DE102007025553A1 - Control device, sorting system and sorting method for goods - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device for controlling a sorting system for goods (1), wherein - the sorting system comprises control means (4a, 4b, 7a, 7b, T1, T2, T3, 6a, 6b), by means of which goods can be conveyed in goods carriers, wherein the control device comprises - a measuring device (3, 3a, 3b) with which the dimensions of goods controlled by the control means (1) and goods carriers (2) can be detected, - comprises an evaluation unit, which compares the detected dimensions with each other such that at least a goods carrier is assigned a goods carrier, the support surface of the at least one good as far as possible completely coverable, wherein - the control device comprises communication means which, depending on the assignment of a goods carrier control the control means such that the at least one good to the associated goods carrier is supplied.

Description

It is a control device and a sorting system for Goods, in particular for letter and parcel shipments, described. In addition, a sorting method for the goods described.

Of the increasing global trade as well as the increasing number to be shipped goods requires sorting, which Sort the goods in such a way that they are as possible cost and time to achieve their ultimate goal.

An example of a sorting system can be found in the publication EP 1 637 236 A1 remove. This has parallel juxtaposed cross-belt sorters and a plurality of outlets, of which the sorted by a sort criterion broadcasts are wegführbar according to an address.

A to be solved task is a control device to indicate for a sorting plant on the basis of which goods different categories and sizes possible sorted efficiently. Another task to be solved consists of specifying a sorting system or a sorting be sorted with or with the goods in the manner mentioned can.

It is a control device for controlling a sorting system for Specified goods, wherein the sorting system comprises control means, by means of which goods can be transported in goods carriers are.

The Control device comprises a measuring device with the dimensions detectable by the control means controlled goods and goods carriers are.

Furthermore belongs to the control device to an evaluation, which the detected dimensions compared with each other such that at least a good a goods carrier is assigned, whose Carrying of the at least one good as possible is completely coverable.

The Control device further comprises communication means, which depends on the assignment of a goods carrier control the control means such that the at least one good him associated goods carrier is supplied.

With The term sorting plant is any plant or at least a part every facility understood which goods mechanically sorted, for example, to send them to specific destinations. The goal is to understand each postal address and every place in which the goods are treated by a mechanical unit can. The destination is also any destination for understood a good that mechanically connected to the sorting system is.

With The term "sort" is used to describe every movement of a good according to one Loading plan for the good understood.

One Well, every sort that can be sorted by a sorting system includes good. there in particular consignments or mail items come into consideration, wherein the Sorting system is not limited to this. Much more is the sorting system for sorting all sorts of things Products, materials and / or waste.

One Goods carrier includes every means of transport for transport of goods. In particular, containers are considered which can each receive one good or several goods. As a container is also a car to understand, which after an embodiment on its underside with rolling means is provided. Each container may have a repelling device for Repel or carry away transported goods exhibit. An example of a preferred repelling device is a conveyor belt, which in a from the conveying direction Moving the goods carrier distinctive direction is.

With The term "assignment" refers in particular to the selection of a goods carrier understood for one or more goods, the Goods carrier is dimensioned so that he picking up the goods or goods and through the sorting system can carry.

With In particular, the determination is compared to the term comparison one related to the respective dimensions of goods carriers or goods similarity understood.

When Carrying surface of a goods carrier becomes each surface understood a goods carrier, which designed in such a way is that a good comes to lie to them. The one to wear a Good suitable object of the goods carrier could alternatively be referred to as a support element.

With The term control means means understood, which is a good or move a goods carrier through the sorting system. In this case, means of transport and the transport direction of goods or goods carriers changing switching means Understood.

The evaluation unit is understood to be any unit which evaluates data obtained from the measuring device and generates signals on the basis of the evaluation. These can be used by the control device for controlling the control means of the sorting system. The evaluation unit comprises According to one embodiment, a program product which evaluates the data acquired by the measuring device in order to generate the said signals. The program product may include a sorting or loading plan for goods or goods carriers, wherein the detected dimensions of the goods or the goods carrier are correlated with the feed plan such that the signals generated by the evaluation unit are used to control the control means to mutual To allow for the convergence of goods and their associated goods carriers.

When Communication means are means which are an instruction of the control device, For example, a signal in a control of the control means implement. Such a command becomes an example of communication Understood. There are in particular electronic means of communication or means of communication based on radio transmissions in Considered.

According to one Embodiment of the control device comprises the measuring device optical measuring means for detecting the dimensions of goods and goods carriers. Examples of suitable optical measuring means are cameras or scanners, but especially laser scanners. The optical measuring means according to one embodiment a scanning device on the basis of which the dimensions of goods or goods carriers are detectable. A palpation said dimensions may be based on a given Illumination grid done, which the goods or goods carriers illuminated.

According to one Embodiment of the control device is the evaluation unit communicatively connected to the measuring device. The evaluation unit has a data processing device, which of the Measuring device detected data evaluates. The data processing device may be a memory for storing measured data of the goods or goods carriers as well as existing information in terms of the dimensions of such in the sorting system existing goods or goods carriers. The communicative connection between the evaluation unit as well the measuring device is preferably via electrical lines, however, it can also be wireless.

According to one preferred embodiment of the control device the communication means data transmission channels. For this purpose, electrical lines or optical Serve fiber. Additionally or alternatively the data transmission channels are wireless, wherein the data can be transmitted by radio, for example.

Next a control device for a sorting system becomes a Sorting system for goods specified which a Measuring device, with the dimensions of a Gutt measurable are. The sorting system is created in such a way that depending on measured or recorded dimensions of the goods a goods carrier is selectable for receiving the Guts. Furthermore the sorting system has control means for mutually convergent Carriage of goods and goods carriers on.

Preferably the sorting system has a control device as described Kind, which controls the control means such that a good one the Well assigned goods carrier supplied becomes.

According to one Embodiment of the sorting system have the goods Identification means on. These can be, for example Include ID tags. In the case of shipments, they also include addresses or encoded address tags, which can be recognized mechanically and visually are readable.

According to one Embodiment of the sorting system have the goods carriers Identification means by means of which their positions can be tracked by detection means are.

According to one Embodiment of the sorting are the goods carriers or goods based on a knowledge base Sorting plan sent through the sorting system. The sorting plan can be used by the control device to control the control means, which the goods or the goods carriers steer, to steer.

Of the Sorting plan can be used for a management system that supports the carriage the goods and the goods carriers, can be tapped and updated with new information be.

The Management system preferably forms a control center for the sorting system and is equipped with means which over electrical signals and / or mechanical conversion means the transport allows the goods. It can in Dependence of the management system on different modes of transport and switching means are controlled, which goods or Transport goods carriers or other transport routes to steer.

According to one Embodiment of the sorting system is the selected Goods carrier to the corresponding transportable Well controllable. The goods carrier is so over The sorting system steers him to his way to the measured good finds and takes it there.

In addition or as an alternative to the aforementioned controllability of the goods carrier, the measured good itself can be steered via the sorting system, so that it finds his way to his or her assigned goods carrier with an adapted size and is accepted there by the goods carrier.

According to one Another embodiment provides that a goods carrier is selectable with such dimensions that allow that the carrying surface of the goods carrier by the bearing surface of at least one metered good is completely covered as possible. With the term The bearing surface of a material becomes the surface of the material understood that on the carrying surface of the goods carrier during transport rests.

It is preferred that with the sorting a goods carrier is selectable, which is dimensioned such that its support surface and the bearing surface of the at least one metered property as congruent as possible are. A congruence means that the facing each other Areas of the goods carrier and transported Guts have approximately the same size.

According to one Embodiment, the sorting system comprises control means for mutually converging carriage of goods and goods carriers. The control means can Means of transport such as conveyor belts for the carriage of goods and / or goods carriers include. The conveyor belts can cross belt straps include. It is thus a sorting specified, which is mutually crossing and self-opening conveyor belts having. This will ensure an efficient distribution of goods created by the sorting system resulting in different destinations for goods can be achieved.

The Control means may also comprise switching means for direction-changing movement of a property. An example a suitable switching means is a switch. The feeding of goods is preferably carried out using the switching means. Examples such switching means are tilting devices or conveyor belts, which are activated when a good has reached a position of where it comes from in his assigned goods carrier can be introduced.

It It is preferred that the goods carriers with each other are linked and thus a goods carrier train form. The goods-carrier train is another example a means of transport, which the convergence of good and goods carriers. The goods carrier train is preferably different by goods carriers Sizes available to the sorting system stand, formed. For example, three or four Goods carriers of different size categories the sorting system are available. These are in Depending on the size of each one selected to be carried Guts and each form one Part of a goods carrier train.

The Length of a goods carrier train is preferred adapted to the length of a transport path carrying him. This can be designed as a ring or as a loop. Thus, the goods carrier train moves in one Loop.

Preferably the transport path comprises a rail system on which the goods carrier train moves. To the rail system goods can be guided by other means of transport. Of these Means of transport may be on the goods in guided a loop moving goods carrier train become. Alternatively or additionally, from Rail system lead away further transport, which removed from the goods carrier train or its individual goods carriers Receive goods and transport them further.

One Cargo carrier train of the kind described from selected, interconnected goods carriers is formed, may advantageously at a given length transport a large number of different goods or record them and at certain points back on his route can be moved.

The Sorting facility can be part of a mail sorting system, a factory, a recycling plant, a warehouse, such as one Wholesale warehouse, a suitcase transportation system in an airport or other passenger transit hub. Depending on the use of the sorting system can be a Variety of different goods can be sorted. For example, shipments, packaging, parcels, letters, suitcases, Bags, waste, materials, reusable materials, end-user products, Called wholesale products or food.

By the vote of the sizes of the transported Guts and the carrying surface of the goods carrier together, the space available in a sorting plant, For example, the sum of the areas of all in a sorting system existing means of transport and depot spaces, if possible fully exploited. It avoids that for a good an oversized goods carrier is used, to a significant extent unrepleted space having.

The described sorting plant or control device has the advantage that compared to previous sorting systems at the same sorting speed and comparable system cost the performance the sorting system is significantly increased.

In addition to the control device and the Sor animal plant a sorting method for goods is specified, in which at least one measure of a goods to be transported is detected and selected depending on the detected measure a goods carrier that transports the goods.

Preferably the goods carrier forms an element of a selected one Goods carriers formed goods carrier train. Depending on the dimensions of measured goods can the composition of the goods carrier train determined by selected goods carriers become. For example, a goods carrier train be assembled in the goods carrier the preferably on a rail system moving or stationary freight train to be added. In the opposite sense Goods carrier of the goods carrier train be removed, in which they led away from the rail system become. In any case, the goods carriers of the Goods carrier train interchangeable.

Preferably is the compilation by goods carrier of the Goods carrier train in dependence of intended use of the sorting system or the goods carrier train executed.

at For example, a first application can use packages with a first size distribution, such as in Express packages, by a goods carrier train be taken, whose goods carrier on this Sort of goods, relative to their size, are adjusted. It could, for example, 3 or 4 goods carrier classes selected with appropriate sizes become the goods carrier train.

at a further application, for example, packages with a second size distribution, such as Letters, received by a goods carrier train whose goods are to be supplied to this variety of Goods, based on their size, adapted are.

The respective size distributions and the corresponding Compositions of goods carrier trains can be determined by empirical values. You can However, also be developed dynamically, in which the inclusion of Parcels and their size distribution observed become. After a possibly changed size distribution For example, the goods to be sorted could Goods carrier of the goods carrier train be exchanged to the changed circumstances to create an adapted goods carrier train.

At the Sorting method is preferably one described in this document Control device or sorting system used.

The described objects will become apparent from the following figures and exemplary embodiments explained in more detail. Showing:

1 a schematic representation of a sorting method,

2a a schematic representation of a sorting system for selecting suitable goods carriers as a function of measured goods;

2 B a schematic representation of insertion and removal operations on a goods carrier train.

1 shows as transport a transport path T1 for a goods carrier train G, which consists of several interconnected goods carriers 2 is formed. The transport path preferably comprises a rail system closed in a circle, onto which the goods carriers roll or the goods carrier train rolls. The goods carriers 2 each contain items adapted to the size 1 , There are goods carriers in three size classes chosen to form the goods carrier train G. The choice of each goods carrier takes place in the infiltration, or in advance of the actual introduction of a good in the goods carrier. These are goods carriers with sizes that can accept goods in three different size categories a, b and c. For example, the figure shows how goods carriers 2 a first size containing a good having a size of less than a, where a is preferably an area value. Also become goods carriers 2 of a second size, each transporting a good having a size of less than b, where b is smaller than a, for example. The figure shows third goods carrier 2 a third size, each containing a good having a size of less than c, where c is smaller than b, for example.

It is shown a second transport path T2, which selected goods in appropriately matching goods carriers 2 infiltrates.

2a shows schematically illustrated parts of a sorting system, for example, as a means of transport multiple conveyor belts 4a . 4b . 7a and 7b exhibit. Depending on the direction of movement of the conveyor belts, shown with arrows, goods can 1 and goods carriers 2 either in the conveyor belts 4a and 4b introduced or from them on the conveyor belts 7a and 7b be discharged. This is done by means of the switching means shown schematically 6a and 6b , The diagram presented describes the selection, distribution and sorting of measured goods and goods carriers, before they are executed according to 1 the marriage of good and goods carrier with the following 2 B is shown.

The switching means or rejecting means can be designed as switches or preferably as linearly movable transverse bands. conveyor belts 4a and 4b are preferably via a network of further conveyor belts 7a and 7b connected in such a way that at least one further conveyor belt either a. a goods carrier 2 brings to a place where there is a good 1 receives or the good is moved into the goods carrier, or b. one good 1 to a place where it is transported to a goods carrier of already adapted size.

A conveyor belt 4a on the goods 1 can be arranged by means of a goods detector 3a be monitored. Analog becomes a conveyor belt 4b , on the goods carrier 2 are arranged by means of a goods carrier detector 3b supervised. Instead of a conveyor belt 4b for the goods carriers 2 It is also possible to provide a depot for goods carriers from which the goods carriers are selected, taken out and placed on a conveyor belt for receiving a good.

The detectors 3a and 3b are an evaluation or control unit 3 assigned or connected to it. This records the size of the goods 1 as well as the goods carriers 2 and is preferably provided with a program product having a sorting scheme and corresponding data carrier. By means of this information, the conveyor belts or switching means and means of transport are controlled such that a certain goods carrier is fed to a particular good or vice versa. The control of the means of transport can by means of schematically illustrated electrical leads 8a and 8b or wireless communication channels and corresponding control of schematically illustrated conveyor belt or switching medium motors 5a and 5b will be realized.

2 B shows a goods carrier train G on a transport path T1, which is designed as a rail system. It opens a conveyor belt T2 in the goods carrier 2 of the goods carrier train G, where goods 1 be introduced into goods carriers, which have the least unused surface with the transport of the recorded Guts. Another conveyor T3 is based on the rail system T1, ie, the goods carrier 2 goods carried by the goods carrier train G 1 on the further conveyor T3 from. The rail system T1, which belongs to a sorter, for example, is designed as a loop or as a ring. For each rail system T1, a plurality of inputs and outputs can be provided, can be introduced and discharged by the goods on or from the rail system.

1

Well

2

goods carrier

3

evaluation and control unit

3a

first detector

3b

second detector

4a

first Mode of Transport

4b

additional Mode of Transport

5a

engine for means of transport

5b

engine for switching means

6a

first switching means

6b

second switching means

7a

additional Mode of Transport

7b

additional Mode of Transport

T1

first transport path

T2

second transport path

T3

third transport path

G

Güterträgerzug

a

first measured estate size

b

second measured estate size

c

third measure estate size

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - EP 1637236 A1 [0003]

Claims (26)

Control device for controlling a sorting system for goods ( 1 ), wherein - the sorting system control means ( 4a . 4b . 7a . 7b , T1, T2, T3, 6a . 6b ), by means of which goods are transportable in goods carriers, the control device comprising: - a measuring device ( 3 . 3a . 3b ), with which the dimensions of goods controlled by the control means ( 1 ) and goods carriers ( 2 ), - an evaluation unit, which are designed to compare the detected dimensions with each other and depending on the result of the comparisons at least one good to assign a goods carrier so that of the at least one selected good a support surface of the goods carrier is covered as far as possible , - Communication means which, depending on the assignment of a goods carrier the control means are able to control such that the at least one good is fed to the associated goods carrier. Control device according to Claim 1, in which the measuring device ( 3 . 3a . 3b ) optical measuring means for detecting the dimensions of goods ( 1 ) and goods carriers ( 2 ). Control device according to one of Claims 1 or 2, in which the evaluation unit is connected to the measuring device ( 3 . 3a . 3b ) is communicatively connected and comprises a data processing device which evaluates data acquired by the measuring device. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the communication means are data transmission channels includes. Control device according to Claim 4, in which the data transmission channels include wireless data transmission channels. Control device according to Claim 4, in which the data transmission channels include electrical lines. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the control means ( 4a . 4b . 7a . 7b , T1, T2, T3, 6a . 6b ) Comprise conveyor belts and switching means, which are each controlled by the communication means. Sorting system for goods ( 1 ), comprising: - a measuring device ( 3 . 3a . 3b ), with which the size of a property ( 1 ) is measurable, whereby, depending on the measured size of the good, a goods carrier ( 2 ) is selectable for receiving the product, - control means ( 4a . 4b . 7a . 7b , T1, T2, T3, 6a . 6b ) for the mutual convergence of goods ( 1 ) and goods carriers ( 2 ). Sorting plant according to claim 8, in which the goods carrier ( 2 ) an element of a linked goods carrier ( 2 ) is formed goods carrier train (G). Sorting installation according to one of claims 8 or 9, in which the selected goods carrier ( 2 ) to the good ( 1 ) is controllable. Sorting plant according to one of claims 8 to 10, in which the measured good ( 1 ) to the goods carrier ( 2 ). Sorting plant according to one of claims 8 to 11, in which a goods carrier ( 2 ) is selected, which is dimensioned such that its support surface by the bearing surface of at least one sized Guts ( 1 ) as far as possible completely coverable. Sorting plant according to one of claims 8 to 12, in which a goods carrier ( 2 ) is selected, which is dimensioned such that its support surface and the bearing surface of the at least one measured good ( 1 ) are as congruent as possible. Sorting installation according to one of Claims 8 to 13, in which the control means ( 4a . 4b . 7a . 7b , T1, T2, T3, 6a . 6b ) Mode of Transport ( 4a . 4b . 7a . 7b , T1, T2, T3). Sorting plant according to Claim 14, in which the means of transport ( 4a . 4b . 7a . 7b , T1, T2, T3) Conveyor belts for the carriage of goods ( 1 ). Sorting installation according to one of claims 14 or 15, in which the means of transport ( 4a . 4b . 7a . 7b , T1, T2, T3) Conveyor belts for the carriage of goods carriers ( 2 ). Sorting installation according to one of Claims 14 to 16, in which the means of transport ( 4a . 4b . 7a . 7b , T1, T2, T3) a rail system for the carriage of goods carriers ( 2 ). Sorting system according to claim 17, wherein the rail system forms a closed circle. Sorting system according to one of Claims 8 to 18, in which the control means ( 4a . 4b . 7a . 7b , T1, T2, T3, 6a . 6b ) at least one switching device ( 6a . 6b ) by which goods ( 1 ) in selected goods carriers ( 2 ) are einschleusbar. Sorting installation according to one of claims 8 to 19, in which a goods carrier ( 2 ) a switching device ( 6a . 6b ) by means of which goods ( 1 ) for further control by the sorting system are bar. Sorting plant according to one of claims 8 to 20, in which the goods ( 1 ) comprise at least one of the following items: shipments; Packagings; Packages; letters; Suitcase; bags; Waste; materials; recyclable materials; Endkäuferprodukte; Wholesale products; Food. Sorting system according to one of the claims 8 to 21, comprising a control device according to one of the claims 1 to 7. Sorting procedure for goods ( 1 ), in which - the dimensions of a material to be transported ( 1 ) by means of a measuring device ( 3 . 3a . 3b ), and - depending on the dimensions recorded, a freight carrier ( 2 ), which transports the goods, wherein - control means ( 4a . 4b . 7a . 7b , T1, T2, T3, 6a . 6b ) are controlled to control the goods and the goods carrier such that the measured good is introduced into the selected goods carrier. Sorting method according to claim 23, in which the selected goods carrier ( 2 ) an element of selected goods carriers ( 2 ) formed Güterträgerzuges (G). Sorting method according to one of claims 23 or 24, wherein a control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is used. Sorting method according to one of claims 23 or 24, wherein a sorting system according to any one of claims 8 to 22 is used.