DE102004036775A1 - Device and method for separating and sequencing piece goods arranged side by side in a two-dimensional composite - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for separating and sequencing piece goods arranged side by side in a two-dimensional composite with the following components: DOLLAR A - a flat or convex separating surface having a geometrical center of area and a peripheral peripheral edge, DOLLAR A - a plurality around the Center of area and radially distributed from the center of the surface in the direction of the peripheral peripheral edge along the separating surface arranged transport elements, which are brought over a frictional connection with the unitized on the separating surface piece goods in a loose operative connection and each cause a directed to the individual cargo radially to the peripheral peripheral edge acceleration, DOLLAR A. - A sequentially arranged around the peripheral peripheral edge of the singulation surface sequencing module, the at least partially with a ring or teilr surrounds ing-shaped support surface and at least one release means provides that in a first position in which a pickup of a piece good from the singulation surface on the support surface is possible, and in a second position in which no picking a piece good from the singling surface in the receptacle possible is, is convertible, and DOLLAR A - at least one removal unit to which a piece of goods located on the support surface of the sequencing module can be transferred.

Description

technical area

The The invention relates to a device and to a method for separating and sequencing in a two-dimensional composite juxtaposed piece goods. such Devices can be used in the field of material handling technology, especially for the automatic separation of two-dimensional layers or alliances of packages, as the e.g. necessary during the depalletizing process for picking is.

Under Picking is the gathering of product specifics stocked packages to customer-specific items.

Of the Continuing trend towards ever smaller order and lot sizes leads to that customer orders contain less full pallets and more and more picked pallets. This is increasing in the distribution centers necessary for single package handling. Article pallets need to Purpose of picking increasingly resolved and isolated become.

The automatic separation of packages during depalletizing for the purpose of picking takes place at low power requirements mostly in single access to the package. For this purpose, well-known portal or articulated robotic systems are used, which the packages individually grab and leave. If the levy at intervals a continuous conveyor takes place, so that a sequencing of the individual packages can be achieved become.

at higher Throughput services are sufficient However, systems do not and devices are used, the on alliances of packages or access whole pallet layers.

In the DE 19515998 A1 a method and an apparatus for depalletizing of pallets is described, in which by means of a slider an entire pallet position, which rests on an intermediate plate, is deposited on a so-called Depalettierplatte. By piecewise displacement of the pallet position corresponding to the transverse dimension of the layer row in the direction of a conveyor belt running parallel thereto, it is thus possible to depalletise row by row. The disadvantage here is that only rows can be removed, a removal of individual pieces is not possible. In addition, intermediate plates must be inserted between the individual layers on the pallets and the transition is to form as planar as possible from layer to layer. Furthermore, the rows must be aligned as exactly as possible line-shaped. The result of this Depalettierungstechnik is a sequence of packages rows. A sequencing or a separation of the individual packages is not possible with this method.

A similar procedure is used in the DE 3107466 A1 described. A pallet loaded with packages in a regular pattern will also be unloaded by removing full rows or layers. The excess of packages left over from the desired amount is pushed aside and temporarily stored for the next order picking operation. Although this allows faster access to the packages, it is disadvantageous that the provision of a single package for picking should be the exception. If this case occurs more often, this method is not suitable, especially if high throughput rates are to be achieved.

The Depalletizing with access to complete layers can also with so-called. Layer gripper solutions such as. Flächensauggreifern in connection with o.g. Robot systems take place. The subsequently required Separation of such layers or composites is often done by Conveyor lines, with those in the X direction (one-dimensional) and, if necessary, in the Y direction (two-dimensional) through a multilevel speed increase the conveyor lines isolated becomes. However, such systems are very area-and cost-intensive.

A another possibility for separating packages or -groups is to combine by cleverly arranging and combining of harassment on conveyor lines dissolve. The disadvantage here is that the arrangement of baffles relatively inflexible is and only for a few firmly defined layer or composite structures are designed can.

Presentation of the invention

outgoing from this prior art, the object of the present Invention to provide a device which the automatic Separation and sequencing of two-dimensional layers or assemblies of packages allows high throughput rates allowed for as many different defined layer or composite structures is suitable and in comparison the prior art is less space consuming and lower costs caused.

The solution the object underlying the invention is specified in claim 1. The concept of the invention advantageously further-forming features Subject of the dependent claims and the description with reference to the embodiments refer to.

A device designed according to the invention for separating and sequencing piece goods arranged side by side in a two-dimensional composite has the following components:
On a flat or convex separating surface, which has a geometrical center of area and a peripheral peripheral edge, the piece goods to be separated, which are present in a two-dimensional composite, are preferably placed centrically to the separating surface in the region of their center of area. The deposition process is typically carried out by means of a well-known gripping technique, such as using a layer or surface suction. The separating surface also has a plurality around the center of the surface and radially distributed from the center of the surface in the direction of its peripheral peripheral edge arranged transport elements, which can be brought via a frictional connection with the goods applied to the separating surface cargo in a loose operative connection and one on the individual piece goods radially to the peripheral Cause peripheral edge directed acceleration. The transport elements are preferably designed as motor-driven rollers or rollers and project beyond the separating surface with a portion of its cylindrical surface, which have a rubberized surface to improve or increase the frictional contact with the piece goods moving over the transport elements. In order to make the separation process as effective as possible, the plurality of transport elements is preferably arranged in a star shape on the separating surface, ie starting from the center of the surface are arranged along several star-shaped radial transport rollers or rollers whose roller or roller axis preferably intersect the radial perpendicular. The transport elements thus convey the individual piece goods to the peripheral peripheral edge of the separation surface, which in principle may have any circumferential contour, but preferably is circular. The conveying speed of the transport elements preferably increases towards the edge of the separating module. For this purpose, the radially outer transport elements are driven at a greater rotational speed than those which are arranged closer to the surface center. In this way, and by the symmetrical arrangement of the transport elements in rows, which extend in a star shape from the center of the module to the edge, the individual packages are driven apart in two directions, so isolated.

Around the peripheral peripheral edge of the separating surface is rotatable a so-called Sequencing module arranged, one at least the singling surface partially surrounded by a ring or partially annular contact surface formed and at least one separating means, which in a first position, in a picture of a piece good from the separation area on the support surface possible is in a second position, in which no inclusion of a piece goods from the separation area into the receptacle possible is, is convertible.

In a preferred embodiment, the sequencing module has an annular contact surface, which is arranged rotatably about the stationary separation surface. The latter, in this case, necessarily has a corresponding circular peripheral peripheral edge, against which the rotating annular inner contour of the support surface of the sequencing module fits snugly. In order to ensure that an isolated picking up of piece goods takes place on the support surface of the sequencing module, release agents are provided on the sequencing module, for example in the form of barrier elements, which can be transferred from a lowered position into a position raised above the singling surface. The respective barrier element, which is arranged in a plurality along the inner contour of the sequencing module, so that ultimately the entire inner contour is bordered by adjacent barrier elements, which are individually controllable, ie individually from a lowered in a relation to the separation surface raised position can be transferred serves in addition, in the case of a piece of cargo which has arrived at a certain point on the bearing surface of the sequencing module, no further piece goods can reach it. In this case, the provided on the occupied by the cargo body of the receiving surface release means and holds further cargo from it at this point to get on the support surface. In order to make the separating step more secure, the sequencing module moreover preferably has dividing walls which are distributed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction and which include individual receiving compartments for a piece goods in each case. The spacing of the partitions preferably corresponds to the longest extension of a piece good in projection along the singulation surface. In the case of a cuboid piece goods this is the diagonal through the cargo. This ensures that a piece goods can pass unhindered into a receiving compartment, without being prevented by the partitions of it. Between two partitions in each case the separating agent described above is preferably in the form of a hold sheet metal is provided to close the receiving tray relative to the separating surface if necessary. The occupancy of a receiving compartment by a piece goods is detected by sensors, bswp. by means of light barrier technology, which is provided in each receptacle, whereby a control signal to actuate the respective release agent can be generated. Other release agent training are conceivable. Thus, for example, the supporting surface in each individual receiving compartment could be pivoted individually about an axis so that the edge of the supporting surface facing the separating surface rises relative to the separating surface and forms a stop edge for further piece goods.

Further Details can taken from the embodiments described below become.

Finally, applies it the individual goods present in the sequencing module in a targeted sequence for a further transport or for to transfer a further allocation of the general cargo. For this is at least one removal unit at a certain point of rejection in the area of the sequencing module provided on the one on the bearing surface of the sequencing module is located piece goods can be transferred. By opening accordingly one with a piece goods loaded receiving compartments at the transfer point, the cargo by means of one preferably as a belt conveyor trained removal unit in the form of a cargo sequence conveyed.

Next a circular configuration of the peripheral peripheral edge of Separation surface offers It is also the peripheral edge in the form of a polygonal Kantenzuges embody.

At the outer contour of the singulation module become the incoming at the edges of the polygon packages taken over by takeover sponsors, their conveying speed even higher is, as the conveying speed of the last conveying element of the singulation module. As a result, an additional acceleration is achieved, which to an enlargement of the Distance of the packages leads. A minimal time difference of the packages when reaching the outer edges of the singulation module, along with a higher conveying speed the takeover promoter, sufficient, to the requirements for to create a sequential order. Through the funnel-shaped arrangement phasing out on the transfer funds, with rejuvenation in the flow direction, leave the packages the takeover sponsors already in sequential order. The takeover sponsors lead in each case on a discharge line, the open at a transfer point in a common Abförderstrecke, on the by injecting the packages in vacant gaps the sequential arrangement is maintained.

At the periphery of the singulation module is a sequencing module, this is what the, packages, which are already spaced apart in two directions in the plane have, in a series of packages with distance from each other (sequence) to convict. The sequencing module is, according to the outer contour built the singulation module. It is at circular or polygon outer contour a rotating ring whose inner contour concentric with the separation module adapted, with compartments for receiving the packages. Access to the subjects is automatically prevented once a package has been picked up, so that always only one package can be included and thus the prerequisite for a sequential Episode is created.

The inventive device is thus based on the consideration the piece goods in a two - dimensional composite for one in different radial directions, ie star-shaped distribute and on the other hand the radially directed distribution speed not constant, but to choose to occupy a positive velocity gradient, i. the piece goods become with increasing speed to the outside on the peripheral peripheral edge the singulation surface accelerated. The additional acting on the individual piece goods Acceleration causes an increase in the distance of the cargo among each other. Already a minimal time difference of the piece goods at Reaching the peripheral peripheral edge of the separating surface is sufficient to meet the requirements for a sequential order to accomplish.

• – Aufbringen eines zweidimensionalen Verbundes von Stückgütern auf eine ebene oder konkav ausgebildete Vereinzelungsfläche,
• – Vereinzeln des Verbundes an Stückgütern durch sternförmiges auseinander Treiben der Stückgüter in Richtung eines die Vereinzelungsfläche umgebenden peripheren Umfangsrandes, wobei die Stückgüter mittels angetriebener Transportelemente derart gefördert werden, dass die Stückgüter mit radialwärts zunehmender Geschwindigkeit auseinander getrieben werden, und
• – Sequentielles Überführen jeweils vereinzelter Stückguter auf eine Abfördereinheit.

Furthermore, an inventive method for separating and sequencing in a two-dimensional composite of juxtaposed cargo is described, which is characterized by the following method steps:

• Application of a two-dimensional composite of piece goods onto a flat or concave separating surface,
• - Separating the composite of piece goods by star-shaped apart driving the cargo in the direction of the separation surface surrounding the peripheral peripheral edge, the piece goods are conveyed by means of driven transport elements such that the cargo is driven apart with radially increasing speed, and
• - Sequential transfer of each individual piece goods on a discharge unit.

The separation of the piece goods is carried out by means of the sequencing module, which rotates about the peripheral peripheral edge of the separating surface, wherein each individual piece goods is transferred into a receiving compartment provided on the sequencing module, from which the piece goods are discharged onto the discharge unit at a predetermined discharge point. The application of the individual piece goods to the removal unit, which is preferably designed as a belt conveyor, is carried out to form a linear piece goods, each with a mutual distance between two cargo on the belt conveyor.

Short description of invention

The Invention will be described below without limiting the general inventive concept of exemplary embodiments described by way of example with reference to the drawings. It demonstrate:

1 Device with a circular planar separation surface,

2 Device with convexly curved separating surface,

3 Arrangement of the conveying elements along the separating surface,

4 Representation to illustrate the function of the release agent in a occupied by a piece goods receptacle of the sequencing module,

5 Representation of an alternative release agent,

6 Presentation of the transfer of a piece good at the transfer point

7 Receptacle of the sequencing module after emptying at the reject point.

Ways of carrying out the invention, industrial usability The in 1 illustrated embodiment of an apparatus for separating and sequencing of in a two-dimensional composite 1 present piece goods 5 has a circular separating surface 2 on.

The general cargo network 1 , consisting of the individual piece goods 5 , Is with a well-known gripping technique (not shown) centrally on the separating surface 2 hung up. Along the separating surface 2 are of the area center 2 ' seen from longitudinally radially symmetrical, star-shaped rows 4 each transport elements 3 arranged in 1 only strongly schematized are indicated. How out 3 can be seen, the transport elements 3 designed as rotating rollers whose speed in the direction of the circular peripheral edge of the separating surface 2 increases and whose direction of rotation is directed towards the periphery. The transport elements 3 are coated on their lateral surface with a frictional coating, for example. With a rubber coating. As transport elements 3 However, for example, rotating rollers or a plurality of small conveyor belts can be provided. Due to the star-shaped arrangement of the transport element rows 4 and the increase in the conveying speed of the transport elements 3 in the radial direction, the individual piece goods 5 in two directions, ie radially and in circularly different directions starting from the center of the area 2 ' along the separating surface 2 literally diverted and thus isolated.

Along the peripheral peripheral edge of the separating surface 2 is the sequencing module 6 arranged. The sequencing module 6 has one around the singulation module 2 rotating arranged and designed as a circular ring bearing surface 7 ' on, passing through partitions 7 " in circular juxtaposed receiving compartments 7 is divided. Each individual storage compartment 7 has a circular compartment width which corresponds at least to the longest piece goods dimension, so that it is ensured that a piece goods without clamping in a receiving compartment 7 is convertible. The the peripheral peripheral edge of the separating surface 2 facing receiving edge edge closes flush with the separating surface 3 on or is lowered relative to this, so that a piece of goods driven radially outward 5 without resistance in an empty receptacle 7 can get.

One to the peripheral peripheral edge of the singulation surface 2 transported or driven piece goods 5 slides or falls into an empty storage compartment 7 of the sequencing module 6 , Once a storage compartment 7 a piece goods 5 has taken up with the general cargo 5 occupied storage compartment 7 , as in 4 represented automatically by a release agent 14 , locked in the form of a barrier, thus ensuring that only ever a piece goods 5 from a storage compartment 5 can be included. This is the release agent 14 from one opposite the plane of the separating surface 2 lowered position in a blocking, with respect to the singling surface raised position, as in 4 shown transferred.

5 shows an alternative embodiment for a release agent. In this embodiment, the bearing surface 7 ' within a recording compartment 7 arranged tiltable about an axis A. The axis A preferably runs along the Auflageflä che 7 ' and is substantially tangential to the peripheral peripheral edge of the singulation surface 2 aligned. In the case of 5a is the storage compartment 7 in the receiving position, in this case, the bearing surface is adjacent 7 ' flush with the separating surface 2 at. A general cargo 5 can so freely in the tray 7 be guided. In case b is the bearing surface 7 ' tilted about the axis A, so that the derzelungsfläche 2 facing edge 7K for a subsequent general cargo 5 serves as an insurmountable barrier.

By rotation of the sequencing module 6 around the separation area 2 in the direction of the discharge line 9 (please refer 1 ) becomes the respective occupied storage compartment 7 to a transfer point 8th emotional. Of course, it is possible to provide several Ausschleusestellen. Upon reaching the in 1 shown Ausschleusestelle 8th automatically becomes the locking flap 15 trained bearing surface 7 ' the corresponding tray 7 worked down as in 6 shown. The general cargo 5 thus arrives on the discharge line 9 , This in the sequencing module 6 subsequent general cargo 5 passes as a result of the steady forward movement of the discharge line 9 and due to the delay caused by the further rotation of the sequencing module 6 until the next with a general cargo 5 occupied tray 7 with a distance to the previous piece goods 5 on the discharge line 9 , whereby along the discharge line 9 a sequence of piece goods 5 arises.

After leaving the Ausschleusestelle 8th is gem. 7 the barrier 14 automatically retracted and the locking flap 15 again spent in the closed starting position. The storage compartment is in this position 7 again for a new inclusion of another piece goods 5 ready.

The embodiment according to 2 sees a convexly curved separating surface 2 before, otherwise it is provided with all the components that have already been explained to the above embodiment.

Also in this case, the general cargo group 1 with a well-known gripping technique on the separating surface 2 centrally placed. On the convex separation surface 2 are also transport elements 3 analogous to the above-described embodiment, which may be active in their mode of action, ie motor-driven, or purely passive, for example. In the form of free-running rollers or rollers. Because only by the on the piece goods 5 acting downhill force can already be achieved sufficient separation (passive effect). The transport elements 3 serve in this case only the compensation of friction losses between the cargo 5 and the singulation surface 2 , The transport elements 3 In this example, however, as in the previous example, you can also be active to the periphery of the separation area 2 act to the sequencing module 6 is provided.

1

Composite cargo

2

separation area

3

transport element

4

Transport elements series

5

cargo

6

sequencing module

7

receiving compartment

7 '

bearing surface

7 "

partition wall

7K

edge the bearing surface

8th

delivery point

9

Abförderstrecke

14

barrier

15

locking flap

Claims (15)

Device for separating and sequencing in a two-dimensional composite juxtaposed cargo with following components: - one plane or convex singular separating surface, which is a geometric Centroid and a peripheral peripheral edge, - a variety around the centroid and radially from the centroid distributed in the direction of the peripheral peripheral edge along the singulation surface arranged transport elements, via a frictional connection with on the separating surface applied piece goods in one loose operative connection can be brought and each one on the individual Piece goods radial cause the peripheral peripheral edge directed acceleration, - one order the peripheral peripheral edge of the separating surface rotatably arranged sequencing module, the one the separating surface at least partially formed with a ring or partially annular bearing surface surrounds and at least provides a release agent, which in a first Position in which a recording of a piece good from the singulation surface the bearing surface possible is, as well as in a second position, in which no inclusion of a piece good from the separation area into the receptacle possible is, is convertible, and - at least a removal unit, on the one on the support surface the piece of sequencing module is transferable. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the separating surface has a circular peripheral peripheral edge to the annular angeord the sequencing module is net. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized that the transport elements each formed as a roller or roller body are, that the roller or roller body in each case about its body longitudinal axis by means of a rotary drive is set in rotation, and that the roller or roller body one around the body's longitudinal axis rotating lateral surface provides, independent of the rotation coat surface area has, which dominates the singling surface locally. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized the transport elements are designed and drivable in this way, that the transport elements, the radially further from the center of the area are arranged, a greater acceleration effect on the piece goods, as those transport elements which are closer to the center of the surface radially are arranged. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized that the bearing surface of the sequencing module into a plurality each by partitions in the circumferential direction separate storage compartments is divided, each associated with one of the release agent. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that in that the separating means can be raised as a relative to the separating surface and lowerable barrier element is formed, and that the bearing surface flush per storage compartment abuts the peripheral peripheral edge of the separating surface or across from this is lowered. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that that the bearing surface per storage compartment to one directly adjacent to the receptacle peripheral peripheral edge is tiltable largely parallel axis, and that faces as separating means one of the separating surface Edge of the receiving compartment is used. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized that the discharge unit as Belt conveyors, preferably as an assembly line, is trained. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one separating means is provided, one on the Sequencing module located general cargo at the location of the removal unit from the sequencing module spends on the removal unit. Apparatus according to claim 9 and one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that per receiving compartment a separating agent is provided. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that that the bearing surface each individual receiving compartment is arranged hinged down, so that to spend the piece goods located in the receiving compartment on the discharge unit the Separating agent as the downwardly folding support surface of the Recording compartment is. Method for separating and sequencing in a two-dimensional composite juxtaposed cargo characterized by the following process steps: - Applying a two-dimensional Association of general cargo a flat or concave separating surface, - Seperate of the group of piece goods by star-shaped apart Drifting the cargo in the direction one the separating surface surrounding peripheral peripheral edge, - Sequential transfer each isolated piece goods on a removal unit. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that that the star-shaped apart driving the cargo through driven transport elements takes place in such a way that the piece goods with radially increasing Speed be driven apart. Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized that the singling of the piece goods by means of a sequencing module that extends around the peripheral perimeter the separating surface rotates, takes place in such a way that each individual piece goods in one at the sequencing module provided receiving compartment is transferred, from which the general cargo on the removal unit is applied. Method according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized that the piece goods sequentially on one as a belt conveyor trained removal unit under formation of a linear piece goods series with one each mutual distance between two piece goods applied to the belt conveyor become.