AU2019248729B2 - Order picking apparatus for storing medicine bottles, and method for taking out of storage - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an order picking apparatus for storing bottles, and to a corresponding method. In known order picking apparatuses, it is only possible to store bottles in special receiving boxes or in an upright position. The order picking apparatus according to the invention solves this problem and comprises a plurality of storage spaces (10) for bottles (2), an operator-control device (20) having a gripper (30), at least one storing device (40), at least one identification device (50), and an unloading device (60), wherein a plurality of the storage spaces (10) have storage-space receptacles (11) and the storing device (40) has at least one storing receptacle (41) for bottles (2), wherein the storage-space receptacles (11) and the storing receptacle (41) are configured such that the bottles (2) are held therein in a manner secured against rolling. Furthermore, the gripper (30) comprises a gripping means (31), which is configured such that bottles (2) are movable from the storing and storage-space receptacles (11, 41) in that the bottles (2) are lifted by the gripping means (31) or are pulled onto a deposition area (22) of the gripper (21).

Description

Order picking apparatus for storing medicine bottles, and method for taking out of storage

Field of technology The present invention relates to an order picking device for storing bottles and a method for retrieving bottles from this order picking device. In particular, the present invention relates to an order picking device for storing medicine bottles and a method for retrieving such medicine bottles.

Background In the order picking devices known in the art, a large number of different and differently dimensioned pharmaceutical packages are stored on extended shelves in a disorganized manner and for space optimization. The stored pharmaceutical packages are retrieved by means of an operating device for which purpose the pharmaceutical packages disposed on a shelf are moved to a deposition area of a gripper using a gripping means of the gripper of the operating device. In known order picking devices, the gripping means of the gripper are typically configured as a pair of clamping jaws which are used to pull the pharmaceutical packages to the holding zone. Based on the dimensions of the pharmaceutical packages that are to be stored and the occupancy of the order picking device, an optimum storage location is calculated for a pharmaceutical package that is to be stored, saved in a control device and the pharmaceutical package is subsequently moved to a depositing location on a shelf corresponding to the storage location. Calculating an optimum storage location requires the control device of the order picking device to know the exact geometric structure of the order picking device and in particular the location or configuration and dimensions of the shelves as this is the only way to prevent a position from being chosen as storage location within the order picking device which is "occupied", for example, by a shelf wall bearing the shelves.

In the order picking device described above, pharmaceutical packages are thus not arranged at storage locations that were pre-determined prior to the placement, such as it used to be the case in traditional drawer systems in pharmacies, but a pharmaceutical package is stored, irrespective of the type of medicine, at a storage location whose dimensions are optimally suited to the dimensions of the pharmaceutical package that is to be stored. As the different pharmaceutical packagings have different dimensions and storage and retrieval operations take place continuously, the configuration of storage locations on a shelf changes as well, i.e. the storage locations as such are not associated with a specific section of a shelf but they vary dynamically in the course of storage and retrieval operations. Naturally, a storage location is always associated with a physical place of storage which, however, changes as the storage location changes. Although the pharmaceutical packages differ in their dimensions, they all have a flat base area and parallel side panels orthogonally disposed to the base area which can be gripped by the clamping jaws for retrieval. In known order picking devices, it is, due to the design of the gripper and the shelves, only possible to store bottles of any type if such bottles are arranged in special supports which resemble customary pharmaceutical packages with respect to their dimensions and can therefore be moved accordingly. Storing bottles without such supports is only possible with limitations; for example, narrow and tall bottles cannot be stored without supports using the known order picking devices. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims.

Summary The present disclosure may provide an order picking device in which bottles of any type can be stored without a support or outer packaging. Furthermore, the disclosure may provide a method for retrieving the bottles. The above outcomes and/or other advantages may be achieved through an order picking device for storing bottles described herein and as claimed. Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. The order picking device according to the invention comprises a plurality of storage locations for bottles, an operating device displaceable in front of the storage locations horizontally in an X direction (routinely the longitudinal direction of the order picking device) and vertically in a Z direction, coupled with a control device and having a gripper, at least one storing device which is used to move bottles into the order picking device and from which the operating device can remove bottles, at least one identification device for identifying bottles and one unloading device to which bottles are transferred by the operating device for retrieval from the order picking device. According to the invention, a plurality of the storage locations (however not necessarily all of them) has storage location receptacles and the storing device has at least one storing receptacle for bottles, wherein a storage location receptacle and the storing receptacles are configured such that the bottles are held therein in such a way that they are secured against rolling. According to the invention, the gripper furthermore comprises a gripping means which is configured such that the bottles are movable from the storing receptacles and storage location receptacles by being lifted by the gripping means or by being pulled onto a deposition area of the gripper. In one embodiment there is provided an order picking device for storing bottles having a plurality of storage locations for bottles, an operating device displaceable in front of the storage locations horizontally in an X direction and vertically in a Z direction, coupled with a control device and having a gripper, at least one storing device which can be used to move bottles into the order picking device and from which the operating device can remove the bottles, at least one identification device for identifying bottles, an unloading device to which the bottles are transferred by the operating device for retrieval from the order picking device, wherein a plurality of the storage locations has storage location receptacles and the storing device has at least one storing receptacle for bottles, wherein the gripper has a gripping means which is configured such that the bottles are movable from the storage location receptacles and storing receptacles by being lifted by the gripping means, wherein the storing receptacles and/or the storage location receptacles are formed by a plurality of parallel storing struts or parallel storage location struts, and wherein the gripping means has two prongs of fork-shaped construction that are displaceable in a Y direction orthogonally to the X direction and in the Z direction and are configured such that they are movable in the Y direction, at least in sections, into a space defined by the cross-section of the bottle that is to be retrieved and situated below the maximum cross-section, wherein the storage location receptacles and the storing receptacles are configured such that the bottles are held therein in a lying position in such a way that they are secured against rolling. In known order picking devices, each storage location is associated with a section of a flat shelf on which the pharmaceutical package is deposited. The distribution of the storage locations varies over time since pharmaceutical packages of different sizes are stored and retrieved. Since it is not possible to store bottles in a lying position on such flat shelves without the bottles rolling away, the order picking device according to the invention provides for a plurality of storage locations having the above-mentioned storage location receptacles in or on which a bottle can be stored in a lying position without rolling away orthogonally to the longitudinal direction of the bottle. The storage location receptacle assumes the role of the shelf section in known order picking devices, i.e. effects the actual physical stationary storage. Since the bottles are stored in a lying position for space optimized storage, the invention provides for the bottles to be moved into the order picking device in a lying position as well. While the bottles could also be moved into the order picking device in an upright position on a customary storage conveyor belt, this would, however, require the bottles to be turned prior to storage. Furthermore, there is an increased risk that the bottles tip over when they are moved into the order picking device. Since bottles cannot be moved in a lying position without such bottles rolling away if a customary storing device configured as conveyor belt is used, the invention provides for the storing device to have a plurality of storing receptacles preventing the bottles from rolling away. In order to enable moving the bottles from the storing device to a storage location, the gripper must have a correspondingly adapted gripping means. Many designs are conceivable in this respect. For example, it is possible that the gripping means moves down from above, grips the bottles from above and lifts them from the storing device to a storage location. In the order picking device according to the invention, the above-mentioned storage locations are not stationary either, instead they depend on the dimensions of the bottles that are to be stored. If, for example, a section of the order picking device providing the storage locations is 30 cm deep, three bottles of 8 cm in height or depth or two bottles of 14 cm in height or depth could be theoretically stored there in a lying position one after another. If three bottles are to be stored one after another in a lying position, three storage locations can be provided in this row, in the other case only two. The same applies to the storage location receptacles. Taking the above-mentioned example, an overall storage location receptacle can provide two or three storage location receptacles, i.e. one storage location receptacle for each storage location. By providing location receptacles and storage location receptacles on the storing device and the storage locations which prevent the bottles lying thereon from rolling away, it is possible to substantially handle them in the same way as angular pharmaceutical packages because the location receptacles and storage location receptacles ensure that a control device knows the exact positioning of a bottle at all times. In this way, bottles can be stored in the order picking device and retrieved therefrom quickly and in a space-saving manner. Costly turning devices for the bottles are not needed and there is no risk that the bottles might tip over which is present with storage in an upright position at all times. Furthermore, it is possible to store both bottles and customary pharmaceutical packages in an order picking device by providing only sections of the storing device with storing receptacles for bottles and having only a portion of the storage locations equipped with storage location receptacles. Where the term "bottle" is used within this application, the plural thereof shall be included. If, for example, it is remarked that a bottle is moved from the storing device to a storage location using the gripping means, this is intended to include that several then usually uniform bottles are moved from the storing device to several storage locations or storage location receptacles associated with the storage locations using the gripping means. Bottle is intended to mean all containers that are at least in sections circularly cylindrical, i.e. a customary bottle but also cans etc. The exact design of the storing receptacles is not substantial provided that they ensure that bottles lying thereon are secured against rolling away in a longitudinal direction. For example, the bottles could be temporarily clamped on or in the storing receptacles and storage location receptacles. In a preferred embodiment, the storing receptacles and storage location receptacles have a recess extending in a Y direction orthogonally to the X direction. The bottles lie in these recesses in a longitudinal direction and the combination of a recess and the related side walls protect the bottles from rolling away in the X direction. Advantageously, the receptacles can be configured such that bottles of different diameters can be arranged without a need to structurally change the recesses. The design of the recess itself must be adapted to the bottles that are to be stored in the order picking device. If the bottles' diameters vary greatly, it may be necessary to provide for receptacles of different depths/widths. A preferred embodiment provides for the storing receptacles to be configured as storing recesses in a storing means of the storing device and/or as raised storing bases, wherein both the storing recesses and the storing bases are configured such that they secure the bottles against rolling when they are in a lying position. Both of the above-mentioned alternatives can be implemented in a structurally simple manner and provide the option of adjusting the storing device to the daily storage and retrieval needs. The storing recesses in the storing means which can be configured as simple grooves, whose width and depth depends on the dimensions of the bottles that are to be stored, do not routinely interfere with the storage of pharmaceutical packages because they can be arranged above the storing recesses in such a way that a safe transport of the pharmaceutical packages is still ensured. In a preferred embodiment, the storing bases can be configured such that they can be removed from the storing means. For example, it is conceivable for the storing bases to be temporarily attached via magnets recessed in the storing means. Alternatively, a dovetail connection would be conceivable which can be used to slide the storing bases in the storing means and remove them therefrom if additional space is needed for placing pharmaceutical packages. Another preferred embodiment provides for the storage location receptacles to also be configured as storage recesses with a storage location and/or as raised storage location bases, wherein the storage location recesses and the storage location bases are configured such that they protect the bottles from rolling when they are in a lying position. In the above-mentioned embodiment, the shelves typically available in an order picking device can be advantageously used. The storage location recesses can be incorporated in the shelf as a simple groove, the storage location bases can simply be (temporarily) attached on a customary shelf. An alternative embodiment provides for the storing receptacles and/or storage location receptacles to be formed by a plurality of parallel storing struts or storage location struts. In a corresponding embodiment, the storing means of the storing device has a plurality of parallel storing struts which are guided at their ends. In this embodiment, it is also conceivable that the storing device has a section for pharmaceutical packages and a section for bottles. The storage location struts could be configured as simple brackets on a wall of the order picking device. A pair of storage location struts or storing struts, respectively, then forms the storing receptacle or storage location receptacle. One advantage of the use of storage location struts, in particular, may be that a defined storage area could be provided with less material and thus weight (in comparison to a shelf of the same dimensions). As with customary pharmaceutical packages, the bottles that are to be stored have different dimensions, i.e. they are of different lengths and of different diameters. If the storing receptacles and storage location receptacles have the central recess orthogonal to the X direction which allows to store bottles of different dimensions, a preferred embodiment of the order picking device according to the invention provides for all storing receptacles and storage location receptacles to have the same outer receptacle width AB. This has the advantage that the gripping means does not need to be adapted to the dimensions of the storing receptacles and storage location receptacles. The parallel displaceability of gripping means (usually clamping jaws) routinely required for storing and retrieving customary pharmaceutical packages is not required in this case, the gripper can be kept constructionally simple and storing and retrieving operations can be performed even faster. The gripping means of the gripper is simply moved under the bottle, i.e. into the space below the cross-section of a bottle (shadow space) and the gripping means is lifted. As soon as a frictional connection and/or positive connection with the bottle is produced, the bottle can be either pulled or lifted from a receptacle, wherein the type of storing receptacle or storage location receptacle determines whether a bottle is or can be lifted or pulled, respectively. In a constructionally very simple embodiment, in particular of the gripper, it is thus provided for the gripping means of the gripper to have two prongs of fork-shaped construction that can are displaceable in a Y direction orthogonally to the X direction and in the Z direction and that are configured such that they are movable in the Y direction in a space defined by the cross-section of the bottle that is to be retrieved and situated below the maximum cross-section.

In this context, it is further preferable that the prongs of the gripping means are arranged in a stationary manner on the gripping means, wherein the distance DI between opposite inner surfaces of the prongs is greater than the outer receptacle width AB. As explained above, a corresponding embodiment is constructionally particularly simple because parallel displacement of the prongs is not required. With respect to the prongs, it is preferable in preferred embodiments that the prongs are of (circular-)cylinder-shaped or rod-shaped configuration, wherein the two prongs can be rotatable about a longitudinal axis when they are in the rod shaped design. The (circular-)cylinder-shaped prongs have the possible advantage that they are of very simple construction and thus accordingly inexpensive. The rod-shaped prongs can provide a larger contact surface for contacting a bottle that is to be retrieved. This can also enable the pulling of heavy bottles via a frictional connection. In an order picking device in which both bottles and pharmaceutical packages are stored, it is particularly advantageous if the rod-shaped prongs are rotatable about their longitudinal axis. If the two inner surfaces are aligned parallel to one another, i.e. the prongs are vertically aligned, they are particularly suitable for retrieving pharmaceutical packages. If the rod-shaped prongs are disposed in a V-shaped manner with respect to one another, i.e. they are both turned inwards at the "bottom", the prongs are well-suited for retrieving bottles. A preferred embodiment provides for at least one prong to have a carrier at its end. This carrier can be integral with the prong, i.e. formed as a kind of section of the prong, or it can be attached to one end of the prong. The carrier is suited to produce an (additional) positive connection between the bottle that is to be retrieved and the prong enabling even heavy bottles to be pulled from the storage location receptacle. Prior to storing the bottles, they are identified by means of the identification device of the order picking device such that a precise link can be established between the bottle that is to be stored and the storage location. The dimensions of a bottle can be known to the control device based on the identification data of the bottle. However, it is not uncommon that the manufacturers of medicines change the dimensions of the packaging or bottle while the content stays the same. For example, a medicine X, bottle capacity of 200 ml, can be marketed in a bottle of a height Hi and diameter Dl for a time, and then be changed, for example for aesthetic reasons, to a bottle of height H2 and diameter D2. The use of the measuring device ensures that the control device is informed of the precise dimensions of a bottle that is to be stored at any time such that the ideal storage location within the order picking device can always be determined using this information. There is also provided a method for retrieving bottles from an order picking device as described herein and as claimed. In one embodiment there is provided a method for retrieving bottles from an order picking device, wherein a control device is used to determine a storage location of a bottle that is to be retrieved, an operating device coupled with the control device is displaced, within the order picking device, to the determined storage location, the determined bottle is removed from a storage location receptacle associated with the storage location using a gripper of the operating device, wherein the storage location receptacle is formed by a plurality of parallel storage location struts, by moving the prongs of a gripping means of the gripper parallel to a storage location receptacle of a bottle that is to be retrieved in the Y direction, at least in sections, in a space defined by the cross-section of the bottle that is to be retrieved and situated below the maximum cross-section, and subsequently moving the prongs upwards in the Z direction and producing a frictional connection between the prongs and a bottle that is to be retrieved, by means of which the bottle that is to be retrieved is moved away from the storage location receptacle, which is formed by a plurality of parallel storage location struts, and transferring the bottle that is to be retrieved to an unloading device of the order picking device using the operating device, moving the bottle that is to be retrieved away from the storage location by, after producing the frictional connection, lifting the bottle from the storage location receptacle, which is formed by a plurality of parallel storage location struts, via a movement in the Z direction and by subsequently moving the prongs of the gripping means backwards in the Y direction, wherein the storage location receptacle is configured such that the bottle is held therein in a lying position in such a way that it is secured against rolling. According to the invention, a storage location of a bottle that is to be retrieved is determined using a control device, an operating device coupled with the control device is moved, within the order picking device, to the determined storage location, and the determined bottle is removed from a storage location receptacle associated with the storage location using a gripper of the operating device. According to the invention, the prongs of a gripping means of the gripper are moved parallel to a storage location receptacle of a bottle that is to be retrieved in the Y direction, at least in sections in a space defined by the cross section of the bottle that is to be retrieved and situated below the maximum cross-section and subsequently the prongs are moved and/or turned upwards in the Z direction and thus a frictional connection and/or positive connection is produced between the prongs and a bottle that is to be retrieved. Via the frictional connection and/or positive connection the bottle that is to be retrieved is moved away from the storage location receptacle. Subsequently, the bottle that is to be retrieved is transferred to an unloading device of the order picking device using the operating device. A positive connection can, for example, be produced by a carrier section on a prong which is suited to engage behind a bottle that is to be retrieved. A method according to the invention provides for the prongs to be moved in a space formed by the cross-section below the maximum cross-section, i.e. the free space below the maximum cross-section in the X direction, i.e. in a space defined by a projection of the outer circumference of the bottle onto a plane situated thereunder. According to the invention, it is sufficient if only one section of the prongs is moved "under" the bottle, i.e. in the above-mentioned space. However, it is essential that the minimum distance of opposite surfaces of the prongs is less than the diameter of the bottle that is to be retrieved. To produce a frictional connection between the prongs and the bottle, the prongs are moved upwards in the Z direction. As soon as the frictional connection has been produced, the bottle can be moved away from the storage location by means thereof. One embodiment provides for the bottle that is to be retrieved to be moved from the storage location by pulling the bottle, after producing the frictional connection and/or positive connection between the prongs and the bottle that is to be retrieved, from the storage location receptacle onto the gripper by moving the prongs of the gripping means backwards in the Y direction, i.e. towards the gripper. It can be sufficient for this purpose to produce only a frictional connection between the bottle(s) that is/are to be retrieved and the inner surfaces of the prongs. Particularly, for heavy and/or several bottles it can be necessary to produce a(n) (additional) positive connection, for example, between carriers on the prongs and the bottle(s) that is/are to be retrieved. By means of this positive connection, the bottle is then pulled from the storage location. To reduce the force required to pull the bottle after the positive connection has been produced, it can also be provided for producing a frictional connection and a positive connection. For this purpose, the bottle that is to be retrieved can be slightly lifted via a movement of the gripping means in the Y direction. An alternative embodiment provides for the bottle that is to be retrieved to be moved away from the storage location by, after producing the frictional connection, lifting the bottle from the storage location receptacle via a movement in the Z direction and by subsequently moving the prongs of the gripping means backwards in the Y direction. A corresponding procedure is particularly preferred if a gap exists between the gripper and the storage location receptacle due to structural restrictions making it difficult to pull the bottle onto the gripper or preventing it. However, to enable heavy bottles to be pulled from the storage location receptacle, as mentioned above, a preferred embodiment provides for at least one of the prongs to have a carrier at one end and for producing a positive connection between the carrier and the bottle that is to be retrieved in addition to or as an alternative to producing a frictional connection. When the positive connection is produced, the carrier engages behind a section of the bottle such that pulling of the bottle is enabled by the positive connection even if the frictional connection is not sufficient for pulling the bottle. This can be particularly advantageous for heavy bottles and/or very deep storage areas because it is possible to use prongs that are less stable. Also, it is structurally simpler to anchor them on the gripper. Engaging behind can be achieved, for example, by turning a carrier behind a bottle or by moving the carrier behind a wide bottle area from below or above.

Brief description of the drawings The preferred embodiments of the order picking device according to the invention and preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of the order picking device according to the invention, Figure 2 shows a sectional view in the Y direction through the preferred embodiment, Figure 3 shows a plan view of the preferred embodiment, Figure 4 shows an oblique view of the preferred embodiment, Figure 5 shows another side view of the embodiment, wherein additional components are illustrated, Figure 6 shows a schematic view of some components of the preferred embodiment, Figure 7 shows a detail view for Figure 6, Figure 8 shows a detail view of the storing means with storing bases applied thereon, Figure 9 shows a detail view of bottles lying on storage location bases, Figure 10 shows a side view of a storage area of bottles, Figure 11 shows another side view of a storage area, Figures 12a-12d show schematic snapshots of a first embodiment of the method according to the invention, Figures 13a-13e show a second embodiment of the method according to the invention, and

Figure 14 shows different types of storage location receptacles.

Description Figure 1 shows a sectional side view of a preferred embodiment of the order picking device 1 according to the invention. The section is made along a central lane in which an operating device 20 is displaceable along a vertical guide 26 and two horizontal guides 24a, 24b. The operating device 20 comprises two drives 25, 27 to displace a gripper 30 horizontally and vertically in the lane. In the illustrated sectional view, a plurality of vertical dividing walls 5 can be seen, between which a plurality of shelves 6 is arranged. To avoid overloading the drawing, only four shelves are illustrated, customary pharmaceutical packages 3 are arranged on two of the shelves 6, storage location receptacles 11 are arranged on two of the other shelves 6 on each of which one bottle 2 is arranged. A storage location receptacle 11 corresponds to a corresponding storage location 10, wherein such storage location is a "virtual" storage location whose configuration and size vary depending on the bottle that is to be placed. A storing device 40 is shown in the lower area of the order picking device which can be used to move bottles from the outside into the order picking device. On the storing means 49, which is indicated as continuous belt in the embodiment shown, two storing receptacles 41 are indicated, on each of which is arranged one bottle 2 that is to be stored. Both the storing device 40 and the operating device 20 are coupled with a control device 70 which is schematically indicated in Figure 1. Normally, an order picking device comprises two of the shelf rows illustrated in Figure 1, wherein the operator device is displaceable in a lane between the shelf rows arranged opposite each other. Figure 2 shows a sectional view through the preferred embodiment of the order picking device according to the invention, wherein it can be seen from this section along the Y direction that the preferred embodiment comprises two shelf rows 7 arranged opposite each other. Furthermore, it can be seen in Figure 2 that the operating device is displaceable in the Z direction and X direction along the horizontal guides 24a, 24ba and the vertical guide 26. If a storage location in the "right" shelf row 7 is to be accessed, the gripper 30 is turned about its longitudinal axis by 180 degrees. As can be seen in Figure 2, the shelf rows 7 are typically closed towards the exterior by means of a cover 8. Figure 3 shows a plan view of a section of the preferred embodiment. As can be seen, several shelves 6 are arranged between a plurality of vertical shelf walls. Several storage location receptacles 11 are only indicated on one shelf. It can also be seen in Figure 3 that the storage locations 10 are distributed on a shelf depending on the dimensions of the bottles. While two bottles 2 are stored one after another in the right storage row, and thus two storage locations are provided, only one elongated bottle 2'' is stored to its left such that this storage row only provides one storage location 10. If the bottle 2'' was to be retrieved, for example, two storage locations of the same size could be provided in this shelf row, such as illustrated in the right storage row. Figure 3 shows the gripper 30 of the operating device, in particular the gripping means 31 which are configured as two prongs of a fork-shaped gripping means in the embodiment shown, wherein the gripping means will be described in further detail below. Figure 4 shows an oblique view of a preferred embodiment of the order picking device according to the invention, wherein most of the lining elements are omitted to better visualize the components arranged in the interior. This illustration shows particularly the arrangement of the storing device 40 with respect to the entire order picking device. A section of the storing means 49 of the storing device 40 protrudes from the "front" of the order picking device. The pharmaceutical packages or bottles that are to be stored are deposited in this section. An illustration of the storing receptacles has been omitted in this illustration as only the general overall structure is to be illustrated. In the embodiment shown, an identification device 50is arranged above the section of the storing device protruding from the order picking device, this identification device 50 comprising, in the embodiment shown, a permanently fixed identification means 51 arranged above the opening of the protruding section. Further, the identification device 50 comprises a mobile identification means 52 which can be manually operated by a user, for example, to scan a bar code of a bottle. A measuring device 80 is indicated, in the storing direction, behind the protruding section of the storing device and above the storing device which can be used to measure the diameter and length of bottles transported past the measuring device 80. In addition, a section of the unloading device 60 is shown in the right front section of the order picking device which can be used to dispense bottles or pharmaceutical packages from the order picking device. A display device 90 for the operating staff is indicated above the unloading device 60. In addition, the actual arrangement of the control device 70 within the order picking device is indicated. Figure 5 shows a side view of the representation in Figure 4 and it can be seen that the storing device 40 extends almost entirely through the order picking device in the X direction. In particular, this has the advantage that the entire length of the storing device 40 can be used as a kind of intermediate buffer such that, for example, the operating staff is able to deposit and store bottles more quickly than the operating device is able to arrange them at their final storage locations. Figure 6 shows a schematic view of some components of the preferred embodiment and, in particular, the storing device 40, parts of the gripper, some shelves 6 and storing receptacles and storage location receptacles 41, 11 arranged on the storing device and the shelves. Figure 7 shows a detail view for Figure 6, wherein the bottles illustrated in Figure 6, have been omitted for better illustration of the storage location receptacles. Two shelves 6 are indicated in the upper section according to Figure 7, wherein a plurality of storage location receptacles in form of storage location bases 13 each of which is formed by a pair of parallel longitudinal struts 13a, 13b is illustrated on the upper shelf. Each pair of parallel longitudinal struts 13a, 13b provides one or several storing receptacles, in particular depending on the dimensions of the bottles that are to be stored. In Figure 7, it is assumed that only bottles of the same dimensions are stored in the visible area, in particular three bottles one after another in a storage row, wherein a storage row is defined by a storing base. Accordingly, three storage locations 10a, 10b and 10c and three corresponding storage location receptacles, which are structurally connected with each other in this case, are provided in each storage row. In Figure 7, the separation of the individual storage locations is indicated by the dotted storage location separation lines 15, 16. The lower left part shows a section of a storing means 49 with two storing receptacles applied thereon which are, in turn, configured as storing bases and provided by a pair of parallel struts 43a, 43b. For the right storing base due to the size of the bottle 2 which is configured as a kind of can in the embodiment shown, two storage locations 10' result, for the left storing base three storage locations result due to the smaller size of the bottles. Of the gripper, only the prongs 32, 33 are shown which are configured as elongated rods disposed in a V-shaped manner having adhesion-promoting sections 32a at their ends. A frictional connection between the inner surfaces and the bottle is produced via inner surfaces of the prongs opposite each other, of which only the inner surface 34 of the prongs 32 can be seen. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, each prong comprises a carrier at its end, of which only the carrier 37 of prong 33 can be seen in Figure 7. One section of the carrier 37 engages behind an end of the bottle such that there is not only a frictional connection but a positive connection as well between the bottle and the prongs. Figure 8 again shows a detail view of a storing means 49 with two storing receptacles each of which is configured as storing base comprising two parallel struts 43a, 43b. Figure 9 shows a section of a shelf 6 having four parallel storing bases each of which is formed by two parallel struts 13a, 13b. In the embodiment shown, each of the storing bases shown provides storage location receptacles for three bottles. As explained above, the storage locations and the number of storage location receptacles (per storage row) depends from the dimensions of the stored bottles. Figure 10 shows a side view of a storage area of bottles. In particular, Figure 10 illustrates that the horizontal spacing of the shelves differs in such a way that this spacing is adapted to bottles of different diameters. As can be surmised from Figure 10, the storage location receptacles consisting of two parallel struts 13a, 13b used for the different bottles, are the same for bottles of small and those of large diameter. Figure 11 shows another view of a storage area for bottles and illustrates that, for optimal use of a storage area, it is also possible to store small bottles next to large bottles, in particular if it is not possible to store two large bottles on adjacent storage location receptacles due to the diameters thereof. Figures 12a-12b show schematic snapshots of a first embodiment of the method according to the invention. Using the control device, the storage location of the bottle 2 that is to be retrieved and represented in Figures 12a-12d was determined. As shown in Figure 12a, such bottle lies on a storage location receptacle which is configured as storage location base in the embodiment shown, which is in turn formed by two parallel struts 13a, 13b. When viewed from above, the cross-section of the bottle forms an area on the shelf 6 which is hereinafter referred to as cross-section shadow surface or in short shadow surface SR. As can be seen in Figure 12b, the prongs 32, 33 which are configured as circular rods in the embodiment shown, are moved, at least in sections, into the shadow space SR in order to retrieve the bottle. As soon as the prongs have been moved far enough with respect to the length of the bottle, the prongs are moved upwards in the Z direction until producing a frictional connection between the inner surfaces of the prongs and the bottle, such as represented in Figure 12c. In the embodiment shown in Figures 12a-12d, the bottle is then removed from the storage location receptacle via another upwards movement of the prongs in the Z direction. As soon as the bottle is lifted high enough, the bottle can be moved back to the gripper via a movement in the Y direction.

The Figures 13a-13e show a second embodiment of the method according to the invention. This embodiment also shows an advanced stage of the method, in which, in particular, the prongs, which are configured as rods disposed in a V-shaped manner, have been moved into the shadow space SR below the bottle that is to be retrieved. In the embodiment shown, carriers 36, 37 are arranged at the ends of the prongs 32, 33 (see in particular Figures 13b, 13d). As can be seen particularly in Figure 13b, no frictional connection is produced yet between the prongs and the bottle 2 immediately after the prongs have been introduced into the shadow space. To produce such frictional connection, the prongs are moved upwards in the Z direction from the position shown in Figure 13a, 13b and in particular to the position shown in Figures 13c, 13d. In this position, there is a frictional connection between the inner surfaces of the prongs and the bottle 2 that is to be retrieved. In the embodiment shown, the carriers further cause a positive connection between the carriers 36, 37 and the bottle 2. As soon as the positive connection and frictional connection is produced, the bottle 2 which is to be retrieved can be moved to the gripper, which is only indicated in Figure 13e, via a movement of the prongs in the Y direction. Figure 14 shows several variants of storage location receptacles. The storage location receptacles are shown as storage location bases 13 in the upper row which are arranged on the surface of a shelf 6. The upper form of the two left storage location bases 13 is adapted to closely match the round form of the bottle that is to be stored. On the one hand, this provides for a good retention of the bottles, but, on the other hand, it has the disadvantage that this good retention is only provided for bottles closely matching the rounding of the base. In the drawing in the upper right corner, the storing base is formed by two parallel struts 13a, 13b, which has the advantage that bottles of different diameters can be stored. In the center row, the storage location receptacles are formed by a plurality of parallel storage location struts 14. The occupancy density of the parallel storing struts depends on the diameter of the bottles that are to be stored.

In the lower row, several storage location receptacles configured as storage location recesses 12 that can be simply incorporated into the shelf 6 in form of a groove are shown. The shadow spaces SR which can be of different sizes depending on the kind of storage of the bottle are indicated for each right-most bottle of a row. As can be seen in Figure 14, all storage location receptacles shown comprise a recess 15 extending in the Y direction. Due to the different configurations of the storage location receptacles, each recess is of a different configuration, however, always extends in the Y direction and forms a "center" for the storage of the bottles. Furthermore, three double-headed arrows marked with AB indicated that the outer receptacle width of all storing receptacles for storing bottles of the same diameter is the same irrespective of their configuration. Figure 14 shows several types of storage location receptacles. This type of configuration of the storage location receptacles can also be applied to the storing receptacles, in particular without changing the type of receptacle such that no representation thereof is included herein. The embodiments shown, in particular of the storage location receptacles, are preferred embodiments only. Securing the bottles may also be performed using other means, for example by means of side receptacles which are adapted to bottles with pre determined diameters. Clamping holders clamping the bottle as soon as it is moved to a pre-determined position using the gripper or the gripper reaches a pre-determined position are also conceivable.

Claims (7)

Claims

1. An order picking device for storing bottles having a plurality of storage locations for bottles, an operating device displaceable in front of the storage locations horizontally in an X direction and vertically in a Z direction, coupled with a control device and having a gripper, at least one storing device which can be used to move bottles into the order picking device and from which the operating device can remove the bottles, at least one identification device for identifying bottles, an unloading device to which the bottles are transferred by the operating device for retrieval from the order picking device, wherein a plurality of the storage locations has storage location receptacles and the storing device has at least one storing receptacle for bottles, wherein the gripper has a gripping means which is configured such that the bottles are movable from the storage location receptacles and storing receptacles by being lifted by the gripping means, wherein the storing receptacles and/or the storage location receptacles are formed by a plurality of parallel storing struts or parallel storage location struts, and wherein the gripping means has two prongs of fork-shaped construction that are displaceable in a Y direction orthogonally to the X direction and in the Z direction and are configured such that they are movable in the Y direction, at least in sections, into a space defined by the cross-section of the bottle that is to be retrieved and situated below the maximum cross-section, wherein the storage location receptacles and the storing receptacles are configured such that the bottles are held therein in a lying position in such a way that they are secured against rolling.

2. The order picking device for storing bottles according to claim 1, wherein the prongs of the gripping means are arranged in a stationary manner on the gripping means, wherein the distance between opposite inner surfaces of the prongs is greater than the outer receptacle width.

3. The order picking device for storing bottles according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the prongs are of cylinder shaped or rod-shaped configuration, wherein the two prongs can be rotatable about a longitudinal axis when they are in the rod-shaped design.

4. The order picking device for storing bottles according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein at least one prong has a carrier at its end.

5. The order picking device for storing bottles according to any one of claims 1 - 4, wherein the storing device is associated with a measuring device which can be used to determine at least the diameter of the bottles.

6. A method for retrieving bottles from an order picking device, wherein a control device is used to determine a storage location of a bottle that is to be retrieved, an operating device coupled with the control device is displaced, within the order picking device, to the determined storage location, the determined bottle is removed from a storage location receptacle associated with the storage location using a gripper of the operating device, wherein the storage location receptacle is formed by a plurality of parallel storage location struts, by moving the prongs of a gripping means of the gripper parallel to a storage location receptacle of a bottle that is to be retrieved in the Y direction, at least in sections, in a space defined by the cross-section of the bottle that is to be retrieved and situated below the maximum cross-section, and subsequently moving the prongs upwards in the Z direction and producing a frictional connection between the prongs and a bottle that is to be retrieved, by means of which the bottle that is to be retrieved is moved away from the storage location receptacle, which is formed by a plurality of parallel storage location struts, and transferring the bottle that is to be retrieved to an unloading device of the order picking device using the operating device, moving the bottle that is to be retrieved away from the storage location by, after producing the frictional connection, lifting the bottle from the storage location receptacle, which is formed by a plurality of parallel storage location struts, via a movement in the Z direction and by subsequently moving the prongs of the gripping means backwards in the Y direction, wherein the storage location receptacle is configured such that the bottle is held therein in a lying position in such a way that it is secured against rolling.

7. The method for retrieving bottles from an order picking device according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the prongs has a carrier at one end and in that, in addition to producing a frictional connection, a positive connection is produced between the carrier and the bottle that is to be retrieved.