Inbound system and method for receiving at least one article in a storage system

Abstract

The invention relates to an inbound system (1) for receiving at least one article in a storage system. The inbound system (1) comprises a handling region (2) having at least one intermediate storage surface (3), an introduction region (4) which is designed to transport articles to the handling region (2), a rail portion (5) which adjoins the at least one intermediate storage surface (3) and is designed to guide a shuttle (6), and a gripping and / or pushing device (7) which is designed to transfer at least one article from the introduction region (4) to an intermediate storage surface (3). The invention further relates to a method for receiving at least one article in a storage system.

Description

[0001] advastore SE MSP symbol: 48072 PT-WO CB / CK

[0002] In-ground system and method for receiving at least one item in a storage system

[0003] The present invention relates to an inbound system for receiving at least one article into a storage system and a method for receiving at least one article into a storage system.

[0004] Warehouse systems store a wide variety of goods or items. Often, these systems also function as fulfillment centers, where end-customer orders are processed. Such orders frequently involve multiple different items in typical household quantities. Therefore, storing these items in smaller, individual units is advantageous, allowing for easy retrieval of the required quantity or combination of items from the warehouse system when an order is placed. This often necessitates the separation and storage of goods, which are frequently delivered in large packages. The challenge here is that individual storage of items requires significant manual labor or is extremely complex, resulting in cost and time losses.

[0005] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system which can provide a simplified storage of articles in a storage system.

[0006] This problem is solved by an inbound system for receiving at least one article into a storage system with the features of claim 1 and by a method for receiving at least one article into a storage system with the features of claim 25.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, an inbound system is provided for receiving at least one item into a storage system. The inbound system can comprise a transfer area with at least one intermediate storage area. The inbound system can include an infeed area configured to transport items to the transfer area. The inbound system can include a rail section adjacent to the at least one intermediate storage area, configured to guide a shuttle. The inbound system can include a gripping and / or pushing device configured to transfer at least one item from the infeed area to an intermediate storage area.

[0008] Compared to the prior art, the present invention makes it possible to individually store a large number of individual items in a storage system. More precisely, a single item can be automatically introduced through the infeed area. The item can then be temporarily stored on the intermediate storage area until a shuttle is ready to transport it to a specific storage location within the system. This has the advantage that, based on the item's information, the storage location can vary, thus allowing different storage locations to be assigned to different items. To avoid having to visit all storage locations in an inefficient manner, an item can be temporarily stored on the intermediate storage area until a shuttle can efficiently transport it to its destination.Efficient loading can occur, for example, if the shuttle can pick up an item to be retrieved on its return trip. This allows the shuttles to be deployed in such a way that they can efficiently complete routes with as few empty runs as possible.

[0009] The inbound system can be a device located within a process area of ​​a storage system. The storage system can be divided into a racking area where goods or items are stored and a process area where the items or goods are stored or retrieved. Preferably, the inbound system is used in a fully automated fulfillment center. This offers the advantage that individual items or goods can be stored without repackaging, which would normally entail considerable additional effort in terms of personnel and handling. The automated inbound system offers the possibility of feeding individual items or goods into a storage system in an automated and efficient manner. For example, a large container of items can be delivered upstream of the inbound system in a goods flow.The bulk container can then be separated so that the individual items are in their smallest packaging. From there, the items can be transferred to the inbound system's receiving area and then automatically stored in the warehouse system. The item or goods can be a product intended for the end consumer. In other words, it can contain only a few individual items. In other words, the items or goods contain typical household quantities. Furthermore, the items or goods are handled as they are in their original packaging. In other words, no additional packaging such as containers, trays, or the like is necessary to transport the goods. Rather, each item is handled in its smallest packaging unit.For example, a bag of dog food is handled as a bag of dog food, meaning it comes into direct contact with the handling equipment. The item can also be referred to as a unit load. The transfer area can be a spatially defined area where the item is moved from the infeed area to at least one intermediate storage area (also simply called a buffer) and then onto a shuttle. In other words, the transfer area can be the area where an item is transported towards its intended storage location. The intermediate storage area can be designed to temporarily hold an item in a stationary position. Unlike the transport of an item on the infeed area or a shuttle, an item cannot be moved on the intermediate storage area.

[0010] Rather, the item can be placed on the intermediate storage area to remain there for a period of time until it is transported away. The infeed area can be a transport device that picks up items after singulation and conveys them to the handling area. The rail section can be a device designed to support a shuttle. Furthermore, the rail section can be designed to guide a shuttle. In this case, the rail section can have two parallel rail contact surfaces (e.g., rails) that can come into direct contact with a traction drive of a shuttle. In other words, the rail section can define a path for the shuttle. The shuttle cannot maneuver freely or arbitrarily in space, but is bound to the rail section and can only move along it. A shuttle can also be referred to as a storage and retrieval machine.The shuttle can have a loading area where it can autonomously pick up and drop off items. In other words, the shuttle can have a handling device that allows it to actively pick up and drop off items. For example, the shuttle can automatically grasp an item temporarily stored on a buffer area, pick it up, and transfer it to its loading area before feeding it into the storage system. Once in the storage system, the shuttle can automatically unload the item and move it to the appropriate storage location. This eliminates the need for external devices or manual labor to load or unload an item from the shuttle. The gripping and / or pushing device can be a device designed to grasp or push an item.Furthermore, it is conceivable that the gripping and / or sliding device can both grasp and move an item. In this case, moving can mean physically relocating an item by applying pressure to it. Which action is performed on a given item can be determined based on the product or item information. For some items, it is advantageous to simply move them. For example, with the dog food bag mentioned above, it may be advantageous to only move it, as gripping or lifting it would likely damage the packaging. On the other hand, an item may be sensitive to being moved, in which case gripping it is easily possible.In any case, the gripping and / or pushing device can be designed to transfer an item, which is fed into the handling area at the infeed, to an intermediate storage area. Several items can also be transferred to the same intermediate storage area. This is advantageous, for example, if these similar goods or items are to be stored in the same location in the warehouse. The pushing device can be arranged and designed so that it can feed an item directly to the intermediate storage area (or buffer). In other words, the item can be fed directly (i.e., without passing through or contacting any other device) from the infeed area (e.g., a transport device such as a conveyor belt) to the intermediate storage area. This eliminates the need for any additional distribution devices to feed an item to the intermediate storage area.Overall, the inbound system offers the advantage of efficiently and individually introducing items or goods into a warehouse system. At least one intermediate storage area can be designed to be rigid (i.e., immobile). In other words, the intermediate storage area can remain stationary during operation of the inbound system. This also prevents any movement caused by external actuators. As a result, the intermediate storage area can be designed to be particularly simple and robust. Even during continuous operation, malfunctions can thus be avoided.

[0011] Preferably, the infeed area is designed as a conveying device. In other words, the infeed area can be a conveyor belt or roller conveyor that can continuously (i.e., at a constant speed) transport items in one conveying direction within the infeed area. The infeed area can extend straight (i.e., linearly) through the transfer area. The intermediate storage areas can be arranged adjacent to the infeed area on the left and right, viewed in the conveying direction. This allows items to be transferred to adjacent intermediate storage areas on either side of the infeed area, thus utilizing the space efficiently. Because the infeed area is preferably designed as a conveying device, no complex control system is necessary, as the conveying device can operate at a constant speed.In other words, the conveying system can be designed to operate at a constant conveying speed. This results in a constant transport speed for the items in the infeed area. Preferably, the infeed area is designed to be driven at a constant speed. In other words, the infeed area can convey items to the transfer area at a constant conveying speed. This simplifies the control system and eliminates the need for complex determination of the speed and / or position of the items.

[0012] Preferably, the infeed area includes a receiving area where individual items can be placed onto the infeed area. The receiving area can be located upstream of the inbound system. For example, the receiving area could be the goods receiving area of ​​a fulfillment center. Here, individual goods or items can be placed directly onto the infeed area. The infeed area can include a device within the receiving area that converts a multidimensional stream of individual items into a one-dimensional stream. A funnel-shaped device is conceivable here, into which a large number of items can be received in bulk, but which places only one item at a time onto the infeed area. This ensures that a one-dimensional stream of items is present on the infeed area. This simplifies the subsequent handling of the items.

[0013] Preferably, the entry area includes a recognition system to obtain product information about the item. This recognition system can detect whether the item is already known and therefore product information is readily available. If not, the recognition system can acquire the product information itself. For example, the item can be weighed, measured, and / or photographed. Based on this, the most important product information can be derived. Reference is made here to PCT application WO 2024 / 033417 A1, which describes the operation of a warehouse based on product information. For example, it states that the analysis of the items includes optical detection and / or weighing. For instance, the item can be visually recorded by one or more cameras. The image information obtained in this way can be evaluated to determine the item's characteristics.Visual inspection allows for the determination of an item's dimensions and shape. Furthermore, the item's surface properties can be assessed. For example, the item could be illuminated with a light source, and the reflections measured. This allows for the determination of the item's surface characteristics. Additionally or alternatively, the item can be weighed to determine its weight. In particular, when both the item's external shape and weight are considered, a detailed characterization of the item can be achieved. Specifically, the item's density can be determined. Thus, it can be observed, for instance, that an item with relatively large dimensions but low weight might be identified. This suggests that the item is fragile.The conclusion can then be recorded in the product information or article information. Preferably, the product information includes details such as fragility, load-bearing capacity, dimensional stability, surface finish, porosity, sensitivity, potential hazards posed by the article, refrigeration requirements, incompatibilities, state of matter, shelf life, odor information, and / or the article's serial number. This allows for a detailed characterization of the article.

[0014] Preferably, the inbound system includes a pusher located between the detection system and the handling area. The pusher can remove an item from the product flow and direct it to manual handling. This is the case, for example, if the item causes an error or is too large, too heavy, or exceeds other limitations of the storage system. This prevents errors in the subsequent automated handling system.

[0015] Preferably, the inbound system is designed to transfer the at least one item to the at least one intermediate storage area based on the product information. In other words, based on the product information, it can be determined whether the gripping and / or pushing device pushes, carries, or a combination of both the item from the insertion area to the at least one intermediate storage area. This allows for individual handling of the item. Furthermore, a movement speed or acceleration during the transfer between the insertion area and the intermediate storage area can be determined based on the product information. This ensures particularly careful handling while simultaneously maximizing system efficiency. The pushing device can be designed so that it cannot lift an item. For example, the pushing device cannot grip and hold an item (e.g.,(contrary to the force of gravity). Rather, the sliding device can reposition an item by sliding it. This avoids applying a gripping force to the item that would be necessary to hold it. Consequently, damage to the item caused by such a gripping force can be avoided.

[0016] Preferably, the insertion area and the at least one intermediate storage area are arranged and designed such that a transport surface of the insertion area and a surface of the at least one intermediate storage area are at the same level. This avoids the need for a gap or step between the insertion area and the intermediate storage area. Such a gap or step would cause problems and potentially damage to the article when it is moved from the insertion area to the intermediate storage area. Therefore, it is advantageous for both surfaces to be flush with each other.

[0017] Preferably, at least one intermediate storage unit is passively designed. In other words, the intermediate storage unit or its surface does not include any actively operated devices. This allows the intermediate storage unit to be designed very simply, as it contains no moving parts or even controlled handling devices. Instead, the intermediate storage unit is supplied with items by the gripping and / or pushing device. The items are automatically removed from the intermediate storage unit by the shuttle. Therefore, the intermediate storage unit can be designed to be simple and require little maintenance.

[0018] Preferably, the intermediate storage unit is designed like a table. In other words, the intermediate storage unit can stand on legs and define a surface. Furthermore, the height of the intermediate storage unit can be adjusted so that it can easily be brought to the same height as the infeed area. This allows the intermediate storage unit to be easily adapted to the prevailing conditions. The items can be placed on the surface. This is a particularly simple and cost-effective design, which allows the inbound system to be designed to be especially efficient.

[0019] Preferably, the at least one intermediate storage area is accessible from at least two, in particular opposite, sides. In other words, it is advantageous for the intermediate storage area to be arranged between the insertion area and the rail section. Preferably, the insertion area borders directly on the intermediate storage area on one side, while the rail section borders directly on the opposite side of the intermediate storage area. This ensures a smooth transfer between the insertion area and the shuttle, which travels on the rail section. This minimizes the movement distance of an item, thereby increasing the handling speed.

[0020] Preferably, the at least one intermediate storage unit is designed to receive at least one item from a first side and deliver it to an opposite side. In other words, the intermediate storage unit can be designed without obstacles or other limitations, allowing items to be fed in and out without difficulty. The direction of transport between the first side and the opposite second side can be referred to as the item transport direction.

[0021] Preferably, the at least one intermediate storage unit has a flat surface. In other words, the surface of the intermediate storage unit can be parallel to a horizontal plane. This ensures that items resting on the intermediate storage unit are securely positioned and do not slip. Furthermore, it ensures that items are not damaged by any uneven surfaces when being moved onto or away from the intermediate storage unit.

[0022] Preferably, a multitude of intermediate storage units are provided in the handling area. This offers the advantage that a large number of items can be temporarily stored in these units. Each intermediate storage unit can be distinguished from others in that it is assigned a single stopping point for a shuttle on the track section. In other words, no two shuttles can stop at the same intermediate storage unit to pick up items. This allows the length of the intermediate storage unit in the transport direction of the infeed area to correspond to the length of the shuttle in the same direction. This ensures that the shuttle stopping at a specific intermediate storage unit can pick up all the items located there. Furthermore, multiple shuttles can simultaneously pick up items from their respective intermediate storage units using a multitude of intermediate storage units.Furthermore, it is also conceivable that intermediate storage units are arranged on both sides of the infeed area. This would allow for two rail sections, thus increasing the overall throughput of the inbound system.

[0023] Preferably, at least one intermediate storage unit is designed to be passive, such that an item located on it can only be removed by an external device. In other words, the intermediate storage unit has no active handling or lifting devices. This allows the intermediate storage unit to be designed in a particularly simple manner.

[0024] Preferably, the gripping and / or pushing device is designed as a gantry system. In other words, the gripping and / or pushing device is movably mounted on a support structure located above the insertion area, the at least one intermediate storage area, and the rail section. In other words, the gripping and / or pushing device can be designed similarly to a gantry crane. This allows the gripping and / or pushing device to be easily positioned at any location within the handling area to handle an item. Furthermore, access to the gripping and / or pushing device from above the handling area can be provided, allowing the overall system to be designed compactly.

[0025] Preferably, the gripping and / or sliding device is designed to grip an article in order to feed it from the insertion area to at least one intermediate storage area. The gripping and / or sliding device can grip the article mechanically. In other words, the article can be brought into an engagement state so that the gripping and / or sliding device can move it. Alternatively, the gripping and / or sliding device may also have a suction gripper that can pneumatically grip the article to move it. This allows the article to be moved safely by the gripping and / or sliding device, depending on its properties.

[0026] Preferably, the gripping and / or sliding device is designed to move an article in order to feed it from the insertion area to at least one intermediate storage area. In other words, the article can be contacted by the device in order to be relocated. In this case, the weight of the article can still be supported by the substrate or surface on which the article rests. In contrast, when gripping, the article can be completely or partially lifted from the substrate or surface on which it rests. By sliding, an article that is difficult or hard to grip can also be relocated without being damaged. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a combination of both methods is used. In other words, the article can be partially gripped and partially pushed.This allows the advantages of both methods to be combined. Which method is used to move the item with the gripping and / or sliding device depends entirely on the specific item. Item characterization can be based on the item or product information.

[0027] Preferably, the gripping and / or sliding device has at least one contact element designed to grip or move an article. The contact element can, for example, be a pincer-like device capable of both gripping and moving the article. For this purpose, the contact element can have, for example, an inner and an outer surface. The inner surface can then come into contact with the article when it is being gripped. The outer surface can then come into contact with the article when it is to be moved. This allows both actions to be achieved with a single, simple device.

[0028] Preferably, the gripping and / or sliding device has three contact elements designed to contact an article on at least three sides. The contact elements can be finger-like devices that form a receiving space between them. The receiving space can be essentially rectangular. The receiving space can therefore be bounded on three of its four sides by the contact elements. This allows an article located in the receiving space to be easily moved on a two-dimensional plane without requiring repositioning of the gripping and / or sliding device.

[0029] Preferably, the contact elements are movable relative to each other. In other words, the receiving space formed by the three contact elements can be variable. This allows the receiving space to be adapted to the specific size of the item being moved. This enables individual handling of the items, reducing or preventing damage. The contact elements can be moved towards or away from each other. In other words, the contact elements can be moved translationally relative to each other.

[0030] Preferably, the gripping and / or sliding device is designed to grasp and / or move an article in such a way that at least part of the article's weight is borne by the insertion area and / or at least one intermediate storage area. In other words, the gripping and / or sliding device can reposition articles so that at least part of the article's weight is transferred to the surface it rests on. This eliminates the need to completely lift an article from the surface it rests on (for example, the insertion area or the intermediate storage area). This prevents damage to the article itself and also allows for a simpler design of the gripping and / or sliding device.

[0031] Preferably, the gripping and / or pushing device is designed to transfer an article from the insertion area to at least one intermediate storage area while the insertion area is driven. In other words, the insertion area (which may be designed as a conveyor) is driven continuously, even when the gripping and / or pushing device is attempting to transfer an article from the insertion area to an intermediate storage area. In this case, the gripping and / or pushing device moves in the transport direction of the insertion area, so that it has no relative velocity to the previously stored article. This allows an article to be transferred to an intermediate storage area from full speed. As a result, the control of the insertion area can be simplified, and the transfer can take place without stopping the insertion area.

[0032] Preferably, the gripping and / or sliding device is designed to move along a transport direction of the insertion area at the transport speed of the insertion area. This allows the relative speed between the gripping and / or sliding device and the article to become zero. This enables the gripping and / or sliding device to be optimally positioned close to and in contact with the article, thus preventing damage to the article.

[0033] Preferably, the rail section is designed and arranged such that the loading area of ​​a shuttle positioned on the rail section is at the same level as the surface of the intermediate storage unit. This prevents damage to the item from a gap or step when transferring it from the intermediate storage unit to the loading area of ​​a shuttle. This, in turn, prevents damage to the item altogether. Preferably, the inbound system has at least one loading area so that the shuttle can reach the rail section in a vertical direction of movement. In other words, the shuttle can only move in a horizontal direction on the rail section. A loading area can be provided to facilitate the loading and unloading of multiple shuttles, particularly when multiple intermediate storage units are used.In a control area, a shuttle can be moved in a vertical direction. This allows shuttles to be positioned on the rail section at a desired location within the inbound system via a platform to reach a specific intermediate storage area for retrieving items. Compare this to PCT application WO 2024 / 033420 A1, which describes a shuttle capable of horizontal and vertical movement. This shuttle is preferably also used in the present inbound system. Therefore, the content of the application concerning this shuttle is included herein. Furthermore, reference is made to PCT application WO 2024 / 033419 A1, which discloses a passive racking system, specifically a platform or a horizontal rail section. These two systems are also advantageously applicable to the present invention, and their technical design is therefore included herein from the aforementioned application.Preferably, a shuttle can also travel horizontally through the loading area. Thus, the inbound system can incorporate multiple loading areas extending along the track section. The shuttles can then be directed to and from the track section according to their destination (i.e., the intermediate storage area from which they intend to pick up items). This significantly increases the efficiency and throughput of the inbound system.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the use of one of the aforementioned inbound systems in a storage system, particularly in a fulfillment center, is provided. This simplifies the process step of storing goods in a racking area.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the present invention, an inbound arrangement is provided comprising at least two inbound systems according to one of the preceding claims. The inbound arrangement can be configured such that the insertion areas of the inbound systems are continuously connected to one another. In other words, a single insertion area can extend continuously through several inbound systems. Even in such a case, the insertion area can be operated at a constant speed without the need for stopping, deceleration, or acceleration. The gripping and / or pushing device of the individual inbound systems can adapt to the transport speed of the insertion area, so that the articles can be easily transferred to the intermediate storage areas of the inbound systems.

[0036] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for receiving at least one article into a storage system is provided. The method can comprise feeding at least one article from an infeed area to a transfer area. The method can comprise transferring the article from the infeed area to an intermediate storage area by means of a gripping and / or sliding device. The method can comprise temporarily storing the article on the intermediate storage area. The method can comprise feeding a shuttle along a rail section such that the shuttle is positioned adjacent to the intermediate storage area. The method can further comprise picking up the article from the intermediate storage area by the shuttle.

[0037] This can provide a process in which individual items can be easily fed into a storage system.

[0038] Individual features or embodiments can be combined with other features or embodiments to form new embodiments. Improvements and advantages mentioned in connection with the feature or embodiment also apply analogously to the new embodiments. Further developments or advantages mentioned in connection with the device also apply analogously to the method, and vice versa. The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Fig. 1 is a schematic and perspective view of an inbound system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Fig. 2 is a schematic and perspective view of an inbound system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Fig. 3 is a schematic and perspective view of part of an in-bound system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Fig. 4 is a schematic and perspective view of an inbound arrangement 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Fig. 5 is a schematic flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Fig. 1 is a schematic and perspective view of an inbound system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The inbound system 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, is integrated into a process area of ​​a storage system. The inbound system 1 is configured to receive at least one item into a storage system. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the individual items are placed onto the feed area 4 in a receiving area 43 on the right side of the figure. In the present embodiment, the feed area 4 is configured as a roller conveyor. However, the feed area 4 can be any conveying device configured to transport an item in a conveying direction. In the present embodiment, the system checks whether the item placed onto the receiving area 43 is already known.The article is fed to an analysis station 41. Here, the article is photographed and, in some embodiments, weighed. This allows article or product information to be obtained. The article is then transported to a pusher 42. If the article is found to be defective, cannot be handled by the downstream storage system, or has other deficiencies, the pusher 42 can remove the article from the article flow and send it for manual handling. However, if the article passes through and can be handled by the storage system, it is transported further along the infeed area 4 to a transfer area 2 of the inbound system 1. In the transfer area 2 of the inbound system 1 of the present embodiment, six intermediate storage areas 3 are provided adjacent to the infeed area 4.The articles are thus transported between the intermediate storage areas 3 on the infeed area 4. In the present embodiment, a gripping and / or pushing device 7 is arranged as a portal-like handling device in the transfer area 2. After being detected at the analysis station 41, an article may be assigned a specific storage location in the storage system (not shown in the figures) by an algorithm. Consequently, an intermediate storage area or intermediate storage unit 3 may already be designated for the article, where it is to be placed for transport to the loading area. Therefore, the article is transported on the infeed area 4 in the direction of transport until it approaches the intermediate storage area or intermediate storage unit 3 in which it is to be temporarily stored.If this is the case, the gripping and / or pushing device 7 is activated to transfer the item to the desired intermediate storage area 3. For this purpose, the gripping and / or pushing device 7 can assume a movement speed in the transport direction 44, so that the gripping and / or pushing device 7 moves at the same speed as the item. Then, by a combined application of a gripping operation and a pushing operation, the item can be transferred by the gripping and / or pushing device 7 to the desired intermediate storage area 3. This transfer can also be carried out as a pure pushing operation or a pure gripping operation. This depends on how the item is characterized. This characterization is determined by the product information. Once the item is positioned on the intermediate storage area 3, it is ready to be transferred to the storage area.In the present embodiment, this is achieved by means of an autonomously driving shuttle. The shuttle can travel on a track section 5, which is arranged adjacent to the intermediate storage area 3. Furthermore, the inbound system 1 can include a platform 51 in which the shuttle can move vertically. The platform 51 can have a tower-like structure and can be traversed by the shuttle both vertically and horizontally. In Fig. 1, a possible path of travel for the shuttle is indicated by the arrows 52. In other words, the shuttle can come from above the inbound system 1, travel down through the platform 51 to reach the track section 5. The track section then guides the shuttle, adjacent to the intermediate storage area, to the desired storage location of the item.Once the shuttle reaches the desired item, shuttle 6 can independently pick it up and transfer it to a designated area within the shuttle. Shuttle 6 then resumes its movement and travels to the storage area to unload the item at the designated location.

[0045] Fig. 2 is a schematic and perspective view of an inbound system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows essentially the same inbound system 1 as shown in Fig. 1, but from a different perspective and with fewer adjacent elements. The arrows shown in Fig. 2 illustrate the movement possibilities of the gripping and / or sliding device 7. In particular, the gripping and / or sliding device 7 can be displaced along the transport direction 44 of the insertion area 4. Thus, the gripping and / or sliding device 7 can match the speed of the articles transported by the insertion area 4 in order to easily contact them and then request them onto the intermediate storage areas 3. In the present embodiment, the gripping and / or sliding device has a first contact element 71, a second contact element 72, and a third contact element 73.At least one of the contact elements can be displaced relative to the other contact elements. In the present embodiment, the third contact element 73 and the first contact element 71 can be displaced relative to the second contact element 72. This allows the receiving space formed by the contact elements 71, 72, 73 to be varied. Thus, the receiving space or the gripping and / or sliding device 7 can be optimally adapted to the article being moved. The infeed device 4 in Fig. 2 is depicted as a belt conveyor. Articles can therefore be transferred directly from the infeed device 4 through the sliding device 7 to the intermediate storage area 3.

[0046] Fig. 3 is a schematic and perspective view of an inbound system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The inbound system 1 shown in Fig. 3 corresponds essentially to the inbound system shown in the preceding figures. In Fig. 3, only a shuttle 6 is shown, which is carried on the rail section 5 and positioned adjacent to an intermediate storage area. In the position of the shuttle 6 shown in Fig. 3, the shuttle can pick up an item from the intermediate storage area 3. For this purpose, the shuttle has a gripping device, which is not shown in detail.

[0047] Fig. 4 is a schematic and perspective view of an inbound arrangement 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the inbound arrangement shown in Fig. 4, it can be seen that three individual inbound systems 1 are connected in series. The feed area 4 extends continuously through all three inbound systems 1. This allows the processing depth to be significantly increased. Furthermore, it can be seen that each inbound system is assigned two rail sections 5 and four lifts 51. This allows for an increased throughput of items.

[0048] Fig. 5 is a schematic flowchart illustrating the sequence of a process according to one embodiment of the present invention. In step S1, at least one article is fed from an infeed area 4 to a transfer area 2. Subsequently, in step S2, the article is moved from the infeed area to an intermediate storage area by means of a gripping and / or sliding device 7. Then, in step S3, the article is temporarily stored on the intermediate storage area. Subsequently, in step S4, a shuttle 6 is fed along the rail section 5 such that the shuttle 6 is positioned adjacent to the intermediate storage area 3. In step S5, the shuttle picks up the article from the intermediate storage area to transport it to the loading area. The shuttle then exits the inbound system 1 and delivers the article to the target position in the loading area.

[0049] Reference symbol list:

[0050] 1 Inbound system

[0051] 2 transshipment area

[0052] 3 Intermediate storage area

[0053] 4. Insertion area

[0054] 5 track section

[0055] 6 Shuttle

[0056] 7 Sliding device

[0057] 41 Analysis Station

[0058] 42 deportees

[0059] 43 Recording area

[0060] 44 Transport direction for insertion area

[0061] 51 Steiger

[0062] 52 arrows for shuttle route

[0063] 71 first contact element

[0064] 72 second contact element

[0065] 73 third contact element

Claims

Claims 1. Inbound system (1) for receiving at least one article into a storage system, comprising: a handling area (2) with at least one intermediate storage area (3), an infeed area (4) designed to transport articles to the handling area (2), a rail section (5) adjacent to the at least one intermediate storage area (3) designed to guide a shuttle (6), a gripping and / or pushing device (7) designed to transfer at least one article from the infeed area (4) to an intermediate storage area (3).

2. Inbound system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the insertion area (4) is designed as a conveying device.

3. Inbound system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the insertion area (4) is configured to be driven constantly.

4. Inbound system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insertion area (4) has a receiving area (43) at which the articles can be individually applied to the insertion area (4).

5. Inbound system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet area (4) has a recognition system to obtain product information of the article.

6. Inbound system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inbound system (1) comprises a pusher (42) provided between the detection system and the transshipment area (2). - 22 / 26 - 7. Inbound system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inbound system (1) is configured to transfer the at least one article to the at least one intermediate storage area (3) based on the product information.

8. Inbound system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insertion area (4) and the at least one intermediate storage (3) are arranged and configured such that a transport surface of the insertion area (4) and a surface of the at least one intermediate storage (3) are arranged at the same level.

9. Inbound system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one intermediate storage (3) is passively configured.

10. Inbound system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate storage (3) is designed in a table-like manner.

11. Inbound system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one intermediate storage (3) is accessible from at least two, in particular opposite, sides.

12. Inbound system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one intermediate storage (3) is configured to receive at least one article from a first page and deliver it to an opposite page.

13. Inbound system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one intermediate storage (3) has a flat surface.

14. Inbound system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of intermediate storage facilities (3) are provided in the transshipment area (2).

15. Inbound system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one intermediate storage (3) is designed to be passive such that an article located thereon can only be removed from the intermediate storage (3) by an external device.

16. Inbound system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping and / or sliding device (7) is designed as a portal device.

17. Inbound system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping and / or sliding device (7) is configured to grip an article in order to feed the article from the insertion area (4) to the at least one intermediate storage area and / or wherein the gripping and / or sliding device (7) is configured to move an article in order to feed the article from the insertion area (4) to the at least one intermediate storage area.

18. Inbound system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping and / or sliding device (7) has at least one contact element (71, 72, 73) which is configured to grip and / or move an article.

19. Inbound system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping and / or sliding device (7) has three contact elements (71, 72, 73) configured to contact an article on at least three sides.

20. Inbound system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact elements (71, 72, 73) are displaceable relative to each other.

21. Inbound system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping and / or sliding device (7) is configured to grip and / or move an article such that at least part of the weight of the article from the introduction area and / or which carries at least an intermediate storage area.

22. Inbound system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping and / or sliding device (7) is configured to transfer an article from the insertion area (4) to the at least one intermediate storage while the insertion area (4) is driven.

23. Inbound system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping and / or sliding device (7) is configured to be moved along a transport direction of the insertion area (4) at the transport speed of the insertion area (4).

24. Inbound system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rail section (5) is designed and arranged such that a loading area of ​​a shuttle (6) positioned on the rail section (5) is at the same level as the surface of the intermediate storage (3).

25. Method for receiving at least one item into a storage system, comprising: Feeding at least one article from an infeed area (4) to a transfer area (2), Transferring the article from the insertion area (4) to an intermediate storage area (3) by means of a gripping and / or sliding device (7), intermediate storage of the article on the intermediate storage area (3), feeding a shuttle (6) on a rail section (5) so that the shuttle (6) is positioned adjacent to the intermediate storage area (3), picking up the article from the intermediate storage area (3) by the shuttle (6). - 25 / 26 -

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