CH719736A1 - Device and method for loading flat goods units into a transport container. - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (6) for introducing flat goods units (2) into a transport container (8, 81) comprises an introduction module (63) for introducing flat goods units (2) into a transport container (8, 81), a feed module (61) for feeding Flat goods units (2) to the insertion module (63), and a first identification module (65) for identifying flat goods units (2). The feed module (61) comprises a flat conveyor device (613), with which flat goods units (2) can be conveyed along a conveyor path. The identification module (65) is set up to determine the identity of a folded goods unit (2).

Description

field of technology

The invention relates to devices and methods for introducing flat goods units into a transport container, in particular into a hanging conveyor bag of a hanging conveyor system.

Technological background

Important topics in intralogistics include keeping goods units ready and picking goods units, i.e. putting together different goods units for an order. There is a need for automation of processes in intralogistics systems.

Conveyor systems with automatically conveyable transport containers have established themselves as an efficient solution for automatic storage systems and picking systems, particularly with regard to heterogeneous goods units. In automated warehouses, extensive production facilities and in general when conveying and transporting goods, overhead conveyor systems in particular have proven to be an efficient means of transport, intermediate buffering and also long-term storage of various types of goods.

In hanging conveyor systems, the goods are either suspended in a suitable manner directly from individual conveyor elements of a conveyor system, or placed in corresponding transport containers such as transport bags, which in turn are stored hanging on the conveyor elements. Suspended conveyor systems can be implemented as transport chain systems in which a large number of conveyor elements form links of a chain that is moved along a conveyor path. Gravity-assisted conveyor systems are also known, in which individual conveyor elements move on corresponding running rails. Such gravity-assisted, rail-guided conveyor systems are known, for example, from US 2017/275826 A1, US 2018/215547 A1 and US 2017/282317 A1.

US 2021/0395017 A1 shows in particular a device for automatically providing hanging conveyor bags in a configuration in which the hanging conveyor bags can be filled transversely to the conveying direction.

[0006] In particular, the constantly increasing volumes in online trading require retailers, suppliers and logistics companies to handle the goods to be processed efficiently, in particular with regard to the production, provision and storage of the items, as well as the picking and transport of the items to the Customers. Hanging conveyor systems with transport containers are particularly suitable for the efficient conveyance of heterogeneous goods units, such as workpieces in production processes, spare parts, consumer goods such as books, clothes, shoes, etc. For example, hanging conveyor systems can be used in logistics centers of mail order companies to transport a variety of goods -To store units of different sizes and weights and to pick groups of items according to the respective customer orders, i.e. to put them together into product groups according to specifications and to prepare them for shipping.

In this description, the term goods units or goods is used synonymously, and can in particular include individual piece goods, but also packaged goods such as parcels, and generally items that can be handled individually.

An aspect relevant to overhead conveyor systems is the simple, smooth and efficient introduction of goods units into the empty transport elements, for example transport bags, and the simple, smooth and efficient removal of the goods units from the transport elements. Manually introducing the goods units into the transport elements or removing the goods units from the transport elements allows flexible handling of different goods units, but is slow and cost-intensive. Accordingly, partially automated or fully automated systems were developed.

Examples of such automated loading systems and/or unloading systems for transport bags transported in an overhead conveyor system are shown, for example, in EP 2130968 A1, US 2018/072511 A1, US 2018/0208407 A1, EP 2418160 A1, US 2019/0367282 A1, US 2021/ 0171292 A1, WO 2018/078098 A1, US 2017/0369250 A1 and US 2021/0053763 A1.

So that transport containers can be filled with goods units efficiently and without problems, the goods units should have a stable geometry. For goods that are not very dimensionally stable, such as clothing, this can be achieved, for example, by folding them and packing them in a plastic film. However, the use of such plastic packaging is increasingly being criticized, on the one hand because of the consumption of valuable resources and, on the other hand, because of environmental pollution if the packaging material is disposed of inappropriately.

Filling transport containers with units of goods generally involves at least one manual work step, namely when separating the units of goods. Units of goods are removed manually from a stack or from a container and placed individually either directly into transport containers provided or into a corresponding filling device. The use of robot systems is possible, but not very cost-effective for this purpose.

In order to enable the identification of objects, in particular goods units, in an intralogistics system, the goods units can be provided with readable data elements which contain the type of goods or a unique identification number. For example, optically readable data elements in the form of barcodes or two-dimensional QR codes can be attached to an object, which can then be read with a barcode scanner or a camera.

[0013] RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) transponders can also be arranged on or in the goods units. Such RFID elements are read using a radio frequency-based RFID reading device. RFID elements can be designed to be active or passive. There are known RFID elements in which data can be written from the outside. Passive RFID transponders, also called RFID tags, are powered by a radio frequency signal radiated in from outside. They are cost-effective and maintenance-free.

Depending on the technology used, RFID transponders can also be read at greater distances, which can make it difficult to clearly assign a received signal, and thus the associated data, to a specific object if a large number of corresponding objects are in close proximity.

[0015] From DE 102010020531 A1 an RFI D reading device is known with which an RFID element of an object can be read, which is conveyed on a horizontal conveyor past a laterally arranged RFID reading unit. The transmitting antenna has a directional characteristic with a swiveling directional range. Signal intensity is used to determine whether a received signal is from an object at the intended detection position or another position on the horizontal conveyor.

US 2012/0019364 A1 shows another RFID reading unit for reading objects on a conveyor, with a readout tunnel through which a horizontal conveyor runs.

US 2015/0324621 A1 shows an RFID reading unit with a readout tunnel and with an additional hand-held antenna for post-identification of objects on a conveyor, which is connected to the stationary RFID reading unit.

US 9483672 B2 shows a roller conveyor with an RFID reading unit which is arranged below the roller conveyor. The roller conveyor rollers are not driven. The RF (radio frequency) transmitter of the RFID reading unit includes an exciter exciter which is arranged below two rollers of the roller conveyor over a base plate. The metal axles of the two rollers are electrically connected to form a closed loop. The result is an upward localized RF field that can excite a passive RFI D element on an object on the roller conveyor. The roller conveyor and the RFID reading unit form an integral unit whose components must be coordinated with one another.

There is a general need for advances in this area of technology.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a container of the type mentioned at the outset which does not have some of the above-mentioned and other disadvantages. In particular, such a container should make it possible to efficiently introduce units of goods into transport containers of a conveyor system of an intralogistics system. Such a container should advantageously be inexpensive to produce and should require little or no manual work steps to handle.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device and a method for introducing units of goods into a transport container. Such a device or such a method should enable cost-efficient, automatic filling of transport containers with units of goods.

These and other tasks are solved by a container according to the invention, a method according to the invention for producing containers and devices and methods according to the invention for introducing units of goods into transport containers, according to the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments and design variants are given in the dependent claims and the description.

The solution according to the invention can be further improved by various configurations that are advantageous in themselves and, unless stated otherwise, can be combined with one another in any way. These embodiments and the advantages associated with them are discussed below.

A first aspect of the invention relates to an advantageous container for a plurality of goods units. Such an advantageous container comprises a carrier strand on which a plurality of packing units are arranged one behind the other in a row.

Such a container allows the packing units to be conveyed in a controlled manner in the longitudinal direction by conveying the carrier strand and, if necessary, to be made available for further processing, without the packing units having to be separated beforehand. If necessary, a single packing unit, or even several packing units arranged one behind the other, can then be separated from the container according to the invention so that they can be further processed. In particular, the packaging unit can be placed in a transport container provided.

The carrier strand and/or the packing unit can be made of plastic, in particular of a degradable plastic or a recycled plastic. Alternatively, the carrier strand and/or packing unit can be made of paper or cardboard or biological fiber material.

Advantageously, in a container according to the invention, at least one unit of goods is arranged in at least one packing unit of the plurality of packing units.

The goods units in a packaging unit of such a container according to the invention can in particular be dimensionally unstable. The goods units can be items of clothing, for example.

A container according to the invention can comprise different types of goods units, for example items of clothing of different sizes and/or different colors.

Alternatively, a container according to the invention can also be provided without product units in order to be able to introduce the product units into the packaging units at a later point in time.

[0031] Advantageously, in a container according to the invention, the carrier strand is band-shaped.

Alternatively or additionally, in a container according to the invention, the carrier strand advantageously consists of a flexible material.

In an advantageous embodiment of a container according to the invention, a hinge element is arranged on the carrier strand between two adjacent packing units.

Such hinge elements serve to be able to fold the carrier strand of a container according to the invention in a targeted manner, for example in the manner of a fanfold, which enables space-saving packaging of such a container. In addition, such a container according to the invention is flexible, which makes automatic conveyance easier.

Alternatively or additionally, in a container according to the invention, a predetermined breaking point or a localized mechanical weak point can be arranged on the carrier strand between two adjacent packing units.

A predetermined breaking point simplifies the separation of packing elements from the container by using the corresponding predetermined breaking points to separate a piece of the carrier strand with the packing unit arranged thereon. A plurality of packing units arranged one behind the other can also be separated.

A localized mechanical weak point can also take on the function of a hinge element.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a container according to the invention comprises two or more carrier strands which are arranged parallel to one another.

Such a design of a container has the advantage that less material is required than if a carrier strand extends over the entire width between the outermost two carrier strands.

In another advantageous embodiment of a container according to the invention, the carrier strand is formed by packing units connected to one another in a chain.

[0041] Such a container has the advantage that no separate carrier strand is required to obtain a packaging strand.

In a further advantageous embodiment of a container according to the invention, the packaging units have a substantially flat first carrier element, on which a unit of goods can be attached or is attached.

In yet another advantageous embodiment of a container according to the invention, the packing units have two essentially flat carrier elements, between which a unit of goods can be held or held in a form-fitting manner.

Advantageously, at least one machine-readable first data element is arranged on the carrier strand, which is logically assigned to the entire container or a subset of the packaging units of the container.

[0045] Such a first data element, for example, allows a device that processes a container to obtain information about the container, its packaging units and/or the goods units contained therein by reading out the data element, so that when a goods unit is introduced into a transport container, the identity the goods unit can be assigned to the corresponding transport container in a database. For example, the type and number of goods units can be contained in the data element so that this information does not have to be recorded manually by an operator. This reduces the amount of work and eliminates possible sources of error. It is also possible, for example, for different units of goods to be arranged in the same container. For example, a set of different sizes and/or colors of a certain type of clothing can be delivered in the same container.

A first data element can also contain data that facilitates the correct processing of the container. For example, data on dimensions and material properties of the individual components of the container can be provided. Such information makes it possible to adapt devices that are intended to process different types of containers accordingly.

Alternatively or additionally, in a container according to the invention, machine-readable second data elements can be arranged on the individual packaging units.

The second data elements are logically assigned to the corresponding packaging unit and can be attached to the actual packaging unit or also to the goods unit contained therein.

Alternatively or additionally, in a container according to the invention, a plurality of machine-readable second data elements can be arranged on the carrier strand, with one of these second data elements being logically assigned to each packing unit.

Such second data elements can, for example, contain information about the units of goods contained in the corresponding packaging units of the container. This can be used in combination with a first data element for double control. Furthermore, the order of the goods units along the carrier line can be designed to be more flexible, since each goods unit can be identified individually.

The first data elements or second data elements of such a container according to the invention can have a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional barcode, a text element, a graphic element, and/or an RFID element.

In another advantageous embodiment variant of a container according to the invention, the carrier strand has machine-readable markings for determining the position on the carrier strand.

Such position markings make it possible to ensure the correct alignment of processing devices, for example modules for separating packaging units from the container. Likewise, in conjunction with data on the type and position of goods units on the carrier line, as can be provided in a first data element, for example, individual packaging units or goods units can be identified in this way, without the corresponding packaging units having individual identification data.

In another advantageous embodiment variant of a container according to the invention, the carrier strand has active elements which can interact with conveyor modules. The active elements can, for example, be designed as guide holes or lateral notches along the support strand.

Such active elements allow the positive interaction of a conveying module with the carrier strand, which allows more precise conveying than, for example, with a non-positive conveying of the carrier strand.

[0056] In a container according to the invention, a starting element is advantageously arranged at a first end of the carrier strand.

[0057] Such a starting element can, for example, serve to correctly introduce the carrier strand into a processing device. A first data element is advantageously arranged on the start element.

[0058] In a container according to the invention, a closing element is advantageously arranged at a second end of the carrier strand.

Such a closing element offers, for example, the advantage that reaching the regular end of the carrier strand of the container can be detected. For example, it can be determined that one end of the carrier strand has been reached prematurely, for example if it has previously broken.

In yet another advantageous variant of a container according to the invention, the container is arranged in a container.

Such a container can be, for example, a box or a packaging box, which allows the container to be transported and stored easily.

A second aspect of the invention relates to an advantageous method for creating a container from a plurality of goods units. Such an advantageous method includes the steps: - Providing a carrier strand; - Providing a plurality of packaging units; – Insertion of goods units into the packaging units; and - attaching the plurality of packing units along the carrier strand.

A container according to the invention is advantageously produced at the location where the product units are produced.

In an advantageous variant of a method according to the invention, the packing units are formed from the carrier strand. Such a method has the advantage that a separate carrier strand can be dispensed with.

In another advantageous variant of the method according to the invention, the packing units are attached to the carrier strand.

In a further advantageous variant of the method according to the invention, the carrier strand is formed by arranging the packing units in a row one behind the other. In yet another advantageous variant of the method according to the invention, the carrier strand is formed by linking the packing units.

[0067] In a method according to the invention, the goods units are advantageously introduced into the packaging units along the carrier strand after the packaging units have been attached.

In a method according to the invention, the goods units are advantageously introduced into the packaging units along the carrier strand before the packaging units are attached.

The goods units can also only be introduced into the packaging units after the packaging units have been attached to the carrier strand. This can happen, for example, essentially immediately after the packing units have been attached. Alternatively, the container can be manufactured completely without goods units and made available for later filling of the packaging units with goods units.

A third aspect of the invention relates to an advantageous device for introducing units of goods into a transport container. Such an advantageous device comprises a module for feeding a container according to the invention or a container produced according to a method according to the invention; a module for separating packaging elements from a conveyed container; and a module for introducing packaging units separated from the container into a transport container.

Such a device according to the invention advantageously has a module for identifying containers and/or packaging units and/or goods units.

[0072] The term “identify” is used in the context of this description both for the identification of a specific individual item, for example a unique identification number, and for the identification of a type of a specific item, for example an item number.

[0073] Such an identification module can include a reading unit which is intended to read a data element of a container or a packaging unit of the container. An identification module can also have an evaluation unit that is intended to evaluate the read data and use it to identify a container or a packaging unit.

A device according to the invention advantageously comprises a module for providing transport containers.

For example, such a provision module can be integrated into a conveyor system of an intralogistics system. It can be designed in such a way that transport containers can be fed into the conveyor system, prepared for filling and then transported away again in the conveyor system.

[0076] In a device according to the invention, the module for providing transport containers is advantageously set up to take over a transport container from a conveyor system and/or to transfer a transport container to a conveyor system.

The conveyor system can in particular be an overhead conveyor system. The transport container can in particular be a hanging conveyor bag.

[0078] Advantageously, in a device according to the invention, the module for providing transport containers is set up to take over a transport container in the form of a hanging conveyor bag from a hanging conveyor system and/or to transfer it to the hanging conveyor system.

In a further advantageous embodiment of a device according to the invention, the module for providing transport containers is set up to transfer a transport container in the form of a hanging conveyor bag from a closed state to an open state.

In another advantageous embodiment of a device according to the invention, the module for providing transport containers is set up to align a transport container in the form of a hanging conveyor bag of a hanging conveyor system before the unit of goods is introduced.

[0081] Particularly advantageously, in such a device according to the invention, the module for providing transport containers is set up to rotate the hanging conveyor bag from a conveying position into a filling position before the unit of goods is introduced.

A device according to the invention for introducing units of goods into a transport container is advantageously integrated into a conveyor system of an intralogistics system.

A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a method for introducing units of goods into a transport container. Such a method according to the invention comprises the steps: - providing a container according to the invention or a container produced according to a method according to the invention; – Providing a transport container; - Separating at least one packaging unit, which contains at least one unit of goods, from the container; and - introducing the at least one separated packaging unit into the transport container.

In such a method according to the invention, the packing units are advantageously separated from the container one after the other along the carrier strand.

Alternatively or additionally, in such a method according to the invention, the packing units can be separated from the container in groups of two or more packing units and placed in the transport container.

[0086] Advantageously, in a method according to the invention, the transport container provided is a transport container of a conveyor system, for example a hanging conveyor bag of a hanging conveyor system.

[0087] In an advantageous variant of a method according to the invention for introducing units of goods into a transport container, in order to introduce the at least one separated packaging unit into a transport container, the said transport container is stopped in the conveyor system and the at least one packaging unit is then introduced into the transport container.

[0088] In another advantageous variant of a method according to the invention for introducing units of goods into a transport container, in order to introduce the at least one separated packing unit into a transport container, the said transport container is continuously conveyed in the conveyor system, with the at least one packing unit being introduced into the moving transport container.

[0089] Continuous filling has the advantage that higher cycle times can be achieved due to the elimination of braking and acceleration processes. A device for automatically filling hanging conveyor bags while they are being continuously conveyed is known, for example, from US 2018/0208407 A1.

[0090] Advantageously, in a method according to the invention, the transport container in the form of a hanging conveyor bag of a hanging conveyor system is transferred from a closed state to an open state before the goods unit is introduced.

[0091] Also advantageously, in a method according to the invention, the transport container in the form of a hanging conveyor bag of a hanging conveyor system is aligned before the unit of goods is introduced.

[0092] Particularly advantageously, the hanging conveyor bag is rotated from a conveying position into a filling position before the goods unit is introduced.

A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a device for introducing flat goods units into a transport container. Such a device according to the invention comprises an introduction module for introducing flat goods units into a transport container; a feed module for feeding flat goods units to the insertion module; and a first identification module for identifying flat goods units. The feed module includes a flat conveyor device with which flat goods units can be conveyed along a conveyor path. The identification module is set up to determine the identity of a flat goods unit.

The feed module can be designed as a lying conveyor device, for example as a belt conveyor.

[0095] The first identification module is advantageously designed to read out a data element of the folded goods unit.

The identification module is further advantageously designed to determine the shape and dimensions of the flatware unit.

[0097] A flat goods unit is understood to mean an object that is suitable for being transported lying down. A flat goods unit can be, for example, a packaged or unpackaged individual item, a piece of clothing, or a packaging unit separated from a container according to the invention.

A transport container can in particular be a hanging conveyor bag of a hanging conveyor system.

A hanging conveyor bag of a hanging conveyor system advantageously comprises a carriage, which can be conveyed in a sliding or rolling manner on a running rail of the overhead conveyor system, as well as a transport bag which is suspended on the carriage by means of a suitable suspension device and in which units of goods can be stored.

[0100] Particularly advantageously, a transport container has a readable data element which allows the transport container to be identified. Such a readable data element can in particular be an optically readable data element or an RFID element.

If the transport container is designed as a hanging conveyor bag of a hanging conveyor system, the data element can be attached to the carriage of the hanging conveyor bag and/or to the transport bag of the hanging conveyor bag which is attached to it.

[0102] In a device according to the invention, the identification module is advantageously set up to determine the identity of a flat goods unit when it is located at an identification position on the flat conveyor device.

[0103] Such a selective identification of a flat goods unit allows the temporal or spatial sequence of flat goods units to be increased on the feed module without the possibility of ambiguous identifications occurring.

[0104] Advantageously, the first identification module comprises an optical reading unit and/or an RFID reading unit.

[0105] An optical reading unit can in particular comprise a camera or a barcode scanner in order to read an optically readable data element such as a barcode or a QR code, which contains the information for identifying the unit of goods. An optically readable data element must naturally be arranged on the outside of a product unit or otherwise visible from the outside so that the identification data can be read out. Since it is not necessarily possible to control how a unit of goods is arranged on the feed module, it may be necessary to provide an object with several optically readable data elements.

[0106] RFID elements have the advantage that they can also be arranged within a unit of goods.

[0107] Particularly advantageously, an RFID reading unit of the identification module is arranged below the feed module.

[0108] Arranging the RFID reading unit below the feed module allows the processing of flat goods units of different sizes. However, if the RFID reading unit is arranged above the feed module, the distance to the feed module must be sufficient so that the largest intended unit of goods can pass through. If the RFID reading unit is arranged laterally, the distance to the goods unit, or to an RFID transponder arranged on the goods unit, is not defined.

[0109] Furthermore, arranging the RFID reading unit below the feed module has the advantage that the distance to an RFID transponder is as short as possible. This allows the use of UHF RFID transponders, which can be read over a shorter distance, which reduces the necessary minimum distance between successive goods units.

In another advantageous embodiment of a device according to the invention, the feed module comprises a belt conveyor with an upper belt level and a lower belt level. An RF transmitter and/or an RF receiver of an RFID reading unit of the identification module is arranged between the upper belt level and the lower belt level of the belt conveyor.

In this way, the RF transmitter and/or the RF receiver of the RFID reading unit can be brought to a minimum distance from the goods unit of the belt conveyor, which is essentially only given by the thickness of the belt of the belt conveyor.

[0112] Advantageously, the belt of the belt conveyor has no metallic or conductive components so that the influence on the RFID reading unit is minimal.

[0113] In a further advantageous embodiment of a device according to the invention, the first identification module has a light barrier device for determining the presence or position of an object, in particular a flat goods unit, on the feed module.

[0114] Such a light barrier device, in combination with the conveying speed of a feed module, makes it possible to know the position and length of a unit of goods on the feed module. In this way, the unit of goods can be positioned at the ideal identification position of the identification module.

[0115] In yet another advantageous embodiment of a device according to the invention, the device is connected to a control device with a database, and the control device is set up to logically link the identity of a filled transport container and the identity of the unit of flat goods placed therein in the database.

[0116] This logical combination of goods unit and transport container is referred to in intralogistics as a marriage of goods unit and transport container.

[0117] Yet another advantageous embodiment of a device according to the invention has a provision module for providing transport containers.

[0118] The provision module of such a device according to the invention advantageously has a second identification module for identifying transport containers.

[0119] With the second identification module, data elements of the transport container can be read out, which allow the transport container to be identified.

[0120] Particularly advantageously, the second identification module comprises an optical detector unit and/or an RFID reading unit.

[0121] An optical reading unit can in particular comprise a camera or a barcode scanner in order to read an optically readable data element such as a barcode or a QR code.

[0122] In a device according to the invention, the provision module is advantageously set up to take over a transport container from a conveyor system and/or to transfer a transport container to a conveyor system.

[0123] In a device according to the invention, the provision module is advantageously set up to transfer a transport container in the form of a hanging conveyor bag from a closed state to an open state.

[0124] In a device according to the invention, the provision module is advantageously set up to align a transport container in the form of a hanging conveyor bag of a hanging conveyor system before the unit of goods is introduced.

[0125] In a device according to the invention, the provision module is advantageously set up to rotate the hanging conveyor bag from a conveying position into a filling position before the goods unit is introduced.

[0126] In another advantageous variant of a device according to the invention, the device comprises a module for feeding a container with a carrier strand on which a plurality of packing units are arranged one behind the other in a row; and a separation module for providing flat goods units by separating packaging elements from a conveyed container.

[0127] A device according to the invention is advantageously integrated into a conveyor system of an intralogistics system.

A sixth aspect of the invention relates to a method for introducing flat goods units into a transport container. In such a method according to the invention - a flat goods unit is provided on a feed module; - a transport container provided; – identifies the flat goods unit; – the transport container identified; and - the flat goods unit is placed in the transport container.

[0129] A flat goods unit is understood to mean an object that is suitable for being transported lying down. A flat goods unit can be, for example, a packaged or unpackaged individual item, a piece of clothing, or a packaging unit separated from a container according to the invention.

A transport container can in particular be a hanging conveyor bag of a hanging conveyor system.

[0131] A hanging conveyor bag of a hanging conveyor system advantageously comprises a carriage, which can be conveyed in a sliding or rolling manner on a running rail of the overhead conveyor system, as well as a transport bag which is suspended on the carriage by means of a suitable suspension device and in which units of goods can be stored.

[0132] Particularly advantageously, a transport container has a readable data element which allows the transport container to be identified. Such a readable data element can in particular be an optically readable data element or an RFID element.

If the transport container is designed as a hanging conveyor bag of a hanging conveyor system, the data element can be attached to the carriage of the hanging conveyor bag and/or to the transport bag of the hanging conveyor bag which is attached to it.

[0134] Advantageously, in such a method according to the invention, the identity of the flat goods unit and the identity of the transport container are logically linked to one another.

[0135] Such a logical link is advantageously carried out in a database, for example a database of a control device of an intralogistics system.

[0136] Further aspects of the present invention also emerge from the following description.

Short description of the characters

To better illustrate the present invention, reference is made to the drawings below. These merely show exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to the features disclosed herein. The same or similar reference numbers are used in the following figures and the associated description for parts that are the same or have the same effect. Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of an exemplary embodiment of a container according to the invention. Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of another exemplary embodiment of a container according to the invention. Figure 3 shows a schematic top view of the production of a further exemplary embodiment of a container according to the invention. Figure 4 shows schematically the production of the packing units in a variant of a container according to the invention. Figure 5 shows a schematic top view of another exemplary embodiment of a container according to the invention, in which the goods units are attached to the container with banderoles. Figure 6 shows a schematic top view of a further exemplary embodiment of a container according to the invention, in which the goods units are attached to the container with banderoles. Figure 7 shows schematically an exemplary embodiment of a container according to the invention with two-layer packing units, (a) in top view and (b) in side view. Figure 8 shows schematically an exemplary embodiment of a container according to the invention with banderoles formed from the carrier strand for fastening the goods units, (a) in top view and (b) in a section along the longitudinal direction. Figure 9 shows a schematic top view of an exemplary embodiment of a container according to the invention with second data elements on the carrier strand between adjacent packaging units. Figure 10 shows a schematic bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a container according to the invention with second data elements on the back of the carrier strand. Figure 11 shows a schematic bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a container according to the invention with position markings on the back of the carrier strand. Figure 12 shows a schematic top view of an exemplary embodiment of a container according to the invention with two parallel carrier strands. Figure 13 shows a schematic cross-section of a container according to the invention in a container. Figure 14 shows a schematic top view of another container according to the invention with perforated strips on the side. Figure 15 shows a schematic top view of another container according to the invention with lateral stiffening elements. Figure 16 shows a schematic top view of a container according to the invention as shown in Figure 9, with a starting element at the first end of the carrier strand. Figure 17 shows a schematic top view of a container according to the invention as shown in Figure 9, with a termination element at the second end of the carrier strand. Figure 18 shows a schematic side view of a device according to the invention for introducing units of goods into a transport container. Figure 19 shows schematically a device according to the invention as part of an intralogistics system. Figure 20 shows a schematic side view of a further device according to the invention for introducing units of goods into a transport container. Figure 21 shows a schematic side view of another device according to the invention for introducing units of goods into a transport container, with a sorting function. Figure 22 shows a schematic side view of another device according to the invention for introducing goods units into a transport container, with upstream belt conveyors as a buffer storage for goods units. Figure 23 shows a schematic side view of a device according to the invention for introducing units of goods into a transport container, an RFID reading unit and an optical reading unit. Figure 24 shows a schematic side view of a device according to the invention for introducing units of goods into a transport container, with manual loading of the device.

Ways of carrying out the invention

A possible embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention is shown in Figure 1. The container 1 comprises a carrier strand 11 in the form of a flat strip or band, which defines a longitudinal direction 10. The carrier strand 11 is made of a material that has a certain mechanical stability. The mechanical stability must be sufficient so that a packing unit 2, 2', 2" separated from the carrier strand 11 can stand vertically on a longitudinal edge or transverse edge without the packing unit folding or collapsing under the weight of the packing unit and the goods unit arranged therein .

In the example shown, a thin cardboard can be selected as the material for the carrier strand 11, for example, which is provided, for example, as an endless web from a roll. Alternatively, another suitable material can also be selected, such as a plastic film with suitable rigidity, in which case a biodegradable material is advantageously selected.

[0140] The carrier strand 11 has perforations 17 at regular intervals transverse to the longitudinal direction 10. The carrier strand 11 functionally divides these perforations into a plurality of packing units 2, 2', 2", each with a flat carrier element 21. At the same time, local weakenings in the mechanical stability of the carrier strand arise along the perforations 17. The perforations therefore act as hinge elements on which adjacent ones Carrier elements 21 of the carrier strand 11 can be pivoted relative to one another. This makes it possible for the container 1, analogous to a chain, to be flexibly deflected perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 10 and to the perforation 17. It can, for example, be conveyed with a suitable device, as described below Will be discussed in connection with Figure 18. It can also be accommodated in a space-saving container, as shown in Figure 13.

[0141] The perforations can also be used as predetermined breaking points 18 in order to separate a packaging unit 2 from the remaining container 1 if necessary. Such isolated packing units 2, 2', 2" can then be placed, for example, in a transport container of a conveyor system without the unit of goods being damaged or its quality impaired. For example, such a packing unit can be thrown into a hanging conveyor bag of a hanging conveyor system.

[0142] Arranged on each packing unit 2, 2', 2" is a unit of goods 3 in the form of a shirt 31 folded flat in the usual form. The units of goods 3, 31 are connected to the carrier element 21 of the packing unit 2, 2' at four fastening points 24. 2" connected. For example, the shirt can be sewn to the four fastening points 24 with a thread or pinned with a pin or otherwise positively connected to the packaging unit.

[0143] Correspondingly suitable clamping elements can also be used, which clamp the shirt 31 and the carrier element 21 of the packaging unit 2 together in a force-fitting manner, for example via side edges.

The rigidity of the entire combination of packaging unit 2 and product unit 3 also contributes to the effective mechanical stability of the packaging unit. For a unit of goods that already has a certain mechanical stability, the material of the carrier strand 11 can, for example, be chosen to be thinner.

In the example shown, in addition to the resulting mechanical stability of the packaging unit, the packaging unit 2 also has the effect that the edges of the goods units are protected when conveying and storing individual packaging units. In the exemplary embodiment shown, data elements 23 in the form of optically readable barcodes are arranged on the carrier elements 21 of the packaging units. Alternatively, other data elements can also be used, such as two-dimensional QR codes or RFID elements. The data elements 23 can, for example, contain information about the type of product unit 3 contained in the packaging unit 2, data about the production process such as batch number, date of manufacture and place of manufacture, an individual identification number or a reference to an entry in a database.

[0146] The data element 23 can be attached, for example, when the goods unit 3 is introduced into the packaging unit 2. Alternatively, the data element 23 can be attached to the carrier element 21 independently of the goods unit 3 and described with data later in the production process. Data corresponding to a unique identification number in a database can also be assigned.

Another advantageous embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention is shown in Figure 2. The carrier strand 11 is in turn designed in the form of a band or strip and is divided by perforation strips 17 into individual packing units 2, 2', 2", 2''' with flat carrier elements 21. There is a unit of goods at two fastening points on each of the carrier elements 21 of the packing units 3 attached in the form of a pair of socks 31, for example by sewing them onto the carrier element 21.

[0148] For goods units 3, such as the socks 31 shown, the risk of mechanical damage when placed in a transport container 8 is rather low. A container according to the invention is nevertheless advantageous because it allows the goods units to be prepared very efficiently for later filling into transport containers of an intralogistics system.

[0149] Normally, goods units 3 are individually packaged during production and these individual packaging units are in turn packed into a transport container, with which they then travel from the manufacturer to the processor, for example to a mail order center. There they are removed from the transport container for further processing and separated manually or using special equipment adapted to the products. With a container according to the invention, however, the goods units can already be introduced into the packaging units 2 of a container 1 according to the invention at the manufacturer in the continuous production process. The resulting container can then be integrally packaged and transported. In the mail order center, the container 1 can then be easily transferred into individual packaging units 2, which can then be transferred, for example, into transport containers of a hanging conveyor system.

It is also possible to provide containers in flexible sizes by producing the container as an endless chain, from which containers with the desired number of goods units are then separated.

[0151] For goods units 3 in which, as stated above, the mechanical stability of the packaging unit is secondary, the carrier strand 11 can also be made from a flexible material, for example as a flexible strip made of paper, plastic or textile sheet material.

An alternative embodiment of a container according to the invention and its production is shown in Figure 3. To produce the container 1, a web 11 made of a suitable material, for example paper of a suitable thickness, is provided from the roll. The goods units 3, in the example shown a T-shirt or sweater 31, are placed on a central strip 21 'of the carrier strand 11. The outer edges 22, 22' of the carrier strand 11 are then folded forward towards the inside, so that the folded outer edges 22, 22' come to rest on the goods unit 3. The outer edges are connected at four connection points 27 to the underlying central region of the carrier strand 11, for example by gluing or ultrasonic welding.

[0153] The goods unit 3, 31 is now positively locked between a rear carrier element 21, which is formed by the original central region of the carrier strand 11, and the second carrier elements 22, 22 ', which are formed by the folded-over original edge regions of the carrier strand 11 held.

The perforation line 17 transverse to the longitudinal direction 10 of the carrier strand 11 can be applied either before the outer edges 22, 22' are folded over, or advantageously only after the first and second carrier elements 21, 22, 22' have been connected.

[0155] Since the mechanical rigidity is increased by the folded longitudinal edge and the double-layered carrier elements 21, 22, 22' compared to the single-layered carrier element 21 from Figure 1, the material thickness of the carrier strand can be reduced or adapted to the unit of goods.

[0156] In another variant of such a container 1 according to the invention, the production of which is shown in FIG Carriers 22, 22 'go and, if necessary, can also extend into the area of the first carrier 21 as shown. The perforation line 17 is arranged between the two cutouts 22a. Adhesive dots 27 are provided on the second carrier elements 22, 22'. Such an embodiment variant has, among other things, the advantage that the second carrier elements 22, 22 'can better adapt to the shape of the goods unit 3, since the second carrier elements 22, 22' are not continuous in the longitudinal direction.

[0157] In a further variant of such a container according to the invention, an additional strip can be formed between the two edge regions (the later second carrier elements) and the middle region (the later first carrier element) of the carrier strand, which forms an outer wall when the packaging unit is fully folded . In such an embodiment there is a certain basic distance between the first and second support elements, which is particularly advantageous for thicker goods units.

[0158] The edge regions 22, 22' can also be made significantly wider than shown, so that after the second carrier elements 22, 22' have been folded over, the front of the packaging unit is closed.

[0159] It is also possible to place a second web, for example a transparent film, on the goods units 3 before the second carrier elements 22, 22' are folded over, so that the finished packaging unit is also completely closed at the front. This second web does not have to be connected to the carrier strand 11, since it is held in a form-fitting manner in the container if it is dimensioned appropriately.

5 shows an embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention, in which goods units 3 in the form of sweaters or T-shirts 31 are arranged on a single-layer carrier strand 11. The goods unit is fastened via a band 25. For this purpose, a band strip is attached to the carrier strand 11 (not shown), and the two tabs 25a, 25b are closed on the front over the goods unit 3, for example by gluing the tab ends.

[0161] Alternatively, the band can also be designed continuously on the front side above the goods unit 3, in which case the two ends of the band strip are folded around the carrier strand 11 and fastened to the carrier strand 11 on the rear side facing away.

[0162] The carrier strand 11 can also be designed to be narrower than the goods unit 3, as shown by way of example in the variant in FIG.

Another embodiment variant of a container 1 according to the invention, with a two-layer design of the packaging units 2, is explained with reference to FIG. The first carrier element 21 made of a suitable flexible material is provided horizontally from a roll. Units of goods 3, for example in the form of sweaters or T-shirts 31, are arranged on the first support element 21 at regular intervals. A second carrier element 22 is placed thereon, which is also provided from a roll.

[0164] At four connection points 27 per packing unit 2, 2', 2", 2''', the first carrier element 21 and the second carrier element 22 are connected to form a carrier strand 11, so that the goods units 3 are sandwiched between the two carrier elements 21, 22 are fixed in a form-fitting manner. Between adjacent packing units 2' 2', 2", 2''' a perforation line is attached as a hinge element 17 and predetermined breaking point 18.

[0165] In the exemplary embodiment shown, a viewing window is cut out in the second carrier element 22, through which the goods unit 3 is visible. Alternatively, this viewing window can be omitted, or a transparent film can be arranged in the viewing window. This film can, for example, be fixed on the inside of the second carrier element 22. Since the transparent film is fixed in a form-fitting manner within the packaging unit if dimensioned appropriately, it can also simply be placed on the goods unit.

[0166] The two carrier elements 21, 22 are made from a suitable material, for example paper, which is provided in the form of a band.

[0167] Based on Figure 8, an advantageous embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention is discussed, in which the goods units 31, in turn, are fastened with bands 25 formed on the carrier strand 11. The banderoles are formed from the carrier strand 11 itself.

To produce such a container 1, two tabs 25a, 25b are punched out of the provided band-shaped carrier strand 11 from the carrier element 21 of each packaging unit 2, each along three sides of a rectangle. After placing the unit of goods 3, in the example shown a pair of socks 31, in an interior area between the two tabs 25a, 25b, the two tabs 25a, 25b of the band 25 are folded over towards the interior area around the unit of goods 3 and glued to form a band 25 . A second data element 23 is then attached to the finished band 25. Perforation lines are in turn attached as predetermined breaking points 18 and/or hinge elements 17 between adjacent packing units 2, 2', 2", 2'''.

[0169] Instead of creating the packing units 2, 2', 2'', 2''' of a container 1 according to the invention from the carrier strand 1, as in the previous examples, the packing units can also be created separately and then attached to the carrier strand 11, in order to create a container 1 according to the invention. 9 shows such an example of a container according to the invention. Packaging units 2, 2', 2", 2''' are attached to a narrow strip-shaped carrier strand 11. Second data elements 23 in the form of a two-dimensional QR code are arranged on the carrier strand 11 in the gaps between the packaging units.

[0170] The mentioned packaging units 2, 2', 2", 2''' are designed as packages in which the goods units (not visible) are arranged.

Such containers according to the invention are particularly advantageous for packaging units or goods units of limited size and weight, for example smaller household items, cosmetics, electronic devices and data carriers, but also, for example, medicines or spare parts. For such goods, a container 1 according to the invention is advantageous because of the significantly lower technical effort involved in automatic handling and separating the goods.

[0172] To create a container 1 according to the invention, the finished packaging units 2, 2 ', 2", 2''' including the contents are advantageously fastened, for example glued or welded, to the carrier strand 11 provided as an endless belt. The at least one corresponding connection point is in the Top perspective of the figure not visible.

[0173] Since the packing units 2, 2', 2", 2''' are already sufficiently mechanically stable, the carrier strand 11 can be designed to be flexible. In such a case, the entire section of the flexible carrier strand 11 between two adjacent packing units acts as a hinge element 17. In the example shown, a predetermined breaking point 18 is assigned to each packing unit 2 on the carrier strand 11. Alternatively, however, this can also be omitted. For example, to separate an individual packing unit, the relatively narrow carrier strand 11 between two packing units can simply be cut.

[0174] Alternatively, it is also possible to release the connection between the carrier strand and the packing units in a different way, for example by conveying a packing unit in a laterally supported manner and at the same time pulling the carrier strand downwards, so that the packing unit is peeled off or torn off from the carrier strand. The carrier strand that is no longer needed can then be used again or recycled.

[0175] Instead of being a mechanically stable object, the packaging units can also be designed as a bag, for example.

[0176] Alternatively or additionally, second data elements 23 can also be provided on the back of the carrier strand 11, as shown by way of example in FIG.

11 shows a container 1 according to the invention analogous to FIG. 9, in which position markings in the form of a line pattern are attached to the back of the carrier strand 11. By registering and counting the line markings with a suitable sensor when the container 1 is conveyed along the longitudinal direction 10, the current position in relation to the entire carrier strand can be determined.

[0178] The embodiment variant shown in the aforementioned figures with functionally separate packing units and carrier strand can also be used for larger packing units. Without having a detrimental effect on the intended use, the carrier strand can be designed to save material by making the carrier strand in two or more parts.

[0179] Such an embodiment variant of a container 1 according to the invention is shown in Figure 12. Two strip-shaped carrier strands 11, 11 'are guided parallel to a longitudinal direction 10. A packing unit 2, 2' is connected to the carrier strands 11, 11' at four connection points 27.

[0180] In the example shown, the packaging units 2, 2' comprise a mechanically stable support element 21, on which a unit of goods 3 in the form of a shirt 31 is reversibly fixed at four fastening points. Alternatively, the packaging units can also be designed as packages, bags or other closed containers.

[0181] The exemplary embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention shown in Figure 12 is particularly suitable for mechanically releasing the packing units 2, 2' from the carrier strands 11, 11'. For example, the packaging units of a supplied container can be placed on one or more horizontal belt conveyors running parallel to the longitudinal direction 10. If the carrier strands 11, 11' are then guided downwards away from the belt conveyor, the carrier strands tear off from the packing unit at the connection points 27. The now isolated packing unit can be conveyed further on the belt conveyor in order to then be placed, for example, in a ready transport container of an intralogistics conveyor system.

[0182] In addition to the simplified conveyance, containers 1 according to the invention also have the advantage that they can be efficiently stored in a transport container 19 for transport from the manufacturer to an intralogistics system and can then be automatically removed again for further use, which can be seen from Figure 13 is explained.

[0183] A container analogous to FIG. 9 is stored in a container 19 in the form of a cardboard box by placing the container 1 in layers in the manner of a fanfold. The container 1 is then removed from the transport box 19 in the reverse order.

[0184] The mass of the packing units 2, the box 19 and the distances between the packing units on the carrier strand 11 are advantageously coordinated with one another in such a way that the highest possible packing density is achieved. The packing units of a layer are advantageously supported on the packing units of the underlying layer.

[0185] A further exemplary embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention is shown in Figure 14. Goods units 3 in the form of shirts 31 are arranged on a carrier strand 11, which is designed analogously to FIG. 1 as an integral chain of individual carrier elements 21 separated from one another by predetermined breaking points 18. The goods units are fastened to the carrier element 21 by clamping elements 28. Such clamping elements can be designed, for example, as elastic, stretched bands, for example elastic cords or as elastic rod-shaped elements, which are connected to the carrier element 21 at connection points 27.

[0186] Functionally independent of this variant of fastening the goods units 3 on the carrier elements 21 of the packaging units 2, the carrier strand 11 is provided on the outer edges with conveying elements in the form of perforated strips 14. Appropriate conveying means, for example in the form of needle wheels, can come into operative connection with these perforated strips in order to ensure precise and reliable conveyance of the container 1 along the longitudinal direction 10.

[0187] Yet another variant of a container 1 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 15. The carrier strand 11 is in turn designed as a chain of packing units 2 connected to one another at perforation lines 17. In the middle of the perforation line 17, a rectangular recess is provided in the material of the carrier strand 11 or the carrier elements 21, which can be produced, for example, by punching out. This leads to a further mechanical weakening of the connection point of the packing units, which can be used to optimize the function of the hinge element 17 or the predetermined breaking point 18. Triangular recesses are provided on the edges, which have the same effect.

In order to be able to minimize the material thickness of the carrier strand 11 and still achieve the necessary mechanical rigidity of the carrier element 21, stiffening elements 29 are arranged on the outer edges of the carrier elements 21. These are produced by applying adhesive to a corresponding lateral section of the carrier strand 11 (shown in dashed lines) and rolling it up from the outside to the inside to form a thin but rigid tube 29.

[0189] Alternatively, such a stiffening element can also have a triangular or square cross section. Instead of an adhesive connection, positive fixings can also be provided, such as plug-in tab connections.

16 shows a possible embodiment of an initial region 112 of the container 1 according to the invention from FIG. 9. A starting element 15 is provided at the first end 112, in the form of a section of the carrier strand 11 without packing units. The tip of the starting member 15 is tapered to facilitate insertion of the starting member 15 into a processing or conveying device.

[0191] A first data element 12 in the form of a one-dimensional barcode is arranged on the start element 15. This first data element 12 is logically assigned to the entire container and can, for example, contain information about the length of the container, the type and number of packaging units, the goods units contained therein, their position in relation to the carrier strand, etc. It is also possible to provide data therein that allows a processing device to adapt to the specific container and to adjust the machine settings and process parameters accordingly. In this way, it is possible to implement a processing device, such as a device 6 according to the invention for introducing units of goods into a transport container, so that it can process more than one type of container 1 according to the invention. The correct setting can be done automatically, so that different types and types of containers 1 according to the invention can be processed without any manual changeover work and with minimal downtime.

[0192] At a second end 113 of a container 1 according to the invention, a closing element 16 can be provided analogously, as shown in Figure 17. Such a second data element 12 allows, for example, the end of the container 1 to be displayed. It can also contain information that allows verification of the container 1 that has just been processed, for example in order to be able to quickly discover and correct processing errors.

[0193] An advantageous embodiment of a device 6 according to the invention for introducing goods units 3 into a transport container 8 is shown schematically in Figure 18.

[0194] A container 1 according to the invention provided in a transport container 19 according to FIG. 13 is provided. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the provision takes place on a belt conveyor 921 of a conveyor system. Alternatively, the transport container 19 with the container 1 can also be provided manually.

[0195] The container 1 according to the invention provided is guided via a deflection roller 611 of a feed module 61 of the device 6 according to the invention onto a belt conveyor 612 of said feed module. The propulsion of the bundle strand takes place via drive means, not shown. An identification module 65 of the device 6 is equipped to read out the data element 23 of each packaging unit 2 using a camera. Advantageously, the identity of the packaging unit 2 can also be compared and verified with the read data element 23 based on the captured image. A separation module 62 is intended to separate a packaging unit 2 'from the container 1 by cutting the carrier strand 11 at the predetermined breaking point.

[0196] The separated packing unit is conveyed to an insertion module 63 of the device 6, for example with a belt conveyor or gravity-driven on a slide 631. At the insertion module 63, the packing unit 2" reaches a conveyor device 631, for example a chute, which places the packing unit into an opening of a transport container 8 can slide, in the present example into a hanging conveyor pocket 81 of a hanging conveyor system 91.

[0197] The hanging conveyor bag 81 is transferred from a closed state (not shown) to an open filling state by a provision module 64 of the device according to the invention. A possible example of a suitable such provision module is disclosed, for example, in US 2019/0367282 A1.

[0198] While an empty hanging conveyor bag 81 is conveyed hanging on a running rail 911, already in the orientation intended for filling, the bottom of the hanging conveyor bag is raised by a sequence of roller-shaped actuators 642, whereby the hanging conveyor bag is opened. A lateral stop element 641 stabilizes the overhead conveyor bag horizontally, transverse to the conveying direction of the overhead conveyor system. The hanging conveyor bag is stopped and fixed in relation to the running rail 911 by means of a stop element 643. The hanging conveyor bag is now filled. The packing unit 2" separated from the container 1 according to the invention can be introduced into the hanging conveyor bag 81. After filling, the stop element 643 releases the hanging conveyor bag 81 again. The filled hanging conveyor bag 81 is conveyed further in the hanging conveyor system 91, and the next, empty hanging conveyor bag is brought in for filling.

[0199] Two or more separated packing units 2, 2', 2" can also be introduced one after the other into a hanging conveyor bag 81 that is ready for filling.

[0200] Advantageously, the identity of a packaging unit that is introduced into a hanging conveyor bag, which was previously determined using the identification module, is linked to the identity of the corresponding hanging conveyor bag, for example in a database of the hanging conveyor system.

[0201] In particular, for this purpose, the identity of the hanging conveyor bag can be determined using a suitable device (not shown). This can be done before, during or after filling. For example, a unique identification number can be read from an optical data element assigned to the hanging conveyor bag, such as a barcode or a QR code, or an RFID element, by a corresponding reading device (barcode scanner, camera, RFID reading unit).

[0202] Alternatively or additionally, the identity of a packaging unit placed in a hanging conveyor bag can be written into a data storage unit of the hanging conveyor bag. For example, a corresponding entry can be written into a writable RFI D element of the hanging conveyor bag using a suitable transmission unit.

[0203] A device 6 according to the invention is advantageously integrated into a conveyor system 9, in particular a conveyor system of an intralogistics system 7, as shown as an example in Figure 19 as a diagram. Containers 1 according to the invention are transported from an external manufacturer to a goods receipt 72. In the goods receipt 72, the containers 1 are then fed directly into a device 6 according to the invention, which then guides the separated packaging units with the goods units stored therein into transport containers of the corresponding conveyor system 9. The transport containers 9 filled in this way can then be temporarily stored in a warehouse 71, or they are fed to a picking system 73, which then feeds completed orders to a goods issue 74.

[0204] A further advantageous embodiment of a device 6 according to the invention for introducing units of goods 3 into a transport container 8 is shown schematically in Figure 20. This device corresponds in some parts to the device from Figure 18, and reference is made to the relevant statements to avoid repetition.

The container 1 provided is guided via a deflection roller 611 of a feed module 61 of the device 6 onto a lying conveyor device 613 of the feed module 61 in the form of a belt conveyor 612. A separation module 62, which is intended to separate a packaging unit 2 'from the container 1 by cutting the carrier strand 11 at the predetermined breaking point, is arranged between the deflection roller 611 and the belt conveyor 612. The packing element 2', separated in this way and lying on the belt conveyor 612, is then conveyed further. An identification module 65 of the device 6 reads the data element 23 of the packaging unit 2 'with a camera 653. Advantageously, the identity of the packaging unit 2 can in turn be compared and verified with the read data element 23 based on the captured image.

[0206] The separated packing unit then slides via a slide 631 of the insertion module 63 of the device 6 into the hanging conveyor pocket 81 of a hanging conveyor system 91.

[0207] In the devices 6 discussed above, the feed module 61 can have one or more lying conveyor units arranged in series before and/or after the belt conveyor 612, which can be selectively controlled. In this way, an advantageous buffer storage can be realized, which facilitates synchronization of the provision of the packaging units and the hanging conveyor bags.

[0208] A further device 6 according to the invention for introducing units of goods into a transport container is shown in Figure 21.

[0209] With a lying conveyor device 613 ', a lying goods unit in the form of a packaging unit 2 is conveyed and falls onto the feed module 61 comprising a lying conveyor device 613 in the form of a belt conveyor 612. On the belt conveyor 612, the packaging unit 2 is conveyed to identification position 659, so that the packaging unit 2 is in the detection range of the RFID reading unit 650.

[0210] The RFID reading unit has an RF transmitter 651 and an RF receiver 652, both of which are arranged below the feed module 61. With the RF transmitter 651, the data element 23 in the form of a passive RFID transponder, which is arranged on the packaging unit 2, is put into operation, which then sends out identification data. This identification data is received by the RF receiver 652 and passed on to a control device (not shown).

[0211] If the identification of the packing unit 2 on the feed module 61 is successful, it is conveyed to the right onto a further lying conveyor device 613", which finally transfers the packing unit 2' to a chute 631 of an insertion module 63, on which the packing unit 2" slides into a provided hanging conveyor pocket 81. As in the previous figures, the hanging conveyor bag 81 includes a carriage 82, which is guided in a running rail 911 of the hanging conveyor system 91.

[0212] In contrast to Figures 18 and 20, the hanging conveyor bag 81 is not brought into the open position by rolling, but rather by a guide rail 644 arranged along the conveying path of the hanging conveyor system. The transport bag of the hanging conveyor bag 81, which is suspended on the carriage 82, has an upper end a readable data element 83, which allows identification of the hanging conveyor bag 81. In the example shown, the data element is designed as an optically readable data element, for example as a barcode or QR code. This transport container data element 83 can be read by a camera 663 of a second identification module 66. Alternatively, the data element 83 can also be implemented as an RFID element, which can be read by an RFID reading unit of the second identification module 66.

[0213] If the identification of a packaging unit 2 on the feed module 61 fails, or if another special case occurs, the packaging unit 2 is instead conveyed to the left onto a lying conveyor device 613 '. This lying conveyor device 613' finally transfers the packing unit 2''' to a collecting container 45. In the example shown, the lying conveyor device 613' throws the packing unit 613' into a trolley 45.

[0214] The embodiment shown of a device 6 according to the invention has the particular advantage that in the event of a failed identification, the resulting error state of the device 6 can be resolved quickly. The first identification module 61 can be quickly released again without manual intervention being necessary. The resulting downtimes are minimal.

[0215] The packing units 2''' sorted into the collecting container 45 can then later be checked manually and, if necessary, fed back into the intralogistics system. For example, a failed identification of a packaging unit can be due to a damaged or missing data element.

[0216] The device 6 shown can also be used to remove certain packaging units from the logistics system, for example in the event of recalls or when the expiration date has expired.

[0217] Figure 22 shows a further advantageous embodiment variant of a device 6 according to the invention for introducing units of goods into a transport container.

[0218] Packaging units 2 are conveyed from the left onto the belt conveyor 612 of the feed module 61. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the supply takes place via at least two lying conveyor devices 613 '. By specifically stopping and starting these lying conveyor devices 613', packing units 2 can be temporarily parked, whereby a buffer storage for goods units can be realized.

[0219] A light barrier device 654 transverse to the conveying direction detects a packaging unit 2 arriving on the belt conveyor 612 of the feed module 61. Taking into account the conveying speed of the belt conveyor 612, the location of the packaging unit 2 on the belt conveyor 612 as well as the longitudinal extent in the conveying direction can be determined. This allows the packaging unit 2 to be positioned correctly at the identification position 659 of the first identification module 65. The RFID reading unit 650 is arranged below the belt conveyor 612.

[0220] The various subunits and modules of the device 6 are controlled by a control unit 701 and transmit data to the control device 701. The control device 701 has a database 702 on which, for example, the logical links between transport containers and goods units can be stored.

[0221] The device 6 shown in FIG. 23 partially corresponds to the device from FIG , to arrange the RF transmitter 651 and the RF receiver 652 of the RFI D reading unit 650 between the two band levels 614, 615 close to the upper band level 614 on which the packaging unit 2 rests.

[0222] The first identification module 65 further has an optical reading unit 653 with a camera. This combination of RFID reading unit 650 and optical reading unit 653 allows the processing of packaging units with different types of data elements 23.

[0223] An embodiment of a device 6 according to the invention that can be manually loaded with packing units 2 is shown in FIG. An operator 41 removes a packaging unit 2 from a trolley with packaging units 42 provided and places it on a work table 43. The work table 43 can be, for example, a roller conveyor table or a ball roller table.

[0224] A signal light 44 connected to the control unit 701 indicates to the operator 41 that he should hand over the packaging unit 2 to the adjacent feed module 61, for example by a green light. If the feed module is occupied by a packaging unit 2, this can be indicated to the operator 41, for example by a yellow light from the signal light 44. If an error occurs, for example because the identification of the packaging unit 2 'has failed, this can be indicated to the operator 41 by a red light from the signal lamp 44. The user 41 can then remove the corresponding packaging unit 2 from the feed module 61.

[0225] The tasks of the user 41 can optionally also be carried out by a robot unit.

[0226] The present invention is not limited in scope to the specific embodiments described herein. Rather, the person skilled in the art will derive from the description and the associated figures, in addition to the examples disclosed here, various further modifications of the present invention, which also fall within the scope of protection of the claims. In addition, various references are cited in the description, the disclosure content of which is hereby incorporated into the description in its entirety by reference.

Claims (18)

1. Device (6) for introducing flat goods units (2, 3, 31) into a transport container (8, 81); with an introduction module (63) for introducing flat goods units (2, 3, 31) into a transport container (8, 81); a feed module (61) for feeding flat goods units (2, 3, 31) to the insertion module (63); and a first identification module (65) for identifying flat goods units (2, 3, 31); wherein the feed module (61) comprises a flat conveyor device (613), with which flat goods units can be conveyed along a conveyor path; and wherein the identification module (65) is set up to determine the identity of a flat goods unit. 2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the identification module (65) is set up to determine the identity of a flat goods unit (2, 3, 31) when it is located on the flat conveyor device (613) at an identification position (659). 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first identification module (65) comprises an optical reading unit (653) and / or an RFID reading unit (650). 4. Device according to claim 3, wherein an RFID reading unit (650) of the identification module (65) is arranged below the feed module (61). 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the feed module (61) comprises a belt conveyor (612) with an upper belt level (614) and a lower belt level (615), and an RF transmitter (652) and / or an RF receiver ( 652) of an RFID reading unit (650) of the identification module (65) is arranged between the upper belt level (614) and the lower belt level (615) of the belt conveyor. 6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first identification module (65) has a light barrier device (654) for determining the presence or position of an object, in particular a flat goods unit (2, 3, 31), on the feed module (61). . 7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the device (6) is connected to a control device (701) with a database (702), and wherein the control device is set up to determine the identity of a filled transport container (8, 81). and to logically link the identity of the flat goods unit (2, 3, 31) introduced therein in the database. 8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, with a provision module (64) for providing transport containers (8, 81). 9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the provision module (64) has a second identification module (66) for identifying transport containers. 10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the second identification module (66) comprises an optical detector unit (663) and / or an RFID reading unit. 11. Device according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the provision module (64) is set up to take over a transport container (8, 81) from a conveyor system (9, 91) and / or a transport container (8, 81). to hand over a conveyor system (9, 91). 12. Device according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the provision module (64) is set up to transfer a transport container (8) in the form of a hanging conveyor bag (81) from a closed state to an open state. 13. Device according to one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the provision module (64) is set up to align a transport container (8) in the form of a hanging conveyor bag (81) of a hanging conveyor system (91) before introducing the unit of goods (3). 14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the provision module (64) is set up to rotate the hanging conveyor bag (81) from a conveying position into a filling position before introducing the goods unit (3). 15. Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, with a module (61) for feeding a container (1) with a carrier strand (11, 11 '), on which a plurality of packing units (2, 2', 2", 2 ''') is arranged one behind the other in a row; and a separation module (62) for providing flat goods units by separating packaging elements (2, 2', 2", 2''') from a conveyed container (1). 16. Device according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the device (6) is integrated into a conveyor system (9, 91) of an intralogistics system (7). 17. Method for introducing flat goods units (2, 3, 31) into a transport container (8, 81), in which a flat goods unit (2, 3, 31) is provided on a feed module (61); a transport container (8, 81) is provided; the flat goods unit is identified; the transport container is identified; and the flat goods unit is placed in the transport container. 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the identity of the flat goods unit (2, 3, 31) and the identity of the transport container (8, 81) are logically linked to one another.