Warehouse structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a warehouse structure, in particular an order-picking system, in particular for packaging units such as, for example, packs, for example cuboid packs of, for example, medicaments, and to a method for operating the warehouse structure.

Description

[0001] Goods storage

[0002] The subject matter relates to a goods storage device, in particular an order picker, in particular for containers such as packages, e.g. cuboid packages of, for example, medicines, as well as a method for operating the goods storage device.

[0003] The increasing automation of today's production lines for containers, especially containers in the form of (e.g., cuboid-shaped) packs, has enabled, among other things, particularly error-free and rapid production. In addition, increasingly comprehensive digitalization of production also ensures container characterization, often down to the individual container, and, for example, precise traceability of production processes.

[0004] This high precision of the production process often contrasts with the manual handling of containers in retail, for example in the case of packaged medications (as an example container) in pharmacies. Containers are often manually sorted onto shelves and information from containers is manually read. This regularly results in errors that can ultimately result in a buyer receiving a container that is, for example, too old, has already been recalled, contains too high a dosage, is unfavorably priced, or is otherwise of inferior quality. Furthermore, much of the information that could be read from an individual container (e.g. via codes attached to the container) remains unnoticed during manual handling because, due to time constraints, not every individual container is inspected more closely in retail. The information on an individual container is certainly not compared to that of all other containers currently available.According to the application, it was recognized that automated handling of containers, especially after production has been completed, for example, for transport and / or retail, can overcome the above-mentioned problems. At the same time, it was recognized that, unlike in manufacturing, a solution for the end of the distribution chain must be space-saving.

[0005] The object was therefore based on the task of providing a highly automated and digitalised, but at the same time space-saving, supply of containers.

[0006] The object is achieved by a goods storage device according to the first aspect and a method according to the second aspect.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, a goods storage device is proposed, comprising a substantially closed (e.g. airtight, light-tight, inaccessible to users and / or only accessible to maintenance personnel) goods storage main space with a storage area shelf, an input device (e.g. in a central area of ​​a side surface of the goods storage main space, outside the goods storage main space and / or accessible to users) with a filling opening (e.g. upper flap) for the quantitative (e.g. random) input of containers (in particular cuboid-shaped boxes, in particular medicine packages) with an internal volume (e.g. at least 0.01 to 0.1m 3Capacity), an ascending conveyor device (e.g. with transport lips, which are arranged in particular at an angle) (e.g. which is arranged outside the main goods storage space of the goods storage) (e.g. which is closed, so that the ascending conveyor is protected against unauthorized access, in particular by users), wherein the ascending conveyor device is designed to transport the containers along an at least partially upwardly directed ascending conveyor path along an ascending conveyor direction starting from the internal volume of the input device to an ascending conveyor path end, a singling device which is designed to singulate the containers along a singling path starting from the ascending conveyor path end to an singling path end along a singling direction, wherein the singling device has at least one (e.g.at least 2, 3 or more) singling conveyor belts (for example in the singling conveying direction) and at least one mechanical chicane for singling the packages, wherein the singling conveying direction (e.g. substantially and / or in its component perpendicular to gravity) is oriented perpendicular to the ascending conveying direction, wherein the singling device is arranged at least partially within the main goods storage space, a timing device which defines a timing section starting from the singling section end to a timing section end along a timing direction, wherein the timing direction is oriented in particular substantially perpendicular to the singling direction (e.g. in its component perpendicular to gravity and / or in its component perpendicular to gravity at least substantially (anti-)parallel to the ascending conveying direction), wherein the timing device (e.g.completely) is arranged within the main goods storage space, an identification device which comprises at least one identification sensor, preferably a plurality of identification sensors (e.g. and an identification band), wherein the identification device is arranged at the end of the cycle path, wherein the identification device is designed to identify individual containers (e.g. read code, recognize color) and / or to measure them (e.g. volume, length / width / height), a gripping device which is designed to transport containers from the identification device into a storage area, a storage area catering device which is designed to move one of a plurality of storage areas between the storage area and the storage area shelf.

[0008] The main goods storage area comprises one or more (e.g., at least two, three, four, or more) storage racks. Each storage rack can, for example, have one or more storage areas on which containers can be stored.

[0009] For example, the main goods storage space may be closed. Closed may, in particular, mean that an interior of the main goods storage space is separated from the surroundings of the main goods storage space, for example, by an outer shell of the main goods storage space.

[0010] The main goods storage space can be light-tight, in particular (the entire outer shell or parts of it can), for example, only allowing light of a limited wavelength range to pass between the interior and the surroundings. For example, the main goods storage space can be designed such that no UV light penetrates from the surroundings into the interior, for example, only light with a wavelength above 400 nm (UV radiation), 450, 500, 550, 600, or 650 nm can pass through, while light with lower wavelengths is blocked. The main goods storage space can be light-tight yet still visible, for example, by allowing light in part of the visible spectrum to penetrate from the interior to the surroundings and vice versa. A light-tight main goods storage space can also block all visible light. For example, in this case, at least one camera inside can enable monitoring of the interior.A light-tight main storage room can protect the containers from harmful radiation and / or from unauthorized access. Additionally or alternatively, the main storage room can be designed to be inaccessible to unauthorized persons, such as users of the storage facility. This increases the security of the storage facility and its operators. The technical equipment inside is protected, and maintenance and repair costs remain low. For example, the main storage room can be lockable. This ensures, for example, that only authorized persons, especially technicians, have access to the main storage room.

[0011] The goods storage device further comprises an input device. The input device enables a user to insert containers into the goods storage device. For this purpose, the input device has, in particular, a filling opening and an internal volume. The input device enables, in particular, a quantitative input of a plurality of containers (e.g., more than 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 or 1000) at once. For example, the containers can be poured into the input device or fed in via a conveyor belt. The input device is therefore designed for the input of containers as bulk material. In particular, the input device is designed for random input. In this case, a user of the goods storage device does not have to pay attention to the respective orientation and / or order in which the containers are inserted and / or whether they are inserted in a single type or a mixture.

[0012] Containers here, in the preceding and following, can be cuboid-shaped, in particular as (e.g. cardboard boxes, in particular medicine packages). The containers can in particular have at least one base so that the respective containers can be stored stably and in a fixed location.

[0013] The internal volume of the input device can be defined, for example, as the maximum volume within the input device that can be occupied by containers (e.g., the holding capacity). The internal volume of the input device can also be a volume encompassed by the external dimensions of the input device. The internal volume can, for example, be at least 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, or 1 m 3 be.

[0014] The input device may have at least one, two, three, or more filling openings. The filling openings may have different sizes and / or positions.

[0015] Parts of or all of the filling openings can be closable. For example, the filling opening can have a closure, in particular a flap, which can be closable and / or automatically closing. An automatically closing closure can, for example, be gravity-driven, damped, and / or actuator-operated.

[0016] The filling opening can be located, in particular, in an upper region of the input device. The input device can have a vertical extension in the direction of gravity. The filling opening can be located along the vertical extension in the upper 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, or 5% of the input device. By arranging the filling opening in the upper region of the input device, the internal volume of the input device can be utilized to a particularly high degree.

[0017] A taper of the internal volume of the input device can also be provided along the vertical extent. For example, a funnel can be arranged in the input device. For example, the input device can comprise an outlet opening which, for example, borders on a further processing stage of the goods storage device. The taper and / or the funnel can taper towards the outlet opening. The tapered design of the input device, on the one hand, provides a rough, initial separation of containers introduced into the input device and / or can reduce the number of containers ejected from the input device per unit of time. On the other hand, a large filling opening can still be provided, which enables the simultaneous input of a large number of containers.

[0018] The input device may have a substantially cuboidal outer shape. The input device may also have a tapered outer shape (e.g., downwardly).

[0019] The input device can be arranged on an outer wall of the goods storage unit and / or the main goods storage room. For example, the input device can be arranged substantially centrally (in particular centrally along a direction of extension of the respective outer wall perpendicular to the direction of gravity) on an outer wall. For example, the position of the input device can deviate by a maximum of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% from the center of the respective outer wall. By placing the input device centrally, the input device can be protected from external influences.

[0020] The input device can be arranged at least partially or completely outside the main goods storage space.

[0021] The goods storage device further comprises an ascending conveyor device. The ascending conveyor device is designed to transport the containers starting from the input device, in particular the internal volume thereof, in particular starting from its outlet opening, along an ascending conveyor path in the ascending conveyor direction to an end of the ascending conveyor path. The ascending conveyor path is in particular aligned at an angle (e.g. to the floor, to the direction of gravity) and / or ascends in the ascending conveyor direction. For example, an angle enclosed between the ascending conveyor direction and the direction of gravity is between 30° and 60°, in particular 40-50°, in particular substantially 45°. Containers transported by the ascending conveyor device are, on the one hand, lifted to an ascending conveyor height (i.e. transported upwards against the force of gravity) and, in addition, along a path perpendicular to the direction of gravity orThe containers are transported on an inclined conveyor running parallel to the floor. Because the containers are lifted, subsequent processing stages of the goods storage can be easily constructed, as the containers move automatically from one stage to the next under gravity. Furthermore, a space-saving design of the goods storage can be achieved, as the containers can be processed at different levels. Last but not least, conveying the containers in an inclined conveyor device causes stacked containers to slide off each other due to the effect of gravity, thus separating them.

[0022] The inclined conveyor device can be located at least partially or completely outside the main goods storage area. The inclined conveyor device can be enclosed. This ensures, for example, that the user cannot access the inclined conveyor device.

[0023] The ascending conveying direction can, for example, comprise a conveyor belt, which in particular comprises conveyor lips. The conveyor lips can extend substantially across the entire width of the conveyor belt (perpendicular to the ascending conveying direction). The conveyor lips can, for example, be aligned obliquely to the ascending conveying direction, in particular such that a respective conveyor lip on the upper side of the conveyor belt is higher on one side, which is closer to the center of the goods storage than the other side, than on the other side. This promotes the goods slipping away from the goods storage, which can lengthen the processing path in the subsequent processing stage and thus increase the sorting quality of the goods storage. The goods storage further comprises a separating device.The singling device is configured to singulate packages along a singling path, starting from the end of the ascending conveyor path to a singling path end, along a singling direction. In particular, the singling device can ensure that (e.g., directly) consecutive packages are spaced apart from one another along a conveying direction.

[0024] For this purpose, the singulation device comprises at least one, two, or three or more singulation conveyor belts. The singulation conveyor belts transport the packages in a respective singulation direction. The singulation directions of the singulation conveyor belts can be identical, so that they have a single common singulation direction. The singulation directions of at least two or all singulation conveyor belts can also differ from one another. When a singulation direction is mentioned below, this refers to the conveying direction of the first singulation conveyor belt (to which the ascending conveyor device is adjacent) and / or the common singulation direction of all singulation conveyor belts.

[0025] The singulation direction is oriented essentially perpendicular to the ascending conveying direction. In particular, the projections of the respective directions onto the floor and / or in their respective components perpendicular to gravity are perpendicular to each other. By aligning the singulation direction essentially perpendicular to the ascending conveying direction, the goods storage device according to the application can be kept particularly space-saving.

[0026] If two directions are disclosed here, in the following and preceding statements, as being substantially perpendicular to each other, the angle enclosed between the directions and / or their projections can be in particular in the range of 80-100°, in particular 85-95°, preferably 89-91°, and particularly preferably can be exactly 90°. The separating device can, for example, be located at least partially or completely above the storage area rack. This reduces the floor space required by the goods storage.

[0027] The separating device is arranged at least partially within the main goods storage space. For example, the separating device can lead into the main goods storage space from outside.

[0028] For example, an enclosure of the ascending conveyor device can also at least partially enclose the singling device and thus, for example, provide a continuously inaccessible enclosure of the path of the container into the main goods storage area.

[0029] The singling device comprises at least one mechanical baffle, in particular a plurality of mechanical baffles, which serves to singulate the containers. The baffle can, for example, comprise an element projecting from at least one or both sides (e.g., perpendicular to the singling direction) into a conveying area (e.g., a singling conveyor belt, e.g., the volume directly above the singling conveyor belt) of the singling device. The baffle can also comprise a limitation of the maximum conveying height, for example, an obstacle arranged above a singling conveyor belt, such as a barrier, a ball, and / or combinations thereof.

[0030] A chicane can, for example, be passive, e.g., rigidly mounted relative to the separating device, or passively movable, e.g., rotatable, pivotable, and / or tiltable (e.g., about an axis perpendicular to the separating direction). A movably mounted chicane can, for example, be configured such that it automatically returns to its original position. For example, the chicane can have a drive based on a spring element and / or gravity. The chicane can have an inertia and / or a moment of inertia, e.g., through a chicane weight provided for this purpose and mounted on the chicane.

[0031] A particular chicane can be adjustable. For example, the distance over which the chicane extends into a separating conveyor belt can be adjustable, as can the restoring force of a spring-driven drive, the inertia, the moment of inertia, the (rotational) speed, and / or combinations thereof.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, the chicane can also be actively driven, for example, by a motor. For example, the chicane can rotate (e.g., at a constant or variable speed) and / or perform another cyclical movement. For example, a chicane can have a closed area that holds a limited number of containers, such as one, two, or three containers. The area can cyclically open first upstream of the chicane and (e.g., after a predefined time) downstream of the chicane (e.g., while the upstream space is closed (or open)).

[0033] A singling conveyor belt can have no, one, or multiple chicanes. Different singling conveyor belts can each have the same number or different numbers of chicanes. For example, the number of chicanes per singling conveyor belt can increase, remain the same, or decrease along the singling direction. The chicanes of multiple singling conveyor belts can be identical to one another, for example, all protruding into the singling conveyor belts from the same side. Alternatively, the chicanes can differ between singling conveyor belts, for example, coming from different sides. The singling conveyor belts can be arranged at decreasing heights in the singling direction, resulting in sloping steps in the singling direction. This guarantees onward transport without blockages.

[0034] The goods storage device also includes a timing device. The timing device is connected to the separating device. The timing device receives separated containers from the separating device and serves, among other things, to standardize the distance between any two consecutive containers, for example, to ensure a specific (spatial and / or temporal) interval between consecutive containers. The interval can be adjustable. The spacing between the containers can be referred to as the cadence.

[0035] The indexing device can be configured to convey packages along a indexing direction. The indexing device can transport packages at a lower level than the separating device. This simplifies the transition from the separating device to the indexing device.

[0036] The timing device can comprise at least one timing element, which can, for example, take the form of a lock, which, for example, allows only one container to pass through per predetermined period of time (e.g. at least and / or at most 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 s).

[0037] The indexing device extends essentially perpendicular to the singulation direction. In particular, the indexing direction can be aligned essentially perpendicular to the singulation direction. In particular, the respective components can be aligned essentially perpendicular to one another perpendicular to gravity. For example, the indexing direction can be aligned essentially antiparallel (i.e., exactly opposite) to the ascending conveyor direction (e.g., the respective components can be aligned perpendicular to gravity for this purpose as well). The described alignment of the indexing device allows the goods storage system to be constructed in a particularly space-saving manner. The indexing device can be located above and / or to the side of the storage area rack.

[0038] The timing device is arranged in the main goods storage room, in particular completely.

[0039] The goods storage device further comprises an identification device. The identification device comprises at least one identification sensor, in particular a plurality of identification sensors. Furthermore, the identification device can comprise an identification belt which conveys the containers in an identification direction. The identification device is connected to the timing device so that timed containers reach the identification device. For example, a cycle of the timing device can be selected such that the identification device has sufficient time to identify the containers. The cycle can also, for example (e.g. only) establish a distance between containers which ensures that the identification device does not assign properties of a second container, which is different from the first, to a first container.

[0040] Identification may, for example, include reading a code on the container, recognizing a color, spatially measuring the container, evaluating a pattern, comparing recognized container properties with a database and / or combinations thereof.

[0041] The identification sensor may, for example, comprise one or more (e.g. bar and / or QR) code scanners, cameras, lasers, ultrasonic sensors and / or combinations thereof.

[0042] The goods storage device also includes a gripping device designed to transport containers from the identification device to a storage area. The storage area can be located, for example, inside or outside the storage area rack.

[0043] For example, the gripping device may comprise a gripping tool such as a gripper, a pair of pliers and / or a suction mechanism, for example a suction cup with a vacuum device.

[0044] The gripping device can be configured to transport the containers to a known location within the storage area. This allows the identification device to precisely determine the properties of each individual container, and this exact container can be located later by knowing its storage location. The container only needs to be identified once. This means that it is always known which containers are in the goods storage area and where they can be found.

[0045] The goods storage device can be configured to feed some or each of the containers removed from the goods storage device to the identification device a second time, for example, using the gripping device. This ensures that no incorrect containers are issued.

[0046] The gripping device can in particular also be designed to grip containers from the storage area (e.g. in addition to depositing containers in the storage area).

[0047] The goods storage device also includes a storage area handling device. The storage area handling device is configured to move a storage area between the storage area and the storage area rack. For example, the storage area handling device can access various levels of the storage area rack and then lift them to a single, consistent level in the storage area. This allows, among other things, the gripping device to be designed simply, since it essentially always operates on one level. The storage area rack can also be designed simply, in particular passively, since the storage area handling device serves the various shelf levels.

[0048] The registered goods storage system allows an operator to load containers into the storage device (input device) in an unordered manner and without closer inspection, for example, directly from one or more shipping cartons. The storage device automatically separates, times, and identifies the individual containers, making them clearly available for later dispensing. Thanks to its compact size, the registered goods storage system can enable automated and digitalized picking of containers right up to the last link in the supply chain, the retail store.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, it is proposed that the input device comprises a further, internal input opening, wherein the internal input opening is positioned such that containers can be transported from the gripping device into the internal input opening and / or the input device has a lateral maintenance flap and / or the input device has an internal volume of at least 0.01 (e.g. equivalent of a cuboid with edge length 20cm), 0.05 (e.g. equivalent of a cuboid with edge length 37cm), 0.1 (e.g. equivalent of a cuboid with edge length 46cm) or 0.5 (e.g. equivalent of a cuboid with edge length 79cm) m 3the input device comprises an input device sensor which is in particular configured to determine a fill level of the input device and / or the input device has a guide funnel which is inclined and / or tapered towards the ascending conveyor device and / or wherein the guide funnel comprises an actuator for actively moving containers in the direction of the ascending conveyor line, wherein in particular the actuator is configured to move containers in the direction of the ascending conveyor line depending on a fill level of the input device.

[0050] The internal input opening can, for example, be guided into the interior of the main goods storage area via a hopper and / or a channel. Through the internal input opening, the route via the ascending conveyor, separating device, timing device, and identification device can be used as a buffer, allowing the goods storage area to sort the storage area shelving.

[0051] The input device sensor may include, for example, a light barrier, a camera, a touch sensor, a tactile sensor, a scale, and / or combinations thereof.

[0052] An actuator of the guide hopper may, for example, comprise a movable flap, a conveyor belt, a bucket, a bucket wheel and / or combinations thereof.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, it is proposed that the ascending conveyor device is arranged (e.g. at least partially or completely) outside the main goods storage space and / or the ascending conveyor device is enclosed, in particular completely, and / or the ascending conveyor device comprises a conveyor belt, in particular wherein the conveyor belt comprises at least one (e.g. or more) conveyor lips, in particular wherein the at least one conveyor lip is arranged obliquely (e.g. in relation to the ascending conveyor direction).

[0054] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, it is proposed that the singling device comprises at least three singling conveyor belts, in particular wherein the singling conveyor belts have the same dimensions or different dimensions from one another, each convey in the (e.g. an identical) singling direction, are arranged in a staircase arrangement descending in the singling direction (e.g. wherein the step height between the singling conveyor belts is always the same), at least partially or each comprise at least one chicane, in particular wherein the singling conveyor belt at the rear in the singling direction does not have a chicane, at least one of the or all of the respective chicanes are passive and / or at least one of the or all of the respective chicanes are actively controllable, in particular by means of a respective actuator, have the same conveying speed, different, in particular in (e.g.the) singling direction, have conveying speeds which each have the same width (e.g. perpendicular to the singling direction), have the same or different lengths, in particular decreasing or increasing in the singling direction (e.g. parallel to the singling direction), and / or have different widths from one another, in particular widths which decrease along the singling direction.

[0055] The first singulation conveyor belt cannot contain a chicane, since, for example, the chicane there (at the transfer point from the ascending conveyor device) could lead to blockages in the conveyor line.

[0056] Increasing conveyor speeds in the singulation direction allow for a consistent quantity of packages to be conveyed per unit of time despite singulation. The singulation conveyor belts can taper in the singulation direction, thus decreasing in width. This accommodates the decreasing density of the packages and promotes an orderly transition to the indexing device.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, it is proposed that the timing device comprises a timing conveyor belt or the timing device comprises a timing conveyor belt, wherein the timing conveyor belt of the timing device has spatially separated subsections, for example separated by transport lips, in particular by transport lips perpendicular / horizontal and / or oblique to the timing direction, has a smaller width than at least one or all of the singling conveyor belts, and / or has a conveying speed that differs from the singling device, in particular a higher conveying speed, in particular a higher conveying speed than the singling conveyor belt at the front in the singling direction (e.g. adjacent to the timing device) (e.g. all belts have monotonically increasing conveying speeds along the entire transport path up to the gripping device), and / or has a lock.

[0058] The spatially separated sections serve to ensure consistent separation of consecutive containers. For example, the size of the sections can be adapted to the size of the containers themselves. For example, the sections can be dimensioned so that exactly one container fits in each section. The conveyor belt can, for example, have sections of the same size. This ensures that the containers arrive at the identification device at a predetermined, consistent rate.

[0059] The width of the indexing device, e.g., the indexing belt, can be adapted and / or adjustable to the width of the containers. The width can, for example, decrease along the indexing direction.

[0060] As the conveyor speed increases, the distance between consecutive containers increases, facilitating spatial separation.

[0061] For example, the lock can continuously pick up a container and release it at specified intervals. For example, the lock can be combined with transport lips on the indexing conveyor belt to prevent the containers, which are correctly indexed by the lock, from slipping on the indexing conveyor belt. The lock can be synchronized with the indexing conveyor belt so that it opens whenever a section is located between two transport lips at an exit of the lock.

[0062] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, it is proposed that the identification device comprises an identification conveyor belt or the identification device comprises an identification conveyor belt, wherein the identification conveyor belt has a width which corresponds to a width of the cyclic conveyor belt (e.g. is identical thereto), has a width which deviates from a width of the cyclic conveyor belt (e.g. is greater or smaller), has a conveying speed which corresponds to the conveying speed of the cyclic conveyor belt and / or is identical to the conveying speed of the cyclic conveyor belt or has a conveying speed which deviates from the cyclic device, in particular a higher (or lower) conveying speed, the at least one identification sensor comprises at least one of the following: a laser, a photodiode, one or at least two image sensors (e.g.camera), a light barrier and / or an ultrasonic sensor and / or the identification device is configured to determine a characteristic property of a respective one of the containers, in particular the dimensions of the container and / or a product name, a date of manufacture, an expiry date, a manufacturer, a degree of danger, a prescription-only status, a batch, a unique identification and / or combinations thereof.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, it is proposed that the gripping device comprises one of the following: at least one gripping tool, in particular at least one gripping tongs and / or at least one suction cup (e.g. suction cup with negative pressure) and / or at least one movable carrier device, in particular a pivotable, rotatable, extendable and / or retractable arm and / or at least one rail, in particular in combination with a trolley, and / or the gripping device is limited to gripping one container at a time, the gripping device is designed to move a container in the detection range of the at least one identification sensor and / or to approach the at least one identification sensor, the gripping device is designed to process a number of containers per unit of time (e.g.from the identification device into the storage area and move the gripping device back to the identification device), which is higher than a number of containers which at least one of and / or each of the ascending conveyor device, singling device and cycle device can process (e.g. per unit of time), the gripping device is designed to transport containers from the storage area and / or from a storage area into the internal input opening and / or the storage area corresponds to a volume and / or an area which is accessible for the gripping device (in particular the gripping tool of the gripping device).

[0064] The gripping device can be configured to manipulate the containers in terms of their height (vertical), in one or two directions perpendicular to the direction of gravity, and / or in their orientation (orientation / rotation). These manipulation options can be used in conjunction with the identification device to make areas of the respective container visible to the identification sensor that would be hidden without the gripping device.

[0065] In particular, the gripping device can be configured to move the containers into the storage area (and thus onto the storage area) in a specific orientation. The orientation can depend on the dimensions of the respective container and / or the dimensions of the containers on the storage area (in their current position) onto which the respective container is placed.

[0066] For example, the orientation can be selected such that height differences between the containers positioned on a given storage area are minimized in the orientations selected by the gripping device. For example, the extent (e.g. length of the container in one spatial direction, e.g. edge length of a substantially cuboid container) which is closest to the maximum height of the containers previously located on the storage area and / or is closest and at the same time smaller (than the previous (e.g. maximum) height) can be selected as the height of the lying container by selecting the orientation. This makes it possible to achieve a particularly high storage density, in particular in conjunction with an adjustable height of the storage areas as described in more detail below.

[0067] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, it is proposed that the storage area catering device comprises a height-adjustable extraction tool which is designed to remove one (e.g. individual) storage area from the storage area rack and to move it into the storage area, in particular wherein the storage area is positioned completely within the storage area and / or the storage area catering device is designed to position a given partial area of ​​the storage area in the storage area, while at least another partial area of ​​the storage area is positioned outside the storage area.

[0068] The storage area handling device may, for example, have a lifting mechanism to reach the height of a given storage area. The lifting mechanism may, for example, comprise one or more motors acting on a vertical rack / belt and / or a cable pull.

[0069] The storage area handling device can comprise a storage area removal device configured to move the associated storage area out of the storage area rack and into the storage area rack after reaching a specific storage area height, in particular in a substantially horizontal movement. The storage area handling device can, in particular, be configured to begin and end the horizontal movement smoothly, in particular not abruptly and / or in a stepped manner, in order to prevent the position of the containers on the storage area from changing due to their removal from and / or insertion into the storage area rack.

[0070] The storage area catering device can further be configured to move from a given storage area height to a height of the storage area and vice versa.

[0071] In one embodiment, the storage area management device can move the storage area relative to the gripping device at the height of the storage area, in particular without changing the height of the storage area. For example, this can involve a (e.g., horizontal) displacement of the storage area and / or a rotation. In this way, a gripping tool can be used that has a smaller radius of action (e.g., area reachable by the gripping tool) than the size of a storage area. The storage area management device and the gripping device can act in a coordinated manner.

[0072] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, it is proposed that the goods storage further comprises: at least one intermediate storage, wherein the intermediate storage is different from the storage areas and / or is accessible by the gripping device.

[0073] One or more intermediate storage units can serve, on the one hand, to provide a buffer in the event of an increased container volume, in which the containers can be temporarily stored before being transported to the storage area shelving. Intermediate storage units can also be used to group containers (e.g., containers of the same type) and / or to sort out unwanted containers for a storage area currently located in the storage area. The gripping device can be configured to transport containers from the intermediate storage units to the storage area. This allows the containers to be placed on the storage areas in a more orderly manner (e.g., sorted by type).

[0074] The buffer may comprise a surface, a magazine, a three-dimensional cavity and / or combinations thereof.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, it is proposed that a plurality of storage surfaces are provided in the storage area rack, a respective storage surface is mounted in the storage area rack so as to be movable (e.g. parallel to the floor / perpendicular to gravity) (e.g. with ball bearings), in particular resting on one or more, in particular two rails each, and / or storage surfaces have vertical distances from one another which are different and / or adjustable, in particular by means of actuators.

[0076] The storage areas can be pulled out of the rack using the storage area handling device. The storage areas can therefore be movable, particularly on rails and / or rollers.

[0077] It can be advantageous if the storage areas have adjustable vertical distances from one another. This allows optimal use of the space available for the entire storage area rack, for example by adapting the distances to the height currently required. For example, the size of each container can be measured by the identification device and the vertical height of the storage areas can be adapted to the maximum height (e.g. measured with the container lying down in the direction of gravity) of one (e.g. of all) containers currently located on a storage area. In conjunction with optimized container alignment using a gripping device (see above), a particularly high packing density can be achieved. According to one embodiment of the first aspect, it is proposed that the goods storage is mobile and / or that the goods storage is accessible to people in a restricted manner and / or inaccessible.

[0078] The goods storage unit can be mobile. For example, the goods storage unit can be transportable as a whole, i.e., without disassembly or assembly. For this purpose, the goods storage unit can have the dimensions of a (e.g., sea freight) container, for example, according to ISO standard 668, and / or be able to fit into such a container (e.g., as a whole).

[0079] For example, the main goods storage space can have external dimensions that fit into one of the aforementioned containers. Alternatively or additionally, additional components such as the input device and / or the inclined conveyor device can be designed to be removable.

[0080] The goods storage unit can be mounted on a mobile base and / or comprise a mobile base. The mobile base can, for example, comprise casters.

[0081] The goods storage unit may have transport openings, for example, for a forklift. The goods storage unit may have a weight that (especially without stored containers) is less than 500 kg, 1000 kg, 1500 kg, 2000 kg, or 10,000 kg.

[0082] For example, at least parts or all of the elements input device, ascending conveyor device, singulating device, timing device, identification device or storage area rack can be arranged on a common side and / or half of the goods storage device. For example, when (light) projected in the direction of gravity (i.e. in the components of the dimensions perpendicular to gravity), the goods storage device can essentially describe a rectangle, with part or all of the above-mentioned elements being arranged in one half. The side and / or half of the goods storage device can be defined as the heavy side and / or half. For example, the other side and / or half of the goods storage device can essentially comprise a cavity for handling the storage areas and / or at least parts of and / or all of the storage area handling device and / or gripping device.This can, among other things, result in uneven weight distribution and / or weight concentration on one side and / or half of the goods storage unit. For example, a mobile base and / or transport openings can be arranged on the heavy side of the goods storage unit.

[0083] The goods storage area can be designed to be inaccessible to people. For example, an enclosure of the main goods storage area, e.g., an exterior wall, can enclose the main goods storage area, preventing operators from accessing the interior.

[0084] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, it is proposed that the goods storage further comprises: a display device which is particularly designed to provide information (e.g. fill levels) on containers located in the goods storage.

[0085] One of the advantages of the goods storage system according to the application is that operators, such as specialized retail sales staff such as pharmacists, no longer have to manually sort and catalog containers. Instead, the goods storage system can automatically separate the containers based on a random, uninformed input by an operator. Using the identification device, it can characterize their respective properties and temporarily store them at a known location using the gripping device and the storage area management device. A display device is provided to provide the operator with an overview of the inventory in the goods storage system.

[0086] The display device can, for example, be a monitor and / or display, a tablet or even an information source that can be accessed using another device independent of the goods storage device, for example a website that is accessible via the Internet or an intranet. For example, the goods storage device can automatically enter the containers into a database. An operator can search the database and, for example, filter containers based on their properties (for example the properties determined using the identification device). For example, the properties can include: (product) name, age, (time remaining until) expiry date, category (e.g. cough syrups), one or more ingredients, manufacturer and / or combinations thereof.The display device can also be designed to automatically indicate at least a low fill level and / or an impending expiry of the shelf life of at least one container.

[0087] The warehouse can have an internet connection. This can, for example, enable remote retrieval of the above information. Remote maintenance can also be enabled. The warehouse can also be internet-free. This increases the security of the warehouse.

[0088] The position of the respective containers in the goods storage, especially in the storage area shelving, can be hidden from the user, and in particular, the position can be unavailable via the display device. The goods storage can thus display the inventory in an abstract manner, for example, in table form, without the user having to worry about the exact storage location.

[0089] In a maintenance mode, the display device can output additional information about the goods storage device, such as information about the hardware components of at least one device in the goods storage device and / or the positions of the containers. The maintenance mode can be protected, for example, by a password.

[0090] The display device may include an input device. For example, the input device may be configured to allow the input of a desired container and / or a desired combination of containers. The desired containers can then be dispensed from the goods storage device.

[0091] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, it is proposed that the goods storage further comprises: an input and / or output device which is configured to transport containers from an outside of the goods storage to a storage area, wherein the input and / or output device is in particular at least one of a conveyor belt and / or is arranged within the storage area shelf.

[0092] In particular, the gripping device can be configured to transport containers from the input and / or output device, for example starting from a storage area which is located, for example, in the storage area.

[0093] An input and / or output storage area can also be provided, which is movable by the storage area management device. For example, the storage area management device can move the input and / or output storage area from the storage area shelf to the storage area and vice versa, where the gripping device transports a container to the output storage area (for example, starting from an intermediate storage area). The storage area management device can then move the containers from the input and / or output storage area to the input and / or output device, for example, by tipping them. The input and / or output device can, for example, be configured to transport containers to an output or to store containers in the goods storage area. The input or output can, for example, be an opening that connects the interior of the main goods storage space with its surroundings.For example, the input and / or output device can comprise a receptacle for containers, for example, a removable container, such as a basket. The input and / or output device can also comprise multiple receptacles, for example, to separate several dispensed groups of containers from one another.

[0094] According to a second aspect, a method for operating a goods storage device according to one of the preceding claims is proposed, comprising

[0095] Filling (e.g. pouring) a plurality of (e.g. random) containers (e.g. as bulk material) into the input device,

[0096] Transporting the containers upwards (e.g. starting from the input device) by means of the ascending conveyor to the separating device, separating the containers along the separating line by means of the separating device (e.g. using the baffles accordingly),

[0097] Clocking the containers by means of the clocking device, identifying and / or measuring the containers by means of the identification device (e.g. by means of at least one or more identification sensors and / or using the gripping device), transporting the containers by means of the gripping device from the identification device into the storage area on a storage area (e.g. and / or into an intermediate storage area) (e.g. wherein the storage area has previously been moved from the storage area shelf into the storage area by the storage area management device), and

[0098] Moving the storage area by means of the storage area handling device from the storage area into the storage area shelf. According to an embodiment of the second aspect, it is proposed that the respective containers are transported by means of the gripping device to a respective storage location on a respective storage area, wherein the storage location is dependent on the identification and / or the measurement, the storage location is independent of the identification and / or the measurement, the storage location is stored, in particular in connection with at least one specific characteristic property of the respective transported container and / or the container is positioned at the storage location in a specific orientation (e.g., depending on the measurement and / or the dimensions of the container).

[0099] For example, similar containers can be positioned close to each other, meaning they have similar storage locations within a storage area. Storage locations can also be chosen in such a way that the storage area stocks are as heterogeneous as possible.

[0100] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, it is proposed that the method further comprises

[0101] (- (optional) detecting an empty input device,) transporting at least one or more containers from a first storage area into the input device, by means of the internal input opening,

[0102] Moving the first storage area from the storage area to the storage area rack,

[0103] Moving a second storage area, which is different from the first storage area, from the storage area rack into the storage area, conveying the at least one container at least by means of the ascending conveyor device, the separating device, the timing device and the identification device from the input device (e.g. back) to the gripping device, and

[0104] Transporting at least one container to the second storage area.

[0105] By re-feeding the containers to the conveyor line (via an internal feed opening), the time required for this can be used to transport containers from one storage area to another. The goods storage system can, for example, be configured to tidy up the storage area shelving in this way, for example, to create storage areas with a more homogeneous mix of goods.

[0106] Alternatively or additionally, one or more intermediate storage units can be provided for this purpose. However, this requires space, but the subsidy results in lower electricity consumption.

[0107] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, it is proposed that the method further comprises

[0108] Transporting (e.g. by means of the conveyor belt of the dispensing device) one or more containers from a storage area to the dispensing device.

[0109] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, it is proposed that (at least one of the or) the ascending conveyor device, the singling device, the timing device and the identification device are always deactivated and / or activated together (e.g. never individually), (at least one of the or) the ascending conveyor device, the singling device, the timing device and the identification device are (e.g. always) operated at a constant respective conveying speed, the ascending conveyor device (e.g. in a regular operating mode, e.g. while the goods storage is active) is activated at least as long as the input device sensor detects at least one container in the input device and / or the ascending conveyor device is deactivated as soon as (or after a predetermined period of time) the input device sensor no longer detects a container in the input device.

[0110] Joint activation and / or deactivation can enable particularly simple operation and / or control.

[0111] The steps of the disclosed methods may be performed in the order in which they are mentioned in the respective embodiments or in any permutation.

[0112] As a third aspect, a control device is disclosed which is connected to at least some of the disclosed elements of the goods storage device and is configured and / or comprises means configured to carry out and / or control the methods according to the second aspect.

[0113] The subject matter is explained in more detail below using a drawing illustrating an exemplary embodiment. The drawing shows:

[0114] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a material goods storage device according to all aspects;

[0115] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of an input device according to all aspects;

[0116] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a subject inclining conveyor device according to all aspects; Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a subject singling device according to all aspects;

[0117] Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a subject clock device and identification device according to all aspects;

[0118] Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of a gripping device in question according to all aspects;

[0119] Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of a storage area catering device according to all aspects;

[0120] Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of an input device according to all aspects.

[0121] Fig. 1 shows a goods storage device 1 in an exemplary embodiment. A frame 102 encloses the main goods storage space. The frame can, for example, be the size of an ISO container and / or fit into a 150-square-meter container. The input device 110 can be seen at the front. This is arranged outside the main goods storage space, enclosed by a housing, and has an upper filling opening 112 with a flap and a lateral filling opening, which can, for example, be an internal filling opening. Adjoining the input device 110 is an ascending conveyor device 120, which in turn opens into a separating device (not shown).

[0122] Fig. 2 shows an exemplary interior of an input device 110. The input device 110 comprises an upper filling opening 112 and a lateral (e.g., inner) filling opening 104. The input device features a tapered interior by a funnel element 106, which allows the containers to slide toward the ascending conveyor device 120. The funnel element 106 can be movable, in particular tiltable, for example, by an actuator, particularly in the direction of the ascending conveyor device 120.

[0123] Fig. 3 shows an ascending conveyor device 120, which conveys containers upwards from the input device toward the singling device 130 (not shown in Fig. 3). The ascending conveyor device 120 comprises a motor-driven conveyor belt 122, which has inclined transport lips 124. Because the transport lips slope outwards, the containers also slide outwards. The singling device 130, which leads into the interior of the goods storage area, thus receives the containers at the beginning (on the right in Fig. 3) of the singling section, so that its entire length can be utilized for singling. The ascending conveyor device 120 is enclosed, in particular completely, in a housing 126. The housing 126 can be opaque or partially transparent, as shown here as an example.

[0124] The singling device 130 shown in Fig. 4 comprises three singling conveyor belts 132a-c. The singling conveyor belts 132a-c are each bordered by side walls and have a respective singling direction indicated by arrows. The singling conveyor belts 132a-c are approximately the same length and width. Two consecutive singling conveyor belts 132a-c are arranged at different heights, so that the singling conveyor belt 132b, c located downstream in the singling direction is lower than the one immediately preceding it. This promotes the flow of packages. Also shown are two baffles 134b, c, which are respectively assigned to the singling conveyor belts 132b, c. The baffles 134b, c are each located approximately centrally in the singling conveyor belt 132b, c and protrude laterally into it. Shown are identical chicanes 134b, c for both separating conveyor belts 132b, c.The baffles comprise a round-shaped obstacle above the separating conveyor belt 132b, c, as well as a counterweight outside the separating conveyor belt 132b, c. Alternatively or additionally, the baffles 134b, c can also comprise shaped pieces or deflectors, which can be made of sheet metal, for example. The baffles 134b, c can be rotatably mounted, for example, with a spring-loaded pivot. The baffles 134b, c can be adjustable. For example, the baffles 134b, c can be displaceably mounted at their pivot point, and / or the restoring force of the spring-loaded mounting can be adjustable.

[0125] Fig. 5 shows the transition from the singling device 130 to the timing device 140 and the identification device 150. The timing device 140 and the identification device 150 have a significantly reduced conveying width than the singling device, for example, at least by a factor of 1, 2, or 3. The transition between the singling device 130 and the timing device 140, as well as between the timing device 140 and the identification device 150, can be designed, in particular, as a descending step, as shown. The conveying level is therefore lower in the subsequent step than in the previous one. An identification sensor, which is not shown here, is provided in the area of ​​the identification device 150. The identification device 150 extends beyond the storage area rack in the conveying direction of the identification device 150 (identification direction).Thus, containers can be transported by means of the identification device 150 into an area accessible by the gripping device (not shown), where they can be placed on a storage surface.

[0126] Fig. 6 discloses a gripping device 160. The gripping device 160 can, for example, have a gripping tool 168, for example a suction gripper based on negative pressure. The gripping tool 168 can be mounted on a movable, in particular pivotable and / or rotatable arm, in particular rotatable about multiple axes. This allows the gripping tool 168 to grip and rotate a container. The gripping tool 168 can also be displaced in a horizontal plane, in particular by being mounted on one or more guide rails 162, 164. This allows the gripping device to reach the dimensions of the storage area, in particular essentially the dimensions of a storage surface, and to grip and deposit containers there. Fig. 7 shows a storage area handling device 170. The storage area handling device 170 is height-adjustable and can thus be adjusted to the height of various storage surfaces 182 in the storage area rack 180.For example, the storage area handling device 170 can be motor-driven and / or retractable along two or more lateral columns, in particular on the frame of the goods storage unit. The storage area handling device 170 is further configured to remove a storage area 182 from the storage area rack 180 and / or push it in. For example, as shown, a support that can be pushed under the storage areas can be part of the storage area handling device 170. This support can at least partially engage the side of the storage area 182 and pull it out of the storage area rack 180. The storage area handling device 170 can lift the pulled-out storage area 182 into the storage area.

[0127] Fig. 8 shows an input device 190, which in this case is designed as a conveyor belt. The input device 190 is guided through the storage area shelf 180 to save space. By means of the input device 190, containers can be transported by means of the gripping device 160 (not shown) to the storage area handling device 170 (not shown). In this way, the operator can store the desired containers in the goods storage 1. A display device 200, for example a monitor, can be arranged in the area of ​​the input device 190. For example, an operator can use the display device 200 to select which containers are to be delivered from the goods storage 1 and / or can identify which containers are present in the goods storage 1 or have been stored in the goods storage 1.

[0128] In the embodiments shown in Fig. 1-8, the ascending conveyor device 120, the singling device 130 and the timing device 140, as well as partially the identification device 150 and the input device 110, surround the storage area rack 180. A storage area handling device 170 is configured to move storage areas into and out of the storage area rack 180. The conveying directions of the ascending conveyor device 120 and the singling device 130 are perpendicular to one another, in particular in their respective components perpendicular to gravity. The conveying directions of the singling device 130 and the timing device 140 are also perpendicular to one another. The conveying direction of the timing device 140 is antiparallel to the conveying direction of the ascending conveyor device 120 in their respective components perpendicular to gravity.By arranging the container path on the conveyor elements around the rack, a long conveyor path can be provided, allowing for sufficient separation and timing. At the same time, the space requirement remains minimal.

[0129] List of reference symbols

[0130] 102 frames

[0131] 104 Filling opening

[0132] 106 funnel element

[0133] 110 Input device

[0134] 112 upper filling opening

[0135] 120 Inclined conveyor device

[0136] 122 Conveyor belt

[0137] 124 transport lips

[0138] 126 housings

[0139] 130 Separation device

[0140] 132 Separation conveyor belt

[0141] 134 chicane

[0142] 140 timing device

[0143] 150 Identification device

[0144] 160 gripping device

[0145] 162 guide rails

[0146] 168 gripping tool

[0147] 170 storage area catering device

[0148] 180 storage racks

[0149] 182 storage space

[0150] 190 Dispensing device

[0151] 200 display device

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. A goods storage device comprising a substantially enclosed main goods storage space with a storage area shelf, an input device with a filling opening for the quantitative input of containers with an internal volume, an ascending conveyor device, wherein the ascending conveyor device is configured to transport the containers along an at least partially upwardly directed ascending conveyor path along an ascending conveyor direction starting from the internal volume of the input device to an ascending conveyor path end, a separating device which is configured to separate the containers along a separating path starting from the ascending conveyor path end to an ascending conveyor path end along a separating direction, wherein the separating device comprises at least one separating conveyor belt and at least one mechanical baffle for separating the containers,wherein the singling conveying direction is aligned perpendicular to the ascending conveying direction, wherein the singling device is arranged at least partially within the main goods storage space, a timing device which defines a timing section starting from the singling section end to a timing section end along a timing direction, wherein the timing direction is aligned in particular substantially perpendicular to the singling direction, wherein the substantially timing device is arranged within the main goods storage space, an identification device which comprises at least one identification sensor, wherein the identification device is arranged in particular on, Cycle section end is arranged, wherein the identification device is designed to identify and / or measure individual containers, a gripping device which is designed to transport containers from the identification device into a storage area, a storage area catering device which is designed to move one of several storage areas between the storage area and the storage area shelf.

2. Goods storage device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the input device comprises an input device sensor which is in particular configured to determine a fill level of the input device and / or the input device has a guide funnel which is inclined and / or tapered towards the ascending conveyor device and / or wherein the guide funnel comprises an actuator for actively moving containers in the direction of the ascending conveyor line, wherein in particular the actuator is configured to move containers in the direction of the ascending conveyor line depending on a fill level of the input device.

3. Goods storage according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ascending conveyor device is arranged outside the goods storage main space and the ascending conveyor device comprises a conveyor belt, wherein the conveyor belt comprises at least one conveyor lip, wherein the at least one conveyor lip is arranged obliquely.

4. Goods storage device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the singling device comprises at least three singling conveyor belts, wherein the singling conveyor belts at least partially or each comprise at least one chicane, wherein the rear singling conveyor belt in the singling direction has no chicane.

5. Goods storage according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the timing device comprises a timing conveyor belt, wherein the timing conveyor belt of the timing device has a smaller width than at least one or all has singling conveyor belts and has a higher conveying speed than the front singling conveyor belt in the singling direction, and / or has a lock.

6. Goods storage according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identification device comprises an identification conveyor belt or the identification device comprises an identification conveyor belt, wherein the identification conveyor belt has a width which corresponds to a width of the cyclic conveyor belt, has a width which deviates from a width of the cyclic conveyor belt, has a conveying speed which corresponds to the conveying speed of the cyclic conveyor belt and / or is identical to the conveying speed of the cyclic conveyor belt or has a conveying speed which deviates from the cyclic device, in particular a higher conveying speed, the at least one identification sensor comprises at least one of the following: a laser, a photodiode, one or at least two image sensors, a light barrier and / or an ultrasonic sensor and / or the identification device is designed to determine a characteristic property of a respective one of the containers, in particular the dimensions of the container and / or a product name, a Date of manufacture, expiration date, manufacturer, degree of danger, prescription only, batch, unique identification and / or combinations thereof.

7. Goods storage device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping device comprises one of the following: at least one gripping tool, in particular at least one gripping tongs, at least one suction cup and / or at least one movable carrier device, in particular a pivotable, rotatable, extendable and / or retractable arm and / or at least one rail, in particular in combination with a trolley, and / or the gripping device is limited to gripping one container at a time, the gripping device is configured to move a container within the detection range of the at least one identification sensor and / or to approach the at least one identification sensor, the gripping device is configured to process a number of containers per unit of time which is higher than a number of containers which at least one of the and / or each of the ascending conveyor devices, Separation device and timing device process, the gripping device is designed to transport containers from the deposit area and / or from a storage area into the internal input opening and / or the deposit area corresponds to a volume and / or an area which is accessible for the gripping device.

8. Goods storage according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage area catering device comprises a height-adjustable extraction tool which is configured to remove a storage area from the storage area rack and move it into the storage area, in particular wherein the storage area is positioned completely within the storage area and / or the storage area catering device is configured to position a given partial area of ​​the storage area in the storage area, while at least another partial area of ​​the storage area is positioned outside the storage area.

9. Goods storage according to one of the preceding claims, wherein storage surfaces have vertical distances from one another which are adjustable, in particular by means of actuators.

10. Goods storage according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the goods storage is mobile.

11. Goods storage according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a display device which is particularly designed to provide information on containers located in the goods storage.

12. Goods storage according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an input and / or output device which is configured to transport containers from an outside of the goods storage to a storage area, wherein the input and / or output device is in particular at least one of a conveyor belt and / or is arranged within the storage area shelf.

13. A method for operating a goods storage device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising Filling a plurality of containers into the input device, transporting the containers up to the separating device using the ascending conveyor device, Separation of the packages along the separation line by means of the Separation device, Cycle the containers using the cycle device, Identifying and / or measuring the containers using the identification device, Transporting the containers using the gripping device from the identification device into the storage area on a storage area, and moving the storage area from the storage area to the storage area rack using the storage area handling device 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the respective containers are transported by means of the gripping device to a respective storage location on a respective storage area, wherein the storage location is dependent on the identification and / or the measuring and / or the container is positioned in a specific orientation at the storage location.

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the ascending conveyor device, the singling device, the timing device and the identification device are always deactivated and / or activated together, the ascending conveyor device, the singling device, the timing device and the identification device are operated at a constant respective conveying speed, the ascending conveyor device is activated at least as long as the input device sensor detects at least one container in the input device and / or the ascending conveyor device is deactivated as soon as the input device sensor no longer detects a container in the input device.

Images