Workstation for optimised loading of loading aids, picking system and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a workstation (11) for loading loading aids (18) on transport vehicles (1) with goods (12), in which a first conveyor system (16) for goods (12) and a second conveyor system (20) for transporting the loading aids (18) are provided. The goods (12) are transported to the first provisioning device (15) and are provided at the one or more first provisioning positions (G). The loading aids (18) are transported by way of transport vehicles to the second provisioning device (21), brought together as a group (GR) and provided from the group alternately at the one or more second provisioning positions. Finally, the invention relates to a picking system (31) in which the transport vehicles (1), a transfer station (43) and / or a workstation (11) of the types mentioned are used.

Description

[0001] WORKSTATION FOR OPTIMIZED LOADING OF LOADING EQUIPMENT.

[0002] PICKING SYSTEM AND PROCEDURES

[0003] The invention relates to a workstation for loading loading aids with goods according to orders, in particular picking orders, which comprises an order management system for electronically recording orders, a first delivery device for providing goods, a first and a second conveyor system, and tracks for transport vehicles. The first conveyor system connects a transfer area and the first delivery device and is designed to transport the goods between the transfer area and the first delivery device. The second conveyor system comprises driverless transport vehicles for transporting the loading aids.A first lane comprises a first and second lane section, a second lane comprises a second delivery device for providing loading aids with the driverless transport vehicles at a second delivery position, and a third lane is arranged between the first lane and the second lane.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a picking system for picking goods, which comprises a storage area with storage locations for providing goods and a picking area for processing orders, wherein a work station of the above-mentioned type is arranged in the picking area.

[0005] Furthermore, the invention relates to a picking system for picking goods, which comprises a storage area with storage locations for providing goods and a picking area, wherein a workstation for loading load carriers with goods is arranged in the picking area. The picking system further comprises a first conveyor system for transporting goods and a second conveyor system for transporting load carriers, wherein the second conveyor system comprises driverless transport vehicles. The transport of goods by the first conveyor system comprises transporting goods from a transfer area to a first delivery device at the workstation.The transport of loading equipment by the driverless transport vehicles includes transporting the loading equipment from a transfer station to a second delivery device at the work station, as well as transporting the loading equipment from the work station to a transfer station. The invention also relates to a method for loading loading equipment with goods according to orders, in particular picking orders, at a work station of the type mentioned above.

[0006] A workstation, a picking system, and a method of the aforementioned type are generally known from the state of the art. State-of-the-art workstations require a comparatively large footprint, which is disadvantageous. Furthermore, expansions are often only possible with significant (conversion) effort. Finally, existing picking systems can only be optimized with great effort in terms of the space they require and their performance.

[0007] An object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved workstation, an improved order picking system, and an improved method for loading load carriers with goods. In connection with the workstation, a solution is to be proposed that enables ergonomic and efficient loading of a load carrier onto a transport vehicle with a particularly compact and modular design of the workstation. Finally, a picking system is to be provided in which at least some of the aforementioned components are advantageously combined.

[0008] Automated guided vehicles are, in particular, floor-based, driverless transport vehicles, which are preferably capable of autonomous operation. Such driverless transport vehicles are also referred to as "Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)" or "Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)."

[0009] Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), for example, use optical or magnetic path markings that can be detected and tracked by the transport vehicles via sensors. The path markings are located in the first lane, the second lane, and / or the third lane.

[0010] Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) do not require path markings, allowing them to navigate collision-free on the roadway. The AMRs incorporate sensors for this purpose, and a computer is used for path planning. "Lanes" for the AGVs can be physically applied to the first, second, and / or third lanes, for example, in the form of optical or magnetic path markings.

[0011] AMRs are generally free to move on a roadway (driving surface), but they can also follow lanes. For example, these can be represented virtually in a digital image of the respective roadway. AMRs can be controlled, in particular, using the digital twin concept, where, for example, the digital twins of the AMRs follow the digital or virtual lanes, thus causing the physical AMRs to move along the lanes in the real world.

[0012] The chassis of the transport vehicle can, for example, comprise one or more drive motors, one or more drive shafts, bearings for the wheels, and optionally one or more steering motors, etc. Steering of the driverless transport vehicle is preferably achieved by differential speed control of the wheels, with the wheels being drive wheels according to such an embodiment. Each drive wheel is driven at a different speed to rotate the transport vehicle about its vertical axis. To drive forward or backward, however, both drive motors are driven at the same speed. Alternatively, steering wheel control is also possible. With steered wheel control, the drive wheel is preferably the steering wheel.

[0013] The object of the invention is achieved by a work station for loading loading aids with goods according to orders, in particular picking orders, in which a first conveyor system for the goods and a second conveyor system for transporting the loading aids are provided, wherein the goods are transported to a first delivery device of the first conveyor system and are made available at one or more first delivery positions of the first delivery device of the first conveyor system, and wherein the loading aids of the second conveyor system are transported to a second delivery device of the second conveyor system, brought together as a group and from the group are alternately made available at one or more second delivery positions of the second delivery device and loaded with the goods made available at the first delivery device.

[0014] The above workstation can be further developed by the following measures or the object of the invention is also achieved by a workstation of the type mentioned at the outset, comprising an order management system for the electronic recording of, in particular, different, orders, each with one or more order lines, wherein each order line specifies a type of goods and a quantity, a first delivery device for providing goods at one or more first delivery positions, a first conveyor system which connects a transfer area and the first delivery device and which is designed to transport the goods between the transfer area and the first delivery device, a second conveyor system which comprises driverless transport vehicles for transporting the loading aids, a first track which comprises a first track section and a second track section, a second track,which comprises a roadway section, and which comprises a second supply device for providing loading aids with the driverless transport vehicles at one or more second supply positions of the second supply device, a third roadway, which is arranged between the first roadway and the second roadway, and which comprises a first roadway section and a second roadway section, wherein a first lane runs along the first roadway section of the first roadway, and a second lane runs along the second roadway section of the first roadway, an approach lane runs along the first roadway section of the third roadway, a return lane runs along the second roadway section of the third roadway, the approach lane branches off from the first lane, and the return lane joins the first lane,or the approach lane branches off from the second lane and the return lane merges into the second lane, and a delivery lane connected to the approach lane and the return lane runs along the roadway section of the second lane, wherein the delivery lane is assigned to the second delivery device, and a control unit which controls the first conveyor system and the transport vehicles to process several order lines for different orders which require goods of different types or the same type of goods, such that the goods are transported to the first delivery device and made available at the one or more first delivery positions, and the loading aids are transported by the transport vehicles to the second delivery device, brought together as a group and made available alternately from the group at the one or more second delivery positions,wherein the loading aids can be loaded alternately with the goods after they have been made available at the one or more second loading positions.

[0015] The feature "a first lane runs along the first section of the first carriageway" is also to be understood as meaning that a first lane is arranged in the first section of the carriageway. Likewise, the feature "a second lane runs along the second section of the first carriageway" is to be understood as meaning that a second lane is arranged in the second section of the carriageway.

[0016] Also, “an approach lane runs along the first section of the third carriageway” and “a return lane runs along the second section of the third carriageway” should be understood to mean that the approach lane and return lane are located in the respective carriageway section.

[0017] The object of the invention is also achieved by the following measures in that the steps are included

[0018] Entering orders with one or more order lines, each order line specifying a type of goods and a quantity, in the order management system, and

[0019] Control of the first conveyor system and the transport vehicles for processing a plurality of order lines for different orders which require goods of different types or the same type of goods, by the control unit in such a way that the goods are transported to the first delivery device and made available at the one or more first delivery positions, and the loading aids are transported by the transport vehicles to the second delivery device, brought together as a group and made available alternately from the group at the one or more second delivery positions, wherein the loading aids can be loaded alternately with the goods after they have been made available at the one or more second delivery positions.

[0020] The proposed measures enable ergonomic loading of a load carrier and efficient picking of goods with a particularly compact and modular workstation design, which is advantageous. The load carrier can be parked on the loading platform of a transport vehicle and can be held in the loading position by the transport vehicle during the loading process.

[0021] The second supply positions of the second supply device can also be referred to as second type supply positions.

[0022] According to an advantageous further development, it can be provided that the alternating provision of the loading aids from the group at the one or more second delivery positions takes place by a synchronized movement of the loading aids of the group.

[0023] One order of orders can be a picking order. The order can comprise one or more order lines. If the order comprises multiple order lines, the order lines can require goods of different types or the same type. One order of orders can be a disposal order. Damaged goods can also be removed from the workstation according to the disposal order if, during order processing, it is detected, for example, by the warehouse worker or by an image capture system, that goods are damaged.

[0024] According to the invention, the work station for loading loading equipment with goods can be designed differently according to orders.

[0025] According to a first embodiment, the first supply device comprises a single first supply position and the second supply device comprises a single second supply position.

[0026] According to this embodiment, the control unit controls the first conveyor system and the transport vehicles for processing a plurality of order lines for different orders in such a way that the goods are transported to the first delivery device and made available at the first delivery position, and the loading aids are transported by the transport vehicles to the second delivery device, brought together as a group and made available from the group alternately (and consecutively) at the second delivery position, wherein the loading aids can be loaded with the goods alternately (and consecutively) after they have been made available at the second delivery position.

[0027] The orders may comprise different orders, in particular a first order and a second order.

[0028] The first order includes multiple order lines, and the second order includes multiple order lines. Each order line of the first order can specify a commodity type and a quantity. Each order line of the second order can specify a commodity type and a quantity. The number of order lines can be the same between the first order and the second order. Otherwise, the number of order lines can vary between the first order and the second order. In particular, one of the multiple order lines from the first order and the second order each specifies the same commodity type. The quantities can vary between the first order and the second order. For example, the first order includes two pieces of black T-shirts, size XL, and the second order includes one piece of black T-shirt, size XL. A next order line from the first order and the second order also specifies the same commodity type.The quantity may vary between the first and second orders. For example, the first order includes one pair of headphones, and the second order includes two. A subsequent order line from the first and second orders may specify different product types. For example, the first order includes one black water bottle, and the second order includes three ballpoint pens. In this example, the product types correspond to "black T-shirt, size XL," "headphones," "black water bottle," and "ballpoint pen." It should also be noted that the number of order lines may vary between the first and second orders.

[0029] As described above, different orders can also include order lines that require goods of different types, and / or different orders can also include order lines that require goods of the same type. Each order is assigned at least one loading device. In other words, at least one loading device that can be loaded with goods is provided for each order.

[0030] The following describes an embodiment in which the orders include order lines that require goods of different types.

[0031] The goods are transported to the first delivery device and provided sequentially (one after the other) at the first delivery position. Thus, the goods of the first type can initially be provided at the first delivery position. After the (first) loading device has been loaded with the goods of the first type, and preferably while the (second) loading device is being provided, the goods of the second type can be provided at the first delivery position.

[0032] If the order lines of the various orders include goods of a different product type, the preparation process is repeated until all order lines have been processed.

[0033] According to this embodiment, the group of loading aids comprises at least two loading aids, namely a first loading aid and a second loading aid. The first loading aid and the second loading aid are alternately provided at the second loading position and alternately loaded with goods, each after the goods have been provided at the second loading position.

[0034] The first loading aid is transported by a first transport vehicle and the second loading aid is transported by a second transport vehicle.

[0035] After the first loading aid has been made available at the second loading position, the first loading aid can initially be loaded with the goods of the first type of goods.

[0036] The first load support is then moved away from the second delivery position by the first transport vehicle, and the second load support is moved toward the second delivery position by the second transport vehicle, preferably approximately synchronously with the movement of the first load support. During this process, the goods of the first type are transported away from the first delivery position, and the goods of the second type are transported to the first delivery device and made available at the first delivery position.

[0037] If the second loading aid is located at the second loading position, the second loading aid is loaded with the goods of the second type of goods.

[0038] Thereafter, the second loading aid is moved away from the one second delivery position by the second transport vehicle and the first loading aid is again moved towards the one second delivery position by the first transport vehicle, preferably approximately synchronously with the movement of the second loading aid.

[0039] Meanwhile, on the one hand, the goods of the second type are transported away from the first delivery position and, on the other hand, the goods of the third type are transported to the first delivery device and made available at the first delivery position.

[0040] If the first loading aid is repeatedly located at the second delivery position, the first loading aid is loaded with the goods of the third type.

[0041] Subsequently, the first loading aid is again moved away from the one second delivery position by the first transport vehicle and the second loading aid is again moved towards the one second delivery position by the second transport vehicle, preferably approximately synchronously with the movement of the first loading aid.

[0042] Meanwhile, on the one hand, the goods of the third type are transported away from the first delivery position and, on the other hand, the goods of the fourth type are transported to the first delivery device and made available at the first delivery position.

[0043] If the second loading aid is repeatedly located at the second delivery position, the second loading aid is loaded with goods of the fourth goods type.

[0044] The alternating provision and loading of the first loading aid and the second loading aid with the goods (of the multiple order lines) is repeated until all order lines (which contain goods of different types) of the various orders have been processed. - lo hn The following describes an embodiment in which the orders include order lines that require goods of the same type.

[0045] The goods are transported to the first delivery device and provided sequentially (one after the other) at the first delivery position. Thus, the goods of the first type can initially be provided at the first delivery position. After the (first) loading device has been loaded with the goods of the first type, and preferably while the (second) loading device is being provided, the goods of the second type can be provided at the first delivery position.

[0046] If the order lines of the various orders include goods of a different product type, the preparation process is repeated until all order lines have been processed.

[0047] According to this embodiment, the group of loading aids comprises at least two loading aids, namely a first loading aid and a second loading aid. The first loading aid and the second loading aid are alternately provided at the second loading position and alternately loaded with goods, each after the goods have been provided at the second loading position.

[0048] The first loading aid is transported by a first transport vehicle and the second loading aid is transported by a second transport vehicle. After the first loading aid has been made available at the second delivery position, the first loading aid can initially be loaded with the goods of the first type. The first loading aid is then moved away from the second delivery position by the first transport vehicle and the second loading aid is moved towards the second delivery position by the second transport vehicle, preferably approximately synchronously with the movement of the first loading aid. During this time, the goods of the first type remain at the first delivery position. When the second loading aid is at the second delivery position, the second loading aid is loaded with the goods of the first type.The second loading aid is then moved away from the second delivery position by the second transport vehicle, and the first loading aid is again moved towards the second delivery position by the first transport vehicle, preferably approximately synchronously with the movement of the second loading aid. Meanwhile, the goods of the second type are made available at the first delivery position. If the first loading aid is repeatedly located at the second delivery position, the first loading aid is loaded with the goods of the second type. The first loading aid is then repeatedly moved away from the second delivery position by the first transport vehicle, and the second loading aid is again moved towards the second delivery position by the second transport vehicle, preferably approximately synchronously with the movement of the first loading aid.If the second loading aid is located at the second loading position, the second loading aid is loaded with goods of the second type of goods.

[0049] The alternating provision and alternating loading of the first loading aid and the second loading aid with the goods (of the multiple order lines) is repeated until all order lines (which contain goods of the same product types) of the various orders have been processed.

[0050] According to a second embodiment, the first supply device comprises a plurality of first supply positions and the second supply device comprises a single second supply position.

[0051] As can be seen from the above description of the first embodiment, different orders can also include order lines that require goods of different types and / or different orders can also include order lines that require goods of the same type.

[0052] Each order is assigned at least one loading aid. In other words, at least one loading aid is provided for each order, which can be loaded with goods.

[0053] According to this embodiment, the control unit controls the first conveyor system and the transport vehicles for processing a plurality of order lines for different orders in such a way that the goods are transported to the first delivery device and made available at the plurality of first delivery positions, and the loading aids are transported by the transport vehicles to the second delivery device, brought together as a group and made available from the group alternately (and consecutively) at the one second delivery position, wherein the loading aids can be loaded with the goods alternately (and consecutively) after they have been made available at the one second delivery position.

[0054] The following describes an embodiment in which the orders include order lines that require goods of different types.

[0055] According to this embodiment, goods of a first type and a second type can be transported to the first delivery device and provided side by side (simultaneously) at the first delivery position and the further first delivery position. Depending on the number of delivery positions at the first delivery device, more than two types of goods can also be provided side by side (simultaneously).

[0056] According to this embodiment, the group of loading aids comprises at least two loading aids, namely a first loading aid and a second loading aid. The first loading aid and the second loading aid are alternately provided at the second loading position and alternately loaded with goods, each after the goods have been provided at the second loading position.

[0057] The first loading aid is transported by a first transport vehicle and the second loading aid is transported by a second transport vehicle. After the first loading aid has been provided at the second delivery position, the first loading aid can initially be loaded with the goods of the first type. The first loading aid is then moved away from the second delivery position by the first transport vehicle and the second loading aid is moved towards the second delivery position by the second transport vehicle, preferably approximately synchronously with the movement of the first loading aid. Once the second loading aid is at the second delivery position, the second loading aid is loaded with the goods of the second type.

[0058] Meanwhile, the goods of the first type are transported away from the first delivery position and, on the other hand, the goods of the third type are transported to the first delivery device and made available at the first delivery position.

[0059] Thereafter, the second loading aid is moved away from the one second delivery position by the second transport vehicle and the first loading aid is again moved towards the one second delivery position by the first transport vehicle, preferably approximately synchronously with the movement of the second loading aid.

[0060] Meanwhile, on the one hand, the goods of the second type of goods are transported away from the further first delivery position and, on the other hand, the goods of the fourth type of goods are transported to the first delivery device and made available at the further first delivery position.

[0061] If the first loading aid is repeatedly located at the second loading position, the first loading aid is loaded with the goods of the third type of goods.

[0062] Subsequently, the first loading aid is repeatedly moved away from the second delivery position by the first transport vehicle and the second loading aid is again moved by the second transport vehicle towards the second delivery position, preferably approximately synchronously with the movement of the first loading aid.

[0063] If the second loading aid is located at the second loading position, the second loading aid is loaded with the goods of the fourth goods type.

[0064] The alternating provision and alternating loading of the first loading aid and the second loading aid with the goods (of the several order lines) is repeated until all order lines (which contain goods of different types) of the various orders have been processed.

[0065] As described above and equally applicable to the second execution, the orders comprise various orders, in particular a first order and a second order. The first order comprises several order lines, and the second order comprises several order lines. Each order line of the first order can specify a product type and a quantity. Each order line of the second order can specify a product type and a quantity.

[0066] The following describes an embodiment in which the orders include order lines that require goods of the same type.

[0067] According to this embodiment, goods of a first type and a second type can be transported to the first delivery device and provided side by side (simultaneously) at the first delivery position and the further first delivery position. Depending on the number of delivery positions at the first delivery device, more than two types of goods can also be provided side by side (simultaneously).

[0068] According to this embodiment, the group of loading aids comprises at least two loading aids, namely a first loading aid and a second loading aid. The first loading aid and the second loading aid are alternately provided at the second loading position and alternately loaded with goods, each after the goods have been provided at the second loading position.

[0069] The first loading aid is transported by a first transport vehicle and the second loading aid is transported by a second transport vehicle.

[0070] After the first loading aid has been made available at the second delivery position, the first loading aid can initially be loaded with the goods of the first goods type and the goods of the second goods type. The first loading aid is then moved away from the second delivery position by the first transport vehicle, and the second loading aid is moved towards the second delivery position by the second transport vehicle. During this time, the goods of the first goods type and the goods of the second goods type remain at the first delivery positions. If the second loading aid is located at the second delivery position, the second loading aid is loaded with the goods of the first goods type and the goods of the second goods type.The second load support is then moved away from the second loading position by the second transport vehicle, and the first load support is again moved toward the second loading position by the first transport vehicle, preferably approximately synchronously with the movement of the second load support. Meanwhile, the goods of the third type are provided at the first loading position, or the goods of the third type and the goods of the further type are provided at the first loading positions. If the first load support is located at the second loading position, the first load support is loaded with the goods of the third type and, if applicable, the goods of the further type.Subsequently, the first load support is repeatedly moved away from the second loading position by the first transport vehicle, and the second load support is again moved toward the second loading position by the second transport vehicle, preferably approximately synchronously with the movement of the first load support. Once the second load support is at the second loading position, the second load support is loaded with goods of the third type and, if applicable, goods of the additional type.

[0071] The alternating provision and alternating loading of the first loading aid and the second loading aid with the goods (of the multiple order lines) is repeated until all order lines (which contain goods of the same product types) of the various orders have been processed.

[0072] As described above and equally applicable to the second execution, the orders comprise various orders, in particular a first order and a second order. The first order comprises several order lines, and the second order comprises several order lines. Each order line of the first order can specify a product type and a quantity. Each order line of the second order can specify a product type and a quantity.

[0073] According to a third embodiment, the first supply device comprises a single first supply position and the second supply device comprises a plurality of second supply positions.

[0074] As can be seen from the above description of the first embodiment, different orders can also include order lines that require goods of different types and / or different orders can also include order lines that require goods of the same type.

[0075] Each order is assigned at least one loading aid. In other words, at least one loading aid is provided for each order, which can be loaded with goods.

[0076] The following describes an embodiment in which the orders include order lines that require goods of the same type.

[0077] According to this embodiment, the control unit controls the first conveyor system and the transport vehicles for processing a plurality of order lines for different orders in such a way that the goods are transported to the first delivery device and provided at the one first delivery position, and the loading aids are transported by the transport vehicles to the second delivery device, brought together as a group and provided from the group alternately (and successively) at the plurality of second delivery positions, wherein the loading aids can be loaded with the goods alternately (and successively) after they have been provided at the plurality of second delivery positions.

[0078] The goods are transported to the first delivery device and provided sequentially (one after the other) at the first delivery position. Thus, the goods of the first type can initially be provided at the first delivery position. After the (first) loading device has been loaded with the goods of the first type, and preferably while the (second) loading device is being provided, the goods of the second type can be provided at the first delivery position.

[0079] If the order lines of the various orders include goods of a different product type, the preparation process is repeated until all order lines have been processed.

[0080] According to this embodiment, the group of loading aids comprises at least three loading aids, namely a first loading aid, a second loading aid, and a third loading aid. The first loading aid, second loading aid, and third loading aid are alternately provided at the plurality of second loading positions and alternately loaded with goods, each after the goods have been provided at the plurality of second loading positions.

[0081] In general, the group of loading aids can include at least one more loading aid than there are second delivery positions.

[0082] The first loading aid is transported by a first transport vehicle, the second loading aid is transported by a second transport vehicle and the third loading aid is transported by a third transport vehicle.

[0083] In this case, the first loading aid, after the first loading aid has been provided at one of the plurality of second delivery positions, and the second loading aid, after the second loading aid has been provided at another of the plurality of second delivery positions, can each initially be loaded with the goods of the first type of goods.

[0084] The first load support is then moved away from one of the plurality of second delivery positions by the first transport vehicle, and the second load support is moved away from the other of the plurality of second delivery positions by the second transport vehicle, and the third load support is moved towards one of the plurality of second delivery positions by the third transport vehicle. During this time, the goods of the first type remain at the first delivery position. If the third load support is located at one of the plurality of second delivery positions, the third load support is loaded with the goods of the first type. The third load support is then moved away from one of the plurality of second delivery positions by the third transport vehicle, and the first load support is again moved to one of the plurality of second delivery positions by the first transport vehicle, and the second load support is again moved towards another of the plurality of second delivery positions by the second transport vehicle.Meanwhile, the goods of the second type are made available at the first delivery position. If the first loading aid is located at one of the plurality of second delivery positions and the second loading aid is located at another of the plurality of second delivery positions, the first loading aid is loaded with the goods of the second type and the second loading aid is loaded with the goods of the second type. Subsequently, the first loading aid is repeatedly moved away from one and another of the plurality of second delivery positions by the first transport vehicle and the second loading aid is repeatedly moved away from the one and another of the plurality of second delivery positions by the second transport vehicle, and the third loading aid is again moved towards one of the plurality of second delivery positions by the third transport vehicle. If the third loading aid is located at one of the plurality of second delivery positions, the third loading aid is loaded with goods of the second type.

[0085] The alternating provision, preferably by a synchronized movement of the loading aids, and alternating loading of the first loading aid, second loading aid and third loading aid with the goods (of the several order lines) is repeated until all order lines (which contain goods of the same type) of the various orders have been processed.

[0086] As described above and equally applicable to third-party executions, the orders comprise various orders, in particular a first order and a second order. The first order comprises several order lines, and the second order comprises several order lines. Each order line of the first order can specify a product type and a quantity. Each order line of the second order can specify a product type and a quantity.

[0087] According to a fourth embodiment, the first supply device comprises a plurality of first supply positions and the second supply device comprises a plurality of second supply positions.

[0088] As can be seen from the above description of the first embodiment, different orders can also include order lines that require goods of different types and / or different orders can also include order lines that require goods of the same type.

[0089] Each order is assigned at least one loading aid. In other words, at least one loading aid is provided for each order, which can be loaded with goods.

[0090] The following describes an embodiment in which the orders include order lines that require goods of the same type.

[0091] According to this embodiment, the control unit controls the first conveyor system and the transport vehicles for processing a plurality of order lines for different orders in such a way that the goods are transported to the first delivery device and provided at the plurality of first delivery positions, and the loading aids are transported by the transport vehicles to the second delivery device, brought together as a group and provided from the group alternately (and consecutively) at the plurality of second delivery positions, wherein the loading aids can be loaded with the goods alternately (and consecutively) after they have been provided at the plurality of second delivery positions.

[0092] According to this embodiment, goods of a first type and a second type can be transported to the first delivery device and provided side by side (simultaneously) at the first delivery position and the further first delivery position. Depending on the number of delivery positions at the first delivery device, more than two types of goods can also be provided side by side (simultaneously).

[0093] According to this embodiment, the group of loading aids comprises at least three loading aids, namely a first loading aid, a second loading aid, and a third loading aid. The first loading aid, second loading aid, and third loading aid are alternately provided at the plurality of second loading positions and alternately loaded with goods, each after the goods have been provided at the plurality of second loading positions.

[0094] In general, the group of load carriers can comprise at least one more load carrier than the number of second loading positions. The first load carrier is transported by a first transport vehicle, the second load carrier is transported by a second transport vehicle, and the third load carrier is transported by a third transport vehicle.

[0095] In this case, the first loading aid, after the first loading aid has been provided at one of the plurality of second delivery positions, and the second loading aid, after the second loading aid has been provided at a further one of the plurality of second delivery positions, can each be initially loaded with the goods of the first goods type and the goods of the second goods type. The first loading aid is then moved away from one and further ones of the plurality of second delivery positions by the first transport vehicle, and the second loading aid is moved by the second transport vehicle, and the third loading aid is moved to one of the plurality of second delivery positions by the third transport vehicle. During this time, the goods of the first goods type and the goods of the second goods type remain at the first delivery positions.If the third loading aid is located at one of the plurality of second delivery positions, the third loading aid is loaded with the goods of the first goods type and the goods of the second goods type. The third loading aid is then moved away from one of the plurality of second delivery positions by the third transport vehicle, and the first loading aid is again moved by the first transport vehicle to one of the plurality of second delivery positions and the second loading aid is again moved by the second transport vehicle to another of the plurality of second delivery positions. During this time, the goods of the third goods type are provided at the first delivery position, or the goods of the third goods type and the goods of the further goods type are provided at the first delivery positions.If the first loading aid is located at one of the plurality of second loading positions and the second loading aid is located at another of the plurality of second loading positions, on the one hand, the first loading aid is loaded with the goods of the third type of goods and, if applicable, the goods of the further type of goods, and on the other hand, the second loading aid is loaded with the goods of the third type of goods and, if applicable, the goods of the further type of goods. Subsequently, the first loading aid is repeatedly moved away from one and further of the plurality of second loading positions by the first transport vehicle, and the second loading aid is repeatedly moved away from the one and further of the plurality of second loading positions by the second transport vehicle, and the third loading aid is again moved towards one of the plurality of second loading positions by the third transport vehicle.If the third loading aid is located at one of the several second delivery positions, the third loading aid is loaded with goods of the third goods type and, if applicable, goods of the further goods type.

[0096] In the above embodiments, according to the invention, the load supports are transported by the transport vehicles and brought together as a group. In other words, in order to process multiple order lines for different orders, the load supports are brought together by the transport vehicles into a group. The group of load supports can be generated by the travel movements of the transport vehicles, with the control unit specifying the travel movements. It should be noted at this point that the transport vehicles can carry out travel movements independently of one another, which are specified by the control unit. The control unit can receive transport orders that are determined based on the orders containing the order for processing multiple order lines.The driving movements can be specified by the control unit in such a way that the transport vehicles are lined up in such a way that loading aids that were previously moved individually with the transport vehicles are brought together in a targeted manner to form the group of loading aids.

[0097] Thus, on the one hand, it is possible for the group of loading equipment to be formed by the movement of the transport vehicles along the first lane, second lane, and / or approach lane even before the group of loading equipment arrives at the second delivery device. In particular, the transport vehicles can enter the delivery lane at the second delivery device as a group of transport vehicles. On the other hand, the group of loading equipment can only be formed by the movement of the transport vehicles along the delivery lane, i.e., when the group of loading equipment is already present at the second delivery device.

[0098] Since the number of loading aids in a group exceeds the number of second delivery positions at the second delivery device, only a smaller number of loading aids can be provided at the second delivery positions. However, the group of loading aids is already located at the second delivery device, and the number of loading aids exceeding the number of second delivery positions is located in the vicinity of the second delivery position(s).

[0099] It should also be noted at this point that according to the first and second embodiments described above, which each comprise a single second delivery position for the alternating provision of the load supports, the loading of one of the load supports is only possible in the delivery position. For this purpose, the second delivery device, in particular above the delivery track, can comprise a cover plate on which only one access opening is provided that is assigned to the only second delivery position. According to such an embodiment, errors in the processing of orders can be avoided, since the delivery of the goods is only possible into the load support provided at the only second delivery position of the alternately provided load supports (since it is not covered by the cover plate).

[0100] According to the third embodiment and fourth embodiment described above, which each comprise a plurality of second delivery positions for the alternate provision of a plurality of loading aids at the same time, the loading of a plurality of simultaneously provided loading aids is possible. For this purpose, the second delivery device can comprise a cover plate, in particular above the delivery track, on which an access opening is provided that is assigned to one of the second delivery positions, and on which a further access opening is provided that is assigned to one of the further delivery positions. The access opening and further access opening can also together form a single access opening. In addition, the second delivery device can comprise an output device that is connected to the control unit.

[0101] If manual loading of the load carriers by a warehouse worker is planned, the output device can, for example, comprise a put-to-light display, which can issue an instruction to a warehouse worker (picker) as to which of the load carriers provided at the second delivery positions is to be loaded with the goods. The control unit can determine the instructions for the warehouse worker and output signals, for example light signals, at the output device. With such an embodiment, errors in order processing can be largely avoided, since the delivery of the goods into the provided load carriers is guided by (optical) signals (i.e., indicated / marked, in particular, by the position of a light point).

[0102] If automatic loading of the load carriers by a robot is planned, the output device can issue an instruction to a robot controller, which instructs the robot which of the load carriers provided at the second loading positions is to be loaded with the goods. The control unit can determine the instructions and transmit signals to the robot controller. With this implementation, errors in order processing can be avoided because the robot movements are guided by the signals.

[0103] According to a further preferred embodiment, the workstation further comprises a further second lane, which comprises a lane section and which comprises a second delivery device for providing loading aids with the driverless transport vehicles at one or more second delivery positions, a further third lane, which is arranged between the first lane and the further second lane, and which comprises a first lane section and a second lane section, wherein a first lane runs along the first lane section of the first lane, and a second lane runs along the second lane section of the first lane, an approach lane runs along the first lane section of the further third lane, a return lane runs along the second lane section of the further third lane,the approach lane branches off from the first lane and the return lane merges into the first lane, or the approach lane branches off from the second lane and the return lane merges into the second lane, and a delivery lane connected to the approach lane and the return lane runs along the lane section of the further second lane, wherein the delivery lane is assigned to the second delivery device, and the control unit further controls the first conveyor system and the transport vehicles to process several order lines for different orders requiring goods of different types or the same type of goods, such that the goods are transported to the first delivery device and made available at the one or more first delivery positions, and the loading equipment is transported by the transport vehicles to the second delivery device of the further second lane,are brought together as a further group and are alternately provided from the further group at the one or more second loading positions, whereby the loading aids can be alternately loaded with the goods after they have been provided at the one or more second loading positions. This allows a particularly efficient workstation for loading loading aids with goods to be provided.

[0104] An advantageous method for this may include the following measures

[0105] Providing a workstation according to the above embodiment, and

[0106] Control of the first conveyor system and the transport vehicles for processing a plurality of order lines for different orders which require goods of different types or the same type of goods, by the control unit in such a way that the goods are transported to the first delivery device and made available at the one or more first delivery positions, and the loading aids are transported by the transport vehicles to the second delivery device of the further second track, brought together as a further group and made available alternately from the further group at the one or more second delivery positions, wherein the loading aids of the further group can be loaded alternately with the goods after they have been made available at the one or more second delivery positions.

[0107] This allows for a simple and efficient increase in order picking performance, allowing a large number of orders to be processed by simultaneously serving multiple load carriers. According to a further development, the second delivery device, which is encompassed by the second track, and the second delivery device, which is encompassed by the further second track, are spaced apart from one another, and the first delivery device is arranged between the second delivery devices, in particular arranged centrally therebetween.

[0108] The second lane or the second delivery device encompassed by the second lane, and the further second lane encompassed by the further second lane, are, in particular, adjacent to one another, spaced apart from one another along the first lane of the first lane, at such a distance that the first delivery device can be arranged therebetween (i.e., between the second lane and the further second lane). In particular, the first delivery device can be arranged centrally therebetween. In other words, the first delivery device can be arranged, in particular symmetrically, between the second lane and the further second lane.

[0109] Likewise, the third lane and the further third lane are spaced apart from each other, so that the first delivery device and the first conveyor system adjacent to the first delivery device can be arranged at least partially therebetween.

[0110] The second and third lanes can be arranged, for example, on the right side next to the first supply device and the further second lane and further third lane on the left side next to the first supply device at least in sections of the first conveyor system, preferably equidistant from a (vertical) plane of symmetry of the first supply device.

[0111] This makes it possible to provide an effective workstation with a comparatively small footprint.

[0112] According to a further preferred embodiment, the alternate provision of the loading aids from the group at the one or more second delivery positions and optionally the alternate provision of the loading aids from the further group at the one or more second delivery positions of the second delivery device, which is encompassed by the further second track, can be carried out by an at least partially at least approximately synchronized movement of the loading aids of the respective group.

[0113] The movement of the loading equipment of the group (which may also be referred to as a convoy) for alternately making it available at the one or more second loading positions may preferably be carried out by reversing the direction of movement (of the convoy).

[0114] Alternatively, this can be done in a closed orbit (loop), whereby the loading aids of the group required for a position change leave the one or more second loading position(s) via an exit side and return (move up) in an orbit (loop) via an entry side.

[0115] The movement of the loading equipment of the group by means of the transport vehicles can preferably be carried out at least in sections in an at least approximately synchronized manner.

[0116] The same applies analogously to the (further) group of a second lane, if present.

[0117] The synchronized movement of the group of loading aids at the first delivery positions can be controlled by synchronized travel commands to the respective transport vehicles. The transport vehicles can move by their own drive (drive wheels). According to one embodiment, it would be conceivable for the movement of the group of loading aids at the first delivery positions to be carried out by an external drive, for example, a movement mechanism stationary at the second delivery device for externally driving (pushing / pulling) the transport vehicles in one or the opposite direction.

[0118] The movement mechanism for external drive can comprise a transfer device with a slider movable by a drive device relative to the second delivery position(s) and along a guide. Several spaced-apart sliders can also be arranged along the guide. A respective slider can be engaged with the respective transport vehicle of the group for a movement process, so that an approximately synchronous movement of the group can take place in one or the opposite direction up to the desired second delivery position by one of the loading aids of the group. During this process, the transport vehicles move on their wheels, with the wheels' own drive preferably deactivated (disengaged).

[0119] The movement mechanism for the external drive can alternatively be formed by a preferably bidirectional conveyor belt (belt conveyor), onto which the group of transport vehicles can be moved, wherein the conveying plane of the conveyor belt is preferably arranged at the same height (level) as the travel path of the transport vehicles. The conveyor belt can subsequently move the group of transport vehicles, and thus the loading equipment, simultaneously in one or the opposite direction to the desired second loading position, without the transport vehicles activating their own drive. This can result in simplified control of the system. A conveyor speed can advantageously be specified.

[0120] It may prove advantageous if the movement of the loading aids of the group for alternately providing (presenting) at one or more second delivery positions is adapted to the sequence of the process steps provided at the work station, in particular handling and / or processing steps.

[0121] According to an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the first conveyor system in a conveyor section facing the first supply device and the second track are each arranged offset relative to the first track by a vertical distance, and a passage is formed below the first conveyor system and the second track, along which the first track section runs and which has a clearance height that enables collision-free movement of the transport vehicles each loaded with a loading aid, or the first conveyor system in a conveyor section facing the first supply device and the second track and further second track are each arranged offset relative to the first track by a vertical distance, and a passage is formed below the first conveyor system and the second track and the further second track,along which the first carriageway section runs and which has a clearance height that enables collision-free movement of the transport vehicles each loaded with a loading aid.

[0122] The passage allows loaded transport vehicles to utilize the space beneath the first conveyor system and the second and, if applicable, third track of the second conveyor system. This also contributes to a compact design of the workstation. By (parallel) arranging several workstations, a group of workstations can be formed, the size of which can be easily adapted to a given performance requirement.

[0123] In particular, the transport vehicles of the work station can be designed as described above, thereby enabling particularly simple loading of the loading aids provided by the transport vehicles. According to a preferred embodiment, the first lane, the second lane, and the third lane can be arranged on the same level, in particular on a ground plane, preferably forming a horizontal lane. In this case, the third lane can preferably be arranged such that the approach lane encompassed by the third lane branches off from the first lane of the first lane, and the return lane encompassed by the third lane merges into the first lane of the first lane. This enables effective circuits of the loading aids to be realized.

[0124] According to a further preferred embodiment, the first track can be arranged on a ground plane, and the second track can form or comprise a platform elevated relative to the ground plane, with the third track connecting the first track with the second track arranged at a different height. The third track is thus arranged between the first track and the second track.

[0125] The first and / or second lanes are preferably horizontal lanes. The second delivery device is therefore provided on the horizontal lane.

[0126] The third lane connects the first and second lanes and is inclined or ramp-shaped. Driverless transport vehicles of the type mentioned above can be moved on the third lane. The gradient of the second lane is between 5° and 15°, for example, 10°.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the elevated platform formed or encompassed by the second track can be height-adjustable. This allows for improved optimization of ergonomics in conjunction with the type of driverless transport vehicle used, in particular the height of the loading platform.

[0128] The driverless transport vehicles of the above-mentioned type can be moved on the first lane and second lane.

[0129] According to an advantageous embodiment, the third lane can be arranged such that the approach lane encompassed by the third lane branches off from the first lane of the first lane, and the return lane encompassed by the third lane merges into the first lane of the first lane. In an alternative embodiment, the third lane can be arranged such that the approach lane encompassed by the third lane branches off from the second lane of the first lane, and the return lane encompassed by the third lane merges into the second lane of the first lane. This makes it possible to provide alternative work stations; in particular, different transport vehicles and / or loading aids can be better coordinated and deployed / used, particularly with regard to their overall height.

[0130] Advantageously, the workstation comprises a workstation for a warehouse worker for manually loading the loading aids with goods, wherein the loading aids are provided by the transport vehicles (preferably one after the other) at the second delivery position, which is assigned to the second delivery device. The goods are provided at the first delivery position, which is assigned to the first delivery device. It is advantageous if the first delivery device and second delivery device are configured to provide goods and a loading aid at a delivery height that is ergonomic for manual loading.

[0131] For manual processing of orders, the workstation may include an input and / or output device which is connected to the control unit (in terms of information flow).

[0132] The output device is configured to receive loading instructions from the control unit and output them to a warehouse worker operating at the workstation. For example, the number of goods with which a load carrier is to be loaded is output. If multiple load carriers are simultaneously provided at the second loading positions, the load carrier to be loaded with goods can also be output. The output device comprises, for example, a touchscreen, a loudspeaker, and the like.

[0133] The input device is configured to receive an input command and transmit a control signal to the control unit. An input command is triggered, for example, by an acknowledgement button. The warehouse worker can, for example, confirm the completion of a loading process by pressing the acknowledgement button. The input device comprises, for example, an acknowledgement button, a switch, and the like. An input / output device has features of both an input device and an output device.

[0134] According to a further embodiment, the workstation can comprise a loading robot at the workstation for automatically loading the loading aids with goods, wherein the loading aids are in turn provided by the transport vehicles (preferably one after the other) at the second loading position, which is assigned to the second loading device. The goods are in turn provided at the first loading position, which is assigned to the first loading device.

[0135] The goods can be transported between the transfer area and the first delivery device using the first conveyor system either with or without loading aids. The loading aids of the first conveyor system can be configured, for example, as containers, trays, cartons, and the like.

[0136] The first delivery device for providing goods can comprise one delivery position or multiple delivery positions. Each delivery position can be assigned a product. The delivery device serves to provide goods either with or without loading aids.

[0137] It should also be noted at this point that the third conveyor system can transport goods within the storage area and / or between the storage area and the transfer area either with or without load supports. Likewise, goods can be stored in the storage area either with or without load supports.

[0138] The loading aids (which are assigned to the first conveyor system, the third conveyor system and / or the storage area) can be designed, for example, as containers, trays, boxes and the like.

[0139] If the goods are transported using a loading aid of the first conveyor system, the goods are stored in the loading aid. Such a loading aid is also called a source loading aid. The first conveyor system can comprise stationary (stationary or suspended) conveyor devices, for example, roller conveyors, belt conveyors, etc.

[0140] The second delivery device for providing loading aids can comprise one or more delivery positions. Each delivery position is assigned to a loading aid.

[0141] The loading aids of the second conveyor system can be designed, for example, as containers, trays, boxes, etc. Such a loading aid is also called a target loading aid. The loading aids are preferably designed as cartons intended for shipping.

[0142] In particular, the control unit can be designed to control the following steps:

[0143] Controlling the first conveyor system and the transport vehicles in such a way that a product arrives at the first and at the one or more second delivery positions approximately simultaneously by the first conveyor system and a loading aid by one of the transport vehicles or a group of loading aids by several transport vehicles for an order.

[0144] The passage width of the passage can be dimensioned such that it corresponds at least to the width of a transport vehicle. Preferably, the passage width corresponds to the width of a transport vehicle loaded with a loading device. The passage width of the passage can also be dimensioned such that it corresponds to the width of two transport vehicles traveling side by side. Preferably, the passage width corresponds to the width of two transport vehicles, each loaded with a loading device.

[0145] Finally, the object of the invention is achieved by order picking systems of the types mentioned at the beginning, in which the workstation has the features described above.

[0146] The proposed measures combine the components described above in an advantageous manner so that the performance of an order picking system can be increased compared to known order picking systems while maintaining the same installation space.

[0147] It should be noted at this point that it is also conceivable, in principle, for a product, in particular a carton, to be removed from the first loading device and placed directly on the floor of the loading platform of an automated guided vehicle. The automated guided vehicle is then positioned at the second loading device, but without any loading aids.

[0148] Further advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the description, particularly in conjunction with the figures. According to one embodiment, the transport vehicles used may comprise those that each comprise a loading platform with a floor, wherein the floor is fixedly attached to the support frame (at a predefined height relative to the roadway) and inclined relative to a horizontal plane by an angle of inclination (cc).

[0149] The loading platform of the transport vehicle can preferably be fastened to the support frame in such a way that a center of gravity of a loading aid lies substantially close to a vertical axis through the center of gravity of the transport vehicle without a loading platform.

[0150] In one design variant of the transport vehicle, the supporting frame comprises a front vehicle side and a rear vehicle side (relative to a direction of travel of the automated guided vehicle), with the floor of the loading platform being inclined to the side by the angle of inclination relative to a longitudinal axis running between the front and rear vehicle sides. This allows a load support to be delivered without having to change the direction of travel of the transport vehicle to approach and leave a delivery position. Furthermore, a load support is less likely to accidentally fall off the loading platform during acceleration or braking.

[0151] It is also conceivable, however, that the supporting frame of the transport vehicle comprises a front and a rear side (relative to the direction of travel of the automated guided vehicle), and the floor of the loading platform is inclined backward or forward by the angle of inclination in the direction of a longitudinal axis running between the front and rear sides of the vehicle. This advantageously prevents a loading aid from accidentally falling off the loading platform when cornering.

[0152] It is advantageous if the inclination angle of the loading platform floor is in a range of 10° to 60°. In particular, the inclination angle can be in a range of 10° to 20°. An inclination angle of 12° is particularly advantageous. This allows a load aid located on the loading platform to be presented in a favorable position for loading and / or unloading. Furthermore, with such an inclination angle, a load aid is less likely to accidentally fall off the loading platform, even when the transport vehicle is moving. Furthermore, a drive device and the drive power for the slider of a transfer station can be designed to be comparatively low.It is advantageous if the loading platform of the transport vehicle additionally comprises a first stop element which is arranged in a lower side region of the floor and projects (upwards) relative to the floor, and a transfer section which is arranged in a higher side region of the floor.

[0153] This prevents a load aid located on the loading platform from accidentally sliding down, while also allowing loading and / or unloading to be carried out easily via the transfer section. A load aid is pushed up onto the loading platform (without lifting) or down from it. Technically complex lifting and gripping devices are not necessary.

[0154] It should be noted at this point that a loading aid in connection with transport by an automated guided vehicle and the loading / unloading of the transport vehicle can also be understood as a good, provided that the good (i.e. loading aid) is removed from the first loading device and transferred directly onto the loading platform of an automated guided vehicle.

[0155] In a favorable embodiment of the work station, the first conveyor system is arranged offset from the first track at a vertical distance in a conveyor section facing away from the first delivery device, and an additional passage is formed below the first conveyor system, along which the second track section runs and which has a clearance height (and clearance width) that enables collision-free movement of the transport vehicles each loaded with a loading aid (of the second conveyor system).

[0156] A passage width of the additional passage can be dimensioned such that it corresponds at least to the width of a transport vehicle. The passage width preferably corresponds to the width of a transport vehicle that is loaded with a loading aid. A passage width of the passage can also be dimensioned such that it corresponds to two transport vehicles traveling next to each other. The passage width preferably corresponds to the width of two transport vehicles, each of which is loaded with a loading aid. According to an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the first conveyor system comprises a plurality of conveyor devices, in particular a first conveyor device for the inward transport, ie transport of the goods to the first delivery device, a second conveyor device for the outward transport, ieTransport of the goods away from the first delivery device, a third conveyor device connecting the first conveyor device for the supply and the second conveyor device for the removal, and a fourth conveyor device and a fifth conveyor device which form the first delivery device, wherein the fourth conveyor device forms a first delivery position and the fifth conveyor device forms a further first delivery position.

[0157] Advantageously, it can be provided that the first conveyor device for the supply transport and the second conveyor device for the removal transport are arranged offset with a vertical distance from the first track and an additional passage is formed below the first conveyor system, along which the second track section runs and which has a clearance height that enables collision-free movement of the transport vehicles each loaded with a loading aid.

[0158] In a favorable design variant of the workstation, the transfer area of ​​the workstation can be designed to

[0159] To deliver goods (with or without loading equipment) to the first conveyor system, or to deliver goods (with or without loading equipment) to the first conveyor system and deliver goods (with or without loading equipment) from the first conveyor system.

[0160] This makes it possible to receive goods (with or without loading aids) from and / or deliver them to a (third) conveyor system at the workstation, which may be configured differently from the first conveyor system. For example, a first conveyor system with stationary conveyor devices can receive goods (with or without) loading aids from transport vehicles of the (third) conveyor system or deliver them to them.

[0161] The first roadway section of the first roadway can be designed so that the transport vehicles are moved along the first lane. The first lane can be designed as a one-way lane, so the transport vehicles can then only move in one direction. The second roadway section can be designed so that the transport vehicles are moved along the second lane. The second lane can be designed as a one-way lane, so the transport vehicles are then only moved in one direction. The directions of movement of the transport vehicles on the first roadway section and the second roadway section (spaced apart in the travel plane) are preferably opposite. It is also advantageous if the first lane and second lane run parallel to one another.

[0162] According to one possible design, the first lane in the first road section can form a closed circuit.

[0163] Likewise, the second lane in the second carriageway section can form a closed circuit.

[0164] In addition, the first lane and the second lane can together form a closed circuit.

[0165] Furthermore, it is advantageous if a change lane runs between the first lane and the second lane of the first carriageway, allowing the transport vehicles on the first carriageway to move between the first carriageway section and the second carriageway section. This allows the transport vehicles to be exchanged between the first carriageway section and the second carriageway section. This applies both to arrangements of the first and / or second lane of the first carriageway with and without passages (beneath the first conveyor system and, if applicable, the second carriageway).

[0166] According to another possible embodiment, the variable lane can comprise a first variable lane and a second variable lane, so that the first variable lane, the first lane, the second variable lane, and the second lane form a closed circuit. The first variable lane, the first lane, the second variable lane, and the second lane can be designed as one-way lanes. In this case, the transport vehicles move in only one direction.

[0167] By virtue of the fact that an approach lane runs along the first carriageway section of the third carriageway, a return lane runs along the second carriageway section of the third carriageway, the approach lane branches off from the first lane of the first carriageway and the return lane joins the first lane of the first carriageway, or the approach lane branches off from the second lane of the first carriageway and the return lane joins the second lane of the first carriageway, and a delivery lane connected to the approach lane and the return lane runs along the carriageway section of the second carriageway, wherein the delivery lane is assigned to the second delivery device, a one-way system on the second and third carriageways can be realized, which is coupled to the second carriageway section.The control of the transport vehicles can therefore be carried out comparatively easily, allowing them to move on the second and third lanes largely without mutual interference. The transport vehicles are then moved in a single direction along the approach lane, delivery lane, and return lane, with the approach and return lanes running parallel to each other.

[0168] The approach and return lanes can preferably run approximately parallel to each other. This allows for a simple and modular design.

[0169] According to an advantageous embodiment, the third lane can be arranged such that the approach lane encompassed by the third lane branches off from the first lane of the first lane, and the return lane encompassed by the third lane merges into the first lane of the first lane. In an alternative embodiment, the third lane can be arranged such that the approach lane encompassed by the third lane branches off from the second lane of the first lane, and the return lane encompassed by the third lane merges into the second lane of the first lane. This allows alternative workstations to be provided; in particular, different transport vehicles and / or loading aids can be better coordinated and deployed / used, particularly with regard to overall height.

[0170] It is also particularly advantageous if the third carriageway and optionally the further third carriageway (each) further comprises a third carriageway section, wherein a bypass lane, which preferably comprises a buffer space, runs along the third carriageway section, the bypass lane is connected to the return lane of the second carriageway section of the third carriageway and the first lane of the second carriageway section of the first carriageway, and optionally the bypass lane is connected to the return lane of the second carriageway section of the further third carriageway and the first lane of the second carriageway section of the first carriageway.

[0171] Thus, a bypass lane is advantageously provided, which preferably comprises a buffer space, wherein the bypass lane is preferably connected to the approach lane or the return lane and connects these to one of the first lanes or second lanes of the first carriageway.

[0172] For this purpose, the control unit can advantageously be further designed to carry out the steps

[0173] Control of the first conveyor system and the transport vehicles for processing one of the orders by the control unit in such a way that one of the loading aids is moved by one of the transport vehicles from the bypass lane via the return lane to the one second delivery position or to one of the several second delivery positions.

[0174] It is also particularly advantageous if one or more sorting lanes run between the approach lane and the return lane in a third lane section of the third lane, and optionally in a third lane section of the further third lane. This means that each sorting lane branches off from the return lane and flows into the approach lane. The proposed measure makes it possible to form a sorting device on the third lane, which is encompassed by the second conveyor system. Since the third lane simultaneously serves to bridge the height difference between the first lane (in particular the second lane section) and the second lane, this creates a multiple benefit for the third lane, which forms the basis for a particularly compact design of the work station or supports this in a special way.At this point, it should be noted that one or more sorting lanes can additionally be arranged on the second lane, which also contributes to a compact design of the work station.

[0175] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first conveyor system can comprise a plurality of conveyor devices, a first conveyor device for the infeed, i.e. transport of the goods to the first delivery device, a second conveyor device for the outfeed, i.e. transport of the goods away from the first delivery device, a third conveyor device connecting the first conveyor device for the infeed and the second conveyor device for the outfeed, and a fourth conveyor device and a fifth conveyor device which form the first delivery device, wherein the fourth conveyor device forms a delivery position G1 and the fifth conveyor device forms a further delivery position G2.

[0176] It is also particularly advantageous if one or more express lanes run in the section of the second carriageway between the approach lane and the return lane. The express lane is similar to a sorting lane, but is located particularly close to the second delivery device. In this respect, the express lane can be considered a sorting lane near or closest to the second delivery device. A transport vehicle can therefore also be moved along an express lane as an alternative to a sorting lane if a loading device needs to be made available promptly at the second delivery position.

[0177] However, it is particularly advantageous if the express lane is part of or forms part of the closed loop, which serves for alternating provision at one or more second loading positions, whereby the loading equipment of the group required for a position change leaves the one or more second loading positions via an exit side and returns (moves up) in the loop via an entry side. The same applies analogously to the (further) group of a possibly existing additional second lane.

[0178] It is furthermore advantageous if the first lane running in the first roadway section and the second lane running in the second roadway section each have an input coupling area and an output coupling area, wherein the respective output coupling areas can be connected to respective input coupling areas of a further work station, in particular one of identical construction, arranged adjacent to the work station, so that a substantially continuous (i.e. continuous) respective first lane and second lane can be formed.

[0179] Accordingly, a group of multiple work stations can be formed, comprising several adjacently arranged work stations of the type described, with the first track sections and second track sections of the work stations being connected to each other. This creates a picking system that is virtually infinitely scalable.

[0180] Such scaling or configuration, in particular of the fleet management system for the transport vehicles, can advantageously be carried out in an electronic management system with a graphical user interface, wherein the individual workstations can be represented and configured as graphical functional blocks that comprise interfaces, in particular lanes with input coupling areas and output coupling areas.

[0181] In a further advantageous embodiment of the work station, the control unit is additionally designed to control the first conveyor system and the transport vehicles in such a way that the loading aids are sorted by means of the transport vehicles into a sequence which is determined depending on the sequence in which the goods (with or without loading aids) are provided at the first delivery device, and that a, in particular first, loading aid (therefore target loading aid) and a good (with or without source loading aid) for an order arrive at the first delivery position of the first delivery device and the second delivery positions of the second delivery device at approximately the same time.This ensures efficient loading of the load carriers or efficient order picking even if the transport vehicles reach the third lane at an inconvenient time and / or in a sequence that is unfavorable for order processing. For example, the load carriers can be sorted into a sequence using the transport vehicles: one of the transport vehicles branches off from the entry lane into a sorting lane, and another of the transport vehicles drives past the transport vehicle that has branched off into the sorting lane. The transport vehicle that has branched off into the sorting lane can then be moved from the sorting lane to the entry lane.

[0182] It is also advantageous if one of the orders comprises a first order line and a second order line, wherein the first order line and second order line comprise goods of different types, and the control unit is additionally designed to control that a loading aid for processing the first and second order lines is initially transported by means of the transport vehicle from the second delivery device via the return lane into a sorting lane after the loading aid has been loaded with the goods for the first order line, and is buffered in the sorting lane, and then the loading aid is transported from the sorting lane via the approach lane to the second delivery device when the goods for the second order line are / were transported from the first conveyor system to the first delivery device.In this way, particularly efficient loading of the loading aid or particularly efficient order picking can be achieved, even if the goods cannot be made available at the first delivery device at the same time. This can be the case, for example, if the goods are transported in different loading aids of the first conveyor system, but only one first delivery position or too few first delivery positions are available.

[0183] It is also advantageous if several orders comprise goods of the same type of goods, each order is assigned a loading aid, and the control unit is additionally designed to control the loading of the loading aids assigned to the orders with goods of the same type of goods, wherein the goods are provided once at the first delivery device and the loading aids are provided on a respective transport vehicle at the second delivery device.

[0184] In this way, particularly efficient loading of (multiple) load carriers or particularly efficient order picking can be achieved, even if not several load carriers (or not all required load carriers to be loaded with goods of the same type) can be made available at the second loading device simultaneously. This can be the case, for example, if only one second loading position or too few second loading positions are available.

[0185] The loading aids can be provided one after the other on a transport vehicle at the second delivery device if a single second delivery position is provided. However, the loading aids can also be provided side by side on a transport vehicle of the second conveyor system at the second delivery device, in particular if several second (in particular sufficient) delivery positions are provided.

[0186] As described, the goods can be transported on the first conveyor system with or without loading equipment. The first conveyor system can comprise a first conveyor device for transporting goods from the transfer area to the first delivery device and a second conveyor device for transporting goods from the first delivery device to the transfer area. The first conveyor system can also comprise a third conveyor device which comprises the first delivery device(s) and which connects the first conveyor device and second conveyor device. This makes it possible to implement a one-way system for the goods in the first conveyor system as well. If the goods are transported with loading equipment, the first conveyor device transports loading equipment containing goods. Loading equipment transported by the second conveyor device may or may not (still) contain goods, i.e. it may be empty (empty loading equipment).The latter applies when all goods have been removed from the loading equipment to process an order.

[0187] The first conveyor system may alternatively comprise a conveyor device for transporting goods from the transfer area to the first delivery device and for transporting goods from the first delivery device to the transfer area.

[0188] In other words, the first conveyor system can be designed to transport goods from the transfer area to the first delivery device, or to transport goods from the transfer area to the first delivery device and to transport goods from the first delivery device to the transfer area.

[0189] The first conveyor system can in particular be designed as a stationary conveyor system and can therefore be installed in a fixed location.

[0190] It is also advantageous if the first conveyor system comprises a plurality of buffer locations and the control unit is additionally designed to provide goods of different types one after the other, with the goods being temporarily stored in the buffer locations. The buffer locations are similar in function to the sorting tracks (or sorting locations on the sorting tracks), but are not necessarily arranged between the first conveyor device and the second conveyor device of the first conveyor system, but can also be assigned only to the first conveyor device (if the goods are to be buffered during transport to the first delivery device) or only to the second conveyor device (if the goods are to be buffered during transport from the first delivery device). The buffer locations can also be used to provide goods sorted in a predeterminable order.

[0191] In this context, it is also advantageous if the first conveyor system comprises a sorting buffer configured to provide goods sorted in a sequence. The sorting buffer comprises a plurality of buffer locations arranged along a first conveyor device, and / or a plurality of sorting locations arranged along a second conveyor device, and a plurality of sorting conveyor devices connecting the sorting locations and buffer locations.

[0192] It may also prove advantageous if the transport vehicle of the second conveyor system is designed according to one of the above aspects, a loading aid can be placed on the floor of the loading platform, which is inclined at an angle relative to a horizontal plane, the loading aid comprises a floor, side walls projecting from the floor and a loading opening delimited by the side walls, and the control of the transport vehicle executes a travel command such that the transport vehicle is provided (stopped) at the second delivery device in a position in which the loading aid (via the floor of the loading platform) is aligned or presented to the first delivery device or the goods provided thereon in such a way that an edge of a front side wall of the side walls is lower than an edge of a rear side wall of the side walls,to enable ergonomic loading of the loading aid with the goods via the loading opening.

[0193] This achieves particularly ergonomic loading of the (target) load carrier. Loading can be carried out manually by a warehouse worker (operator) or automatically by a robot. In the context of a manual loading process, "ergonomic" means that the warehouse worker has good access to a loading space in the (target) load carrier, even if the side walls of the (target) load carrier are high, and that loading movements can be kept short. In the context of an automatic loading process, "ergonomic" means that the robot has good access to a loading space in the (target) load carrier, even if the side walls of the (target) load carrier are high, and that loading movements can be kept short.It is advantageous if the picking system also includes a third conveyor system connecting the storage area and the transfer area, and which includes automated guided vehicles for transporting goods (with or without loading equipment) between the storage area and the transfer area. This allows for the transfer of goods to and from the storage area in a particularly flexible manner.

[0194] It is advantageous if the first track additionally comprises a third track section, which is located between the storage area and the transfer area, and the driverless transport vehicles of the third conveyor system travel in the third track section. As a result, the transport vehicles of the second and third conveyor systems travel on the first track (in particular on the same level). The third track section can be connected to or separate from the first and / or second track sections of the first track.

[0195] Additionally, it is conceivable that the automated guided vehicles of the third conveyor system not only travel in the third track section, but also access the storage locations in the warehouse area. This allows the transport vehicles of the third conveyor system to exchange goods (with or without loading equipment) between the warehouse area and the transfer area, in particular, to retrieve goods (with or without loading equipment) from the warehouse area and transport them to the transfer area and / or transport goods (with or without loading equipment) from the transfer area to the warehouse area and store them in the warehouse area. A separate warehouse conveyor system can then be omitted, or its function can be taken over by the third conveyor system.

[0196] Such a third conveyor system, which comprises driverless transport vehicles movable in a horizontal direction (x and / or z direction) and vertical direction (y direction) in the storage area, and / or in a horizontal direction (x and / or z direction) in the area of ​​a third track section on the first track, and / or in a vertical direction (y direction) in the transfer area at a transfer station, is known, for example, from AT 525 735 B 1 or EP 3 362 379 B 1.

[0197] It is also advantageous if the driverless transport vehicles move exclusively in the storage area and the storage area and the transfer area are arranged in such a way that the goods (with or without loading aids) from the storage area are delivered directly to the first conveyor system, or the goods (with or without loading aids) from the storage area are delivered directly to the first conveyor system and the goods (with or without loading aids) from the first conveyor system are delivered directly to the storage area.

[0198] In this embodiment, a direct transfer of goods (with or without loading aids) takes place between the first and third conveyor systems. For example, the transport vehicles of the third conveyor system can be designed to deliver the goods (with or without loading aids) to and / or receive them from the first conveyor system without the first conveyor system having to be specially designed for this purpose. For example, the transport vehicles of the third conveyor system can comprise a transfer device, which can, for example, have a conveyor device, a pushing device, or a gripper for moving the goods (with or without loading aids).

[0199] Such a third conveyor system, which comprises driverless transport vehicles movable in a horizontal direction (x-direction) in the storage area, is known, for example, from EP 3 286 111 B 1 or WO 2013 / 090970 A2.

[0200] It is advantageous if the work station in the transfer area has a transfer station, wherein the transfer station comprises a first transfer location and a first transfer device assigned to the first transfer location, wherein the first transfer location is designed to receive a product (with or without loading aids) and wherein the first transfer device is designed to deliver the product (with or without loading aids) from the first transfer location to the first conveyor system, and a second transfer location and a transfer device assigned to the second transfer location, wherein the second transfer location is designed to receive a product (with or without loading aids) and wherein the second transfer device is designed to deliver the product (with or without loading aids) from the first conveyor system to the second transfer location.

[0201] The proposed measures make it possible, in particular, to link various first and third conveyor systems. For example, the first conveyor system comprises stationary conveyors, whereas the third conveyor system comprises automated guided vehicles. In this embodiment, the transfer of goods (with or without loading aids) takes place using a first and second transfer device of the workstation, which can, for example, comprise a conveyor, a pushing device, or a gripper for moving the goods (with or without loading aids). Consequently, the transport vehicle does not need to have such a transfer device.

[0202] However, it is also advantageous if the workstation in the transfer area has a transfer station, wherein the transfer station comprises a first transfer location which is designed to receive a transport vehicle of the third conveyor system with the goods (with or without loading aids), and a transfer device assigned to the transport vehicle, wherein the transfer device is designed to deliver the goods (with or without loading aids) from the transport vehicle to the first conveyor system, and a second transfer location which is designed to receive a transport vehicle of the third conveyor system, and a transfer device assigned to the transport vehicle, wherein the transfer device is designed to deliver the goods (with or without loading aids) from the first conveyor system to the transport vehicle. This variant of the workstation is similar to the previously mentioned variants.Although the goods are transferred using a transfer device on the transport vehicle, which in turn may include, for example, a conveyor device, a pushing device, or a gripper for moving the goods (with or without loading aids), the workstation comprises a first and second transfer station (and, if necessary, additional devices for receiving or positioning the transport vehicle). However, in this design variant, the transfer station does not need to have a transfer device.

[0203] In summary, several different variants for the transfer of goods between the storage area and the transfer area of ​​the work station are conceivable. For example, the transport vehicles of the third conveyor system can transfer goods (with or without loading aids) from the storage area to a warehouse conveyor system and from there transport them to the transfer station, where they are handed over to the first conveyor system. The first conveyor system then transports the goods (with or without loading aids) to the first delivery device of the work station. The return transport can take place in a similar way. It is also conceivable, however, for the transport vehicles of the third conveyor system to pick up goods (with or without loading aids) directly from a storage location in the storage area or to deliver them to a storage location. A separate warehouse conveyor system can then be omitted.Finally, it is also conceivable that the transfer of goods (with or without loading aids) between the first and third conveyor systems takes place directly, thus eliminating the need for a transfer station. It is advantageous if the transfer station of the work station comprises a lifting device assigned to the first conveyor system, on which the transport vehicle of the third conveyor system or the goods (with or without loading aids) can be picked up. The proposed measure makes it possible to bridge height differences between the first and third conveyor systems. In particular, the transfer station can also have a first lifting device for raising a transport vehicle or goods (with or without loading aids) and a second lifting device for lowering a transport vehicle or goods (with or without loading aids).This allows the goods to be moved vertically either alone (with or without loading equipment) or the entire transport vehicle including the goods (with or without loading equipment). Suitable lifting devices include conventional lifts or paternosters.

[0204] It is advantageous if the driverless transport vehicles of the second conveyor system and the driverless transport vehicles of the third conveyor system are structurally different. This allows the transport vehicles to be optimized for their respective purposes. For example, it can be advantageous if the driverless transport vehicles of the third conveyor system have the option of moving vertically (i.e., climbing), whereas this option may be unnecessary for the driverless transport vehicles of the second conveyor system. It would also be conceivable for the driverless transport vehicles of the third conveyor system to move (at least temporarily) along guide rails, whereas the transport vehicles of the second conveyor system travel exclusively on (level) first, second, and third lanes.

[0205] Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the automated guided vehicles of the second conveyor system and the automated guided vehicles of the third conveyor system to be structurally identical. Scaling effects would result in a more cost-effective design, configuration, and operation of the order picking system.

[0206] In particular, the driverless transport vehicles of the second conveyor system and the driverless transport vehicles of the third conveyor system can be similarly constructed and have at least some of the technical features in common. For example, the driverless transport vehicles of the third conveyor system, in particular for transporting goods (with or without loading aids), can each comprise a support frame, a chassis mounted on the support frame, which comprises a plurality of wheels and is designed for driving or for driving and steering the driverless transport vehicle, a controller designed to receive driving commands and control the driverless transport vehicle, and a loading platform mounted on the support frame, which comprises a horizontally oriented floor, which is in particular fixedly attached to the support frame or which is arranged on a lifting device.

[0207] What has been said about the driverless transport vehicles of the second conveyor system applies accordingly, for example that the driverless transport vehicles of the third conveyor system can also be designed as AGVs or AMRs.

[0208] It should be noted that advantageously, at least part of the workstation can be defined by a spatial barrier or separated from the lane(s) and / or the second delivery device, whereby a defined access area can lead to the workstation. This virtually eliminates, or significantly reduces, unintentional entry into the lane(s) by the warehouse worker (operator).

[0209] Furthermore, several return lanes can advantageously be provided, in particular a second return lane that is connected "parallel" to the return lane, i.e., a second return lane runs (is arranged) along the second section of the third lane at a distance from the return lane and, on the one hand, merges into the same first or second lane of the first lane as the return lane and is connected to the delivery lane. This, in particular, enables an increase in performance.

[0210] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.

[0211] They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

[0212] Fig. 1 a driverless transport vehicle with a side-tilted loading platform in

[0213] oblique view;

[0214] Fig. 1a shows the transport vehicle from Fig. 1 in side view; Fig. 2 shows an exemplary work station with a first embodiment of a transfer station from an angle above;

[0215] Fig. 3 the work station from Fig. 2 in side view;

[0216] Fig. 4a is a detailed view of Fig. 3 in the area of ​​the additional passage;

[0217] Fig. 4b is a detailed view of Fig. 3 in the area of ​​the passage;

[0218] Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of an example of a picking system with multiple workstations according to an embodiment of the workstation according to Fig. 2 and transport vehicles (of a third conveyor system) between a storage area and a respective transfer area;

[0219] Fig. 6 is a schematic plan view of an example of an order picking system similar to Fig. 5, but with a second embodiment of a transfer station and transport vehicles (of a third conveyor system) between a storage area and a respective transfer area;

[0220] Fig. 7 is a schematic side view of an example of an order picking system with a third embodiment of a transfer station and transport vehicles (of a third conveyor system) which can be moved in the storage area as well as between a storage area and a respective transfer area;

[0221] Fig. 8 is a schematic side view of an example of an order picking system with a fourth embodiment of a transfer station, and a storage area which is directly adjacent to the transfer area;

[0222] Fig. 9 is a schematic side view of an example of a picking system with a fifth embodiment of a transfer station similar to Fig.

[0223] 8, but with transport vehicles operating exclusively in the warehouse area;

[0224] Fig. 10 an exemplary workstation with a second embodiment of a

[0225] Transfer station from an angled top view (ISO NW); Fig. 11 shows an exemplary workstation with a third embodiment of a transfer station from an angled top view (ISO NW);

[0226] Fig. 12 is a schematic plan view of an example of a workstation similar to Fig. 10;

[0227] Fig. 13a the work station from Fig. 10 in side view;

[0228] Fig. 13b the work station from Fig. 10 in front view;

[0229] Fig. 14 is a schematic plan view of an example of a picking system with multiple workstations according to an embodiment of the workstation according to Fig. 12 and transport vehicles (of a third conveyor system) between a storage area and a respective transfer area;

[0230] Fig. 14a is a schematic plan view of an example of a multi-workstation order picking system similar to Fig. 14 but with a track arrangement without passage under the first conveyor system;

[0231] Fig. 15a to 15j show a sequence flow for loading loading equipment at a work station in a first embodiment;

[0232] Fig. 16a to 16f show a sequence flow for loading loading equipment at a work station in a second embodiment;

[0233] Fig. 17a to 17i show a sequence flow for loading loading equipment at a work station in a third embodiment;

[0234] Fig. 18a to 18f show a sequence flow for loading loading equipment at a work station in a fourth embodiment;

[0235] Fig. 19a to 19f show a sequence flow for loading loading equipment at a work station in a fifth embodiment;

[0236] Fig. 20a to 20g show a sequence for loading loading equipment at a work station in a sixth embodiment; Fig. 21a to 21r show a sequence for loading loading equipment at a work station in a seventh embodiment;

[0237] Fig. 22a to 22f show a sequence flow for loading loading equipment at a work station in an eighth embodiment.

[0238] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations. The disclosure contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure and, in the event of a change in position, is to be applied analogously to the new position.

[0239] Figures 1 and 1a show a first embodiment of an automated guided vehicle 1 that can be used for transporting loading equipment (not shown in Figures 1 and 1a, but see, for example, Figure 2). Figure 1 shows the transport vehicle 1 in an oblique view from the rear left, and Figure 1a shows the transport vehicle 1 in a front view. The automated guided vehicle 1 can also be used for transporting goods.

[0240] In the following, loading equipment and goods are used synonymously.

[0241] The loading aid has a floor, side walls projecting from the floor, and a loading opening defined by the side walls. The floor is supported on the loading platform when the loading aid is on the loading platform.

[0242] The loading aid can be, for example, a box or a container.

[0243] The transport vehicle 1 comprises a support frame 2, a chassis 3 mounted on the support frame 2, a controller 4, and a loading platform 5 mounted on the support frame 2. The chassis 3 comprises a plurality of wheels and is designed for driving and steering the driverless transport vehicle 1. The controller 4 is designed to receive driving commands (e.g., from a higher-level controller or control unit) and to control the driverless transport vehicle 1. The transport vehicle 1 further has a front vehicle side A and a rear vehicle side B, as well as a (main) direction of travel, which points in the direction of a longitudinal axis D of the transport vehicle 1 running between the front vehicle side A and the rear vehicle side B.

[0244] Of the chassis 3, only the wheels are visible in Fig. 1 and 1a. The chassis 3 can comprise one or more drive motors, one or more drive shafts, bearings for the wheels, and optionally one or more steering motors and the like. Steering of the automated guided vehicle 1 is preferably achieved by differential speed control of the wheels, wherein the wheels are drive wheels according to this embodiment. Each drive wheel is driven at a different speed in order to rotate. To travel forward or backward, the two drive motors can be driven at the same speed. Alternatively, steering wheel control is also possible. With steered wheel control, the drive wheel is preferably the steering wheel. The transport vehicle 1 can be designed, for example, as an “Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR)” or as an “Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV)”.

[0245] The loading platform 5 of the transport vehicle 1 comprises a floor 6, which is fixedly attached to the support frame 2, in particular by screwing, and is inclined relative to a horizontal plane by an angle of inclination α. ​​This allows the loading of the transport vehicle 1 with a loading aid and / or the unloading of the transport vehicle 1 from a loading aid located on the loading platform 5 to be achieved with a technically simple construction of the transport vehicle 1.

[0246] The loading platform 5 advantageously comprises a first stop element 7, which is arranged in a lower side region of the floor 6 and protrudes from the floor 6, and a transfer section E, which is arranged in a higher side region of the floor 6, as shown in Figs. 1 and 1a. As a result, a loading aid placed on the loading platform 5 cannot, on the one hand, inadvertently slide down from the loading platform 5, and, on the other hand, loading and / or unloading can be carried out easily via the transfer section E. A loading aid is pushed up onto the loading platform 5 or down from it. Technically complex lifting and gripping devices are not required for this purpose.

[0247] Furthermore, the loading platform 5 in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and 1a comprises an optional second stop element 8, which is arranged in a side region of the floor 6 extending between the lower side region of the floor 6 and the higher side region of the floor 6 and protrudes from the floor 6. In addition, the loading platform 5 comprises an optional third stop element 9, which is also arranged in a side region of the floor 6 extending between the lower side region of the floor 6 and the higher side region of the floor 6 and protrudes from the floor 6. This can prevent an unintentional falling of a loading aid from the loading platform 5 to the front or rear (i.e., transversely to a fall line of the loading platform 5).

[0248] In addition, the loading platform 5 in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and 1a comprises an optional sliding element 10, which is arranged in the higher side region of the floor 6 and forms the transfer section E. In this way, loading of the transport vehicle 1 by pushing a loading aid up onto the loading platform 5 or unloading by pushing the loading aid down from the loading platform 5 can be carried out in a particularly simple manner.

[0249] It is also advantageous if the floor 6 of the loading platform 5 forms a sliding plane. In particular, the sliding plane can be spanned between the transfer section E and the first stop element 7 and between the second stop element 8 and the third stop element 9. The proposed measures further facilitate loading the transport vehicle 1 by pushing goods or a loading aid up onto the loading platform 5, or unloading by pushing the goods or the loading aid down from the loading platform 5. For example, the sliding plane can have a sliding coating for this purpose.

[0250] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 1a, the floor 6 of the transport vehicle 1 comprises a floor plate. This advantageously allows for the transport of smaller loading aids, in particular. Multiple loading aids can also be transported simultaneously.

[0251] It is also conceivable, however, for the floor 6 to include support profiles. This allows for the realization of a loading platform 5 with high stability and low weight. Furthermore, for example, unintentionally leaking liquids can flow through the loading platform 5. The support profiles preferably extend parallel to one another at a mutual distance between the transfer section and the first stop element. The support profiles can be U-shaped or C-shaped, for example.

[0252] In the embodiment shown, the floor 6 is specifically inclined to the side by the angle of inclination cc relative to the longitudinal axis D. This allows a loading aid to be delivered without having to change the direction of travel D of the transport vehicle 1 to approach and leave a delivery position. Furthermore, a loading aid is less likely to accidentally fall off the loading platform 5 when the transport vehicle 1 accelerates or brakes.

[0253] However, this is not the only conceivable option for inclining the floor 6. It is also conceivable that the floor 6 can be inclined backwards or forwards in the direction of the longitudinal axis D. Alternatively, the transport vehicle 1 can have a floor 6 which is inclined forwards in the direction of the longitudinal axis D by the angle of inclination cc. The transport vehicle 1 can have a floor 6 which is inclined backwards in the direction of the longitudinal axis D by the angle of inclination cc. Advantageously, this better protects a loading aid from accidentally falling off the loading platform 5 when a transport vehicle 1 corners.

[0254] In general, and thus for all embodiments shown, it is advantageous if the angle of inclination cc of the floor 6 lies in a range from 10° to 60°. In particular, the angle of inclination cc can lie in a range from 10° to 20°. An angle of inclination cc of 12° is particularly advantageous. This allows a loading aid located on the loading platform 5 to be presented in a favorable position for loading and / or unloading. Furthermore, with such an angle of inclination cc, the risk of a loading aid accidentally falling from the loading platform 5 can be minimized even when the transport vehicle 1 is moving.

[0255] Figs. 2, 3, 4a and 4b now show an exemplary workstation 11. Fig. 2 shows the workstation 11 from an oblique top view (ISO NW), Fig. 3 shows a side view of the workstation 11 (seen from the left in relation to Fig. 2), and Figs. 4a, 4b show details from the side view according to Fig. 3.

[0256] The workstation 11 comprises an order management system 14, a first delivery device 15, a first conveyor system 16, and a second conveyor system 17. The order management system 14 serves to electronically record orders, in particular picking orders. An order can generally comprise one or more order lines. An order line contains at least information about a (required) quantity of a product and a product type. If the order specifies multiple order lines, different products may be required.

[0257] The first delivery device 15 serves to provide goods 12 at a first delivery position G and the first conveyor system 16, which in this example is constructed by stationary conveyor devices, connects a transfer area F and the first delivery device 15 and is designed to transport the goods 12 between the transfer area F and the first delivery device 15. In particular, the goods 12 can be transported and provided with loading aids 13 of the first conveyor system 16, as shown in Fig. 2. The loading aids 13 correspond to so-called source loading aids, since they contain the goods 12 for processing an order. The source loading aids 13 can be designed, for example, as a container, as is the case in Fig. 2, or for example as a box or tray. The goods 12 can also be transported and provided on the first conveyor system 16 without loading aids 13.The goods 12 are therefore transported directly on the first conveyor system 16 and provided on the first delivery device 15.

[0258] In the following, goods 12 and (source) loading aid 13 of the first conveyor system 16 are used synonymously.

[0259] In the transfer area F, goods 12 are delivered (from outside the work station 11) to the first conveyor system 16 and / or from the first conveyor system 16 (to outside the work station 11). The role of the transfer area F and the transfer station arranged in the transfer area F, in particular the lifting device, will be explained in more detail later.

[0260] The second conveyor system 17 comprises driverless transport vehicles 1 for transporting the loading aids 18 of the second conveyor system 17. The loading aids 18 correspond to so-called target loading aids, since they are loaded with goods 12 for processing an order.

[0261] Furthermore, the second conveyor system 17 comprises a first track 19, which has a first track section H and a second track section I, a second track 20, which comprises a second delivery device 21 for providing target loading aids 18 with the driverless transport vehicles 1 at a second delivery position J, and a third track 22, which is arranged between the first track 19 and the second track 20. The first track 19 is arranged on a ground plane, and the second track 20 forms or comprises an elevated platform on which one or more transport vehicles 1 can temporarily stop at the second delivery position J in order to deliver a target loading aid 18. The third track 22 connects the first track 19 with the second track 20, which is arranged at a different height level, and is therefore designed in a ramp-like or ramp-shaped manner.

[0262] The transport vehicles 1 of the second conveyor system 17 can be designed as shown in Figs. 1 and 1a. This offers advantages when delivering the target loading equipment 18, since the transport vehicle 1 does not have to change its direction of travel C when approaching the second delivery position J, when stopping at the second delivery position J, and when leaving the second delivery position J. However, the transport vehicles 1 of the second conveyor system 17 can also have a different design. For example, they can comprise a loading platform inclined towards the front or rear. Finally, it is also conceivable for the transport vehicles 1 not to have a fixed inclined loading platform 5 and to be designed, for example, according to the prior art, for example with an adjustable, in particular height-adjustable, loading platform.

[0263] The first conveyor system 16 is arranged in a conveyor section facing the first delivery device 15, offset from the first track 19 by a vertical distance. Likewise, the second track 20 is arranged offset from the first track 19 by a vertical distance. Below the first conveyor system 16 and the second track 20, a passage K is formed, along which the first track section H runs and which has a clearance height a1 that enables collision-free movement of the transport vehicles 1, each loaded with a target loading aid 18. Preferably, a clearance width b1 of the passage K is dimensioned such that it corresponds at least to the width of one transport vehicle 1 or two transport vehicles 1 traveling next to one another (see Fig. 4b). Preferably, the clearance width b1 corresponds to the width of one transport vehicle 1 loaded with a target loading aid 18.A passage width b 1 of the passage K can also be dimensioned such that it corresponds to two transport vehicles 1 driving next to each other. Preferably, the passage width bl corresponds to a width of two transport vehicles 1, each with a.

[0264] Target loading equipment 18 is loaded.

[0265] Optionally, it can also be provided that the first conveyor system 16 is arranged in a conveyor section facing away from the first delivery device 15, offset from the first track 19 by a vertical distance, and that an additional passage L is formed below the first conveyor system 16, along which the second track section I runs and which has a passage height a2 that enables collision-free movement of the transport vehicles 1, each loaded with a target loading aid 18. A passage width b2 of the passage L can in turn be dimensioned such that it corresponds at least to the width of one transport vehicle 1 or two transport vehicles 1 traveling next to one another. The passage width b2 preferably corresponds to the width of a transport vehicle 1 that is loaded with a target loading aid 18.A passage width b2 of the passage L can also be dimensioned such that it corresponds to two transport vehicles 1 traveling side by side. Preferably, the passage width b2 corresponds to a width of two transport vehicles 1, each of which is loaded with a target loading device 18.

[0266] Finally, the work station 11 comprises a control unit 23 which controls the first conveyor system 16 and the transport vehicles 1 in such a way that a product 12 arrives at the first and second delivery positions G, J via the first conveyor system 16 and a target loading aid 18 via one of the transport vehicles 1 for an order at approximately the same time, whereupon the target loading aid 18 can be loaded with the product 12.

[0267] In particular, the control unit 23 can be designed to control the following steps: i) transporting goods 12 to the first delivery device 15 with the first conveyor system 16, ii) providing the goods 12 at the first delivery position(s) G, iii) transporting target load support(s) 18 to the second delivery device 21 with the transport vehicle(s) 1, wherein the transport vehicle(s) 1 is / are moved from the third lane 22 to the second lane 20 and on the second lane 20 to the second delivery device 21, iv) merging the target load support(s) 18 as a group GR at the second delivery position J and alternately providing them from the group at the one or more second delivery positions J, v) loading the target load support 18 provided in step iv) with goods 12 provided in step ii) according to an order,vi) after step v), transporting the target loading device 18 loaded with goods 12 with the transport vehicle 1 away from the second delivery position J, wherein the transport vehicle 1 is moved by the second delivery device 21 on the second lane 20 to the third lane 22.

[0268] The first conveyor system 16 can comprise a first conveyor device for transporting goods 12 from the transfer area F to the first delivery device 15 and a second conveyor device for transporting goods 12 from the first delivery device 15 to the transfer area F. The first conveyor system 16 can also comprise a third conveyor device, which comprises the first delivery device 15 and which connects the first conveyor device and second conveyor device. This also makes it possible to implement a one-way system for the goods in the first conveyor system, in particular enabling simple control and high-performance transport of the goods, thus enabling efficient supply of the first delivery device with goods.

[0269] In this example, the first conveyor system 16 comprises roller conveyors. However, it is also conceivable that the first conveyor system 16 comprises belt conveyors or chain conveyors. A mixed design is also possible, meaning that, for example, roller conveyors, belt conveyors, and / or chain conveyors can be combined. The conveyors can be straight or curved.

[0270] The first delivery device 15 for providing goods 12 can have a first delivery position G or several such delivery positions G. Each delivery position G is then assigned to a product 12 (or different products 12 or product types).

[0271] Likewise, the second delivery device 21 for providing target loading aids 18 with transport vehicles 1 can have a second delivery position J or a plurality of such delivery positions J. Each delivery position J is then assigned to a target loading aid 18. In other words, the second delivery device 21 can have a plurality of stopping positions for a plurality of transport vehicles 1.

[0272] The loading aids can be transported to the second delivery device, brought together as a group GR and alternately provided from the group GR at the one or more second delivery positions, wherein the loading aids can be alternately loaded with the goods after these have been provided at the one or more second delivery positions.

[0273] In the example shown in Figs. 2, 3, 4a, and 4b, the target loading aids 18 are designed as cartons. It is particularly conceivable for the target loading aids 18 to be designed as (shipping) cartons. However, it is also conceivable for the target loading aids 18 to be designed as containers or trays (and the transport vehicles 1 may then have only a slightly inclined or even horizontally oriented loading platform 5).

[0274] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 2, 3, 4a, and 4b, the workstation 1 comprises a workstation AP for manually loading the target load carrier 18 with the goods 12. It is advantageous if the first supply device 15 and the second supply device 21 are configured to provide a good 12 and a target load carrier 18 at an ergonomic preparation height for manual loading. As can be seen particularly in the figures, an edge of the front side wall of the target load carrier 18 is lower than an edge of the rear side wall of the target load carrier 18.

[0275] This is achieved by the inclination of the floor 6 of the loading platform 5 and the pose of the automated guided vehicle 1. For manual processing of orders, the workstation 1 includes an input and / or output device 24, which is connected to the control unit 23.

[0276] An output device 24 is configured to receive loading instructions from the control unit 23 and output them to a warehouse worker (not shown in Figs. 2 to 12). The warehouse worker operates at the workstation AP. For example, the number of goods 12 with which a target load carrier 18 is to be loaded is output. If several target load carriers 18 are simultaneously provided at several second delivery positions J, the target load carrier 18 that is (currently) to be loaded with goods 12 can also be output. The output device 24 comprises, for example, a touchscreen and a loudspeaker; alternatively or additionally, a laser projector (put-to-light) for marking the goods to be reloaded and / or the target load carrier could be included.

[0277] An input device 24 is configured to receive an input command and transmit a control signal to the control unit 23. The input device 24 includes, for example, an acknowledgment button, a switch, and the like. An input command is triggered, for example, by an acknowledgment button. The warehouse worker can, for example, confirm the completion of a loading process by pressing the acknowledgment button. A combined input and / or output device 24 includes features of the input device and the output device.

[0278] According to a further embodiment, the workstation 1 at the workstation AP can alternatively or additionally comprise a loading robot (not shown) for automatically loading the target loading equipment 18 with goods 12. The loading robot can be connected to the control unit 23 in order to receive loading instructions therefrom. While the provision of an input and / or output device 24 is not absolutely necessary when using a loading robot, it is possible.

[0279] It is advantageous if a first lane 25 runs along the first lane section H of the first lane 19 and a second lane 26 runs along the second lane section I, as is the case in the illustrated embodiment of the work station 11. The first lane section H is designed so that the transport vehicles 1 are moved along the first lane 25. The first lane 25 can be designed as a one-way lane, so the transport vehicles 1 are then moved in only one direction (see the directional arrow, e.g., in Fig. 2). Likewise, the second lane section I is designed so that the transport vehicles 1 are moved along the second lane 26. The second lane 26 can in turn be designed as a one-way lane, so the transport vehicles 1 are then moved in only one direction (see the directional arrow in Fig. 2).Preferably, the directions of movement of the transport vehicles 1 on the first track section H and the second track section I are opposite, as is the case in the illustrated embodiment of the work station 11. The first lane 25 and the second lane 26 preferably run parallel to each other.

[0280] According to one possible embodiment, the first lane 25 can form a closed circuit in the first roadway section H. Likewise, the second lane 26 can form a closed circuit in the second roadway section I. It is conceivable that the first lane 25 and the second lane 26 are part of a common circuit (as is the case in Figs. 5 and 6 or Figs. 12 and 14) or that several first lanes 25 form a circuit running (only) in the first roadway section H and / or that several second lanes 26 form a (different) circuit running (only) in the second roadway section I (not shown in the figures).

[0281] Advantageously, a change lane 27 runs between the first lane 25 and the second lane 26, wherein the transport vehicles 1 can be moved on the first lane 19 between the first lane section H and the second lane section I. In other words, the transport vehicles 1 can be exchanged between the first lane section H and the second lane section I.

[0282] According to one possible embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the variable lane 27 can comprise a first variable lane and a second variable lane, so that the first variable lane, the first lane 25, the second variable lane, and the second lane 26 form a closed circuit. The first variable lane, the first lane 25, the second variable lane, and the second lane 26 can be designed as one-way lanes. Therefore, the transport vehicles 1 are then moved in only one direction (see the directional arrows in Fig. 5).

[0283] It is advantageous if an approach lane 28a branches off from the second lane 26 of the first carriageway 19 and a return lane 28b flows into the second lane 26, or an approach lane 28a flows into the second lane 26 and a return lane 28b branches off from the second lane 26, the approach lane 28a runs in a first carriageway section O of the third carriageway 22, the return lane 28b runs in a second carriageway section P of the third carriageway 22, and a delivery lane 28c runs between the approach lane 28a and the return lane 28b in a carriageway section Q of the second carriageway 20, the delivery lane 28c being assigned to the second delivery device 21, as is the case with the exemplary embodiment of the work station 11 shown in the figures.

[0284] This allows a one-way system to be implemented on the second and third lanes 20, 22, which is coupled to the second lane section I of the first lane. The transport vehicles 1 can therefore move on the second and third lanes 20, 22 largely without mutual interference. The transport vehicles 1 are then moved in a single direction along the approach lane 28a, the delivery lane 28c, and the return lane 28b. The approach lane 28a and the return lane 28b can advantageously run parallel to each other, in particular.

[0285] It is particularly advantageous if one or more sorting lanes 30 run in a third lane section R of the third lane 22 between the approach lane 28a and the return lane 28b, as is the case in the embodiment of the work station 11 shown in the figures.

[0286] This means that each sorting lane 30 branches off from the return lane 28b and flows into the approach lane 28a. The proposed measures allow a sorting device of the second conveyor system 17 to be implemented on the third lane 22. Since the third lane 22 simultaneously serves to bridge the height difference between the first lane 19 (in particular its second lane section I) and the second lane 20, this creates multiple uses for the third lane 22, which forms the basis for a particularly compact design of the work stations 11 or supports this in a special way. It should be noted at this point that sorting lanes 30 can also be arranged on the second lane 20, which also contributes to a compact design of the work stations 11.

[0287] In the work station 11 shown in Figs. 2, 3, 4a and 4b, one or more optional and advantageous express lanes 29 can run in the lane section Q of the second lane 20 between the approach lane 28a and the return lane 28b (see the work stations 11 in Fig. 5).

[0288] The express lane 29 is related to a sorting lane 30, but is located particularly close to the second delivery position J. In this respect, the express lane 29 can be understood as a sorting lane 30 close to or closest to the second delivery position J. A transport vehicle 1 can therefore also be moved along an express lane 29 as an alternative to a sorting lane 30 if a target loading device 18 must be made available promptly at the second delivery position J.

[0289] One transport vehicle 1 can be stopped (parked) in each of the sorting lanes 30 and the express lane 29. This means that the sorting lanes 30 and the express lane 29 each have one sorting or waiting area. However, it is also conceivable that the sorting lanes 30 and / or the express lane 29 each have multiple sorting or waiting areas, and thus multiple transport vehicles 1 can be stopped (parked) in one sorting lane 30 or express lane 29.

[0290] According to an advantageous embodiment, a transport vehicle 1 or loading aid can reach (drive onto) at least one of the sorting lanes 30 or express lane 29 from the approach lane 28a, the sorting lane 30 or express lane 29 serving as a buffer space.

[0291] It is now particularly advantageous if the control unit 23 is additionally designed to control the first conveyor system 16 and the transport vehicles 1 in such a way that the target loading aids 18 are sorted by means of the transport vehicles 1 into an order that is determined depending on the order in which the goods 12 are provided at the first delivery device 15, wherein a target loading aid 18 and a good 12 for an order in turn arrive at the first delivery position G and the second delivery position J at approximately the same time. This makes it possible to ensure efficient loading of the target loading aids 18 or efficient order picking even if the transport vehicles 1 reach the third lane 22 at an unfavorable time and / or in an unfavorable order.For example, the target loading equipment 18 can be sorted into a sequence using the transport vehicles 1 by one of the transport vehicles 1 branching off from the departure lane 28b into a sorting lane 28c and another of the transport vehicles 1 driving past the transport vehicle 1 branched off into the sorting lane 28c. The transport vehicle 1 branched off into the sorting lane 28c can then be moved from the sorting lane 28c into the arrival lane 28a.

[0292] If an order of the orders comprises a first order line and a second order line, wherein the first order line and second order line comprise goods 12 of different goods types, it is also particularly advantageous if the control unit 23 is designed such that a target loading aid 18 for processing the first and second order lines is initially transported from the second delivery device 21 via the return track 28b into a sorting track 30 and buffered in the sorting track 30 after the target loading aid 18 has been loaded with the goods 12 to the first order line by means of the transport vehicle 1, and then the target loading aid 18 is transported from the sorting track 30 via the approach track 28a to the second delivery device 21 when the goods 12 to the second order line are transported from the first conveyor system 16 to the first delivery device 15.

[0293] In this way, particularly efficient loading of the target loading device 18 or particularly efficient order picking can be achieved, even if the goods 12 cannot be made available simultaneously at the first delivery device 15 (delivery position G). This applies, for example, even if the goods 12 are transported in different source loading devices 13 in a single type, but goods 12 of different types are to be loaded into a target loading device 18 and only one first delivery position G is available, or too few first delivery positions G are available for simultaneous delivery of the required types of goods.

[0294] As described above, the first conveyor system may include a first conveyor device, a second conveyor device, and a third conveyor device.

[0295] It is furthermore advantageous if the first conveyor system 16 comprises a plurality of buffer locations and the control unit 23 is additionally designed to provide goods 12 of different types one after the other, wherein the goods 12 are temporarily stored in the buffer locations. The buffer locations are similar in function to the sorting tracks 30 (or sorting locations on the sorting tracks 30) and can be arranged between the first conveyor device, which leads from the transfer area F to the first delivery device 15, and the second conveyor device, which leads from the first delivery device 15 to the transfer area F. However, the buffer locations can also be assigned only to the first conveyor device (if the goods 12 are to be buffered during transport to the first delivery device 15) or only to the second conveyor device (if the goods 12 are to be buffered during transport from the first delivery device 15).The buffer spaces can also be used to provide goods 12 sorted in a predefined order.

[0296] In this context, it is also advantageous if the first conveyor system 16 comprises a sorting buffer configured to provide goods 12 in a sorted sequence. The sorting buffer comprises a plurality of buffer locations arranged along the first conveyor device, and / or a plurality of sorting locations arranged along the second conveyor device, and a plurality of sorting conveyor devices connecting the sorting locations and buffer locations. It should be noted at this point that buffer locations, sorting locations, and sorting conveyor devices of the first conveyor system 16 are not shown, but can be configured identically or similarly to the second conveyor system 17 with regard to the flow of goods.

[0297] Finally, it is advantageous if the first lane 25 running in the first lane section H and the second lane 26 running in the second lane section I each have a coupling area M, N and can be connected to coupling areas M, N of a further work station 11 arranged adjacent to the work station 11. In particular, the work stations 11 can be constructed identically. Accordingly, a group of several work stations 11 can be formed, which group comprises several adjacent work stations 11 according to one of the types described above, wherein the first lane sections H and second lane sections I of the work stations 11 are connected to one another (see also Figs. 5, 6 and 14). The group of work stations 11 is almost arbitrarily scalable.

[0298] Fig. 5 now shows a schematic plan view of a first embodiment of an exemplary order picking system 31 for order picking goods 12. The order picking system 31 comprises a storage area 32, in which storage locations for providing goods 12 are arranged, and a picking area for processing orders, in which several (here three) work stations 11 of the type described above are arranged. The three work stations 11 are connected to one another at their coupling areas M, N and form a group of work stations. In addition, the first lane 25 and the second lane 26 are part of a closed circuit for the transport vehicles 1, which extends over the entire group of work stations 11. It would also be conceivable for several first lanes 25 and several second lanes 26 to be part of several separate closed circuits or lanes.In particular, the plurality of first lanes 25 and the plurality of second lanes 26 can run parallel to one another. It is also conceivable for the first lane 25 and the second lane 26 to be connected between two workstations 11, so that a smaller circuit is formed alternatively or additionally. Such connections can also be provided at other locations between two workstations 11. It is also conceivable for connections between the first and second lanes 25, 26 to be provided between all workstations 11, resulting in several circuits of different sizes that can be selectively used by the transport vehicles 1. At this point, it should be noted that the size of the group of workstations 11 is chosen purely as an example and the group of workstations 11 can also be (significantly) larger. However, the order picking system 31 can also comprise only one workstation 11.

[0299] In this embodiment, the order picking system 31 also comprises an optional third conveyor system 34, which connects the storage area 32 and the transfer area F, and which comprises driverless transport vehicles 35 for transporting goods 12 (in particular with loading aids of the third conveyor system 34) between the storage area 32 and the transfer area F.

[0300] The driverless transport vehicles 1 of the second conveyor system 17 and the driverless transport vehicles 35 of the third conveyor system 34 can be structurally identical.

[0301] The driverless transport vehicles 1 of the second conveyor system 17 and the driverless transport vehicles 35 of the third conveyor system 34 can also be structurally differently designed. This allows the transport vehicles 1, 34 to be optimized for their respective intended use. For example, it can be advantageous if the driverless transport vehicles 35 of the third conveyor system 34 have the option of moving vertically (i.e., climbing) (see Figs. 10 and 11), whereas this option may be dispensable for the driverless transport vehicles 1 of the second conveyor system 17. It would also be conceivable for the driverless transport vehicles 34 of the third conveyor system 35 to travel (at least temporarily) on rails, whereas the transport vehicles 1 of the second conveyor system 17 travel exclusively on (level) first, second, and third tracks.

[0302] In particular, the driverless transport vehicles 1 of the second conveyor system 17 and the driverless transport vehicles 35 of the third conveyor system 34 can be similarly constructed and have at least some of the technical features in common. For example, the driverless transport vehicles 35 of the third conveyor system 34, based on the transport vehicle 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 1a, each comprise a supporting frame, a chassis mounted on the supporting frame, which comprises a plurality of wheels and is designed to drive and optionally steer the driverless transport vehicle 35, a controller designed to receive drive commands and control the driverless transport vehicle 35, and a loading platform mounted on the supporting frame, which (deviating from the design shown in Figs.1 and 1a) comprises a horizontally oriented floor, which is in particular fixedly attached to the support frame or which is arranged on a lifting device.

[0303] In the order picking system 31 shown in Fig. 5, the first track 19 additionally comprises an optional third track section S, which is arranged between the storage area 32 and the transfer area F, wherein the driverless transport vehicles 35 of the third conveyor system 34 travel in the third track section S. It is also conceivable that the transport vehicles 35 in the storage area 32 drive to the storage locations in order to pick up or deliver goods 12 there.

[0304] In the embodiment of the order picking system 31 shown in Fig. 5, each work station 11 in the transfer area F has a transfer station 36, which comprises a first transfer location 37 and a first transfer device 38 assigned to the first transfer location 37, as well as a second transfer location 39 and a transfer device 40 assigned to the second transfer location 39.

[0305] The first transfer station 37 is designed to receive a product 12 (in particular with a source loading aid 13), and the first transfer device 38 is designed to deliver the product 12 (in particular with a source loading aid 13) from the first transfer station 37 to the first conveyor system 16. This means that a product 12 (with or without a source loading aid 13) can be transferred from a transport vehicle 35 to the first transfer station 37 and delivered from the first transfer station 37 to the first conveyor system 16 via the first transfer device 38. The product 12 can be transferred from the transport vehicle 35 to the first transfer station 37 by a transfer device (not shown), for example a conveyor device which comprises the transport vehicle 35. The first transfer device 38 can comprise a conveyor device.

[0306] The second transfer station 39 is designed to receive a product 12 (in particular with source loading aid 13), and the second transfer device 40 is designed to deliver the product 12 (in particular with source loading aid 13) from the first conveyor system 16 to the second transfer station 39. This means that a product 12 (with or without source loading aid 13) can be transferred to the second transfer station 39 and delivered from the second transfer station 40 to a transport vehicle 35 via the second transfer device 40. The transfer of the product 12 from the first conveyor system 16 to the second transfer station 40 can be carried out by a transfer device (not shown), for example a conveyor device which is included in the first conveyor system 16. The second transfer device 40 can comprise a conveyor device.For the above purpose, the transfer station 36 can comprise an optional lifting device 42 assigned to the first conveyor system 16, as is the case in Fig. 5 and schematically illustrated in Fig. 2. Specifically, the lifting device 42 comprises a first lifting unit with a first transfer station 37 for lifting an item 12 and a second lifting unit with a second transfer station 39 for lowering an item 12. The first transfer station 37 can in particular be arranged on a lifting platform of the first lifting unit, and the second transfer station 39 can in particular be arranged on a lifting platform of the second lifting unit. In principle, however, a different structure of the lifting device 42 is also conceivable. For example, it can have a different number of lifting units and / or be designed not as a lift but, for example, as a paternoster.

[0307] Finally, the order picking system 31 shown in Fig. 5 comprises an optional transfer station 43 for automatically reloading a target load carrier 18 between the loading platform 5 of an automated guided vehicle 1 and a receiving location (not shown). The transfer station 43 is arranged on the first lane 19 between the first lane 25 and the second lane 26, for example, along the alternating lane 27; it could also be arranged elsewhere, for example, in the first lane section H of the first lane 19. A further conveyor system can be connected to the receiving location for transporting the load carrier 18 transferred from the loading platform 5 of an automated guided vehicle 1 from the receiving location and / or for transporting the load carrier 18 to the receiving location for transferring the load carrier 18 to the loading platform 5 of an automated guided vehicle 1.

[0308] Fig. 6 now shows a schematic plan view of a second embodiment of an exemplary order picking system 31, which is constructed very similarly to the order picking system 31 from Fig. 5, but differs with regard to the transfer area F or with regard to the transfer station 36.

[0309] The transfer station 36 of each work station 11 in Fig. 6 comprises a first transfer station

[0310] 37, which is designed to receive a transport vehicle 35 of the third conveyor system 34 with the goods 12, and a transfer device 41 assigned to the transport vehicle 35, which is designed to deliver the goods 12 from the transport vehicle 35 to the first conveyor system 16. This means that a transport vehicle 35 can be parked at the first transfer location 37, and it will deliver the goods 12 to the first conveyor system 16 using the transfer device 41.

[0311] Furthermore, the transfer station 36 comprises a second transfer location 39, which is designed to receive a transport vehicle 35 of the third conveyor system 34 (without the goods 12), and a transfer device 41 assigned to the transport vehicle 35, which is designed to deliver the goods 12 from the first conveyor system 16 to the transport vehicle 35. This means that a transport vehicle 35 will be parked at the second transfer location 39, and the goods 12 will be picked up from the first conveyor system 16 using the transfer device 41.

[0312] As can be seen in the figure, the lifting device 42 is arranged between the first conveyor device for transporting goods 12 from the transfer area F to the first delivery device 15 and the second conveyor device for transporting goods 12 from the first delivery device 15 to the transfer area F. This is particularly space-saving.

[0313] For the above purpose, the transfer station 36 can comprise an optional lifting device 42 assigned to the first conveyor system 16, as is the case in the example shown in Fig. 6. Specifically, the lifting device 42 in the given case comprises three lifting units. The first lifting unit comprises a first transfer station 37, the second lifting unit comprises a second transfer station 39, and the third lifting unit comprises a first or second transfer station 37, 39. The first transfer station 37 is arranged in particular on a lifting platform of the lifting units, and the second transfer station 39 is arranged in particular on a lifting platform of the lifting units. It is understood that the lifting device can also comprise more than three lifting units. In principle, a different structure of the lifting device 42 is also conceivable. For example, it can have a different number of lifting units and / or be designed not as a lift but, for example, as a paternoster.If a lifting device 42 is provided, a transfer of goods 12 (with or without source loading aid 13) between the first conveyor system 16 and the transport vehicle 1 can take place when the transport vehicle 1 has been moved to the height level of the first conveyor system 1. It is advantageous if the transport vehicles 35 each have the transfer device 41.

[0314] Fig. 7 shows a side view of a third embodiment of an exemplary order picking system 31, in which the transport vehicles 34 of the third conveyor system 35 can pick up goods 12 (with or without source loading aids 13) directly from or deliver them to an eager location in the eager area 32. The transport vehicles 34 can therefore move within the storage area 32, in the third track section S, and in the transfer area F. In this embodiment, the transport vehicles 34 can independently overcome vertical distances in the storage area 32 by climbing up and down a support structure of the storage area 32. Likewise, they can move horizontally on the individual storage levels of the storage area 32 and thus reach the storage locations (see the left area in Fig. 7).Via the third track section S, the transport vehicles 34 reach the transfer area F and can climb up and down a support structure of the transfer station 36. If a transport vehicle 34 is in the upper height position on the support structure, the goods 12 can be transferred to the first conveyor system 16 using the transfer device 41 or can be picked up by the first conveyor system 16.

[0315] As an alternative to the support structure of the transfer station 36, a lifting device 42 (not shown) can be provided, which comprises a lifting unit with a lifting platform for raising and lowering a transport vehicle 34. If the lifting platform with the transport vehicle 34 is in the upper height position, the goods 12 are transferred to the first conveyor system 16 by the transfer device 41 or are taken over by the first conveyor system 16.

[0316] It proves to be advantageous if the transport vehicles 35 each have the transfer device 41.

[0317] Fig. 8 shows a side view of a fourth embodiment of an exemplary order picking system 31, which is very similar to the order picking system 31 shown in Fig. 7. In contrast, in this embodiment, the storage area 32 directly adjoins the transfer area F, which is why the third track section S is omitted here. Likewise, a lifting device 42 is omitted, since the transport vehicles 35 can directly reach the height level of the first conveyor system 16 via the storage area 32. There, the transport vehicles 35 can deliver goods 12 to the first conveyor system 16 using the transfer device 41 or receive them from the first conveyor system 16 in the manner already described.

[0318] It proves to be advantageous if the transport vehicles 35 each have the transfer device 41.

[0319] In the embodiment according to Fig. 8, the driverless transport vehicles 35 move predominantly in the storage area 32 and in the transfer area F, and the storage area 32 and the transfer area F are arranged such that the goods 12 (with or without source loading aids 13) are delivered from the storage area 32 directly to the first conveyor system 16, or the goods 12 (with or without source loading aids 13) are delivered from the storage area 32 directly to the first conveyor system 16, and the goods 12 (with or without source loading aids 13) are delivered from the first conveyor system 16 directly to the storage area 32.

[0320] At this point, it is noted that the support frame, the chassis, the control system and the loading platform of the transport vehicle 35 are designated by the reference numerals 2'..5' in Fig. 8, in contrast to the designation used in Fig. 1, in order to clearly illustrate the difference that the transport vehicles 35 can be constructed differently than the transport vehicle 1 of Fig. 1.

[0321] Fig. 9 shows a side view of a fifth embodiment of an exemplary order picking system 31, which is very similar to the order picking system 31 shown in Fig. 8. However, in this embodiment, the driverless transport vehicles 35 travel exclusively in the storage area 32, wherein the transport vehicles can deliver the goods 12 to or pick them up from transfer points in the storage area 32. From these transfer points, the goods 12 can be transported by the lifting device 42 to the height level of the first conveyor system 16 and delivered to or picked up from the transfer points 37, 39. From there, the goods 12 are delivered to or picked up from the first conveyor system 16 with the aid of the transfer devices 38, 39.In principle, it would also be possible for the transfer devices 38, 39 to receive the goods 12 directly from the lifting device 42 or to deliver them to it, thus enabling a direct transfer from and to the first conveyor system 16. The transfer stations 37, 39 can then be omitted. The storage area 32 shown in Fig. 9 is described in more detail, for example, in EP 3 286 111 B1 or WO 2013 / 090970 A2.

[0322] Fig. 10 shows a work station 11 similar to that in Fig. 2, wherein here the first lane 19 is arranged on a ground plane, and the second lane (20) forms or comprises a platform raised relative to the ground plane, wherein the third lane 22 connects the first lane 19 with the second lane 20 arranged at a different height level. In contrast, the third lane 22 is arranged such that the approach lane 28a encompassed by the third lane 22 branches off from the first lane 25 of the first lane 19 and the return lane 28b flows into the first lane 25 of the first lane 19.

[0323] According to one embodiment, the raised platform formed or encompassed by the second track 20 can be designed to be height-adjustable.

[0324] Transport vehicles 1 can be designed similarly to the transport vehicles 1 used in Fig. 2.

[0325] The first conveyor system 16 can be designed in the same way as the first conveyor system 16 described above in connection with Fig. 2.

[0326] Fig. 11 is similar to that in Fig. 10, except that here the first lane 19, the second lane 20, and the third lane 22 are arranged on the same level, in particular on a ground plane. In this case, the third lane 22 is arranged such that the approach lane 28a encompassed by the third lane 22 branches off from the first lane 25 of the first lane 19, and the return lane 28b encompassed by the third lane 22 merges into the first lane 25 of the first lane 19. Transport vehicles 1 can be designed similarly to the transport vehicles 1 used in Fig. 2.

[0327] The first conveyor system 16 can be designed in the same way as the first conveyor system 16 described above in connection with Fig. 2.

[0328] Fig. 12, 13a, 13b show a further work station 11 which is similar, in particular with regard to the travel paths and lanes, to that in Fig. 11. In contrast, here the first conveyor system 16 comprises a plurality of conveyor devices, in particular a first conveyor device for the infeed, i.e. transport of the goods to the first delivery device 15, a second conveyor device for the outfeed, i.e. transport of the goods away from the first delivery device 15, a third conveyor device connecting the first conveyor device for the infeed and the second conveyor device for the outfeed, and a fourth conveyor device and a fifth conveyor device which form the first delivery device 15 and are connected (in terms of conveyor technology) to the third conveyor device, the fourth conveyor device forming a first delivery position G1 and the fifth conveyor device forming a further first delivery position G2.

[0329] This allows the goods 12 to be transported easily to and from the first delivery position Gl and another first delivery position G2.

[0330] Fig. 13a shows the workstation of Fig. 12 in side view (view A); and Fig. 13b shows the workstation of Fig. 12 in front view.

[0331] The fourth conveying device and the fifth conveying device, which form the first delivery device 15, can advantageously form a delivery plane inclined at an angle to the horizontal for the goods in the first delivery position G1 or further first delivery position G2.

[0332] According to the embodiment of Fig. 12, a transfer area F or a transfer station 36 (not shown in Figs. 12, 13a, 13b), as explained in connection with Figs. 2 to 9, can also be connected to the first conveyor system 16.

[0333] Fig. 13a also shows an optional movement mechanism 60 for externally driving the transport vehicles 1 or loading aids 18.

[0334] Fig. 14 shows a group of several work stations 11, i.e. several adjacent (side by side) arranged work stations 11 according to the type described in Fig. 12, wherein the first track sections H and second track sections I of the respective adjacent (side by side) work stations 11 are connected to one another. The group of work stations 11 is almost arbitrarily scalable, wherein in Fig. 14 two work stations 11 are arranged (parallel, i.e. next to one another). Fig. 14 also shows an embodiment of an exemplary order picking system 31 for order picking goods 12 as described in connection with Fig. 5 above. The order picking system 31 comprises a storage area 32, in which storage locations for providing goods 12 are arranged, and a picking area for processing orders, in which several (here two) work stations 11 of the type described above are arranged.The two work stations 11 are connected to one another at their (inner, i.e. adjacent) coupling areas M, N and are each closed off at the outer coupling areas M, N via an alternating lane 27, so that between the first lane 25 and the second lane 26 the transport vehicles 1 can be moved on the first lane 19 between the first lane section H and the second lane section I, thus forming a closed circuit.

[0335] Fig. 14a, on the other hand, shows a schematic plan view of an example of an order picking system with several work stations, similar to Fig. 14, but with a lane arrangement without a passage under the first conveyor system of the work stations 11. This means that the first lane 25 of the first lane 19 and the second lane 26 of the first lane 19 run outside the first conveyor system 16 of the work stations 11. While according to Fig. 14 (and Figs. 2, 10, 11, 12) the second delivery devices 21 are located outside the circuit formed by the first and second lanes 25, 26 and the alternating lanes 27, Fig. 14a shows an arrangement in which the second delivery devices 21 are located within the circuit.

[0336] In this case, the second track section I of the first track 19 can overlap with the optional third track section S of the first track 19, which is arranged between the storage area 32 and the transfer area F, wherein the driverless transport vehicles 35 of the third conveyor system 34 move in the third track section S. The transport vehicles in this section can include collision monitoring to prevent collisions with other transport vehicles.

[0337] Advantageously, a safety function can be provided to enable safe access to the workstation AP by an operator. For example, a monitoring system can be provided to detect persons on one of the lanes or lane sections and, if necessary, to issue a stop signal to stop the transport vehicles or reduce their movements. Additionally or alternatively, a bridge or similar device can lead to the workstation AP over the lane sections.

[0338] An advantageous embodiment of a picking system for picking goods 12 can now comprise a storage area 32 in which storage locations for providing the goods 12 are arranged, a picking area in which a work station 11 for loading target load carriers 18 with goods 12 is arranged, a first conveyor system 16 for transporting the goods 12, wherein the transport of the goods 12 by the first conveyor system 16 comprises transporting the goods 12 from a transfer area F to a first delivery device 15 at the work station 11, a second conveyor system 17 for transporting the target load carriers 18, which comprises driverless transport vehicles 1, wherein the transport of the target load carriers 18 by the driverless transport vehicles 1 comprises transporting the (empty) target load carriers 18 from a transfer station 43' to a second delivery device 21 at the work station 11,and a transport of the (loaded) target loading aid 18 from the work station 11 to a transfer station, and a transfer station for reloading an (empty) target loading aid 18 from a receiving location 44 of the transfer station to a loading platform 5 of an automated guided vehicle 1, a transfer station for reloading a (loaded) target loading aid 18 from a loading platform 5 of an automated guided vehicle 1 to a receiving location of the transfer station 43.,

[0339] The workstation 11 can also be designed according to one of the aforementioned types.

[0340] Figs. 15a to 15j illustrate the processing of orders at a workstation (first embodiment) in a sequential flow. The workstation for loading load carriers comprises the first delivery device 15 with a single first delivery position G and the second delivery device 21 with a single second delivery position J.

[0341] The first loading aid LI is assigned to a first order. The second loading aid L2 is assigned to a second order.

[0342] The first loading aid LI is transported by a first transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a, and the second loading aid L2 is transported by a second transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a.

[0343] It should be noted that Fig. 15a to Fig. 15j show the processing of order lines for different orders and that the order lines of the different orders require goods of different types.

[0344] For example, order 1 comprises two order lines, with a first order line containing goods of a first goods type W1 and goods of a third goods type W3. The first loading device LI is loaded with the goods of the first goods type W1 and the third goods type W3.

[0345] For example, order 2 comprises two order lines, with a first order line containing goods of a second goods type W2 and goods of a fourth goods type W4. The second loading device L2 is loaded with the goods of the second goods type W2 and the fourth goods type W4.

[0346] If the order lines of the various orders include goods of a different product type, the preparation and loading process is repeated at this workstation until all order lines have been processed.

[0347] According to this embodiment, the control unit 23 (not shown) controls the first conveyor system 16 and the transport vehicles 1 to process several order lines each for different orders which require goods 12 of different types, in such a way that the goods 12 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position G, and the loading aids LI, L2 are transported by the transport vehicles 1 to the second delivery device 21, brought together as a group GR and made available alternately (and consecutively) from the group GR at the second delivery position J, wherein the loading aids LI, L2 can be loaded alternately (and consecutively) with the goods 12 after they have been made available at the second delivery position J. As shown in Fig. 15a and Fig.As can be seen from Fig. 15b, the goods 12 of the first goods type W1 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position G.

[0348] Likewise, the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 are transported to the second delivery device 21 and the first loading aid LI is provided at the one second delivery position J.

[0349] Once the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 have arrived at the second delivery device 21, the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 form a group GR. However, only the first loading aid LI is provided at the second delivery position J to enable loading of the first loading aid LI (but not the second loading aid L2—as indicated by the dashed lines).

[0350] As shown, the group GR comprising the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 is formed before entering the delivery lane 28c. Alternatively, the group GR can also be formed along the delivery lane 28c.

[0351] In Fig. 15c, the first loading aid LI is loaded with one or more goods of the first goods type W 1.

[0352] After loading the first loading aid LI, the first loading aid LI is moved away from the one second delivery position J by the first transport vehicle 1 (not shown) and the second loading aid L2 is moved towards the one second delivery position J by the second transport vehicle 1 (not shown), as can be seen from Fig. 15c and Fig. 15d.

[0353] Meanwhile, on the one hand, the goods of the first goods type W1 are transported away from the first delivery position G and, on the other hand, the goods of the second goods type W2 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position G, as can be seen from Fig. 15c and Fig. 15d.

[0354] If the second loading aid L2 is located at the one second delivery position J, the second loading aid L2 is loaded with one or more goods of the second goods type W2, as shown in Fig. 15e. After loading the second loading aid L2, the second loading aid L2 is moved away from the one second delivery position J by the second transport vehicle 1, and the first loading aid LI is moved again to the one second delivery position J by the first transport vehicle 1, as can be seen from Fig. 15e and Fig. 15f.

[0355] Meanwhile, on the one hand, the goods of the second goods type W2 are transported away from the first delivery position G and, on the other hand, the goods of the third goods type W3 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position G, as can be seen from Fig. 15e and Fig. 15f.

[0356] If the first loading aid LI is again located at the second loading position J, the first loading aid LI is repeatedly loaded with one or more goods of the third goods type W3, as shown in Fig. 15g.

[0357] The first loading device LI now contains all goods of the first goods type W1 and the third goods type W3. The first order has thus been completely processed. The first transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c onto the return lane 28b and transport the first loading device LI away from the work station 11, as shown in Fig. 15h.

[0358] Subsequently, the second loading aid L2 is again moved by the second transport vehicle 1 to the one second delivery position J, as can be seen from Fig. 15g and Fig. 15h.

[0359] Meanwhile, on the one hand, the goods of the third goods type W3 are transported away from the first delivery position G and, on the other hand, the goods of the fourth goods type W4 are transported to the first delivery device G and made available at the first delivery position G, as can be seen from Fig. 15g and Fig. 15h.

[0360] If the second loading aid L2 is again located at the second loading position J, the second loading aid L2 is repeatedly loaded with one or more goods of the fourth goods type W4, as shown in Fig. 15i.

[0361] The second load carrier L2 now contains all goods of the second goods type W2 and the fourth goods type W4. The second order is thus completely processed. The second transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c onto the return lane 28b and transport the second load carrier L2 away from the work station 11, as shown in Fig. 15j.

[0362] As can be seen, the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 are treated as a group GR for loading, but the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 can be moved independently of each other by the first transport vehicle 1 and the second transport vehicle 1 as soon as, for example, all order lines for an order have been processed.

[0363] The alternating provision and alternating loading of the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 with the goods (of the several order lines) is repeated until all order lines (which contain goods of different types) of the various orders have been processed.

[0364] Figs. 16a to 16f illustrate the processing of orders at a workstation (first embodiment) in a sequential flow. The workstation for loading load carriers comprises the first delivery device 15 with a single first delivery position G and the second delivery device 21 with a single second delivery position J.

[0365] The first loading aid LI is assigned to a first order. The second loading aid L2 is assigned to a second order.

[0366] The first loading aid LI is transported by a first transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a, and the second loading aid L2 is transported by a second transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a.

[0367] It should be noted that Fig. 16a to Fig. 16f show the processing of order lines for different orders and that the order lines of the different orders require goods of the same type of goods.

[0368] Order 1, for example, comprises two order lines, with a first order line comprising a product of a first product type W1 and a product of a second product type W2. The first loading aid LI is loaded with the goods of the first product type W1 and the second product type W2. Order 2, for example, comprises two order lines, with a first order line comprising a product of a first product type W1 and the second product type W2. The second loading aid L2 is loaded with the goods of the first product type W1 and the second product type W2.

[0369] If the order lines of the various orders include goods of a different product type, the preparation and loading process is repeated at this workstation until all order lines have been processed.

[0370] According to this embodiment, the control unit 23 (not shown) controls the first conveyor system 16 and the transport vehicles 1 for processing a plurality of order lines each for different orders which require goods 12 of the same type of goods, in such a way that the goods 12 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position G, and the loading aids LI, L2 are transported by the transport vehicles 1 to the second delivery device 21, brought together as a group GR and made available alternately (and consecutively) from the group GR at the second delivery position J, wherein the loading aids LI, L2 can be loaded alternately (and consecutively) with the goods 12 after they have been made available at the second delivery position J.

[0371] As can be seen in Fig. 16a and Fig. 16b, the goods 12 of the first goods type W1 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position G.

[0372] Likewise, the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 are transported to the second delivery device 21 and the first loading aid LI is provided at the one second delivery position J.

[0373] Once the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 have arrived at the second delivery device 21, the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 form a group GR. However, only the first loading aid LI is provided at the second delivery position J to enable loading of the first loading aid LI (but not the second loading aid L2—as indicated by the dashed lines).

[0374] As shown, the group GR comprising the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 is formed before entering the delivery lane 28c. Alternatively, the group GR can also be formed along the delivery lane 28c.

[0375] In Fig. 16b, the first loading aid LI is loaded with one or more goods of the first goods type W 1.

[0376] After loading the first loading aid LI, the first loading aid LI is moved away from the one second delivery position J by the first transport vehicle 1 (not shown), and the second loading aid L2 is moved toward the one second delivery position J by the second transport vehicle (not shown), as can be seen from Fig. 16b and Fig. 16c. Meanwhile, the goods of the first goods type W1 remain at the first delivery position G.

[0377] If the second loading aid L2 is located at the second delivery position J, the second loading aid L2 is loaded with one or more goods of the first goods type W1, as shown in Fig. 16c. Meanwhile, on the one hand, the goods of the first goods type W1 are transported away from the first delivery position G, and on the other hand, the goods of the second goods type W2 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position G, as can be seen from Figs. 16c and 16d.

[0378] After loading the second loading aid L2, the second loading aid L2 is moved away from the one second loading position J by the second transport vehicle 1 and the first loading aid LI is moved again to the one second loading position J by the first transport vehicle 1, as can be seen from Fig. 16c and Fig. 16d.

[0379] If the first loading aid LI is again located at the second loading position J, the first loading aid LI is repeatedly loaded with one or more goods of the second goods type W2, as shown in Fig. 16d.

[0380] The first loading device LI now contains all goods of the first goods type W1 and the second goods type W2. The first order has thus been completely processed. The first transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c onto the return lane 28b and transport the first loading device LI away from the work station 11, as shown in Fig. 16e.

[0381] Subsequently, the second loading aid L2 is again moved by the second transport vehicle 1 to the one second loading position J, as can be seen from Fig. 16d and Fig. 16e.

[0382] If the second loading aid L2 is located at the one second delivery position J, the second loading aid L2 is loaded with one or more goods of the second goods type W2, as shown in Fig. 16d.

[0383] The second loading device L2 now contains all goods of the first goods type W1 and the second goods type W2. The second order is thus completely processed. The second transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c onto the return lane 28b and transport the second loading device L2 away from the work station 11, as shown in Fig. 16f.

[0384] As can be seen, the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 are treated as a group GR for loading, but the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 can be moved independently of each other by the first transport vehicle 1 and the second transport vehicle 1 as soon as, for example, all order lines for an order have been processed.

[0385] The alternating provision and alternating loading of the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 with the goods (of the several order lines) is repeated until all order lines (which contain goods of the same goods types) of the various orders have been processed.

[0386] Figs. 17a to 17i illustrate the processing of orders at a workstation (second embodiment) in a sequential flow. The workstation for loading load carriers comprises the first delivery device 15 with a plurality of first delivery positions G1, G2 and the second delivery device 21 with a single second delivery position J. The first load carrier L1 is assigned to a first order. The second load carrier L2 is assigned to a second order.

[0387] The first loading aid LI is transported by a first transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a, and the second loading aid L2 is transported by a second transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a.

[0388] It should be noted that Fig. 17a to Fig. 17i show the processing of order lines for different orders and that the order lines of the different orders require goods of different types.

[0389] For example, order 1 comprises two order lines, with a first order line containing goods of a first goods type W1 and goods of a third goods type W3. The first loading device LI is loaded with the goods of the first goods type W1 and the third goods type W3.

[0390] For example, order 2 comprises two order lines, with a first order line containing goods of a second goods type W2 and goods of a fourth goods type W4. The second loading device L2 is loaded with the goods of the second goods type W2 and the fourth goods type W4.

[0391] If the order lines of the various orders include goods of a different product type, the preparation and loading process is repeated at this workstation until all order lines have been processed.

[0392] According to this embodiment, the control unit 23 (not shown) controls the first conveyor system 16 and the transport vehicles 1 to process a plurality of order lines for different orders which require goods 12 of different goods types, in such a way that the goods 12 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the plurality of first delivery positions G1, G2, and the loading aids LI, L2 are transported by the transport vehicles 1 to the second delivery device 21, brought together as a group GR and made available alternately (and consecutively) from the group GR at the one second delivery position J, wherein the loading aids LI, L2 can be loaded alternately (and consecutively) with the goods 12 after they have been made available at the one second delivery position J.

[0393] According to this embodiment, goods of a first type and a second type can be transported to the first delivery device and provided side by side (simultaneously) at the first delivery position G1 and the second delivery position G2. Depending on the number of delivery positions at the first delivery device, more than two types of goods can also be provided side by side (simultaneously).

[0394] As can be seen in Fig. 17a and Fig. 17b, the goods 12 of the first goods type W1 and the goods 12 of the second goods type W2 are transported to the first supply device 15 and the goods 12 of the first goods type W1 are provided at the first supply position G1 and the goods 12 of the second goods type W2 are provided at the further first supply position G2.

[0395] Likewise, the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 are transported to the second delivery device 21 and the first loading aid LI is provided at the one second delivery position J.

[0396] Once the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 have arrived at the second delivery device 21, the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 form a group GR. However, only the first loading aid LI is provided at the second delivery position J to enable loading of the first loading aid LI (but not the second loading aid L2—as indicated by the dashed lines).

[0397] As shown, the group GR comprising the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 is formed before entering the delivery lane 28c. Alternatively, the group GR can also be formed along the delivery lane 28c.

[0398] In Fig. 17c, the first loading aid LI is loaded with one or more goods of the first goods type W 1.

[0399] After loading the first loading aid LI, the first loading aid LI is moved away from the one second delivery position J by the first transport vehicle 1 (not shown) and the second loading aid L2 is moved towards the one second delivery position J by the second transport vehicle 1 (not shown), as can be seen from Fig. 17c and Fig. 17d.

[0400] If the second loading aid L2 is located at the second delivery position J, the second loading aid L2 is loaded with one or more goods of the second goods type W2, as shown in Fig. 17d.

[0401] Meanwhile, the goods of the second goods type W2 remain at the further first delivery position G2. In contrast, the goods of the first goods type W1 are transported away from the first delivery position G1, and on the other hand, the goods of the third goods type W3 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position G1, as can be seen from Fig. 17d and Fig. 17e.

[0402] After loading the second loading aid L2, the second loading aid L2 is moved away from the one second loading position J by the second transport vehicle 1 and the first loading aid LI is moved again to the one second loading position J by the first transport vehicle 1, as can be seen from Fig. 17d and Fig. 17e.

[0403] Meanwhile, on the one hand, the goods of the second goods type W2 are transported away from the further first delivery position G2 and, on the other hand, the goods of the fourth goods type W4 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the further first delivery position G2, as can be seen from Fig. 17e and Fig. 17f.

[0404] If the first loading aid LI is again located at the second loading position J, the first loading aid LI is repeatedly loaded with one or more goods of the third goods type W3, as shown in Fig. 17f.

[0405] The first loading device LI now contains all goods of the first goods type W1 and the third goods type W3. The first order has thus been completely processed. The first transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c onto the return lane 28b and transport the first loading device LI away from the work station 11, as shown in Fig. 17g.

[0406] Subsequently, the second loading aid L2 is again moved by the second transport vehicle 1 to the one second delivery position J, as can be seen from Fig. 17f and Fig. 17g. If the second loading aid L2 is located at the one second delivery position J, the second loading aid L2 is loaded with one or more goods of the fourth goods type, as shown in Fig. 17h.

[0407] The second loading device L2 now contains all goods of the second goods type W2 and the fourth goods type W4. The second order is thus completely processed. The second transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c onto the return lane 28b and transport the second loading device L2 away from the work station 11, as shown in Fig. 17i.

[0408] The alternating provision and alternating loading of the first loading aid and the second loading aid with the goods (of the several order lines) is repeated until all order lines (which contain goods of different types) of the various orders have been processed.

[0409] Figs. 18a to 18f illustrate the processing of orders at a workstation (second embodiment) in a sequential flow. The workstation for loading loading equipment comprises the first delivery device 15 with several first delivery positions G1, G2 and the second delivery device 21 with a single second delivery position J.

[0410] The first loading aid LI is assigned to a first order. The second loading aid L2 is assigned to a second order.

[0411] The first loading aid LI is transported by a first transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a, and the second loading aid L2 is transported by a second transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a.

[0412] It should be noted that Fig. 18a to Fig. 18f show the processing of order lines for different orders and that the order lines of the different orders require goods of the same type of goods.

[0413] Order 1, for example, comprises three or four order lines, with a first order line comprising a product of a first product type W1, a product of a second product type W2, a product of a third product type W3, and, if applicable, a product of a fourth product type W4. The first loading device LI is loaded with the goods of the first product type W1, second product type W2, third product type W3, and, if applicable, product type W4.

[0414] Order 2 comprises three or four order lines, with a first order line comprising a product of a first product type W1, a product of a second product type W2, a product of a third product type W3, and, if applicable, a product of a fourth product type W4. The second loading device L2 is loaded with the goods of the first product type W1, the second product type W2, the third product type W3, and, if applicable, the fourth product type W4.

[0415] If the order lines of the various orders include goods of a different product type, the preparation and loading process is repeated at this workstation until all order lines have been processed.

[0416] According to this embodiment, the control unit 23 (not shown) controls the first conveyor system 16 and the transport vehicles 1 for processing a plurality of order lines each for different orders which require goods 12 of the same type of goods, in such a way that the goods 12 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the plurality of first delivery positions G1, G2, and the loading aids LI, L2 are transported by the transport vehicles 1 to the one second delivery device 21, brought together as a group GR and made available alternately (and consecutively) from the group GR at the one second delivery position J, wherein the loading aids LI, L2 can be loaded alternately (and consecutively) with the goods 12 after they have been made available at the one second delivery position J.

[0417] According to this embodiment, goods of a first type and a second type can be transported to the first delivery device and provided side by side (simultaneously) at the first delivery position G1 and the further first delivery position G2. Depending on the number of delivery positions at the first delivery device, more than two types of goods can also be provided side by side (simultaneously).

[0418] As can be seen in Fig. 18a and Fig. 18b, the goods 12 of the first goods type W1 and the goods 12 of the second goods type W2 are transported to the first supply device 15 and the goods 12 of the first goods type W1 are provided at the first supply position G1 and the goods 12 of the second goods type W2 are provided at the further first supply position G2.

[0419] Likewise, the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 are transported to the second delivery device 21 and the first loading aid LI is provided at the one second delivery position J.

[0420] Once the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 have arrived at the second delivery device 21, the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 form a group GR. However, only the first loading aid LI is provided at the second delivery position J to enable loading of the first loading aid LI (but not the second loading aid L2—as indicated by the dashed lines).

[0421] As shown, the group GR comprising the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 is formed before entering the delivery lane 28c. Alternatively, the group GR can also be formed along the delivery lane 28c.

[0422] In Fig. 18b, the first loading aid LI is initially loaded with one or more goods of the first goods type W1 and with one or more goods of the second goods type W2.

[0423] After loading the first loading aid LI, the first loading aid LI is moved away from the one second delivery position J by the first transport vehicle 1 (not shown) and the second loading aid L2 is moved towards the one second delivery position J by the second transport vehicle 1 (not shown), as can be seen from Fig. 18b and Fig. 18c.

[0424] Meanwhile, the goods of the first goods type W1 and the goods of the second goods type W2 remain at the first delivery positions Gl, G2.

[0425] If the second loading aid L2 is located at the one second delivery position J, the second loading aid L2 is also loaded with one or more goods of the first goods type W1 and with one or more goods of the second goods type W2, as shown in Fig. 18c.

[0426] After loading the second loading aid L2, the second loading aid L2 is moved away from the second loading position J by the second transport vehicle 1 and the first loading aid LI is moved again to the second loading position J by the first transport vehicle 1, as can be seen from Fig. 18c and Fig. 18d.

[0427] Meanwhile, the goods of the third type W3 are made available at the first delivery position Gl, or the goods of the third type W3 and the goods of the fourth type W4 are made available at the first delivery positions Gl, G2.

[0428] If the first loading aid LI is again located at the second loading position J, the first loading aid LI is repeatedly loaded with one or more goods of the third goods type W3 and, if applicable, with one or more goods of the fourth goods type W4, as shown in Fig. 18d.

[0429] The first loading device LI now contains all goods of the first goods type W1, the second goods type W2, the third goods type W3, and, if applicable, the fourth goods type W4. The first order has thus been completely processed. The first transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c onto the return lane 28b and transport the first loading device LI away from the work station 11, as shown in Fig. 18e.

[0430] Subsequently, the second loading aid L2 is again moved by the second transport vehicle 1 to the one second loading position J, as can be seen from Fig. 18d and Fig. 18e.

[0431] If the second loading aid L2 is located at the one second delivery position J, the second loading aid L2 is loaded with one or more goods of the third goods type W3 and, if applicable, with one or more goods of the fourth goods type W4, as shown in Fig. 18e.

[0432] The second loading device L2 now contains all goods of the first goods type W1, the second goods type W2, the third goods type W3, and, if applicable, the fourth goods type W4. The second order is thus completely processed. The second transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c onto the return lane 28b and transport the second loading device L2 away from the work station 11, as shown in Fig. 18f.

[0433] As can be seen, the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 are treated as a group GR for loading, but the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 can be moved independently of each other by the first transport vehicle 1 and the second transport vehicle 1 as soon as, for example, all order lines for an order have been processed.

[0434] The alternating provision and alternating loading of the first loading aid and the second loading aid with the goods (of the multiple order lines) is repeated until all order lines (which contain goods of the same product types) of the various orders have been processed.

[0435] Figs. 19a to 19f illustrate the processing of orders at a workstation (third embodiment) in a sequential flow. The workstation for loading load carriers comprises the first delivery device 15 with a single first delivery position G and the second delivery device 21 with several second delivery positions J1, J2.

[0436] The first load carrier LI is assigned to a first order. The second load carrier L2 is assigned to a second order. The third load carrier L3 is assigned to a third order.

[0437] The first loading aid LI is transported by a first transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a, and the second loading aid L2 is transported by a second transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a, and the third loading aid L3 is transported by a third transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a.

[0438] It should be noted that Fig. 19a to Fig. 19f show the processing of order lines for different orders and that the order lines of the different orders require goods of the same type of goods.

[0439] For example, order 1 comprises two order lines, with a first order line containing goods of a first goods type W1 and goods of a second goods type W2. The first loading device LI is loaded with the goods of the first goods type W1 and the second goods type W2.

[0440] For example, order 2 comprises two order lines, with a first order line containing a

[0441] Goods of a first goods type W1 and goods of a second goods type W2. The second loading device L2 is loaded with the goods of the first goods type W1 and the second goods type W2.

[0442] For example, order 3 comprises two order lines, with a first order line comprising goods of a first product type W1 and goods of a second product type W2. The third loading device L3 is loaded with the goods of the first product type W1 and the second product type W2.

[0443] If the order lines of the various orders include goods of a different product type, the preparation and loading process is repeated at this workstation until all order lines have been processed.

[0444] According to this embodiment, the control unit 23 (not shown) controls the first conveyor system 16 and the transport vehicles 1 for processing a plurality of order lines each for different orders which require goods 12 of the same type of goods, in such a way that the goods 12 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the one first delivery position G, and the loading aids LI, L2 are transported by the transport vehicles 1 to the second delivery device 21, brought together as a group GR and made available alternately (and consecutively) from the group GR at the plurality of second delivery positions J1, J2, wherein the loading aids LI, L2 can be loaded alternately (and consecutively) with the goods 12 after they have been made available at the plurality of second delivery positions J.

[0445] As can be seen in Fig. 19a and Fig. 19b, the goods 12 of the first goods type W1 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position G.

[0446] Likewise, the first load support LI, the second load support L2, and the third load support L3 are transported to the second delivery device 21, and the first load support LI is provided at the second delivery position J1, and the second load support L2 is provided at the further second delivery position J2. Once the first load support LI, the second load support L2, and the third load support L3 have arrived at the second delivery device 21, the first load support LI, the second load support L2, and the third load support L3 form a group GR. However, only the first load support LI is provided at the one second delivery position J, and the second load support L2 is provided at the further second delivery position J, in order to enable loading of the first load support LI and the second load support L2 (but not the third load support L3—as indicated by the dashed lines).

[0447] As shown, the group GR comprising the first load support LI, the second load support L2, and the third load support L3 is formed before entering the delivery lane 28c. Alternatively, the group GR can also be formed along the delivery lane 28c.

[0448] In Fig. 19b, the first loading aid LI is loaded with one or more goods of the first goods type W1 and the second loading aid L2 is loaded with one or more goods of the first goods type W1.

[0449] After loading the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2, the first loading aid LI is moved away from the plurality of second loading positions J1, J2 by ​​the first transport vehicle 1 (not shown) and the second loading aid L2 is moved away from the plurality of second loading positions J1, J2 by ​​the second transport vehicle 1 (not shown), and the third loading aid L3 is moved towards one of the plurality of second loading positions J2 by ​​the third transport vehicle 1 (not shown), as can be seen from Fig. 19b and Fig. 19c.

[0450] Meanwhile, the goods of the first goods type W1 remain at the first delivery position G.

[0451] If the third loading aid L3 is located at one of the several second loading positions J2, the third loading aid L3 is loaded with one or more goods of the first goods type W1, as shown in Fig. 19c.

[0452] After loading the third loading aid L3, the third loading aid L3 is moved away from one of the plurality of second delivery positions J2 by ​​the third transport vehicle 1, and the first loading aid L1 is moved by the first transport vehicle 1 and the second loading aid L2 is moved again by the second transport vehicle 1 to the plurality of second delivery positions J1, J2, as can be seen from Fig. 19c and Fig. 19d. During this time, on the one hand, the goods of the first goods type W1 are transported away from the first delivery position G, and on the other hand, the goods of the second goods type W2 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position G, as can be seen from Fig. 19c and Fig. 19d.

[0453] If the first loading aid LI is located at one of the plurality of second delivery positions J1 and the second loading aid J2 is located at another of the plurality of second delivery positions J2, on the one hand the first loading aid LI is loaded with one or more goods of the second goods type W2 and on the other hand the second loading aid L2 is loaded with one or more goods of the second goods type W2, as shown in Fig. 19d.

[0454] The first load carrier LI now contains all goods of the first goods type W1 and the second goods type W2. The first order has thus been completely processed. Likewise, the second load carrier L2 now contains all goods of the first goods type W1 and the second goods type W2. The second order has thus been completely processed. The first transport vehicle 1 and the second transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c onto the return lane 28b and transport the first load carrier LI and the second load carrier L2 away from the work station 11, as shown in Fig. 19e.

[0455] Subsequently, the third loading aid L3 is again moved by the third transport vehicle 1 to one of the plurality of second loading positions J2. If the third loading aid L3 is located at one of the plurality of second loading positions J2, the third loading aid L3 is loaded with one or more goods of the second goods type W2, as shown in Fig. 19e.

[0456] The third loading device L3 now contains all goods of the first goods type W1 and the second goods type W2. The third order has thus been completely processed. The third transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c onto the return lane 28b and transport the third loading device L3 away from the work station 11, as shown in Fig. 19f.

[0457] Even though the described embodiment shows the processing of order lines for different orders, according to which the order lines of the different orders require goods of the same type, it is equally possible that the order lines of the different orders require goods of different types. Figs. 20a to 20g show the processing of orders at a workstation (fourth embodiment) in a sequential flow. The workstation for loading loading equipment comprises the first delivery device 15 with a plurality of first delivery positions G1, G2 and the second delivery device 21 with a plurality of second delivery positions J1, J2.

[0458] The first load carrier LI is assigned to a first order. The second load carrier L2 is assigned to a second order. The third load carrier L3 is assigned to a third order.

[0459] The first loading aid LI is transported by a first transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a, and the second loading aid L2 is transported by a second transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a, and the third loading aid L3 is transported by a third transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a.

[0460] It should be noted that Fig. 20a to Fig. 20g show the processing of order lines for different orders and that the order lines of the different orders require goods of the same type of goods.

[0461] Order 1, for example, comprises three or four order lines, with a first order line comprising a product of a first product type W1, a product of a second product type W2, a product of a third product type W3, and, if applicable, a product of a fourth product type W4. The first loading device LI is loaded with the goods of the first product type W1, second product type W2, third product type W3, and, if applicable, product type W4.

[0462] Order 2 comprises three or four order lines, with a first order line comprising a product of a first product type W1, a product of a second product type W2, a product of a third product type W3, and, if applicable, a product of a fourth product type W4. The second loading device L2 is loaded with the goods of the first product type W1, the second product type W2, the third product type W3, and, if applicable, the fourth product type W4.

[0463] Order 3 comprises three or four order lines, with a first order line comprising a product of a first product type W1, a product of a second product type W2, a product of a third product type W3, and, if applicable, a product of a fourth product type W4. The third loading device L3 is loaded with the goods of the first product type W1, the second product type W2, the third product type W3, and, if applicable, the fourth product type W4.

[0464] If the order lines of the various orders include goods of a different product type, the preparation and loading process is repeated at this workstation until all order lines have been processed.

[0465] According to this embodiment, the control unit 23 (not shown) controls the first conveyor system 16 and the transport vehicles 1 to process a plurality of order lines for different orders which require goods 12 of the same type of goods, in such a way that the goods 12 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the plurality of first delivery positions G1, G2, and the loading aids LI, L2 are transported by the transport vehicles 1 to the second delivery device 21, brought together as a group GR and made available alternately (and consecutively) from the group GR at the plurality of second delivery positions J1, J2, wherein the loading aids LI, L2 can be loaded alternately (and consecutively) with the goods 12 after they have been made available at the plurality of second delivery positions J1, J2.

[0466] As can be seen in Fig. 20a and Fig. 20b, the goods 12 of the first goods type W1 and the goods 12 of the second goods type W2 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and the goods 12 are provided at the first delivery positions G1, G2.

[0467] Likewise, the first loading aid LI, the second loading aid L2 and the third loading aid L3 are transported to the second delivery device 21, and the first loading aid LI is provided at the first delivery position J1 and the second loading aid L2 is provided at the second delivery position J2.

[0468] Once the first loading aid LI, the second loading aid L2, and the third loading aid L3 have arrived at the second delivery device 21, the first loading aid LI, the second loading aid L2, and the third loading aid L3 form a group GR. However, only the first loading aid LI is provided at the one second delivery position J and the second loading aid L2 is provided at the further second delivery position J to enable loading of the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 (but not the third loading aid L3—as indicated by the dashed lines).

[0469] As shown, the group GR comprising the first load support LI, the second load support L2, and the third load support L3 is formed before entering the delivery lane 28c. Alternatively, the group GR can also be formed along the delivery lane 28c.

[0470] In Fig. 20b, the first loading aid LI is loaded with one or more goods of the first goods type W1 and the second loading aid L2 is loaded with one or more goods of the first goods type W1.

[0471] After loading the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2, the first loading aid LI is moved away from the plurality of second loading positions J1, J2 by ​​the first transport vehicle 1 (not shown) and the second loading aid L2 is moved away from the plurality of second loading positions J1, J2 by ​​the second transport vehicle 1 (not shown), and the third loading aid L3 is moved towards one of the plurality of second loading positions J2 by ​​the third transport vehicle 1 (not shown), as can be seen from Fig. 20b and Fig. 20c.

[0472] Meanwhile, the goods of the first goods type W1 and the goods of the second goods type W2 remain at the first delivery positions Gl, G2.

[0473] If the third loading aid L3 is located at one of the several second loading positions J2, the third loading aid L3 is loaded with one or more goods of the first goods type W1, as shown in Fig. 20c.

[0474] After loading the third loading aid L3, the third loading aid L3 is moved away from the one of the plurality of second loading positions J2 by ​​the third transport vehicle 1 and the first loading aid L1 is moved by the first transport vehicle 1 and the second loading aid L2 is moved by the second transport vehicle 1 to the plurality of second loading positions J1, J2, as can be seen from Fig. 20c and Fig. 20d.

[0475] Meanwhile, the goods of the third goods type W3 are provided at the first supply position Gl, or the goods of the third goods type W3 and the goods of the fourth goods type W4 are provided at the first supply positions Gl, G2, as can be seen from Fig. 20d and Fig. 20e.

[0476] If the first loading aid LI is located at one of the plurality of second loading positions J1 and the second loading aid J2 is located at another of the plurality of second loading positions J2, on the one hand the first loading aid LI is loaded with one or more goods of the third goods type W3 and optionally with one or more goods of the fourth goods type W4 and on the other hand the second loading aid L2 is loaded with one or more goods of the third goods type W3 and optionally with one or more goods of the fourth goods type W4, as shown in Fig. 20e.

[0477] The first loading aid LI now contains all goods of the first goods type W1, second goods type W2, third goods type W3, and, if applicable, fourth goods type W4. The first order has thus been completely processed. Likewise, the second loading aid L2 now contains all goods of the first goods type W1, second goods type W2, third goods type W3, and, if applicable, fourth goods type W4. The second order has thus been completely processed. The first transport vehicle 1 and the second transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c onto the return lane 28b and transport the first loading aid LI and second loading aid L2 away from the work station 11, as shown in Fig. 20f.

[0478] Subsequently, the third loading aid L3 is again moved by the third transport vehicle 1 to one of the plurality of second loading positions J2. If the third loading aid L3 is located at one of the plurality of second loading positions J2, the third loading aid L3 is loaded with one or more goods of the third goods type W3 and, if appropriate, with one or more goods of the fourth goods type W4, as shown in Fig. 20f.

[0479] The third loading device L3 now contains all goods of the first goods type W1, the second goods type W2, the third goods type W3, and, if applicable, the fourth goods type W4. The third order is thus completely processed. The third transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c onto the return lane 28b and transport the third loading device L3 away from the work station 11, as shown in Fig. 20g.

[0480] Even if the described implementation shows the processing of order lines for different orders, whereby the order lines of the different orders require goods of the same type, it is just as possible that the order lines of the different orders require goods of different types.

[0481] In Fig. 21a to Fig. 21r, the processing of orders at a workstation according to an embodiment according to Fig. 12 is shown in a sequence flow.

[0482] The work station for loading loading aids comprises, on the one hand, the first supply device 15 with a plurality of first supply positions G1, G2 and, on the other hand, a second supply device 21, which is encompassed by the second track 20, with a single second supply position J, and a second supply device 21, which is encompassed by the further second track 20, with a single second supply position J.

[0483] In the following, the second supply device 21, which is encompassed by the second roadway 20, is referred to as the left second supply device 21 and the second supply device 21, which is encompassed by the further second roadway 20, is referred to as the right second supply device 21.

[0484] The first load carrier LI is assigned to a first order. The second load carrier L2 is assigned to a second order. The third load carrier L3 is assigned to a third order. The fourth load carrier L4 is assigned to a fourth order.

[0485] The first loading aid LI is transported by a first transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a, the second loading aid L2 is transported by a second transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a, the third loading aid L3 is transported by a third transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a, and the fourth loading aid L4 is transported by a fourth transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a.

[0486] It should be noted that Fig. 21a to Fig. 21r show the processing of order lines for different orders and that the order lines of the different orders require goods of different types.

[0487] For example, order 1 comprises two order lines, with a first order line containing a

[0488] Goods of a first goods type W1 and goods of a fourth goods type W4. The first loading device LI is loaded with the goods of the first goods type W1 and the fourth goods type W4.

[0489] For example, order 2 comprises three order lines, with a first order line comprising goods of a second goods type W2, goods of a third goods type W3, and goods of a fifth goods type W5. The second loading device L2 is loaded with the goods of the second goods type W2, goods of a third goods type W3, and goods of a fifth goods type W5.

[0490] For example, order 3 comprises two order lines, with a first order line containing goods of a fourth type W4 and goods of a seventh type W7. The third loading device L3 is loaded with the goods of the fourth type W4 and goods of a seventh type W7.

[0491] For example, order 4 comprises two order lines, with the first order line comprising goods of a sixth goods type W6 and goods of an eighth goods type W8 (not shown). The fourth loading device L3 is loaded with the goods of the sixth goods type W6 and the goods of the eighth goods type W8.

[0492] If the order lines of the various orders include goods of a different product type, the preparation and loading process is repeated at this workstation until all order lines have been processed.

[0493] According to this embodiment, the control unit 23 (not shown) controls the first conveyor system 16 and the transport vehicles 1 for processing several order lines each for different orders, which require goods 12 of different goods types, in such a way that the goods 12 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the several first delivery positions G1, G2, the loading aids L1, L2 are transported by the transport vehicles 1 to the left-hand second delivery device 21, brought together as a group GR and made available alternately (and consecutively) from the group GR at the one second delivery position J, and the loading aids L3, L4 are transported by the transport vehicles 1 to the right-hand second delivery device 21, brought together as a group GR and made available alternately (and consecutively) from the group GR at the one second delivery position J, wherein the loading aids L1,L2 can be loaded with the goods 12 alternately (and consecutively) after they have been provided at the one second delivery position J of the left second delivery device 21, and wherein the loading aids L3, L4 can be loaded with the goods 12 alternately (and consecutively) after they have been provided at the one second delivery position J of the right second delivery device 21.

[0494] According to this embodiment, the goods of a first type and a second type can be transported to the first delivery device 15 and provided side by side (simultaneously) at the first delivery position G1 and the further first delivery position G2. Depending on the number of delivery positions at the first delivery device, more than two types of goods can also be provided side by side (simultaneously).

[0495] As can be seen in Fig. 21a to Fig. 21r, the goods 12 of the first goods type W1 to the seventh goods type W7 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and the goods 12 of the first goods type W1, the goods 12 of the third goods type W3 and the goods 12 of the fifth goods type W5 are provided at the first delivery position G1 and the goods 12 of the second goods type W2, the goods 12 of the fourth goods type W4, the goods 12 of the sixth goods type W6 and the goods 12 of the seventh goods type W7 are provided at the further first delivery position G2.

[0496] Likewise, on the one hand, the first loading aid LI and the second loading aid L2 are transported to the left second delivery device 21 and the first loading aid LI is provided at the one second delivery position J, and on the other hand, the third loading aid L3 and the fourth loading aid L4 are transported to the right second delivery device 21 and the third loading aid L3 is provided at the one second delivery position J.

[0497] Once the first load support LI and the second load support L2 have arrived at the left-hand second delivery device 21, the first load support LI and the second load support L2 form a group GR. However, only the first load support LI is provided at the one second delivery position J to enable loading of the first load support LI (but not the second load support L2 - as indicated by the dashed lines). As shown, the group GR comprising the first load support LI and the second load support L2 is already formed before entering the delivery lane 28c. On the other hand, the group GR can also be formed only along the delivery lane 28c.

[0498] Once the third load support L3 and the fourth load support L4 have arrived at the right-hand second loading device 21, the third load support L3 and the fourth load support L4 form a group GR. However, only the third load support L3 is provided at the one second loading position J to enable loading of the third load support L3 (but not the fourth load support L4—as indicated by the dashed lines).

[0499] As shown, the group GR comprising the third loading aid L3 and the fourth loading aid L4 is formed before entering the delivery lane 28c. Alternatively, the group GR can also be formed along the delivery lane 28c.

[0500] In Fig. 21c, the first loading aid LI is loaded with one or more goods of the first goods type W 1.

[0501] The goods of the first goods type W1 are then transported away from the first delivery position Gl.

[0502] After loading the first loading aid LI, the first loading aid LI is moved away from the one second delivery position J by the first transport vehicle 1 (not shown) and the second loading aid L2 is moved towards the one second delivery position J by the second transport vehicle 1 (not shown), as can be seen from Fig. 21c and Fig. 21d.

[0503] Meanwhile, the goods of the second goods type W2 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and provided at the further first delivery position G2, as can be seen from Fig. 21c and Fig. 21d.

[0504] If the second loading aid L2 is located at the second loading position J, the second loading aid L2 is loaded with one or more goods of the second goods type W2, as shown in Fig. 2 1e. The goods of the second goods type W2 are then transported away from the further first loading position G2.

[0505] Meanwhile, the goods of the third goods type W3 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position Gl, as can be seen from Fig. 21e and Fig. 21f.

[0506] The second loading aid L2 is also loaded with one or more goods of the third goods type W3, as shown in Fig. 2 lf.

[0507] Afterwards, the goods of the third goods type W3 are transported away from the first delivery position Gl.

[0508] Meanwhile, the goods of the fourth goods type W4 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and provided at the further first delivery position G2, as can be seen from Fig. 21g and Fig. 21h.

[0509] After loading the second loading aid L2, the second loading aid L2 is moved away from the one second delivery position J by the second transport vehicle 1 and the first loading aid LI is again moved towards the one second delivery position J by the first transport vehicle 1, as can be seen from Fig. 2 lf and Fig. 21g.

[0510] The first loading aid LI is loaded with one or more goods of the fourth goods type W4, as shown in Fig. 2 li.

[0511] The first loading device LI now contains all goods of the first goods type W1 and the fourth goods type W4. The first order has thus been completely processed. The first transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c onto the return lane 28b and transport the first loading device LI away from the work station 11, as shown in Fig. 21j.

[0512] The third loading aid L3 is also loaded with one or more goods of the fourth goods type W4, as shown in Fig. 2 lj.

[0513] After loading the first loading aid LI and the third loading aid L3, the goods of the fourth goods type W4 are transported away from the further first delivery position G2. As can be seen from Fig. 21k, during the loading of the first loading aid LI and the third loading aid L3, the goods of the fifth goods type W5 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position G1.

[0514] The second loading aid L2 is loaded with one or more goods of the fifth goods type W5, as shown in Fig. 211.

[0515] After loading, the goods of the fifth goods type W5 are transported away from the first loading position Gl.

[0516] The second loading device L2 now contains all goods of the second goods type W2, goods of the third goods type W3, and the fifth goods type W5. The second order is thus completely processed. The first transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c onto the return lane 28b and transport the second loading device L2 away from the work station 11, as shown in Fig. 21m.

[0517] After loading the third loading aid L3, the third loading aid L3 is moved away from the one second delivery position J by the third transport vehicle 1 and the fourth loading aid L4 is moved towards the one second delivery position J by the first transport vehicle 1, as can be seen from Fig. 2 lj and Fig. 21k.

[0518] Meanwhile, the goods of the sixth goods type W6 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and provided at the further first delivery position G2, as can be seen from Fig. 211 and Fig. 21m.

[0519] The fourth loading aid L4 is loaded with one or more goods of the sixth goods type W6, as shown in Fig. 2 In.

[0520] The goods of the sixth goods type W6 are then transported away from the further first delivery position G2.

[0521] After loading the fourth loading aid L4, the fourth loading aid L4 is moved away from the one second delivery position J by the fourth transport vehicle 1, and the third loading aid L3 is moved again by the third transport vehicle 1 to the one second delivery position J, as can be seen from Fig. 21 and Fig. 21o. Meanwhile, the goods of the seventh goods type W7 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the further first delivery position G2, as can be seen from Fig. 21p and Fig. 21q.

[0522] The third loading aid L3 is loaded with one or more goods of the seventh goods type W7, as shown in Fig. 21q.

[0523] The goods of the seventh goods type W7 are then transported away from the further first delivery position G2.

[0524] The third load carrier L3 now contains all goods of the fourth goods type W4 and the seventh goods type W7. The third order is thus completely processed. The third transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c onto the return lane 28b and transport the third load carrier LI away from the work station 11, as shown in Fig. 21r.

[0525] The fourth loading aid L4 is also being completed.

[0526] Even though the described implementation shows the processing of order lines for different orders, whereby the order lines of the different orders require goods of different types, it is just as possible that the order lines of the different orders require goods of the same type.

[0527] Figs. 22a to 22f illustrate the processing of jobs at a workstation according to an embodiment of Fig. 12 in a sequence flow. Specifically, the sequence flow is described when the optional bypass lane 28d is present.

[0528] As described above, the bypass lane 28d can be connected to the return lane 28b of the second lane section P and the first lane 25 of the second lane section H. This makes it possible for a transport vehicle 1 with a loading aid to be moved from the first lane 25 of the second lane section H via the return lane 28b of the second lane section P to the delivery lane 28c.

[0529] The above-described return lane 28b of the second roadway section P basically serves to enable a loading aid that has been fully loaded at this work station 11 to be moved away from the second delivery device 21 by a transport vehicle 1. However, the control unit 23 (not shown) can also control the transport vehicles 1 such that a loading aid to be loaded at this work station 11 can be transported by a transport vehicle 1 to the second delivery device 21 and made available at the second delivery position J. According to this optional embodiment, the return lane 28b of the second roadway section P briefly serves as an approach lane.

[0530] Such an optional embodiment enables a loading device to be made available at a second delivery position J if this loading device has already been loaded with a partial quantity of goods at another work station and is to be loaded with a further partial quantity of goods at a next work station. In such an application, the order is a picking order. On the other hand, damaged goods can also be transported away from the work station if, during processing of an order, for example, by the warehouse worker or by an image capture system, it is determined that the goods are damaged. The loading device can be made available at the second delivery position J and loaded with the damaged goods. The loading device is then transported away from the work station by the transport vehicle. In such an application, the order is a disposal order.It's also possible to process express orders. In such an application, the order is a picking order.

[0531] Fig. 22a shows that the first load carrier LI has left the delivery lane 28c onto the return lane 28b and the first load carrier LI is being transported away from the work station 11. A fifth load carrier L5 has been moved into the bypass lane 28d by a fifth transport vehicle (not shown).

[0532] As can be seen from Fig. 22a and Fig. 22b, the fifth load support L5 is transported by the fifth transport vehicle 1 to the left-hand second delivery device 21 and provided at the one second delivery position J. According to this optional embodiment, the return lane 28b of the second roadway section P briefly serves as an approach lane. The second load support L2 is positioned along the delivery lane 28c, but keeps the one second delivery position J free so that the fifth load support L5 can be provided at the one second delivery position J.

[0533] The goods of a fifth goods type W5 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and provided at the first delivery position Gl, as shown in Fig. 22c. The fifth loading aid L5 is loaded with one or more goods of the fifth goods type W5, as shown in Fig. 22c.

[0534] After loading, the goods of the fifth goods type W5 are transported away from the first loading position Gl, as shown in Fig. 22d.

[0535] If the fifth loading device L5 contains all goods of the fifth goods type W5 and no further goods of a different goods type are required, the fifth order is completely processed. The first transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c onto the return lane 28b and transport the fifth loading device LI away from the work station 11, as shown in Fig. 22c and Fig. 22d.

[0536] As can be seen from Fig. 22d to Fig. 22f, after the fifth loading aid L5 has left the delivery position J, the second loading aid L2 is provided at the delivery position J, and the goods of a second goods type W2 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and provided at the first delivery position Gl.

[0537] The second loading aid L2 can then be loaded with one or more goods of the second goods type W2, although this is not further shown.

[0538] As can also be seen in Fig. 22d to Fig. 22f, the third loading aid L3 and fourth loading aid L4 can be alternately provided and loaded in parallel on the right second supply device 21.

[0539] Finally, it should be mentioned that in the embodiments explained above, the approach lane and return lane can be operated interchangeably. This means that the control unit can be configured to allow the transport vehicles to move selectively in one direction, first along the return lane, then along the delivery lane, and then along the approach lane. Thus, the return lane can serve as the approach lane and vice versa. The approach lane can also be referred to as the first bidirectional lane, and the return lane as the second bidirectional lane.

[0540] Furthermore, it can be mentioned that in the embodiments explained above, instead of the transport vehicles 1 of the second conveyor system 17, the loading aids 18 can be transported by means of a stationary conveyor system, for example, motor-driven conveyor rollers, conveyor belts, etc., wherein the stationary conveyor system is arranged along the predetermined tracks 25, 26, 27, 28a, 28b, 28c and includes corresponding switches, branches, or discharges at intersection points. In this case, the tracks can also be referred to as transport tracks, and the lanes as conveyor lines. The second conveyor system can therefore be designed as a stationary (stationarily mounted or suspended) conveyor system.

[0541] According to an advantageous embodiment, the workstation 11 for loading loading aids 18 with goods 12 according to orders, in particular picking orders, can therefore comprise an order management system 14 for the electronic recording of various orders, each with one or more order lines, wherein each order line specifies a type of goods and a quantity, a first delivery device 15 for providing goods 12 at one or more first delivery positions G, a first conveyor system 16, which connects a transfer area F and the first delivery device 15 and which is designed to transport the goods 12 between the transfer area F and the first delivery device 15, a second conveyor system 17, which comprises a conveyor system, in particular driverless transport vehicles 1, for transporting the loading aids 18, a first transport track, in particular roadway 19, which has a first transport track section,in particular track section H, and a second transport track section, in particular track section I, a second transport track, in particular track 20, which comprises a transport track section, in particular track section Q, and which comprises a second delivery device 21 for providing loading aids 18 with the conveyor system, in particular the driverless transport vehicles 1, at one or more second delivery positions J; JI, J2 of the second delivery device 21, a third transport track, in particular track 22, which is arranged between the first track 19 and the second track 20, and which comprises a first track section O and a second track section P, wherein a first conveyor line, in particular lane 25, runs along the first track section H of the first track, and a second conveyor line runs along the second transport track section, in particular track section I of the first track,in particular lane 26 runs, along the first transport track section, in particular track section O of the third transport track, in particular track 22, a feed conveyor line, in particular approach lane 28a runs, along the second transport track section, in particular track section P of the third transport track, in particular track 22, a return conveyor line, in particular return lane 28b runs, the feed conveyor line, in particular approach lane 28a branches off from the first lane 25 and the return conveyor line, in particular return lane 28b opens into the first conveyor track, in particular lane 25, or the approach lane feed conveyor line, in particular 28a, branches off from the second lane 26 and the return conveyor line, in particular return lane 28b opens into the second lane 26, and along the transport track section, in particular track section Q of the second transport track,in particular, a delivery conveyor line, in particular a delivery lane 28c, connected to the feed conveyor line, in particular the approach lane 28a, and the return conveyor line, in particular the return lane 28b, runs along the track 20, wherein the feed conveyor line, in particular the delivery lane 28c, is assigned to the second delivery device 21, and a control unit 23, which controls the first conveyor system 16 and the conveyor technology 1, in particular the transport vehicles 1, for processing several order lines for different orders which require goods of different types or the same type of goods, in such a way that the goods 12 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the one or more first delivery positions G, and the loading aids 18 are transported by the conveyor technology 1, in particular the transport vehicles 1, to the second delivery device 21,are brought together as a group GR and are provided alternately from the group at the one or more second delivery positions, wherein the loading aids 18 can be loaded alternately with the goods 12 after they have been provided at the one or more second delivery positions.

[0542] Finally, it should be noted that the scope of protection is determined by the patent claims. However, the description and drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description.

[0543] In particular, it is also noted that the devices depicted may in reality comprise more or fewer components than shown. In some cases, the depicted devices or their components may also be shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.

[0544] Reference symbol list driverless transport vehicle, conveyor technology (of the second conveyor system), 2' supporting frame, 3' chassis (of which wheel is visible), 4' control system, 5' loading platform

[0545] Floor first stop element second stop element third stop element 0 transfer element 1 work station 2 goods 3 loading equipment (of the first conveyor system) / source loading equipment 4 order management system 5 first delivery device 6 first conveyor system 7 second conveyor system 8 loading equipment (of the second conveyor system) / destination loading equipment 9 first lane 0 second lane 1 second delivery device 2 third lane 3 control unit 4 input and / or output device 5 first lane first lane section 6 second lane second lane section 7 change lane 8a approach lane 8b return lane 8c delivery lane 9 express lane 30 sorting lane

[0546] 31 picking system

[0547] 32 storage area

[0548] 34 third conveyor system

[0549] 35 transport vehicles of the third conveyor system

[0550] 36 Transfer Station

[0551] 37 first transfer place

[0552] 38 first transfer device

[0553] 39 second transfer place

[0554] 40 second transfer device

[0555] 41 Transfer device assigned to the transport vehicle

[0556] 42 Lifting device

[0557] 43, 43' transfer station

[0558] 60 Movement mechanism for external drive a Inclination angle of loading platform transport vehicle al Clearance height of first carriageway section a2 Clearance height of second carriageway section bl Clearance width of first carriageway section b2 Clearance width of second carriageway section

[0559] A front side of the vehicle

[0560] AP Workplace

[0561] B rear side of the vehicle

[0562] C Direction of travel

[0563] D Longitudinal axis

[0564] E transfer section

[0565] F Transfer area

[0566] G (G1, G2) first tender position(s)

[0567] GR Group (loading equipment of the second conveyor system)

[0568] H first carriageway section first carriageway

[0569] I second lane section first lane J second delivery position

[0570] K Passage

[0571] L additional passage

[0572] M Coupling area first carriageway section

[0573] N Coupling area second carriageway section

[0574] O first section third lane

[0575] P second lane third lane

[0576] Q Driving section second lane

[0577] R third section third lane

[0578] S third carriageway section first carriageway

[0579] W1...W4 Goods type

Claims

- I l l - P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. A workstation (11) for loading loading aids (18) with goods (12) according to orders, in particular picking orders, comprising an order management system (14) for electronically recording orders, each with one or more order lines, each order line specifying a type of goods and a quantity, a first delivery device (15) for providing goods (12) at one or more first delivery positions (G), a first conveyor system (16) connecting a transfer area (F) and the first delivery device (15) and designed to transport the goods (12) between the transfer area (F) and the first delivery device (15), a second conveyor system (17) comprising driverless transport vehicles (1) for transporting the loading aids (18), a first track (19) comprising a first track section (H) and a second track section (I), a second track (20),which comprises a roadway section (Q) and which comprises a second delivery device (21) for providing loading aids (18) with the driverless transport vehicles (1) at one or more second delivery positions (J; J1, J2) of the second delivery device (21), a third roadway (22) which is arranged between the first roadway (19) and the second roadway (20) and which comprises a first roadway section (O) and a second roadway section (P), wherein a first lane (25) runs along the first roadway section (H) of the first roadway, and a second lane (26) runs along the second roadway section (I) of the first roadway, an approach lane (28a) runs along the first roadway section (O) of the third roadway (22), a return lane (28b) runs along the second roadway section (P) of the third roadway (22),the approach lane (28a) branches off from the first lane (25) and the return lane (28b) joins the first lane (25), or the approach lane (28a) branches off from the second lane (26) and the return lane (28b) joins the second lane (26), and, a delivery lane (28c) connected to the approach lane (28a) and the return lane (28b) runs along the lane section (Q) of the second lane (20), the delivery lane (28c) being assigned to the second delivery device (21), and a control unit (23) which controls the first conveyor system (16) and the transport vehicles (1) for processing several order lines each for different orders requiring goods of different types or the same type of goods, such that the goods (12) are transported to the first delivery device (15) and made available at the one or more first delivery positions (G), and the loading aids (18) are transported by the transport vehicles to the second delivery device (21), brought together as a group (GR), and made available alternately from the group at the one or more second delivery positions,wherein the loading aids (18) can be alternately loaded with the goods (12) after they have been provided at the one or more second delivery positions.

2. Work station (11) according to claim 1, characterized in that the work station (11) further comprises a further second track (20) which comprises a track section (Q) and which has a second delivery device (21) for providing loading aids (18) with the driverless transport vehicles (1) at one or more second delivery positions (J;JI, J2), a further third carriageway (22) which is arranged between the first carriageway (19) and the further second carriageway (20), and which comprises a first carriageway section (O) and a second carriageway section (P), wherein a first lane (25) runs along the first carriageway section (H) of the first carriageway, and a second lane (26) runs along the second carriageway section (I) of the first carriageway, an approach lane (28a) runs along the first carriageway section (O) of the further third carriageway (22), a return lane (28b) runs along the second carriageway section (P) of the further third carriageway (22), the approach lane (28a) branches off from the first lane (25) and the return lane (28b) opens into the first lane (25), or; the approach lane (28a) branches off from the second lane (26) and the return lane (28b) merges into the second lane (26), and along the lane section (Q) of the further second lane (20) runs a delivery lane (28c) connected to the approach lane (28a) and the return lane (28b), wherein the delivery lane (28c) is assigned to the second delivery device (21), and the control unit (23) further controls the first conveyor system (16) and the transport vehicles (1) for processing a plurality of order lines for different orders which require goods of different types or of the same type of goods, in such a way that the goods (12) are transported to the first delivery device (15) and are made available at the one or more first delivery positions (G1, G2), and the loading aids (18) are transported by the transport vehicles (1) to the second delivery device (21) of the further second track (20), brought together as a further group and are made available alternately from the further group at the one or more second delivery positions (J1, J2), wherein the loading aids (18) can be loaded alternately with the goods (12) after they have been made available at the one or more second delivery positions (J1, J2).

3. Work station (11) according to claim 2, characterized in that the second supply device (21), which is encompassed by the second track (20), and the second supply device (21), which is encompassed by the further second track (20), are spaced apart from one another and the first supply device (15) is arranged between the second supply devices (21), in particular is arranged centrally therebetween.

4. Work station (11) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the alternating provision of the loading aids (18) from the group (GR) at the one or more second delivery positions (J; JI, J2) takes place by a synchronized movement of the loading aids (18) of the group (GR), and optionally the alternating provision of the loading aids (18) from the further group (GR) at the one or more second delivery positions takes place by a synchronized movement of the loading aids (18) of the further group (GR).

5. Work station (11) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first conveyor system (16) in a conveyor section facing the first delivery device (15) and the second track (20) are each arranged offset relative to the first track (19) by a vertical distance, and below the first conveyor system (16) and the second track (20) a passage (K) is formed, along which the first track section (H) runs and which has a clearance height (al) that enables collision-free movement of the transport vehicles (1) each loaded with a loading aid (18),and / or the first conveyor system (16) in a conveyor section facing the first delivery device (15) and the second track (20) and further second track (20) are each arranged offset relative to the first track (19) at a vertical distance, and below the first conveyor system (16) and the second track (20) and the further second track (20) a passage (K) is formed, along which the first track section (H) runs and which has a clearance height (al) that enables collision-free movement of the transport vehicles (1) each loaded with a loading aid (18).

6. Work station (11) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first track (19), the second track (20) and the third track (22) are arranged on the same level, in particular in a ground plane, or in that the first track (19) is arranged in a ground plane, and the second track (20) forms or comprises a platform which is raised relative to the ground plane, wherein the third track (22) connects the first track (19) with the second track (20) arranged at a different height level.

7. Work station (11) according to claim 6, characterized in that the third lane (22) is arranged such that the approach lane (28a) encompassed by the third lane (22) branches off from the first lane (25) of the first lane (19) and the return lane (28b) opens into the first lane (25) of the first lane (19), or that the third lane (22) is arranged such that the approach lane (28a) encompassed by the third lane (22) branches off from the second lane (26) of the first lane (19) and the return lane (28b) opens into the second lane (26) of the first lane (19).

8. Work station (11) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first conveyor system (16) is arranged in a conveyor section facing away from the first delivery device (15) offset from the first track (19) by a vertical distance and an additional passage (L) is formed below the first conveyor system (16), along which the second track section (I) runs and which has a passage height (a2) which enables collision-free movement of the transport vehicles (1) each loaded with a loading aid (18).

9. Work station (11) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first conveyor system (16) comprises a plurality of conveyor devices, in particular a first conveyor device for the infeed, i.e. transport of the goods to the first delivery device (15), a second conveyor device for the outfeed, i.e. transport of the goods away from the first delivery device (15), a third conveyor device connecting the first conveyor device for the infeed and second conveyor device for the outfeed, and a fourth conveyor device and a fifth conveyor device which form the first delivery device (15), wherein the fourth conveyor device forms a first delivery position (G1) and the fifth conveyor device forms a further first delivery position (G2).

10. Work station (11) according to claim 9, characterized in that the first conveyor device for the incoming transport and the second conveyor device for the outgoing transport are arranged offset with a vertical distance from the first track (19) and an additional passage (L) is formed below the first conveyor system (16), along which the second track section (I) runs and which has a passage height (a2) which enables collision-free movement of the transport vehicles (1) each loaded with a loading aid (18).

11. Work station (11) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the transport vehicles (1) comprise transport vehicles which each comprise a loading platform (5) with a floor (6), wherein the floor (6) is fixedly attached to the support frame (2) and is inclined by an angle of inclination (cc) with respect to a horizontal plane.

12. Work station (11) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the transfer area (F) is provided to deliver goods (12) to the first conveyor system (16), or Delivering goods (12) to the first conveyor system (16) and delivering goods (12) from the first conveyor system (16).

13. Work station (11) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that between the first lane (25) and the second lane (26) there runs an alternating lane (27), on which the transport vehicles (1) on the first lane (19) can be moved between the first lane section (H) and the second lane section (I).

14. Work station (11) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the approach track (28a) and the return track (28b) run approximately parallel and the transport vehicles (1) are moved, preferably in a single direction, along the approach track (28a), delivery track (28c) and return track (28b).

15. Work station (11) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the third carriageway (22) and optionally the further third carriageway (22) further comprise a third carriageway section (R), wherein a bypass lane (28d), which preferably comprises a buffer space, runs along the third carriageway section (R), the bypass lane (28d) is connected to the return lane (28b) of the second carriageway section (P) of the third carriageway (22) and the first lane (25) of the second carriageway section (H) of the first carriageway (20), and optionally the bypass lane (28d) is connected to the return lane (28b) of the second carriageway section (P) of the further third carriageway (22) and the first lane (25) of the second carriageway section (H) of the first carriageway (20).

16. Work station (11) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that in a third lane section (R) of the third lane (22) and optionally of the further third lane (22), one or more sorting lanes (30) run between the approach lane (28a) and the return lane (28b).

17. Work station (11) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that in the roadway section (Q) of the second roadway (20) and optionally of the further second roadway (20), one or more express lanes (29) run between the approach lane (28a) and the return lane (28b).

18. Work station (11) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the first lane (25) running in the first roadway section (H) and the second lane (26) running in the second roadway section (I) each have an input coupling area (M, N) and an output coupling area (M, N), wherein the respective output coupling areas (M, N) can be connected to the respective input coupling area (M, N) of a further work station (11), in particular one of identical construction and arranged adjacent to the work station (11), so that a substantially continuous respective first lane (25) and second lane (26) can be formed.

19. Work station (11) according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the control unit (23) is additionally designed to control the first conveyor system (16) and the transport vehicles (1) in such a way that the loading aids (18) are sorted by means of the transport vehicles (1) in an order which is determined as a function of the order in which the goods (12) are provided at the first delivery device (15), and that a, in particular first, loading aid (18) and a good (12) for an order arrive at the first delivery position (G) of the first delivery device (15) and the second delivery positions (J) of the second delivery device (21) approximately simultaneously.

20. Workstation (11) according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that one of the orders comprises a first order line and a second order line, wherein the first order line and second order line comprise goods (12) of different types, and the control unit (23) is additionally designed such that a loading aid (18) for processing the first and second order lines, after loading the loading aid (18) with the goods (12) to the first order line, is transported by the transport vehicle (1) from the second delivery device (21) via the return track (28b) into a sorting track (30) and buffered in the sorting track (30), and thereafter the loading aid (18) is transported from the sorting track (30) via the approach track (28a) to the second delivery device (21) when the goods (12) to the second order line are transported from the first conveyor system (16) to the first delivery device (15). becomes.

21. Work station (11) according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the first conveyor system (16) comprises a plurality of buffer locations and the control unit (23) is additionally designed to provide goods (12) of different types one after the other, wherein the goods (12) are temporarily stored in the buffer locations.

22. Work station (11) according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that a loading aid (18) can be placed on the floor (6) of the loading platform (5), which floor is inclined by an angle of inclination (cc) with respect to a horizontal plane, the loading aid (18) comprises a floor, side walls projecting from the floor and a loading opening delimited by the side walls, and a control (4) of the transport vehicle (1) executes a travel command such that the transport vehicle (1) is provided at the second delivery device (21) in a position in which the loading aid (18) is aligned with the first delivery device (15) such that an edge of a front side wall of the side walls is lower than an edge of a rear side wall of the side walls in order to enable ergonomic loading of the loading aid (18) with the goods (12) via the loading opening.

23. Order picking system (31) for order picking goods (12), comprising a storage area (32) in which storage locations for providing goods (12) are arranged, and an order picking area for processing orders, in which at least one work station (11) according to one of claims 1 to 22 is arranged.

24. Order picking system (31) according to claim 23, characterized in that the order picking system (31) further comprises a third conveyor system (34) which connects the storage area (32) and the transfer area (F), and which comprises driverless transport vehicles (35) for transporting goods (12) between the storage area (32) and the transfer area (F).

25. Order picking system (31) according to claim 24, characterized in that the first track (19) additionally comprises a third track section (S) which is arranged between the storage area (32) and the transfer area (F), wherein the driverless transport vehicles (35) of the third conveyor system (34) approach the storage locations in the storage area (32) and / or travel in the third track section (S).

26. Order picking system (31) according to claim 23, characterized in that the driverless transport vehicles (35) move exclusively in the storage area (32), the storage area (32) and the transfer area (F) are arranged such that the goods (12) from the storage area (32) are delivered directly to the first conveyor system (16), or the goods (12) from the storage area (32) are delivered directly to the first conveyor system (16) and the goods (12) are delivered from the first conveyor system (16) directly to the storage area (32).

27. Order-picking system (31) according to one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that the work station (11) in the transfer area (F) has a transfer station (36), wherein the transfer station (36) comprises a first transfer location (37) and a first transfer device (38) assigned to the first transfer location (37), wherein the first transfer location (37) is designed to receive an item of goods (12) and wherein the first transfer device (38) is designed to deliver the item (12) from the first transfer location (37) to the first conveyor system (16), and / or a second transfer location (39) and a second transfer device (40) assigned to the second transfer location (39), wherein the second transfer location (40) is designed to receive an item of goods (12) and wherein the second transfer device (40) is designed to deliver the item (12) from the first conveyor system (16) to the second transfer location (39).

28. Order-picking system (31) according to one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that the work station (11) in the transfer area (F) has a transfer station (36), wherein the transfer station (36) comprises a first transfer location (37) which is designed to receive a transport vehicle (35) of the third conveyor system (34) with the goods (12), and a transfer device (41) assigned to the transport vehicle (35), wherein the transfer device (41) is designed to deliver the goods (12) from the transport vehicle (35) to the first conveyor system (16), and / or a second transfer location (39) which is designed to receive a transport vehicle (35) of the third conveyor system (34), and a associated transfer device (41), wherein the transfer device (41) is designed to deliver the goods (12) from the first conveyor system (16) to the transport vehicle (35).

29. Order-picking system (31) according to one of claims 23 to 28, characterized in that the transfer station (36) comprises a lifting device (42) assigned to the first conveyor system (16), on which the goods (12) or the transport vehicle (35) of the third conveyor system (34) can be received.

30. Order picking system (31) according to one of claims 23 to 29, characterized in that the driverless transport vehicles (1) of the second conveyor system (17) and the driverless transport vehicles (35) of the third conveyor system (34) are structurally different.

31. Order picking system (31) according to one of claims 24 to 29, characterized in that the driverless transport vehicles (35), in particular for the transport of goods (12), of the third conveyor system (34) each comprise a support frame (2'), a chassis (3') mounted on the support frame (2'), which chassis comprises a plurality of wheels and is designed to drive and optionally steer the driverless transport vehicle (35), a controller (4') which is designed to receive drive commands and to control the driverless transport vehicle (35), and a loading platform (5') mounted on the support frame (2'), which loading platform comprises a horizontally oriented floor, which is in particular fixedly attached to the support frame (2') or which is arranged on a lifting device.

32. Method for loading loading aids (18) with goods (12) according to orders, in particular picking orders, at a workstation (11) according to one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the method comprises the steps Entering orders, each with one or more order lines, each order line specifying a type of goods and a quantity, on the order management system (14), and Control of the first conveyor system (16) and the transport vehicles (1) for processing several order lines for different orders, which goods different types of goods or the same type of goods, by the control unit (23) in such a way that the goods (12) are transported to the first delivery device (15) and made available at the one or more first delivery positions (G), and the loading aids (18) are transported by the transport vehicles (1) to the second delivery device (21), brought together as a group and made available alternately from the group at the one or more second delivery positions, wherein the loading aids (18) can be loaded alternately with the goods (12) after they have been made available at the one or more second delivery positions.

33. Method according to claim 32, comprising the steps Providing a workstation according to claim 2, Control of the first conveyor system (16) and the transport vehicles (1) for processing a plurality of order lines each for different orders which require goods of different types or the same type of goods, by the control unit (23) in such a way that the goods (12) are transported to the first delivery device (15) and made available at the one or more first delivery positions (G1, G2), and the loading aids (18) are transported by the transport vehicles (1) to the second delivery device (21) of the further second track (20), brought together as a further group and made available alternately from the further group at the one or more second delivery positions (J1, J2), wherein the loading aids (18) of the further group can be loaded alternately with the goods (12) after they have been made available at the one or more second delivery positions (J1, J2).

34. Method according to claim 32, characterized in that the alternate provision of the loading aids (18) from the group (GR) at the one or more second delivery positions (J; JI, J2) is carried out by a synchronized movement of the loading aids (18) of the group (GR).

35. Method according to claim 33 or 34, characterized in that the alternate provision of the loading aids (18) from the further group (GR) at the one or more second loading positions (J; JI, J2) by a synchronized movement of the loading aids (18) of the group (GR).

36. A method according to any one of claims 32 to 35, comprising the steps of providing a workstation according to claim 15, Control of the first conveyor system (16) and the transport vehicles (1) for processing one of the orders, by the control unit (23) such that one of the loading aids (18) is moved by one of the transport vehicles (1) from the bypass lane (28d) via the return lane (28b) to the one second delivery position (J) or to one of the several second delivery positions (JI, J2).

37. Work station (11) for loading loading aids (18) with goods according to orders, in particular picking orders, in which a first conveyor system (16) for the goods (12) and a second conveyor system (17) for transporting the loading aids (18) are provided, wherein the goods (12) are transported to a first delivery device (15) of the first conveyor system (16) and are made available at one or more first delivery positions (G) of the first delivery device (15) of the first conveyor system (16), and wherein the loading aids (18) of the second conveyor system (17) are transported to a second delivery device (21) of the second conveyor system (17), brought together as a group (GR) and alternately picked from the group (GR) at one or more second delivery positions (J;JI, J2) of the second delivery device (21) of the second conveyor system (17) and loaded with the goods (12) provided at the first delivery device (15) of the first conveyor system (16);

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