DE102011000481A1 - Method for picking articles of different turnover rate from storage container in order container, involves determining order position of article from warehouse management system or computer over multiple picking orders - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves determining order position of an article from a warehouse management system or computer over multiple picking orders. A picking area or another picking area is assigned in a disposition testing for the article of a storage container. The storage container is provided with article. An independent claim is also included for a system for picking articles of different turnover rate from storage container in order container.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a system for picking articles from storage containers in order containers, as described in the preambles of claims 1 and 18.

Nowadays, one mainly uses the so-called picking principle "goods to man".

In the "goods to man" principle, the articles to be picked are stored in load carriers, preferably in containers, or on trays, pallets and the like, in a warehouse. Such containers are also called storage containers. Picking takes place locally from the warehouse separately at picking workstations. The articles stored in the storage containers are transported via a first conveyor technology, such as motor-driven roller conveyors, belt conveyors, overhead conveyors, etc., to a picking workstation. At picking workstation there is a picking person to pick according to order picking items from the storage containers and to give the removed items in so-called order container. An order container can hold a variety of different items. The picking person does not have to move much to be able to process a picking order. The order containers are transported for this purpose on a second conveyor to the picking workstation.

Such a picking principle is for example from the DE 101 36 354 A1 and EP 1 572 558 A1 known. However, in these known picking the storage containers are manipulated regardless of the turnover rate of the articles. If an article is required for a picking order, a storage container with this article is conveyed to the picking workstation via the first conveyor, offered for picking on a ready-made space and transported back to the warehouse from the picking workstation after processing the picking order. With more complex picking systems, the provision of storage containers can lead to repeated congestion, which has a negative effect on picking efficiency.

Also, from the prior art, for example, the WO 2009/143548 A1 . DE 10 2006 058 523 A1 and WO 2007/134832 A2 Picking known in which articles depending on their structural characteristics on the conveyor along different conveyor paths either by loading equipment, especially trays, or directly on a conveyor plane superimposed (without loading equipment) are transported from the warehouse to the picking workstations.

Furthermore, from the EP 0 847 939 A1 a method for picking articles of different turnover rate from storage containers in order container known, in which the storage containers promoted by a first conveyor from a container storage to picking jobs in different picking and taken from these respectively from a picking person to a picking at least one article from the storage container and stored in a job container provided by a second conveyor. The order-picking stations each have a multiplicity of through-flow channels, in which the storage containers are made available depending on the turnover rate of the articles. The articles are classified according to the pareto principle in fast and slow runners. 20% of the article volume is high-speed, 80% slow-speed. The flow channels are also structurally differentiated from high-speed throughflow channels and slow-speed throughflow channels. If a storage container contains high-speed articles, it is provided in a high-speed through-flow channel. If a storage container contains low-speed article, it is provided in a slow-speed pass-through channel. Storage containers, which contain slow-speed articles and are still partially filled, are manually pushed by a picking person from a picking position in the front end region of a flow channel to a return position in the rear end region of a flow channel after a picking operation. The slow-speed passages are further equipped for this purpose with a barrier which defines the return position and the storage container retains, if this in turn is to be stored in the container storage. Due to the high percentage of slow runners and the "artificially pure" provision of articles in a flow channel also a correspondingly high number of pass channels must be provided to allow efficient operation of the picking system. Also, the articles within each picking workstation, regardless of an order preview and whether according to the order forecast a pass channel for re-providing a slow-moving article is required, the pass channel by pushing back a storage container "emptied", so that a lot of manipulation for the picking person arises. Thus, the case may arise that within a short period of time, for example 30 minutes, the same item is required several times for different picking orders and storage containers must be provided in one and the same pass channel for each picking order. The multiple provisioning operations require high power to the rack conveyor vehicle, which the flow channels with the storage containers fed, which has an adverse effect on the life of the picking system.

The invention has for its object to provide a method and a system for picking items from storage containers by picking persons, which can increase the order picking efficiency in compliance with strict ergonomic requirements.

The object of the invention is achieved by the features and measures of claims 1 and 18. The advantage is that order picking at structurally separate order-picking workstations in different picking areas according to the picking principle "goods to man" are processed in parallel. The articles are distributed in storage containers in a coordinated manner to the picking areas, whereby the distribution is based on a disposition check. The storage containers can be conveyed without interruption by traffic jams along the first conveyor to the order-picking workstations and continuously provided to the picking person. Thanks to these measures, a very high order picking efficiency can be achieved even with a very wide range of articles (30,000 to 40,000 different articles). Also, different picking technologies can be used in the picking areas, which allows a high degree of design freedom, especially with regard to the ergonomics of the picking workstations.

Another advantage is the measure according to claim 2, according to which the distribution of the storage container takes place on the order picking according to the turnover rate of the article. Thus, articles of high turnover rate (high-speed machines) are picked in the first picking area and articles of low turnover rate (slow-speed) in the second picking area. By this measure, a mixing of storage containers with articles of different turnover frequency at a picking workstation in the first picking and picking work in the second picking area and thus the mutual blocking in the provision of storage containers is avoided.

By the measure according to claim 3, the utilization of a picking person can be determined at a picking workstation. A storage container is provided at a picking workstation in the first picking area only if the order picking person can also process a picking order in a timely manner. If, for example, it is ascertained by the computer in the scheduling check that a large number of order containers are already accumulated in a conveyor section of the second conveyor system, in particular at a conveyor track for order containers passing through the order-picking workstation, the order picking person is over a period of time with the processing of "pending" order picking orders employed. In this case, for the time being, no further storage containers (articles) are conveyed to the picking workstation in the first picking area. However, decoupled from the processing of order picking in the first picking area, storage container (article) on the first conveyor to one of the picking jobs in the second picking area can be supplied. If the "pending" picking orders have been processed in the first picking area and, therefore, the performance parameter is again below a limit value, storage containers can again be fed to the picking workstation in the first picking area via the first conveyor technique. As a result, an approximately uniform utilization of picking persons is achieved in the picking areas.

Another advantage is the measure according to claim 4, according to which a storage container is provided at one of the picking workstations in the first picking area, if one of the staging areas is unoccupied. If several staging areas are unoccupied, the storage container can be transported to any of the staging areas depending on the number of article positions to be taken as close as possible to a holding position for a job container. The provision of storage containers can be similar to the principle of so-called "chaotic storage", therefore, the storage containers are not transported to a specific staging area, but to any free staging area, which calculates and determines from the computer of the picking system according to an optimization principle (disposition analysis) becomes. On the other hand, the storage container is provided at one of the picking workstations in the second order picking area, if all staging areas are occupied at one of the picking workstations in the first picking area. If a picking order is determined by the warehouse management system (computer) in the order preview via the recorded picking orders, in which the stock quantity in one of the stored in the container storage storage container with the order quantity for an article, as described in claim 5, the storage container is fed to the second picking and defined by the computer as an order container, in which articles of another article type are stored. As a result, the picking process can be carried out particularly efficiently. It is not necessary for this order container to go through several picking workstations in order to receive all articles for a picking order. This optimizes the transport routes for the order containers and also relieves the load on the second conveyor system. In addition, the number of order containers located in the picking system can be reduced.

By means of the measure according to claim 6, parallel order-picking orders can be processed in both commissioning areas already in the commissioning phase of the order-picking system, thereby increasing the picking performance.

A particularly simple measure for providing storage containers in flow channels is described in claim 7. A return of a storage container from the staging area in the container storage can be done without manipulation of the storage container by the picking person.

On the other hand, the measure according to claim 8 makes it possible to provide a large number of storage containers at one of the picking workstations in the first picking area. A mixture of different types of articles within a flow channel is avoided. In this case, only after return storage of one or more storage container (s) from the staging area in the container storage another type of article can be provided in the same flow channel.

According to the measures in claims 9 and 10, a still partially filled storage container is stored back from the staging area in the container storage. In this case, the storage container can be taken either directly from the staging area on the first conveyor or initially moved by a picking person from the staging area in the transfer area and be taken over by this on the first conveyor.

Contrary to the known from the prior art storage process, according to the measures according to claims 11 to 14 storage containers are not forcibly stored after each removal of articles from the staging area in the container storage. The return is made dependent on a single deposit criterion or a combination of several deposit criteria. As a result, the manipulation effort for the picking person can be minimized. Also, the number of provisioning operations can be reduced and yet a high order picking efficiency can be achieved. In addition, the first conveyor technology can be operated below its maximum power limit, which has a positive effect on the maintenance and the service life of the picking system. Thus, it is now provided that a storage container (article) is only stored back if there is no order picking for this article according to the order forecast or within a time window and / or the first conveyor, in particular a conveyor vehicle is not operated with maximum drive power. On the other hand, the utilization of a picking person at a picking workstation can also be taken into account for the return operation. A storage container is only stored back at a picking workstation in the first picking area, if the order picking person can make a re-storage procedure in a timely manner.

The measures according to claims 15 to 17 are also advantageous, since the allocation of the storage containers to the provisioning sites at one of the picking workstations in the first picking area is made dependent on a single optimization criterion or a combination of several optimization criteria. As a result, a shortening of the running distance for the order picking person is achieved during the picking process. If the storage containers are provided within a picking zone dynamically assigned by the computer, which is defined by a number of pass channels calculated according to a picking order, the picking process becomes simpler and can be carried out more efficiently. The storage containers of a picking order are preferably provided as close as possible to a holding position for an order container, depending on the number of article items to be removed, so that the running distance between the assigned picking zone and a holding position of a order container is optimized. The different articles required for a picking order are combined within the picking zone into a group, which are stored in at least one order container. It is not necessary for a job container to go through several picking workstations in the first order picking area in order to receive all articles for a picking order. This optimizes the transport routes for the order containers and also relieves the load on the second conveyor system.

Another advantage is the embodiment according to claim 19, since the order-picking workstation is integrated very space-saving in the container storage in the first picking area.

The embodiment according to claim 20 is also advantageous because it enables the order-picking workstation in the second picking area to be constructed according to a different picking technology than on the picking workstation in the first picking area.

For a better understanding of the invention, this will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

Each shows in a highly schematically simplified representation:

1 the Umlagerebene a plant according to the invention for picking articles with a first conveyor for storage containers;

2 the picking level of the plant according to the invention for picking articles with a second conveyor for order containers;

3 a view of a storage rack of the container storage and a conveyor vehicle in the transfer of a storage container to one of the picking workstations in the first picking area;

4 a section of the container storage with one of the picking jobs in the first picking area, in side view;

5 an excerpt from the picking workstation 4 with the provisioning areas provided on the left side;

6 an enlarged view of a lock stop and an actuator for the locking stop in side view;

7 an enlarged detail from the second picking area with several order-picking jobs, in plan view;

8th a picking workplace according to 7 in side view;

9 essential method steps of an embodiment of the invention;

10 a flowchart with different process steps for the expiry of a disposition check;

11 a flowchart with different process steps for the operation of the provision of storage containers in staging areas and return of storage containers in the container storage.

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component names, wherein the disclosures contained in the entire description can be mutatis mutandis to the same parts with the same reference numerals or component names. Also, the location selected in the description, such as. B. top, bottom, side, etc. related to the immediately described and illustrated figure and are mutatis mutandis to transfer to a new position on a change in position.

In the 1 to 8th is a plant 1 for picking articles of different turnover rates from storage containers 2 in order container 3 shown. The attachment 1 includes a container store 4 , a first picking area 5 ( 1 ), a second picking area 6 ( 7 ), a first conveyor technology 7 for the storage containers 2 ( 1 ) and a second conveyor 8th for the order containers 3 ( 2 ).

The automated, first conveyor technology 7 comprises in its first conveyor section a storage container distribution system 9 and in its second conveyor section at least one computer-controlled storage container conveyor vehicle 10 , in particular a storage and retrieval unit, wherein the storage container 2 with the conveyor vehicle 10 between the container store 4 and the distribution system 9 be encouraged. The distribution system 9 has a first funding orbit 11 and a second funding orbit 12 that are interconnected. As can be seen from the figure, the distribution system 9 arranged in a Umlagerebene. The first conveyor technology 7 can also transfer points 13 for storage containers 2 include, via the discharge and infeed lanes 14 . 15 with the first funding orbit 11 are connected. The first funding orbit 11 on the one hand, a discharge area, in which the storage container 2 by a (not shown) discharge device from the conveyor circulation path 11 on the Einschleusbahn 15 be promoted, and on the other hand, a Einschleusbereich in which the storage container 2 by an infeed device (not shown) from the discharge track 14 on the funding orbit 11 be encouraged. The transport vehicle 10 can from the container store 4 storage containers 2 and at the transfer points 13 to the first conveyor technology 7 to hand over. On the other hand, at the transfer points 13 storage containers 2 provided before leaving the carrier vehicle 10 the first conveyor technology 7 taken over and into the container warehouse 4 be stored.

The second funding orbit 12 includes on the one hand Ausschleusbereiche 16 in which the storage containers 2 in each case by a (not shown) discharge device from the conveyor circulation path 12 in the second picking area 6 on a deployment track 17 be promoted, and on the other hand Einschleusbereiche 18 in which the storage containers 2 each by a (not shown) Einschleusvorrichtung from the second picking 6 from a conveyor track 19 on the funding orbit 12 be encouraged.

The funding orbits 11 . 12 are interconnected in a transfer area via at least one transfer device (not shown). The storage containers 2 be in the transfer area by a transfer device from the first funding orbit 11 on the second funding orbit 12 or vice versa.

To the distribution system 9 is also a conveyor track 20 for the transport of storage containers filled with articles 2 connected from a goods receipt (supply system).

These storage containers 2 be through the distribution system 9 to one of the transfer points 13 promoted and from the carrier vehicle 10 into the container warehouse 4 stored.

The automated, second conveyor technology 8th includes a job container distribution system 21 and to this subsequent picking conveyor belts 22 , The distribution system 21 has shown embodiment, a first conveying orbit 23 in the first picking area 5 and a second funding orbit 24 in the second picking area 6 , where the picking conveyors 22 in each case via a conveying section of the first conveying orbit 23 extend parallel to a shelf front and with the first conveying orbit 23 are connected. As can be seen from the figure, the distribution system 21 arranged in a picking level.

The first funding orbit 23 comprises on the one hand Ausschleusbereiche in which the order container 3 in each case by a (not shown) discharge device from the conveyor circulation path 23 on the picking conveyor belts 22 in the first picking area 5 be promoted, and on the other Einschleusbereiche in which the order container 3 in each case by a (not shown) Einschleusvorrichtung of the picking conveyor tracks 22 on the funding orbit 23 be encouraged.

The second funding orbit 24 includes Einschleusbereiche 25 in which filled order containers 3 each by a (not shown) Einschleusvorrichtung of a conveyor track 26 from the second picking area 6 on the funding orbit 24 be promoted.

The funding orbits 23 . 24 are interconnected in a transfer area via at least one transfer device (not shown). The order containers 3 be in the transfer area by a transfer device from the first funding orbit 23 on the second funding orbit 24 or vice versa.

To the distribution system 21 is also a conveyor track 27 for the removal of order containers filled with articles 3 connected to a goods issue.

The finished order containers 3 can now via the distribution system 21 from the first picking area 5 or the second picking area 6 be promoted to the goods issue. Are for a picking order from the first picking area 5 and the second picking area 6 Items may need the order containers 3 , after the (partial) picking in the second picking area 6 via the distribution system 21 for (partial) picking in the first picking area 5 be encouraged. After that, the order container containing all the articles required for a picking order is placed 3 from the first picking area 6 promoted to goods issue.

After a in 2 In dashed lines registered design, it is also possible that the distribution system 21 additional conveyor tracks 28 for transporting order containers 3 having, each of the conveyor tracks 28 with a buffer 75 for order containers 3 ( 7 ) and so also to a picking workstation 29 order containers 3 can be requested. The order containers 3 can through the distribution system 21 from the first picking area 5 to the second picking area 6 be promoted when articles from both picking areas 5 . 6 needed. After the picking process in the second picking area 6 is completed, the order container containing all the articles required for a picking order 3 via the distribution system 21 from the second picking area 5 promoted to goods issue.

As from the synopsis of 2 to 4 can be seen, includes the container storage 4 (High-bay warehouse) according to the version shown four shelves 34 , On the other hand, the container storage 4 also only one or two shelf blocks 34 exhibit. The container warehouse 4 or the shelf block 34 includes parallel storage shelves 35 in which the storage containers 2 in double deep storage channels 36 are storable. Between the storage shelves 35 a shelf block 34 is an alley 37 formed, in the at least one conveyor vehicle 10 is movable. The transport vehicle 10 is in turn with a platform that can be raised and lowered 38 and with a load receiving device arranged thereon 39 , For example, a telescopic conveyor equipped by means of which the storage container 2 in the warehouse channels 36 stored and from the warehouse channels 36 can be outsourced.

The adjacent storage shelves 35 are spaced to order between them 40 to create, within each, at least one or more picking jobs 41 are provided. Within the order process 40 Pickers move 42 in a tribune 43 ,

As in particular from 2 can be seen forms the container storage 4 the first picking area 5 off or is the first picking area 5 in the container warehouse 4 integrated. The first picking area 5 comprises at least one or according to the embodiment shown several picking jobs 41 , The picking jobs 41 are each spatially restricted work areas, within which of a picking person 42 Articles in storage containers 2 provided, then removes them in order containers provided 3 store. For example, are within a picking gear 40 three picking jobs 41 , The picking jobs 41 are about the distribution system 21 connected to each other so that the order containers 3 for processing a picking order also to several picking workstations 41 can be promoted.

Every picking workstation 41 (Picking station) includes a variety of staging areas 44 for storage containers 2 and one via the (not shown) discharge and Einschleusvorrichtungen with the distribution system 21 connected conveyor track 22 for order containers 3 , The staging areas 44 a picking workstation 41 are as shown in 4 in the left storage rack 35 For example, in four levels one above the other and in the right storage rack 35 , for example, arranged in three levels one above the other. The staging areas 44 or provisioning stations 44a are in each level over the entire length of a picking workstation 41 arranged side by side.

As in the 3 and 4 can be seen, are the staging areas 44 at flow channels 45 trained, therefore in the storage rack 35 of the container storage 4 integrated.

Each pass channel 45 includes one from the carrier vehicle 10 , in particular of the load bearing device 39 accessible transfer area 46 with at least one transfer point 46a , a staging area 44 with at least one parking space 44a and one towards the staging area 44 inclined downwards transporting device (roller conveyor) 47 , Preferably, the supply space 44a and transfer place 46a at the transport device 47 educated. At the front end of the transport device 47 is a stop 61 provided, against which a storage container 3 is present when he is on the supply 44a located. Preferably, the transport device 47 formed by a non-driven roller conveyor, on which a storage container 2 due to gravity from the transfer point 46a to the parking space 44a can slide. Within a flow channel 45 the articles become "sorted" in the storage containers 2 provided.

Every picking workstation 41 further comprises an input and / or output device 49 ( 2 ), by means of which the picking person 42 in terms of individual picking operations, for example, at the individual flow channels 45 Special displays are provided on which the withdrawal quantity is displayed. Also can be attached to the input and / or output device 49 by the picking person 42 the end of a picking process is acknowledged.

In 5 is a section of the container warehouse 4 with the delivery areas integrated in it 44 shown. The staging areas 44 each include at least one provisioning station 44a and are, as described above, at the flow channels 45 trained and at each of the flow channels 45 intended. Also, at each of the pass channels 45 a transfer area 46 provided, the at least one transfer point 46a or two transfer points in succession 46a . 46b formed. The staging areas 44a at the flow channels 45 in the upper three levels E2-E4 can be used in the longitudinal direction of the transport device 47 each a storage container 2 take up. The transfer areas 46 at the flow channels 45 in the four levels E1-E4 can be used in the longitudinal direction of the transport device 47 one behind the other two storage containers 2 take up. In the embodiment shown, at each of the lowermost level E1 pass channels 45 in the staging area 44 a front parking space 44a for a first storage container 2 and rear parking space 44b for a second storage container 2 educated. The rear parking space 44b forms a storage space for at least one storage container 2 out.

The transport devices 47 or the flow channels 45 have different lengths in the superimposed planes E1-E4. Preferably, the in superposed planes and side by side arranged staging areas 44 or provisioning stations 44a opposite a parallel to the shelf front 50 extending vertical plane towards the transfer point 46a so offset, that the articles, which at the supply places 44a in the storage containers 2 offered by the picking person 42 are easily accessible.

As in 5 registered, are all flow channels 45 at a picking station 41 with locking stops 51 each equipped between one at the transport level of the storage container 2 protruding starting position and one below the transport level of the storage container 2 lowered actuated position are movable. The lock stops 51 are on a frame 52 the transport device 47 stored and are held by spring force or weight automatically in the starting position.

The the parking space 44a adjacent barrier stop 51 ' in each pass channel 45 in the levels E1-E4 can with an actuator 53 interact as in 6 shown schematically. The actuator 53 includes an operating lever 54 , a pivot axis 55 and an eccentric to the pivot axis 55 trained mass body 56 , The actuator 53 is about the pivot axis 55 at the frame 52 stored. In the mass body 56 is one at a radial distance to the pivot axis 55 arcuate guide slot 57 arranged. The operating lever 54 is between one at the transport level of the storage container 2 protruding starting position and one below the transport level of the storage container 2 lowered actuated position movable.

The lock stop 51 ' includes a pivot axis 58 over which the catcher beat 51 ' at the frame 52 is stored. A linkage 59 is articulated with its first end with the catch stop 51 ' and with its second end in the lead setting 57 between stop surfaces 60a . 60b guided.

In 5 there is a storage container in level E4 2 on a parking space 44a , wherein a provisioning position by a fixed stop 61 is defined. In the ready position, the picking person 42 the items according to a picking order in the appropriate quantity from the storage container 2 remove. The lock stops 51 are held in their initial position automatically by spring force or weight.

In level E3, the return of a storage container 2 from the parking space 44a in a warehouse channel 36 shown. For the time being, the storage container 2 from its provisioned position in dashed lines at the parking space 44a in the transfer position entered at the transfer point in fixed lines 46a moved, see arrow 62 , This is preferably done by a picking person 42 at the picking workstation 41 ,

On the movement of the storage container 2 from the ready position to the transfer position becomes the catch stop 51 ' run over and adjusted from its initial position above the transport plane in the operating position below the transport plane. This is the linkage 59 with its second end in the lead frame 57 towards the stop surface 60a guided moves. Passes over the storage container 2 now also the operating lever 54 , this is around the bearing axis 55 pivoted and adjusted from its initial position above the transport plane in the operating position below the transport plane. This is the linkage 59 with its second end in the lead frame 57 maximum up to the stop surface 60a guided moves. The length of the guide slot 57 is chosen so that during the movement of the operating lever 54 from the starting position into the actuating position between the mass body 56 and the linkage 59 a relative movement can be performed.

Has the storage container 2 with its trailing edge 63 relative to the direction of movement 62 the block stop 51 ' happens, this is decoupled from the actuator 53 moved by spring force or weight automatically in the starting position and held in this.

As in 5 , Level E3, is the catch stop 51 '' in the starting position above the transport plane, so that the storage container 2 with its leading edge 64 relative to the direction of movement 62 on the block stop 51 '' runs aground when he is with a corresponding kinetic energy towards the transfer point 46a is moved. Thereafter, the storage container 2 between the locking stops 51 ' . 51 '' towards the barrier stop 51 ' moves and runs with its trailing edge 63 on the block stop 51 ' on. The operating lever 54 is determined by the weight of the storage container 2 kept constantly in the operating position.

The still partially filled storage container 2 is thus at the transfer point 46a between the locking stops 51 ' . 51 '' positioned with sufficiently high accuracy, so that the load bearing device 39 the storage container 2 can reliably take over. Subsequently, the still partially filled storage container 2 on the conveyor vehicle 10 ( 1 to 4 ) and from this into a warehouse channel 36 stored.

The above-described actuator 53 allows different possibilities for the provisioning of storage containers 2 ,

During the provisioning process, the storage container 2 from the load-bearing device 39 from a warehouse channel 36 outsourced and on the delivery vehicle 10 ( 1 to 4 ) accepted. According to the invention, the from the storage channels 36 outsourced storage container 2 from the conveyor vehicle 10 according to a disposition check / disposition task to be described in more detail along different conveyor paths 65 . 80 be encouraged. Becomes a storage container 2 According to the MRP / MRP task, the first picking area 5 assigned, this is along a first funding route 65 ( 3 ) between a warehouse channel determined by the warehouse management system (computer) 36 and a staging area determined by the warehouse management system (computer) 44 to one of the picking jobs 41 or flow channels 45 promoted.

Once there, the storage container 2 from the load-bearing device 39 to the transfer area 46 either on a front transfer point 46a or rear transfer point 46b relative to a direction of movement 67 of the storage container 2 issued.

After the first execution of the storage container 2 so on the front transfer point 46a delivered that storage container 2 with his bottom 66 on the held in his original position locking stop 51 ' and the actuating lever held in its initial position 54 is put on, as in 5 , Level E2 shown.

By the weight of the storage container 2 be the catcher beat 51 ' and the operating lever 54 each moved to the operating position below the transport plane.

The storage container 2 will after parking on the transport device 47 from his registered in solid lines transfer position at the transfer point 46a (Transfer area) into the provisioning position in dashed lines at the parking space 44a moved, see arrow 67 , This is preferably done solely by gravity. Has the storage container 2 with its trailing edge 63 relative to the direction of movement 67 the operating lever 54 This happens through the mass body 56 automatically moved to the starting position and held in this. The lock stop 51 ' while still in the operating position. Now passes the storage container 2 with its trailing edge 63 also the block stop 51 ' , This is moved by spring force or weight automatically in the starting position and held in this. This is the linkage 59 with its second end in the lead frame 57 towards the stop surface 60b guided moves.

After the second embodiment, the storage container 2 on the back transfer place 46b and moves in the direction of the parking space 44a , as in 5 , Level E1 shown. The storage container 2 will with his bottom 66 on the held in his original position locking stop 51 '' put on and moved to the operating position.

the storage container entered in dotted lines passes over 2 now with its leading edge 64 relative to the direction of movement 67 the operating lever 54 , This is moved to the operating position and by the movement coupling between the locking stop 51 ' and the actuator 53 also the lock stroke 51 ' moved to the operating position. This is the linkage 59 with its second end against the stop surface 60b created the guidance course.

Has the storage container 2 with its trailing edge 63 the operating lever 54 and the catch stop 51 ' This happens through the mass body 56 or spring or weight force respectively automatically moves into the starting position and held in this.

Because in the flow channel 45 in the plane E1 already a storage container 2 is located, the supplied storage container runs 2 on the already provided storage container 2 on. The lock stop 51 ''' serves to limit the flow channel 45 opposite the alley 37 to make sure a storage container 2 never in the alley 37 can fall down.

In the jointly described 7 and 8th is the second picking area 6 shown in which several picking jobs 29 for picking items from storage containers 2 in order container 3 by picking persons 70 are provided. The picking jobs 29 are at the first conveyor 7 for the storage containers 2 and the second conveyor technology 8th for the order containers 3 ( 2 ) connected. Furthermore, the picking jobs 29 to a third conveyor 71 for empty containers 72 connect. The picking jobs 29 are each from a picking person 70 operated, located in a workspace 74 stops and in this workspace 74 acts. The workspace 74 For example, by the arm reach of the picking person 70 be defined. Preferably, the order picking person 70 barely move from their location to picking items from the storage bins 2 remove and into the order container 3 to be able to take off.

Every picking workstation 29 includes a staging area 73 with at least one or more storage bin provisioning locations 2 , a buffer 75 for order containers 3 , at least one conveyor track 76 for empty containers 72 and a conveyor track 26 for order containers 3 , The empty containers 72 be from the third conveyor 71 on the conveyor track (s) 76 discharged. The conveyor track 76 is, for example by a in the conveying direction 77 the empty container 72 inclined downwardly running roller conveyor formed so that the empty containers 72 due to gravity in the work area 74 be encouraged. The conveyor track 26 is, for example by one in the conveying direction 78 inclined upwardly extending, driven belt conveyor formed with the order container 3 from the workspace 74 discharged and then into the distribution system 21 the second conveyor technology 8th be introduced.

The storage containers 2 be from the deployment track 17 in the conveying direction (arrow) from the distribution system 9 the first conveyor technology 7 ( 2 ) in the workspace 74 requested and a partially filled storage container 2 from the conveyor belt 19 in the conveying direction (arrow) from the work area 74 to the distribution system 9 the first conveyor technology 7 demanded. The still partially filled storage container 2 can through the distribution system 9 to a transfer point 13 from which the storage container 2 from the conveyor vehicle 10 taken over and stored again in a shelf channel. The deployment track 17 and conveyor track 19 are each formed, for example, by a driven roller conveyor or belt conveyor and the like.

The staging area 73 is at the deployment track 17 and / or conveyor track 19 formed on which one or more storage containers 2 can be provided.

The buffer 75 In the example shown here, has four buffer locations, of which only one buffer space with a job container 3 is occupied. Each buffer space includes a roller conveyor for manipulating the order containers 3 between the buffer 75 and the conveyor belt 26 to facilitate.

Every picking workstation 29 further comprises an input and / or output device 79 , by means of which the picking person 70 with regard to the individual picking operations, for example, the removal amount of items from the storage container 2 displayed. Also can be attached to the input and / or output device 79 by the picking person 70 the end of a picking process is acknowledged.

During the provisioning process of storage containers 2 at one of the picking jobs 29 in the second picking area 6 For example, a storage container 2 from the load-bearing device 39 from a warehouse channel 36 outsourced and on the conveyor vehicle 10 ( 1 to 4 ) accepted. According to the invention, the from the storage channels 36 outsourced storage container 2 from the conveyor vehicle 10 according to a disposition test to be described in more detail along different conveying paths 65 . 80 be encouraged. Becomes a storage container 2 according to the disposition check the second picking area 6 assigned, this is along a second conveyor 80 ( 1 ) between a warehouse channel determined by the warehouse management system (computer) 36 and a staging area determined by the warehouse management system (computer) 73 to one of the picking jobs 29 promoted.

Once there, the picking person can 70 the articles according to a picking order in the appropriate quantity from one or more storage containers 2 and in one or more order containers 3 lay down. Is a new order container 3 required, is the picking person 70 an empty container 72 from the conveyor belt 76 removed and placed on a free buffer space.

Are all items needed for a picking order in an order container 3 has been filed, the order container 3 from the picking person 70 from buffer space to the conveyor track 26 deported and from this to the distribution system 21 promoted.

The following is based on the 9 the inventive method for providing storage containers 2 at a picking station 41 in the first picking area 5 and a picking station 29 in the second picking area 6 described.

In a first method step, picking orders are recorded electronically on a computer (not shown) of the warehouse management system. A picking order can have one or more order containers 3 Include (shipping container). Due to the picking orders, the article items for each article are determined in a step in an order preview. The order forecast defines a time window or a number of picking orders / order data. Article item is the number of articles of an article type required for a picking order, which are to be picked for this picking order. On the basis of a picking order, the number of order containers is now also in one process step 3 determined and these at the picking jobs 29 . 41 provided accordingly.

In the next procedural step, the computer makes the deployment areas in a disposition check 44 . 73 determines to which the storage containers 2 should be encouraged. The Disposition check is carried out by a program logic, in particular a computer program, which runs or is stored on the computer.

In the disposition check, as in 10 is depicted in the flowchart, the storage containers can be based on at least one allocation criterion 2 the picking areas concerned 5 . 6 assigned and along different routes 65 . 80 be encouraged.

A first allocation criterion is the number of order items "n", which were determined by the computer after recording a picking order, each one article, for example lyrics, guitar page, tuner, accessories and the like .. For example, 20 pieces of lyrics are needed for a picking order. The actual value for the number of order items of an article recorded on the computer is compared with a limit value for order items of an article stored on the computer. The calculator evaluates the comparison and performs the assignment of the storage container 2 to one of the staging areas 44 . 73 by. The limit for order items can be chosen arbitrarily, for example five. If the actual value for the number of order items (20 pieces of song textbooks) is above the limit for order items (5 items), this becomes the first conveyor technique 7 , in particular the conveyor vehicle 10 controlled so that the storage container 2 along the first conveyor 65 in the first picking area 5 promoted and at one of the staging areas 44 or provisioning stations 44a provided. Once there, the picking person can 42 start the picking process.

If the actual value for the number of order items (2 pieces of lyrics textbooks) is below the limit for order items (5 items) becomes the first conveyor technique 7 , in particular the conveyor vehicle 10 controlled so that the storage container 2 along the second conveying path 80 in the second picking area 6 promoted and at one of the staging areas 73 provided. Once there, the picking person can 70 start the picking process.

This measure clearly allocates the articles to the picking areas 5 . 6 possible. High turnover products will be in the first picking area 5 and low turnover articles in the second picking area 6 picked.

A second allocation criterion is the degree of filling (0% = unoccupied, 100% = occupied) at a picking workstation 41 in the first picking area 5 , It can be at a picking workstation 41 the degree of filling either by the capacity of storage containers 2 in a staging area 44 (Ready Pitch 44a . 44b ) of each pass channel 45 and / or by the capacity of storage containers 2 within each pass channel 45 , in particular to the provision and transfer area 44 . 46 To be defined. The filling level can be continuously recorded by the computer after the computer also realizes the function of a material flow computer. The degree of filling detected by the computer is determined by a state value stored on the computer for the storage capacity of storage containers 2 in the staging area 44 and / or flow channel 45 compared. The staging area 44 For example, one or two storage containers 2 record consecutively. The flow channel 45 may be in the staging area 44 for example, one or two storage containers 2 and in the transfer area 46 also, for example, one or two storage containers 2 record consecutively. The calculator evaluates the comparison.

Are all staging areas 44 and / or provision and transfer areas 44 . 46 occupied, or too few staging areas 44 and / or provision and transfer areas 44 . 46 blank, as to provide different items for a picking order in multiple staging areas 44 needed, will be the first conveyor 7 , in particular the conveyor vehicle 10 controlled so that the storage container 2 along the second conveying path 80 in the second picking area 6 promoted and at one or more of the staging areas 73 provided.

If, for example, 20 pieces of lyrics and 10 pieces of guitar pages are required for a picking order, the song texts in five first storage containers 2 and the guitar pages in a single second storage bin 2 can be contained, and is just a staging area 44 unoccupied, in which the second storage container 2 could be provided, the storage containers 2 to this picking order in the second picking area 6 promoted and in a staging area 73 deployed on multiple staging areas.

In addition, the inventive method should allow the priority treatment of a picking order, so called rush orders can be processed. Is a storage container 2 containing the requested article already in one of the staging areas 44 . 73 has been provided, this can directly into a job container 3 be filed. However, there is a storage container 2 , which contains the requested article, still in a storage rack 35 , the storage container must 2 initially outsourced and closed such a picking area 5 . 6 be promoted, which at one of the picking jobs 29 . 41 at least one unoccupied deployment area 44 . 73 Has.

A third allocation criterion is at least one performance parameter on the automated second conveyor system 8th for order containers 3 , The performance parameter is for example due to the utilization of the conveyor track 22 such as throughput or throughput time of the order containers 3 on the conveyor track 22 Are defined. The conveyor track 22 is preferably formed by an accumulation conveyor. To record the throughput, the throughput time, for example, sensors are used and / or the utilization of the computer on the on and off behavior or the current consumption of the drive motors for the conveyor track 22 calculated. However, the load can also be determined directly by the computer after it also realizes the function of a material flow computer. The actual value for the performance parameter is compared with a limit value for the performance parameter in a comparison module of the computer. If the actual value falls below the limit, this means that in a conveyor section of the automated conveyor technology 8th , in particular on the conveyor track 22 the maximum utilization is reached, therefore the throughput has dropped to a minimum. In this case, the first conveyor technology 7 , in particular the conveyor vehicle 10 controlled so that the storage container 2 along the second conveying path 80 in the second picking area 6 promoted and in the staging area 73 provided.

This case can occur if by the picking person 42 the "pending" picking orders at the picking station 41 were not processed in the planned picking time and the order containers over large parts of the conveyor 22 are dammed up.

A fourth assignment criterion is the number of order items for a picking order, therefore an order quantity. The number of order items (actual order quantity) is known to the computer after the picking order has been entered. For example, 20 pieces of tuners and 5 guitar pages are needed for a picking order. Further, the calculator can store the inventory in each storage bin 2 in its functionality as a material flow calculator easy to determine, since every storage container 2 contains only one article type. Corresponds to the order quantity for an article type for a picking order, for example 20 pcs. Tuners, of the stock quantity in a storage bin 2 for this type of article, becomes the first conveyor 7 , in particular the conveyor vehicle 10 controlled so that the storage container 2 from the container store 4 outsourced and along the second conveyor 80 ( 1 ) in the second picking area 6 promoted and in one of the staging areas 73 provided. The computer defines the storage container 2 now as a order container 3 in which articles of another article type are deposited in a corresponding number, for example 5 guitar pages. For picking the storage container 2 for the time being from the staging area 73 in the buffer 75 emotional. The aforementioned storage container 2 can in a previous order picking at a picking workstation 29 . 41 Items have already been taken so that it contains only a subset of the original stock, for example, 40 pieces of tuners.

According to another embodiment, it is also possible that in the order forecast, in particular before the startup of the system 1 from the computer in its function as material flow computer the position to each of the in the plant 1 distributed storage containers 2 is determined. The computer is known which storage containers 2 with which articles in the container storage 4 , therefore in the staging areas 44 at the picking jobs 41 and the storage shelves 35 , and in the staging areas 73 at the picking jobs 29 as well as on the first conveyor 7 are located. The order items per item are known to the computer from the order picking orders that have been recorded. The calculator compares the stock quantity for each article and the number of order items required to process the picking orders, therefore an order quantity for each article. Are now the required according to the order preview articles in the first picking area 5 at the staging areas 44 a single or multiple picking jobs 41 is a deployment at the staging areas 44 not mandatory. Therefore, all picking orders can be sent to a single or multiple picking jobs 41 be processed. However, if the number of order items (order quantity) for an item type exceeds the stock quantity of this item type or becomes an item of another item type that is not in a staging area 44 is provided (stock level is zero), then becomes the first conveyor 7 , in particular the conveyor vehicle 10 controlled such that a storage container 2 with the desired article type from the container storage 4 outsourced and along the second conveyor 80 ( 1 ) in the second picking area 6 promoted and in one of the staging areas 73 provided.

As in 10 Shown in dashed lines, it is possible that in the MRP check several allocation criteria can be taken into account and storage containers 2 only from the first one materials handling 7 , in particular the conveyor vehicle 10 along the first conveyor 65 in the first picking area 5 promoted and in the staging area 44 provided that all assignment criteria are met.

According to an embodiment of the invention, it is also possible that in the disposition of the computer additionally a disposition analysis for the allocation of storage containers 2 to one of the staging areas 44 within the first picking area 5 provided there are some staging areas 44 unassigned. The disposition analysis is carried out in a subprogram (program module) of the computer program which runs or is stored on the computer.

With this measure, in addition, based on at least one optimization criterion, an optimization in the distribution of storage containers 2 on blank staging areas 44 and a shortening of the route for the picking person 42 be achieved.

Besides, it is not mandatory that the order containers 3 which via the second conveyor 8th to a picking workstation 41 be promoted and provided in a stop position for picking, are processed in the order of their delivery in a single stop. There may also be a variety of order containers 3 on the second conveyor 8th be provided and processed at the same time. Using, for example, an optical device, such as a so-called "put-to-light" light source, in particular a laser, it is possible for the picking person 42 indicate in which the order container 3 the articles are to be stored.

Against this background, the provisioning of a storage container is now in the disposition analysis on the basis of an initial optimization criterion 2 and an order container 3 coordinated so that the distance between the storage container 2 and the order container 3 is optimized when the storage container 2 at the ready position and the order container 3 at the stop position. The first conveyor technology 7 , in particular the conveyor vehicle 10 is controlled depending on the disposition analysis such that the storage container 2 within the first picking area 5 coordinated to one of several blank staging areas 44 is encouraged. Accordingly, the computer also calculates the first conveying path 65 performed.

On the other hand, it is also advantageous that in the disposition analysis by the computer based on a second optimization criterion for a picking order previously recorded a picking zone 81 ( 3 ) at a picking station 41 is determined, within which at at least two immediately adjacent staging areas 44 storage containers 2 the picking person 42 Tobe offered. If the picking order includes different items, a storage bin will be created 2 with a first article type in a first staging area 44 and a storage bin 2 with a second article type in a second staging area 44 provided. Thus, at the picking workstation 41 within the picking zone 81 different articles in multiple staging areas 44 promoted.

On the other hand, the picking order can also include articles of only a single type of article. In this case, the storage containers 2 with article of a single article type at the picking work station 41 the picking person 42 at several immediately adjacent staging areas 44 offered. Thus, at the picking workstation 41 within the picking zone 81 same articles in multiple staging areas 44 promoted.

Were the storage containers for the picking orders 2 after the above procedural measures in the first picking area 5 and in the second picking area 6 In a subsequent process step, picking orders can be processed in parallel.

The order picking processes are carried out by the order pickers 42 . 70 carried out. It becomes a picking order from one or more storage containers 2 in each case at least one article removed and in at least one order container 3 stored. The picking person 42 . 70 confirms the completion of the picking process at the input and / or output device 49 . 79 , Subsequently, in a last method step, the order container 3 from the conveyor belt 22 in the distribution system 21 or from the conveyor belt 26 in the distribution system 21 introduced and either to the goods issue or from the second picking area 6 in the first picking area 5 removed.

The order containers 3 be about the second conveyor 8th to the picking jobs 29 . 41 is promoting. After it is known to the computer from the disposition check, whether the storage container 2 either in the staging area 44 or in the staging area 73 can be provided, the computer can also use the second conveyor 8th such that control an order container 3 in those picking area 5 . 6 is promoted, in which the storage container 2 should be provided.

In 11 is a modified embodiment of providing articles in storage containers 2 at a picking station 41 shown. In particular, should be compared to that from the EP 0 847 939 A1 Known picking, in which after removal of articles to a single order picking the storage container is stored again in the container storage, the manipulation of the picking person can be reduced. Also, the number of provisioning operations can be reduced and yet a high order picking efficiency can be achieved. In addition, the first conveyor technology 7 , in particular the rack conveyor vehicle 10 be operated below the maximum power limit, which has a positive effect on the maintenance and the service life of the picking system.

Against this background, the return of still partially filled storage containers takes place 2 from the staging areas 44 back to the container store 4 based on at least one reserve criterion. Although this embodiment is advantageous to the system described 1 can be used, but in principle also conceivable that the system for picking items exclusively at least one in the container storage 4 integrated picking workstation 41 , a first conveyor technology 7 for transporting storage containers 2 and second conveyor technology 8th for transporting order containers 3 includes, wherein the storage container 2 by means of the first conveyor technology 7 to the picking workstation 41 promoted and at this by a picking person 42 at least one article from the storage container for a picking order 2 taken and in a order container 3 is filed. The storage containers 2 can in the manner described above according to the disposition analysis on the staging areas 44 be distributed.

As described above, picking orders are initially recorded in the warehouse management system. Thereafter, the commissioning orders, order items for each article can be determined by the computer in the order forecast and at least one of the following reserve criteria can be checked by the computer by a program logic, in particular a computer program.

A first reserve criterion is defined by the order picking orders for an article. Thus, it may happen that according to the order forecast for a number of picking orders or within a time window, for example between 0.5 hours and 4 hours, the same item is required several times for different picking orders. Now this article is already in a previous deployment process in one of the staging areas 44 provided and already a first order picking has been processed, the storage container 2 not in the container store 4 before a second picking order has been processed. In other words, the storage container remains 2 as long as at a staging area 44 until all picking orders for an article have been processed in accordance with the order forecast over a number of picking orders or within a time window.

A second deposit criterion is the number of order items "n" (turnover rate) for different items, which is determined by the computer after recording a picking order for each item. Thus, the case may arise that according to the order forecast over a number of picking orders or within a time window, for example between 0.5 hours and 4 hours, to several order picking articles in varying numbers are required. For example, for a first picking order 10 pcs. Liedertexthefte and for a second order picking 20 pcs. Guitar pages needed. In this case, the actual value for the number of order items of an item of the first item type detected on the computer is compared with an actual value for the number of order items of an item of the second item type recorded on the computer. If articles of the second article type are required more frequently than articles of the first article type, which are already in one of the staging areas, to process a picking order 44 are offered, the storage container 2 with the articles of the first article type back into the container store 4 stored. Then a storage container 2 with the articles of the second article type in that staging area 44 offered in which previously the storage container 2 was provided with the articles of the first article type.

A third deposit criterion is at least one performance parameter on the automated first conveyor 7 for storage containers 2 , The performance parameter is, for example, the maximum utilization (power limit) of the first conveyor system 7 in one of their conveyor cuts, such as the rack conveyor vehicle 10 or the throughput of storage containers 3 at the Förderumlaufbahn 11 Are defined. To record the throughput, for example, sensors are used and / or the load on the computer via the on and off behavior or the current consumption of the drive motor for the storage vehicle 10 or drive motor for the conveying orbit 11 calculated. The utilization of the first conveyor system 7 However, it can also be determined directly by the computer, after it also realizes the function of a material flow computer.

The actual value for the performance parameter is compared with a limit value for the performance parameter in a comparison module of the computer. If, for example, a limit value for the drive power of the rack conveyor vehicle 10 reached is a return of a storage container 2 provisionally not possible and remains this storage container 2 until further notice in the staging area 44 ,

A fourth deposit criterion is defined by the sales volume of different items. For this purpose, the sales volume for each article is initially determined in a sales volume analysis, which is carried out by the computer, over an observation period (order review) of, for example, n days. The sales quantity can be calculated by the computer via the number of order items of an item or the picking orders entered. This can be used to forecast the sales quantity for items, including the provision of storage containers 2 at the staging areas 44 can be controlled. The sales quantity of an item is compared with a limit for the sales volume of an item stored on the computer. If the sales volume of an article is above the limit value, it proves to be an advantage if this article is stored in a storage container on the basis of the forecast 2 at one of the staging areas 44 provided. The storage container 2 becomes either an unused space 44a or to a deployment location 44a promoted, at which initially still a partially filled storage container 2 from a previous provisioning operation in the container store 4 must be stored back. However, only one such storage container is stored back 2 containing articles which are no longer needed according to the order preview as described above.

Such a return is not carried out continuously during picking, but at times of operation, for example, for stock clearing at the beginning of the shift.

A fifth reserve criterion is defined by a cost analysis. Thereby the costs for the transport of a storage container become 2 between a warehouse channel 36 and a picking station 29 to the cost of storing a storage container 2 in a staging area 44 compared. Is determined by the calculator in the cost analysis that the cost of transporting a storage container 2 to one of the picking jobs 29 cheaper than the storage costs of a storage container in the staging area 44 , the storage container becomes 2 from the staging area 44 carried away and by the first conveyor technology 7 into the container warehouse 4 or directly to one of the picking jobs 29 promoted.

In addition, storage containers can 2 at least at some of the staging areas 44 be stored before the commissioning operation, if at these staging areas 44 storage containers 2 which contain articles that are not required according to the sales forecast and / or order forecast. Such a return is also carried out at times of operation, for example at the beginning of the shift. If, according to the sales forecast, certain articles are requested very frequently, they can be added to the now unoccupied staging areas 44 storage containers 2 be promoted, which contain the articles frequently required according to the sales forecasts. This allows the provisioning process of storage containers 2 optimized and commissioning for picking at a picking workstation 41 be accelerated.

As in 11 Shown in dotted lines, it is possible for the return of storage containers 2 several of the reserve criteria described above are taken into account and storage containers 2 only from staging areas 44 be funded if all the reserve criteria have been met.

It should also be noted at this point that during the return operation either only a single storage container 2 from a staging area 44 carried away and on the conveyor vehicle 10 taken over or at the same time several storage containers 2 , for example, two storage containers 2 from a staging area 44 carried away and on the conveyor vehicle 10 can be taken over. Become several storage containers at the same time 2 from a pass channel 45 Abgefördert, can again very quickly a staging area 44 for at least one storage container 2 made available and processed another order picking.

Should at least a partially filled storage container 2 into the container warehouse 4 For the time being it will be stored manually by the picking person 70 in the transfer area 46 emotional. The return storage of a storage container 2 becomes the picking person 70 at the input and / or output device 49 for example, optically signaled. Became the storage container 2 in the transfer area 46 pushed and acknowledged the picking person 70 the return storage process, the conveyor vehicle 10 the storage container 2 from the transfer area 46 pick up and into the container warehouse 4 store.

It should also be noted that a storage container 2 from the staging area 44 . 73 by the picking person 42 . 70 is removed, provided that during the picking process all Article from a storage container 2 were removed. After removing the empty storage container 2 automatically becomes a storage container 2 with articles in the staging area 44 . 73 nachtransportiert.

As far as "containers" is mentioned above, this should not be understood as limiting. Rather, the present invention also includes such systems in which other loading aids, such as trays or pallets are used to store and transport articles.

The embodiments show possible embodiments of the method and the system for picking items from storage containers in order container, it being noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but also various combinations of the individual embodiments are possible with each other and this possibility of variation is due to the teaching of technical action by objective invention in the skill of those skilled in this technical field. So are all conceivable embodiments, which are possible by combinations of individual details of the illustrated and described embodiment variant, includes the scope of protection.

For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that for a better understanding of the structure of the order-picking system, these or their components have been shown partly out of scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.

Above all, the individual in the 1 to 11 shown embodiments form the subject of independent solutions according to the invention. The relevant objects and solutions according to the invention can be found in the detailed descriptions of these figures.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

investment

2

storage containers

3

order containers

4

tanksStoring

5

picking

6

picking

7

materials handling

8th

materials handling

9

distribution system

10

delivery vehicle

11

Conveyor orbit

12

Conveyor orbit

13

Transfer station

14

Ausschleusbahn

15

Einschleusbahn

16

outfeed

17

Deployment path

18

infeed area

19

conveyor track

20

conveyor track

21

distribution system

22

conveyor track

23

Conveyor orbit

24

Conveyor orbit

25

infeed area

26

conveyor track

27

conveyor track

28

conveyor track

29

Picking workstation

30

31

32

33

34

shelf block

35

storage rack

36

stock channel

37

alley

38

platform

39

Load bearing device

40

picking aisle

41

Picking workstation

42

picking

43

rostrum

44

Staging area

45

Pass Channel

46

Transfer area

47

transport device

48

49

Input and / or output device

50

shelf front

51

blocking stop

52

frame

53

actuator

54

actuating lever

55

swivel axis

56

mass body

57

guide link

58

swivel axis

59

linkage

60

stop surface

61

attack

62

arrow

63

trailing edge

64

leading edge

65

conveying

66

ground

67

arrow

68

69

70

picking

71

materials handling

72

empty containers

73

Staging area

74

Workspace

75

buffer

76

conveyor track

77

conveying direction

78

conveying direction

79

Input and / or output device

80

conveying

81

picking

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10136354 A1 [0004]
• EP 1572558 A1 [0004]
• WO 2009/143548 A1 [0005]
• DE 102006058523 A1 [0005]
• WO 2007/134832 A2 [0005]
• EP 0847939 A1 [0006, 0109]

Claims (20)

Method for picking articles of different turnover frequency from storage containers ( 2 ) in order containers ( 3 ), in which the storage containers ( 2 ) by a first conveyor ( 7 ) from a container store ( 4 ) to picking workstations ( 29 . 41 ) in different picking areas ( 5 . 6 ) and to which in each case by a picking person ( 42 . 70 ) to an order picking an article from at least one storage container ( 2 ) and in a by a second conveyor ( 8th ) provided order containers ( 3 ), characterized in that the order items for each item are determined by a warehouse management system (computer) in an order preview via a number of picking orders, and in a disposition check for the items the storage containers ( 2 ), which contain the articles sorted, a first picking area ( 5 ) and / or a second picking area ( 6 ) and that the storage containers ( 2 ) on different, automated routes ( 65 . 80 ) of the first conveyor technology ( 7 ) either to a picking workstation ( 41 ) in the first picking area ( 5 ) or to a picking workstation ( 29 ) in the second picking area ( 6 ) be transported. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that during the disposition check by the warehouse management system determines a number of order items and compared with a threshold for order items of an article. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the disposition of the warehouse management system at least one performance parameter on the second conveyor ( 8th ) for the order containers ( 3 ), such as the capacity utilization of the conveyor system ( 8th ) in her along the picking workstation ( 41 ) extending conveyor section ( 22 ) and compared with a threshold for the performance parameter. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in the disposition of the warehouse management system at the picking workstation ( 41 ), which staging areas ( 44 ) for storage containers ( 2 ), a fill level at each staging area ( 44 ) is determined. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that during the disposition check by the warehouse management system, a stock amount of articles in each storage container ( 2 ) and compared with an order quantity for a picking order. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that during the disposition check by the warehouse management system, a stock amount of articles in each storage container ( 2 ) and compared with an order quantity for articles required for processing the picking orders according to the order forecast and a storage container ( 2 ), which contains article of a requested article type, from the container store ( 4 ) and in the second picking area ( 6 ) is provided when in the first order picking area ( 5 ) this requested article type can not be provided. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the order-picking workstation ( 41 ) in the first picking area ( 5 ) Pass channels ( 45 ) each having a staging area ( 44 ), whereby in the area of 44 ) on a deployment site ( 44a ) at least one storage container ( 2 ) for removing an article from the storage container ( 2 ) can be tendered. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the order-picking workstation ( 41 ) in the first picking area ( 5 ) Pass channels ( 45 ) each having a staging area ( 44 ) and a transfer area ( 46 ) and a conveyor track, in particular transport device ( 47 ), such as a roller conveyor, wherein a storage container ( 2 ) along the conveyor track between the staging area ( 44 ) and a transfer area ( 46 ) and where in the staging area ( 44 ) on a deployment site ( 44a ) at least one storage container ( 2 ) for removing an article from the storage container ( 2 ) can be tendered. A method according to claim 7, characterized in that after removal of at least one article from the storage container ( 2 ) the still partially filled storage container ( 2 ) from the first conveyor ( 7 ) back to the container store ( 4 ) is stored. A method according to claim 7, characterized in that after removal of at least one article from the storage container ( 2 ) the still partially filled storage container ( 2 ) for the time being from the staging area ( 44 ) into the transfer area ( 46 ), from which the still partially filled storage container ( 2 ) from the first conveyor ( 7 ) and then back to the container store ( 4 ) is stored. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the warehouse management system in the order preview for each item detected order picking are determined and a storage container ( 2 ), which in one previous deployment to a staging area ( 44 ) of the first picking area ( 5 ) and is still partially filled with articles, as long as in the area of 44 ) until the picking orders for the item in question have been processed in accordance with the order foresight. Method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a storage container ( 2 ), which in a previous provisioning process in a staging area ( 44 ) of the first picking area ( 5 ) and is still partially filled with articles of a first article type, from a staging area ( 44 ) into the container store ( 4 ), if the warehouse management system determines in the order forecast that the article of a second article type is required more frequently than the article of a first article type. Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a storage container ( 2 ), which in a previous provisioning process in a staging area ( 44 ) of the first picking area ( 5 ) and is still partially filled with articles, from a staging area ( 44 ) into the container store ( 4 ) is stored if a performance parameter on the first conveyor system ( 7 ) for the storage containers ( 2 ) is below a threshold for the performance parameter. Method according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a storage container ( 2 ), which in a previous provisioning process in a staging area ( 44 ) of the first picking area ( 5 ) and is still partially filled with articles, from a staging area ( 44 ) into the container store ( 4 ) is stored if a performance parameter on the second conveyor system ( 8th ) for the order containers ( 3 ), for example the utilization of the conveyor technology ( 8th ) in her along the picking workstation ( 41 ) extending conveyor section ( 22 ), is below a threshold value for the performance parameter. Method according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that for the articles which the order-picking workstation ( 41 ) in the first picking area ( 5 ), in addition a disposition analysis is performed by the warehouse management system in the MRP check. A method according to claim 15, characterized in that in the disposition analysis, a holding position for the order container ( 3 ) on the second conveyor ( 8th ) and a storage container ( 2 ) such one of the staging areas ( 44 ), that the storage container ( 2 ) is tendered near the holding position. A method according to claim 15, characterized in that in the disposition analysis a picking zone ( 81 ) for storage containers ( 2 ), which contain articles sorted, is determined and the storage containers ( 2 ) some of the staging areas ( 44 ), that the storage containers ( 2 ) in the picking zone ( 81 grouped into a picking order and via the staging areas ( 44 ). Investment ( 1 ) for picking articles of different turnover frequency from storage containers ( 2 ) in order containers ( 3 ), with a container storage ( 4 ), Picking workstations ( 29 . 41 ) in different picking areas ( 5 . 6 ), a first conveyor technique ( 7 ) for transporting storage containers ( 2 ) and second conveyor technology ( 8th ) for transporting order containers ( 3 ), the storage containers ( 2 ) by means of the first conveyor technique ( 7 ) to the picking workstations ( 29 . 41 ) and to each of them by a picking person ( 42 . 70 ) at least one article from the storage container ( 2 ) and in a order container ( 3 ) is stored, in particular for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that a warehouse management system has a program logic, in particular a computer program is running, determined by means of which in an order forecast on a number of order picking the order items for each article and in a disposition check for the articles the storage containers ( 2 ), which contain the articles sorted, a first picking area ( 5 ) and / or a second picking area ( 6 ) and that the first conveyor technique ( 7 ) different, automated conveyor paths ( 65 . 80 ), on which the storage containers ( 2 ) either to a picking workstation ( 41 ) in the first picking area ( 5 ) or picking workstation ( 29 ) in the second picking area ( 6 ) are transportable. Plant according to claim 18, characterized in that the first picking area ( 5 ) at least one picking workstation ( 41 ), which in juxtaposed supply levels (E1-E4) arranged side by side staging areas ( 44 ) for storage containers ( 2 ), which in the container storage ( 4 ) are integrated. Plant according to claim 18, characterized in that the second picking area ( 6 ) at least one picking workstation ( 29 ), which includes a staging area ( 73 ) for at least one storage container ( 2 ), which staging area ( 73 ) via the first conveyor technology ( 7 ) with the container store ( 4 ) connected is.

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