AT528089B1 - Workstation for optimized loading of loading aids, order picking system and procedures - Google Patents

Abstract

A workstation (11) for loading loading aids (18) onto transport vehicles (1) with goods (12) is described, comprising a first conveyor system (16) for goods (12) and a second conveyor system (17) for transporting the loading aids (18). The goods (12) are transported to the first loading device (15) and made available at one or more first loading positions (G). The loading aids (18) are transported by transport vehicles to the second loading device (21), gathered as a group (GR), and made available alternately from the group at one or more second loading positions. Finally, a picking system (31) is described, in which the transport vehicles (1), a transfer station (43), and/or a workstation (11) of the aforementioned types are used.

Description

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a workstation for loading loading aids with goods according to orders, in particular order picking orders, which includes an order management system for electronically recording orders, a first loading device for providing goods, a first and a second conveyor system, and tracks for transport vehicles. The first conveyor system connects a transfer area and the first loading device and is designed to transport the goods between the transfer area and the first loading device. The second conveyor system includes automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for transporting the loading aids. A first track comprises a first and second track section, a second track comprises a second loading device for providing loading aids with the AGVs at a second loading position, and a third track is arranged between the first track and the second track.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a picking system for picking goods, which includes a storage area with storage locations for providing goods and a picking area for processing orders, wherein a workstation of the type mentioned above is arranged in the picking area.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a picking system for picking goods, which comprises a storage area with storage locations for providing goods and a picking area, wherein a workstation for loading loading equipment with goods is arranged in the picking area. The picking system also comprises a first conveyor system for transporting goods and a second conveyor system for transporting loading equipment, wherein the second conveyor system comprises automated guided vehicles (AGVs). The transport of goods by the first conveyor system comprises transporting goods from a transfer area to a first loading device at the workstation. The transport of loading equipment by the automated guided vehicles comprises transporting loading equipment from a transfer station to a second loading device at the workstation, as well as transporting loading equipment from the workstation to a transfer station.

[0004] The invention also relates to a method for loading loading aids with goods according to orders, in particular order picking orders, at a workstation of the type mentioned above.

[0005] A workstation, a picking system, and a method of the aforementioned type are generally known from the prior art. Prior art workstations require a comparatively large footprint, which is a disadvantage. Furthermore, expansions are often only feasible with considerable effort (reconstruction). Finally, known picking systems can only be optimized with considerable effort with regard to the installation space they require and their performance.

[0006] An object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved workstation, an improved order picking system, and an improved method for loading loading aids with goods. With regard to the workstation, a solution is to be proposed in particular that enables ergonomic and efficient loading of a loading aid on a transport vehicle with a particularly compact and modular workstation design. Finally, an order picking system is to be provided in which at least some of the aforementioned components are advantageously combined.

[0007] The driverless transport vehicles are in particular floor-bound, driverless transport vehicles, which are preferably capable of autonomous movement. Such driverless transport vehicles are also referred to as “Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)” or “Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)”.

[0008] For example, in “Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)”, an optical

or magnetic lane markings, which can be detected and tracked by transport vehicles via sensors. The lane markings are located in the area of the first lane, in the area of the second lane, and/or in the area of the third lane.

[0009] With “Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)”, path marking is not necessary, and the “Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)” can navigate on the roadway in the environment without collisions. For this purpose, the “Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)” include sensors, and a computer is used for path planning.

[0010] “lanes” for the AGVs can be physically installed on the first, second and/or third carriageway, for example in the form of optical or magnetic lane markings.

[0011] AMRSs are generally freely movable on a roadway (road surface), but they can also follow lanes. For example, these lanes can exist virtually in a digital representation of the relevant roadway. The control of the AMRSs can be carried out in particular according to the concept of digital twins, whereby, for example, the digital twins of the AMRSs follow the digital or virtual lanes and thus cause a corresponding movement of the physical AMRSs along the lanes in the real world.

[0012] The chassis of the transport vehicle can, for example, comprise one or more drive motors, one or more drive shafts, bearings for the wheels, and optionally one or more steering motors and the like. Preferably, the steering of the driverless transport vehicle is achieved by differential speed control of the wheels, wherein, according to such an embodiment, the wheels are drive wheels. Each drive wheel is driven at a different speed in order to rotate the transport vehicle about its vertical axis.

[0013] To drive forwards or backwards, the two drive motors are driven at the same speed. Alternatively, steering wheel control is also possible. In the case of steered wheel control, the drive wheel is preferably the steering wheel.

[0014] The object of the invention is achieved by a workstation for loading loading aids with goods according to orders, in particular order picking orders, in which a first conveying system for the goods and a second conveying system for transporting the loading aids are provided, wherein the goods are transported to a first delivery device of the first conveying system and are made available at one or more first delivery positions of the first delivery device of the first conveying system, and wherein the loading aids of the second conveying system are transported to a second delivery device of the second conveying system, are brought together as a group and are alternately made available from the group at one or more second delivery positions of the second delivery device and are loaded with the goods made available at the first delivery device.

[0015] The object of the invention is solved by a workstation according to claims 1 and 37.

[0016] The workstation according to claim 1 comprises

an order management system for the electronic recording of, in particular different, orders, each with one or more order lines, wherein each order line specifies a type of goods and a quantity,

a first delivery device for making goods available at one or more first delivery positions,

a first conveying system which connects a transfer area and the first delivery device and which is designed to transport the goods between the transfer area and the first delivery device,

a second conveying system, which includes driverless transport vehicles for transporting the loading aids,

a first carriageway, which comprises a first carriageway section and a second carriageway section,

a second carriageway, which comprises a section of roadway, and which provides a second access-

217118

Service device for providing loading aids with the driverless transport vehicles at one or more second delivery positions of the second delivery device includes,

a third carriageway, which is arranged between the first carriageway and the second carriageway, and which comprises a first carriageway section and a second carriageway section, wherein

A first lane runs along the first section of the first carriageway, and a second lane runs along the second section of the first carriageway.

an approach lane runs along the first section of the third carriageway, and a return lane runs along the second section of the third carriageway.

the approach lane branches off from the first lane and the return lane merges into the first lane, or

the approach lane branches off from the second lane and the return lane merges into the second lane, and

along the carriageway section of the second carriageway, a service lane connected to the approach lane and the return lane runs, the service lane being assigned to the second service device, and

a control unit that controls the first conveyor system and the transport vehicles for processing several order lines for different orders, which require goods of different types or the same type, in such a way that

the goods are transported to the first delivery facility and made available at one or more first delivery positions, and

The loading aids are transported by the transport vehicles to the second delivery device, gathered as a group, and alternately made available from the group at one or more second delivery positions.

where the loading aids can be loaded alternately with the goods after they have been made available at one or more second delivery positions.

[0017] The workstation according to claim 37 comprises

a first conveying system which connects a transfer area and a first delivery device and which is designed to transport the goods between the transfer area and the first delivery device, and

a second conveyor system, which is designed for transporting the loading aids, and

a control unit which controls the first conveyor system and the second conveyor system for processing several order lines for different orders in such a way that

the goods are transported to the first delivery device of the first conveying system and are made available at one or more first delivery positions of the first delivery device of the first conveying system, and

The loading aids of the second conveyor system are transported to a second delivery device of the second conveyor system, brought together as a group, and alternately provided from the group at one or more second delivery positions of the second delivery device of the second conveyor system and loaded with the goods provided at the first delivery device of the first conveyor system.

[0018] The feature “a first lane runs along the first carriageway section of the first carriageway” is also to be understood as meaning that a first lane is arranged in the first carriageway section. Likewise, the feature “a second lane runs along the second carriageway section of the first carriageway” is to be understood as meaning that a second lane is arranged in the second carriageway section.

[0019] Also, the phrases “an approach lane runs along the first carriageway section of the third carriageway” and “a return lane runs along the second carriageway section of the third carriageway” are to be understood as meaning that the approach lane and return lane are arranged in the respective carriageway sections. The object of the invention is also achieved by a picking system according to claim 23, in which the workstation has the described features.

37118

points.

[0020] The proposed measures can increase the performance of a picking system compared to known picking systems while maintaining the same installation space.

[0021] The object of the invention is also achieved by the measures according to claim 32, comprising the steps

Recording orders, each with one or more order lines, where each order line specifies a product type and a quantity, at the order management system, and

Control of the first conveyor system and the transport vehicles for processing several order lines for different orders, which require goods of different types or the same type, by the control unit in such a way that

the goods are transported to the first delivery facility and made available at one or more first delivery positions, and

The loading aids are transported by the transport vehicles to the second delivery device, gathered as a group, and alternately made available from the group at one or more second delivery positions.

where the loading aids can be loaded alternately with the goods after they have been made available at one or more second delivery positions.

[0022] The proposed measures enable ergonomic loading of a loading aid and efficient order picking of goods with a particularly compact and modular workstation design, which is advantageous. The loading aid can be placed on the loading platform of a transport vehicle and can be held in the loading position by the transport vehicle during the loading process.

[0023] The second delivery positions of the second delivery device can also be referred to as second type delivery positions.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the alternating provision of the loading aids from the group at one or more second delivery positions is carried out by a synchronized movement of the loading aids of the group.

[0025] An order of orders can be a picking order. The order can comprise one or more order lines. If the order comprises several order lines, the order lines can require goods of different product types or the same product type.

[0026] One of the orders can be a disposal order. According to the disposal order, damaged goods can also be transported away from the workstation if, during the processing of an order, for example by the warehouse worker or by an image capture system, it is determined that goods are damaged.

[0027] According to the invention, the workstation for loading loading aids with goods can be designed differently according to orders.

[0028] According to a first embodiment, the first delivery device comprises a single first delivery position and the second delivery device comprises a single second delivery position.

[0029] According to this embodiment, the control unit controls the first conveyor system and the transport vehicles for processing several order lines for different orders in such a way that

the goods are transported to the first delivery device and made available at the first delivery position, and

The loading aids are transported by the transport vehicles to the second delivery device, gathered as a group, and alternately (and consecutively) made available from the group at the second delivery position.

where the loading aids can be loaded with the goods alternately (and consecutively) after they have been made available at the second delivery position.

[0030] The orders can include different orders, in particular a first order and a second order.

41118

[0031] The first order comprises several order lines, and the second order comprises several order lines. Each order line of the first order can specify a product type and a quantity. Each order line of the second order can specify a product type and a quantity. The number of order lines can be the same between the first order and the second order. Alternatively, the number of order lines can vary between the first order and the second order. In particular, one of the several order lines from the first order and the second order specifies the same product type. The quantities can vary between the first order and the second order. For example, the first order comprises two black T-shirts, size XL, and the second order comprises one black T-shirt, size XL. A subsequent order line from the first order and the second order also specifies the same product type. The quantities can vary between the first order and the second order. For example, the first order comprises one pair of headphones, and the second order comprises two pairs of headphones. A subsequent order line from the first order and the second order can specify different product types. For example, the first order includes one black water bottle, and the second order includes three ballpoint pens. In this example, the product type is "black T-shirt, size XL," "headphones," "black water bottle," and "ballpoint pen." It should also be noted that the number of order lines may vary between the first and second orders.

[0032] As described above, different orders can also include order lines that require goods of different types, and/or different orders can also include order lines that require goods of the same type. At least one loading aid is assigned to each order. In other words, at least one loading aid is provided for each order, which can be loaded with goods.

[0033] An embodiment is described below in which the orders include order lines that require goods of different types.

[0034] The goods are transported to the first loading device and sequentially (one after the other) made available at the first loading position. Thus, the goods of the first type can initially be made available at the first loading position. After the (first) loading device has been loaded with the goods of the first type, and preferably while the (second) loading device is being made available, the goods of the second type can be made available at the first loading position.

[0035] If the order lines of the different orders include goods of another type of goods, the provisioning process is repeated until all order lines have been completed.

[0036] According to this embodiment, the group of loading aids comprises at least two loading aids, namely a first loading aid and a second loading aid. The first loading aid and the second loading aid are alternately provided at the second loading position and alternately loaded with goods, each time after the goods have been provided at the second loading position.

[0037] The first loading aid is transported by a first transport vehicle and the second loading aid is transported by a second transport vehicle.

[0038] In this process, the first loading aid can be loaded with the goods of the first type of goods after the first loading aid has been provided at the second delivery position.

[0039] Then the first loading aid is moved away from the second delivery position by the first transport vehicle and the second loading aid is moved towards the second delivery position by the second transport vehicle, preferably approximately synchronously with the movement of the first loading aid.

[0040] Meanwhile, on the one hand, the goods of the first type are moved away from the first type.

The goods of the second type are transported to the first delivery position and, on the other hand, the goods of the second type are transported to the first delivery device and made available at the first delivery position.

[0041] If the second loading aid is located at the second delivery position, the second loading aid is loaded with the goods of the second type.

[0042] Then the second loading aid is moved away from the second delivery position by the second transport vehicle and the first loading aid is again moved by the first transport vehicle to the second delivery position, preferably approximately synchronously with the movement of the second loading aid.

[0043] Meanwhile, on the one hand, the goods of the second type are transported away from the first delivery position, and on the other hand, the goods of the third type are transported to the first delivery device and made available at the first delivery position.

[0044] If the first loading aid is repeatedly located at the second delivery position, the first loading aid is loaded with the goods of the third type.

[0045] Subsequently, the first loading aid is moved away from the second delivery position by the first transport vehicle, and the second loading aid is moved again to the second delivery position by the second transport vehicle, preferably approximately synchronously with the movement of the first loading aid.

[0046] Meanwhile, on the one hand, the goods of the third type are transported away from the first delivery position, and on the other hand, the goods of the fourth type are transported to the first delivery device and made available at the first delivery position.

[0047] If the second loading aid is repeatedly located at the same second delivery position, the second loading aid is loaded with goods of the fourth type of goods.

[0048] The alternating provision and alternating loading of the first loading aid and second loading aid with the goods (of the several order lines) is repeated until all order lines (which contain goods of the different types of goods) of the various orders have been processed.

[0049] An embodiment is described below in which the orders include order lines that require goods of the same type.

[0050] The goods are transported to the first loading device and sequentially (one after the other) made available at the first loading position. Thus, the goods of the first type can initially be made available at the first loading position. After the (first) loading device has been loaded with the goods of the first type, and preferably while the (second) loading device is being made available, the goods of the second type can be made available at the first loading position.

[0051] If the order lines of the different orders include goods of another type of goods, the provisioning process is repeated until all order lines have been completed.

[0052] According to this embodiment, the group of loading aids comprises at least two loading aids, namely a first loading aid and a second loading aid. The first loading aid and the second loading aid are alternately provided at the same second loading position and alternately loaded with goods, each time after the goods have been provided at the same second loading position.

[0053] The first loading aid is transported by a first transport vehicle, and the second loading aid is transported by a second transport vehicle. After the first loading aid has been positioned at the second loading position, it can initially be loaded with goods of the first type. Then, the first loading aid is moved away from the second loading position by the first transport vehicle, and the second loading aid is moved towards the second loading position by the second transport vehicle, preferably approximately synchronously with the movement of the first.

Loading aid. Meanwhile, the goods of the first type remain at the first loading position. When the second loading aid is at the second loading position, it is loaded with the goods of the first type. The second loading aid is then moved away from the second loading position by the second transport vehicle, and the first loading aid is again moved to the second loading position by the first transport vehicle, preferably approximately synchronously with the movement of the second loading aid. Meanwhile, the goods of the second type are made available at the first loading position. When the first loading aid is again at the second loading position, it is loaded with the goods of the second type. The first loading aid is then again moved away from the second loading position by the first transport vehicle, and the second loading aid is again moved to the second loading position by the second transport vehicle, preferably approximately synchronously with the movement of the first loading aid. If the second loading aid is located at the second delivery position, the second loading aid is loaded with goods of the second type.

[0054] The alternating provision and alternating loading of the first loading aid and second loading aid with the goods (of the multiple order lines) is repeated until all order lines (which have goods of the same type) of the different orders have been processed.

[0055] According to a second embodiment, the first delivery device comprises several first delivery positions and the second delivery device comprises a single second delivery position.

[0056] As can be seen from the above description of the first embodiment, different orders may also include order lines which require goods of different types, and/or different orders may also include order lines which require goods of the same type.

[0057] At least one loading aid is assigned to each order. In other words, at least one loading aid is provided for each order, which can be loaded with goods.

[0058] According to this embodiment, the control unit controls the first conveyor system and the transport vehicles for processing several order lines for different orders in such a way that

the goods are transported to the first delivery device and made available at the several first delivery positions, and

The loading aids are transported by the transport vehicles to the second delivery device, gathered as a group, and alternately (and consecutively) made available from the group at the second delivery position.

where the loading aids can be loaded with the goods alternately (and consecutively) after they have been made available at the second delivery position.

[0059] An embodiment is described below in which the orders include order lines that require goods of different types.

[0060] According to this embodiment, goods of a first type and a second type can be transported to the first delivery device and provided side by side (simultaneously) at the first delivery position and the next first delivery position. Depending on the number of delivery positions at the first delivery device, more than two types of goods can also be provided side by side (simultaneously).

[0061] According to this embodiment, the group of loading aids comprises at least two loading aids, namely a first loading aid and a second loading aid. The first loading aid and the second loading aid are alternately provided at the second loading position and alternately loaded with goods, each time after the goods have been provided at the second loading position.

[0062] The first loading aid is transported by a first transport vehicle and the 71118

The second loading aid is transported by a second transport vehicle. The first loading aid, after being positioned at the second loading position, can initially be loaded with goods of the first type. Then, the first loading aid is moved away from the second loading position by the first transport vehicle, and the second loading aid is moved to the second loading position by the second transport vehicle, preferably approximately synchronously with the movement of the first loading aid. Once the second loading aid is at the second loading position, it is loaded with goods of the second type.

[0063] Meanwhile, the goods of the first type are transported away from the first delivery position, and on the other hand, the goods of the third type are transported to the first delivery device and made available at the first delivery position.

[0064] Then the second loading aid is moved away from the second delivery position by the second transport vehicle and the first loading aid is again moved by the first transport vehicle to the second delivery position, preferably approximately synchronously with the movement of the second loading aid.

[0065] Meanwhile, on the one hand, the goods of the second type are transported away from the further first delivery position, and on the other hand, the goods of the fourth type are transported to the first delivery device and made available at the further first delivery position.

[0066] If the first loading aid is repeatedly located at the second delivery position, the first loading aid is loaded with the goods of the third type.

[0067] Subsequently, the first loading aid is repeatedly moved away from the second delivery position by the first transport vehicle, and the second loading aid is again moved by the second transport vehicle to the second delivery position, preferably approximately synchronously with the movement of the first loading aid.

[0068] If the second loading aid is located at the second delivery position, the second loading aid is loaded with the goods of the fourth type of goods.

[0069] The alternating provision and alternating loading of the first loading aid and second loading aid with the goods (of the multiple order lines) is repeated until all order lines (which contain goods of different types) of the various orders have been processed.

[0070] As described above, and equally applicable to the second embodiment, the orders comprise several orders, in particular a first order and a second order. The first order comprises several order lines, and the second order comprises several order lines. Each order line of the first order can specify a product type and a quantity. Each order line of the second order can specify a product type and a quantity.

[0071] An embodiment is described below in which the orders comprise order lines that require goods of the same type.

[0072] According to this embodiment, goods of a first type and a second type can be transported to the first delivery device and provided side by side (simultaneously) at the first delivery position and the next first delivery position. Depending on the number of delivery positions at the first delivery device, more than two types of goods can also be provided side by side (simultaneously).

[0073] According to this embodiment, the group of loading aids comprises at least two loading aids, namely a first loading aid and a second loading aid. The first loading aid and the second loading aid are alternately provided at the same second loading position and alternately loaded with goods, each time after the goods have been provided at the same second loading position.

[0074] The first loading aid is transported by a first transport vehicle and the

The second loading aid is transported by a second transport vehicle.

[0075] In this process, the first loading aid, after it has been positioned at the second loading position, can initially be loaded with goods of the first type and goods of the second type. The first loading aid is then moved away from the second loading position by the first transport vehicle, and the second loading aid is moved to the second loading position by the second transport vehicle. During this time, the goods of the first type and goods of the second type remain at the first loading positions. Once the second loading aid is at the second loading position, it is loaded with goods of the first type and goods of the second type. The second loading aid is then moved away from the second loading position by the second transport vehicle, and the first loading aid is again moved to the second loading position by the first transport vehicle, preferably approximately synchronously with the movement of the second loading aid. Meanwhile, the goods of the third type are made available at the first loading position, or the goods of the third type and the goods of the further type are made available at the first loading positions. When the first loading device is at the second loading position, it is loaded with the goods of the third type and, if applicable, the goods of the further type. The first loading device is then repeatedly moved away from the second loading position by the first transport vehicle, and the second loading device is again moved to the second loading position by the second transport vehicle, preferably approximately synchronously with the movement of the first loading device. When the second loading device is at the second loading position, it is loaded with goods of the third type and, if applicable, the goods of the further type.

[0076] The alternating provision and alternating loading of the first loading aid and second loading aid with the goods (of the multiple order lines) is repeated until all order lines (which have goods of the same type) of the different orders have been processed.

[0077] As described above, and equally applicable to the second embodiment, the orders comprise several orders, in particular a first order and a second order. The first order comprises several order lines, and the second order comprises several order lines. Each order line of the first order can specify a product type and a quantity. Each order line of the second order can specify a product type and a quantity.

[0078] According to a third embodiment, the first delivery device comprises a single first delivery position and the second delivery device comprises several second delivery positions.

[0079] As can be seen from the above description of the first embodiment, different orders may also include order lines that require goods of different types, and/or different orders may also include order lines that require goods of the same type.

[0080] At least one loading aid is assigned to each order. In other words, at least one loading aid is provided for each order, which can be loaded with goods.

[0081] An embodiment is described below in which the orders include order lines that require goods of the same type.

[0082] According to this embodiment, the control unit controls the first conveyor system and the transport vehicles for processing several order lines for different orders in such a way that

the goods are transported to the first delivery device and made available at the first delivery position, and

The loading aids are transported by the transport vehicles to the second loading device, gathered as a group, and alternately removed from the group (and each one-

(nilsequently) at the several second delivery positions,

where the loading aids can be loaded with the goods alternately (and consecutively) after they have been made available at the several second delivery positions.

[0083] The goods are transported to the first loading device and sequentially (one after the other) made available at the first loading position. Thus, the goods of the first type can initially be made available at the first loading position. After the (first) loading device has been loaded with the goods of the first type, and preferably while the (second) loading device is being made available, the goods of the second type can be made available at the first loading position.

[0084] If the order lines of the various orders include goods of another type of goods, the provisioning process is repeated until all order lines have been completed.

[0085] According to this embodiment, the group of loading aids comprises at least three loading aids, namely a first loading aid, a second loading aid, and a third loading aid. The first loading aid, second loading aid, and third loading aid are alternately provided at the several second loading positions and alternately loaded with goods, each time after the goods have been provided at the several second loading positions.

[0086] In general, the group of loading aids can include at least one more loading aid than there are second loading positions.

[0087] The first loading aid is transported by a first transport vehicle, the second loading aid is transported by a second transport vehicle and the third loading aid is transported by a third transport vehicle.

[0088] In this process, the first loading aid, after the first loading aid has been provided at one of the several second delivery positions, and the second loading aid, after the second loading aid has been provided at another of the several second delivery positions, can each be initially loaded with the goods of the first type of goods.

[0089] The first loading aid is then moved away from one of the several second loading positions by the first transport vehicle, and the second loading aid is moved away from one of the several second loading positions by the second transport vehicle. The third loading aid is moved to one of the several second loading positions by the third transport vehicle. During this time, the goods of the first type remain at the first loading position. When the third loading aid is at one of the several second loading positions, it is loaded with the goods of the first type. The third loading aid is then moved away from one of the several second loading positions by the third transport vehicle. The first loading aid is again moved to one of the several second loading positions by the first transport vehicle, and the second loading aid is again moved to another of the several second loading positions by the second transport vehicle. During this time, the goods of the second type are made available at the first loading position. If the first loading aid is located at one of the several second loading positions and the second loading aid is located at another of the several second loading positions, the first loading aid is loaded with goods of the second type, and the second loading aid is loaded with goods of the second type. Subsequently, the first loading aid is moved away from one and further of the several second loading positions by the first transport vehicle, and the second loading aid is moved away by the second transport vehicle. Then, the third loading aid is moved by the third transport vehicle to one of the several second loading positions. Once the third loading aid is located at one of the several second loading positions, it is loaded with goods of the second type.

[0090] The alternating provision, preferably by synchronized movement of the loading aids, and alternating loading of the first loading aid, second loading aid and third loading aid with the goods (of the several order lines) is repeated as long as

10 / 118

until all order lines (which contain goods of the same type) of the various orders have been processed.

[0091] As described above, and equally applicable to the third embodiment, the orders comprise several orders, in particular a first order and a second order. The first order comprises several order lines, and the second order comprises several order lines. Each order line of the first order can specify a product type and a quantity. Each order line of the second order can specify a product type and a quantity.

[0092] According to a fourth embodiment, the first delivery device comprises several first delivery positions and the second delivery device comprises several second delivery positions.

[0093] As can be seen from the above description of the first embodiment, different orders may also include order lines that require goods of different types, and/or different orders may also include order lines that require goods of the same type.

[0094] At least one loading aid is assigned to each order. In other words, at least one loading aid is provided for each order, which can be loaded with goods.

[0095] An embodiment is described below in which the orders include order lines that require goods of the same type.

[0096] According to this embodiment, the control unit controls the first conveyor system and the transport vehicles for processing several order lines for different orders in such a way that

the goods are transported to the first delivery device and made available at the several first delivery positions, and

The loading aids are transported by the transport vehicles to the second delivery device, gathered as a group, and made available alternately (and consecutively) from the group at the several second delivery positions.

where the loading aids can be loaded with the goods alternately (and consecutively) after they have been made available at the several second delivery positions.

[9097] According to this embodiment, goods of a first type and a second type can be transported to the first delivery device and made available side by side (simultaneously) at the first delivery position and the next first delivery position. Depending on the number of delivery positions at the first delivery device, more than two types of goods can also be made available side by side (simultaneously).

[0098] According to this embodiment, the group of loading aids comprises at least three loading aids, namely a first loading aid, a second loading aid, and a third loading aid. The first loading aid, second loading aid, and third loading aid are alternately provided at the several second loading positions and alternately loaded with goods, each time after the goods have been provided at the several second loading positions.

[0099] In general, the group of loading aids can include at least one more loading aid than there are second loading positions. The first loading aid is transported by a first transport vehicle, the second loading aid is transported by a second transport vehicle, and the third loading aid is transported by a third transport vehicle.

[00100] The first loading aid, after it has been provided at one of the several second delivery positions, and the second loading aid, after it has been provided at another of the several second delivery positions, can each be initially loaded with the goods of the first type and the goods of the second type, respectively. Afterwards, the first loading aid is transported by the first transport-

The first vehicle and the second loading aid are moved away from one of the several second loading positions by the second transport vehicle, and the third loading aid is moved to one of the several second loading positions by the third transport vehicle. During this time, the goods of the first type and the goods of the second type remain at the first loading positions. Once the third loading aid is at one of the several second loading positions, it is loaded with the goods of the first type and the goods of the second type. The third loading aid is then moved away from one of the several second loading positions by the third transport vehicle, and the first loading aid is again moved by the first transport vehicle to one of the several second loading positions, and the second loading aid is moved by the second transport vehicle to another of the several second loading positions. During this time, the goods of the third type are made available at the first loading position, or the goods of the third type and the goods of the next type are made available at the first loading positions. If the first loading aid is located at one of the several second loading positions and the second loading aid is located at another of the several second loading positions, the first loading aid is loaded with goods of the third type and, if applicable, goods of the next type, and the second loading aid is loaded with goods of the third type and, if applicable, goods of the next type. Subsequently, the first loading aid is moved away from one and further of the several second loading positions by the first transport vehicle, and the second loading aid is moved away by the second transport vehicle. Then, the third loading aid is moved by the third transport vehicle to one of the several second loading positions. Once the third loading aid is located at one of the several second loading positions, it is loaded with goods of the third type and, if applicable, goods of the next type.

[00101] In the above descriptions, according to the invention, the loading aids are transported by the transport vehicles and grouped together. In other words, the loading aids are grouped together by the transport vehicles to process several order lines for different orders. The group of loading aids can be generated by the movements of the transport vehicles, with the control unit specifying these movements. It should be noted here that the transport vehicles can execute movements independently of one another, which are specified by the control unit. The control unit can receive transport orders that are determined based on the orders containing several order lines for processing. The movements can be specified by the control unit in such a way that the transport vehicles are lined up in such a manner that loading aids previously moved individually by the transport vehicles are selectively brought together to form the group of loading aids.

[00102] On the one hand, it is possible that the group of loading aids is formed by the driving movements of the transport vehicles along the first lane, second lane and/or approach lane, even before the group of loading aids arrives at the second loading device. In particular, the transport vehicles can enter the loading lane at the second loading device as a group of transport vehicles.

[00103] On the other hand, the group of loading aids can only be formed along the delivery lane by the driving movements of the transport vehicles, therefore, when the group of loading aids is already present at the second delivery device.

[00104] Since the number of loading aids in a group is greater than the number of second loading positions on the second loading device, only a smaller number of loading aids can be provided at the second loading positions. However, the group of loading aids is already located at the second loading device, and the number of loading aids exceeding the number of second loading positions is located in the immediate vicinity of the second loading position(s).

[00105] It should also be noted at this point that after the first described above

In two versions, each comprising a single second loading position for the alternating provision of loading aids, loading of one of the loading aids is only possible at the loading position. For this purpose, the second loading device, particularly above the loading track, can include a cover plate with only one access opening assigned to the single second loading position. According to such a design, errors in order processing can be avoided, as the goods can only be delivered to the loading aid provided at the single second loading position (since it is not covered by a cover plate).

[00106] According to the third and fourth embodiments described above, each comprising several second loading positions for the alternating provision of several loading aids simultaneously, it is possible to load several loading aids provided at the same time. For this purpose, the second loading device, in particular above the loading track, can comprise a cover plate on which an access opening is provided that is assigned to one of the second loading positions, and on which a further access opening is provided that is assigned to one of the further loading positions. The access opening and the further access opening can also together form a single access opening. In addition, the second loading device can comprise a dispensing device which is connected to the control unit.

[00107] If manual loading of the loading aids by a warehouse worker is planned, the dispensing device can, for example, include a put-to-light display that can give an instruction to a warehouse worker (order picker) as to which of the loading aids provided at the second loading positions is to be loaded with the goods. The control unit can determine the instructions for the warehouse worker and issue signals, for example, light signals at the dispensing device. With such a design, errors in order processing can be largely avoided, since the dispensing of the goods into the provided loading aids is guided by (optical) signals (i.e., indicated/marked, in particular, by the position of a light point).

[00108] If automatic loading of the loading aids by a robot is provided, the dispensing device can issue an instruction to a robot controller, which instructs the robot which of the loading aids provided at the second loading positions is to be loaded with the goods. The control unit can determine the instructions and transmit signals to the robot controller. According to such an embodiment, errors in order processing can be avoided, since the robot movements are guided by the signals.

[00109] According to a further preferred embodiment, the workstation further comprises

a further second carriageway, which includes a carriageway section, and which includes a second delivery device for providing loading aids with the driverless transport vehicles at one or more second delivery positions,

a further third carriageway, which is arranged between the first carriageway and the further second carriageway, and which comprises a first carriageway section and a second carriageway section, wherein

A first lane runs along the first section of the first carriageway, and a second lane runs along the second section of the first carriageway.

an approach lane runs along the first section of the third carriageway, and a return lane runs along the second section of the third carriageway.

the approach lane branches off from the first lane and the return lane merges into the first lane, or

the approach lane branches off from the second lane and the return lane merges into the second lane, and

Along the carriageway section of the second carriageway, a service lane connected to the approach and return lanes runs, the service lane being the

second delivery device is assigned, and

The control unit further controls the first conveyor system and the transport vehicles for processing several order lines for different orders, which require goods of different types or the same type, in such a way that

the goods are transported to the first delivery facility and made available at one or more first delivery positions, and

The loading aids are transported by the transport vehicles to the second loading device of the second carriageway, gathered as a further group and alternately provided from the further group at one or more second loading positions,

where the loading aids can be loaded alternately with the goods after they have been made available at one or more second delivery positions.

[00110] This allows a particularly efficient workstation to be provided for loading loading aids with goods.

[00111] An advantageous method for this can include the following measures

Provision of a workstation according to the above description, and

Control of the first conveyor system and the transport vehicles for processing several order lines for different orders, which require goods of different types or the same type, by the control unit in such a way that

the goods are transported to the first delivery facility and made available at one or more first delivery positions, and

The loading aids are transported by the transport vehicles to the second loading device of the second carriageway, gathered as a further group and alternately provided from the further group at one or more second loading positions,

where the loading aids of the further group can be loaded alternately with the goods after they have been made available at one or more second delivery positions.

[00112] This allows for a simple and efficient increase in order picking performance, whereby a large number of orders can be processed by simultaneously operating several loading aids.

[00113] According to a further development, it can be provided that the second delivery device, which is encompassed by the second carriageway, and the second delivery device, which is encompassed by the further second carriageway, are spaced apart from each other and the first delivery device is arranged between the second delivery devices, in particular arranged centrally between them.

[00114] The second carriageway or the second loading device encompassed by the second carriageway, and the further second carriageway encompassed by the further second carriageway, are in particular arranged side by side, extending along the first lane of the first carriageway, spaced apart from each other to such an extent that the first loading device can be arranged between them (i.e., between the second carriageway and the further second carriageway), in particular, the first loading device can be arranged centrally between them. In other words, the first loading device can be arranged, in particular symmetrically, between the second carriageway and the further second carriageway.

[00115] Likewise, the third carriageway and the further third carriageway are spaced apart from each other, so that the first delivery device and the first conveying system adjacent to the first delivery device can be arranged at least sectionally between them.

[00116] The second and third carriageways can, for example, be arranged on the right side next to the first loading device and the further second carriageway and further third carriageway on the left side next to the first loading device, preferably in the same way

141118

widely spaced from a (vertical) plane of symmetry of the first delivery device.

[00117] This makes it advantageous to provide an effective workstation with a comparatively small footprint.

[00118] According to a further preferred embodiment, the alternating provision of the loading aids from the group at one or more second delivery positions and, if applicable, the alternating provision of the loading aids from the further group at one or more second delivery positions of the second delivery device, which is encompassed by the further second roadway, can be carried out by moving the loading aids of the respective group at least partially in an at least approximately synchronized manner.

[00119] Moving the loading aids of the group (which can also be referred to as a convoy) for alternating provision at one or more second delivery positions can preferably be done by reversing the direction of movement (of the convoy).

[00120] Alternatively, this can be done in a closed orbit (loop), wherein the loading aids of the group required for a change of position leave the one or more second delivery position(s) via an exit side and return (move forward) in an orbit (loop) via an entry side.

[00121] The movement of the loading aids of the group by means of the transport vehicles can preferably be carried out at least partially in a synchronized manner.

[00122] The same applies analogously to the (further) group of any further second carriageway that may be present.

[00123] The synchronized movement of the group of loading aids at the first delivery positions can be controlled by synchronized driving commands to the respective transport vehicles. The transport vehicles can move by their own propulsion (drive wheels).

[00124] According to one embodiment, it would be conceivable that the movement of the group of loading aids at the first delivery positions is carried out by an external drive, for example a movement mechanism arranged stationary on the second delivery device for external drive (pushing/pulling) of the transport vehicles in one or the opposite direction.

[00125] The movement mechanism for external drive can comprise a transfer device with a slide that is movable by a drive device relative to the second loading position(s) and along a guide. Several spaced-apart slides can also be arranged along the guide. Each slide can engage with the respective transport vehicle of the group for a movement operation, so that the group can be moved approximately synchronously in one or the opposite direction to the desired second loading position from one of the loading aids of the group. During this process, the transport vehicles move on their wheels, preferably with the self-propulsion of the wheels deactivated (disengaged).

[00126] The movement mechanism for external drive can alternatively be formed by a conveyor belt, preferably bidirectional, onto which the group of transport vehicles can be moved, wherein the conveying plane of the conveyor belt is preferably arranged at the same level (plane) as the track of the transport vehicles. The conveyor belt can then move the group of transport vehicles, and thus loading aids, simultaneously in one or the opposite direction to the desired second loading position, without the transport vehicles activating their own drive. This can result in simplified control of the system. Advantageously, a conveying speed can be preset.

[00127] It may prove advantageous if the movement of the loading aids of the group for alternating provision at one or more second delivery positions is adapted to the sequence of process steps provided at the workstation, in particular handling-

Training and/or processing steps can be adjusted.

[00128] According to an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the first conveying system in a conveying section facing the first delivery device and the second carriageway are each arranged offset from the first carriageway by a vertical distance and a passage is formed below the first conveying system and the second carriageway, along which the first carriageway section runs and which has a clearance height that enables collision-free movement of the transport vehicles loaded with a loading aid, or the first conveying system in a conveying section facing the first delivery device and the second carriageway and further second carriageway are each arranged offset from the first carriageway by a vertical distance and a passage is formed below the first conveying system and the second carriageway and further second carriageway, along which the first carriageway section runs and which has a clearance height that enables collision-free movement of the transport vehicles loaded with a loading aid.

[00129] The passage width can be dimensioned such that it corresponds to at least the width of one transport vehicle. Preferably, the passage width corresponds to the width of a transport vehicle loaded with a loading aid. The passage width can also be dimensioned such that it corresponds to two transport vehicles driving side by side. Preferably, the passage width corresponds to the width of two transport vehicles, each loaded with a loading aid.

[00130] The passageway allows loaded transport vehicles to use the space located under the first conveyor system and the second and, if applicable, third track of the second conveyor system. This also contributes to a compact design of the workstation. By (parallel) connecting several workstations, a group of workstations can be formed whose size can be easily adapted to a given performance requirement.

[00131] In particular, the transport vehicles of the workstation can be designed as described above, which makes it particularly easy to load the loading aids provided by the transport vehicles.

[00132] According to a preferred embodiment, the first carriageway, the second carriageway, and the third carriageway can be arranged on the same plane, in particular in a ground plane, preferably forming a horizontal carriageway. In this case, the third carriageway can preferably be arranged such that the approach lane encompassed by the third carriageway branches off from the first lane of the first carriageway, and the return lane encompassed by the third carriageway merges into the first lane of the first carriageway. This allows for effective cycles of the loading equipment.

[00133] According to a further preferred embodiment, the first carriageway can be arranged in a ground plane, and the second carriageway can form or comprise a platform raised above the ground plane, with the third carriageway connecting the first carriageway to the second carriageway arranged at a different elevation. The third carriageway is thus arranged between the first carriageway and the second carriageway.

[00134] The first carriageway and/or second carriageway is preferably a horizontal carriageway. The second delivery device is therefore provided on the horizontal carriageway.

[00135] The third lane connects the first and second lanes and runs at an angle or is ramp-shaped. The driverless transport vehicles of the type mentioned above can move on the third lane. The gradient of the second lane is between 5° and 15°, for example 10°.

[00136] According to one embodiment, the raised platform formed or encompassed by the second roadway can be height-adjustable. This allows for optimization of the ergonomics in conjunction with the type, in particular the height of the loading platform, of the driverless transport vehicles used.

16 / 118

[00137] The driverless transport vehicles of the type mentioned above can be moved on the first roadway and the second roadway.

[00138] According to an advantageous embodiment, the third carriageway can be arranged such that the approach lane encompassed by the third carriageway branches off from the first lane of the first carriageway, and the return lane encompassed by the third carriageway merges into the first lane of the first carriageway. In an alternative embodiment, the third carriageway can be arranged such that the approach lane encompassed by the third carriageway branches off from the second lane of the first carriageway, and the return lane encompassed by the third carriageway merges into the second lane of the first carriageway. This allows for the provision of alternative workstations, and in particular, different transport vehicles and/or loading aids, especially with regard to their height, can be better coordinated and used.

[00139] Advantageously, the workstation includes a workstation for a warehouse worker for manually loading the loading aids with goods, wherein the loading aids are provided by the transport vehicles (preferably one after the other) at the second loading position, which is assigned to the second loading device. The goods are provided at the first loading position, which is assigned to the first loading device. It is advantageous if the first loading device and the second loading device are configured to provide goods and a loading aid at an ergonomic loading height for manual loading.

[00140] For manual processing of orders, the workstation can include an input and/or output device which is connected to the control unit.

[00141] The output device is configured to receive loading instructions from the control unit and output them to a warehouse worker operating at the workstation. For example, the number of goods with which a loading aid is to be loaded is output. If several loading aids are simultaneously provided at the second loading positions, the loading aid to be loaded with goods can also be output. The output device includes, for example, a touchscreen, a speaker, and the like.

[00142] The input device is configured to receive an input command and transmit a control signal to the control unit. An input command is triggered, for example, by an acknowledgement button. The warehouse worker can, for example, confirm the completion of a loading process by pressing the acknowledgement button. The input device includes, for example, an acknowledgement button, a switch, and the like. An input and output device has features of both an input device and an output device.

[00143] According to a further embodiment, the workstation can include a loading robot at the workstation for automatically loading the loading aids with goods, wherein the loading aids are in turn provided by the transport vehicles (preferably one after the other) at the second loading position, which is assigned to the second loading device. The goods are in turn provided at the first loading position, which is assigned to the first loading device.

[00144] The goods can be transported by the first conveyor system between the transfer area and the first delivery device either without or with loading aids. The loading aids of the first conveyor system can be designed, for example, as containers, trays, cartons, and the like.

[00145] The first delivery device for providing goods can comprise one or more delivery positions. Each delivery position can be assigned to a specific item. The delivery device serves to provide goods either without loading aids or with loading aids.

[00146] It should also be noted at this point that the goods can be transported with the third conveyor system in the storage area and/or between the storage area and the transfer area either without loading aids or with loading aids. Likewise, the

171118

Goods in the warehouse area are stored either without loading aids or with loading aids.

[00147] If the goods are transported using a loading aid of the first conveying system, the goods are stored in the loading aid. Such a loading aid is also called a source loading aid. The first conveying system can include stationary (fixed or suspended) conveying devices, for example, roller conveyors, belt conveyors, and the like.

[00148] The second delivery device for providing loading aids can comprise one delivery position or several delivery positions. Each delivery position is assigned to a loading aid.

[00149] The loading aids of the second conveying system can be designed, for example, as containers, trays, cartons, and the like. Such a loading aid is also called a destination loading aid. Preferably, the loading aids are designed as cartons intended for shipping.

[00150] In particular, the control unit can be configured to perform the following steps

Controlling the first conveyor system and the transport vehicles in such a way that goods arrive at the first and at one or more second delivery positions approximately simultaneously via the first conveyor system and a loading aid via one of the transport vehicles, or a group of loading aids via several transport vehicles.

[00151] It should be noted at this point that it is also conceivable in principle that goods, in particular a carton, are taken from the first delivery device and placed directly onto the floor of the loading platform of an automated guided vehicle. The automated guided vehicle is provided at the second delivery device, but without loading aids.

[00152] Further advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and from the description, in particular in conjunction with the figures.

[00153] According to one embodiment, the transport vehicles used can include those which each comprise a loading platform with a floor, wherein the floor is fixed (at a predefined height relative to the roadway) to the support frame and is inclined at an angle to a horizontal plane.

[00154] The loading platform of the transport vehicle can preferably be attached to the support frame in such a way that the center of gravity of a loading aid is located substantially close to a vertical axis through the center of gravity of the transport vehicle without a loading platform.

[00155] In one embodiment of the transport vehicle, the support frame comprises a front side of the vehicle and a rear side of the vehicle (relative to a direction of travel of the driverless transport vehicle), wherein the floor of the loading platform is inclined to the side by the angle of inclination relative to a longitudinal axis running between the front side of the vehicle and the rear side of the vehicle.

[00156] This allows a loading aid to be presented without having to change the direction of travel of the transport vehicle to approach and leave a presentation position. Furthermore, a loading aid is less likely to unintentionally fall off the loading platform during acceleration or braking.

[00157] It is also conceivable that the support frame of the transport vehicle comprises a front and a rear side of the vehicle (relatively in one direction of travel of the driverless transport vehicle) and that the floor of the loading platform is inclined backwards or forwards by an angle of inclination in the direction of a longitudinal axis running between the front and rear sides of the vehicle. Advantageously, a loading aid cannot so easily fall unintentionally off the loading platform when cornering.

[00158] It is advantageous if the inclination angle of the floor of the loading platform is in a range

18 / 118

The angle of inclination ranges from 10° to 60°. In particular, the angle can be between 10° and 20°. An angle of inclination of 12° is especially advantageous. This allows a loading aid located on the loading platform to be positioned favorably for loading and/or unloading. Furthermore, at such an angle of inclination, a loading aid is less likely to unintentionally fall off the loading platform when the transport vehicle is moving. In addition, the drive mechanism and drive power for a transfer station's pusher can be designed with comparatively low specifications.

[00159] It is advantageous if the loading platform of the transport vehicle additionally comprises a first stop element, which is arranged in a lower side area of the floor and projects upwards from the floor, and a transfer section, which is arranged in a higher side area of the floor.

[00160] This prevents a loading aid located on the loading platform from unintentionally sliding down the platform, and also allows loading and/or unloading to be carried out easily via the transfer section. A loading aid is pushed up onto or down from the loading platform (without lifting). Technically complex lifting and gripping devices are not required.

[00161] It should be noted at this point that a loading aid in connection with transport by a driverless transport vehicle and the loading / unloading of the transport vehicle can also be understood as goods, provided that the goods (i.e. loading aid) are removed from the first delivery device and immediately transferred to the loading platform of a driverless transport vehicle.

[00162] In a favorable embodiment of the workstation, the first conveying system is arranged in a conveying section facing away from the first delivery device, offset vertically from the first roadway, and an additional passage is formed below the first conveying system, along which the second roadway section runs and which has a passage height (and passage width) that enables collision-free movement of the transport vehicles, each loaded with a loading aid (of the second conveying system).

[00163] The passage width of the additional passage can be dimensioned such that it corresponds to at least the width of one transport vehicle. Preferably, the passage width corresponds to the width of a transport vehicle loaded with a loading aid. The passage width can also be dimensioned such that it corresponds to two transport vehicles driving side by side. Preferably, the passage width corresponds to the width of two transport vehicles, each loaded with a loading aid.

[00164] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first conveying system may comprise several conveying devices, in particular a first conveying device for inbound transport, i.e., transport of the goods to the first delivery device, a second conveying device for outbound transport, i.e., transport of the goods away from the first delivery device, a third conveying device connecting the first conveying device for inbound transport and the second conveying device for outbound transport, and a fourth conveying device and a fifth conveying device forming the first delivery device, wherein the fourth conveying device forms a first delivery position and the fifth conveying device forms a further first delivery position.

[00165] It may be advantageous to provide that

The first conveying device for inbound transport and the second conveying device for outbound transport are arranged offset from the first carriageway by a vertical distance, and an additional passage is formed below the first conveying system, along which the second carriageway section runs and which has a passage height that allows collision-free movement of the transport vehicles, each loaded with a loading aid.

[00166] In a favorable embodiment of the workstation, the transfer area can be provided to

to deliver goods (with or without loading aids) to the first conveying system, or

To deliver goods (with or without loading aids) to the first conveying system and to deliver goods (with or without loading aids) from the first conveying system.

[00167] This makes it possible to receive goods (with or without loading aids) from and/or deliver them to a (third) conveyor system at the workstation, which may be configured differently from the first conveyor system. For example, a first conveyor system with stationary conveying devices can receive goods (with or without loading aids) from or deliver them to transport vehicles of the (third) conveyor system.

[00168] The first carriageway section of the first carriageway can be configured to allow transport vehicles to move along the first lane. The first lane can be designed as a one-way street, so the transport vehicles can then move in only one direction. The second carriageway section can be configured to allow transport vehicles to move along the second lane. The second lane can also be designed as a one-way street, so the transport vehicles can then move in only one direction. Preferably, the directions of movement of the transport vehicles on the first carriageway section and the second carriageway section (spaced apart in the roadway plane) are opposite. It is also advantageous if the first and second carriageways run parallel to each other.

[00169] According to one possible embodiment, the first lane in the first carriageway section can form a closed loop.

[00170] Likewise, the second lane in the second carriageway section can form a closed loop.

[00171] In addition, the first lane and the second lane can together form a closed loop.

[00172] Furthermore, it is advantageous if a shuttle lane runs between the first and second lanes of the first carriageway, on which the transport vehicles on the first carriageway can be moved between the first and second carriageway sections. This allows the transport vehicles to be exchanged between the first and second carriageway sections. This applies both to arrangements of the first and/or second lanes of the first carriageway with and without through-passages (below the first conveyor system and, if applicable, the second carriageway).

[00173] According to another possible embodiment, the reversible lane can comprise a first reversible lane and a second reversible lane, such that the first reversible lane, the first lane, the second reversible lane, and the second lane form a closed loop. The first reversible lane, the first lane, the second reversible lane, and the second lane can be configured as one-way traffic. In this case, the transport vehicles move in only one direction.

[00174] By the fact that

an approach lane runs along the first section of the third carriageway, and a return lane runs along the second section of the third carriageway.

the approach lane branches off from the first lane of the first carriageway and the return lane merges into the first lane of the first carriageway, or

the approach lane branches off from the second lane of the first carriageway and the return lane merges into the second lane of the first carriageway, and

Along the carriageway section of the second carriageway, a loading lane connected to the approach and return lanes runs, with the loading lane being assigned to the second loading device. This allows for a one-way system on the second and third carriageways, which is coupled to the second carriageway section. Controlling the transport vehicles can therefore be relatively simple, and transport vehicles can thus move largely without mutual obstruction on the second and third carriageways.

The transport vehicles move in a single direction along the approach lane, loading lane, and return lane, with the approach lane and return lane running parallel to each other.

[00175] The approach lane and the return lane can preferably run approximately parallel to each other. This allows, in particular, a simple and modular design.

[00176] According to an advantageous embodiment, the third carriageway can be arranged such that the approach lane encompassed by the third carriageway branches off from the first lane of the first carriageway, and the return lane encompassed by the third carriageway merges into the first lane of the first carriageway. In an alternative embodiment, the third carriageway can be arranged such that the approach lane encompassed by the third carriageway branches off from the second lane of the first carriageway, and the return lane encompassed by the third carriageway merges into the second lane of the first carriageway.

[00177] This allows alternative workstations to be provided, in particular different transport vehicles and/or loading aids, especially with regard to height, can be better coordinated and used.

[00178] It is also particularly advantageous if the third carriageway and, if applicable, the further third carriageway (each) also comprise a third carriageway section, wherein

a bypass lane, preferably including a buffer area, runs along the third carriageway section,

the bypass lane is connected to the return lane of the second carriageway section of the third carriageway and the first lane of the second carriageway section of the first carriageway, and

where appropriate, the bypass lane is connected to the return lane of the second carriageway section of the further third carriageway and the first carriageway of the second carriageway section of the first carriageway.

[00179] It is therefore advantageous to provide a bypass lane which preferably includes a buffer space, wherein the bypass lane is preferably connected to the approach lane or the return lane and connects this to one of the first lane or second lane of the first carriageway.

[00180] For this purpose, the control unit can advantageously be further configured to perform the steps

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

[00181] It is particularly advantageous if one or more sorting lanes run between the approach lane and the return lane in a third lane section of the third lane, and optionally in a third lane section of the further third lane. That is, each sorting lane branches off from the return lane and leads into the approach lane. The proposed measure allows a sorting device to be configured on the third lane, which is encompassed by the second conveyor system. Since the third lane simultaneously serves to bridge the height difference between the first lane (especially the second lane section) and the second lane, this creates multiple uses for the third lane, which forms the basis for a particularly compact design of the workstation or supports it in a special way. It should be noted here that one or more additional sorting lanes can be arranged on the second lane, which also contributes to a compact design of the workstation.

[00182] It is also particularly advantageous if one or more express lanes run between the approach lane and the return lane in the section of the second carriageway. The express lane is similar to a sorting lane, but is located particularly close to the second delivery device. In this respect, the express lane can be considered a sorting lane close to or nearest to the second delivery device. A transport-

Therefore, as an alternative to a sorting lane, the vehicle can also be moved along an express lane if a loading aid is to be made available at the second delivery position in a timely manner.

[00183] However, it is particularly advantageous if the express lane is part of or forms part of the closed orbit (loop) that serves for alternating provision at one or more second loading positions, wherein the loading aids of the group required for a position change leave the one or more second loading position(s) via an exit side and return (move up) in the orbit (loop) via an entry side. The same applies analogously to the (further) group of a possibly existing second lane.

[00184] It is further advantageous if the first lane running in the first carriageway section and the second lane running in the second carriageway section each have an input coupling area and an output coupling area, wherein the respective output coupling areas can be connected to the respective input coupling areas of a further workstation, in particular of identical construction, arranged adjacent to the workstation, so that a substantially continuous (i.e. continuous) respective first lane and second lane can be formed.

[00185] Accordingly, a group of several workstations can be formed, comprising several adjacent workstations of the type described, wherein the first and second carriageway sections of the workstations are connected to each other. This creates a picking system that is scalable almost without limit.

[00186] Such scaling or configuration, in particular of the fleet management system for the transport vehicles, can advantageously be carried out in an electronic management system with a graphical user interface, wherein the individual workstations can be represented and configured as graphical function blocks that include interfaces, in particular lanes with input coupling areas and output coupling areas.

[00187] In a further advantageous embodiment of the workstation, the control unit is additionally configured to control the first conveyor system and the transport vehicles in such a way that the loading aids are sorted by the transport vehicles into a sequence that depends on the sequence in which the goods (with or without loading aids) are provided at the first delivery device, and that a loading aid (therefore destination loading aid) and a good (with or without source loading aid) for an order arrive at approximately the same time at the first delivery position of the first delivery device and the second delivery positions of the second delivery device. This ensures efficient loading of the loading aids or efficient order picking even if the transport vehicles reach the third lane at an inconvenient time and/or in a sequence that is unfavorable for processing the orders. For example, the loading equipment can be sorted into a sequence using the transport vehicles by having one of the transport vehicles branch off from the approach lane into a sorting lane, while another transport vehicle passes the vehicle that has branched off into the sorting lane. Afterwards, the transport vehicle that branched off into the sorting lane can be moved from the sorting lane back to the approach lane.

[00188] It is also advantageous if

An order of orders comprises a first order line and a second order line, wherein the first order line and second order line comprise goods of different types of goods, and

The control unit is additionally designed to control the process so that a loading aid for processing the first and second order lines is initially transported from the second delivery device via the return lane to a sorting lane by the transport vehicle after the loading aid has been loaded with the goods for the first order line, and buffered in the sorting lane, and then the loading aid is transported from the sorting lane via the approach lane to the second delivery device when the goods for the second order line are loaded from the first delivery device.

2217118

ten conveyor system to the first delivery device is / was transported.

[00189] In this way, particularly efficient loading of the loading aid or particularly efficient order picking can be achieved, even if the goods cannot be provided simultaneously at the first delivery device. This can be the case, for example, if the goods are transported separately in different loading aids of the first conveyor system, but only one first delivery position or too few first delivery positions are available.

[00190] It is also advantageous if

Several orders comprise goods of the same type, each order is assigned a loading aid, and

the control unit is additionally designed to control the loading of the loading aids assigned to the orders with goods of the same type,

wherein the goods are made available once at the first delivery point and the loading aids are made available on a transport vehicle at the second delivery point.

[00191] In this way, particularly efficient loading of (multiple) loading aids or particularly efficient order picking can also be achieved, even if not several loading aids (or not all required loading aids that are to be loaded with goods of the same type) can be provided simultaneously at the second loading device. This can be the case, for example, if only one second loading position or too few second loading positions are available.

[00192] The loading aids can be provided one after the other on separate transport vehicles at the second loading device if only one second loading position is provided. However, the loading aids can also be provided side by side on separate transport vehicles of the second conveying system at the second loading device, particularly if several (especially sufficient) second loading positions are provided.

[00193] As described, the goods can be transported on the first conveyor system with or without loading aids.

[00194] The first conveying system can comprise a first conveying device for transporting goods from the transfer area to the first receiving device and a second conveying device for transporting goods from the first receiving device to the transfer area. The first conveying system can also comprise a third conveying device, which includes the first receiving device(s) and which connects the first and second conveying devices. This makes a one-way system for the goods possible in the first conveying system as well. If the goods are transported with loading aids, the first conveying device transports loading aids containing goods. Loading aids transported by the second conveying device may (still) contain goods or may not, i.e., be empty (empty loading aid). The latter is the case when all goods have been removed from the loading aid for processing an order.

[00195] The first conveying system can alternatively include a conveying device for transporting goods from the transfer area to the first delivery device and for transporting goods from the first delivery device to the transfer area.

[00196] In other words, the first conveying system can be configured to transport goods from the transfer area to the first delivery device, or to transport goods from the transfer area to the first delivery device and to transport goods from the first delivery device to the transfer area.

[00197] The first conveying system can in particular be designed as a stationary conveying system and therefore be permanently installed.

[00198] It is also advantageous if the first conveying system includes several buffer locations and the control unit is additionally designed to provide goods of different types one after the other, with the goods being temporarily stored in the buffer locations.

[00199] The buffer positions are similar in function to sorting lanes (or sorting positions on the sorting lanes), but are not necessarily arranged between the first conveying device and the second conveying device of the first conveying system. Instead, they can be assigned only to the first conveying device (if the goods are to be buffered during transport to the first delivery device) or only to the second conveying device (if the goods are to be buffered during transport from the first delivery device). The buffer positions can also be used to provide goods sorted in a predefinable sequence.

[00200] In this context, it is also advantageous if the first conveying system includes a sorting buffer configured to provide goods sorted in a sequence. The sorting buffer comprises several buffer positions arranged along a first conveying device, and/or several sorting positions arranged along a second conveying device, and several sorting conveying devices connecting the sorting positions and buffer positions.

[00201] It may also prove advantageous if

the transport vehicle of the second conveyor system is designed according to one of the above aspects,

a loading aid is to be placed on the floor of the loading platform, which is inclined at an angle to a horizontal plane,

the loading aid comprises a base, side walls rising from it, and a loading opening bounded by the side walls, and

The control system of the transport vehicle executes a driving command in such a way that the transport vehicle is positioned (stopped) at the second delivery device in a pose in which the loading aid (via the floor of the loading platform) is aligned or positioned towards the first delivery device or the goods provided therein, such that an edge of a front side wall of the side walls is lower than an edge of a rear side wall of the side walls, in order to enable ergonomic loading of the loading aid with the goods via the loading opening.

[00202] This achieves a particularly ergonomic loading process for the (target) loading aid. Loading can be carried out manually by a warehouse worker (operator) or automatically by a robot. In the context of manual loading, "ergonomic" means that the warehouse worker has good access to the loading area in the (target) loading aid, even with high side walls, and that the loading movements can be kept short. In the context of automatic loading, "ergonomic" means that the robot has good access to the loading area in the (target) loading aid, even with high side walls, and that the loading movements can be kept short.

[00203] It is advantageous if the order picking system further comprises a third conveying system which connects the storage area and the transfer area, and which includes driverless transport vehicles for transporting goods (with or without loading aids) between the storage area and the transfer area.

[00204] This allows the transfer of goods to and from the storage area to take place in a particularly flexible manner.

[00205] It is advantageous if the first carriageway additionally comprises a third carriageway section, which is arranged between the storage area and the transfer area, and the driverless transport vehicles of the third conveyor system travel in the third carriageway section. This allows the transport vehicles of the second and third conveyor systems to travel on the first carriageway (in particular, on the same plane). The third carriageway section can be connected to or separated from the first and/or second carriageway sections of the first carriageway.

241118

be separate.

[00206] In addition, it is conceivable that the driverless transport vehicles of the third conveyor system not only travel in the third track section, but also access the storage locations in the storage area. This allows the transport vehicles of the third conveyor system to exchange goods (with or without loading aids) between the storage area and the transfer area, in particular to retrieve goods (with or without loading aids) from the storage area and transport them to the transfer area, and/or to transport goods (with or without loading aids) from the transfer area to the storage area and store them there. Separate storage conveyor technology can then be omitted, or its function is taken over by the third conveyor system.

[00207] Such a third conveying system, which comprises driverless transport vehicles movable in a horizontal direction (x- and/or z-direction) and vertical direction (y-direction) in the storage area, and/or in a horizontal direction (x- and/or z-direction) in the area of a third carriageway section on the first carriageway, and/or in a vertical direction (y-direction) in the transfer area at a transfer station, is known, for example, from AT 525 735 B1 or EP 3 362 379 B1.

[00208] It is also advantageous if the driverless transport vehicles operate exclusively in the storage area and the storage area and the transfer area are arranged in such a way that

the goods (with or without loading aids) are transferred directly from the storage area to the first conveyor system, or

The goods (with or without loading aids) are transferred directly from the storage area to the first conveyor system, and the goods (with or without loading aids) are transferred directly from the first conveyor system to the storage area.

[00209] In this embodiment, a direct transfer of goods (with or without loading aids) takes place between the first and third conveying systems. For example, the transport vehicles of the third conveying system can be designed to deliver the goods (with or without loading aids) to and/or receive them from the first conveying system without the first conveying system needing to be specially designed for this purpose. For example, the transport vehicles of the third conveying system can include a transfer device, which may, for example, have a conveying device, a pushing device, or a gripper for moving the goods (with or without loading aids).

[00210] Such a third conveying system, which comprises driverless transport vehicles movable in a horizontal direction (x-direction) in the storage area, is known, for example, from EP 3286 111 B1 or WO 2013/090970 A2.

[00211] It is advantageous if the workstation in the transfer area has a transfer station, wherein the transfer station comprises

a first transfer station and a first transfer device associated with the first transfer station, wherein the first transfer station is configured to receive goods (with or without loading aids) and wherein the first transfer device is configured to transfer the goods (with or without loading aids) from the first transfer station to the first conveying system, and

a second transfer station and a transfer device associated with the second transfer station, wherein the second transfer station is configured to receive goods (with or without loading aids) and wherein the second transfer device is configured to transfer the goods (with or without loading aids) from the first conveying system to the second transfer station.

[00212] The proposed measures make it possible, in particular, to couple different types of first and third conveying systems. For example, the first conveying system comprises stationary conveying devices, whereas the third conveying system comprises driverless transport vehicles. In this embodiment, the transfer of goods (with or without loading aids) takes place

Variant with a first and second transfer device at the workstation, which may include, for example, a conveyor, a pusher, or a gripper for moving the goods (with or without loading aids). Consequently, the transport vehicle does not need to have such a transfer device.

[00213] However, it is also advantageous if the workstation in the transfer area has a transfer station, wherein the transfer station comprises

a first transfer station, which is designed to receive a transport vehicle of the third conveyor system with the goods (with or without loading aids), and a transfer device associated with the transport vehicle, wherein the transfer device is designed to transfer the goods (with or without loading aids) from the transport vehicle to the first conveyor system, and

a second transfer station, which is designed to receive a transport vehicle of the third conveying system, and a transfer device assigned to the transport vehicle, wherein the transfer device is designed to transfer the goods (with or without loading aids) from the first conveying system to the transport vehicle.

[00214] This variant of the workstation is similar to the variants mentioned above. Although the goods transfer is carried out using a transfer device on the transport vehicle, which in turn may, for example, include a conveyor, a pusher, or a gripper for moving the goods (with or without loading aids), the workstation comprises a first and second transfer station (and optionally further devices for receiving or positioning the transport vehicle). However, in this embodiment, the transfer station does not necessarily have to have a transfer device.

[00215] In summary, several different variants for the transfer of goods between the storage area and the transfer area of the workstation are conceivable. For example, the transport vehicles of the third conveyor system can transfer goods (with or without loading aids) from the storage area to a storage conveyor system and transport them to the transfer station, where they are handed off to the first conveyor system. The first conveyor system then transports the goods (with or without loading aids) to the first delivery device of the workstation. The return transport can be carried out in an analogous manner. However, it would also be conceivable that the transport vehicles of the third conveyor system could pick up goods (with or without loading aids) directly from or deliver them to a storage location in the storage area. A separate storage conveyor system can then be omitted. Finally, it is also conceivable that the transfer of goods (with or without loading aids) between the first and third conveyor systems takes place directly, and a transfer station can then be omitted.

[00216] It is advantageous if the transfer station of the workstation includes a lifting device associated with the first conveying system, onto which the transport vehicle of the third conveying system or the goods (with or without loading aids) can be received. The proposed measure allows height differences between the first and third conveying systems to be bridged. In particular, the transfer station can also have a first lifting device for raising a transport vehicle or goods (with or without loading aids) and a second lifting device for lowering a transport vehicle or goods (with or without loading aids). Thus, the goods alone (with or without loading aids) or the entire transport vehicle including the goods (with or without loading aids) can be moved vertically. Suitable lifting devices include, for example, elevators or paternoster lifts, which are known per se.

[00217] It is advantageous if the automated guided vehicles (AGVs) of the second conveyor system and the AGVs of the third conveyor system have different structural designs. This allows the AGVs to be optimized for their respective applications. For example, it may be advantageous if the AGVs of the third conveyor system have a vertical movement capability (i.e., the ability to climb), whereas this capability may be unnecessary for the AGVs of the second conveyor system. It would also be conceivable for the AGVs of the third conveyor system to move (at least temporarily) along guide rails.

are removed, whereas the transport vehicles of the second conveyor system travel exclusively on (level) first, second and third lanes.

[00218] Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that the driverless transport vehicles of the second conveyor system and the driverless transport vehicles of the third conveyor system are structurally identical. Scaling effects result in a more economically advantageous design, configuration, and operation of the order picking system.

[00219] In particular, the automated guided vehicles (AGVs) of the second conveyor system and the AGVs of the third conveyor system can have a similar design and share at least some of their technical features. For example, the AGVs of the third conveyor system, especially for transporting goods (with or without loading aids), can each comprise

a support frame

a chassis mounted on the support frame, which includes several wheels and is designed for driving or for driving and steering the driverless transport vehicle,

a control system designed to receive driving commands and control the driverless transport vehicle, and

a loading platform mounted on the support frame, which includes a horizontally oriented floor, which is in particular fixed to the support frame or which is arranged on a lifting device.

[00220] What has been said about the driverless transport vehicles of the second conveyor system applies accordingly, for example, that the driverless transport vehicles of the third conveyor system can also be designed as AGVs or AMRSs.

[00221] It can be mentioned that, advantageously, at least part of the work area can be defined by a spatial demarcation or separated from the roadway(s) and/or the second delivery device, with a defined access area leading to the work area. This practically eliminates the possibility of the warehouse worker (the operator) unintentionally entering the roadway(s) or significantly reduces the risk of this.

[00222] Furthermore, it is advantageous to provide several return lanes, in particular a second return lane which is connected “parallel” to the return lane, i.e., a second return lane runs (is arranged) along the second carriageway section of the third carriageway at a distance from the return lane and merges into the same first or second carriageway of the first carriageway as the return lane and is connected to the access lane. This enables, in particular, an increase in throughput.

[00223] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[00224] They each show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

[00225] Fig. 1 shows a driverless transport vehicle with a laterally inclined loading platform in oblique view;

[00226] Fig. 1a shows the transport vehicle from Fig. 1 in side view;

[00227] Fig. 2 shows an exemplary workstation with a first embodiment of a transfer station from an oblique top view;

[00228] Fig. 3 shows the workstation from Fig. 2 in side view;

[00229] Fig. 4a shows a detailed view of Fig. 3 in the area of the additional passage;

[00230] Fig. 4b shows a detail view of Fig. 3 in the area of the passage;

[00231] Fig. 5 shows a top view of an example of a picking system with

several workstations according to an embodiment of the workstation shown in Fig. 2 and transport vehicles (of a third conveying system-

271118

tems) between a storage area and a respective transfer area;

[00232] Fig. 6 shows a top view of an example of a picking system similar to Fig. 5, but with a second embodiment of a transfer station and transport vehicles (of a third conveyor system) between a storage area and a respective transfer area;

[00233] Fig. 7 shows a side view of an example of a picking system with a third embodiment of a transfer station and transport vehicles (of a third conveyor system) which can be moved in the storage area as well as between a storage area and a respective transfer area;

[00234] Fig. 8 shows a side view of an example of a picking system with a fourth embodiment of a transfer station, and a storage area which is directly connected to the transfer area;

[00235] Fig. 9 shows a side view of an example of a picking system with a fifth embodiment of a transfer station similar to Fig. 8, but with transport units operating exclusively in the storage area.

vehicles;

[00236] Fig. 10 shows an exemplary workstation with a transfer station viewed obliquely from above;

[00237] Fig 11 shows an exemplary workstation with a transfer station viewed obliquely from above (ISO NW);

[00238] Fig. 12 shows a schematic top view of an example of a workstation similar to that shown in Fig. 10;

[00239] Fig. 13a shows the workstation from Fig. 10 in side view;

[00240] Fig. 13b shows the workstation from Fig. 10 in front view;

[00241] Fig. 14 shows a schematic top view of an example of a picking-

systems with multiple workstations according to an embodiment of the workstation according to Fig. 12 and transport vehicles (of a third conveyor system) between a storage area and a respective transfer area;

[00242] Fig. 14a shows a schematic top view of an example of a picking system with several workstations similar to Fig. 14, but with a track arrangement without passage under the first conveyor system;

[00243] Fig. 15a to 15) shows a sequence for loading loading aids at a workstation in a first embodiment;

[00244] Fig. 16a to 16f shows a sequence for loading loading aids at a workstation in a second embodiment;

[00245] Fig. 17a to 17i show a sequence for loading loading aids at a workstation in a third embodiment;

[00246] Fig. 18a to 18f show a sequence for loading loading aids at a workstation in a fourth embodiment;

[00247] Fig. 19a to 19f show a sequence for loading loading aids at a workstation in a fifth embodiment;

[00248] Fig. 20a to 20g shows a sequence for loading loading aids at a workstation in a sixth embodiment;

[00249] Fig. 21a to 21r shows a sequence for loading loading aids at a workstation in a seventh embodiment;

[00250] Fig. 22a to 22f shows a sequence for loading loading aids at a workstation in an eighth embodiment.

[00251] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component designations, whereby the disclosure contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to identical parts with the same reference numerals or the same component designations. Furthermore, the positional designations chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refer to the figure directly described and illustrated and, in the event of a change in position, are to be applied analogously to the new position.

[00252] Figures 1 and 1a show a first embodiment of a driverless transport vehicle 1, which can be used for transporting loading aids (not shown in Figures 1 and 1a, but see, for example, Figure 2). Figure 1 shows the transport vehicle 1 in a perpendicular view from the rear left, and Figure 1a shows the transport vehicle 1 in a front view. The driverless transport vehicle 1 can also be used for transporting goods.

[00253] In the following, loading aid and goods are used synonymously.

[00254] The loading aid has a base, side walls projecting from the base, and a loading opening bounded by the side walls. The base is supported on the loading platform when the loading aid is located on the loading platform.

[00255] The loading aid can be, for example, a cardboard box or a container.

[00256] The transport vehicle 1 comprises a support frame 2, a chassis 3 mounted on the support frame 2, a control unit 4, and a loading platform 5 mounted on the support frame 2. The chassis 3 comprises several wheels and is designed for driving and steering the driverless transport vehicle 1. The control unit 4 is designed to receive driving commands (e.g., from a higher-level control unit) and to control the driverless transport vehicle 1. The transport vehicle 1 further has a front side A and a rear side B, as well as a (main) direction of travel, which points in the direction of a longitudinal axis D of the transport vehicle 1 extending between the front side A and the rear side B.

[00257] In Figures 1 and 1a, only the wheels of the chassis 3 are visible. The chassis 3 can comprise one or more drive motors, one or more drive shafts, bearings for the wheels, and optionally one or more steering motors and the like. Preferably, the steering of the driverless transport vehicle 1 is achieved by differential speed control of the wheels, wherein, according to this embodiment, the wheels are drive wheels. Each drive wheel is driven at a different speed to rotate. To drive forward or backward, the two drive motors can be driven at the same speed. Alternatively, steering is also possible. In the case of steered wheel control, the drive wheel is preferably the steering wheel. The transport vehicle 1 can, for example, be designed as an "Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR)" or as an "Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV)."

[00258] The loading platform 5 of the transport vehicle 1 comprises a floor 6, which is fixedly attached to the support frame 2, in particular by screws, and is inclined relative to a horizontal plane at an angle of inclination α. This enables the loading of the transport vehicle 1 with a loading aid and/or the unloading of the transport vehicle 1 from a loading aid located on the loading platform 5, with a technically simple design of the transport vehicle 1.

[00259] Advantageously, the loading platform 5 comprises a first stop element 7, which is arranged in a lower side area of the floor 6 and projects beyond the floor 6, and a transfer section E, which is located in a higher side area of the floor 6

The arrangement is as shown in Figures 1 and 1a. This prevents a loading aid placed on the loading platform 5 from unintentionally sliding off it, while simultaneously allowing for simple loading and/or unloading via the transfer section E. The loading aid is pushed up onto or down from the loading platform 5. Technically complex lifting and gripping devices are not required.

[00260] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 1a, the loading platform 5 comprises an optional second stop element 8, which is arranged in a side region of the floor 6 extending between the lower and higher side regions of the floor 6 and projects outwards from the floor 6. The loading platform 5 also comprises an optional third stop element 9, which is likewise arranged in a side region of the floor 6 extending between the lower and higher side regions of the floor 6 and projects outwards from the floor 6. This prevents an unintentional fall of a loading aid from the loading platform 5 forwards or backwards (i.e., perpendicular to a fall line of the loading platform 5).

[00261] In addition, the loading platform 5 in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 1a includes an optional sliding element 10, which is arranged in the higher side area of the floor 6 and forms the transfer section E. In this way, loading the transport vehicle 1 by sliding a loading aid onto the loading platform 5 and unloading by sliding the loading aid off the loading platform 5 can be carried out in a particularly simple manner.

[00262] It is further advantageous if the floor 6 of the loading platform 5 forms a sliding plane. In particular, the sliding plane can be located between the transfer section E and the first stop element 7 and between the second stop element 8 and the third stop element 9. The proposed measures further facilitate loading the transport vehicle 1 by pushing goods or loading aids onto the loading platform 5 and unloading by pushing goods or loading aids off the loading platform 5. For example, the sliding plane can have a sliding surface for this purpose.

[00263] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 1a, the base 6 of the transport vehicle 1 comprises a base plate. This advantageously allows, in particular, smaller loading aids to be transported. It also allows several loading aids to be transported simultaneously.

[00264] It is also conceivable that the base comprises 6 support profiles. This allows for the creation of a loading platform 5 with high stability and low weight. Furthermore, any liquids that may unintentionally leak can flow away through the loading platform 5. The support profiles preferably extend parallel to each other at a distance between the transfer section and the first stop element. The support profiles can, for example, be U-shaped or C-shaped.

[00265] In the embodiment shown, the floor 6 is inclined laterally relative to the longitudinal axis D by the angle of inclination α. This allows a loading aid to be approached without having to change the direction of travel D of the transport vehicle 1 to approach and leave a loading position. Furthermore, a loading aid is less likely to fall unintentionally from the loading platform 5 when the transport vehicle 1 accelerates or brakes.

[00266] However, this is not the only conceivable possibility for the inclination of the floor 6. Rather, it is also conceivable that the floor 6 can be inclined backwards or forwards in the direction of the longitudinal axis D. Alternatively, the transport vehicle 1 can have a floor 6 which is inclined forwards in the direction of the longitudinal axis D by the angle of inclination α. The transport vehicle 1 can have a floor 6 which is inclined in the direction of the longitudinal axis D by the

30 / 118

The tilt angle a is inclined backwards. This is advantageous because it better secures a loading aid against unintentionally falling off the loading platform 5 when a transport vehicle 1 is cornering.

[00267] In general, and thus in all illustrated embodiments, it is advantageous if the inclination angle α of the floor 6 is in a range of 10° to 60°. In particular, the inclination angle α can be in a range of 10° to 20°. An inclination angle α of 12° is particularly advantageous. This allows a loading aid located on the loading platform 5 to be positioned favorably for loading and/or unloading. Furthermore, with such an inclination angle α, the risk of a loading aid unintentionally falling from the loading platform 5 during movement of the transport vehicle 1 can be minimized.

[00268] Figures 2, 3, 4a and 4b show an exemplary workstation 11. Figure 2 shows the workstation 11 from a top oblique angle (ISO NW), Figure 3 shows a side view of the workstation 11 (relative to Figure 2 seen from the left), and Figures 4a and 4b show details from the side view according to Figure 3.

[00269] The workstation 11 comprises an order management system 14, a first delivery device 15, a first conveying system 16 and a second conveying system 17.

[00270] The order management system 14 serves for the electronic recording of orders, in particular picking orders. An order can generally comprise one or more order lines. An order line contains at least information about a (required) quantity of a product and about a product type. If the order specifies several order lines, different products may be required.

[00271] The first delivery device 15 serves to provide goods 12 at a first delivery position G, and the first conveying system 16, which in this example is constructed by stationary conveying devices, connects a transfer area F and the first delivery device 15 and is designed to transport the goods 12 between the transfer area F and the first delivery device 15. In particular, the goods 12 can be transported and provided with loading aids 13 of the first conveying system 16, as shown in Fig. 2. The loading aids 13 correspond to so-called source loading aids, since they contain the goods 12 for processing an order. The source loading aids 13 can, for example, be designed as containers, as is the case in Fig. 2, or, for example, as cartons or trays. The goods 12 can also be transported and provided at the first conveying system 16 without loading aids 13. The goods 12 are therefore transported directly on the first conveyor system 16 and made available on the first delivery device 15.

[00272] Hereinafter, goods 12 and (source) loading aid 13 of the first conveying system 16 are used synonymously.

[00273] In transfer area F, goods 12 (from outside the workstation 11) are transferred to the first conveyor system 16 and/or from the first conveyor system 16 (to outside the workstation 11). The role of transfer area F and the transfer station arranged in transfer area F, in particular the lifting device, will be explained in detail later.

[00274] The second conveyor system 17 comprises driverless transport vehicles 1 for transporting the loading aids 18 of the second conveyor system 17. The loading aids 18 correspond to so-called destination loading aids, since these are loaded with goods 12 for processing an order.

[00275] Furthermore, the second conveyor system 17 comprises a first track 19, which has a first track section H and a second track section |, a second track 20, which includes a second loading device 21 for providing target loading aids 18 with the driverless transport vehicles 1 at a second loading position J, and a third track 22, which is arranged between the first track 19 and the second track 20. The first track 19 is arranged in a ground plane, and the second

The carriageway 20 forms or comprises an elevated platform on which one or more transport vehicles 1 can temporarily stop at the second delivery position J in order to deliver a target loading aid 18. The third carriageway 22 connects the first carriageway 19 with the second carriageway 20, which is arranged at a different elevation, and is therefore ramp-like or ramp-shaped.

[00276] The transport vehicles 1 of the second conveyor system 17 can be designed as shown in Figures 1 and 1a. This offers advantages when delivering the target loading aids 18, since the transport vehicle 1 does not have to change its direction of travel C when approaching the second delivery position J, when stopping at the second delivery position J, and when leaving the second delivery position J. However, the transport vehicles 1 of the second conveyor system 17 can also have a different design. For example, they can include a loading platform inclined forwards or backwards. Finally, it is also conceivable that the transport vehicles 1 do not have a fixed inclined loading platform 5 and are designed, for example, according to the prior art, for example, with an adjustable, in particular height-adjustable, loading platform.

[00277] The first conveying system 16 is arranged in a conveying section facing the first delivery device 15, offset vertically from the first carriageway 19. Likewise, the second carriageway 20 is arranged offset vertically from the first carriageway 19. A passage K is formed below the first conveying system 16 and the second carriageway 20, along which the first carriageway section H runs and which has a clearance height a1 that allows collision-free movement of the transport vehicles 1, each loaded with a target loading aid 18. Preferably, the passage width b1 of the passage K is dimensioned such that it corresponds to at least the width of one transport vehicle 1 or two transport vehicles 1 traveling side by side (see Fig. 4b). Preferably, the passage width b1 corresponds to the width of one transport vehicle 1 loaded with a target loading aid 18. The passage width b1 of passage K can also be dimensioned to accommodate two transport vehicles 1 driving side by side. Preferably, the passage width b1 corresponds to the width of two transport vehicles 1, each loaded with a destination loading device 18.

[00278] Optionally, the first conveying system 16 can also be arranged in a conveying section opposite the first delivery device 15, offset vertically from the first roadway 19, and an additional passage L is formed below the first conveying system 16, along which the second roadway section runs and which has a clearance height a2 that allows collision-free movement of the transport vehicles 1, each loaded with a target loading aid 18. The passage width b2 of the passage L can, in turn, be dimensioned to correspond at least to the width of one transport vehicle 1 or two transport vehicles 1 traveling side by side. Preferably, the passage width b2 corresponds to the width of one transport vehicle 1 loaded with a target loading aid 18. The passage width b2 of the passage L can also be dimensioned to correspond to two transport vehicles 1 traveling side by side. Preferably, the passage width b2 corresponds to a width of two transport vehicles 1, each of which is loaded with a target loading aid 18.

[00279] Finally, the workstation 11 includes a control unit 23, which controls the first conveyor system 16 and the transport vehicles 1 in such a way that a product 12 arrives at the first and second delivery positions G, J via the first conveyor system 16 and a destination loading aid 18 arrives at one of the transport vehicles 1 for an order at approximately the same time, whereupon the destination loading aid 18 can be loaded with the product 12.

[00280] In particular, the control unit 23 can be configured to control the following steps

i) Transporting goods 12 to the first delivery device 15 with the first conveying system 16,

12) Making the goods available at the first delivery position(s) G,

1) Transporting target loading aid(s) 18 to the second delivery device 21 with the transport vehicle(s) 1, wherein the transport vehicle(s) 1 is/are moved from the third lane 22 to the second lane 20 and on the second lane 20 to the second delivery device 21,

iv) Assembling the target loading aid(s) 18 as group GR at the second loading position J and alternately providing them from the group at one or more second loading positions J,

V) Loading the target loading aid 18 provided in step iv) with goods 12 provided in step ii) in accordance with an order, vi) after step v) transporting the target loading aid 18 loaded with goods 12 with

the transport vehicle 1 away from the second delivery position J, wherein the transport vehicle 1 is moved from the second delivery device 21 on the second roadway 20 to the third roadway 22.

[00281] The first conveying system 16 can comprise a first conveying device for transporting goods 12 from the transfer area F to the first delivery device 15 and a second conveying device for transporting goods 12 from the first delivery device 15 to the transfer area F. The first conveying system 16 can also comprise a third conveying device, which includes the first delivery device 15 and connects the first and second conveying devices. This makes a one-way system for the goods possible in the first conveying system, enabling in particular simple control and high-performance transport of the goods, thus allowing for efficient supply of goods to the first delivery device.

[00282] In this example, the first conveying system 16 comprises roller conveyors. However, it is also conceivable that the first conveying system 16 comprises belt conveyors or chain conveyors. A mixed design is also of course possible, meaning that, for example, roller conveyors, belt conveyors and/or chain conveyors can be combined. The conveyors can be straight or curved.

[00283] The first delivery device 15 for providing goods 12 can have a first delivery position G or several such delivery positions G. Each delivery position G is then assigned to one item 12 (or different items 12 or types of goods).

[00284] Likewise, the second delivery device 21 for providing target loading aids 18 with transport vehicles 1 can have a second delivery position J or several such delivery positions J. Each delivery position J is then assigned to a target loading aid 18. In other words, the second delivery device 21 can have several stopping positions for several transport vehicles 1.

[00285] The loading aids can be transported to the second delivery device, brought together as a group GR and alternately provided from the group GR at one or more second delivery positions, wherein the loading aids can be alternately loaded with the goods after they have been provided at one or more second delivery positions.

[00286] In the example shown in Figures 2, 3, 4a and 4b, the destination loading aids 18 are designed as cartons. It is particularly conceivable that the destination loading aids 18 are designed as (shipping) cartons. However, it is also conceivable that the destination loading aids 18 are designed as containers or trays (and the transport vehicles 1 then possibly only have a slightly inclined or even horizontally oriented loading platform 5).

[00287] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 2, 3, 4a and 4b, the workstation 1 comprises a workstation AP for manually loading the target loading aids 18 with the goods 12. It is advantageous if the first loading device 15 and the second loading device 21 are configured to provide a product 12 and a target loading aid 18 at an ergonomically suitable loading height for manual loading. As shown in particular in the Fi-

To distinguish between the two, an edge of the front side wall of the target loading aid 18 is lower than an edge of the rear side wall of the target loading aid 18. This is achieved by the slope of the floor 6 of the loading platform 5 and the pose of the driverless transport vehicle 1. For manual processing of orders, the workstation 1 includes an input and/or output device 24, which is connected to the control unit 23.

[00288] An output device 24 is configured to receive loading instructions from the control unit 23 and output them to a warehouse worker (not shown in Figures 2 to 12). The warehouse worker operates at workstation AP. For example, the number of goods 12 with which a target loading aid 18 is to be loaded is output. If several target loading aids 18 are simultaneously provided at several secondary loading positions J, the target loading aid 18 that is (currently) to be loaded with goods 12 can also be output. The output device 24 includes, for example, a touchscreen and a loudspeaker; alternatively or additionally, it could include a laser projector (put-to-light) for marking the goods to be transferred and/or the target loading aid.

[00289] An input device 24 is configured to receive an input command and transmit a control signal to the control unit 23. The input device 24 includes, for example, an acknowledgement button, a switch, and the like. An input command is triggered, for example, by an acknowledgement button. The warehouse worker can, for example, confirm the completion of a loading process by pressing the acknowledgement button. A combined input and/or output device 24 includes features of the input device and the output device.

[00290] According to a further embodiment, the workstation 1 at workstation AP can alternatively or additionally include a loading robot (not shown) for automatically loading the target loading aids 18 with goods 12. The loading robot can be connected to the control unit 23 to receive loading instructions from it. While the provision of an input and/or output device 24 is not strictly necessary when using a loading robot, it is possible.

[00291] It is advantageous if a first lane 25 runs along the first carriageway section H of the first carriageway 19 and a second lane 26 runs along the second carriageway section | as is the case in the illustrated embodiment of the workstation 11. The first carriageway section H is designed so that the transport vehicles 1 are moved along the first lane 25. The first lane 25 can be designed as a one-way system, so the transport vehicles 1 are then moved in only one direction (see the direction arrow(s), e.g., in Fig. 2). Likewise, the second carriageway section | is designed so that the transport vehicles 1 are moved along the second lane 26. The second lane 26 can again be designed as a one-way system, so the transport vehicles 1 are then moved in only one direction (see the direction arrow in Fig. 2). Preferably, the directions of movement of the transport vehicles 1 on the first carriageway section H and second carriageway section | opposite, as is the case in the illustrated embodiment of workstation 11. The first lane 25 and the second lane 26 preferably run parallel to each other.

[00292] According to one possible embodiment, the first lane 25 in the first carriageway section H can form a closed loop. Likewise, the second lane 26 in the second carriageway section | can form a closed loop. It is conceivable that the first lane 25 and the second lane 26 are part of a common loop (as is the case in Figures 5 and 6 or Figures 12 and 14), or that several first lanes 25 form a loop running (only) in the first carriageway section H, and/or that several second lanes 26 form a (different) loop running (only) in the second carriageway section | (not shown in the figures).

[00293] Advantageously, a reversible lane 27 runs between the first lane 25 and the second lane 26, whereby the transport vehicles 1 can be moved on the first carriageway 19 between the first carriageway section H and the second carriageway section |. In other words, the transport vehicles 1 can be moved between the first carriageway section H

34 1 118

and the second section of the road | will be replaced.

[00294] According to one possible embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the reversible lane 27 can comprise a first reversible lane and a second reversible lane, such that the first reversible lane, the first lane 25, the second reversible lane, and the second lane 26 form a closed loop. The first reversible lane, the first lane 25, the second reversible lane, and the second lane 26 can be configured as a one-way system. Therefore, the transport vehicles 1 are then moved in only one direction (see the direction arrows in Fig. 5).

[00295] It is advantageous if

an approach lane 28a branches off from the second lane 26 of the first carriageway 19 and a return lane 28b merges into the second lane 26, or an approach lane 28a merges into the second lane 26 and a return lane 28b branches off from the second lane 26,

the approach lane 28a runs in a first carriageway section O of the third carriageway 22,

the return lane 28b runs in a second carriageway section P of the third carriageway 22, and

Between the approach lane 28a and the return lane 28b in a roadway section Q of the second roadway 20, a delivery lane 28c runs, wherein the delivery lane 28c is assigned to the second delivery device 21, as is the case in the embodiment of the work station 11 shown in the figures.

[00296] This allows a one-way system to be implemented on the second and third carriageways 20, 22, which is coupled to the second carriageway section | of the first carriageway. The transport vehicles 1 can therefore move on the second and third carriageways 20, 22 largely without mutual obstruction. The transport vehicles 1 are then moved in a single direction along the approach lane 28a, loading lane 28c, and return lane 28b. The approach lane 28a and the return lane 28b can advantageously run parallel to each other.

[00297] It is particularly advantageous if one or more sorting lanes 30 run between the approach lane 28a and the return lane 28b in a third lane section R of the third lane 22, as is the case in the embodiment of workstation 11 shown in the figures.

[00298] That is, each sorting lane 30 branches off from the return lane 28b and leads into the approach lane 28a. The proposed measures allow a sorting device of the second conveyor system 17 to be implemented on the third lane 22. Since the third lane 22 simultaneously serves to bridge the height difference between the first lane 19 (especially its second lane section I) and the second lane 20, the third lane 22 thus has multiple uses, which forms the basis for a particularly compact design of the workstations 11 or supports this in a special way. It should be noted here that additional sorting lanes 30 can also be arranged on the second lane 20, which also contributes to a compact design of the workstations 11.

[00299] At the work station 11 shown in Figs. 2, 3, 4a and 4b, one or more optional and advantageous express lanes 29 can run between the approach lane 28a and the return lane 28b in the roadway section Q of the second roadway 20 (see the work stations 11 in Fig. 5).

[00300] The express lane 29 is related to a sorting lane 30, but is located particularly close to the second delivery position J. In this respect, the express lane 29 can be considered a sorting lane 30 that is close to or nearest to the second delivery position J. A transport vehicle 1 can therefore alternatively be moved along an express lane 29 instead of a sorting lane 30 if a destination loading aid 18 needs to be provided at the second delivery position J in a timely manner.

[00301] In each of the sorting lanes 30 and the express lane 29, a transport vehicle 1 can be stopped (parked). That is, each of the sorting lanes 30 and the express lane 29 has a sorting or waiting position. However, it is also conceivable that each of the sorting lanes 30 and/or the express lane 29 has several sorting or waiting positions and that, consequently, several transport vehicles 1 can be stopped (parked) in one sorting lane 30 or express lane 29.

[00302] According to an advantageous embodiment, a transport vehicle 1 or loading aid can reach (traverse) at least one of the sorting lanes 30 or express lane 29 from the approach lane 28a, with the sorting lane 30 or express lane 29 serving as a buffer space.

[00303] It is particularly advantageous if the control unit 23 is additionally configured to control the first conveyor system 16 and the transport vehicles 1 in such a way that the target loading aids 18 are sorted by the transport vehicles 1 into a sequence that depends on the sequence in which the goods 12 are provided at the first delivery device 15, wherein a target loading aid 18 and a good 12 for an order arrive at the first delivery position G and the second delivery position J at approximately the same time. This ensures efficient loading of the target loading aids 18 or efficient order picking even if the transport vehicles 1 reach the third track 22 at an inconvenient time and/or in an inconvenient sequence. For example, the target loading aids 18 can be sorted into a sequence using the transport vehicles 1 by having one of the transport vehicles 1 branch off from the departure lane 28b into a sorting lane 28c, and another of the transport vehicles 1 passing the transport vehicle 1 that branched off into sorting lane 28c. Afterwards, the transport vehicle 1 that branched off into sorting lane 28c can be moved from sorting lane 28c into the approach lane 28a.

[00304] If an order of orders comprises a first order line and a second order line, wherein the first order line and second order line comprise goods 12 of different goods types, it is also particularly advantageous if the control unit 23 is designed so that a target loading aid 18 for processing the first and second order lines is first transported to the first order line by means of the transport vehicle 1 from the second delivery device 21 via the return track 28b to a sorting track 30 and buffered in the sorting track 30, and then the target loading aid 18 is transported from the sorting track 30 via the approach track 28a to the second delivery device 21 when the goods 12 for the second order line are transported from the first conveyor system 16 to the first delivery device 15.

[00305] In this way, particularly efficient loading of the target loading device 18 or particularly efficient order picking can be achieved, even if the goods 12 cannot be provided simultaneously at the first delivery device 15 (delivery position G). This is also the case, for example, if the goods 12 are transported separately in different source loading devices 13, but goods 12 of different types are to be loaded into a target loading device 18 and only one first delivery position or too few first delivery positions G are available for the simultaneous delivery of the required types of goods.

[00306] As described above, the first conveying system can comprise a first conveying device, a second conveying device and a third conveying device.

[00307] It is also advantageous if the first conveying system 16 includes several buffer positions and the control unit 23 is additionally configured to provide goods 12 of different types one after the other, with the goods 12 being temporarily stored in the buffer positions. The buffer positions are similar in function to the sorting lanes 30 (or sorting positions on the sorting lanes 30) and can be arranged between the first conveying device, which leads from the transfer area F to the first delivery device 15, and the second conveying device, which leads from the first delivery device 15 to the transfer area F. However, the buffer positions can also be assigned only to the first conveying device (if the goods

36 / 118

The buffer locations can be used to buffer goods 12 during transport to the first delivery device 15) or only to the second conveying device (if the goods 12 are to be buffered during transport from the first delivery device 15). The buffer locations can also be used to provide goods 12 sorted in a predefined sequence.

[00308] In this context, it is also advantageous if the first conveying system 16 includes a sorting buffer configured to provide goods 12 sorted in a sequence. The sorting buffer comprises several buffer positions arranged along the first conveying device, and/or several sorting positions arranged along the second conveying device, and several sorting conveying devices connecting the sorting positions and buffer positions.

[00309] It should be noted that buffer stations, sorting stations and sorting conveying devices of the first conveying system 16 are not shown, but may be designed in the same or similar way as the second conveying system 17 with regard to the flow of goods.

[00310] Finally, it is advantageous if the first lane 25 running in the first carriageway section H and the second lane 26 running in the second carriageway section | each have a coupling area M, N, and can be connected to coupling areas M, N of another workstation 11 arranged adjacent to the workstation 11. In particular, the workstations 11 can be of identical construction. Accordingly, a group of several workstations 11 can be formed, which comprises several adjacent workstations 11 arranged according to one of the types described above, wherein the first carriageway sections H and second carriageway sections | of the workstations 11 are connected to each other (see also Figs. 5, 6 and 14). The group of workstations 11 is scalable almost arbitrarily.

[00311] Fig. 5 shows a schematic top view of a first embodiment of an exemplary order picking system 31 for picking goods 12. The order picking system 31 comprises a storage area 32 in which storage locations for providing goods 12 are arranged, and an order picking area in which several (here three) workstations 11 of the type described above are arranged. The three workstations 11 are connected to each other at their coupling areas M, N and form a group of workstations. In addition, the first lane 25 and the second lane 26 are part of a closed loop for the transport vehicles 1, which extends over the entire group of workstations 11. It would also be conceivable that several first lanes 25 and several second lanes 26 are part of several separate closed loops or lanes. In particular, the several first lanes 25 and several second lanes 26 can run parallel to each other. It is also conceivable that the first lane 25 and the second lane 26 are connected between two workstations 11, thus forming an alternative or additional smaller loop. Such connections can also be provided at other points between two workstations 11. It is also conceivable that connections between the first and second lanes 25, 26 are provided between all workstations 11, resulting in several loops of varying sizes that can be used selectively by the transport vehicles 1. It should be noted here that the size of the group of workstations 11 is purely exemplary and the group of workstations 11 can also be (significantly) larger. The picking system 31 can also comprise only one workstation 11.

[00312] In this embodiment, the picking system 31 also includes an optional third conveyor system 34, which connects the storage area 32 and the transfer area F, and which includes driverless transport vehicles 35 for transporting goods 12 (in particular with loading aids of the third conveyor system 34) between the storage area 32 and the transfer area F.

[00313] The driverless transport vehicles 1 of the second conveyor system 17 and the driverless transport vehicles 35 of the third conveyor system 34 can be structurally identical.

[00314] The driverless transport vehicles 1 of the second conveyor system 17 and the driverless transport vehicles 35 of the third conveyor system 34 can also be structurally different.

371118

be trained. This allows the transport vehicles 1, 34 to be optimized for their respective purposes. For example, it may be advantageous if the driverless transport vehicles 35 of the third conveyor system 34 have a capability for vertical movement (i.e., climbing) (see Figures 10 and 11), whereas this capability may be unnecessary for the driverless transport vehicles 1 of the second conveyor system 17. It would also be conceivable that the driverless transport vehicles 34 of the third conveyor system 35 could (at least temporarily) travel on rails, whereas the transport vehicles 1 of the second conveyor system 17 travel exclusively on (level) first, second, and third tracks.

[00315] In particular, the driverless transport vehicles 1 of the second conveyor system 17 and the driverless transport vehicles 35 of the third conveyor system 34 can be similarly constructed and share at least some of the technical features. For example, the driverless transport vehicles 35 of the third conveyor system 34 can each comprise, similar to the transport vehicle 1 shown in Figures 1 and 1a.

a support frame

a chassis mounted on the support frame, which includes several wheels and is designed for driving and, if necessary, steering the driverless transport vehicle 35,

a control system which is trained to receive driving commands and to control the driverless transport vehicle 35, and

a loading platform mounted on the support frame, which (in contrast to the transport vehicle 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 1a) comprises a horizontally oriented floor, which is in particular fixed to the support frame or which is arranged on a lifting device.

[00316] In the order picking system 31 shown in Fig. 5, the first carriageway 19 additionally comprises an optional third carriageway section S, which is arranged between the storage area 32 and the transfer area F, wherein the driverless transport vehicles 35 of the third conveyor system 34 travel in the third carriageway section S. It is also conceivable that the transport vehicles 35 travel to the storage locations in the storage area 32 in order to pick up or drop off goods 12.

[00317] In the embodiment of the picking system 31 shown in Fig. 5, each workstation 11 in the transfer area F has a transfer station 36, which includes a first transfer station 37 and a first transfer device 38 assigned to the first transfer station 37, as well as a second transfer station 39 and a transfer device 40 assigned to the second transfer station 39.

[00318] The first transfer station 37 is configured to receive goods 12 (in particular with source loading aid 13), and the first transfer device 38 is configured to transfer the goods 12 (in particular with source loading aid 13) from the first transfer station 37 to the first conveyor system 16. That is, goods 12 (with or without source loading aid 13) can be transferred from a transport vehicle 35 to the first transfer station 37 and transferred from the first transfer station 37 to the first conveyor system 16 via the first transfer device 38. The transfer of the goods 12 from the transport vehicle 35 to the first transfer station 37 can be carried out by a transfer device (not shown), for example, a conveyor device that includes the transport vehicle 35. The first transfer device 38 can include a conveyor device.

[00319] The second transfer station 39 is configured to receive goods 12 (in particular with source loading aid 13), and the second transfer device 40 is configured to transfer the goods 12 (in particular with source loading aid 13) from the first conveyor system 16 to the second transfer station 39. That is, goods 12 (with or without source loading aid 13) can be transferred to the second transfer station 39 and, via the second transfer device 40, transferred from the second transfer station 40 to a transport vehicle 35. The transfer of the goods 12 from the first conveyor system 16 to the second transfer station 40 can be carried out by a transfer device (not shown), for example, a conveyor-

38 / 118

The device, which is encompassed by the first conveying system 16. The second transfer device 40 can include a conveying device. The transfer station 36 can, for the aforementioned purpose, include an optional lifting device 42 associated with the first conveying system 16, as is the case in Fig. 5 and schematically illustrated in Fig. 2. Specifically, the lifting device 42 comprises a first lifting unit with a first transfer position 37 for lifting a product 12 and a second lifting unit with a second transfer position 39 for lowering a product 12. The first transfer position 37 can, in particular, be arranged on a lifting platform of the first lifting unit, and the second transfer position 39 can, in particular, be arranged on a lifting platform of the second lifting unit. However, a different configuration of the lifting device 42 is also conceivable. For example, it can have a different number of lifting units and/or be designed not as a lift, but, for example, as a paternoster lift.

[00320] Finally, the order picking system 31 shown in Fig. 5 includes an optional transfer station 43 for the automatic transfer of a target load carrier 18 between the loading platform 5 of an automated guided vehicle 1 and a receiving station (not shown). The transfer station 43 is arranged on the first carriageway 19 between the first lane 25 and the second lane 26, for example along the changeover lane 27; it could also be arranged elsewhere, for example in the first carriageway section H of the first carriageway 19. A further conveyor system can be connected to the receiving station for transporting the load carrier 18 transferred from the loading platform 5 of an automated guided vehicle 1 away from the receiving station and/or for transporting the load carrier 18 to the receiving station for transfer of the load carrier 18 onto the loading platform 5 of an automated guided vehicle 1.

[00321] Fig. 6 now shows a schematic top view of a second embodiment of an exemplary picking system 31, which is very similar in structure to the picking system 31 from Fig. 5, but differs with regard to the transfer area F or with regard to the transfer station 36.

[00322] The transfer station 36 of each workstation 11 in Fig. 6 comprises a first transfer station 37, which is configured to receive a transport vehicle 35 of the third conveyor system 34 with the goods 12, and a transfer device 41 associated with the transport vehicle 35, which is configured to transfer the goods 12 from the transport vehicle 35 to the first conveyor system 16. That is, a transport vehicle 35 can be parked at the first transfer station 37 and will transfer the goods 12 to the first conveyor system 16 using the transfer device 41.

[00323] Furthermore, the transfer station 36 comprises a second transfer station 39, which is configured to receive a transport vehicle 35 of the third conveyor system 34 (without the goods 12), and a transfer device 41 associated with the transport vehicle 35, which is configured to transfer the goods 12 from the first conveyor system 16 to the transport vehicle 35. That is, a transport vehicle 35 will be parked at the second transfer station 39 and the goods 12 will be transferred from the first conveyor system 16 by the transfer device 41.

[00324] As can be seen in the figure, the lifting device 42 is arranged between the first conveying device for transporting goods 12 from the transfer area F to the first delivery device 15 and the second conveying device for transporting goods 12 from the first delivery device 15 to the transfer area F. This is particularly space-saving.

[00325] For the aforementioned purpose, the transfer station 36 can include an optional lifting device 42 associated with the first conveying system 16, as is the case in the example shown in Fig. 6. Specifically, in this case, the lifting device 42 comprises three lifting units. The first lifting unit comprises a first transfer station 37, the second lifting unit comprises a second transfer station 39, and the third lifting unit comprises a first or second transfer station 37, 39. The first transfer station 37 is, in particular, arranged on a lifting platform of the lifting units, and the second transfer station 39 is, in particular, arranged on a lifting platform of the lifting units. It is understood that the lifting device can also comprise more than three lifting units.

39 / 118

It is possible. In principle, a different design of the lifting device 42 is also conceivable. For example, it could have a different number of lifting units and/or be designed not as a lift, but, for example, as a paternoster. If a lifting device 42 is provided, then a transfer of goods 12 (with or without source loading aid 13) between the first conveyor system 16 and the transport vehicle 1 can take place when the transport vehicle 1 has been moved to the height level of the first conveyor system 1.

[00326] It is advantageous if the transport vehicles 35 each have the transfer device 41.

[00327] Fig. 7 shows a side view of a third embodiment of an exemplary order picking system 31, in which the transport vehicles 34 of the third conveyor system 35 can directly pick up or deliver goods 12 (with or without source loading aids 13) from a storage location in the storage area 32. The transport vehicles 34 can therefore move within the storage area 32, in the third track section S, and in the transfer area F. In this embodiment, the transport vehicles 34 can independently overcome vertical distances in the storage area 32 by climbing up and down a support structure of the storage area 32. Likewise, they can move horizontally on the individual storage levels of the storage area 32 and thus reach the storage locations (see the left area in Fig. 7). Via the third track section S, the transport vehicles 34 reach the transfer area F and can climb up and down a support structure of the transfer station 36 there. If a transport vehicle 34 is in the upper height position on the support structure, the goods 12 can be transferred to the first conveyor system 16 using the transfer device 41 or taken over by the first conveyor system 16.

[00328] As an alternative to the support structure of the transfer station 36, a lifting device 42 (not shown) can be provided, which comprises a lifting unit with a lifting platform for raising and lowering a transport vehicle 34. When the lifting platform with the transport vehicle 34 is in the upper height position, the goods 12 are transferred to or received by the first conveyor system 16 using the transfer device 41.

[00329] It is advantageous if the transport vehicles 35 each have the transfer device 41.

[00330] Fig. 8 shows a side view of a fourth embodiment of an exemplary order picking system 31, which is very similar to the order picking system 31 shown in Fig. 7. In contrast, in this embodiment, the storage area 32 connects directly to the transfer area F, which is why the third track section S is omitted here. Likewise, a lifting device 42 is omitted, since the transport vehicles 35 can directly reach the height level of the first conveyor system 16 via the storage area 32. There, the transport vehicles 35 can transfer goods 12 to the first conveyor system 16 using the transfer device 41, or receive goods from the first conveyor system 16, as already described.

[00331] It is advantageous if the transport vehicles 35 each have the transfer device 41.

[00332] In the embodiment according to Fig. 8, the driverless transport vehicles 35 travel predominantly in the storage area 32 and in the transfer area F, and the storage area 32 and the transfer area F are arranged such that

the goods 12 (with or without source loading aid 13) from storage area 32 are transferred directly to the first conveyor system 16, or

The goods 12 (with or without source loading aid 13) are transferred directly from storage area 32 to the first conveyor system 16, and the goods 12 (with or without source loading aid 13) are transferred directly from the first conveyor system 16 to storage area 32.

[00333] It should be noted here that, unlike the designation used in Fig. 1, the support frame, chassis, control system and loading platform of the transport vehicle 35 are designated in Fig. 8 by the reference numerals 2'..5° to indicate the difference

40 / 118

to make it clear that the transport vehicles 35 may be constructed differently than the transport vehicle 1 of Fig. 1.

[00334] Fig. 9 shows a side view of a fifth embodiment of an exemplary order picking system 31, which is very similar to the order picking system 31 shown in Fig. 8. However, in this embodiment, the driverless transport vehicles 35 operate exclusively within the storage area 32, where the transport vehicles can deliver the goods 12 to or pick them up from transfer points in the storage area 32. From these transfer points, the goods 12 can be transported by the lifting device 42 to the height level of the first conveyor system 16 and delivered to or received from the transfer points 37, 39. From there, the goods 12 are delivered to or received from the first conveyor system 16 by means of the transfer devices 38, 39. In principle, it would also be possible for the transfer devices 38, 39 to directly receive the goods 12 from or deliver them to the lifting device 42, thus enabling a direct transfer to and from the first conveyor system 16. Transfer slots 37 and 39 can then be eliminated.

[00335] The storage area 32 shown in Fig. 9 corresponds to a structure frequently encountered in practice, for example with multi-tiered racks and automated storage and retrieval. Such storage concepts have, for example, evolved from known systems as described in relevant publications. The illustration serves solely to clarify the technical background and does not constitute an extension of the disclosure scope of the present application.

[00336] Fig. 10 shows a workstation 11 similar to that in Fig. 2, wherein here the first carriageway 19 is arranged in a ground plane, and the second carriageway (20) forms or comprises a platform raised above the ground plane, with the third carriageway 22 connecting the first carriageway 19 to the second carriageway 20, which is arranged at a different level. In contrast, the third carriageway 22 is arranged such that the approach lane 28a encompassed by the third carriageway 22 branches off from the first lane 25 of the first carriageway 19, and the return lane 28b merges into the first lane 25 of the first carriageway 19.

[00337] According to one embodiment, the raised platform formed or encompassed by the second carriageway 20 can be designed to be height-adjustable.

[00338] Transport vehicles 1 can be designed similarly to the transport vehicles 1 used in Fig. 2.

[00339] The first conveying system 16 can be designed in the same way as the first conveying system 16 described above in connection with Fig. 2.

[00340] Fig. 11 shows a similar arrangement to that in Fig. 10, except that here the first carriageway 19, the second carriageway 20 and the third carriageway 22 are arranged on the same plane, in particular in a ground plane. In this case, the third carriageway 22 is arranged such that the approach lane 28a encompassed by the third carriageway 22 branches off from the first lane 25 of the first carriageway 19 and the return lane 28b encompassed by the third carriageway 22 merges into the first lane 25 of the first carriageway 19.

[00341] Transport vehicles 1 can be designed similarly to the transport vehicles 1 used in Fig. 2.

[00342] The first conveying system 16 can be designed in the same way as the first conveying system 16 described above in connection with Fig. 2.

[00343] Figures 12, 13a, and 13b show another workstation 11 similar, particularly with regard to the roadways and lanes, to that in Figure 11. In contrast, the first conveying system 16 here comprises several conveying devices, in particular a first conveying device for inbound transport, i.e., transport of the goods to the first delivery device 15, a second conveying device for outbound transport, i.e., transport of the goods away from the first delivery device 15, a third conveying device connecting the first conveying device for inbound transport and the second conveying device for outbound transport, and a fourth conveying device and

4117118

a fifth conveying device forming the first delivery device 15 and connected (conveyor-technically) to the third conveying device, wherein the fourth conveying device forms a first delivery position G1 and the fifth conveying device forms a further first delivery position G2.

[00344] This allows the goods 12 to be easily transported to and from the first delivery position G1 and further first delivery positions G2. Fig. 13a shows the workstation from Fig. 12 in a side view (view A); and Fig. 13b shows the workstation from Fig. 12 in a front view.

[00345] The fourth conveying device and the fifth conveying device, which form the first delivery device 15, can advantageously form a delivery plane inclined at an angle to the horizontal for the goods in the first delivery position G1 or further first delivery position G2.

[00346] According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 12, a transfer area F or a transfer station 36 (not shown in Figs. 12, 13a, 13b), as shown in connection with Figs. 2 to 9, can also be connected to the first conveying system 16.

[00347] Fig. 13a further shows an optional movement mechanism 60 for external drive of the transport vehicles 1 or loading aids 18.

[00348] Fig. 14 shows a group of several workstations 11, i.e., several workstations 11 arranged adjacently (side by side) according to the type described in Fig. 12, wherein the first track sections H and second track sections | of the respective adjacent (side by side) workstations 11 are connected to each other. The group of workstations 11 is scalable almost arbitrarily, with two workstations 11 arranged (in parallel, i.e., side by side) in Fig. 14. Fig. 14 also shows an embodiment of an exemplary order picking system 31 for picking goods 12 as shown in connection with Fig. 5 described above. The order picking system 31 comprises a storage area 32 in which storage locations for providing goods 12 are arranged, and an order picking area in which several (here two) workstations 11 of the type described above are arranged. The two workstations 11 are connected to each other at their (inner, i.e., adjacent) coupling areas M, N and are each closed off at the outer coupling areas M, N by a changeover lane 27, so that between the first lane 25 and the second lane 26 the transport vehicles 1 can be moved on the first carriageway 19 between the first carriageway section H and the second carriageway section | and thus a closed circuit is formed.

[00349] Fig. 14a, however, shows a schematic top view of an example of a picking system with several workstations similar to Fig. 14, but with a track arrangement without passage under the first conveyor system of the workstations 11. That is, the first lane 25 of the first track 19 and the second lane 26 of the first track 19 run outside the first conveyor system 16 of the workstations 11. While according to Fig. 14 (and Figs. 2, 10, 11, 12) the second delivery devices 21 are located outside the circuit formed by the first and second lanes 25, 26 and the interchange lanes 27, Fig. 14a shows an arrangement in which the second delivery devices 21 are located inside the circuit.

[00350] In this case, the second carriageway section | of the first carriageway 19 can overlap with the optional third carriageway section S of the first carriageway 19, which is arranged between the storage area 32 and the transfer area F, with the driverless transport vehicles 35 of the third conveyor system 34 operating in the third carriageway section S. The transport vehicles in this section can include collision monitoring to prevent collisions with other transport vehicles.

[00351] Advantageously, a safety function can be provided so that safe access to the workstation AP by an operator is possible. For example, a

421118

A monitoring system will be provided to detect persons on one of the lanes or lane sections and, if necessary, to issue a stop signal to halt transport vehicles or reduce their movement. Additionally or alternatively, a bridge or similar structure may lead to the workstation AP over the lane sections.

[00352] An advantageous embodiment of a picking system for picking goods 12 can now comprise

a storage area 32, in which storage spaces for providing the goods 12 are arranged,

a picking area in which a workstation 11 for loading target loading aids 18 with goods 12 is arranged,

a first conveying system 16 for transporting the goods 12, wherein the transport of the goods 12 by the first conveying system 16 comprises a transport of the goods 12 from a transfer area F to a first delivery device 15 at the workstation 11,

a second conveying system 17 for transporting the target loading aids 18, which comprises driverless transport vehicles 1, wherein the transport of the target loading aids 18 by the driverless transport vehicles 1 comprises a transport of the (empty) target loading aids 18 from a transfer station 43 to a second delivery device 21 at the workstation 11, and a transport of the (loaded) target loading aids 18 from the workstation 11 to a transfer station,

a transfer station for transferring an (empty) target loading aid 18 from a receiving point 44 of the transfer station to a loading platform 5 of a driverless transport vehicle 1, and

a transfer station for transferring a (loaded) target loading aid 18 from a loading platform 5 of a driverless transport vehicle 1 to a receiving point of the transfer station 43.

[00353] The workstation 11 can also be formed according to one of the aforementioned types.

[00354] Figures 15a to 15j illustrate the processing of orders at a workstation (first embodiment) in a sequence. The workstation for loading loading aids comprises the first loading device 15 with a single first loading position G and the second loading device 21 with a single second loading position J.

[00355] The first loading aid L1 is assigned to a first order. The second loading aid L2 is assigned to a second order.

[00356] The first loading aid L1 is transported by a first transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a, and the second loading aid L2 is transported by a second transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a.

[00357] It should be noted that in Figs. 15a to 15] the processing of order lines for different orders is shown and the order lines of the different orders require goods of different types.

[00358] The order 1 comprises, for example, two order lines, wherein a first order line comprises goods of a first type W1 and goods of a third type W3. The first loading aid L1 is loaded with the goods of the first type W1 and the third type W3.

[00359] The order 2 comprises, for example, two order lines, wherein a first order line comprises one item of a second type of goods W2 and one item of a fourth type of goods W4. The second loading aid L2 is loaded with the items of the second type of goods W2 and the fourth type of goods W4.

[00360] If the order lines of the various orders include goods of another type of goods, the provisioning and loading process is repeated at this workstation until all order lines have been completed.

431118

[00361] According to this embodiment, the control unit 23 (not shown) controls the first conveyor system 16 and the transport vehicles 1 for processing several order lines for different orders, which require goods 12 of different types, in such a way that

the goods 12 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position G, and

The loading aids L1, L2 are transported by the transport vehicles 1 to the second delivery device 21, are brought together as a group GR and are alternately (and consecutively) provided from the group GR at the second delivery position J,

where the loading aids L1, L2 can be loaded alternately (and consecutively) with the goods 12 after they have been made available at the second delivery position J.

[00362] As can be seen in Fig. 15a and Fig. 15b, the goods 12 of the first type of goods W1 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position G.

[00363] Likewise, the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 are transported to the second delivery device 21 and the first loading aid L1 is made available at the second delivery position J.

[00364] Once the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 have arrived at the second loading device 21, the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 form a group GR. However, only the first loading aid L1 is provided at the second loading position J to enable loading of the first loading aid L1 (but not of the second loading aid L2 - as indicated by the dashed lines).

[00365] As shown, the group GR comprising the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 is formed before entering the loading lane 28c. Alternatively, the group GR can also be formed along the loading lane 28c.

[00366] In Fig. 15c, the first loading aid L1 is loaded with one or more goods of the first type of goods W1.

[00367] After loading the first loading aid L1, the first loading aid L1 is moved away from the second delivery position J by the first transport vehicle 1 (not shown) and the second loading aid L2 is moved to the second delivery position J by the second transport vehicle 1 (not shown), as can be seen from Fig. 15c and Fig. 15d.

[00368] Meanwhile, on the one hand, the goods of the first type W1 are transported away from the first delivery position G and on the other hand, the goods of the second type W2 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position G, as can be seen from Fig. 15c and Fig. 15d.

[00369] If the second loading aid L2 is located at the second delivery position J, the second loading aid L2 is loaded with one or more goods of the second type of goods W2, as shown in Fig. 15e.

[00370] After loading the second loading aid L2, the second loading aid L2 is moved away from the second delivery position J by the second transport vehicle 1 and the first loading aid L1 is moved again to the second delivery position J by the first transport vehicle 1, as can be seen from Fig. 15e and Fig. 15f.

[00371] Meanwhile, on the one hand, the goods of the second type W2 are transported away from the first delivery position G and on the other hand, the goods of the third type W3 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position G, as can be seen from Fig. 15e and Fig. 15f.

[00372] If the first loading aid L1 is again located at the second delivery position J, the first loading aid L1 is repeatedly loaded with one or more goods of the third type of goods W3, as can be seen in Fig. 15g.

44 1118

[00373] The first loading aid L1 now contains all goods of the first type W1 and the third type W3. The first order is thus completed. The first transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c and return to the return lane 28b, transporting the first loading aid L1 away from the workstation 11, as shown in Fig. 15h.

[00374] Subsequently, the second loading aid L2 is again moved by the second transport vehicle 1 to the second delivery position J, as can be seen from Fig. 15g and Fig. 15h.

[00375] Meanwhile, on the one hand, the goods of the third type W3 are transported away from the first delivery position G, and on the other hand, the goods of the fourth type W4 are transported to the first delivery device G and made available at the first delivery position G, as can be seen from Fig. 15g and Fig. 15h.

[00376] When the second loading aid L2 is again at the second delivery position J, the second loading aid L2 is repeatedly loaded with one or more goods of the fourth type of goods W4, as shown in Fig. 15i.

[00377] The second loading aid L2 now contains all goods of the second type W2 and fourth type W4. The second order is thus completed. The second transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c onto the return lane 28b and transport the second loading aid L2 away from the workstation 11, as shown in Fig. 15j.

[00378] As can be seen, although the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 are treated as a group GR for loading, the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 can be moved independently of each other by the first transport vehicle 1 and the second transport vehicle 1 as soon as, for example, all order lines for an order have been processed.

[00379] The alternating provision and alternating loading of the first loading aid L1 and second loading aid L2 with the goods (of the several order lines) is repeated until all order lines (which contain goods of different types) of the various orders have been processed.

[00380] Figures 16a to 16f illustrate the processing of orders at a workstation (first embodiment) in a sequence sequence. The workstation for loading loading aids comprises the first loading device 15 with a single first loading position G and the second loading device 21 with a single second loading position J.

[00381] The first loading aid L1 is assigned to a first order. The second loading aid L2 is assigned to a second order.

[00382] The first loading aid L1 is transported by a first transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a, and the second loading aid L2 is transported by a second transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a.

[00383] It should be noted that Figures 16a to 16f show the processing of order lines for different orders and that the order lines of the different orders require goods of the same type.

[00384] The order 1 comprises, for example, two order lines, wherein a first order line comprises goods of a first type W1 and goods of a second type W2. The first loading aid L1 is loaded with the goods of the first type W1 and the second type W2.

[00385] The order 2 comprises, for example, two order lines, wherein a first order line comprises one item of a first type of goods W1 and one item of a second type of goods W2. The second loading aid L2 is loaded with the items of the first type of goods W1 and the second type of goods W2.

[00386] Do the order lines of the various orders include goods of another Wa451118

The provisioning and loading process is repeated at this workstation until all order lines have been completed.

[00387] According to this embodiment, the control unit 23 (not shown) controls the first conveyor system 16 and the transport vehicles 1 for processing several order lines for different orders, which require goods 12 of the same type, in such a way that

the goods 12 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position G, and

The loading aids L1, L2 are transported by the transport vehicles 1 to the second delivery device 21, are brought together as a group GR and are alternately (and consecutively) provided from the group GR at the second delivery position J,

where the loading aids L1, L2 can be loaded alternately (and consecutively) with the goods 12 after they have been made available at the second delivery position J.

[00388] As can be seen in Fig. 16a and Fig. 16b, the goods 12 of the first type of goods W1 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position G.

[00389] Likewise, the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 are transported to the second delivery device 21 and the first loading aid L1 is made available at the second delivery position J.

[00390] When the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 have arrived at the second loading device 21, the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 form a group GR. However, only the first loading aid L1 is provided at the second loading position J to enable loading of the first loading aid L1 (but not of the second loading aid L2 - as indicated by the dashed lines).

[00391] As shown, the group GR comprising the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 is formed before entering the loading lane 28c. Alternatively, the group GR can also be formed along the loading lane 28c.

[00392] In Fig. 16b, the first loading aid L1 is loaded with one or more goods of the first type of goods W1.

[00393] After the first loading aid L1 is loaded, the first loading aid L1 is moved away from the second loading position J by the first transport vehicle 1 (not shown), and the second loading aid L2 is moved to the second loading position J by the second transport vehicle (not shown), as can be seen from Figs. 16b and 16c. Meanwhile, the goods of the first type W1 remain at the first loading position G.

[00394] If the second loading aid L2 is located at the second delivery position J, the second loading aid L2 is loaded with one or more goods of the first type W1, as shown in Fig. 16c. Meanwhile, the goods of the first type W1 are transported away from the first delivery position G, and the goods of the second type W2 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position G, as can be seen in Figs. 16c and 16d.

[00395] After loading the second loading aid L2, the second loading aid L2 is moved away from the second delivery position J by the second transport vehicle 1 and the first loading aid L1 is moved again to the second delivery position J by the first transport vehicle 1, as can be seen from Fig. 16c and Fig. 16d.

[00396] When the first loading aid L1 is again at the second loading position J, the first loading aid L1 is repeatedly loaded with one or more goods of the second type of goods W2, as shown in Fig. 16d.

[00397] The first loading aid L1 now contains all goods of the first goods type W1 and the second goods type W2. The first order is thus completely processed. The first transport vehicle

46 / 118

1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c onto the return lane 28b and transport the first loading aid L1 away from the work station 11, as shown in Fig. 16e.

[00398] Subsequently, the second loading aid L2 is again moved by the second transport vehicle 1 to the second delivery position J, as can be seen from Fig. 16d and Fig. 16e.

[00399] If the second loading aid L2 is located at the second delivery position J, the second loading aid L2 is loaded with one or more goods of the second type of goods W2, as shown in Fig. 16d.

[00400] The second loading aid L2 now contains all goods of the first type W1 and the second type W2. The second order is thus completed. The second transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c onto the return lane 28b and transport the second loading aid L2 away from the workstation 11, as shown in Fig. 16f.

[00401] As can be seen, although the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 are treated as a group GR for loading, the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 can be moved independently of each other by the first transport vehicle 1 and the second transport vehicle 1 as soon as, for example, all order lines for an order have been processed.

[00402] The alternating provision and alternating loading of the first loading aid L1 and second loading aid L2 with the goods (of the multiple order lines) is repeated until all order lines (which have goods of the same type) of the different orders have been processed.

[00403] Figures 17a to 17i illustrate the processing of orders at a workstation (second embodiment) in a sequence. The workstation for loading loading aids comprises the first loading device 15 with several first loading positions G1, G2 and the second loading device 21 with a single second loading position J.

[00404] The first loading aid L1 is assigned to a first order. The second loading aid L2 is assigned to a second order.

[00405] The first loading aid L1 is transported by a first transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a, and the second loading aid L2 is transported by a second transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a.

[00406] It should be noted that Figures 17a to 17i show the processing of order lines for different orders and that the order lines of the different orders require goods of different types.

[00407] The order 1 comprises, for example, two order lines, wherein a first order line comprises goods of a first type W1 and goods of a third type W3. The first loading aid L1 is loaded with the goods of the first type W1 and the third type W3.

[00408] The order 2 comprises, for example, two order lines, wherein a first order line comprises goods of a second type W2 and goods of a fourth type W4. The second loading aid L2 is loaded with the goods of the second type W2 and fourth type W4.

[00409] If the order lines of the various orders include goods of another type of goods, the provisioning and loading process is repeated at this workstation until all order lines have been completed.

[00410] According to this embodiment, the control unit 23 (not shown) controls the first conveyor system 16 and the transport vehicles 1 for processing several order lines for different orders, which require goods 12 of different types, in such a way that

471118

the goods 12 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the several first delivery positions G1, G2, and

The loading aids L1, L2 are transported by the transport vehicles 1 to the second delivery device 21, are brought together as a group GR and are alternately (and consecutively) provided from the group GR at the second delivery position J,

where the loading aids L1, L2 can be loaded alternately (and consecutively) with the goods 12 after they have been made available at the second delivery position J.

[00411] According to this embodiment, goods of a first type and a second type can be transported to the first delivery device and provided side by side (simultaneously) at the first delivery position G1 and the second delivery position G2. Depending on the number of delivery positions at the first delivery device, more than two types of goods can also be provided side by side (simultaneously).

[00412] As can be seen in Fig. 17a and Fig. 17b, the goods 12 of the first type W1 and the goods 12 of the second type W2 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and the goods 12 of the first type W1 are made available at the first delivery position G1 and the goods 12 of the second type W2 at the further first delivery position G2.

[00413] Likewise, the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 are transported to the second delivery device 21 and the first loading aid L1 is made available at the second delivery position J.

[00414] Once the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 have arrived at the second loading device 21, the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 form a group GR. However, only the first loading aid L1 is provided at the second loading position J to enable loading of the first loading aid L1 (but not of the second loading aid L2, as indicated by the dashed lines).

[00415] As shown, the group GR comprising the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 is formed before entering the loading lane 28c. Alternatively, the group GR can also be formed along the loading lane 28c.

[00416] In Fig. 17c, the first loading aid L1 is loaded with one or more goods of the first type of goods W1.

[00417] After loading the first loading aid L1, the first loading aid L1 is moved away from the second delivery position J by the first transport vehicle 1 (not shown) and the second loading aid L2 is moved to the second delivery position J by the second transport vehicle 1 (not shown), as can be seen from Fig. 17c and Fig. 17d.

[00418] If the second loading aid L2 is located at the second delivery position J, the second loading aid L2 is loaded with one or more goods of the second type of goods W2, as shown in Fig. 17d.

[00419] Meanwhile, the goods of the second type W2 remain at the further first delivery position G2. In contrast, the goods of the first type W1 are transported away from the first delivery position G1, and the goods of the third type W3 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position G1, as can be seen from Fig. 17d and Fig. 17e.

[00420] After loading the second loading aid L2, the second loading aid L2 is moved away from the second delivery position J by the second transport vehicle 1 and the first loading aid L1 is moved again to the second delivery position J by the first transport vehicle 1, as can be seen from Fig. 17d and Fig. 17e.

[00421] Meanwhile, on the one hand, the goods of the second type of goods W2 are transported away from the further first delivery position G2, and on the other hand, the goods of the fourth type of goods W4 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and at the further first delivery position G2.

48 / 118

sition G2 provided, as can be seen from Fig. 17e and Fig. 17f.

[00422] If the first loading aid L1 is again located at the second delivery position J, the first loading aid L1 is repeatedly loaded with one or more goods of the third type of goods W3, as shown in Fig. 17f.

[00423] The first loading aid L1 now contains all goods of the first type W1 and the third type W3. The first order is thus completed. The first transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c and return to the return lane 28b, transporting the first loading aid L1 away from the workstation 11, as shown in Fig. 17g.

[00424] Subsequently, the second loading aid L2 is again moved by the second transport vehicle 1 to the second delivery position J, as can be seen from Fig. 17f and Fig. 17g.

[00425] If the second loading aid L2 is located at the second delivery position J, the second loading aid L2 is loaded with one or more goods of the fourth type of goods, as shown in Fig. 17h.

[00426] The second loading aid L2 now contains all goods of the second type W2 and fourth type W4. The second order is thus completed. The second transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c onto the return lane 28b and transport the second loading aid L2 away from the workstation 11, as shown in Fig. 17i.

[00427] The alternating provision and alternating loading of the first loading aid and second loading aid with the goods (of the several order lines) is repeated until all order lines (which contain goods of different types) of the various orders have been processed.

[00428] Figures 18a to 18f illustrate the processing of orders at a workstation (second embodiment) in a sequence sequence. The workstation for loading loading aids comprises the first loading device 15 with several first loading positions G1, G2 and the second loading device 21 with a single second loading position J.

[00429] The first loading aid L1 is assigned to a first order. The second loading aid L2 is assigned to a second order.

[00430] The first loading aid L1 is transported by a first transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a, and the second loading aid L2 is transported by a second transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a.

[00431] It should be noted that Figures 18a to 18f show the processing of order lines for different orders and that the order lines of the different orders require goods of the same type.

[00432] The order 1 comprises, for example, three or four order lines, wherein a first order line comprises goods of a first type W1, goods of a second type W2, goods of a third type W3, and optionally goods of a fourth type W4. The first loading aid L1 is loaded with the goods of the first type W1, second type W2, third type W3, and optionally type W4.

[00433] The order 2 comprises three or four order lines, wherein a first order line comprises goods of a first type W1, goods of a second type W2, goods of a third type W3 and optionally goods of a fourth type W4. The second loading aid L2 is loaded with the goods of the first type W1, second type W2, third type W3 and optionally type W4.

[00434] If the order lines of the various orders include goods of another type of goods, the provisioning and loading process is repeated at this workstation until all order lines have been completed.

49 / 118

[00435] According to this embodiment, the control unit 23 (not shown) controls the first conveyor system 16 and the transport vehicles 1 for processing several order lines for different orders, which require goods 12 of the same type, in such a way that

the goods 12 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the several first delivery positions G1, G2, and

The loading aids L1, L2 are transported by the transport vehicles 1 to the second delivery device 21, are brought together as a group GR and are alternately (and consecutively) provided from the group GR at the second delivery position J,

where the loading aids L1, L2 can be loaded alternately (and consecutively) with the goods 12 after they have been made available at the second delivery position J.

[00436] According to this embodiment, goods of a first type and a second type can be transported to the first delivery device and provided side by side (simultaneously) at the first delivery position G1 and the second first delivery position G2. Depending on the number of delivery positions at the first delivery device, more than two types of goods can also be provided side by side (simultaneously).

[00437] As can be seen in Fig. 18a and Fig. 18b, the goods 12 of the first type W1 and the goods 12 of the second type W2 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and the goods 12 of the first type W1 are made available at the first delivery position G1 and the goods 12 of the second type W2 at the further first delivery position G2.

[00438] Likewise, the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 are transported to the second delivery device 21 and the first loading aid L1 is made available at the second delivery position J.

[00439] Once the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 have arrived at the second loading device 21, the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 form a group GR. However, only the first loading aid L1 is provided at the second loading position J to enable loading of the first loading aid L1 (but not of the second loading aid L2 - as indicated by the dashed lines).

[00440] As shown, the group GR comprising the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 is formed before entering the loading lane 28c. Alternatively, the group GR can also be formed along the loading lane 28c.

[00441] In Fig. 18b, the first loading aid L1 is initially loaded with one or more goods of the first type of goods W1 and with one or more goods of the second type of goods W2.

[00442] After loading the first loading aid L1, the first loading aid L1 is moved away from the second delivery position J by the first transport vehicle 1 (not shown) and the second loading aid L2 is moved to the second delivery position J by the second transport vehicle 1 (not shown), as can be seen from Fig. 18b and Fig. 18c.

[00443] Meanwhile, the goods of the first type of goods W1 and the goods of the second type of goods W2 remain at the first delivery positions G1, G2.

[00444] If the second loading aid L2 is located at the second delivery position J, the second loading aid L2 is also loaded with one or more goods of the first type of goods W1 and with one or more goods of the second type of goods W2, as shown in Fig. 18c.

[00445] After loading the second loading aid L2, the second loading aid L2 is moved away from the second delivery position J by the second transport vehicle 1 and the first loading aid L1 is moved again to the second delivery position J by the first transport vehicle 1, as can be seen from Fig. 18c and Fig. 18d.

[00446] Meanwhile, the goods of the third type W3 are made available at the first delivery position G1, or the goods of the third type W3 and the goods of the fourth type WA4 are made available at the first delivery positions G1, G2.

[00447] When the first loading aid L1 is again at the second delivery position J, the first loading aid L1 is repeatedly loaded with one or more goods of the third type of goods W3 and optionally with one or more goods of the fourth type of goods W4, as shown in Fig. 18d.

[00448] The first loading aid L1 now contains all goods of the first type W1, second type W2, third type W3, and optionally fourth type W4. The first order is thus completed. The first transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c and return to the return lane 28b, transporting the first loading aid L1 away from the workstation 11, as shown in Fig. 18e.

[00449] Subsequently, the second loading aid L2 is again moved by the second transport vehicle 1 to the second delivery position J, as can be seen from Fig. 18d and Fig. 18e.

[00450] If the second loading aid L2 is located at the second delivery position J, the second loading aid L2 is loaded with one or more goods of the third type of goods W3 and optionally with one or more goods of the fourth type of goods W4, as shown in Fig. 18e.

[00451] The second loading aid L2 now contains all goods of the first type W1, second type W2, third type W3, and optionally fourth type W4. The second order is thus completed. The second transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c and return to the return lane 28b, transporting the second loading aid L2 away from the workstation 11, as shown in Fig. 18f.

[00452] As can be seen, although the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 are treated as a group GR for loading, the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 can be moved independently of each other by the first transport vehicle 1 and the second transport vehicle 1 as soon as, for example, all order lines for an order have been processed.

[00453] The alternating provision and alternating loading of the first loading aid and second loading aid with the goods (of the multiple order lines) is repeated until all order lines (which have goods of the same type) of the different orders have been processed.

[00454] Figures 19a to 19f illustrate the processing of orders at a workstation (third embodiment) in a sequence. The workstation for loading loading aids comprises the first loading device 15 with a single first loading position G and the second loading device 21 with several second loading positions J1, J2.

[00455] The first loading aid L1 is assigned to a first order. The second loading aid L2 is assigned to a second order. The third loading aid L3 is assigned to a third order.

[00456] The first loading aid L1 is transported by a first transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a, and the second loading aid L2 is transported by a second transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a, and the third loading aid L3 is transported by a third transport vehicle 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a.

[00457] It should be noted that Figures 19a to 19f show the processing of order lines for different orders and that the order lines of the different orders require goods of the same type.

[00458] The order 1 comprises, for example, two order lines, wherein a first order line comprises goods of a first type W1 and goods of a second type W2. The first loading aid L1 is loaded with the goods of the first type W1 and the second type W2.

[00459] The order 2 comprises, for example, two order lines, wherein a first order line comprises one item of a first type of goods W1 and one item of a second type of goods W2. The second loading aid L2 is loaded with the items of the first type of goods W1 and the second type of goods W2.

[00460] The order 3 comprises, for example, two order lines, wherein a first order line comprises goods of a first type W1 and goods of a second type W2. The third loading aid L3 is loaded with the goods of the first type W1 and the second type W2.

[00461] If the order lines of the various orders include goods of another type of goods, the provisioning and loading process is repeated at this workstation until all order lines have been completed.

[00462] According to this embodiment, the control unit 23 (not shown) controls the first conveyor system 16 and the transport vehicles 1 for processing several order lines for different orders, which require goods 12 of the same type, in such a way that

the goods 12 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position G, and

The loading aids L1, L2 are transported by the transport vehicles 1 to the second delivery device 21, are brought together as a group GR and are alternately (and consecutively) provided from the group GR at the several second delivery positions J1, J2,

where the loading aids L1, L2 can be loaded alternately (and consecutively) with the goods 12 after they have been made available at the several second delivery positions J.

[00463] As can be seen in Fig. 19a and Fig. 19b, the goods 12 of the first type of goods W1 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position G.

[00464] Likewise, the first loading aid L1, the second loading aid L2 and the third loading aid L3 are transported to the second delivery device 21, and the first loading aid L1 is provided at the second delivery position J1 and the second loading aid L2 is provided at the further second delivery position J2.

[00465] Once the first loading aid L1, the second loading aid L2, and the third loading aid L3 have arrived at the second loading device 21, the first loading aid L1, the second loading aid L2, and the third loading aid L3 form a group GR. However, only the first loading aid L1 is provided at one of the second loading positions J, and the second loading aid L2 is provided at the other second loading position J, in order to enable loading of the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 (but not the third loading aid L3 – as indicated by the dashed lines).

[00466] As shown, the group GR comprising the first loading aid L1, second loading aid L2 and third loading aid L3 is formed before entering the loading lane 28c. Alternatively, the group GR can also be formed along the loading lane 28c.

[00467] In Fig. 19b, the first loading aid L1 is loaded with one or more goods of the first type of goods W1 and the second loading aid L2 is loaded with one or more goods of the first type of goods W1.

[00468] After loading the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2, the first loading aid L1 is moved away from the several second loading positions J1, J2 by the first transport vehicle 1 (not shown) and the second loading aid L2 is moved by the second transport vehicle 1 (not shown) and the third loading aid L3 is moved towards one of the several second loading positions J2 by the third transport vehicle 1 (not shown), as can be seen from Fig. 19b and Fig. 19c.

[00469] Meanwhile, the goods of the first type of goods W1 remain at the first delivery position G.

[00470] If the third loading aid L3 is located at one of the several second delivery positions J2, the third loading aid L3 is loaded with one or more goods of the first goods type W1, as shown in Fig. 19c.

[00471] After loading the third loading aid L3, the third loading aid L3 is moved away from one of the several second loading positions J2 by the third transport vehicle 1 and the first loading aid L1 is moved again to the several second loading positions J1, J2 by the first transport vehicle 1 and the second loading aid L2 by the second transport vehicle 1, as can be seen from Fig. 19c and Fig. 19d.

[00472] Meanwhile, on the one hand, the goods of the first type W1 are transported away from the first delivery position G, and on the other hand, the goods of the second type W2 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position G, as can be seen from Fig. 19c and Fig. 19d.

[00473] If the first loading aid L1 is located at one of the several second delivery positions J1 and the second loading aid J2 is located at another of the several second delivery positions J2, the first loading aid L1 is loaded with one or more goods of the second type of goods W2 and the second loading aid L2 is loaded with one or more goods of the second type of goods W2, as shown in Fig. 19d.

[00474] The first loading aid L1 now contains all goods of the first type W1 and the second type W2. The first order is thus completed. Likewise, the second loading aid L2 now contains all goods of the first type W1 and the second type W2. The second order is thus completed. The first transport vehicle 1 and the second transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c and return to the return lane 28b, transporting the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 away from the workstation 11, as shown in Fig. 19e.

[00475] Subsequently, the third loading aid L3 is again moved by the third transport vehicle 1 to one of the several second loading positions J2. When the third loading aid L3 is at one of the several second loading positions J2, the third loading aid L3 is loaded with one or more goods of the second type W2, as shown in Fig. 19e.

[00476] The third loading aid L3 now contains all the goods of the first type W1 and the second type W2. The third order is thus completed. The third transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c and return to the return lane 28b, transporting the third loading aid L3 away from the workstation 11, as shown in Fig. 19f.

[00477] Although the described embodiment shows the processing of order lines for different orders, whereby the order lines of the different orders require goods of the same type, it is just as possible that the order lines of the different orders require goods of different types.

[00478] Figures 20a to 20g show the processing of orders at a workstation (fourth embodiment) in a sequence. The workstation for loading loading aids comprises the first loading device 15 with several first loading positions G1, G2 and the second loading device 21 with several second loading positions J1, J2.

[00479] The first loading aid L1 is assigned to a first order. The second loading aid L2 is assigned to a second order. The third loading aid L3 is assigned to a third order.

[00480] The first loading aid L1 is transported by a first transport vehicle 1, as shown, for example, in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a, and the second loading aid L2 is transported by a second transport vehicle 1, as shown, for example, in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a, and the third loading aid L3 is transported by a third transport vehicle 1, as shown, for example, in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a.

transported, for example, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a.

[00481] It should be noted that Figures 20a to 20g show the processing of order lines for different orders and that the order lines of the different orders require goods of the same type.

[00482] The order 1 comprises, for example, three or four order lines, wherein a first order line comprises goods of a first type W1, goods of a second type W2, goods of a third type W3, and optionally goods of a fourth type W4. The first loading aid L1 is loaded with the goods of the first type W1, second type W2, third type W3, and optionally type W4.

[00483] The order 2 comprises three or four order lines, wherein a first order line comprises goods of a first type W1, goods of a second type W2, goods of a third type W3 and optionally goods of a fourth type W4. The second loading aid L2 is loaded with the goods of the first type W1, second type W2, third type W3 and optionally type W4.

[00484] The order 3 comprises three or four order lines, wherein a first order line comprises goods of a first type W1, goods of a second type W2, goods of a third type W3 and optionally goods of a fourth type W4. The third loading aid L3 is loaded with the goods of the first type W1, second type W2, third type W3 and optionally type W4.

[00485] If the order lines of the various orders include goods of another type of goods, the provisioning and loading process is repeated at this workstation until all order lines have been completed.

[00486] According to this embodiment, the control unit 23 (not shown) controls the first conveyor system 16 and the transport vehicles 1 for processing several order lines for different orders, which require goods 12 of the same type, in such a way that

the goods 12 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the several first delivery positions G1, G2, and

The loading aids L1, L2 are transported by the transport vehicles 1 to the second delivery device 21, are brought together as a group GR and are alternately (and successively) provided from the group GR at the several second delivery positions J1, J2,

where the loading aids L1, L2 can be loaded alternately (and consecutively) with the goods 12 after they have been provided at the several second delivery positions J1, J2.

[00487] As can be seen in Fig. 20a and Fig. 20b, the goods 12 of the first type of goods W1 and the goods 12 of the second type of goods W2 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and the goods 12 are made available at the first delivery positions G1, G2.

[00488] Likewise, the first loading aid L1, the second loading aid L2 and the third loading aid L3 are transported to the second delivery device 21, and the first loading aid L1 is provided at the first delivery position J1 and the second loading aid L2 is provided at the second delivery position J2.

[00489] Once the first loading aid L1, the second loading aid L2, and the third loading aid L3 have arrived at the second loading device 21, the first loading aid L1, the second loading aid L2, and the third loading aid L3 form a group GR. However, only the first loading aid L1 is provided at one of the second loading positions J, and the second loading aid L2 is provided at the other second loading position J, in order to enable loading of the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 (but not the third loading aid L3 – as indicated by the dashed lines).

[00490] As shown, the group GR comprising the first loading aid L1, second loading aid L2 and third loading aid L3 is already before entering the delivery lane 28c.

formed. On the other hand, the GR group can also only be formed along the access lane 28c.

[00491] In Fig. 20b, the first loading aid L1 is loaded with one or more goods of the first type of goods W1 and the second loading aid L2 is loaded with one or more goods of the first type of goods W1.

[00492] After loading the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2, the first loading aid L1 is moved away from the several second loading positions J1, J2 by the first transport vehicle 1 (not shown) and the second loading aid L2 is moved by the second transport vehicle 1 (not shown) and the third loading aid L3 is moved to one of the several second loading positions J2 by the third transport vehicle 1 (not shown), as can be seen from Fig. 20b and Fig. 20c.

[00493] Meanwhile, the goods of the first type of goods W1 and the goods of the second type of goods W2 remain at the first delivery positions G1, G2.

[00494] If the third loading aid L3 is located at one of the several second delivery positions J2, the third loading aid L3 is loaded with one or more goods of the first goods type W1, as shown in Fig. 20c.

[00495] After loading the third loading aid L3, the third loading aid L3 is moved away from one of the several second loading positions J2 by the third transport vehicle 1 and the first loading aid L1 is moved by the first transport vehicle 1 and the second loading aid L2 by the second transport vehicle 1 to the several second loading positions J1, J2, as can be seen from Fig. 20c and Fig. 20d.

[00496] Meanwhile, the goods of the third type W3 are made available at the first delivery position G1, or the goods of the third type W3 and the goods of the fourth type W4 are made available at the first delivery positions G1, G2, as can be seen from Fig. 20d and Fig. 20e.

[00497] If the first loading aid L1 is located at one of the several second delivery positions J1 and the second loading aid J2 is located at another of the several second delivery positions J2, the first loading aid L1 is loaded with one or more goods of the third type of goods W3 and optionally with one or more goods of the fourth type of goods W4, and the second loading aid L2 is loaded with one or more goods of the third type of goods W3 and optionally with one or more goods of the fourth type of goods W4, as shown in Fig. 20e.

[00498] The first loading aid L1 now contains all goods of the first type W1, second type W2, third type W3, and optionally the fourth type W4. The first order is thus completed. Likewise, the second loading aid L2 now contains all goods of the first type W1, second type W2, third type W3, and optionally the fourth type W4. The second order is thus completed. The first transport vehicle 1 and the second transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c and return to the return lane 28b, transporting the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 away from the workstation 11, as shown in Fig. 20f.

[00499] Subsequently, the third loading aid L3 is again moved by the third transport vehicle 1 to one of the several second loading positions J2. When the third loading aid L3 is at one of the several second loading positions J2, the third loading aid L3 is loaded with one or more goods of the third type W3 and optionally with one or more goods of the fourth type W4, as shown in Fig. 20f.

[00500] The third loading aid L3 now contains all goods of the first type W1, second type W2, third type W3, and optionally fourth type W4. The third order is thus completed. The third transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c and return to the return lane 28b, transporting the third loading aid L3 away from the workstation 11, as shown in Fig. 20g.

[00501] Although the described embodiment shows the processing of order lines for different orders, whereby the order lines of the different orders require goods of the same type, it is just as possible that the order lines of the different orders require goods of different types.

[00502] Figures 21a to 21r show the processing of orders at a workstation according to an embodiment of Figure 12 in a sequence sequence.

[00503] The workstation for loading loading aids comprises, on the one hand, the first loading device 15 with several first loading positions G1, G2 and, on the other hand, a second loading device 21, which is encompassed by the second roadway 20, with a single second loading position J, and a second loading device 21, which is encompassed by the further second roadway 20, with a single second loading position J.

[00504] In the following, the second delivery device 21, which is encompassed by the second carriageway 20, is referred to as the left second delivery device 21 and the second delivery device 21, which is encompassed by the further second carriageway 20, is referred to as the right second delivery device 21.

[00505] The first loading aid L1 is assigned to a first order. The second loading aid L2 is assigned to a second order. The third loading aid L3 is assigned to a third order. The fourth loading aid L4 is assigned to a fourth order.

[00506] The first loading aid L1 is transported by a first transport vehicle 1, as shown, for example, in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a, the second loading aid L2 is transported by a second transport vehicle 1, as shown, for example, in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a, the third loading aid L3 is transported by a third transport vehicle 1, as shown, for example, in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a, and the fourth loading aid L4 is transported by a fourth transport vehicle 1, as shown, for example, in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a.

[00507] It should be noted that Figures 21a to 21r show the processing of order lines for different orders and that the order lines of the different orders require goods of different types.

[00508] The order 1 comprises, for example, two order lines, wherein a first order line comprises one item of a first type of goods W1 and one item of a fourth type of goods W4. The first loading aid L1 is loaded with the items of the first type of goods W1 and the fourth type of goods W4.

[00509] The order 2 comprises, for example, three order lines, wherein a first order line comprises goods of a second type W2, goods of a third type W3, and goods of a fifth type W5. The second loading aid L2 is loaded with the goods of the second type W2, goods of a third type W3, and goods of a fifth type W5.

[00510] The order 3 comprises, for example, two order lines, wherein a first order line comprises goods of a fourth type of goods W4 and goods of a seventh type of goods W7. The third loading aid L3 is loaded with the goods of the fourth type of goods W4 and goods of a seventh type of goods W7.

[00511] The order 4 comprises, for example, two order lines, wherein the first order line comprises one item of a sixth type of goods W6 and one item of an eighth type of goods W8 (not shown). The fourth loading aid L3 is loaded with the items of the sixth type of goods W6 and items of the eighth type of goods W8.

[00512] If the order lines of the various orders include goods of another type of goods, the provisioning and loading process is repeated at this workstation until all order lines have been completed.

[00513] According to this embodiment, the control unit 23 (not shown) controls the first conveyor system 16 and the transport vehicles 1 for processing several order lines each.

various orders, which require goods of 12 different types, are handled in such a way that

the goods 12 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the several first delivery positions G1, G2,

The loading aids L1, L2 are transported by the transport vehicles 1 to the left second loading device 21, are brought together as a group GR and are alternately (and consecutively) provided from the group GR at the one second loading position J, and

The loading aids L3, L4 are transported by the transport vehicles 1 to the right second delivery device 21, are brought together as a group GR and are alternately (and consecutively) provided from the group GR at the second delivery position J,

wherein the loading aids L1, L2 can be loaded alternately (and successively) with the goods 12 after they have been provided at the one second delivery position J of the left second delivery device 21, and

wherein the loading aids L3, L4 can be loaded alternately (and consecutively) with the goods 12 after they have been provided at the one second delivery position J of the right second delivery device 21.

[00514] According to this embodiment, goods of a first type and a second type can be transported to the first delivery device 15 and provided side by side (simultaneously) at the first delivery position G1 and the second first delivery position G2. Depending on the number of delivery positions at the first delivery device, more than two types of goods can also be provided side by side (simultaneously).

[00515] As can be seen in Figs. 21a to 21r, the goods 12 of the first type of goods W1 to the seventh type of goods W7 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and the goods 12 of the first type of goods W1, the goods 12 of the third type of goods W3 and the goods 12 of the fifth type of goods W5 are provided at the first delivery position G1 and the goods 12 of the second type of goods W2, the goods 12 of the fourth type of goods W4, the goods 12 of the sixth type of goods W6 and the goods 12 of the seventh type of goods W7 are provided at the further first delivery position G2.

[00516] Likewise, on the one hand, the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 are transported to the left second delivery device 21 and the first loading aid L1 is provided at one second delivery position J, and on the other hand, the third loading aid L3 and the fourth loading aid L4 are transported to the right second delivery device 21 and the third loading aid L3 is provided at one second delivery position J.

[00517] When the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 have arrived at the left second loading device 21, the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 form a group GR. However, only the first loading aid L1 is provided at one of the second loading positions J to enable loading of the first loading aid L1 (but not of the second loading aid L2 - as indicated by the dashed lines).

[00518] As shown, the group GR comprising the first loading aid L1 and the second loading aid L2 is formed before entering the loading lane 28c. Alternatively, the group GR can also be formed along the loading lane 28c.

[00519] When the third loading aid L3 and the fourth loading aid L4 have arrived at the right second loading device 21, the third loading aid L3 and the fourth loading aid L4 form a group GR. However, only the third loading aid L3 is provided at the second loading position J to enable loading of the third loading aid L3 (but not of the fourth loading aid L4 - as indicated by the dashed lines).

[00520] As shown, the group GR comprising the third loading aid L3 and fourth loading aid L4 is formed before entering the loading lane 28c. Alternatively, the group GR can also be formed along the loading lane 28c.

[00521] In Fig. 21c, the first loading aid L1 is loaded with one or more goods of the first type of goods W1.

[00522] Then the goods of the first type of goods W1 are transported away from the first delivery position G1.

[00523] After loading the first loading aid L1, the first loading aid L1 is moved away from the second delivery position J by the first transport vehicle 1 (not shown) and the second loading aid L2 is moved to the second delivery position J by the second transport vehicle 1 (not shown), as can be seen from Fig. 21c and Fig. 21d.

[00524] Meanwhile, the goods of the second type W2 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the further first delivery position G2, as can be seen from Fig. 21c and Fig. 21d.

[00525] If the second loading aid L2 is located at the second delivery position J, the second loading aid L2 is loaded with one or more goods of the second type of goods W2, as shown in Fig. 21e.

[00526] Afterwards, the goods of the second type of goods W2 are transported away from the further first delivery position G2.

[00527] Meanwhile, the goods of the third type W3 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position G1, as can be seen from Fig. 21e and Fig. 21f.

[00528] The second loading aid L2 is also loaded with one or more goods of the third type of goods W3, as shown in Fig. 21f.

[00529] Then the goods of the third type of goods W3 are transported away from the first delivery position G1.

[00530] Meanwhile, the goods of the fourth type of goods W4 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the further first delivery position G2, as can be seen from Fig. 21g and Fig. 21h.

[00531] After loading the second loading aid L2, the second loading aid L2 is moved away from the second delivery position J by the second transport vehicle 1 and the first loading aid L1 is again moved by the first transport vehicle 1 to the second delivery position J, as can be seen from Fig. 21f and Fig. 21g.

[00532] The first loading aid L1 is loaded with one or more goods of the fourth type of goods W4, as shown in Fig. 21i.

[00533] The first loading aid L1 now contains all goods of the first type W1 and fourth type W4. The first order is thus completed. The first transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c onto the return lane 28b and transport the first loading aid L1 away from the workstation 11, as shown in Fig. 21.

[00534] The third loading aid L3 is also loaded with one or more goods of the fourth type of goods W4, as shown in Fig. 21j.

[00535] After loading the first loading aid L1 and the third loading aid L3, the goods of the fourth type of goods W4 are transported away from the further first delivery position G2.

[00536] As can be seen from Fig. 21k, during the loading of the first loading aid L1 and third loading aid L3, the goods of the fifth type W5 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position G1.

[00537] The second loading aid L2 is loaded with one or more goods of the fifth type of goods W5, as shown in Fig. 21l.

[00538] After loading, the goods of the fifth type W5 are transported away from the first delivery position G1.

[00539] The second loading aid L2 now contains all goods of the second type W2, goods of the third type W3, and goods of the fifth type W5. The second order is thus completed. The first transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c and return to the return lane 28b, transporting the second loading aid L2 away from the workstation 11, as shown in Fig. 21m.

[00540] After loading the third loading aid L3, the third loading aid L3 is moved away from the second delivery position J by the third transport vehicle 1 and the fourth loading aid L4 is moved to the second delivery position J by the first transport vehicle 1, as can be seen from Fig. 21j and Fig. 21k.

[00541] Meanwhile, the goods of the sixth type of goods W6 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the further first delivery position G2, as can be seen from Fig. 21l and Fig. 21m.

[00542] The fourth loading aid L4 is loaded with one or more goods of the sixth type of goods W6, as shown in Fig. 21n.

[00543] Then the goods of the sixth type of goods W6 are transported away from the further first delivery position G2.

[00544] After loading the fourth loading aid L4, the fourth loading aid L4 is moved away from the second delivery position J by the fourth transport vehicle 1 and the third loading aid L3 is moved again to the second delivery position J by the third transport vehicle 1, as can be seen from Fig. 21n and Fig. 210.

[00545] Meanwhile, the goods of the seventh type of goods W7 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the further first delivery position G2, as can be seen from Fig. 21p and Fig. 21q.

[00546] The third loading aid L3 is loaded with one or more goods of the seventh type of goods W7, as shown in Fig. 21q.

[00547] Thereafter, the goods of the seventh type W/ are transported away from the next first delivery position G2.

[00548] The third loading aid L3 now contains all the goods of the fourth type W4 and seventh type W7. The third order is thus completed. The third transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c and return to the return lane 28b, transporting the third loading aid L1 away from the workstation 11, as shown in Fig. 21r.

[00549] Likewise, the fourth loading aid L4 is also completed.

[00550] Although the described embodiment shows the processing of order lines for different orders, whereby the order lines of the different orders require goods of different types, it is just as possible that the order lines of the different orders require goods of the same type.

[00551] Figures 22a to 22f illustrate the processing of orders at a workstation according to an embodiment of Figure 12 in a sequence sequence. Specifically, the sequence sequence is described when the optional bypass lane 28d is present.

[00552] As described above, the bypass lane 28d can be connected to the return lane 28b of the second carriageway section P and the first lane 25 of the second carriageway section H. This makes it possible for a transport vehicle 1 with a loading aid to be moved from the first lane 25 of the second carriageway section H via the return lane 28b of the second carriageway section P to the access lane 28c.

[00553] The return lane 28b of the second carriageway section P described above serves in principle to allow a loading aid that is fully loaded at this work station 11 to be moved away from the second delivery device 21 by a transport vehicle 1.

[00554] However, the control unit 23 (not shown) can also control the transport vehicles 1 in such a way as

The system is designed so that a loading aid to be loaded at this workstation 11 can be transported by a transport vehicle 1 to the second loading device 21 and made available at a second loading position J. According to this optional configuration, the return lane 28b of the second carriageway section P briefly serves as an approach lane.

[00555] Such an optional embodiment allows a loading aid to be provided at a second loading position J if this loading aid has already been loaded with a partial quantity of goods at another workstation and is to be loaded with a further partial quantity of goods at the next workstation. In such an application, the order is a picking order. On the other hand, damaged goods can also be transported away from the workstation if, during the processing of an order, for example by the warehouse worker or by an image capture system, it is determined that goods are damaged. The loading aid can be provided at the second loading position J and loaded with the damaged goods. The loading aid is then transported away from the workstation by the transport vehicle. In such an application, the order is a disposal order. The processing of express orders is also possible. In such an application, the order is a picking order.

[00556] Fig. 22a shows that the first loading aid L1 has left the delivery lane 28c and is being transported away from the workstation 11. A fifth loading aid L5 has been moved by a fifth transport vehicle (not shown) into the bypass lane 28d.

[00557] As can be seen from Figures 22a and 22b, the fifth loading aid L5 is transported by the fifth transport vehicle 1 to the left second loading device 21 and made available at the second loading position J. According to this optional embodiment, the return lane 28b of the second roadway section P briefly serves as an approach lane. The second loading aid L2 is positioned along the loading lane 28c, but keeps the second loading position J clear so that the fifth loading aid L5 can be made available at the second loading position J.

[00558] The goods of a fifth type of goods W5 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at the first delivery position G1, as shown in Fig. 22c.

[00559] The fifth loading aid L5 is loaded with one or more goods of the fifth type of goods W5, as shown in Fig. 22c.

[00560] After loading, the goods of the fifth type W5 are transported away from the first delivery position G1, as shown in Fig. 22d.

[00561] If the fifth loading aid L5 contains all goods of the fifth type W5 and no further goods of another type are required, the fifth order is complete. The first transport vehicle 1 can now leave the delivery lane 28c and return to the return lane 28b, and the fifth loading aid L1 can be transported away from the workstation 11, as can be seen in Figs. 22c and 22d.

[00562] As can be seen in Figs. 22d to 22f, the second loading aid L2 is provided at the delivery position J after the fifth loading aid L5 has left the delivery position J, and the goods of a second type W2 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and provided at the first delivery position G1.

[00563] The second loading aid L2 can then be loaded with one or more goods of the second type of goods W2, as is not shown in further detail.

[00564] As can also be seen in Figs. 22d to 22f, the third loading aid L3 and fourth loading aid L4 can be alternately provided and alternately loaded in parallel on the right second delivery device 21.

[00565] Finally, it should be mentioned that in the embodiments described above, the approach lane and return lane can be operated in reverse, i.e., the control unit can

60 / 118

The system must be designed to allow transport vehicles to move in one direction at a time, first along the return lane, then the loading lane, and finally the approach lane – the return lane can therefore serve as the approach lane and vice versa. The approach lane can also be referred to as the first bidirectional lane and the return lane as the second bidirectional lane.

[00566] Furthermore, it can be mentioned that in the embodiments described above, instead of the transport vehicles 1 of the second conveying system 17, the loading aids 18 can be transported by means of stationary conveying technology, for example, motor-driven conveyor rollers, conveyor belts, etc., wherein the stationary conveying technology is arranged along the predetermined tracks 25, 26, 27, 28a, 28b, 28c and includes corresponding switches, branches, or diverts at intersection points. In this case, the tracks can also be referred to as transport tracks and the lanes as conveying sections. The second conveying system can therefore be designed as stationary (fixed or suspended) conveying technology.

[00567] According to an advantageous embodiment, the workstation 11 can therefore include loading equipment 18 with goods 12 according to orders, in particular picking orders.

an order management system 14 for electronically recording various orders, each with one or more order lines, wherein each order line specifies a type of goods and a quantity,

a first delivery device 15 for providing goods 12 at one or more first delivery positions G,

a first conveying system 16, which connects a transfer area F and the first delivery device 15 and which is designed for transporting the goods 12 between the transfer area F and the first delivery device 15,

a second conveying system 17, which includes conveying technology, in particular driverless transport vehicles 1, for transporting the loading aids 18,

a first transport track, in particular track 19, which comprises a first transport track section, in particular track section H, and a second transport track section, in particular track section |,

a second transport track, in particular track 20, which comprises a transport track section, in particular track section Q, and which comprises a second delivery device 21 for providing loading aids 18 with the conveying technology, in particular the driverless transport vehicles 1, at one or more second delivery positions J; J1, J2 of the second delivery device 21,

a third transport lane, in particular carriageway 22, which is arranged between the first carriageway 19 and the second carriageway 20, and which comprises a first carriageway section © and a second carriageway section P, wherein

a first conveying section, in particular lane 25, runs along the first carriageway section H of the first carriageway, and a second conveying section, in particular lane 26, runs along the second conveying section, in particular carriageway section | of the first carriageway.

along the first transport track section, in particular track section O of the third transport track, in particular track 22, an infeed conveyor section, in particular approach track 28a, runs; along the second transport track section, in particular track section P of the third transport track, in particular track 22, a return conveyor section, in particular return track 28b, runs;

the feed conveyor section, in particular approach lane 28a, branches off from the first driving lane 25 and the return conveyor section, in particular return lane 28b, merges into the first conveyor section, in particular driving lane 25, or the approach lane feed conveyor section, in particular 28a, branches off from the second driving lane 26 and the return conveyor section, in particular return lane 28b, merges into the second driving lane 26, and

along the transport track section, in particular track section Q of the second transport track, in particular track 20, a delivery track connected to the feed conveyor section, in particular approach track 28a and the return conveyor section, in particular return track 28b

Conveyor track, in particular delivery track 28c, wherein the feed conveyor track, in particular delivery track 28c, is assigned to the second delivery device 21, and

A control unit 23, which controls the first conveying system 16 and the conveying technology 1, in particular the transport vehicles 1, for processing several order lines for different orders, which require goods of different types or of the same type, such that the goods 12 are transported to the first delivery device 15 and made available at one or more first delivery positions G, and the loading aids 18 are transported by the conveying technology 1, in particular the transport vehicles 1, to the second delivery device 21, are grouped together as a group GR and are made available alternately from the group at one or more second delivery positions, wherein the loading aids 18 can be loaded alternately with the goods 12 after they have been made available at one or more second delivery positions.

[00568] In conclusion, it is noted that the scope of protection is determined by the patent claims. However, the description and the drawings must be used to interpret the claims.

[00569] In particular, it is also noted that the illustrated devices may in reality comprise more or fewer components than shown. In some cases, the illustrated devices or their components may also be shown not to scale and/or enlarged and/or reduced in size.

REFERENCE MARK SCHEDULE

1 driverless transport vehicle, conveyor technology (of the second conveyor system) 2.2' support frame

3.3' chassis (of which wheel is visible)

4, 4' control

5.5 charging platform

6 Floor

7 first stop element

8 second stop element

9 third stop element

10 sliding element

11 workstations

12 items

13 Loading aids (of the first conveyor system) / Source loading aids 14 Order management system

15 first delivery device

16 first funding system

17 second funding system

18 Loading aids (of the second conveyor system) / Target loading aids 19 First carriageway

20 second lane

21 second delivery device

22 third lane

23 Control unit

24 Input and/or output device

25 first lane, first carriageway section 26 second lane, second carriageway section 27 reversible lane

28a Approach lane

28b Return lane

28c Delivery lane

28d Bypass lane

29 Express lane

30 sorting lane

63 / 118

31 order picking system

32 storage area

34 third funding system

35 transport vehicles of the third conveyor system 36 transfer station

37 first transfer spot

38 first transfer device

39 second transfer place

40 second transfer device

41 Transfer device assigned to the transport vehicle 42 Lifting device

43 Transfer station

60 Movement mechanism for external drive

a Inclination angle of loading platform transport vehicle a1 Clearance height first carriage section

a2 Clearance height second carriageway section

b1 Clearance width first carriageway section

b2 Clearance width of second carriageway section

A front side of the vehicle

AP Workplace

B rear side of vehicle

C Direction of travel

D Longitudinal axis

E Transfer section

F Transfer area

G (G1, G2) first delivery position(s)

GR Group (loading aids of the second conveyor system) H first roadway section first roadway

| second carriageway section first carriageway J(J1,J2) second delivery position(s) K passage

L additional passage

L1 first loading aids

L2 second loading aids

L3 third loading aids

L4 fourth loading aid

L5 fifth loading aid

M Coupling area first carriageway section N Coupling area second carriageway section oO first carriageway section third carriageway

P second section of the third lane

Q section of the second carriageway

R third section third lane

S third carriageway section first carriageway

W1...W7 Product type

Claims (1)

Patent claims 1. Workstation (11) for loading loading equipment (18) with goods (12) according to orders, especially order picking orders, characterized by an order management system (14) for electronically recording orders, each with one or more order lines, wherein each order line specifies a type of goods and a quantity, a first delivery device (15) for providing goods (12) at one or more first delivery positions (G; G1, G2), a first conveying system (16) which connects a transfer area (F) and the first delivery device (15) and which is designed to transport the goods (12) between the transfer area (F) and the first delivery device (15), a second conveying system (17) comprising driverless transport vehicles (1) for transporting the loading aids (18), a first carriageway (19) comprising a first carriageway section (H) and a second carriageway section (I), a second carriageway (20) comprising a carriageway section (Q) and comprising a second loading device (21) for providing loading aids (18) with the driverless transport vehicles (1) at one or more second loading positions (J; J1, J2) of the second loading device (21), a third carriageway (22) which is arranged between the first carriageway (19) and the second carriageway (20), and which comprises a first carriageway section (O) and a second carriageway section (P), wherein a first lane (25) runs along the first carriageway section (H) of the first carriageway, and a second lane (26) runs along the second carriageway section (I) of the first carriageway, an approach lane (28a) runs along the first carriageway section (O) of the third carriageway (22), and a return lane (28b) runs along the second carriageway section (P) of the third carriageway (22), the approach lane (28a) branches off from the first driving lane (25) and the return lane (28b) merges into the first driving lane (25), or the approach lane (28a) branches off from the second driving lane (26) and the return lane (28b) merges into the second driving lane (26), and along the carriageway section (Q) of the second carriageway (20) a service lane (28c) connected to the approach lane (28a) and the return lane (28b) runs, wherein the service lane (28c) is assigned to the second service device (21), and a control unit (23) which controls the first conveyor system (16) and the transport vehicles (1) for processing several order lines for different orders, which require goods of different types or of the same type, in such a way that the goods (12) are transported to the first delivery device (15) and made available at one or more first delivery positions (G; G1, G2), and the loading aids (18) are transported by the transport vehicles (1) to the second delivery device (21), are brought together as a group (GR) and are alternately provided from the group at one or more second delivery positions (J; J1, J2), wherein the loading aids (18) can be loaded alternately with the goods (12) after they have been made available at one or more second delivery positions (J; J1, J2). 2. Workstation (11) according to claim 1, characterized in that the workstation (11) further comprises a second roadway (20) which includes a roadway section (Q) and which includes a second delivery device (21) for providing loading aids (18) with the driverless transport vehicles (1) at one or more second delivery positions (J; J1, J2), 66 / 118 a further third carriageway (22) which is arranged between the first carriageway (19) and the further second carriageway (20), and which comprises a first carriageway section (O) and a second carriageway section (P), wherein a first lane (25) runs along the first carriageway section (H) of the first carriageway, and a second lane (26) runs along the second carriageway section (I) of the first carriageway, an approach lane (28a) runs along the first carriageway section (©) of the further third carriageway (22), and a return lane (28b) runs along the second carriageway section (P) of the further third carriageway (22), the approach lane (28a) branches off from the first driving lane (25) and the return lane (28b) merges into the first driving lane (25), or the approach lane (28a) branches off from the second driving lane (26) and the return lane (28b) merges into the second driving lane (26), and along the carriageway section (Q) of the further second carriageway (20) an access lane (28c) connected to the approach lane (28a) and the return lane (28b) runs, wherein the access lane (28c) is assigned to the second access device (21), and the control unit (23) furthermore the first conveyor system (16) and the transport vehicles (1) for processing several order lines for different orders, which require goods of different types or of the same type, are controlled in such a way that the goods (12) are transported to the first delivery device (15) and made available at one or more first delivery positions (G; G1, G2), and the loading aids (18) are transported by the transport vehicles (1) to the second loading device (21) of the further second carriageway (20), are gathered as a further group and are alternately provided from the further group at one or the several second loading positions (J; J1, J2), wherein the loading aids (18) can be loaded alternately with the goods (12) after they have been made available at one or more second delivery positions (J; J1, J2). 3. Workstation (11) according to claim 2, characterized in that the second delivery device (21), which is encompassed by the second carriageway (20), and the second delivery device (21), which is encompassed by the further second carriageway (20), are spaced apart from each other and the first delivery device (15) is arranged between the second delivery devices (21), in particular arranged centrally between them. 4. Workstation (11) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the alternating provision of the loading aids (18) from the group (GR) at one or more second delivery positions (J; J1, J2) is carried out by synchronized movement of the loading aids (18) of the group (GR), and optionally the alternating provision of the loading aids (18) from the further group (GR) at one or more second delivery positions (J; J1, J2) is carried out by synchronized movement of the loading aids (18) of the further group (GR). 5. Workstation (11) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The first conveying system (16) is located in a conveying section facing the first delivery device (15), and the second carriageway (20) is arranged offset vertically from the first carriageway (19), and a passage (K) is formed below the first conveying system (16) and the second carriageway (20), along which the first carriageway section (H) runs and which has a clearance height (a1) that allows collision-free movement of the transport vehicles (1) each loaded with a loading aid (18), and/or the first conveying system (16) in a conveying section facing the first delivery device (15) and the second carriageway (20) and further second carriageway (20) 10. 11. 12. AT 528 089 B1 2026-03-15 each are arranged offset from the first carriageway (19) by a vertical distance and a passage (K) is formed below the first conveying system (16) and the second carriageway (20) and the further second carriageway (20), along which the first carriageway section (H) runs and which has a passage height (a1) that enables collision-free movement of the transport vehicles (1) each loaded with a loading aid (18). Workstation (11) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first carriageway (19), the second carriageway (20) and the third carriageway (22) are arranged on the same level, in particular in a basic level, or that the first carriageway (19) is arranged in a basic plane, and the second carriageway (20) forms or comprises a platform raised above the ground level, wherein the third carriageway (22) connects the first carriageway (19) with the second carriageway (20) which is arranged at a different level. Workstation (11) according to claim 6, characterized in that the third carriageway (22) is arranged such that the approach lane (28a) encompassed by the third carriageway (22) branches off from the first lane (25) of the first carriageway (19) and the return lane (28b) merges into the first lane (25) of the first carriageway (19), or that the third carriageway (22) is arranged such that the approach lane (28a) encompassed by the third carriageway (22) branches off from the second lane (26) of the first carriageway (19) and the return lane (28b) merges into the second lane (26) of the first carriageway (19). Workstation (11) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first conveying system (16) is arranged in a conveying section facing away from the first delivery device (15) with a vertical distance offset from the first roadway (19) and an additional passage (L) is formed below the first conveying system (16), along which the second roadway section (I) runs and which has a passage height (a2) that enables collision-free movement of the transport vehicles (1) each loaded with a loading aid (18). Workstation (11) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first conveying system (16) comprises several conveying devices, in particular a first conveying device for transporting the goods to the first delivery device (15), a second conveying device for transporting the goods away from the first delivery device (15), a third conveying device connecting the first conveying device for transport and the second conveying device for transport, and a fourth conveying device and a fifth conveying device forming the first delivery device (15), wherein the fourth conveying device forms a first delivery position (G1) and the fifth conveying device forms a further first delivery position (G2). Workstation (11) according to claim 9, characterized in that the first conveying device for transport and the second conveying device for removal are arranged offset from the first roadway (19) by a vertical distance and an additional passage (L) is formed below the first conveying system (16), along which the second roadway section (I) runs and which has a passage height (a2) that enables collision-free movement of the transport vehicles (1) each loaded with a loading aid (18). Workstation (11) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the transport vehicles (1) each comprise a loading platform (5) with a floor (6), wherein the floor (6) is fixedly attached to the support frame (2) and is inclined relative to a horizontal plane by an angle of inclination (a). Workstation (11) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the 68 / 118 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. AT 528 089 B1 2026-03-15 Transfer area (F) is intended to to deliver goods (12) to the first conveying system (16), or to deliver goods (12) to the first conveying system (16) and to deliver goods (12) from the first conveying system (16). Workstation (11) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a reversible lane (27) runs between the first lane (25) and the second lane (26), on which the transport vehicles (1) can be moved on the first carriageway (19) between the first carriageway section (H) and the second carriageway section (I). Workstation (11) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the approach track (28a) and the return track (28b) run approximately parallel and the transport vehicles (1) are moved, preferably in a single direction, along the approach track (283), delivery track (28c) and return track (28b). Workstation (11) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the third carriageway (22) and, where applicable, the further third carriageway (22) also includes a third carriageway section (R), wherein a bypass lane (28d), which preferably includes a buffer space, runs along the third carriageway section (R), the bypass lane (28d) is connected to the return lane (28b) of the second carriageway section (P) of the third carriageway (22) and the first carriageway lane (25) of the second carriageway section (H) of the first carriageway (20), and where applicable the bypass lane (28d) is connected to the return lane (28b) of the second carriageway section (P) of the further third carriageway (22) and the first carriageway lane (25) of the second carriageway section (H) of the first carriageway (20). Workstation (11) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that in a third carriageway section (R) of the third carriageway (22) and optionally of the further third carriageway (22) one or more sorting lanes (30) run between the approach lane (28a) and the return lane (28b). Workstation (11) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that in the carriageway section (Q) of the second carriageway (20) and optionally of the further second carriageway (20) one or more express lanes (29) run between the approach lane (28a) and the return lane (28b). Workstation (11) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the first lane (25) running in the first carriageway section (H) and the second lane (26) running in the second carriageway section (I) each have an input coupling area (M, N) and an output coupling area (M, N), wherein the respective output coupling areas (M, N) can be connected to the respective input coupling area (M, N) of a further workstation (11), in particular of identical construction, arranged adjacent to the workstation (11), so that a substantially continuous respective first lane (25) and second lane (26) can be formed. Workstation (11) according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the control unit (23) is additionally configured to control the first conveying system (16) and the transport vehicles (1) in such a way that the loading aids (18) are sorted by means of the transport vehicles (1) into a sequence which is determined depending on the sequence in which the goods (12) are provided at the first delivery device (15), wherein a loading aid (18) and a good (12) for an order arrive at the first delivery position (G) of the first delivery device (15) and the second delivery positions (J) of the second delivery device (21) at approximately the same time. Workstation (11) according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that an order of orders comprises a first order line and a second order line, wherein the first order line and second order line comprise goods (12) of different types of goods, and 69 / 118 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. AT 528 089 B1 2026-03-15 the control unit (23) is additionally designed so that a loading aid (18) for processing the first and second order lines is transported by the transport vehicle (1) from the second delivery device (21) via the return track (28b) to a sorting track (30) after the loading aid (18) has been loaded with the goods (12) to the first order line and is buffered in the sorting track (30), and afterwards the loading aid (18) is transported from the sorting track (30) via the approach track (28a) to the second delivery device (21) when the goods (12) for the second order line are transported from the first conveyor system (16) to the first delivery device (15). Workstation (11) according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the first conveying system (16) comprises several buffer positions and the control unit (23) is additionally configured to provide goods (12) of different types of goods one after the other, wherein the goods (12) are temporarily stored on the buffer positions. Workstation (11) according to one of claims 11 to 21, characterized in that a loading aid (18) can be placed on the floor (6) of the loading platform (5) which is inclined at an angle (a) to a horizontal plane, the loading aid (18) comprises a base, side walls extending from it and a loading opening bounded by the side walls, and a control unit (4) of the transport vehicle (1) executes a driving command such that the transport vehicle (1) is positioned at the second delivery device (21) in a position in which the loading aid (18) is aligned with the first delivery device (15) such that an edge of a front side wall of the side walls is lower than an edge of a rear side wall of the side walls in order to enable ergonomic loading of the loading aid (18) with the goods (12) via the loading opening. Picking system (31) for picking goods (12), characterized by a storage area (32) in which storage locations for providing goods (12) are arranged, and a picking area for processing orders, in which at least one workstation (11) according to one of claims 1 to 22, a first A conveyor system (16) for transporting goods (12) and a second conveyor system (17) with driverless transport vehicles (1) for transporting loading aids (18) are provided, wherein the workstation (11) is designed such that loading aids (18) are grouped and alternately provided at one or more second delivery positions (J) and loaded with goods (12). Picking system (31) according to claim 23, characterized in that the picking system (31) further comprises a third conveying system (34) which connects the storage area (32) and the transfer area (F), and which includes driverless transport vehicles (35) for transporting goods (12) between the storage area (32) and the transfer area (F). Order picking system (31) according to claim 24, characterized in that the first roadway (19) additionally comprises a third roadway section (S) which is arranged between the storage area (32) and the transfer area (F), wherein the driverless transport vehicles (35) of the third conveyor system (34) approach the storage locations in the storage area (32) and/or travel in the third roadway section (S). Picking system (31) according to claim 23, characterized in that the driverless transport vehicles (35) operate exclusively in the warehouse area (32), and the storage area (32) and the transfer area (F) are arranged such that the goods (12) from the storage area (32) are transferred directly to the first conveying system (16), or the goods (12) from the storage area (32) are transferred directly to the first conveying system (16) and the goods (12) are transferred directly from the first conveying system (16) 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. AT 528 089 B1 2026-03-15 to be handed over to the storage area (32). Picking system (31) according to one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that the workstation (11) in the transfer area (F) has a transfer station (36), wherein the transfer station (36) comprises a first transfer station (37) and a first transfer device (38) associated with the first transfer station (37), wherein the first transfer station (37) is configured to receive a product (12) and wherein the first transfer device (38) is configured to transfer the product (12) from the first transfer station (37) to the first conveying system (16), and/or a second transfer station (39) and a second transfer device (40) associated with the second transfer station (39), wherein the second transfer station (40) is configured to receive a product (12) and wherein the second transfer device (40) is configured to transfer the product (12) from the first conveying system (16) to the second transfer station (39). Picking system (31) according to one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that the workstation (11) in the transfer area (F) has a transfer station (36), wherein the transfer station (36) comprises a first transfer station (37) which is configured to receive a transport vehicle (35) of the third conveyor system (34) with the goods (12), and a transfer device (41) associated with the transport vehicle (35), wherein the transfer device (41) is configured to transfer the goods (12) from the transport vehicle (35) to the first conveyor system (16), and/or a second transfer station (39) which is designed to receive a transport vehicle (35) of the third conveying system (34) and a transfer device (41) associated with the transport vehicle (35), wherein the transfer device (41) is designed to transfer the goods (12) from the first conveying system (16) to the transport vehicle (35). Picking system (31) according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the transfer station (36) comprises a lifting device (42) associated with the first conveying system (16), on which the goods (12) or the transport vehicle (35) of the third conveying system (34) can be received. Order picking system (31) according to one of claims 24 to 29, characterized in that the driverless transport vehicles (1) of the second conveying system (17) and the driverless transport vehicles (35) of the third conveying system (34) are structurally different. Order picking system (31) according to one of claims 24 to 29, characterized in that the driverless transport vehicles (35), in particular for the transport of goods (12), of the third conveyor system (34) each comprise a support frame (29), a chassis (3°) mounted on the support frame (2°), which includes several wheels and is designed for driving and, if necessary, steering the driverless transport vehicle (35), a control unit (4°) which is designed to receive driving commands and to control the driverless transport vehicle (35), and a loading platform (5°) mounted on the support frame (2°), which includes a horizontally oriented floor, which is in particular fixed to the support frame (2°) or which is arranged on a lifting device. Method for loading loading aids (18) with goods (12) according to orders, in particular picking orders, at a workstation (11) according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the method comprises the steps Recording orders, each with one or more order lines, where each order line specifies a product type and a quantity, at the order management system. 7117118 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. AT 528 089 B1 2026-03-15 system (14), and Control of the first conveyor system (16) and the transport vehicles (1) of the second conveyor system (17) for processing several order lines for different orders, which require goods of different types or of the same type, by the control unit (23) such that the goods (12) are transported by the first conveying system (16) from a transfer area (F) to the first delivery device (15) and are made available at one or more first delivery positions (G; G1, G2), and the loading aids (18) are transported by the transport vehicles (1) of the second conveying system (17) to the second delivery device (21), are brought together as a group (GR) and are alternately provided from the group at one or more second delivery positions (J; J1, J2), wherein the loading aids (18) can be loaded alternately with the goods (12) after they have been made available at one or more second delivery positions (J; J1, J2). The method of claim 32, comprising the steps Providing a workstation according to claim 2, Control of the first conveyor system (16) and the transport vehicles (1) for processing several order lines for different orders, which require goods of different types or of the same type, by the control unit (23) such that the goods (12) are transported to the first delivery device (15) and made available at one or more first delivery positions (G; G1, G2), and the loading aids (18) are transported by the transport vehicles (1) to the second loading device (21) of the further second carriageway (20), are gathered as a further group and are alternately provided from the further group at one or the several second loading positions (J; J1, J2), wherein the loading aids (18) of the further group can be alternately loaded with the goods (12) after they have been made available at one or more second delivery positions (J; J1, J2). Method according to claim 32, characterized in that the alternating provision of the loading aids (18) from the group (GR) at one or more second delivery positions (J; J1, J2) is carried out by a synchronized movement of the loading aids (18) of the group (GR). Method according to claim 33 or 34, characterized in that the alternating provision of the loading aids (18) from the further group (GR) at one or more second delivery positions (J; J1, J2) is carried out by synchronized movement of the loading aids (18) of the group (GR). Method according to any one of claims 32 to 35, comprising the steps Providing a workstation according to claim 15, Control of the first conveying system (16) and the transport vehicles (1) for processing one of the orders by the control unit (23) such that one of the loading aids (18) is moved by one of the transport vehicles (1) from the bypass lane (28d) via the return lane (28b) to the one second delivery position (J) or to one of the several second delivery positions (J1, J2). Workstation (11) for loading loading aids (18) with goods (12) according to orders, in particular order picking orders, characterized in that a first conveying system (16) is provided which connects a transfer area (F) and a first delivery device (15) and which is designed for transporting the goods (12) between the transfer area (F) and the first delivery device (15), and a second conveying system (17) is provided, which is used to transport the load- 721118 aids (18) is trained, and a control unit (23) is provided which controls the first conveyor system (16) and the second conveyor system (17) for processing several order lines for different orders in such a way that the goods (12) are transported to the first delivery device (15) of the first conveying system (16) and are made available at one or more first delivery positions (G; G1, G2) of the first delivery device (15) of the first conveying system (16), and The loading aids (18) of the second conveying system (17) are transported to a second delivery device (21) of the second conveying system (17), are brought together as a group (GR) and are alternately provided from the group (GR) at one or more second delivery positions (J; J1, J2) of the second delivery device (21) of the second conveying system (17) and loaded with the goods (12) provided at the first delivery device (15) of the first conveying system (16). This includes 45 sheets of drawings. 731118