linear transport system. Multiple products passing through the picking station Cargo carrier and order Cargo carrier To produce a single continuous transport flow consisting of these elements, the first and second transport systems are positioned at an intersecting angle to each other and controlled by a control device.

[0031] Multiple load carriers may share a third conveying system for discharge and collection. The third conveying system is in series with either the first or second conveying system. The third conveying system may optionally include a downstream diversion. This diversion may be used to route the discharged order load carriers along a different route than the product load carriers.

[0032] Each conveying system can be configured as an individually controllable and operable conveyor. This allows, for example, individual speed control.

[0033] When loading / unloading locations are formed at the corners between the linear first and second conveying systems, or at the intersection with the third conveying system, access to these locations is easy. Workers can access both the oldest historically product load carrier and the oldest historically order load carrier simultaneously, and ergonomically, without having to move their bodies. Therefore, the success rate is high.

[0034] Buffer positions may be located alongside the first and / or second linear conveying system to allow for the reuse of product carriers or temporary storage for the completion of order carriers. This allows for intermediate parking or shuffling of the carriers.

[0035] To enable better viewing into the cargo carrier and easier loading and unloading of cargo, i.e., to improve usability, the first and / or second linear conveying systems may have a tilting mechanism for tilting the cargo carrier toward the worker. This tilting mechanism may be an active or passive mechanism of the corresponding conveying system, or it may be a static tilting mechanism.

[0036] The inclination of the donor (product) position can be achieved by the inclination of each conveyor itself, so that the product carrier can be inclined when it is moved from one conveyor to another. The inclination of the order position can be achieved by an active inclination mechanism, such as an inclined right-angle transfer device (RAT). Only the corresponding loading position can be inclined (adaptive inclination), so that the place where the retrieved item should be placed can be clearly indicated to the worker.

[0037] According to the present invention, it is recognized that handling performance and ease of use, which strongly influence picking speed, are key success factors for GTP picking stations. In particular, the exchange time between donors (or products) and order carriers affects the achievable picking speed according to ergonomics (including the distance and angle of worker movement).

[0038] The most effective way to minimize exchange and loading times is to provide workers with the following features: 1. Inspect the donor on the fly and beforehand (to ensure workers are aware of what needs to be picked up in advance). 2. Cargo is collected on the fly, and also collected in advance (cargo collection during donor transport). 3. Store goods on the fly, and also store goods in advance (store goods while the order is in transit). 4. Minimize worker movement.

[0039] To achieve this, the present invention provides a conveyor-based loading and unloading position that moves a series of donors and orders horizontally toward the worker and away from the worker once the loading / unloading operation is complete, and positions the loading and unloading positions as close to the worker as possible.

[0040] To provide an ergonomic work environment, to achieve such features, and / or to avoid reducing the loading speed due to the extra distance workers have to travel, each conveyor requires a certain spacing. A common takeaway allows for high-speed exchange of both donor and order conveyors in the manner described above, without compromising worker comfort or loading performance.

[0041] Furthermore, it is possible to combine it with batch loading / unloading functions.

[0042] Where the characteristics of the goods allow, the goods can be transported directly or placed in a product carrier and taken out from there. The carrier can be a container, tray, box, etc., as is known in the prior art. The carrier is preferably transported through the picking station in a first-in, first-out (FIFO) order.

[0043] The present invention can also be characterized by the following features. Order cargo carriers and product cargo carriers are transported through the picking station at different and / or varying speeds. Each transport system is formed as a conveyor that can be individually controlled and operated. A loading / unloading area is formed at the corner between the linear first and second transport systems, or at the intersection with the third transport system. The buffer position is located alongside the first and / or second linear conveying system, and The loading and unloading of goods will be performed by robotic pickers.

[0044] According to the present invention, an operator may command the discharge of the product carrier from the loading location immediately after loading, before or during loading onto the order carrier, in parallel with their loading operation. To do so, the operator may press a complete button after loading (i.e., after removing the goods from the product container) and before completing the loading process (placing the removed goods onto the order container). The operator may also press the complete button during their loading process or before their loading process after the completion of loading. Ideally, such buttons should be positioned so that the operator can operate them efficiently without requiring additional steps / movements.

[0045] Therefore, in order to streamline the loading and unloading process and to maximize the benefits of on-the-fly / pre-loading loading and unloading in order to improve loading performance, it is ideal that worker buttons, which are generally pressed by workers upon completion of each loading and unloading operation, be positioned so that workers can efficiently press them during the unloading process, or even before the unloading process, where reasonable, regardless of their picking style. Since workers can press the button in parallel with their unloading work, the dedicated step and time required to press such a button can, in some cases, be eliminated.

[0046] A picking station may include a temporary storage shelf located on a raised platform above the work area. Workers can place the picked item(s) on the temporary storage shelf for future use in order fulfillment work in the near future, thus eliminating the need for rerouting from and back to the picking station. In this way, workers can be guided by pick-by-light, voice, or screen (or a combination thereof) to which location on the shelf to use and the quantity of product items to place there.

[0047] Since these temporary storage shelves are primarily intended for use as temporary product buffers, only one type of item is buffered per location. Workers are then instructed to retrieve items from those locations(s) to fulfill related orders that require the buffered goods.

[0048] Alternatively, it can be used as a temporary order location where multiple different items can be placed according to an order list. These items are then all simultaneously placed on a specific order carrier to fulfill a single, fully or partially consolidated order.

[0049] In other words, the present invention can be characterized, in short, as the realization of high-speed exchange of both donors and orders by the simultaneous movement of multiple donors and orders in succession to a common takeaway, combined with or uncombined with an optimized order continuous batch picking function.

[0050] The present invention is particularly useful for storage facilities having double-deep or multi-deep storage spaces for load carriers, and optionally having lateral transport locations for exchange. For this purpose, the load picking means of the storage device (ASRS), such as a telescopic rail arm, may have an extended reach.

[0051] The storage device is particularly preferably a racking serving unit or a single-level racking serving unit. A shuttle or satellite vehicle is particularly suitable. To service multiple levels from a single running rail, a shuttle may also be used having one lifting platform or multiple load picking means platforms arranged vertically to each other.

[0052] Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to achieve a particularly high level of retrieval efficiency from storage while completely maintaining the desired order of multiple transport units in each aisle.

[0053] Further features and details of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0054] [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view of a picking area having two picking stations according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] A schematic plan view of the picking station according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 3] A schematic plan view of a further picking station according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 4] A schematic plan view of a further picking station according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 5] A schematic plan view of a further picking station according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 6] A schematic plan view of a further picking station according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 7] A schematic plan view of a further picking station according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 8] A schematic plan view of a further picking station according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 9] A schematic plan view of a further picking station according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 10] A schematic plan view of a further picking station according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 11] A schematic plan view of a further picking station according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 12] A schematic plan view of a further picking station according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 13] A schematic plan view of a further picking station according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 14] A schematic plan view of a further picking station according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 15] A schematic plan view of a further picking station according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 16] A schematic perspective view of a further picking station according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 17] A schematic perspective view of a further picking station according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 18] A schematic plan view of a further picking station according to the present invention, having a plurality of completion buttons and a temporary storage shelf arranged according to the present invention, is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0055] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a picking area 1 having two picking stations 2 connected to a racking 3 by a conveyor 4. Each picking station 2 corresponds to an aisle 5 of the racking 3, and each rack 6 of the racking 3 is adjacent to the aisle 5 between them. Each picking station 2 is connected at its front end via the conveyor 4 to a retrieval machine 7 (e.g., a lift or elevator) located within the area occupied by each rack 6. Each rack is serviced by an ASRS machine (not shown), such as a shuttle, which unloads the load onto a vertical conveyor similar to the one described above.

[0056] Conveyor 4 bridges the racking 3 and picking station 2 and connects to inbound product load carrier conveyors 8a, b, inbound order load carrier conveyors 9a, b, and common takeaway discharge conveyor 10. The load carriers themselves can be, for example, standard containers or trays.

[0057] The inbound product carrier conveyor 8 has a first transport section 8a that leads to a station on the extension of the aisle direction, and a second transport section 8b that is oriented at a 90-degree angle to the first transport section 8a, forming an actual transport system within the station for presenting the carrier from which the product should be taken to the worker 11.

[0058] The inbound order cargo carrier conveyor 9 has a first inbound transport section 9a that leads to a station on the extension in the aisle direction, and a second transport section 9b that is arranged parallel to it and connected by a right-angle branching device (RAT) 9c.

[0059] The product carrier conveyor section 8b and the carrier conveyor section 9b intersect at the worker's work position 13, forming an intersection 14. This intersection can be formed at a wide range of angles, but is usually within the range of 60 to 120 degrees, preferably 90 degrees.

[0060] The common takeaway discharge conveyor 10 is located on the direct extension of the order cargo carrier conveyor section 9b and begins at the intersection 14 with the product cargo carrier conveyor section 8b.

[0061] Each picking station 2 may include a display and control unit 12 for worker information and control by the worker 11. Workers may also be guided by other means such as pick-by-light, pick-by-voice, virtual reality, etc. A picking station does not have to have any such means, and picking may be done on a "paper" basis.

[0062] The product load carrier conveyor section 8b may be inclined as a whole toward the work position 13.

[0063] Another optimization regarding presentation may involve tilting the receiving and / or placing position. The tilt of the donor position is achieved by tilting the conveyor 8b itself, tilting the product carrier as it is moved from 8a to 8b.

[0064] The inclination of the order position can be achieved by an active inclination mechanism, such as an inclined right-angle branching device (RAT), which can inclin only the corresponding loading position (adaptive inclination), clearly indicating to the worker where the retrieved items should be placed (see Figure 16). The RAT position of conveyor 9 can be adaptively inclined. In Figure 16, position 9* is not inclined, for example, while the other positions are inclined.

[0065] To prevent the load carrier from "falling" when it is pushed from the conveyor section 8a over the edge and moved to the inclined conveyor section 8b, rubber or other soft material is used to cushion the impact when the load carrier is pressed against the inclined conveyor section 8b. bumper 81 is positioned at the first edge of conveyor section 8b, which is opposite conveyor section 8a.

[0066] Therefore, as shown in the figure, product P is moved within the load carrier up to the lower edge of the inclined load carrier.

[0067] Subsequently, the cargo carrier D has a gradually narrowing end 82. bumper According to 81, bumper 81 is transported along the inclined conveyor section 8b until it reaches its complete end.

[0068] Therefore, as the cargo carrier moves, along with the controlled deceleration of the conveyor section 8b, it tilts further in two dimensions, so that the product P is pushed towards the bottom right corner, as shown in the figure.

[0069] This allows the most obvious locations to be identified in advance, and the product is positioned closest to the worker / robot, thus reducing product settling time and making picking easier.

[0070] Multiple conveyor positions on the conveyor section 9a behind the loading positions on conveyor 9b may be used as additional loading positions (see, for example, Figure 16), especially for the robot station 20R (which has a longer arm reach).

[0071] The conveyors are controlled by a control device 15 to bring a simultaneous and continuous flow of products and order carriers from picking station 2 onto their respective conveyors 8, 9, and 10, depending on the order fulfillment needs. The control device 15 is managed by a comprehensive warehouse management system (WMS) that works in conjunction with and interfaces with the order tracking system. Obviously, the control device is also used to control the overall flow of materials within racking 3 and 5, and from there to picking stations 2 and 3.

[0072] The following schematic diagrams 2 to 18 illustrate variations in the design and operation of a similar picking station 2. The order load carrier is indicated by O, and the product load carrier (donor) is indicated by D. Otherwise, the reference numerals introduced above are used to refer to the same parts.

[0073] The modifications shown in Figures 2 to 6 relate to switching the arrangement of the product carrier conveyor 8 and the order carrier conveyor 9, as well as changing the direction of transport of the carriers in the direction of movement on the respective conveyor sections 8b and 9b, that is, changing between the direction in which the narrow side of the carrier is facing forward and the direction in which the wide side of the carrier is facing forward.

[0074] In Figure 2, product carrier D is transported along section 8b with its narrow side facing forward, and order carrier O is transported along section 9b with its wide side facing forward. Product carrier conveyor 8 and order carrier conveyor 9 are arranged as described with respect to Figure 1.

[0075] In Figure 3, the arrangement of the product carrier conveyor 8 and the order carrier conveyor 9 has been essentially swapped, and their positions have been switched. As a result, the order carrier O is transported along section 9b with its narrow side facing forward, and the product carrier D is transported along section 8b with its wide side facing forward.

[0076] In Figure 4, the arrangement of the product carrier conveyor 8 and the order carrier conveyor 9 is the same as in Figures 1 and 2. However, the direction of transport of the carriers in the direction of movement on the respective conveyor sections 8b and 9b is reversed, with the narrow side facing forward and the wide side facing forward. As a result, the order carrier O is transported on section 9b with its narrow side facing forward, and the product carrier D is transported on section 8b with its wide side facing forward.

[0077] In Figure 5, the product carrier conveyor 8 and the order carrier conveyor 9 are again in the same arrangement as in Figures 1 and 2, but the order carrier O is being transported along section 9b with its narrow side facing forward.

[0078] In Figure 6, the arrangement is the same as in Figure 4, but the order carrier O is being transported along section 8b with its wide side facing forward.

[0079] Figure 7 illustrates in detail the use of a temporary parking or buffer position 16 for the product load carrier D, and the use of parking / shuffling 17 for the order load carrier by using an inbound conveyor section 9a parallel to section 9b.

[0080] Since the temporary parking or buffer position 16 is located behind the conveyor section 8b prior to the intersection 14, the items in the product carriers can be reused for subsequent picking by temporarily placing each product carrier at the buffer position 16 and retrieving it in a timely manner, as shown by the control unit and display. The conveyor section 8b will then be controlled to slow down and / or pause the following product containers and to leave an open window to make space for the carriers retrieved from position 16.

[0081] The parallel arrangement of inbound order carrier conveyor sections 9a and 9b allows order carriers O to be pushed forward, as shown in the figure, before reaching the common takeaway 10. This enables reordering and, furthermore, allows corresponding order carriers to be reused at a later point in time by routing them essentially within a virtual loop, for example, to allow the necessary time for each product carrier P to reach the station, even though they have departed from the picking station 200.

[0082] The corresponding picking station 200 may have both the buffer position 16 and the shuffling function 17, or only one of them.

[0083] Figure 8 shows the same station 200 to demonstrate the possibility of picking from and to product carrier D and / or order carrier O. This allows for the consolidation of products (e.g., consolidation of multiple carriers) by picking from and placing products on product carrier D, as indicated by arrow 18, and by picking from and placing products on order carrier O, as indicated by arrow 19. This allows for the consolidation of orders from multiple partially picked order carriers, and the merging / consolidation of multiple empty product carriers.

[0084] Figure 9 shows the picking station of Figure 2, where multiple order carriers and multiple product carriers are being transported through the picking station at different variable speeds V1 and V2. Therefore, it is possible to reroute the order carrier O to the intersection 14, which is the loading position 20, via the product carrier transport system 8, or even move it backward (opposite to the normal flow direction) on the conveyor section 9b (see arrow 25) if the speed V2 is negative for that movement. This may be necessary to perform a "top-up" operation with products to be picked at the current picking station for order containers picked elsewhere.

[0085] Subsequently, in order to enable the above-mentioned route change without completely stopping in extreme conditions, the speed V2 of conveyor system 9 is drastically reduced, and the speed V1 of conveyor system 8 is accelerated.

[0086] Figure 10 shows the picking station 20 of Figure 3 during the on-the-fly replenishment process. In this process, an operator (not shown) replenishes the product carrier D from, for example, a pallet 22 or other supply source located within the area of ​​the work position 13 during normal picking operations. Simultaneously, or instead, the operator may also use items from the pallet 22 to directly pick up and place them onto the order carrier O. This may be advantageous if such items are large or elaborate, etc., and therefore cannot be handled automatically in the racking system.

[0087] The picking station 2000 shown in Figure 11 differs from the one described above in that the common takeaway discharge conveyor 10 includes a diversion 23 downstream of the intersection 14. Therefore, the order load carrier O and the product load carrier D The routing path may differ. For example, this can affect the product carrier. D While returning to racking 3, the completed order cargo carrier O can be sent out for shipment.

[0088] The picking stations 200* and 200** in Figures 12 and 13 illustrate possible different configurations of the inbound transport section 9a, either parallel to the transport section 9b (Figure 12) or aligned with / extended from the transport section 9b (Figure 13). Transport sections 9a and 9b are on the same work plane.

[0089] Figures 14 and 15 show that the intersection 14 can be used as a loading or unloading location, that the cargo carrier on the intersection 14 can also move backward on the conveyor section 9b (opposite to the normal flow direction), and that the worker can be a robotic unit 24 that is autonomous using a vision system, or can be human-guided but automated, etc.

[0090] Figure 18 shows a picking station 2 according to the present invention in detail. This figure shows details of a worker interface 30 for order fulfillment. The worker interface 30 includes a raised desk-like surface 30A and has worker-facing colored (blue, yellow, red) illuminated buttons 31 that indicate the corresponding loading positions on the order load carrier O. The display 31 is illuminated and may show the quantity of items to be picked from the nearest product load carrier D1. Furthermore, the items located near D1 and their quantities are displayed on the screen 35 and illuminated buttons 31 to provide the worker with more information, for example, by displaying items / products in detail. This would be particularly helpful when items are mixed on the product load carrier. Multiple loading LEDs 34 may be present. These LEDs 34 are located behind each loading position directly above the loading level and indicate the corresponding loading position on the order load carrier O and the quantity of items to be placed at each location.

[0091] In addition to the illuminated button 31, there are three illuminated buttons 32, 33 (corresponding to the number of storage spaces) but Yes, they exist. Each button 32, 33 represents a different placement location for easy access and notification, regardless of the worker's picking style (e.g., using only one hand, either left or right, picking with the left hand and placing with the right). These buttons may also indicate the quantity of products to be placed on the corresponding order carrier O (placement process).

[0092] Alternatively, or in addition, there may be an illuminated button 37 that can be pressed by the worker to complete a task or to complete all tasks, independently of the loading area.

[0093] Furthermore, a light barrier 36 may be installed under a higher desk 30A to monitor the presence of the worker's arm(s) and / or the overhang (incorrect positioning) of the order load carrier. The light barrier 36 may be used to cause the discharge of the product load carrier D1 from the loading position by blocking the barrier, and / or to cause the discharge of the order load carrier O1 from the loading position by not blocking the barrier.

[0094] Multiple buttons 32 are arranged at the work position 13 as a group parallel to the conveyor section 8b of the product load carrier. Multiple buttons 33 are arranged in front of each order load carrier position, parallel to the conveyor section 9b. Buttons 37 are generally located at the intersection of 8B and 9B.

[0095] The worker may, immediately after receiving the goods, or before or during the loading of the goods onto the order carrier O, in parallel with their own loading work, instruct the worker to discharge the product carrier D1 from the receiving location.

[0096] If the corresponding item(s) should be placed in the first loading position, the button 31A (blue illumination) and the loading position LED 34 are activated.

[0097] If it is a single shipment order (one item per order), the donor product carrier D1 may be replaced if the light barrier is blocked.

[0098] If the order includes several different items, i.e., multiple shipments, the donor product shipment carrier D1 will not be replaced unless blue buttons 31 or 32A or 33A or 37 are pressed.

[0099] Subsequently, the order carrier O1, having received its final shipment (the goods in the order), is carried away (via the common takeaway 10). The remaining subsequent order carriers are then diverted forward. However, this only occurs if the light barrier is blocked.

[0100] Similarly, if one or more items are to be placed in a second loading position, the yellow illuminated buttons and loading LEDs 34, 31, 32B, 33B, or 37 are activated. Alternatively, if one or more items are to be placed in a third loading position, the red illuminated buttons and loading LEDs 34, 31, 32C, 33C, or 37 are activated. If one or more items are to be placed in multiple positions, the corresponding illuminated buttons and loading LEDs are activated simultaneously.

[0101] The quantity for each loading position can be displayed on 31, 32, 33, and 34, and / or simultaneously on the screen and loading LED 34. The donor product loading carrier D1 is divided and fed when all corresponding buttons are pressed.

[0102] These buttons can be pressed during or before the loading process. In other words, they can be pressed after unloading but before the loading operation.

[0103] Picking station 2 may include a temporary storage shelf 40 at a raised position near screen 35. There, workers can place the item(s) they have picked for order fulfillment work in the near future for buffering purposes, thus eliminating the need for rerouting from and back to the picking station.

[0104] The worker is guided by, but is not limited to, pick-by-light 41, pick-by-voice, or screen 35 (or a combination thereof) to the location of the shelf 40 to be used and the quantity of product items to be placed there.

[0105] If an order requires corresponding items, the worker is instructed by the device to pick from each shelf 40, from which location on the shelf to pick up the items, and how many items to take.

[0106] Since this temporary storage shelf 40 is primarily used as a temporary product buffer, only one type of item per location will be buffered.

[0107] Alternatively, the temporary storage shelf 40 can also be used as a temporary order location where multiple different items can be placed according to the order list. These items will then all be placed simultaneously on a specific order carrier O to achieve a fully consolidated or nearly consolidated order.

Claims

1. A method for picking goods at a picking station in accordance with the GTP principles, wherein the goods are presented on a product carrier, picking is performed therefrom, the goods removed from the product carrier are placed into a first order carrier, and the first order carrier is transported in a first column through the picking station, wherein the product carrier is also transported in a second column through the picking station, the second column and the first column are arranged to intersect each other in a plan view and form a certain angle, picking is performed from a single flow consisting of a plurality of products transported simultaneously through the picking station and a plurality of the first order carriers on which the products are placed and transported, and the placement of the goods into the first order carrier is performed while the product carrier is in motion.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, after picking, the order cargo carrier and the product cargo carrier share a common takeaway discharge conveyor.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the common takeaway discharge conveyor is in series with the first row of the order cargo carrier or the second row of the product cargo carrier.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the order carrier and / or the product carrier are transported through the picking station with their narrow sides facing forward and / or their wide sides facing forward.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that multiple picking and / or storage locations are presented at the picking station.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a picker is instructed to place a load at a second order load carrier location in order to transport both a plurality of order load carriers and / or the plurality of product load carriers simultaneously through the picking station.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, for the purpose of consolidating multiple cargo carriers, the consolidation of products and / or orders can be carried out by taking cargo from a product cargo carrier and placing cargo into a product cargo carrier, and / or by taking cargo from an order cargo carrier and placing cargo into an order cargo carrier.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, after the items requested for a picking order have been retrieved, the used product carrier is transported from the retrieval location to a temporary buffer location for use in subsequent picking operations.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, after the items to be picked up have been placed, the order carrier is transported from the picking location to a parking and / or shuffling location, from which it can be returned to the first row of the order carrier for the subsequent completion of the order picking.

10. A picking station for picking multiple items in accordance with the GTP principles, wherein multiple items are picked into an order carrier, the multiple items are transported via the picking station on a first linear transport system while inside the product carrier, and the order carrier is transported via the picking station on a second linear transport system, wherein the first and second linear transport systems are arranged to form a constant angle at intersections where they intersect each other to produce a single continuous transport flow consisting of multiple product carriers and order carriers passing through the picking station, and are controlled by a control device, thereby enabling the loading of the items into the order carrier to occur while the product carrier is in motion.

11. The picking station according to claim 10, characterized in that the order carrier and the product carrier share a third transport system for discharge and collection, the third transport system is in series with either the first or second linear transport system, and the third transport system may include a diversion downstream of the intersection.

12. The picking station according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the first and / or second linear conveying system has a tilting mechanism for tilting the order carrier and / or the product carrier toward a worker, the tilting mechanism including a tilted RAT (Right Angle Transfer), and only the corresponding picking / placing positions are tilted so that the place where the articles should be picked and / or the place where the picked articles should be placed is clearly indicated to the worker.

13. The picking station according to claim 12, characterized in that the tilting mechanism includes a bumper for mitigating the impact when the order carrier and / or the product carrier are pressed against the tilting mechanism.

14. The picking station according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that a plurality of conveyor positions on a parallel inbound cargo carrier conveyor section behind the cargo placement position on the second linear conveying system can be used as additional cargo placement positions for the robot station.

15. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that multiple order cargo carriers can be routed by the first row to the intersection of the first and second rows, which is the cargo storage position, and can also be routed rearward along the first row.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or 15, characterized in that, at the picking station, an operator can view the product carrier on the fly and in advance to recognize and prepare in advance what to pick up, thereafter pick up the product carrier on the fly and in advance while it is moving, and thereafter place the order carrier on the fly and in advance while it is moving, with or without changing the transport speed of those carriers.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or 15 to 16, characterized in that the worker commands the discharge of the product carrier from the loading position immediately after loading, or before or during loading onto the order carrier, in parallel with his own loading work.

18. A picking station according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that it includes a temporary storage shelf at a raised position above or in front of the worker's picking area.

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