DE102015218396A1 - Conveyor chain for a goods transfer device of an automatic warehouse - Google Patents

Abstract

A conveyor chain (601) for a goods transfer device (110) of an automatic warehouse (100), in particular for picking up individual goods (150) from a handling device (501) and transferring them to at least one transfer channel (701) with a sloping channel bottom (703) the goods transfer device (110) is suitable, has a Zugmittelvorrichtung (603) with at least one driven, circulating traction means (605), a plurality of transport compartments (607) each having a transport base (608) for receiving a single product (150), wherein the Transport compartments (607) are mounted on the traction means (605) and mounted tiltably, and arranged on the Zugmittelvorrichtung (603) slotted guide (610) for the transport compartments (605), each transport compartment (607) via the slotted guide (610) of a goods receiving position in a goods transfer position, in which the inclination of the transport tray (608) to the inclination of the channel bottom (703) of the minimum is adapted to a transfer channel (701) of the goods transfer device (110) is tiltable and wherein in a goods transfer section (611) of the Zugmittelvorrichtung (603) a product from a located in the goods transfer position transport compartment (607) in the at least one transfer channel (701) is transferable.

Description

The present invention relates to a conveyor chain for a goods transfer device of an automatic warehouse, as well as a goods transfer device of an automatic warehouse and an automatic warehouse.

It is known that storage areas, such as channel storage with storage channels, are filled via a manipulator. In this case, the input end of the bearing surface is approached by the manipulator and the objects are transferred to the storage bins. Such bearings are often used for goods, such as medicines in pharmacies. Particularly suitable for so-called fast-moving goods are inclined shelf shelves, in which the individual goods in channels, which are separated by lateral boundary, on a bearing surface which is inclined relative to a horizontal are included. When a lower object is removed, the remaining objects slip. As a rule, similar objects are contained in each channel. The objects have, for example, parallelepipedic packings, packages of the same format being introduced in a channel whose channel width is matched to the pack size. On such storage areas but also goods of different shapes, eg. Cylinder, and different format stored within the same channel.

Usually, the manipulators fill the storage bins as soon as a predetermined number of goods has been removed from a storage channel. For this purpose, a manipulator is loaded with several of the items to be refilled and the manipulator drives the input end of the corresponding storage area to transfer the items.

In order to ensure the refilling function of the storage areas in a reliable manner, it must be ensured that the manipulators are filled in order with the items to be stored. Since known manipulators are moved at a very high speed within a warehouse, a manual loading of the manipulators is associated with a high security risk. Therefore, transfer devices are used, in which the objects are inserted manually or automatically. The manipulators take over the objects to be stored from the transfer device in order then to drive to the specified storage location.

In practice, a very fast filling of a bearing is often required. Therefore, mostly similar objects are transported by the manipulator at the same time. In order to enable rapid filling of the manipulator, therefore, the objects to be transported by a manipulator are stored in a transfer device for a short period of time.

The Applicant has therefore developed various goods transfer devices, for example under the file number DE 10 2013 218 538 or DE 10 2014 208 405 are registered for a patent. These goods transfer devices are operated manually, whereby care must be taken in the main that in a transfer channel similar goods are inserted. Due to the manual operation, a user must always be present on site in the case of the previously known goods transfer devices, whereby depending on the storage capacity of the transfer channels and the type of goods inserted, this sometimes has several minutes of free time until goods have to be filled into a transfer channel again. However, when a filling of the transfer channels must be made again, is difficult to predict, so that the user should stay at the transfer device. The known transfer devices are arranged directly on the warehouses. However, the goods are usually delivered to a different position from the warehouse, so that the goods must be brought before storage by another person to the transfer device.

DE 10 2014 208 405 provides a loading device, which is arranged in the form of stacking channels on the goods transfer device. Here, however, the items must be entered as a stack relatively ordered.

For larger warehouses with a high throughput of goods, it is often necessary goods with a high speed, z. B. in the form of product packages of multiple packs within a short time, z. B. 20 packs and more per minute to enter. With such bearings, manual entry is often difficult.

In principle, there is the difficulty in devices for handling goods, if the goods are present in disorder, for example, as piles. It is a particular challenge to make portions of goods, so that recording volume of individual devices is not exceeded, in addition, the position of the goods to arrange so that they can be handled advantageously for devices and finally singulated to handover to the Simplify manipulator. Furthermore, it is often necessary to identify the goods to ensure correct storage in the warehouse.

For the transfer of goods to a manipulator, the known from the prior art parallel transfer channels have to be particularly suitable exposed. These have an input page for entering goods and an output page for transferring the goods to the manipulator. Known transfer channels each have a channel bottom, on which the goods are transported by gravity from the input side to the output side. For this purpose, it is provided that the channel bottom is inclined in the direction of the output side with respect to a horizontal surface. Further, each transfer channel has a lateral guide surface, wherein the transport surface is inclined in the direction of the lateral guide surface with an inclination angle relative to the horizontal surface. In an automatic transfer of goods that are in disorder as a bed to a manipulator by means of the known transfer channels thus there is the difficulty to sort the goods after aligning and singulating in the transfer channels, in particular, since the transfer channels are arranged inclined in two spatial directions.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a handling device for a goods transfer device of an automatic warehouse, with a filling of transfer channels for the transfer of goods to a manipulator of an automatic warehouse is simplified.

It is also the object of the present invention to provide a goods transfer device of an automatic warehouse, can be handed over in the disorderly present goods in a simple manner and very quickly to a manipulator.

The problem underlying the invention is achieved by a conveyor chain according to the invention, which is defined by the features of claim 1.

The goods transfer device according to the invention is defined by the features of claim 21.

The warehouse according to the invention is defined by the features of claim 23.

The conveyor chain according to the invention for a goods transfer device of an automatic warehouse for the acquisition of individual goods from a handling device and the transfer to at least one transfer channel of the goods transfer device, wherein the transfer channel has a sloping channel bottom, has a Zugmittelvorrichtung with at least one drivable, circulating traction means and several transport compartments each a transport tray for receiving a single product. The transport compartments are attached to the traction means and tilted. At the Zugmittelvorrichtung a slotted guide for the transport compartments is arranged, each transport compartment via the slotted guide from a goods receiving position into a goods transfer position, in which the inclination of the transport tray is adapted to the inclination of the channel bottom of the at least one transfer channel of the goods transfer device, and tiltable in one Goods transfer section of Zugmittelvorrichtung a product from a located in the goods transfer position transport box in the at least one transfer channel can be transferred.

Preferably, the link guide holds each transport compartment in the goods transfer section of the traction device in the goods transfer position.

The conveyor chain according to the invention thus enables the separated goods to be advantageously transferred to the transfer channel. For this purpose, the transport compartments are formed rocker-like, so that the transport compartments can receive goods in the goods receiving position, in which the transport compartments are for example adapted to the handling device, and in a different from the goods receiving position goods transfer position can be tilted. Thus, by means of the conveyor chain goods can be taken over at a position from one direction and goods are transferred to the transfer channel at a different position and in a different direction. As a result, a particularly flexible arrangement of the transfer channel with respect to the handling device is possible. The at least one traction means may be formed, for example, as a chain.

In the goods transfer position, the inclination of the transport tray is adapted to the inclination of the channel bottom of the at least one transfer channel of the goods transfer device, so that goods that are received on the transport floor, for example, automatically slip due to gravity from the transport floor on the channel floor without an obstacle arises. The inclination of the transport floor must not be directly identical to the inclination of the channel bottom. It is sufficient that the inclination of the transport tray and the channel bottom are in such a similar angular range that the goods can be handed over easily.

It is preferably provided that each transport compartment is inclined in the goods receiving position relative to the horizontal in a direction facing away from the transfer channel. In this way, a goods reception of the conveyor chain from the side facing away from the transfer channel side of the Zugmittelvorrichtung from. Thus, a transport of the goods takes place on the one hand by a drive the traction means and on the other hand by the tilting of the transport compartments from the goods receiving position to the goods transfer position.

The conveyor chain according to the invention is particularly suitable for a transfer of goods to the at least one transfer channel in a direction transverse to the direction of advance of the traction means. In other words, the transfer channel can be arranged on a longitudinal side of the traction mechanism device and extend in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the traction mechanism device.

It is preferably provided that the slotted guide has a first slotted portion which is arranged in a goods receiving portion of the traction mechanism, wherein the first slotted portion moves the transport compartments from a return position to the goods receiving position.

It has been found that in a circulating traction means a return of the transport compartments in a return position, in which the transport compartments are arranged, for example, with the transport tray in a horizontal position, is particularly advantageous. In such a return position, the transport compartments occupy only a small space in a vertical direction, so that a compact configuration of the traction device is possible.

It is preferably provided that the link guide has a second link section, which holds the transport compartments in the goods receiving portion of the traction device in the goods receiving position.

In a propulsion of the traction means thus a transport compartment is held for a predetermined distance in the goods receiving position. Thus, it is ensured that at a stop of the traction means at a time at which a transport compartment is in the second gate section, this is to pick up the goods in the correct goods receiving position and also does not cause the traction device to run out of the Moved goods receiving position addition.

It is preferably provided that the slotted guide has a third link section, which is arranged between the goods receiving section and the goods transfer section of the traction device and moves the transport compartments from the goods receiving position to the goods transfer position.

The invention advantageously provides that a fourth link section of the slotted guide holds the transport compartments in the goods transfer section of the traction device in the goods transfer position. This ensures that the transport compartments are arranged in the goods transfer section in the correct goods transfer position.

In one embodiment of the invention in which a plurality of transfer channels are arranged in parallel, for example, it can be ensured by means of the fourth link section that all transport compartments are arranged independently of the transfer channel to be approached in the goods transfer position.

In principle, there is also the possibility that the slotted guide is also designed such that, in the case of several parallel transfer channels, a transport compartment is moved into the goods transfer position only in the region of a specific transfer channel. For this purpose, the slotted guide may have changeable sections. The provision of a slotted guide, which has transferred all transport compartments in the goods transfer position before the goods transfer section, has the advantage that the burden of Zugmittelvorrichtung in the goods transfer section is not suddenly changed by a single tilting a transport compartment. Even when stopping the Zugmittelvorrichtung to hand over a product from the transport compartment in the goods transfer channel, the previous folding of all transport compartments from the goods receiving position to the goods transfer position is advantageous.

In the goods transfer section, the traction mechanism device can have a guide wall which guides goods of the transport compartments, which have already been tilted into the goods transfer position, on the side of the traction mechanism device facing the guide wall. In the region of the transfer channel or the transfer channels, the guide wall may be interrupted or have openings.

It is preferably provided that the slotted guide is formed by at least one guide surface, which rests in each case on the underside of the transport trays of the transport compartments. By means of the guide surface, the slide guide thus pushes the transport floor in the appropriate position. Such a design also has the advantage that the slide guide can be arranged on the side of the traction means and engages the transport floor, which is the side to which the transport trays are inclined in the corresponding position opposite. In the goods transfer position thus, for example, the slotted guide is located on the side facing away from the transfer channel side of the at least one traction means, so that the slide guide does not hinder, for example, a goods transfer to the transfer channel.

In principle, there is also the possibility that the slide guide attacks from above on the transport compartments. There is also the possibility that the transport compartments have a spring device which forces the transport compartments into one of the goods transfer positions or goods receiving positions. By means of the slotted guide then the corresponding transport tray can be pressed in the corresponding other position against the spring force. There is also the possibility that an actuating device, for example, on the underside of the transport tray, attached to the transport tray, which is guided by the sliding guide and causes the tilting movement of the transport compartment.

In the variant in which the slotted guide is formed by the at least one guide surface, which bears against the underside of the transport trays of the transport compartments, it can be provided that the second slotted section forms a first guide surface and on the at least one transfer channel side facing the at least one Traction means is arranged.

It can also be provided that the fourth link section forms a second guide surface and is arranged on the side facing away from the at least one transfer channel side of the at least one traction means.

It is preferably provided that the third gate section forms a third and a fourth guide surface, wherein the third guide surface on the side remote from the at least one transfer channel side of the at least one traction means and the fourth guide surface arranged on the at least one transfer channel side facing the at least one traction means is. In the third gate section, in which the slotted guide moves the transport compartments out of the goods receiving position into the goods transfer position, opposing guide surfaces are thus arranged on both sides of the at least one traction means. This ensures that the compartments that are loaded with goods in this section can not tip over uncontrollably to one side or the other.

It can be provided that the first guide surface and the fourth guide surface and / or the third guide surface merge into the second guide surface. By such an arrangement a gentle guidance of the transport compartments is possible because no gaps are contained in the guide surfaces.

It is preferably provided that the link guide has a fifth link section, which moves the transport compartments from the goods transfer position to the return position and holds in a return section of the traction device in the return position. By means of the fifth link section, the transport compartments can thus be brought in an advantageous manner for the return to the return position.

It can be provided that the fifth link section forms a fifth guide surface and a sixth guide surface, wherein the fifth guide surface on the side facing away from the at least one transfer channel side of the at least one traction means and the sixth guide surface on the at least one transfer channel side facing the at least one Traction means is arranged. By providing the fifth and sixth guide surfaces on both sides of the at least one traction means, it is ensured that, when the transport compartments are returned to the return position, they remain in the return position and do not tilt back and forth in an uncontrolled manner.

It can be provided that the second guide surface merges into the fifth guide surface and / or the sixth guide surface merges into the first guide surface. This has the advantage that a gentle guidance of the transport compartments takes place, since no gaps are created between the guide surfaces.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the Zugmittelvorrichtung has two parallel traction means, wherein the transport compartments are each connected via a holder with two traction means.

It can be provided that the holder has two connecting body, wherein in each case a connecting body is attached to one side of the traction means. Preferably, it is provided that the connecting body in each case on the outer side of the traction means, d. H. are attached to the side remote from the other traction means side.

It is preferably provided that each connecting body is connected via two spaced, attached to the side of the traction means pin with the pulling means, wherein a pin engages in a round hole in the connecting body and the other pin in a slot. Since the bending of the traction means is changed during a deflection of the traction means, the distance between the spaced pins on the side of the traction means changes. By providing a slot, this difference in distance can be compensated.

In one embodiment of the traction means as a chain, the pins can be arranged for example on two different links of the chain.

In one embodiment of the traction means as a chain can also be provided that the two pins are arranged on a link of the chain. In this case, it is not necessary that the connecting body has a slot, since in this embodiment, no change in the distance of the pin takes place.

It is preferably provided that each transport compartment is mounted via at least one rotary joint, wherein the axis of rotation formed by the at least one hinge is arranged at an acute angle φ to the horizontal and at an acute angle ω to a running in the running direction of the traction means vertical plane. Such a design of the transport compartments has been found to be particularly advantageous. The channel bottom of a transfer channel is often inclined not only in one direction. For example, a channel bottom may be inclined in a channel longitudinal direction and further in a direction transverse to the channel longitudinal direction toward a guide surface laterally of the channel bottom. This is provided in order to obtain an advantageous guidance of goods in the transfer channel, in which they rest laterally against the guide surface. In the goods transfer position, therefore, the transport floor should also have a tilt in two directions. By providing at least one rotary joint having an axis of rotation, wherein the axis of rotation relative to the horizontal and a vertical plane in the running direction of the traction means each having an acute angle, alignment of the transport tray relative to the channel bottom in the goods transfer position can be achieved.

In the goods transfer position, the transport floor may have the following angle of inclination to the horizontal: opposite to the running direction of the traction means an inclination angle with an angular amount of ω and in a direction orthogonal to the running direction of the traction means an inclination angle with the angular amount of ω. The channel bottom can also have in the goods input position of the transfer channel an inclination with the angular amount of ω in these two directions.

In the goods receiving position of the transport tray may have the following angles of inclination to the horizontal: opposite to the direction of traction means an inclination angle with an angle of φ and in a direction orthogonal to the running direction of the traction means an inclination angle with the angular amount of ω. The inclination of the goods receiving position in the direction orthogonal to the transporting direction in an angular amount of ω has the advantage that a handling device can deposit goods in a tilted state at that angle on the transporting tray. Now, if a product from a previous area, which has the same inclination is taken, there is no need to tilt the goods by the handling device, such as a gripping device, but the goods can also be pivoted in a simple manner. It is preferably provided that: φ <ω. φ can be between 10 ° and 20 °, preferably 15 °. ω can be between 25 ° and 40 °, preferably 28 °, large. The angle ω may in particular correspond to the angle α of a guide surface of a guide device of the goods transfer device described below.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that at the goods transfer section of the Zugmittelvorrichtung on the at least one transfer channel side facing at least one Warenübergabeschott is arranged, which closes the transfer channel on the Zugmittelvorrichtung facing side. Thus, the transfer channel can remain closed until a corresponding transport compartment is in its goods transfer position and in alignment with the transfer channel. This prevents the goods from slipping prematurely out of the transport compartment in the goods transfer position and possibly tilting them.

The at least one goods transfer bulkhead can be part of a guide wall, on which the goods slide in the goods transfer position of the transport compartments.

If several transfer channels are arranged in parallel, a separate goods transfer gate can be provided for each transfer channel. The several goods transfer clots can be operated separately. If a product to be delivered to a rear transfer channel in the direction of the at least one traction means, the front transfer channels in the running direction of the at least one traction means can be closed by means of the respective Warenübergabeschotts so that the goods can slide along them until the corresponding transport tray on the correct transfer channel is arranged. The traction device stops at this moment and the corresponding goods transfer bulkhead can be opened so that the goods get into the transfer channel.

The transport compartments may have a lateral fan wall at the end remote from the transfer channel end of the transport tray and a rear fan wall at the rear end of the transport tray in the transport direction. The goods can thus slip in the goods receiving position against the fan walls and is held by them. In the goods transfer position, the goods slip to the free end of the transport floor and against the guide wall or one of the goods transfer block or slides along it.

It is preferably provided that the at least one goods transfer screed is retractable. This has the advantage that when the goods transfer item is closed, an incorrectly delivered item is lifted with the goods transfer item and either falls back into the transport box or into the transfer channel. Furthermore, it is prevented that goods can be trapped and damaged by the goods transfer bulkhead.

It is preferably provided that the at least one goods transfer bulkhead is guided by means of guide rails, wherein the guide rail is arranged in the vertical direction below an input side of the channel bottom of the at least one transfer channel. The entire leadership of the at least one goods transfer block is thus arranged below the channel floor, so that no protruding edges can arise through the guide, where the goods can get stuck.

When providing a plurality of transfer channels and thus a plurality of goods transfer block can be provided that the Warenübergabeschotts are arranged overlapping, wherein a front in the direction of the at least one traction device goods transfer gate overlaps a subsequent rear goods transfer bulkhead. This prevents that protruding edges arise at the Warenübergabeschotts, against which the goods could get stuck during transport by means of the transport compartments.

Under the direction of the at least one traction means is understood in the context of the invention, the advancing direction of the traction means, in which the transport compartments are moved in the transport of the goods receiving portion to the goods transfer section.

In the conveyor chain according to the invention can be provided that a propulsion of the at least one traction means takes place in a predetermined timing. For example, it can be provided that every 2.5-3 seconds a transport compartment is filled with a product. It can be provided that the traction means stops when reaching a transport compartment in the goods receiving position. In particular, it can be provided that at this time another transport compartment in the goods transfer position with the channel bottom of the at least one transfer channel is arranged in alignment. At the time of loading a transport compartment, a transfer of a product from the further transport compartment to the transfer channel can therefore also take place. When providing a plurality of parallel transfer channels can be provided that a transport compartment is arranged in each case at a transfer channel in the goods transfer position when another transport compartment is arranged in the goods receiving position for the acquisition of a product. The transport compartments located in the area of the transfer channels are thus moved from one transfer channel to the next in each movement cycle. By means of the several goods transfer scrap it is possible to control into which transfer channel a product is transferred.

The provision of multiple transfer channels has the advantage that the goods can be sorted. For example, if different goods are entered into successive transport compartments, they can be transferred into different transfer channels, so that a sorting arises. The distance between the transport compartments to each other can be adapted to the distance of the transfer channels to each other.

The goods transfer device according to the invention provides a conveyor chain according to the invention. The goods transfer device has at least one transfer channel with a sloping channel bottom. Preferably, the goods transfer device according to the invention provides a plurality of transfer channels, which are arranged in parallel, preferably four to eight transfer channels.

For example, the goods transfer device according to the invention can accept goods from a loading device and transfer them, for example, to a manipulator of the goods warehouse. The invention according to goods transfer device thus has an acceptance and transfer function, which can be done automatically in particular. Typical warehouses are pharmacy warehouses in which medicines and other pharmacy products are stored in boxes packed as goods. The goods transfer device according to the invention may, for example, have a sorting function, so that goods, for example the product packages, are handled unsorted by the goods transfer device.

The at least one transfer channel is particularly advantageous for the transfer to a manipulator. The provision of multiple transfer channels is particularly advantageous for the desired sorting function.

Preferably, the goods transfer device has several transfer channels in the in DE 10 2013 218 538 A1 described form. The transfer channels may thus have an input side for introducing the goods from the conveyor chain and an output side for transferring the goods to the manipulator. The transfer channel may have a support surface forming the channel bottom for receiving goods, wherein the channel has a guide surface arranged laterally on the support surface and the support surface in the direction of the output side and thus in Longitudinal direction of the channel is inclined relative to the horizontal. Further, the support surface is inclined in the direction of the guide surface at an inclination angle relative to the horizontal, wherein the support surface is pivotable from a goods input position to a goods issue position, wherein the inclination angle of the support surface in the goods input position is greater than in the goods issue position. In the goods input position, the inclination angle may be the angular amount of ω.

Preferably, the goods transfer device comprises a loading device which receives goods as a bed and transfers to a conveyor device of the goods transfer device, the conveyor conveys the goods to a goods lift, a Warenzzelvorrichtung from which the goods are taken from the goods lift and the goods separated, a Conveying device that carries out a further separation of the goods, a position correction of the goods and / or a goods recognition and a handling device that receives the goods in a predetermined timing and transfers to the conveyor chain.

The loading device of the goods transfer device according to the invention an automatic warehouse is suitable for receiving goods, in particular product packaging, such as drug packages, as bulk material and handover to the goods transfer device. It consists of at least one container with several compartments in which the goods are receivable, the compartments each having a loading opening for entering the goods and a discharge opening for dispensing the goods.

Each discharge opening is formed on the underside of the container and in each case closable with at least one retaining flap, wherein the retaining flaps form at least partially the bottom of the container. Each retaining flap is separate for opening, d. H. individual, controllable. The retaining flaps are thus operable in any order.

The loading device according to the invention has the advantage that goods are received as bulk material by being entered into the loading opening of a compartment. By providing a multi-compartment container, a large number of goods can be picked up simultaneously. The retaining flaps ensure that the goods received in the compartments remain in the compartments and are only selectively transferred by a control of the retaining flaps to the goods transfer device. As a result, the goods received in the loading device can be handed over to the goods transfer device over a long period of time by successively opening the individual compartments. By dividing the container into compartments, a suitable portioning of goods for transfer to the goods transfer device can be achieved. The volume of a compartment of the container may for example be adapted to the receiving volume of a subsequent goods processing device of the goods transfer device, for example to the receiving volume of a lift cage of a goods lift. Due to the design of the loading device according to the invention with discharge openings formed on the underside, the goods received in the compartments can easily fall out of the compartments after opening the retaining flaps. This ensures that when opening a retaining flap all goods arranged in the compartment from the compartment to the goods transfer device. Such a design of the loading device also has the advantage that the loading device can be arranged in a simple manner, for example on a conveyor belt of the goods transfer device and thus a transfer of goods from the loading device to the goods transfer device can be realized in a simple manner. By means of the corresponding capacity of the compartments, goods can also be transferred by means of the goods transfer device to an automatic warehouse by means of the loading device according to the invention, without a user having to refill goods. The user can now devote himself to other tasks, so that working time can be saved. Through the loading of the compartments, the loading device is suitable for receiving bulk material, so that the goods can be filled very quickly in the loading device.

In a preferred embodiment of the loading device according to the invention can be provided that the loading openings are formed at the top of the container. As a result, the subjects can be filled in a simple manner from above.

Alternatively it can be provided that the loading openings are arranged in a first side wall of the container. In this way, the loading device can be loaded from one side in an advantageous manner. The loading openings may be formed, for example, as a chute. The chutes can be folded, for example. By means of such pouring the goods can be filled in an advantageous manner as bulk material in the subjects.

It is preferably provided that the container is designed as a mobile container. Thus, the loading device according to the invention can be loaded in a remote from the goods transfer device location and as a mobile container to the Goods transfer device are brought. It can be provided, for example, that a plurality of loading devices according to the invention are present and the loading devices are arranged exchangeably on the goods transfer device. While a loading device delivers goods to the goods transfer device, at a remote from the goods transfer device location, such as a space for receiving goods, another loading device can be filled with goods and then transported to the goods transfer device.

In such an embodiment of the loading device, the container may for example have the shape of a carrying case.

It can also be provided that the container has rollers on a lower side. In this way, the container can be transported in an advantageous manner by means of the rollers.

Preferably, it is provided that a locking device holds the retaining flaps in a closed position, wherein the locking device engages with at least one latch on one of the retaining flaps, and wherein one of the retaining flaps can be opened by virtue of the actuation of one of the latches. By means of such a locking device, a separate control of the retaining flaps can be realized in a simple manner by the bars of the locking device are individually controllable. By a single operation of a bolt can thus open the retaining flap of a compartment, while the remaining compartments remain closed. As a result, the loading device according to the invention can be unloaded stepwise in a simple manner. The locking device may be part of the loading device. Alternatively, embodiments are possible in which the locking device is part of the goods transfer device and attack the individual latches on the retaining flaps when the loading device is arranged on the goods transfer device. In this case, separate restraints can be provided for the retaining flaps, which act during the transport of the loading device, so that the retaining flaps are not opened unintentionally.

The locking device can be mechanically or electrically driven. For example, it can be provided that the individual latches of the locking device are opened mechanically, for example via a manually operated lever. There is also the possibility that the locking device is electrically driven, so that the retaining flaps are opened by the actuation of a control by the user or via an automatic control. For example, it may be provided that the locking device is controlled by the control of the goods transfer device, so that, when required, the goods transfer device, the retaining flaps are opened to deliver goods to the goods transfer device.

Preferably, it is provided that a safety device locks the retaining flaps against unintentional opening. Such a safety device prevents, for example, during the transport of the loading device, the retaining flaps are opened unintentionally. In embodiments in which, for example, the locking device is arranged on the loading device, it is therefore possible to prevent a retaining flap from being opened in the event of a malfunction of a bolt or by an inadvertent striking of a bolt. In one embodiment of the loading device in which no locking device is provided or a locking device is arranged on the goods transfer device, it can be ensured by the safety device that the retaining flaps are closed during transport.

It is preferably provided that the safety device has an engaging element for actuating the blocking function of the retaining flaps. By means of the engaging element, the safety device can thus be actuated. Of course, the engaging element can also serve to unlock the retaining flaps. The engaging element can for example be operated manually when the loading device is arranged on the transfer device. It is also possible that the engaging element is actuated by the goods transfer device, d. h., That at the goods transfer device, a triggering device for actuating the attacking element is arranged. In one embodiment of the invention can be provided that the engaging element is formed in two parts, wherein a first part for locking the locking device is actuated and a second part for unlocking.

In one embodiment of the invention it is provided that the retaining flaps can be closed by an actuation of the securing device. In other words, with an open position of the retaining flaps, the retaining flaps can be closed by an actuation of the securing device into its blocking position. In the loading device according to the invention, such a function can basically be used for closing the retaining flaps. There is also the possibility that a separate device is provided for closing the retaining flaps, which is arranged for example on the goods transfer device and by operating the safety device only it is ensured that the retaining flaps are nevertheless closed in the event of failure of this device.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the securing device has at least one push rod, which is guided by means of bolts in a slotted guide, wherein abut in the locking position, the bolts on the retaining flaps. Such a security device has been found to be particularly advantageous because the retaining flaps can be locked in a structurally simple manner. By providing a push rod, the bolts, which hold the retaining flaps in the locked position, can move in a simple manner and together to an unlocking position. By means of the slotted guide, the bolts can lead away in an advantageous manner when unlocking the retaining flaps, so that the retaining flaps can fold away freely down with each operation.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the securing device comprises two push rods, which are arranged on opposite sides of the container and abut each with a bolt on each side of a retaining flap. In this way it is prevented that the retaining flaps threaten to bend due to the weight recorded in the subjects and thus unwanted goods can fall out of the subjects.

It is preferably provided that in the locking position of the securing device, a spring element bears against the engaging element and holds the securing device in the locking position. This ensures that the securing device is moved unintentionally, for example during transport of the container from the locked position to the unlocked position. The fact that the spring element rests against the engaging element, the spring element can be actuated simultaneously when attacking the engaging element for unlocking the securing device.

The loading device according to the invention may have a metal frame in which the securing device is arranged. As a result, the securing device during transport of the loading device against mechanical action from the outside, such as shocks protected. In the metal frame openings are arranged through which the push rod or the push rods can protrude outward or can be intervened by the outside to operate the attacking element.

The goods transfer device according to the invention comprises the conveying device, which is arranged below the discharge openings of the loading device or can be arranged, and which takes over the goods from the loading device. The goods falling out of the unloading openings of the loading device can be transported by means of the conveying device advantageously into the interior of the goods transfer device and to a transfer point of the goods transfer device to the automatic warehouse.

The conveyor device may be, for example, a conveyor belt. The conveyor device can be arranged permanently below the unloading openings of the loading device or below the point at which the loading devices can be arranged, or there is the possibility that the conveyor device is arranged only temporarily for unloading from the loading device. The conveyor belt may have lateral, obliquely arranged to the belt surface walls over which goods can slide on the conveyor belt. The walls thus form a kind of funnel which leads to the conveyor belt. This ensures that goods falling from the compartments of the loading device reach the conveyor belt.

The goods transfer device preferably has a recess for receiving the loading device. In this way, the loading device can be advantageously arranged on the goods transfer device.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a triggering device for actuating the securing device of the loading device is provided, which acts on the engaging element of the securing device. By means of the goods transfer device can thus actuate the securing device and move, for example, from a blocking position to an unlocked position. This ensures that the loading device can be actuated in the position arranged on the goods transfer device, so that the retaining flaps open as required. The triggering device can also perform the operation of the securing device for locking the loading device, for example when the loading device according to the invention is removed from the goods transfer device. This can ensure that when removing the loading device of the goods transfer device, the retaining flaps are locked or closed and locked.

It is preferably provided that the triggering device has an unlocking device which presses against the spring element during the unlocking of the securing device. The spring element may for example be formed as a leaf spring, wherein the unlocking device is formed by an inclined surface which elastically bends the leaf spring to release the securing device.

The triggering device may comprise a stop element which presses against the securing device during a removal operation of the loading device and moves it into the blocking position. This ensures that the retaining flaps of the loading device are locked after removal of the loading device from the goods transfer device by means of the securing device. It is thus prevented that the loading device can be removed from the goods transfer device without the retaining flaps are locked.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the goods transfer device according to the invention, this has a locking device which engages in each case with at least one latch on a retaining flap of the loading device. By means of such a locking device, the opening of the retaining flaps of a loading device arranged on the goods transfer device can be controlled in an advantageous manner via the goods transfer device. It can be provided that the locking device has a separate drive for each bolt. The separate drive may, for example, each be realized as a separate drive motor, for example as an electrically operated rotary magnet. In this way, the latch for separately opening the retaining flaps can be controlled in an advantageous manner. The retaining flaps can thus selectively, d. H. in any order and individually, to be opened.

In a preferred embodiment of the goods transfer device according to the invention an actuating device for closing the retaining flaps is provided. By means of the actuating device, the retaining flaps can be closed in an advantageous manner, for example when removing the loading device. The closed retaining flaps can then be blocked, for example by the securing device against accidental opening.

It is preferably provided that the actuating device has a strip plate with a flexible upper section, wherein the strip plate closes the retaining flaps during a movement of the loading device via the actuating device. Such a design of the actuator allows in a structurally simple manner a closing mechanism for the retaining flaps by the retaining flaps are pressed upwards by a simple movement of the loading device on the actuator in its closed position.

It is preferably provided that at least one drawer for receiving the loading device is arranged in the recess. By means of the drawer can be advantageously arrange a loading device according to the invention, for example, has a box shape, on the goods transfer device. By means of the drawer can be ensured that the loading device can be inserted into the goods transfer device and is in the correct position for a transfer of the goods to the goods transfer device. Furthermore, it can be prevented by means of the drawer that during the unloading of the loading device this is taken out of the goods transfer device.

It can be provided that the drawer has a frame member which engages around the securing device in the unlocked position. This ensures that the loading device can not be lifted out of the drawer in a state in which the safety device is in the unlocked position. Only when the securing device is in its locking position and thus the retaining flaps are secured, the loading device can be removed from the drawer.

It is preferably provided that the stop element of the triggering device is movably coupled to the drawer and a retaining device fixes the stop element when opening the drawer from a predetermined opening width of the drawer relative to the drawer. As a result, the stop element only cooperates with the engaging element from the predetermined opening width of the drawer so that the securing device is moved into the unlocking position only from this state. This ensures on the one hand that the safety device is only actuated when the retaining flaps are already closed by the actuator and on the other hand it is ensured that only when the drawer has a predetermined opening width, the loading device can be lifted out of the drawer.

It can also be provided that the actuation of the safety device for locking or unlocking and the closing of the retaining flaps by a movement of the drawer takes place. In other words, when inserting the loading device and / or inserting the drawer into the goods transfer device, for example, the securing device for unlocking the retaining flaps can be actuated. When opening the drawer to subsequently remove the loading device, for example, the actuator can close the retaining flaps and it can be done actuation of the securing device for locking the retaining flaps.

It is preferably provided that on the underside of each retaining flap, a projection element is arranged, on each of which a bolt engages, wherein the projection element has an inclined surface which presses against the bolt during the closing operation of the retaining flap. By means of the projection element is thus ensured that the retaining flap can also be closed when the latch is in the closed position by the latch is pressed by the inclined surface during the closing operation of the retaining flap to the side and then to rest the latch on the underside of the projection element snaps back.

The goods lift of the goods transfer device according to the invention of an automatic warehouse for receiving goods from the conveying device of the goods transfer device and transfer to the preferably above the conveyor arranged Warenvereinzelungsvorrichtung the goods transfer device has a car with a car floor for transporting the goods and a car guide on. The goods lift is characterized in that a slide is arranged at an opening in the car guide, via which goods arranged on the conveying device are slidable in the car positioned in a first end position.

By means of the slider are thus in a simple manner goods that are arranged on the conveying device, conveyed through the opening in the car guide into the car. The goods on the conveyor are actively moved by means of the slider, so that it can be controlled at which time goods are loaded into the car.

Preferably, it is provided that the slide at least partially closes the opening in the car guide in a closed position of the slide. This can ensure that in the closed position of the slide no other goods can get from the conveyor into the car.

Furthermore, it can be ensured by the slide that all goods located in a subregion of the conveying device are reliably pushed into the car, so that tilting of goods during operation of the car can be largely avoided.

In a preferred embodiment of the goods lift according to the invention, provision can be made for the slide, in an open position of the slide, to form a guide wall of goods conveyed by the conveying device. In other words, goods that are conveyed by means of the conveying device are guided by the slider in the open position through the opening in the car guide into the car. For example, after a predetermined time or a predetermined amount of goods then the slide can be moved from the open position to the closed position, the remaining goods located in a section of the conveyor goods are pushed by means of the slide in the car.

It is preferably provided that, in a closed position of the slide, the slide forms a stop for the goods conveyed by the conveying device. The conveying device can thus continue to be operated in the closed position of the slide and any goods conveyed by the conveying device are stopped by the stop formed by the slide. In a subsequent opening of the slide they can then be transported in the car.

In the goods transfer device with the goods lift according to the invention can be provided in principle that the conveyor for a given period only transported a quantity of goods that can be picked up by the car, so that transported during operation of the car, the conveyor no goods. By the stop, which is formed by the slider in the closed position, however, it can be ensured that even with a malfunction, the conveyor device can continue to operate, without causing tilting of goods.

The stopper can also perform a guiding function, so that goods which are conveyed by the conveying device when the slide is closed can be guided from the stop into a goods bypass, via which the goods can be returned to the conveying device, for example.

In the goods lift according to the invention it can be provided that the car guide has an elevator shaft which is formed by at least two opposite first walls, wherein the opening between the first walls is formed. Such a car guide has been found to be particularly advantageous because lateral access to the car can be prevented by the first walls. Furthermore, the desired opening through which the goods are supplied to the car, can be formed in a simple manner. Further, the opposite side of the first opening is also open, so that access can be made for maintenance purposes, for example, in a simple manner.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the car guide has an elevator shaft, which is formed by two opposite first walls and a second wall connecting the first walls, wherein the opening is arranged in the second wall. The opening is thus formed like a window in the second wall. Such a car guide also has the aforementioned advantages. Furthermore, a guiding function for goods received in the car can be exercised by the first walls and the second wall, so as to ensure that no goods can fall out of the car during operation of the car.

Preferably, it is provided that the slide has a plate which at least partially closes the opening in the car guide in the closed position of the slide. Such a design of the slide allows in a structurally simple way that on the one hand the goods can be moved in an advantageous manner by means of the slide and on the other hand, the opening in the car guide can be closed in an advantageous manner.

It can be provided that in the closed position of the slide, the plate is aligned with the second wall, wherein the plate at its upper side edge a first fold in the direction of the interior of the elevator shaft and / or at its lower side edge a second fold in from the interior has the elevator shaft facing away from direction. The plate is aligned with its main surface with the second wall so that goods transported in the car can be guided by the second wall and the plate. The first fold towards the interior of the hoistway at the upper side edge of the plate causes goods which grind along the plate during the movement of the elevator cage to be pushed inwards and thus at the upper opening edge of the opening located above the upper side edge of the plate be passed without the risk that the goods hang on the upper edge of the opening and tilt. The second fold on the lower edge of the plate ensures that no edge is formed by the plate on which the goods can get stuck, because by means of the second fold of the lower side edge of the plate is located further outside the interior than the lower opening edge of the opening , The first and second folds thus ensure that obstacles to which the goods can knock during transport by means of the car, which could cause tilting of the goods, are avoided. As an alternative to the first and / or second fold, the plate may also have an oblique arrangement, so that the plate protrudes slightly obliquely into the interior of the elevator shaft in the vertical direction.

It is preferably provided that the slide can be driven by a drive. For example, the slider can be driven by means of a piston drive. In the piston drive, a position sensor can be arranged, via which the position of the slider is detectable. By the drive, the slider can be operated automatically. For example, after a signal that goods are transported on the conveying device, the slider can be moved to the closed position after a predetermined period of time. It can then be determined via the position sensor that the slider is arranged in a closed position, so that a signal can be generated that operation of the car is possible.

In a particularly preferred embodiment it is provided that the car has a side wall, wherein the side wall is arranged on the side facing away from the opening of the car guide side of the car floor. The car can thus be L-shaped. Such a car is particularly inexpensive to produce. In particular, in connection with an elevator shaft with two first walls and a second wall, such a car has been found to be particularly advantageous because the first walls and the second wall of the elevator shaft can exercise a guiding function for the arranged on the car floor of the car goods. The side wall of the car is located on the side of the elevator shaft, which is open for maintenance purposes. This ensures that no goods loaded in the car can fall out of the car during transport. The provision of only one side wall of the car also allows an advantageous discharge of the car, since three sides of the car are openly accessible.

Above the slide, a collecting tray may be arranged in the goods in the closed position of the slider are fillable. Goods of, for example, a handling device arranged above the conveying device and the slide, for example the conveying device of the goods transfer device, can be transferred into the collecting tray. This may be, for example, goods that do not have the correct position after the position correction of the conveyor. The bottom of the collecting tray can be formed by the arranged on the slider bottom plate slide bottom slide. When you open the slide located in the collection tray goods are transported from the collection tray on the located in front of the slide part of the conveyor by the bottom of the collection tray through the slide is opened or removed. In the open position of the slide, the goods are transported directly to the located in front of the slide part of the conveyor. The collection tray may also have a separate bottom plate which is operable independently of the slider. In this embodiment, goods can be filled regardless of the position of the slide in the collecting tray. This has the advantage that not every time the slide goods are transported from the collection tray in the front of the slider part of the conveyor, but the appropriate time is selectable.

The collection tray can be part of a goods bypass. Above the collecting tray, a pivot plate can be arranged, which is fastened, for example, to the elevator shaft. The swivel plate can form a diverter, the goods either in the collection tray or on the located in front of the slide part of the conveyor headed or in a commodity committee. In the commodity committee goods are passed, for example, are not recognized by a goods detection or damaged goods.

Preferably, it is provided that the goods lift according to the invention has a second slide, over which goods for transfer to the handling device are slidable in a second end position of the car. Such an embodiment of the goods lift allows a particularly advantageous discharge of the car, since in the second end position of the car, the goods can be pushed by the second slider in a simple manner from the car floor.

By means of the second slide thus a complete emptying of the car is ensured.

A goods lift with a second slider, over which goods for transfer to the handling device are slidable in a second end position of the car, also has independent inventive significance. Thus, a goods lift for a goods transfer device of an automatic warehouse for receiving goods from a conveyor device of the goods transfer device for transfer to a preferably arranged above the conveyor handling device of the goods transfer device with a car with a car floor to transport the goods with a car guide is provided in which a slider in a second end position of the car goods for transfer to the handling device are pushed. Such a configuration of goods lift is particularly useful with an L-shaped car floor.

The second slide can be operated continuously at a predetermined speed or stepwise. Through a continuous movement of the sliding plate, a coarse separation of the goods can be achieved in the transfer to the handling device. By a stepwise movement of the sliding plate, a portioning of the goods can be achieved.

It is preferably provided that the second slider has a slide plate movable over the car floor. The sliding plate may for example be formed by a side wall of the car, an additional side wall of the car or separately. The separate design of the slider with sliding plate has the advantage that thus the moving parts of the sliding plate does not have to be carried along with the car, resulting in a weight saving of the car. A slide plate entrained with the car floor has the advantage that it can not lead to jamming with the car floor when the car is not completely moved to its second end position.

A Warenvereinzungsvorrichtung the goods transfer device of an automatic warehouse according to the invention, which takes over the goods from the goods lift in disordered form and transfers to the conveyor, has a relation to the horizontal at an acute angle β inclined rotary drum. The rotary drum is rotatably driven, with goods in an unordered form in the rotary drum can be filled. The goods are discharged in a transporting direction at a lower end of the rotary drum.

The arrangement of the rotary drum at an acute angle relative to the horizontal, the goods adhere to the inner wall of the rotary drum or slip only very slowly through the rotary drum. Due to the rotating drive, the goods located in the rotary drum perform the rotational movement of the rotary drum partly with. As a result, the tendency of the inner wall of the rotary drum changes so that the goods carried on the inner wall during the rotational movement in the transport direction and in one direction in the lower circumferential region of the drum slip or slide faster. As a result, a separation of the goods takes place.

The rotary drum is preferably filled by an upper opening in the transport direction. The rotary drum may for example have a length between 900 mm and 1100 mm. Preferably, the rotary drum is 1000 mm long. The inner diameter of the rotary drum can be between 250 mm and 350 mm. Preferably, the inner diameter is 290 mm. Preferably, the Rotary drum a ratio of length to diameter between 2.5 and 4, preferably between 2.8 and 3, on.

The rotary drum further ensures that arrange the disordered goods at least partially in a row towards the lower end of the rotary drum in the transport direction. Previously superimposed goods are separated, since a product lying on another goods when entrained by the rotational movement of the rotary drum tends more quickly to fall in a circumferentially lower portion of the drum than the goods directly adjacent to the inner wall.

Preferably, the angle β is less than 30 °. Particularly preferably, the angle β is between 7 ° and 15 °, more preferably the angle β is equal to 10 °.

In a preferred embodiment of the goods separating device according to the invention, the latter has a goods portioner, which fills a portion of goods with a predetermined maximum volume into the rotary drum. Thus, it is ensured that the goods in disordered form, which are filled in the rotary drum, do not exceed a maximum volume, so that the separation of the goods can be done in a reliable manner. The goods portioner can be designed separately or even a part of the goods lift. There is also the possibility that the goods portioner consists of two parts, wherein a first part of the goods portioner is formed by the goods lift, for example in the form of the slide, the goods step by step, and a second part immediately before the rotary drum.

The Warenportionierer may be formed in a transport channel, which opens into the rotary drum. The transport channel may be formed, for example, as a slide. In this way, a goods portioner can be realized in a simple manner, since the goods are transported by the slope of the chute due to gravity. The goods portioner can thus carry out a portioning, for example by stopping the goods.

It can be provided that the Warenportionierer has a first and a second bulkhead, which are arranged transversely to the transport channel and alternately openable. The second bulkhead is located in the transport direction behind the first bulkhead. Goods that are transported in the transport channel slip with the first bulkhead open to the second bulkhead. After closing the first bulkhead, the space formed between the first and second bulkheads is the predetermined maximum volume that is filled into the rotary drum. It is preferably provided that the first and / or second bulkhead exit from below from the transport channel, so that jamming of goods when closing the bulkhead is prevented.

It can be provided that a bottom emerging from the transport channel second bulkhead in the closed position has a lower height than the first bulkhead in the closed position. This has the consequence that when opening the first bulkhead, in which the second bulkhead is in the closed position, goods that lie one above the other, slide over from the second Schott predetermined height on the second bulkhead and get into the rotary drum. These goods are thus already in the rotary drum before the product portion is filled with a predetermined maximum volume in the rotary drum by the Warenportionierer by the second bulkhead is opened after closing the first bulkhead. As a result, prior to the filling of the goods portion a separation of the amount of goods beyond the goods portion, which slips in the direction of the second bulkhead after opening the first bulkhead, can take place.

It is preferably provided that the first and the second bulkhead are coupled together. As a result, the alternating opening and closing movement can be coupled by a single drive and it is ensured that when the second bulkhead is opened, the first is closed and vice versa.

The first and the second bulkhead can thus have a common drive.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the common drive is formed by a rotary drive of the rotary drum. This ensures that the coupled movement of the first and the second bulkhead takes place as a function of the rotational speed of the rotary drum. It has been found that by increasing the rotational speed of the rotary drum, the goods loaded in the rotary drum are conveyed faster through the rotary drum. Thereby, the clock in which goods portions are input to the rotary drum can be increased. By the common drive of rotary drum and the first and the second bulkhead is thus achieved that with an increase in the speed of the rotary drum and the time intervals between the filling of individual product portions are increased.

Due to the common drive of rotary drum and the first and the second bulkhead is also achieved that in case of stopping the rotary drum and the goods portioner is stopped and thus no further goods are transported in the rotary drum.

It is preferably provided that in the transport direction behind the rotary drum, a curved sloping web is arranged for transfer to the conveyor and connected to the rotary drum. By means of the curved sloping web, the goods arranged in a row behind the rotary drum for the most part can advantageously be led away from the rotary drum.

It is preferably provided that the curved path is formed as a spiral chute. A spiral chute has proved to be particularly advantageous for the transport of isolated goods, in particular cuboid goods, since the goods entered into the spiral chute in a row are brought into a suitable orientation. In the spiral chute, the goods are pressed against the peripheral surface, where they rest with one longitudinal side. The longitudinal side of a product is understood to mean a surface extending in the longitudinal direction of the article. If a commodity passes transversely on the spiral chute, it is at the end, which faces a vertical longitudinal axis of the spiral chute, accelerated because of the larger slope there amplified downwards, so that the product undergoes a rotation and then with one of its longitudinal sides against the peripheral wall of the spiral chute sets. Furthermore, the spiral chute has the effect that goods preferably lie with their broad long side on the bottom of the spiral chute and these do not go upright. Thus, the goods after passing through the spiral chute often already desired for further handling alignment.

Spiral chutes also have the advantage that, if two goods side by side get on the spiral chute simultaneously, for example, if an alignment of the goods in a row is not done correctly, the internal goods is accelerated more than the outer goods, thereby overhauling the outer goods and then applies to the peripheral wall. The spiral chute thus causes the goods can be arranged in an advantageous manner in a row. Furthermore, the spiral chute can be used as an intermediate buffer by storing goods in the spiral chute in a row until they are transferred to the conveyor.

Preferably, it is provided that the curved track has a curvature to the right, wherein the rotary drum is drivable in the clockwise direction, or has a curvature to the left, wherein the rotary drum is drivable in the counterclockwise direction. The clockwise rotation of the rotary drum means that the rotating drum rotates clockwise when viewed in the direction of transport.

A drive direction adapted to the curvature of the web has the advantage that goods leaving the rotary drum at the lower end of the rotary drum are moved in the direction of the curvature exterior of the curved path and thus pressed against the peripheral wall thereof, for example in the case of the curved path as a helical slide , As a result, a removal of the goods on the spiral chute is possible in an advantageous manner.

It is preferably provided that at least one strip-shaped insert is arranged on an inner wall of the rotary drum, via which individual goods located in the rotary drum are temporarily retained or accelerated. By means of the insert thus individual goods can be accelerated or decelerated and thus a separation of the goods will be achieved.

It is preferably provided that a first strip-shaped insert is arranged in a first portion of the rotary drum, wherein the first strip-shaped insert extends by a maximum of 270 °, preferably by a maximum of 180 °, around the inner circumference. By the extension of the first strip-shaped insert by a maximum of 270 ° about the inner circumference of the rotary drum, this forms a first passage. Goods can slip through this passage unhindered due to the rotational movement of the drum. Upon further rotation of the rotary drum goods that have not yet slid through the first passage, retained by the first strip-shaped insert. This ensures that a portion of goods does not slip as a whole through the rotary drum, but a subdivision into intermediate portions occurs. The first section can be, for example, in the transport direction of the rotary drum, the uppermost section, and have a length of one quarter of the length of the rotary drum in the transport direction.

The first strip-shaped insert may be inclined, for example, against the direction of rotation of the rotary drum. This means that goods that are detected by the first strip-shaped insert, are pressed against the transport direction when rotating the rotary drum upwards. The first strip-shaped insert may for example have an angle γ to the central axis, where: 90 ° <γ ≦ 100 °. Such an arrangement has been found to be particularly advantageous because the first strip-shaped insert holds back a portion of the goods and pushes up to a small extent, thereby preventing that by slipping the goods portion too much pressure is exerted on the goods, so that these are pressed, for example, over the first strip-shaped insert. The first strip-shaped insert is thus helical on the inner wall and has in the transport direction down a slope greater than zero to 10 °, preferably 5 °.

Preferably, it is provided that the first strip-shaped insert is in an open position of the second bulkhead of the goods portioner in an open position. In other words, the strip-shaped insert is in the circumferential direction in an upper position and the first passage in a lower position. Goods which are filled through the opened second bulkhead in the rotary drum, thus can continue to slide without obstruction of the first strip-shaped insert. Upon further rotation of the rotary drum, the last goods of a filled in the rotary drum portion of goods are detected and retained by the first strip-shaped insert. Such an arrangement has been found to be particularly advantageous for under-portioning the goods.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that a second strip-shaped insert is arranged in a second section of the rotary drum, wherein the second strip-shaped insert extends at least 180 ° and a maximum of 270 ° around the inner circumference.

The second passage formed by the second strip-shaped insert thus passes through a smaller part of goods than the first passage, so that a further separation of the goods takes place.

It can be provided that the second passage is arranged partially overlapping with the first passage, d. H. the second passage is arranged circumferentially partially offset from the first passage. Goods which slip through the first passage immediately after opening the second bulkhead may initially also pass unhindered through the second passage before a part of the goods is retained by the second strip-shaped insert. As a result, a further separation of the goods portion takes place.

The second strip-shaped insert may be inclined against the direction of rotation of the rotary drum, d. H. The second strip-shaped insert pushes against the transport direction upwards during the rotation of the rotary drum goods. The second strip-shaped insert forms an angle γ to the central axis of the rotary drum, where: 90 ° <γ ≦ 100 °. The first and the second strip-shaped insert can be arranged at the same or different angle to the central axis. The second strip-shaped insert is thus snugly on the inner wall and has in the transport direction down a slope greater than zero to 10 °, preferably 5 °.

Preferably, it is provided in the goods separating device according to the invention that a third strip-shaped insert is arranged in a third section of the rotary drum, wherein the third strip-shaped insert extends at least 180 ° and at most 270 ° around the inner circumference. Similar to the second strip-shaped insert, the third strip-shaped insert can initially restrain goods in order to allow separation. The third strip-shaped insert can be arranged in the circumferential direction completely offset from the second strip-shaped insert, i. H. a third passage formed by the third strip-shaped insert is arranged in the circumferential direction completely offset from the second passage. Goods that initially slide unhindered through the first and the second passage, thus encounter against the third strip-shaped insert. As a result, a goods jam arise, so that goods are in the range of the first and second strip-shaped insert. Upon rotation of the drum these are detected and moved in the transport direction upwards. It can be provided that the third strip-shaped insert is inclined with the direction of rotation. As a result, goods that collide against the third strip-shaped insert, accelerated during rotation of the rotary drum and thus transported against the slipping goods faster in the transport direction. In a further rotation of the rotary drum, the second passage before the first passage in a circumferentially lower position, so that the retained by the second strip-shaped insert goods can slip in the direction of the third strip-shaped insert. At this time, the first strip-shaped insert still holds back goods. At the time when the first passage is in a circumferentially lower position, the goods retained by the first strip-shaped insert may slip in the transport direction. Up to this point in time, the third strip-shaped insert has also transported the goods, which in the meantime have been slipping from the second strip-shaped insert, downwards, so that the goods released from the first strip-shaped insert can slide into the region of the third strip-shaped insert and continue. As a result, the goods portion is distributed over the length of the rotary drum and there is a separation of the goods.

The third strip-shaped insert may have an angle δ to the central axis, where: 80 ° ≦ δ <90 °. The third strip-shaped insert is thus helical on the inner wall and has in the transport direction down a slope less than zero to -10 °, preferably -5 °.

The first, second and / or third insert may have a height H, where: 3 mm ≦ H ≦ 6 mm. Preferably, the height H is 4 mm. A Such height of the strip-shaped deposits has been found to be particularly advantageous because on the one hand goods can be retained in the desired manner of the strip-shaped deposits, on the other hand, however, at excessive pressure of the goods from above a commodity on the strip-shaped insert can be pressed and thus an accumulation of goods can be avoided in the upper part of the rotary drum.

It is preferably provided that a plurality of fourth strip-shaped inserts are arranged in a fourth section of the rotary drum, wherein the fourth strip-shaped inserts are preferably distributed uniformly around the inner circumference of the rotary drum. The fourth strip-shaped deposits ensure that goods leaving the rotary drum as possible individually slip out of the rotary drum and are also directed in a desired direction. The fourth strip-shaped inserts can be inclined with the direction of rotation, so that an acceleration of the goods takes place. Goods may have an angle ε to the central axis, where: 25 ° ≤ ε ≤ 35 °. Preferably, ε = 30 °. It can be provided that four fourth strip-shaped inserts are arranged in the fourth section of the rotary drum. By the fourth strip-shaped deposits, the goods that reach the end of the rotary drum, accelerated very quickly and thus leave the rotary drum faster than the slightly higher up goods in the rotary drum, whereby an advantageous separation takes place. The second, third and fourth sections may be arranged along the rotary drum in the predetermined order and each have, for example, a length of one quarter of the length of the rotary drum.

It is preferably provided that the fourth strip-shaped inserts each have a first strip section with a height H and a second strip section with a height 2 × H, where: 3 mm ≦ H ≦ 6 mm. The second strip section is located in the transport direction behind the first strip section. Such a configuration of the fourth strip-shaped inserts ensures that a product located in the region of the second strip sections of the fourth strip-like inserts is entrained thereby and thus accelerated, whereas an underlying product located in the first strip section of the fourth strip-shaped inserts falls over this strip section and Thus, compared to the previously accelerated goods has a slower in the transport direction speed. The slower in the transport direction of goods is pushed from one of the next vortexed fourth strip-shaped insert from the rotary drum. As a result, the goods can be dispensed isolated from the rotary drum in an advantageous manner. The second strip portion may occupy between 25% and 75% of the length of a fourth strip-shaped insert. Preferably, the first and second strip portions have the same length.

With the given angle values for the angles γ, δ and ε formed between the strip-shaped inserts and the central axis, the angle is measured in a mathematically positive sense starting from the respective strip-shaped insert and in a direction of rotation of the rotary drum opposite to the direction of rotation in the clockwise direction Clockwise starting from the strip-shaped insert in the mathematically negative sense.

The strip-shaped inserts may consist of a foam material or a felt material. On the one hand, such materials are robust enough for the desired application, and on the other hand, they do not damage the goods during separation.

The conveying device of the goods transfer device according to the invention of an automatic warehouse conveys the goods from the goods separating device to the handling device of the goods transfer device and has a conveying surface driven in a conveying direction and a guide wall arranged on the conveying surface and extending in the conveying direction. The conveying surface is inclined at an acute angle α to the horizontal in the direction of the guide wall. The invention is characterized in that a position detecting device detects goods layers of goods conveyed on the conveying surface, and that a position correcting device is arranged on the guide wall which selectively exerts a shock on a product conveyed on the conveying surface depending on the goods position and / or an obstacle for the goods. The guide wall can for example form an angle between 90 ° and 95 ° with the conveyor surface.

The invention thus advantageously provides that a position correction of the goods takes place on a conveying device and thus can be carried out during the transport of goods separating device to a further handling device. Thus, the flow of goods is not interrupted and a quick handling of the goods can be done.

The guide wall guides the goods, which are transported on the conveying surface, so that they are arranged in a row. In this case, the conveyor surface inclined at an acute angle to the horizontal in the direction of the guide wall ensures that the goods slide in the direction of the guide wall and rest against the guide wall.

By means of the location detection device it is detected in which goods position the goods are located. For example, in the case of a product which is in the form of an elongated flat cuboid, it can thus be determined whether the product rests on the conveying surface with its narrow or broad side and, for example, whether the longitudinal direction of the article is in the conveying direction.

Depending on the material situation, the position correcting device can selectively influence the goods in order to obtain a desired product position, which in the case of a cuboid elongate product, for example, lying with the wide surface on the conveying surface and an arrangement in which the longitudinal direction of the goods is in the conveying direction , If, for example, the detection of the material condition shows that the product lies on the conveyor surface with the narrow side, it can be rotated about an axis of rotation in the conveying direction by means of an impact against the product. If it is determined that the longitudinal direction of the product is not in the conveying direction, but transversely thereto, can be achieved via an obstacle, which is formed by the position correcting means that the goods rotate and is moved with its longitudinal direction in the conveying direction. After this turning process is ensured by the inclined conveyor surface that the goods slips against the guide wall. Of course, the position correction device can also provide for certain product layers, that both an obstacle to the goods is formed and a shock is applied to the goods. The shock-carrying part is preferably formed in the conveying direction behind the obstacle forming part.

The angle α is preferably between 20 ° and 40 °. Particularly preferably, the angle α is 28 °. It has been found that in the usual conveying surfaces at an angle of 28 ° ensures that a product, such as a drug package, reliably slips against the guide wall.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the position detection device comprises electronic sensors. Preferably, the electronic sensors are designed as ultrasonic rangefinders. The electronic sensors are preferably oriented to measure the distance orthogonal to the conveying surface and orthogonal to the guiding wall. In this way, the position of the goods can be detected in a particularly advantageous manner, by different goods sizes are taught in advance a control system of the goods transfer device.

In a preferred embodiment of the conveyor according to the invention it is provided that the conveying surface is formed by a first conveying surface of a first conveyor belt and a second conveying surface of a second conveyor belt, wherein the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt are independently controllable. In this way, a separation of the goods in a particularly advantageous manner possible by the first and the second conveyor belt are operated, for example, at different speeds.

It is preferably provided that the first conveying surface of the first conveyor belt is arranged in the direction of the surface normal to the conveying surface with an offset to the second conveying surface of the second conveyor belt. For example, it may be provided that the first conveyor belt is arranged slightly higher than the second conveyor belt, for example between 1 mm and 2 mm higher, preferably 1 mm. This allows goods to be detected only by the second conveyor belt when they have been transported with their center of gravity on the end of the first conveying surface and tilt on the second conveying surface. As a result, the time at which the second conveyor belt transports a product can be accurately determined. For example, a product can be stopped by means of the first conveyor belt when the product is at the end of the conveying surface of the first conveyor belt. Even a slight running after the first conveyor belt when stopping the first conveyor belt does not cause the second conveyor belt takes over the goods. For example, it can be provided that the second conveyor belt runs continuously, while on the first conveyor belt by stopping and starting a separation of the goods takes place.

For this purpose, for example, be provided that at the end of the conveying surface of the first conveyor belt, a sensor is arranged, which detects the goods when it is at the end of the conveying surface of the first conveyor belt.

In the conveying direction before the sensor, for example, a further sensor can be arranged, via which the supply of goods to the conveyor can be controlled.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the obstacle is formed by an extendable pin. By an extendable pin an obstacle can be formed in an advantageous manner against which the goods collide. By moving on the conveying surface, for example of the second conveyor belt, the goods are guided around the pin and thus rotated. For this purpose, it is preferably provided that the pin has a rounded tip. This way will the goods are advantageously guided around the pin, whereby it is avoided that the product is damaged by the pin. It is preferably provided that the pin can be extended a distance of at most half of the maximum dimension of a product in its direction of movement. In this way it is ensured that each of the abutting against the pen product is rotated around the pin and does not get stuck on this. Preferably, the pin extends only a few millimeters, for example between 3 mm and 10 mm.

In a preferred embodiment of the conveying device according to the invention it is provided that the position correcting device performs the impact by means of a pusher device, wherein the pusher device has a plate arranged as a plunger parallel to the conveying surface. This can ensure that the impact exerted by the impact device on the product is distributed over an elongated surface and the goods about an axis of rotation which is parallel to the conveying surface and in the conveying direction, is rotated.

In the context of the invention, a plate is understood to mean a flat, thin body with a substantially smaller extent in one direction than in the other directions. In the present case, in the case of a plate arranged parallel to the conveying surface, this extends in the direction of the surface normal to the conveying surface less than in the other directions. For example, the plate may have a sickle shape. Preferably, the plunger is at most half of the minimum extent of a product in one direction, preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm, arranged above the conveying surface. In this way, it is ensured that the impact occurs at a plurality of goods below the center of gravity, so that the desired rotation about a parallel to the conveying surface and in the conveying direction extending axis of rotation takes place.

It can be provided that the impact device has a first holding device which exerts pressure on a product conveyed on the conveying surface in the direction of the conveying surface. By means of the first holding device, the goods can be initially held in position during the impact, so that it is reliably ensured that the product is rotated about the desired axis of rotation by means of the impact.

The first holding device may, for example, have at least two first holding bodies made of a flexible material. Depending on the size of the goods, both holding bodies can rest on the goods and thus exert a pressure on the goods, or a first holding body rests on the goods and a second is applied laterally to the goods. The two first holding bodies may consist of strands of flexible material, which are arranged parallel to each other. In this case, the two first holding body may be pivotally mounted, so that when a bumping of the goods against one or both of the first holding body they are pivoted. At the joint of the first holding body, for example, an adjustable weight can be arranged, the weight of which is transmitted to the goods via the first holding body, so that the desired pressure is applied to the goods.

The strand-shaped two first holding body may be parallel and have a curved shape. For example, the holding bodies may extend from their joint in a direction orthogonal to the conveying surface and have a bend in the direction of the conveying direction. If goods abut against the first holding body, the holding body are thus pivoted and sweep the goods, wherein a deflection of the joint of the holding body takes place. Furthermore, it is ensured that the first holding bodies pivot and are not bent too much by the goods. The distances of the first holding body may be selected so that in a plurality of goods only one of the holding body rests on the goods, whereas the second side of the product is present, whereby a particularly advantageous holding function of the goods can be done during the shock by means of the jar.

It is preferably provided that the impact device has a second holding device, which is arranged in the conveying direction behind the first holding device and in a direction transverse to the conveying direction away from the guide wall offset from the first holding device. This holding device, on the one hand, causes an additional holding function to be carried out for very large items. For smaller goods, the second holding device can identify an abutment function, so that goods jetted by the pushing device can bounce against the second holding device and thus prevent the shock from pushing the goods off the conveying surface. Therefore, the second holding device is arranged in the conveying direction behind the holding device.

It can be provided that the second holding device has at least two second holding body made of a flexible material. Basically, the two second holding body may be formed in the same shape as the two first holding body, d. H. as strands which are bent for example in the conveying direction and which are mounted pivotably. Also, the second holding device may have an adjustable weight on the hinge of the holding body.

The conveying device according to the invention can also provide that the position correcting device has one or more sensors which checks the position of the goods. For example, a sensor can be arranged after the extendable pin, which checks whether the desired change in position has taken place. Also, a sensor may be arranged after the pusher device, which checks whether the desired change of position by means of the pusher device has taken place.

It is preferably provided that a goods identification device is arranged in the conveying direction behind the position correcting device. This can consist of a housing arranged above the conveying surface into which a camera looks or in which a camera is arranged. In the housing, at least one light source can be arranged, which illuminates the goods to provide sufficient light for a camera recording. The goods recognition device can also have a second position detection device which detects the position of the goods so that they can be checked.

The goods recognition device can have a sensor which senses a product, the camera being triggered via the sensor. The sensor can detect, for example, the position of a product, so that it can also be controlled when another product is to be transferred from the first conveying surface to the second conveying surface.

On the conveyor surface sensors may be arranged at different positions, which detect the position of the goods, whereby an advantageous separation can be achieved by controlling the first and / or second conveyor belt.

At the end of the conveyor surface of the conveyor, a stop may be provided which stops the goods, so that they can be received, for example, by a gripper of the handling device of the goods transfer device. The gripper can pick up and pass on goods only in a predetermined speed. Therefore, the conveyor according to the invention is particularly suitable because with this the distance of the individual goods can be controlled in an advantageous manner by the goods are transferred from the first conveyor surface to the second conveyor surface with an appropriate distance.

The stop formed at the end of the conveying surface can be opened so that goods can be conveyed to the goods by-pass or to the goods committee. If, for example, the second position detection device determines that the position correction has not been carried out correctly, the goods can be conveyed into the goods bypass in order to be fed again to the conveyor device according to the invention.

If the goods recognition device detects, for example, a non-known goods, they can be transported to the goods committee.

The handling device of the inventive goods transfer device of an automatic warehouse cooperates with the conveyor of the goods transfer device and transfers goods from the conveyor of the goods transfer device to the conveyor chain. The handling device according to the invention has a stop device with a stop body arranged above the conveying surface of the conveyor, wherein the stop body forms a stop for goods carried on the conveying surface and wherein the position of the stop body in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor is adjustable. Furthermore, the handling device has a gripping device with a gripper, wherein the gripping device grips by means of the gripper against the stop body adjacent goods and receives from the conveyor surface. By the stop device goods that are transported on the conveying surface, retained, so that, for example, the conveying surface of the conveyor can be operated. The goods are located by the stop at a defined position and can be accommodated in an advantageous manner by means of the gripping device. As a result, the goods arranged in isolated fashion on the conveying surface can be picked up by the conveying device in a predetermined timing and, for example, transferred to the second handling device. Since the goods are received by means of the gripping device, the inclusion of the goods can be done on the one hand at a defined time and on the other hand, the goods can be handed over in any direction.

Due to the adjustable position of the stopper body in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor, the stopper body can be adapted to a commodity size of the goods transported on the conveyor surface. Thus, it can be ensured, for example, that the product lying against the stop body is arranged centrally in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor device under the gripping position of the gripper of the gripping device. This has the advantage that the gripping device can always pick up the goods in the same position, so that the gripping device does not have to have any additional adjustment options in order to be able to pick up goods of different sizes. By the stop body is ensured that the goods from the gripper is to be taken, is located at a suitable position for recording. For example, the position suitable for receiving by the gripper can be a position centrally below the gripper. Alternatively it can also be provided that by means of the stopper body a position of the product is set when abutting against the stop body, in which the center of gravity of the goods is arranged centrally below the gripper.

By adjusting the stopper body in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor, the stopper body is moved in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor to a product to or from this. The setting of the stopper body can for example be done individually before each transported on the conveyor surface goods. If it is known that a plurality of similar goods are transported on the conveying surface, of course, the position adjustment of the stopper body can be made once for the group of similar goods.

It is preferably provided that the stop body is formed by a pin. This has the advantage that the stopper body is relatively narrow and thus preferably does not hinder the gripper when picking up the goods.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the stop body is spaced at a distance D from the conveying surface, wherein the distance D is smaller than a minimum extent of the goods. In cuboid goods, such as drug packages, the minimum extension of the goods is usually the height of the packaging. The handling device according to the invention can be used in particular with a variety of different goods, wherein the dimension of the goods is known. It can be provided that the distance D is smaller than the minimum extent of all goods. This ensures that no goods to be stopped by the stopper body can slip under the stopper body. For example, the distance D may be between 2 mm and 4 mm, preferably 3 mm. Preferably, it is further provided that the distance D 'of the top of the stopper body to the conveying surface is smaller than the minimum extent of the goods or all goods. In other words, when a product is applied to the stopper body, the stopper body should not have an extension above the goods. This has the advantage that the stop body does not hinder the gripper when picking up the goods.

It can further be provided that the stop body has a transversely to the conveyor extending length L above the conveying surface, wherein L is greater than half of the second largest extent of the goods. For a cuboid product, this would be, for example, the width of the product. Usually goods are transported on the conveyor surface such that they are located with their length direction in the conveying direction. By providing a with the predetermined length L above the conveyor surface extending stop body ensures that after a beating of a product against the stop body in a continued operation of the conveying surface, the goods do not tend to rotate around the stop body around. It has been found that when the stopper body extends over half of the extent of the goods transversely to the conveying surface, the risk of overcoming the stopper body due to further operation of the conveying surface is avoided. In the case of a large number of goods of previously known size, it can of course be provided that the length L is greater than half the second largest extent of the largest goods in this direction.

Preferably, it is provided that the stop body is extendable or foldable or retractable or foldable. In this way, a product can also be transported from the conveying surface over the position of the stopper body. This has the advantage that goods that are recognized as rejects, do not strike against the stopper body in its retracted or folded position, but are transported by means of the conveyor in the goods committee. In a conveyor with position correction, for example, can also be provided that, if it is determined that a product has not taken the correct position, is transported by retracting or folding away the stopper body, the goods by means of the conveying surface to the goods bypass, by means of which the goods, for example the conveyor can be fed again.

An extension or unfolding of the stopper body has been found to be particularly advantageous for a stop body, which is to act selectively.

It is preferably provided that the stop device has a first drive device which drives the stop body in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor. In this way, the stopper body is automatically driven for position adjustment.

It can be provided that the stop body is guided on a guide rail. By means of such storage is an adjustment of the position of the stopper body in the longitudinal direction of Conveyor realized in a structurally simple way.

It can be provided that the stopper body has a second drive device, via which the stopper body is extendable or foldable or retractable or foldable. Thus, this function is automatically executed.

It can be provided that the second drive device is carried along in the movement of the stopper body in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor. The first and the second drive device thus form a serial kinematics.

It is preferably provided that the first and / or the second drive device are a pneumatic linear drive. Pneumatic actuators have proven to be particularly advantageous because they are lightweight and compact and also very robust. Furthermore, these have the advantage that when using other pneumatic drives, a common energy source can be used.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the gripper is a vacuum suction gripper. By means of such a gripper, the goods can be used advantageously and very quickly, at the same time damage to the goods is prevented. Furthermore, by means of a vacuum suction gripper, a picked-up product can advantageously be deposited again by removing the vacuum of the suction gripper.

It can be provided that the gripper has a gripper plate with at least one sucker. The sucker can be for example a bellows suction.

It can be provided that the gripper plate has two first suction, which are actuated together, and a second suction, which is arranged offset to the first suckers and is separately operable. The suckers may for example have a triangular arrangement. Such an arrangement has the advantage that the two first suckers can be used with conventional goods sizes, while the second suckers remains unactuated in such goods. For very wide goods in which the two first suckers and the second suckers rest on the goods, the second suckers can be switched separately to the first suckers. In this way, even very large and heavy goods can be picked up by means of the vacuum suction gripper.

It is preferably provided that the gripper plate is mounted on at least one, attached to the gripper plate guide rod, wherein the at least one guide rod is guided linearly on a housing of the gripper. For this purpose, the housing of the gripper can, for example, have a sleeve through which the guide rod is guided. By storage by means of the guide rod, the gripper plate can yield. When placing the gripper plate on a product to accommodate this, thus the gripper plate can be moved linearly, whereby, for example, damage to the goods can be avoided and ensures that the gripper plate rests completely on the goods.

In this case, the invention preferably provides that a spring device is arranged on the at least one guide rod, which presses the gripper plate of a goods receiving position in the direction of the goods. In other words: The gripper plate is spring-loaded via the guide rod and the spring device. When placing the gripper plate on a product, the gripper plate is against the spring force of the spring device after. This ensures that the gripper plate and thus arranged on the gripper plate suckers rest firmly on the goods, so that the suckers can hold the goods for recording. The sprung guide rod of the gripper plate also prevents damage to the goods. With similar goods, there are often deviations in their height. If the gripper plate is now moved to a predetermined position, it may thus happen that the goods are either too high or too low. The sprung mounting of the gripper plate can be compensated by deliberately moving the gripper plate to a lower position. This ensures that the goods can be received in a reliable manner.

It may further be provided that a sensor is arranged on the at least one guide rod, which detects a linear movement of the guide rod with respect to the housing. As a result, a movement of the guide rod and thus of the gripper plate can be detected by means of the sensor, whereby it can be determined that the gripper plate rests on a product. The sensor thus allows the movement of the gripper plate in the direction of the goods to be controlled.

It is preferably provided that the gripping device has a linear drive and a rotary drive about an axis of rotation, wherein the rotary drive drives a gripper arm relative to a base of the gripping device and the linear drive drives the gripper relative to the gripper arm. The gripping device thus has a serial kinematics by the linear drive is guided by the rotary drive. It has been found that by providing the position-variable stop for receiving goods from the conveyor, a gripping device with only two drives is sufficient. Such Gripping device is thus very inexpensive to produce.

The linear drive and the rotary drive of the gripping device can be servomotors, for example. These can have an integrated transmission. Such drives are very compact and fast. Alternatively, pneumatic drives can also be provided.

The warehouse according to the invention comprises a goods transfer device according to the invention and a manipulator, which takes over goods from the at least one transfer channel.

In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

Show it:

1 a schematic perspective view of an automatic warehouse according to the invention with a goods transfer device according to the invention,

2 a detailed representation of a drawer of the goods transfer device according to the invention for a loading device,

3 a schematic perspective view of the loading device of the goods transfer device according to the invention,

4 a schematic perspective view of in 2 shown drawer in a different working position,

5 a schematic page representation of in 2 illustrated drawer,

6 a schematic detail of the securing device of the loading device,

7 a schematic detail view of the locking device of the loading device,

8th a schematic perspective view of a goods lift with a conveying device of the goods transfer device according to the invention,

9 a schematic sectional view of the goods lift,

10 a schematic perspective view of the goods lift with arranged thereon conveying device of the goods transfer device according to the invention,

11 a schematic view of the upper portion of the goods lift with elevator cage in an upper position,

12 a schematic perspective view of a goods separating device of the goods transfer device according to the invention,

13 a schematic detail view of the goods portioner of the goods separating device,

14 a schematic detail view of the rotary drum of Warenvereinzungsvorrichtung,

15 a schematic perspective view of a conveyor of the goods transfer device according to the invention,

16a a schematic view of the position correcting device of the goods transfer device according to the invention,

16b a schematic view of the position correcting device on the back of the guide wall of the conveyor,

17 a schematic sectional view through the goods detection device of the conveyor,

18 a schematic perspective view of a handling device of a goods transfer device according to the invention,

19 a schematic detail view of the stop device of in 18 shown handling device,

20 a schematic detail view of the gripper of the gripper device of in 18 shown handling device according to the invention,

20a a schematic view from below of the gripper plate of in 20 illustrated gripper,

21 a schematic perspective view of the conveyor chain according to the invention of a goods transfer device according to the invention with transfer channels arranged thereon,

22a a schematic side view of the traction device of the conveyor chain according to the invention,

22b a further schematic side view of the traction mechanism of the conveyor chain according to the invention,

22c a schematic detail of the 22a .

22d a schematic detail of the Zugmittelvorrichtung from a top view,

23 a schematic representation of the transfer channels closing commodity transfer block,

24a different views of a transport compartment of the conveyor chain according to the invention in the goods receiving position

24b various representations of a transport compartment of the conveyor chain according to the invention in the goods transfer position and

24c various representations of a transport compartment of the conveyor chain according to the invention to illustrate the position of the axis of rotation.

In 1 is an inventive automatic warehouse 100 with a goods transfer device according to the invention 110 shown schematically. In the goods transfer device according to the invention 110 Goods can be entered which are in an in 1 merely indicated manipulator 120 be passed, the goods in storage bins, not shown, such as storage channels, sort. The automatic warehouse 100 For example, it may be a pharmacy warehouse into which medicines and other pharmacy products packaged in product packaging such as boxes are stored. The goods transfer device according to the invention 110 takes the goods automatically and passes them to the manipulator 120 , The goods transfer device 110 can, for example, sort entered goods and in an intermediate buffer for transfer to the manipulator 120 ready.

How out 1 shows, is the goods transfer device 110 compared to the warehouse 100 spatially limited trained. To enter the goods transfer device 110 to be able to sort entered goods and to hand them over to the manipulator 120 to singles, the goods transfer device 110 several handling devices. Due to the limited space available for the goods transfer device 110 Therefore, various handling devices are provided in height at different levels.

The loading device 1 is in the 2 - 7 described in detail. The by means of the loading device 1 in the goods transfer device according to the invention 110 entered goods are by means of a conveyor 145 to a goods lift 201 promoted. The goods lift 201 is in detail in the 8th - 11 described.

The goods are removed from the goods lift to a goods separating device 301 to hand over. The goods separating device is in the 12 - 14 described in detail.

From the goods separating device 301 The goods are then sent to a conveyor 401 to hand over. The conveyor 401 is in the 15 - 17 described. From the conveyor 401 the goods are from a handling device 501 taken and to the conveyor chain according to the invention 601 to hand over. The handling device 501 is in the 18 - 20a described in detail.

The goods separating device 301 For example, it is located above the conveyor 401 , The conveyor 401 is for example above the conveyor 145 arranged.

The conveyor chain according to the invention 601 is in the 21 - 24c described.

In 2 is a drawer 130 the in 1 represented goods transfer device 110 and a loading device according to the invention which is suitable for this goods transfer device 1 shown schematically in a perspective view. In 2 is the drawer 130 for clarification purposes detached from the body of the goods transfer device 110 shown. The drawer 130 serves to accommodate the loading device according to the invention 1 , The loading device 1 can do this in the drawer 130 be used, so that the loading device 1 by means of the drawer 130 in the goods transfer device 110 can be inserted. Below the drawer 130 is a conveyor 145 arranged in the form of a conveyor belt, so that the goods from the loading device 1 on the conveyor 145 fall and can be removed from this for further processing. Laterally of the conveyor belt are sloping walls 146 arranged, which form a kind of funnel for the conveyor, so that goods coming out of the loading device 1 fall, get on the conveyor in a reliable manner.

The loading device according to the invention 1 consists of a container 2 with several compartments 3 into which the goods can be filled as bulk goods. Each compartment has a loading opening 5 on top of the container 2 is arranged. Through the loading openings 5 the goods are in the compartments 3 entered. How best 3 it can be seen in the loading device 1 of the 2 is shown in a schematic side view, have the subjects 3 at her Bottom of a discharge opening 7 on, each by a retaining flap 9 is closable. The retaining flaps 9 are separately openable and form in their closed position respectively the bottom of a compartment 3 ,

In 4 is the drawer of 2 shown in a different working position. The loading device 1 is in the drawer 130 used. Above the drawer 130 is a second drawer 150 extendable, which is a plate 160 having. In the closed state of the drawer 130 and the second drawer 150 the plate covers the loading openings 5 the subjects 3 off, so that prevents the discharge of the subjects 3 Goods through the loading openings 5 from the subjects 3 pop out. In the opened state of the drawer 130 can by means of the second drawer 150 individual subjects 3 be filled. This is indicated by the drawer 150 one to the loading opening 5 adjusted opening 170 on. The second drawer 150 can be pulled out, leaving the recess 170 above one of the loading openings 5 is arranged. On the plate 160 Now the goods can be placed and simply in the direction of the recess 170 be pushed so that they pass through the loading opening 5 in the one compartment 3 fall. The second drawer 150 thus serves one in the drawer 130 arranged loading device 1 to fill. The second drawer 150 may comprise a latching device, by means of which the second drawer 150 in different locking positions, in which the recess 170 above a loading opening 5 is, can be engaged.

Basically, the loading device according to the invention shown in the figures 1 provided as a mobile container, so that a filled loading device 1 in an empty drawer 130 is used or against a deflated loading device 1 is exchanged. Therefore, as shown 1 it can be seen, in the embodiment shown, the transfer device 110 four drawers 130 on, so when replacing a loading device 1 in one of the drawers the remaining three drawers 130 can still contain goods, so the transfer device 110 when replacing a loading device 1 can stay in operation. The transfer device according to the invention 110 can therefore be for a very long time goods to the manipulator 120 to hand over.

At the drawer 130 is a latch device 180 arranged, the best off 5 and 7 is apparent. The 5 shows the drawer of the 2 schematically in a side view, wherein parts of the drawer guide are not shown for clarification purposes, and 7 shows a detailed view of the locking device 180 ,

The locking device 180 indicates in the illustrated embodiment for each of the subjects 3 a separate latch 190 on, each bar has its own drive 200 is controllable. In the drawer 130 inserted position of the loading device 1 are the bolts 190 on the retaining flap 9 to hold them in a closed position. For this purpose, the retaining flaps 9 each a projection element 11 on, at the bottom of the bars 190 each abut.

By means of the drives 200 can the bars 190 individually guided into an unlocked position, leaving the corresponding retaining flap 9 due to gravity can open down. This allows those in the subjects 3 taken out goods from the subjects. In the unlocked position are the bolts 190 folded away sideways and dive into a corresponding recess 195 one. When closing the retaining flaps 9 can be provided that the bolt 190 First, in the unlocked position and after closing the retaining flaps 9 be pivoted to the closed position to at the bottom of the projection element 11 to rest. Alternatively it can be provided that the bolt 190 already in the open position of the retaining flap 9 moved to its closed position and then the retaining flap 9 is closed. For this purpose, the retaining flap 9 a recess 9a on, through which the latch 190 when closing the retaining flap 9 can dive through. The projection element 11 has an inclined surface 11a on that during the closing process of the retaining flap 9 against the bar 190 push and move this aside. After closing the retaining flap completely 9 the latch snaps 190 back to its closed position and lies on the underside of the projection element 11 at.

To prevent in the transport of the loading device 1 the retaining flaps 9 unintentionally open, points the loading device 1 a security device 13 on top of the retaining flaps 9 can lock in the closed position. For this purpose, the securing device 13 for each retaining flap 9 a bolt 15 in the locked position of the safety device 13 on the retaining flap 9 is applied. Bolts 15 are by means of a push rod 17 connected and in a slide guide 19 guided. About the push rod 17 can the bolts 15 be moved from a locked position to an unlock position. The security device 13 can, as in 3 and 5 is shown, also two push rods 17 each with bolts arranged thereon 15 have, so the security device 13 on both sides of the retaining flaps 9 is applied. This may cause bending of the retaining flaps 9 in the filled state of the subjects 3 be avoided.

How best 3 it can be seen, are the push rods 17 the security device 13 in a metal frame 8th arranged, the securing device 13 protects against mechanical influences from outside.

The safety device 13 has an attack element 21 on, which serves to actuate the blocking function or unlocking the retaining flaps. The attack element 21 is in the embodiment shown in the figures by means of a triggering device 210 actuated. The triggering device 210 has a pin element 220 on that at the lead of the drawer 130 is arranged. When closing the drawer 130 pushes the pin element 220 against a first part 22 of the attacking element 21 the push rod 17 and push it to the unlock position. The safety device 13 can be a spring element 24 have, which is an unwanted movement of the push rod 17 prevented, wherein the pin member 220 in cooperation with the securing device 13 the spring element 24 can solve first. In this case, the spring element 24 from an unlocking device 222 of the pin member 220 First pressed upwards before the pin element 220 by means of a step 220a against the first part 22 of the attacking element 21 suppressed. The unlocking device 222 has for this purpose an inclined surface which is against the spring element 24 suppressed.

The triggering device 210 can also be a stop element 230 have that with a second part 23 of the attacking element 21 the push rod 17 interacts. The attack element 21 can thus be formed in two parts and both sides of the push rod 17 be arranged. When opening the drawer 130 pushes the stop element 230 in a certain position against the second part 23 and push the push rod 17 the security device 13 in the locked position.

The stop element 230 the triggering device 210 is movable with the drawer 130 coupled. The stop element 230 is moved when opening the drawer first with this and by means of a retaining device 236 fixed from a predetermined opening width of the drawer opposite the drawer. This can be the second part 23 of the attacking element 21 during a continuous opening operation of the drawer 130 against the stop element 230 bump, leaving the push rod 17 pushed into its locked position.

This ensures that before removing the loading device 1 the retaining flaps 9 are secured in their closed position.

The metal frame 8th can first slots 8a have, through which the triggering device 210 can intervene. Furthermore, second slots 8b be provided by the second part 23 of the attacking element 21 in the unlocked position of the securing device 13 from the metal frame 8th can stand out.

The drawer 130 also has a frame element 135 on, that's the push rod 17 with the second part 23 of the attacking element 21 in the unlocked position of the securing device 13 embraces. Thus, the loading device hooks 1 on the frame element 135 if the security device 13 in its unlocked position, leaving the loading device 1 can not be taken out of the drawer. This will ensure that the loading device 1 only from the drawer 130 can be taken when the safety device 13 is in its locked position.

Furthermore, it can be provided that by means of an actuating device 216 the retaining flaps 9 when mounting the drawer 130 be moved to the closed position. The actuator 216 is designed as a stripper plate with a flexible upper portion, such as a brush strip, which forms the retaining flaps 9 pushes into the closed position.

There is also the possibility that the retaining flaps by means of the securing device 13 be moved into their closed position by moving the push rod 17 in the locked position the retaining flaps 9 by means of bolts 15 be pressed in the closed position.

The loading devices according to the invention 1 can have a different number of subjects. The loading device 1 For example, in addition to the illustrated four compartments may also have only three or five subjects. A different number of subjects is of course possible.

The goods transfer device can be any number of container devices 1 in corresponding number of recesses 140 take up. For example, 3, 5 or 6 recesses 140 possible.

The discharge openings 7 can be operated manually or automatically.

The loading devices according to the invention 1 have in their mobile embodiment the advantage that at one of the transfer device 110 independent place goods in the loading device 1 can be filled and the loading device 1 then to the transfer device 110 can be transported. Because of that loader 1 several subjects 3 which can be emptied separately from each other, can in an automatic operation of the retaining flaps 9 the transfer device 110 work automatically without the user having to act. By providing multiple loading devices 1 can the goods transfer device 110 Take over a relatively long period without the user's intervention goods and to the manipulator 120 of the warehouse 100 In the meantime, the user can take over other activities or loading devices 1 can refill for replacement.

The goods lift according to the invention 201 is in the 8th shown schematically in a perspective view. To the goods lift according to the invention 201 guides the conveyor 145 the goods transfer device 110 , The conveyor 145 can be designed as a conveyor belt. Laterally of the conveyor belt are sloping walls 146 arranged, which form a kind of funnel for the conveyor belt, so that goods, which are in the goods transfer device 110 can be entered on the conveyor belt in a reliable manner.

The goods lift 201 has a car guide 203 on, the elevator shaft 205 having. The elevator shaft 205 is through two opposite first walls 207 and one of the first walls 207 connecting second wall 209 educated. The car guide 203 also has an in 8th not shown rail guide for the car, by means of the car is driven.

At a lower area of the elevator shaft 205 is an opening 213 like a window in the second wall 209 formed by means of a slider 215 Goods that are on the conveyor 145 be transported in the elevator shaft 205 and thus be transported in the car, not shown.

In 9 is a schematic sectional view through the elevator shaft 205 shown. The car 217 is positioned in a first end position. The car 217 has a car floor 219 to transport the goods. On the second wall 209 of the elevator shaft 205 opposite side of the car floor 219 points the car 217 a side wall 221 on. This is necessary as the elevator shaft 205 on the second wall 209 opposite side is open, so that maintenance work on the elevator shaft 205 can be done in a simple way. By means of the sidewall 221 of the car 217 Thus, it is prevented at this open side of the elevator shaft 205 Goods from the car 217 can fall.

The of the conveyor 145 transported goods pass through the opening 213 in the second wall 209 on the car floor 219 , The slider 215 can in the in 9 shown closed position, so that the goods by means of the slider 215 on the car floor 219 be pushed.

The slider 215 points to a plate 223 on, in the closed position of the slider 215 the opening 213 closes. The plate is aligned 223 with its main surface with the second wall 209 of the elevator shaft 205 ,

In the upper margin 223a shows the plate 223 a fold 225 in the direction of the interior of the elevator shaft 205 on. At the bottom of the page 223b the plate has a second fold 227 on, in one of the interior of the elevator shaft 205 opposite direction runs.

The second wall 209 and the plate 223 of the slider 215 form together with the first walls 207 a guide to the car 217 transported goods on the way up. By the first fold 225 becomes the upper opening edge 213a the opening 213 shielded and goods, along the plate 223 Grind will be towards the interior of the elevator 5 pressed and around the top opening edge 213a directed. This will prevent the goods from reaching the top opening edge 213a butt and cant.

By the second fold 227 will prevent the plate 223 of the slider 215 forms an obstacle to which the goods can tilt. The goods are thus through the lower edge of the opening 213b the opening 213 at the bottom margin 223b the plate 223 past.

How out 9 shows, is the car 217 L-shaped. Because the elevator shaft 205 Closed on three sides, are next to the side wall 221 additional side walls not necessary, so the car 217 is inexpensive to produce.

In 10 is a perspective view of the goods lift invention 201 shown schematically. The opening 213 is opened by the slider 215 has been moved to an open position. The plate 223 of the slider 215 forms in this position a guide wall for goods coming from the conveyor 145 to get promoted.

It may be provided, for example, that one to the size of the car 217 adjusted amount of goods on the conveyor 145 is given. This transports the goods in the direction of the goods lift 201 , The goods bounce against the oblique to the conveying direction of the conveyor 145 arranged plate 223 and from this through the opening 213 on the car 217 emotional. After a predetermined time it can be provided that the slide 215 is moved into a closed position and possibly before the opening 213 lying goods through the opening 213 on the car 217 pushes.

The slider 215 also has a curved plate 229 on, referring to the plate 223 followed. In the closed position of the slider 215 runs the curved plate 229 essentially transversely to the conveying direction of the conveying device 145 , The curved plate 229 thus forms a stop for goods carried on the conveyor, as well as out 8th is apparent. In the area of the slider 215 is at the conveyor 145 further a second side wall 147 arranged, which prevents against the curved plate 229 pushing goods laterally from the conveyor 145 can fall. The side wall 147 may for example also have an opening mechanism, so that a goods bypass is formed. The goods can in the closed position of the slider 215 by means of the curved plate 229 passed into the goods bypass and can, for example, the conveyor 145 be fed again.

How best 9 shows, the slider is 215 via a drive 231 driven. The drive 231 can be designed as a piston drive. On the piston drive rod, a sensor can be arranged with displacement sensor, which senses the movement of the piston rod. This can be the position of the slide 215 determine.

As in 10 It can be seen, different sensors 231 . 231b be provided, which allow automatic control. The sensors 231 . 231b For example, they can be configured as light barriers, the direction of action of the light barrier being represented by corresponding arrows. By means of the sensor 231 For example, it can be determined if packs are wrong or unfavorable at the opening 213 lie. The sensor 231b For example, you may notice if there are too many packs against the one through the curved plate 229 formed stop, so that the conveying device 145 stopped or the goods bypass must be opened. In normal operation can be provided in principle that the conveyor 145 is running continuously. The entry of goods on the conveyor 145 can thereby the driving time of the car 217 the goods lift according to the invention 201 be adjusted.

If by means of the sensor 231 it is found that a product within the opening 213 lies and not by means of the sliding plate 223 on the car 217 can be moved, an automatic control can be provided, which is an opening of the slider 215 and a backward movement of the conveyor 145 provides. A detection of an unfavorable product may be in addition to the sensor 231 also about the position determination of the slider 215 respectively. For example, if the slider 215 can not completely moved into the closed position, also the previously described control program can be performed.

In 11 is the upper section of the elevator shaft 205 shown schematically, wherein the second wall 209 is shown cut.

The car 217 is in its upper end position. Because of the car 217 L-shaped, which are the first walls 207 facing sides open. In one to the upper end position of the car 217 adjusted position show the first walls 207 a first recess 233a and a second recess 233b on. In the first recess 233a is a second slider 235 added. When the car 217 in the in 11 shown upper end position is moved, the slider 235 over the car floor 219 be moved and thus from the car 217 transported goods in the direction of the second recess 233b and through these from the elevator shaft 205 to be moved out. To the second recess 233b then the handling device 301 the goods transfer device 110 arranged. In the in 11 illustrated embodiment, this forms a slope having transport channel.

The second slider 235 has a movable sliding plate 237 on that via a slider drive 239 is driven. The slide drive 239 can be controlled so that the sliding plate 237 in a given time over the car floor 219 is moved. This can be done to a certain extent a separation of the goods. Alternatively it can be provided that the slide drive 239 the sliding plate 237 In stages drives, for example, the distance of the sliding plate 237 divided into three sections, each with a break divided. This can be a Unterportionierung on the car floor 219 ordered goods are made.

The configuration of the second slider can in a goods lift according to the invention 201 also independent of the slider 215 be realized.

The elevator according to the invention may further comprise sensors, not shown, which are the end positions of the car 217 detect. This can be done by the drives for the slide 215 and the second slider 235 to be controlled.

The goods lift according to the invention 201 can in principle also be provided in goods transfer devices that can perform a function other than accepting the goods and handing them over to a warehouse. For example, the goods lift according to the invention 201 also be used in goods transfer devices, which are arranged on an output side of a warehouse. Delivered goods are thus in a comparable form in the car 217 transported and for final release from the warehouse by means of the second slider 235 pushed.

The goods separating device according to the invention 301 is in 12 shown schematically in a perspective view. The goods separating device 301 takes goods from the goods lift 201 in disordered form. The goods separating device 301 has a transport channel 303 on, who is a goods scoop 305 contains. The goods portioner 305 is just above a rotary drum 307 arranged and filled the goods as goods portions in disordered form in the rotary drum 307 one. At the bottom of the rotary drum 307 the goods are on a curved path in the form of a spiral chute 309 dispensable. The rotary drum 307 is inclined with respect to the horizontal at an acute angle β. The angle β can be for example 10 °. Goods in the rotary drum 307 be filled, slip due to the low inclination of the rotary drum 307 not independently, but only during a rotary movement of the rotary drum 307 ,

The transport channel 303 and the spiral chute 309 have one compared to the rotary drum 307 much larger pitch, for example, at least 28 °, so that then goods slip independently gravity.

The through the transport channel 303 Slipping goods are from the goods scoop 305 divided into portions of goods with a predetermined maximum volume and portions in the rotary drum 307 filled. The goods portioner 305 is in 13 shown in detail. The goods portioner 305 has a first bulkhead 311 and a second bulkhead 313 on, from the bottom of the transport channel 303 escape. The first bulkhead 311 is shown in the closed position. The second bulkhead 313 is shown in the open position. Via a coupling mechanism 315 are the first and the second bulkhead 311 . 313 coupled together so that by means of a common drive, the first and the second bulkhead 311 can be driven and alternately opened or closed. When opening the second bulkhead 313 slip between the first and the second bulkhead 311 . 313 arranged goods from above into the below the goods scoop 305 arranged rotary drum 307 , The rotary drum 307 is in 14 shown schematically in detail. The rotary drum 307 has a rotary drive 317 on, which rotates the rotary drum. The rotary drive 317 can with the coupling mechanism 315 the first and the second bulkhead 311 . 313 be connected and form the common drive for this. This will cause the actuation of the first and second bulkheads 313 through the rotary drum 307 controlled.

In the in 14 illustrated embodiment is the rotary drum 307 designed so that it can be driven by means of the rotary drive seen in the transport direction in a clockwise direction. The transport direction is in 14 indicated by an arrow.

In a first section 319 the rotary drum has a first strip-shaped insert arranged on the inner wall 321 on. The first strip-shaped insert 321 extends about 150 ° around the inner circumference and has a direction of rotation arranged on the inclination. As a result, goods that are detected by the first strip-shaped insert, pressed against the transport direction upwards. The first strip-shaped insert faces the central axis 307a the rotary drum 307 an angle γ of about 95 °.

The first strip-shaped insert 321 forms in the region of the inner circumference of the rotary drum 307 in which the first strip-shaped insert 321 not arranged, a first passage 323 , Here is the first strip-shaped insert 321 arranged such that when opening the second bulkhead 313 of the goods scoop 305 the first strip-shaped insert 321 is in an open position in 14 is shown. Goods from the goods portioner 305 slip, can now slip past unhindered on the first strip-shaped insert. Continuing to turn the rotary drum 307 the goods that are the last out of the goods scoop 305 slip and, for example, by a in the rotary drum 307 accumulated goods in the area of the first deposit 321 are located, retained by this and pressed upwards due to the inclination against the transport direction.

In a second section 325 the rotary drum 307 is a second strip-shaped insert 327 arranged. This extends about 240 ° around the inner circumference. The second passage formed by the second strip-shaped insert 329 is partially offset in the circumferential direction to the first formed by the first strip-shaped insert first passage 323 arranged, wherein the first and the second passage 323 . 329 partially overlap. When turning the in 14 shown rotary drum 307 Clockwise by about 90 ° are the overlapping parts of the first and second passage 323 and 329 in the circumferentially lower portion of the drum. Goods that are in this position of the rotary drum from the goods scoop 305 can be directed into the rotary drum, almost unhindered in the first and second passage 323 . 329 slip. This is done on the one hand by the rotation of the drum 307 because it partially entrains the goods in the rotational movement, so that they are exposed to a greater slope on the inner wall and slide in the transport direction, and on the other hand due to slipping goods that push the goods down.

The second strip-shaped insert 327 is opposite to the direction of rotation of the rotary drum 307 inclined. To the central axis, the second strip-shaped insert at an angle γ of about 95 °. Goods, the further rotation of the rotary drum 307 in the area of the second strip-shaped insert 327 are detected by this and pressed against the transport direction to the top.

In a third section 331 The rotary drum is a third strip-shaped insert 333 arranged. The third strip-shaped insert extends about 180 ° around the inner circumference. The third strip-shaped insert 331 formed third passage 335 is completely offset in the circumferential direction to that through the second strip-shaped insert 327 formed second passage 329 arranged. Goods free through the first and second passage 323 . 329 slip, therefore encounter the third strip-shaped deposit 333 , The third strip-shaped insert 333 is inclined with the direction of rotation and has to the central axis at an angle δ, which is about 85 °. Due to this tendency, goods are attached to the third strip-shaped insert 333 applied, accelerated and thus faster from the third section 331 transported as goods not on the third strip-shaped deposit 333 issue.

In a fourth section 337 the rotary drum 307 are four fourth strip-shaped inserts 339 arranged. These are even around the inner circumference of the rotary drum 307 arranged distributed. Compared to the first to third strip-shaped inserts 321 . 327 . 333 are the fourth strip-shaped deposits 339 arranged more directed in the transport direction. The fourth strip-shaped inserts are inclined with the direction of rotation and have an angle of 30 ° to the axis of rotation. As a result, goods that are detected by the fourth strip-shaped deposits, accelerated and quickly out of the rotary drum 307 output.

The first, second and third strip-shaped insert 321 . 327 . 333 each have a height H of about 4 mm. The fourth strip-shaped inserts each have a first strip section 339a and a second strip portion 339b on. The first strip-shaped section 339a has a height H of about 4 mm. The second strip section 339b which has approximately the same length as the first strip section 339a , has a height 2 · H and thus of about 8 mm. Goods coming from the second section 339b be captured, accelerated and out of the rotary drum 307 edited. Goods immediately behind in the area of the first strip section 339a are arranged, however, fall over this and are only from a subsequent subsequent rotation in the fourth strip-shaped insert 339 promoted.

How out 12 indicates that the rotary drum 307 following spiral chute a curvature to the right. Due to the direction of rotation of the rotary drum 307 clockwise, the goods are in the area of the peripheral wall when dispensing the rotary drum 309a the spiral chute 309 issued, so that the goods in an advantageous manner on the peripheral wall 309a can string together.

By means of the spiral chute 309 the goods are delivered to the conveyor 401 to hand over.

In 15 is a conveyor according to the invention 401 shown schematically in a perspective view. The conveyor 401 serves for the carriage of goods 150 from the goods separating device 301 the goods transfer device to the handling device 501 the goods transfer device.

The conveyor according to the invention 401 has a conveying surface driven in the conveying direction 403 on and arranged on the conveying surface, extending in the conveying direction guide wall 405 , The conveying direction is in 15 indicated by an arrow. The conveyor surface 403 is at an acute angle α to the horizontal in the direction of the guide wall 405 inclined. The angle α can be for example 28 °.

Due to the inclination of the conveyor surface 403 at an angle α of about 28 ° ensures that goods are on the conveyor surface 403 towards the guide wall 405 slip and be brought into contact with this. As a result, an alignment of goods transported one behind the other takes place on the guide wall 405 instead of.

By means of the conveyor surface 403 become goods 150 transported in the conveying direction. Due to the inclination of the conveyor surface 403 in the direction of guide wall 405 are the goods 150 on guide wall 405 and are led by this.

The conveyor surface 403 is through a first conveyor surface 407a a first conveyor belt 407 and a second surface 409a a second conveyor belt 409 educated. The second conveyor belt 409 is in the conveying direction behind the first conveyor belt 407 arranged. The first and the second conveyor belt 407 . 409 are independently controllable. Were 150 coming from the first conveyor belt 407 on the conveyor surface 407a be transported on the second conveyor belt 409 accepted. By different speeds of the first and second conveyor belt 407 . 409 can be a separation of goods 150 occur. Also, for example, by stopping the first conveyor belt 407 a different distance between the goods 150 be achieved.

The first conveying surface 407a of the first conveyor belt 407 is in the direction of the surface normals 403a the conveyor surface 403 with an offset to the second conveying surface 409a the second conveyor belt 409 arranged. In other words, between the first conveying surface 407a and the second conveying surface 409a is a step formed. A commodity 150 that on the first conveying surface 407a of the first conveyor belt 407 can therefore only from the second conveying surface 409a be detected when the focus of the goods 150 over the end of the first conveying surface 407a has been moved out and the goods 150 in the direction of the second conveying surface 409a tilts. In this way it can be ensured that when stopping the first conveyor belt 407 , so that the goods are directly at the end of the first conveying surface 407a is also a short run on the conveyor belt 407 does not cause the goods 150 on the second conveying surface 409a arrives. Thus, the second conveyor belt 409 For example, be operated permanently and a separation of the goods 150 takes place solely via a control of the first conveyor belt 407 ,

At the first conveyor belt 407 For example, a first sensor 411a and a second sensor 411b be provided. The first sensor 411a registers a product 150 on the first conveyor belt 407 is transported. This sensor can be used in the goods transfer device 110 in front of the conveyor according to the invention 401 arranged first handling device control and thus the supply of goods 150 on the conveyor 401 ,

The second sensor 411b is directly at the end of the first conveying surface 407a of the first conveyor belt 407 arranged and registers one at the end of the first conveying surface 407a goods in stock 150 , About the second sensor 411b the separation of goods can be controlled by reaching the second sensor 411b the exact position of a commodity 150 is known. This allows you to control exactly when a product 150 to the second conveyor belt 409 is handed over.

The first sensor 411a and the second sensor 411b can be for example light barriers.

The conveyor according to the invention 401 further comprises a location detection device 413 on. The location detection device 413 Detects the goods from on the conveyor surface 403 transported goods 150 , For this purpose, the location detection device 413 two electronic sensors in the form of ultrasonic rangefinders 415a and 415b on, being the first ultrasonic rangefinder 415a parallel to the guide wall 405 in the direction of the conveyor surface 403 is directed and the second ultrasonic rangefinder 415b parallel to the conveyor surface 403 and towards the guide wall 405 , The emitting direction of the ultrasonic signals of the first and second ultrasonic rangefinders 415a . 415b are in 15 indicated schematically. Because the dimensions of the goods 150 can be known about the ultrasonic rangefinder 415a . 415b the distance to a wall of the goods 150 and thus the dimension of the goods 150 be determined in this direction. As a result, the orientation of the goods can be determined. The location detection device 413 may also include a third sensor 411c have, in the conveying direction immediately before the ultrasonic range finders 415a . 415b is arranged. About the sensor 411c , which can be configured as a light barrier, can be an actuation signal for the ultrasonic sensors 415a . 415b be generated. The sensor 411c can also be used additionally or alternatively to determine the dimension of the goods 150 be used in the conveying direction, so that the location of unknown goods can be determined. The dimension of the product in the conveying direction, for example, in a sensor 411c as a light barrier from its interruption time and the speed of the second conveyor belt 409 be determined.

In the conveying direction behind the position detection device is on the guide wall 405 a position correction device 417 arranged. About the position correcting device 417 can in response to the means of the location detection device 413 Detected fabric selectively a shock on one on the conveyor surface 403 transported goods 150 be exercised and / or an obstacle to the goods 150 be formed. The position correction device 417 is in the 16a and 16b shown in detail. The position correction device 417 has an extendable pin 419 on, an obstacle to a commodity 150 can form. The pin has a rounded tip 419a on. The pin stands from the guide wall 405 from. A commodity 150 that, as in 16a is shown, transverse to the conveying direction on the conveying surface 403 transported bumps against the pin forming the obstacle 419 , Since the conveying surface 409a of the second conveyor belt 409 moves further in the conveying direction, the goods 150 around the rounded tip 419a of the extended pen 419 turned and overcomes thus through the pen 419 formed obstacle. The pencil 419 preferably extends only a few millimeters, for example between 3 mm and 10 mm. This will prevent the pen 419 as an insurmountable obstacle to the goods 150 acts and the goods are quickly turned to the desired position.

In the conveying direction behind the extendable pin 419 slips the goods 150 due to the inclination of the conveying surface 403 again in the direction of the guide wall 405 and is brought into contact with this.

By means of the extendable pen 419 can thus be the location of a commodity 150 Correct in one direction, so that transported transversely to the conveying direction goods 150 are rotated so that they lie with their longitudinal direction in the conveying direction. There were 150 Although with their longitudinal direction in the conveying direction, but can be placed edgewise and thus located on one of its narrow longitudinal sides, the position correction device can be a shock on the goods 150 exercise, allowing a rotation of the goods 150 about an axis of rotation directed in the conveying direction. For this purpose, the position correcting device 417 a pusher 421 with a pestle 423 on. For clarification purposes is in the 16a the pestle 423 shown in extended position, although no goods 150 at the height of the pestle 423 is arranged. The pestle 423 is as parallel to the conveyor surface 403 arranged plate formed. Thus, the plunger points in the direction of the surface normal 403a on the conveyor surface 403 a small extent, whereas it is elongated in the conveying direction. As a result, the impact "linear" on the goods 150 be executed and it can be ensured that the goods 150 no rotational movement about an axis of rotation in the direction of the surface normal 403a exercises.

In order to improve the desired rotational movement about an axis of rotation in the conveying direction, the pusher device 417 a first holding device 425 on. The first holding device 425 consists of two first holding bodies 427a and 427b , The holding body 427a and 427b are made of strands of flexible material and together on a joint 429 arranged. At the joint 429 is also an adjustable weight 431 arranged, which ensures that the joint is forced to a starting position. The strands 427a . 427b are in their initial position initially in the direction of the surface normal 403a on the conveyor surface 403 directed and then have a curved in the direction of the flow direction. A commodity 150 coming from the conveyor surface 403 is transported, bumps against the first holding body 427a and 427b and swivels them around the joint 429 , By the weight 431 and the weight of the first holding body 427a . 427b This puts pressure on the goods 150 exercised so that these lightly against the conveyor surface 403 is pressed. When applying the shock by means of the plunger 423 Thus, on the one hand, the desired rotational movement about an axis of rotation in the conveying direction is supported and, on the other hand, it is ensured that the goods 150 by means of the plunger 423 not from the conveyor surface 403 is encountered. For very narrow goods 150 , Which are arranged lying edgewise on its longitudinal side, can be provided that of the guide wall 405 facing first holding body 427a on the goods 150 rests, whereas the second holding body 427b rests laterally on the product.

The position correction device 421 may further include a second holding device 433 with two second holding bodies 435a and 435b exhibit. The second holding device 433 is equal to the first holding device 425 built up. The existing of a flexible material strands, the two second holding body 435a . 435b form, are also about a joint 429 stored, wherein at the joint an adjustable weight 431 is arranged. The second holding device 433 is in the conveying direction behind the first holding device 429 in a direction transverse to the conveying direction away from the guide wall 405 offset to the first holding device 425 arranged. The second holding device can thus an additional holding function for very large goods 150 exercise. In these goods, the shock is by means of the plunger 423 only about in the middle of the goods instead. Due to the large size of the goods 150 then lies the second holding device 433 already on the goods 150 on. For smaller goods 150 may the second holding device 433 perform an additional function by acting as a stop for the goods 150 works, so that the goods 150 that from the pestle 423 is pushed against the second holding device 433 can bounce, thereby preventing the goods 150 from the conveyor surface 403 is pushed down.

Due to the curved arrangement of the first and second holding body 427a . 427b . 435a . 435b will ensure that a product 150 against one of these holding bodies 427a . 427b . 435a . 435b butts, this pivots and does not cause a bending of the corresponding holding body.

Immediately in front of the pusher 421 can be a fourth sensor 411d in the form of a light barrier be provided, which is a signal for the actuation of the plunger 423 causes.

The pencil 419 can for example via the third sensor 411c be operated. It is about the known speed of the second conveying surface 409a of the second conveyor belt 409 the term of the goods 150 up to the pen 419 calculated. Because the time of extension of the pen 419 only before arrival of the goods 150 at the pin 419 must be done is an accurate control for the pen 419 not mandatory.

The shock device 421 however, it must be precisely controlled, as the plunger 423 in the conveying direction as possible to the middle of the goods 150 to meet.

In 16b is the pusher 421 at the back of the guide wall 405 shown. The pencil 419 and the pestle 423 are shown in the retracted position.

The pencil 419 has a drive 419b for the pen.

The pestle 423 the pusher 421 is how in 16b can be seen sickle-shaped and at one end via a joint 423a pivoted. He is using a linear drive 423b driven. The sickle shape can be in a simple manner a parallel to the conveying direction arranged linear drive 423b the transverse to the conveying direction of the plunger 423 realize.

The drive 419b of the pen 419 and the linear drive 423b of the plunger 423 can be designed as pneumatic actuators. This has the advantage that these drives respond very quickly, are robust, lightweight and compact and, moreover, for example, when using other pneumatic drives in the goods transfer device can use a common energy source.

In the conveying direction behind the pusher 421 is a goods recognition device 437 arranged. This consists of a conveyor surface 403 covering housing 439 into which a camera 441 looks. On the housing are several light sources 443 arranged the inside of the housing 439 illuminate and provide sufficient light for the camera 441 provide. In the entrance to the housing 439 is a second position detection device 445 arranged, which is constructed in the same way and works like the location detection device 413 , About this second location detection device 445 can be checked, whether by the position correction device 417 the correct goods have been made. Further, at the entrance to the housing 439 a fifth sensor 411e , which can be configured as a light barrier, arranged. About the sensor 411e can trigger the camera 441 to be controlled.

In 17 is a sectional view through the housing 439 shown schematically. The camera 441 looks at the conveyor surface 403 , where there is a focal plane 441a the camera 441 above the conveyor surface 403 located. Because the surface of the conveyor surface 403 transported goods 150 is to be recorded, is arranged on the spaced apart from the conveying surface focal plane 441a the camera 441 ensures that an at least moderately focused image is created. Alternatively, the camera 441 also have a focus function, with the increased focal plane 441a the focusing time is reduced.

At the conveyor according to the invention 401 can at the rear end in the conveying direction a stop device 503 be arranged at the the goods 150 hit and brought to a standstill, the second conveyor surface continues to run. The stop device 503 may be part of a second handling device of the goods transfer device, which is not shown in the figures, and may, for example, have a gripping device which the goods 150 engages and implements. The conveyor according to the invention 401 advantageously allows a matched to the handling time of the gripping device separation of the goods. For example, the conveyor may singulate the goods such that every 2.5 seconds a product 150 to the stop 160 encounters. The stop 160 can be opened, for example, so that the goods 150 over the end of the conveyor 401 to be moved out. Then to the conveyor surface 403 a goods committee or a goods bypass can be arranged. For example, goods can 150 in which by means of the second position detection device 445 it is determined that no correct position correction has occurred, be transported in the goods bypass and thus the conveyor 401 about, for example, the conveyor 401 upstream first handling device to be supplied again.

If, for example, by means of the goods recognition device 437 one not in the control of the goods transfer device 110 goods are identified, they may be moved to the

By means of the goods recognition device can be a commodity 150 be identified, so that a sorting of the goods on the handling device 501 and conveyor chain 601 can be done. Thus, it can be ensured that during storage the goods in the warehouse by means of the manipulator 120 the identity of the goods is known.

The handling device according to the invention 501 is in 18 shown schematically in a perspective view. The goods 150 be on a conveyor surface 403 the conveyor 401 transported. The conveyor surface 403 is driven in a conveying direction. The conveying direction extending in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor 401 extends is in 18 indicated by an arrow. The conveyor 401 also has a guide wall 405 on that at the conveyor surface 403 is arranged. the conveyor surface 403 is at an acute angle α to the horizontal towards the guide wall 405 inclined. The angle α can be for example 28 °. On the conveyor surface 403 transported goods 150 slip due to the inclination against the guide wall 405 and are in contact with it during transport.

The handling device according to the invention 501 has a stop device 503 on with one above the conveyor surface 403 the conveyor 401 arranged stop body 505 , The stopper body 505 forms a stop for those on the conveyor surface 403 transported goods 150 ,

The stopper body 505 , which may be formed as a pin, for example, is on the guide wall 405 arranged. This will ensure that goods are in contact with the guide wall 405 on the conveyor surface 403 be transported against the stop body 505 nudge. The stopper body 505 keeps the goods 150 back, with the conveying surface 403 can continue to operate.

One on the opposite side of the guide wall 405 arranged sensor 507 , which may be formed for example as a light barrier, detects the presence of a product 150 in contact with the stop body 505 ,

The handling device 501 also has a gripping device 509 with a gripper 511 on. The gripping device 509 can by means of the gripper on the stop body 505 attached goods 150 grab and from the conveyor surface 403 take up.

The gripping device 509 has a base 513 on, at the one gripper arm 515 is articulated. The gripper arm 515 is by means of a rotary drive 517 opposite the base 513 driven so that the gripper arm 515 is pivotable relative to the base. The rotary drive 517 drives the gripper arm 515 about an axis of rotation orthogonal to the conveying surface 403 is arranged.

To drive the gripper 511 opposite the gripper arm 515 has the gripping device 509 also a linear drive 519 on.

By means of the rotary drive 517 can the gripper arm 515 be pivoted so that the gripper 511 above the goods 150 located. By means of the linear drive 519 can now the gripper 511 towards the goods 150 be moved to record this.

The stopper body 505 the stop device 503 is in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor 401 designed adjustable, so that the position of the stopper body is adjustable in this direction. The stopper body 505 can thus be placed on a conveyor surface 403 transported goods 150 to or from this setting. This is the position that a commodity 150 in the on the stop body 505 adjacent state assumes, adjustable. It can thus be set that in a goods receiving position of the gripping device 509 the goods 150 when resting against the stop body 505 in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor 401 in the middle under the gripper 511 is arranged so that the gripper 511 the goods 150 in a reliable way. It can also be provided that the goods 150 when resting against the stop body 505 arranged so that the center of gravity of the goods 150 in the middle under the gripper 511 is arranged.

Due to the adjustability of the position of the stopper body 505 and thus the on the stop body 505 attached goods 150 comes the gripping device 509 with the by the pivotable mounting of the gripper arm 515 and the linear adjustment of the gripper 511 formed two degrees of freedom, so that only the rotary drive 517 and the linear drive 519 needed. This allows the gripping device 509 produce very inexpensively.

By the arrangement of the axis of rotation of the rotary drive 517 orthogonal to the conveying surface 403 can the gripper plate 521 of the gripper 511 who are in contact with the goods 150 occurs, also parallel to the conveyor surface 403 be arranged so that no elaborate pivoting movements are necessary to the goods 150 take.

After receiving the goods 150 hands over the gripping device 509 the goods to the conveyor chain 601 ,

By the previously described arrangement of the gripping device with only two degrees of freedom should be the transport floor 608 for the goods 150 on the conveyor chain 601 possibly also have an inclination parallel or substantially parallel to the inclination of the conveying surface 403 is. This is a discontinuation of the goods 150 in an advantageous manner possible. In an embodiment of the conveyor chain with individual transport compartments, for example, the individual compartments in their goods receiving position one of the inclination of the conveying surface 403 have corresponding inclination.

In 19 is the stop device 503 shown schematically in a detailed view.

By means of the conveyor 401 are mostly cuboid goods 150 , For example, in the form of drug packages transported. The conveyor sees 401 ago, that by a location correction the goods 150 with one of its main pages on the conveyor surface 403 rest, taking the longitudinal direction of the goods 150 in the conveying direction of the conveyor 401 extends. The minimum extension of the goods 150 is the extent of the goods 150 in a direction orthogonal to the conveying surface 403 ,

In the stop device according to the invention 503 is provided that the stopper body 505 with a distance D from the conveying surface 403 is spaced, wherein the distance D is smaller than the minimum extent of the goods in the direction orthogonal to the conveying surface 403 , The distance D is also measured in this direction. This will ensure that the goods 150 in contact with the stop body 505 can pass and does not slip under this. When transporting a variety of different goods 150 on the conveyor surface 403 can be provided that the distance D of the stopper body 505 smaller than the minimum extension of the smallest product. The smallest product is understood to be the flattest product, thus the smallest extent in the direction orthogonal to the conveying surface when resting on its main surface 403 has.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the distance D 'from the top of the stopper body 505 to the conveyor surface 403 is smaller than the minimum extent of the goods described above 150 , This can ensure that the stopper body 505 when concern of the goods 150 not above the goods 150 extends, thereby obstructing the gripper 511 is avoided.

The stopper body 505 also has a transverse to the conveyor of the conveying surface 403 extending length L above the conveying surface 403 on, wherein the length L is greater than half of the second largest extent of the goods 150 , The second largest extension of the product 150 is in cuboid goods forms the width of the goods. At the in 19 shown position of the goods 150 the width is thus the extent in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. This prevents that after an abutment of the goods 150 against the stop body 505 and a further operation of the conveyor surface 403 the goods 150 tends to exert a rotational movement and around the stopper body 505 turn around. By the minimum length L described above, such a tendency to tilt the goods 150 avoided.

The stopper body 505 is on a guide rail 523 stored. The guide rail is on the surface of the conveyor 403 opposite side of the guide wall 405 arranged. The stopper body 505 extends through the guide wall 405 therethrough. For this, the guide wall points 405 an unillustrated slot on.

By means of storage through the guide rail 523 is the stopper body 505 in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor 401 movable. For this purpose, the stop device 503 a first drive device 525 on that the stopper body 505 in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor 401 drives.

On the conveyor 401 can be arranged a goods detection device that detects the goods. By means of previously stored data about the goods, commodity size data can thus be determined. For example, the length of a product can be determined, which is used to control the position of the stopper body 505 can be used, so that the goods 150 in on the stop body 505 abutting position in the middle under the gripper 511 located.

It can also be provided that the stop body 505 can be folded away or retracted. In the in 19 illustrated embodiment is the stopper body 505 retractable. As a result, the stopper body 505 from the conveying area of the conveying surface 403 to be moved out, leaving a commodity 150 over the through the stop body 505 formed stop position can be transported out. A commodity 150 For example, not for recording by means of the gripping device 509 has correct position, can thus be directed, for example, to a goods bypass, this example, the conveyor 401 feed again. If the goods recognition device, for example, a non-known goods 150 recognizes, the stopper body 505 also be retracted and the unknown goods 150 can be promoted to a commodity committee.

To retract and extend, the stop body 505 a second drive device 527 on. The second drive device 527 is from the first drive device 525 entrained, so that there is a serial kinematics.

The first and second drive devices may be pneumatic drives. This is particularly advantageous when the gripper 511 is designed as a vacuum suction. In this case, a pneumatic system is necessary, which can then be used as an energy source for the said drives.

The rotary drive 517 and the linear drive 519 the gripping device 509 can be designed as servomotors with integrated gear.

In the 20 and 20a is the gripper 511 shown in a schematic detail. The gripper plate 521 shows how out 20a it can be seen, two first suckers 529 on, in the conveying direction of the conveyor 501 arranged one behind the other. The first two suckers 529 are actuated together. The gripper plate 521 also has a second sucker 531 on, the offset to the first suckers 529 is arranged. The first suckers 529 and the second sucker 531 are thus arranged in a triangular order. The second sucker 531 is separate from the first suckers 529 actuated. When taking a normal commodity thus first come the two first suckers 529 for use. If the goods 150 is a very wide product or is a very large product, the second sucker 531 may additionally be used to provide sufficient suction to receive the goods 150 provide.

The gripper plate 521 is over two guide rods 533 attached to the gripper plate 521 are attached, stored. For this purpose, the gripper sleeves 535 on, through which the guide rods 533 are guided.

On the guide rods 533 each is a spring device 537 arranged between the gripper plate 521 and the sleeve 535 acts. By means of the spring device 537 becomes the gripper plate 521 thus in the goods receiving position in the gripping device 509 towards the goods 150 pressed.

When starting the gripper 511 on the goods 150 to by means of the linear drive 519 springs the spring device 537 one, leaving the gripper plate 521 with pressure on the goods 150 rests. This can be ensured by means of the sucker 529 . 531 the goods 150 can be included. At the same time prevents the spring device 537 that by the linear drive 519 too much pressure on the goods 150 can be exercised, leading to damage to the goods 150 could lead.

On at least one of the guide rods 533 is a sensor 539 arranged, which controls the linear movement of the guide rod 533 detected. By means of this sensor can be the linear drive 519 Taxes. When the guide rod 533 for example, a predetermined path relative to the sleeve 535 has completed the linear drive 519 shut off, and it is ensured that the gripper plate 521 on the goods 150 rests. Such a controller has the advantage over a size-based control of being independent of commodity size deviations.

The conveyor chain 601 can in the goods transfer device according to the invention 110 for example, in the height between the rotary drum 307 the goods separating device 301 and the conveyor 401 and horizontally toward the warehouse 100 be arranged offset.

In 21 is a conveyor chain according to the invention 601 arranged thereon transfer channels of the goods transfer device schematically in a perspective view. The conveyor chain 601 has a traction device 603 on and one between the Zugmittelvorrichtung 603 and the transfer channels 701 arranged guide wall 606 on. In the guide wall 606 are several openings 604 provided, which are at least partially lockable by means of goods transfer block. The goods transfer bulkheads 609 thus regulate the access on the input side 701 the transfer channels 701 ,

The transfer channels 701 each have a channel bottom 703 on, which is suitable for receiving the goods. Every channel 701 has a side guide surface 705 on the goods during transport through the transfer channel 701 leads laterally. The channel bottoms 703 are opposite the horizontal in one of the Zugmittelvorrichtung 603 turned away direction and thus inclined in the longitudinal direction, so that in the transfer channels 701 filled goods in one direction from the Zugmittelvorrichtung 603 slip away. The channel bottoms 703 are further in a direction to the guide surfaces 705 inclined towards. Furthermore, the channel bottoms from a goods input position in a goods issue position are pivotable, wherein in the goods input position, a greater inclination in the direction of the guide surface 705 is present than in the goods issue position. The transfer channels 701 also have an output page 701b on, on the stoppers 707 are arranged. The output page 701b works with the manipulator 120 together and hands goods to the manipulator 120 ,

The stoppers 707 can be pivoted about a horizontal axis, allowing them to release the transfer channels 701 are foldable upwards away. Goods entering the transfer channels 701 are inserted, slip along the channel floor 703 and bump against the stoppers 707 , The following goods are arranged in a row. By means of the guide surfaces 705 it is ensured that ordered order of goods is created. The transfer channels 701 can thus serve as a goods buffer.

In the in 21 example illustrated closes a damper 707 two transfer channels each 701 , The manipulator 120 can also have two transport surfaces, so that by opening a storage flap 707 the content of two transfer channels 701 on the manipulator 120 can slip.

In the 22a - 22d is the traction device 603 shown in different views.

In 22a is the transfer channels 701 facing side of the traction device 603 shown. In 22b is the transfer channels 701 opposite side of the traction device 603 shown.

The traction device 603 has drivable, circulating traction means 605 on, the best in 22c and 22d can be seen. The Zugmittelvorrichtung has in the illustrated embodiment, two parallel traction means in the form of chains.

In the 22a and 22b is the running direction of the traction means 605 in the goods transfer section 611 indicated by an arrow.

At the traction means are several transport compartments 607 mounted and tilted. The transport compartments 607 each have a transport floor 608 on which the goods can be stored.

By means of a slotted guide 610 are the transport compartments 607 from a goods receiving position in a goods transfer position tilted.

The traction device has a goods transfer section 611 on, the to the transfer channels 701 borders. Furthermore, the traction device 603 a goods receiving section 613 on.

In the goods transfer section 611 are the transport compartments 607 in the goods transfer position, leaving goods individually on the transport compartments 607 lie in the transfer channels 701 can be handed over.

In the goods receiving section 613 are the transport compartments 607 in a goods receiving position where they receive goods from the handling device 501 can take over.

In the goods receiving position, each transport compartment is opposite to the horizontal in one of the transfer channels 701 inclined away from the direction. The handling device 501 can thus on the of the transfer channels 701 opposite side of the Zugmittelvorrichtung 603 be arranged.

The scenery tour 610 has a first gate section 615 in the goods receiving section 613 is arranged, wherein the first link section 615 the transport compartments 607 moved from a return position to the goods receiving position.

In the return position are the transport floors 608 the transport fan 607 in a substantially horizontal position. The return takes place on the underside of the traction device 603 , By means of the first set of scenes 615 become the transport compartments 607 now pressed in the inclined position of the goods pickup position.

At the first stage section 615 then there is a second gate section 617 arranged. The second set of scenes 617 holds the transport compartments 607 in the goods receiving section 613 the traction device 603 in the goods receiving position. When stopping the Zugmittelvorrichtung 603 are the transport compartments 607 at the second gate section 617 abut, in the correct goods receiving position for the transfer of goods from the handling device 501 ,

The scenery tour 610 has a third gate section 619 on that between the goods receiving section 613 and the goods transfer section 611 the traction device 603 is arranged. In this third scene section 619 become the transport compartments 607 moved from the goods receiving position to the goods transfer position.

In a fourth set of scenes 621 the slide tour 610 become the transport compartments 607 held in the goods transfer position. The fourth set of scenes 621 is located in the goods transfer section 611 the traction device. This ensures that in the area where a transfer of goods to the transfer channels 701 should take place, the transport compartments 607 always arranged in the correct goods transfer position.

The scenery tour 610 has several guide surfaces, each at the bottom of transport bases 608 the transport fan 607 abut and thus the transport compartments 607 press in the corresponding position. The first and second scenes section 615 . 617 in this case form a first guide surface 623 on the transfer channels 701 facing side of the traction means 605 is arranged.

The fourth link section forms a second guide surface 625 that on the from the transfer channels 701 opposite side of the traction means 605 is arranged.

The third scene section 619 has a third guide surface 627 and a fourth guide surface 629 on. The third guide surface 627 is on the of the transfer channels 701 opposite side of the traction means 605 arranged and goes into the second guide surface 625 above. The fourth guide surface 629 is on the transfer channels 701 facing side of the traction means 605 arranged, wherein the first guide surface 623 in the fourth guide surface 629 passes.

The third and the fourth guide surface 627 . 629 is thus on both sides of the traction device 605 arranged so that transport compartments 607 in this section are guided on both sides. Because in the third stage section 619 Goods on the transport floors 608 the transport fan 607 are stored, is ensured by the two-sided leadership, that no unwanted tilting of the transport compartments 607 he follows.

The scenery tour 610 also has a fifth gate section 631 on, the transport compartments 607 moved from the goods transfer position to the return position and in a return section 633 the traction device 603 holds in the return position.

The fifth set of scenes 631 forms a fifth guide surface 635 and a sixth guide surface 636 , the two sides of the traction device 605 are arranged. The fifth guide surface is on the of the transfer channels 701 opposite side of the traction means 605 arranged, wherein the second guide surface 625 in the fifth guide surface 635 passes. The sixth guide surface 636 is on the transfer channels 701 facing side of the traction means 605 arranged and goes into the first guide surface 623 above.

The traction means 605 be about a first Zugmittelrad 639 and a second traction wheel 641 guided. The first Zugmittelrad 639 is in the starting area of the fifth gate section 631 before the return section 633 arranged and is by means of a motor drive 643 driven. Thus, they are in the goods transfer section 611 and in the goods receiving section 613 located transport compartments 607 at the load center of the traction means 605 , The in the return section 633 the traction device 603 located transport compartments 607 are located on the empty strand of the traction device 605 ,

In 22c is the area of the fifth gate section 631 shown in detail. The transport compartments 607 are each with a holder 645 with the two traction devices 605 connected. This is best off 22d seen. The holder 645 encompasses the two traction devices 605 so they stick to the outsides of the traction 605 by means of connecting body 647 is attached. On the outside of the traction means 605 is doing each of the other traction means 605 opposite side understood.

Each connecting body 647 is over two spaced on the outside of a traction device 605 attached pins 649 with the traction means 605 connected. A cone 649 engages in a round hole 651 in the connecting body 647 one, the other pin engages in a slot 653 in the connecting body 647 one.

As in 22c shown, done by the deflection of the traction device 605 at the traction wheels 639 . 641 a reduction in the distance between the pins 649 , By means of the slot 653 can thus compensate for the change in distance, so that the brackets 645 can be carried without interference.

In 23 is the guide wall 606 shown schematically. In 23 is the transfer channels 701 facing side of the guide wall 606 shown. In the guide wall 606 are openings 604 formed, each by a goods handover bulkhead 609 at least partially closed. Every goods handover certificate 609 is over two guide rails 655 on the guide wall 606 stored. The guide rail 655 and the implied counterparts 655a the guide rails 655 at the goods transfer booth 609 are located below the canal floors 703 , The channel bottoms 703 are in 23 indicated by dashed lines.

The guide wall 606 and the goods transfer bulkheads 609 in the in 23 shown closed position serve to guide the goods in the transport compartments 607 be transported. In the area of the guide wall 606 are the transport compartments 607 in the goods transfer section 611 the traction device 603 and thus in their goods transfer position. The transport floors 608 are thus in the direction of the guide wall 606 inclined so that the goods are in contact with the guide wall 606 slip.

Because of the guide rails 655 and thus the entire management of the goods transfer bulkhead 609 below the canal floors 703 the transfer channels 701 is arranged, ensures that the guides of the goods transfer bulkhead 609 when transporting or handing over the goods in the transfer channels 701 do not constitute a hindrance to the goods.

The goods transfer bulkheads 609 overlap, so that in the running direction of the traction means 605 front goods transfer scotch covers the underlying. The direction is in 23 represented by an arrow. This will ensure that between two goods transfer warehouses 609 for on the guide wall 606 and the goods transfer bulkhead 609 along sliding goods, no protruding edges are formed where the goods could get caught. The goods transfer bulkheads 609 are slightly inclined for this purpose, ie from the plane of the guide wall 606 turned out.

The goods transfer bulkheads are by Schottantrieben 657 operable and to open the openings 604 retractable downwards.

The bulkhead drives 657 For example, they can be pneumatic drives. This has the advantage of being already available for the grapple 511 Used pneumatics as energy source for the bulkhead drives 657 can be used.

In the 24a - 24c is a transport compartment 607 shown in detail. In 25a is the transport box 607 shown in the goods receiving position. In 24b is a transport compartment 607 shown in the goods transfer position. The transport compartment 607 has two hinges 659 on, over which the transport compartment 607 on the bracket 645 is stored. The swivel joints 659 form a rotation axis 660 , The position of the rotation axis 660 is in 24c described. The axis of rotation is inclined relative to the horizontal at an acute angle φ. The angle φ may be 15 °, for example. Opposite one in the direction of the traction device 605 extending vertical plane X, the axis of rotation at an acute angle ω, which may be for example 28 °. The direction is in 24c indicated by an arrow. Such an arrangement of the axis of rotation has been found to be particularly advantageous to the in 24a and 24b To reach the goods receiving position and goods transfer position shown.

In the goods receiving position, the transport floor 608 of the transport compartment 607 against the direction of the traction device 605 (represented by arrow) has an inclination to the horizontal with an inclination angle having the angular amount of φ, for example, 15 °. In a direction orthogonal to the running direction in the direction of the transfer channel 701 has the transport floor 608 an inclination to the horizontal with an inclination angle of an amount of ω to, for example, 28 °.

Such a tendency has the advantage that goods by means of the gripping device 519 from the conveyor surface 403 the conveyor 401 can be taken over at the same angle and thus no pivoting of the goods when moving by means of the gripping device 519 must be done.

The transport floor 608 has fan walls at the ends inclined downwards in the goods receiving position 608a on which the goods can be brought into contact with the forward movement. Through the fan walls 608a will prevent one from getting on the transport floor 608 deposited goods during the propulsion of the traction device twisted.

The goods are directed longitudinally received by the manipulator and in the storage channels of the warehouse 100 stored. Therefore, the goods must be from the transport device 607 in the longitudinal direction in the transfer channels 701 be filled. The goods must therefore with their long side parallel to the longitudinal side 607a of the transport compartment 607 and thus transversely to the direction of the traction means 605 in the transport compartment 607 be filed.

In this case, the previously described gripping device 509 the handling device 501 found to be particularly advantageous because it is pivoted about an inclined axis of rotation. When picking up the goods from the conveyor surface 403 the conveyor 401 this is at the angle α of the conveyor surface 403 inclined to the horizontal. The angle α may, for example, correspond to the angle ω. The inclination of the goods 150 is doing along its broadside. By picking up by means of the gripping device 509 and pivoting about the inclined axis of rotation of the gripping device by, for example, 90 ° has the goods 150 now a slope at an angle α to the horizontal along the long side. Thus, the goods in an advantageous manner on the transport floor 608 of the transport compartment 607 be stored in the longitudinal direction, since the transport floor 608 in the goods receiving position in the direction of the gripping device 509 inclined at the same angle.

In 24b is the transport box 607 shown in the goods transfer position. The transport floor 608 has with respect to the horizontal in a direction in the running direction of the traction means 605 (indicated by arrows) has an inclination at an inclination angle which corresponds to the magnitude of the angle ω, for example 28 °. In a direction transverse to the direction of the transport floor has a Inclination with respect to the horizontal on with an inclination angle, which also corresponds to the amount of the angle ω. By means of such a tendency is the transport floor 608 advantageously to the slope of the channel floors 703 the transfer channels 701 customized.

In the present application, surfaces are often inclined at an angle of 28 ° to the horizontal. It has been found that with a variety of surfaces, such a tendency causes goods such as medicine packages to slip automatically due to gravity. For other goods and other surfaces, of course, other angle values may be used if they guarantee that the product will automatically slip.

The goods transfer device according to the invention 110 enables a very fast handling of unsorted and unordered entered goods in a very small space. For example, it can be achieved that every 2.5 seconds a commodity in a transfer channel 701 , wherein the goods are sorted and in the longitudinal direction of the transfer channel 701 are introduced.

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 102013218538 [0006]
• DE 102014208405 [0006, 0007]
• DE 102013218538 A1 [0061]

Claims (23)

Conveyor chain ( 601 ) for a goods transfer device ( 110 ) of an automatic warehouse ( 100 ), to take over individual goods ( 150 ) of a handling device ( 501 ) and transfer to at least one transfer channel ( 701 ) with a sloping channel bottom ( 703 ) of the goods transfer device ( 110 ), with a traction device ( 603 ) with at least one drivable, circulating traction means ( 605 ), with several transport compartments ( 607 ) each with a transport floor ( 608 ) for each of a single product ( 150 ), the transport compartments ( 607 ) on the traction means ( 605 ) are mounted and tiltably mounted, and with a on the Zugmittelvorrichtung ( 603 ) arranged slotted guide ( 610 ) for the transport compartments ( 607 ), each transport compartment ( 607 ) via the link guide ( 610 ) from a goods receiving position to a goods transfer position in which the inclination of the transport floor ( 608 ) to the inclination of the channel bottom ( 703 ) of the at least one transfer channel ( 701 ) of the goods transfer device ( 110 ) is tiltable and wherein in a goods transfer section ( 611 ) of the traction device ( 603 ) a product from a transport compartment located in the goods transfer position ( 607 ) in the at least one transfer channel ( 701 ) can be transferred. Conveyor chain according to claim 1, characterized in that each transport compartment ( 607 ) in the goods receiving position relative to the horizontal in one of the transfer channel ( 701 ) is inclined away from the direction. Conveyor chain according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the slotted guide ( 610 ) a first gate section ( 615 ) located in a goods receiving section ( 613 ) of the traction device ( 603 ), wherein the first link section ( 615 ) the transport compartments ( 607 ) is moved from a return position to the goods receiving position. Conveyor chain according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the slide guide ( 610 ) a second gate section ( 617 ), the transport compartments ( 607 ) in the goods receiving section ( 613 ) of the traction device ( 603 ) stops in the goods receiving position. Conveyor chain according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the slide guide ( 610 ) a third gate section ( 619 ), which between the goods receiving section ( 613 ) and goods transfer section ( 611 ) of the traction device ( 603 ) and the transport compartments ( 607 ) moved from the goods receiving position to the goods transfer position. Conveyor chain according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the slotted guide ( 610 ) a fourth gate section ( 621 ), the transport compartments ( 607 ) in the goods transfer section ( 611 ) of the traction device ( 607 ) in the goods transfer position. Conveyor chain according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the slotted guide ( 610 ) is formed by at least one guide surface, each at the bottom of the transport floors ( 608 ) of the transport compartments ( 607 ) is present. Conveyor chain according to claim 7, characterized in that the first link section ( 615 ) and the second gate section ( 617 ) a first guide surface ( 623 ) and on the at least one transfer channel ( 701 ) facing side of the at least one traction means ( 605 ) are arranged. Conveyor chain according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the fourth link section ( 621 ) a second guide surface ( 625 ) and on the from the at least one transfer channel ( 701 ) facing away from the at least one traction means ( 605 ) is arranged. Conveyor chain according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the third link section ( 619 ) a third and a fourth guide surface ( 627 . 629 ), wherein the third guide surface ( 627 ) on the at least one transfer channel ( 701 ) facing away from the at least one traction means ( 605 ) and the fourth guide surface ( 629 ) on the at least one transfer channel ( 701 ) facing side of the at least one traction means ( 605 ) is arranged. Conveyor chain according to claim 10, characterized in that the first guide surface ( 623 ) in the fourth guide surface ( 629 ) and / or the third guide surface ( 627 ) in the second guide surface ( 625 ) passes over. Conveyor chain according to one of claims 3 to 11, characterized in that the sliding guide ( 610 ) a fifth gate section ( 631 ), the transport compartments ( 607 ) moved from the goods transfer position in the return position and in a return section ( 633 ) holds the Zugmittelvorrichtung in the return position. Conveyor chain according to claim 12, characterized in that the fifth link section ( 631 ) a fifth guide surface ( 635 ) and a sixth guide surface ( 636 ), the fifth guide surface ( 635 ) on the at least one of a transfer channel ( 701 ) facing away from the at least one traction means ( 605 ) and the sixth guide surface ( 636 ) on the at least one transfer channel ( 701 ) facing side of the at least one traction means ( 605 ) is arranged. Conveyor chain according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the traction device ( 603 ) two parallel traction means ( 605 ), wherein the transport compartments ( 607 ) each via a holder ( 645 ) with both traction means ( 605 ) are connected. Conveyor chain according to claim 14, characterized in that the holder ( 645 ) two connecting bodies ( 647 ), wherein in each case a connecting body ( 647 ) on one side of one of the traction means ( 605 ) is attached. Conveyor chain according to claim 15, characterized in that each connecting body ( 647 ) over two spaced, on the side of the traction means ( 605 ) fastened pins ( 649 ) with the traction means ( 605 ), wherein a pin ( 649 ) in a round hole ( 651 ) in the connecting body ( 647 ) engages and the other pin ( 649 ) in a slot ( 653 ) in the connecting body ( 647 ). Conveyor chain according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that each transport compartment ( 607 ) via at least one rotary joint ( 659 ) is supported, which by the at least one rotary joint ( 659 ) formed rotary axis ( 660 ) is arranged at an acute angle φ to the horizontal and at an acute angle ω to a running in the running direction of the traction means vertical plane (X). Conveyor chain according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that at the goods transfer section ( 611 ) of the traction device ( 603 ) on the at least one transfer channel ( 701 ) facing side, at least one goods transfer check ( 609 ) is arranged, which the transfer channel ( 701 ) on the traction device ( 603 ) facing side closes. Conveyor chain according to claim 18, characterized in that the at least one goods transfer check ( 609 ) is sunk down. Conveyor chain according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the at least one goods transfer check ( 609 ) by means of guide rails ( 655 ), wherein the guide rails ( 655 ) in the vertical direction below an input side ( 701 ) of the channel floor ( 703 ) of the at least one transfer channel ( 701 ) are arranged. Goods transfer device ( 110 ) with a conveyor chain ( 601 ) according to one of claims 1 to 20 with at least one transfer channel ( 701 ) with a sloping channel bottom ( 703 ). Goods transfer device ( 110 ) according to claim 21, characterized by a loading device ( 1 ), the goods ( 150 ) receives as a bed and to a conveyor device ( 145 ) of the goods transfer device ( 110 ), wherein the conveying device ( 145 ) the goods ( 150 ) to a goods lift ( 201 ), a goods separating device ( 301 ) from which the goods ( 150 ) from the goods lift ( 201 ) and that the goods ( 150 ), a conveyor ( 401 ), which requires further separation of the goods ( 150 ), a positional correction of the goods ( 150 ) and / or a goods recognition and a handling device ( 501 ), the goods ( 150 ) in a predetermined timing and to the conveyor chain ( 601 ) passes. Warehouse ( 100 ) with a goods transfer device ( 110 ) according to claim 21 or 22, with a manipulator ( 120 ), of the goods ( 150 ) from the at least one transfer channel ( 701 ) takes over.

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