EP3841039A1

EP3841039A1 - Flat sorter over at least two levels

Info

Publication number: EP3841039A1
Application number: EP19759510.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Peter Enenkel; Max Umbach
Original assignee: Siemens AG
Current assignee: Koerber Supply Chain Logistics GmbH
Priority date: 2018-08-23
Filing date: 2019-08-06
Publication date: 2021-06-30
Also published as: EP3613681A1; US11524845B2; CN112601707B; WO2020038714A1; WO2020038651A1; CN112601707A; EP3841038A1; US20210198038A1; CN112601708A

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for sorting piece goods (7). Piece goods (7) to be sorted are conveyed on a delivery level (1) to a delivery point (91) and there they are delivered into or onto a receiving means (28) moving on a collection level (2) and receiving the piece goods (7). The collection level (2) is arranged below the delivery level (1). The receiving means (8) travels over an individually determined route on the collection level (2).

Description

description

Area sorter over at least two levels

The invention relates to the technical field of sorting piece goods over at least two levels.

So-called matrix or planar sorters are used for the distribution, sorting or order picking of inhomogenous goods to save the available space. These are based on densely packed planar conveyor elements of various designs (e.g. corner repeaters,

Swivel castors, omni castors, planar linear motors) in one conveyor plane. At this level, passive goods or load handling equipment (LAM) are conveyed from the entry points on free or Cartesian railways to the destination end point. A disadvantage of these systems is the considerable cost of the conveyor elements installed close to the ground and the low degree of utilization of these themselves. Another disadvantage is the throughput-reducing intersection problem in a matrix level. Especially when a large number of goods or transport elements are to be conveyed or sorted at the same time.

The problem of high costs and low throughputs is primarily being attempted today by:

- Increased dynamics of the system and movable elements;

- Intelligent or learning path control algorithms;

- Increased sensory effort for position and motion detection of the conveyed goods located on the planar actuator surface.

The invention is therefore based on the object of efficiently sorting piece goods in a small area.

This object is achieved by the solutions described in the independent patent claims. Advantageous events of the invention are given in further claims. According to one aspect, a sorting system for sorting piece goods over at least two levels arranged one above the other is presented. The sorting system includes a discharge level, a collection level, a discharge level conveyor for conveying piece goods on the discharge level and a collection level conveyor for conveying piece goods at the collection level. The collecting level is net below the drop level. The drop level includes drop points via which piece goods can be dropped from the drop level to the collecting level. For example, the discharge points are configured in the manner of a matrix as holes in the discharge level, through which piece goods can be dropped from the discharge level onto the collecting level. The discharge level funding comprises a discharge means which is designed to discharge a piece goods via one of the discharge points. The collecting level conveying means comprises a receiving means which is designed to receive the piece goods dropped via the discharge point. The interception funding is designed to allow the receiving means to travel an individually definable distance on the interception level.

According to a further aspect, a method for sorting piece goods is presented. A piece goods to be sorted is conveyed for a sorting step on a drop level to a drop point and is thrown there into or onto a receiving means which receives the piece goods and is arranged on a collecting level below the drop level. The receiving device travels an individually definable distance on the collecting level.

In this way, the recording means can automatically cover an individually definable route in order to pick up or catch the piece goods dropped via the discharge point. The individually definable route can be selected automatically, for example by means of a control system, in such a way that a desired parameter is optimized. For example, a quick sorting of the piece goods and / or a short distance of the piece goods and / or avoidance of intersections with other piece goods to be sorted and / or avoidance of intersections of a whole piece of piece goods to be sorted and / or a total throughput of the sorting process.

The individually definable route can also, for example, for the path of the receiving means to the drop point and / or for the further path of the receiving means loaded with the piece goods away from the drop point and / or for sorting the piece goods and / or for taking up the piece goods to be determined individually.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the individually definable route is determined by individually selecting or specifying the discharge point via which the piece goods are dropped, for example in order to coordinate the distances at the same time on the drop level and / or the collecting level of conveyed piece goods, for example in intersection situations to avoid.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the receiving means travels on the collecting level a distance that can be individually defined for the sorting step or for the sorting.

According to one embodiment, the discharge level conveyor is designed to allow the piece goods to travel an individually definable distance on the discharge level for sorting the piece goods and / or for discarding the piece goods. This further increases the flexibility of the sorting system and the sorting process and the possibilities of avoiding the crossing of piece goods to be sorted.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the piece goods are conveyed to the drop-off point by means of a receiving means that travels on the drop level and are dropped there from the drop-level pick-up means into or onto the pick-up means that move on the catchment level. Doing so can the dropping level and the receiving level the same type of funding and the same type of receiving means are used, which results in synergistic effects in terms of investment costs and maintenance. Alternatively, however, different receiving means on the discharge level and on the collecting level can also be used. This is, for example, advantageous if the receiving means of the collecting level are end points, since in these the piece goods are preferably collected in a sorted manner, while on the discharge levels arranged above the receiving means are not yet or not completely sorted but are used for further sorting, and therefore not must serve as a collective means. According to one embodiment, therefore, according to the method, the receiving means only accepts individual piece goods, or the sorting system is designed to drop an individual piece goods into the receiving means, which is then also transported individually by the receiving means.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the receiving means traveling on the discharge level travels a distance which can be individually defined for sorting the piece goods. In other words, the piece goods in this way cover the individually definable distance on the discharge level to the discharge point and / or away from the discharge point in the discharge plane receiving means.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the sorting system comprises a further discharge level and a further conveying means for conveying piece goods on the further discharge level. The further drop level is arranged above the drop level and comprises further drop points. The further funding is designed to drop the general cargo via one of the other drop points in the drop level receiving means. For example, the other discharge points are designed as holes in the discharge level, through which piece goods can be dropped from the further discharge level to the discharge level. The dropping plane funding means comprises a dropping plane receiving means. The discharge plane receiving means is designed to directly pick up or catch the general cargo dropped from the further discharge level. In this way, the flexibility of the sorting system can be further increased by sorting over at least three levels, and additional intersection situations can be avoided.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the piece goods covers the individually definable distance to the dropping point and / or away from the dropping point in the dropping plane receiving means on the dropping plane.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the piece goods are conveyed for a further sorting step on the further discharge level to a further drop point which can be individually selected for the piece goods and are dropped there into or onto the transport means operating on the discharge level before being conveyed to the discharge level.

According to further exemplary embodiments, the receiving means that travels on the collecting level and / or the receiving means that travels on the discharge level and / or the receiving means that travels on the further level comprises a container wagon.

According to further exemplary embodiments, the container trolley comprises or comprises the discharge means, for example a trap door, a flap, a shovel, or a moving floor, and is preferably closed on five sides, or a discharge shaft which is suitable in other ways.

According to further exemplary embodiments, the circulating receiving means given on the catch can be driven via actuators arranged in the catch level. The receiving means moving on the throwing level and / or the receiving means moving on the further level can also be drivable via actuators arranged in the dropping level and / or in the further dropping level. Actuators can, for example, line armotors, rollers, or belts. The recording means can therefore be designed passively, that is to say can be designed without their own drive. This has the advantage of lower costs for the receiving means.

According to further exemplary embodiments, the receiving means that travels on the collecting level and / or the receiving means that travels on the discharge level and / or the receiving means that travels on the further level comprises a drive for locomotion. In other words, these receiving means can be actively driven. The advantage of this is that stationary actuators do not have to be installed in the sorting levels, which means that initial investment costs can be lower and there are advantages in the scalability of the sorting system.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the sorting system comprises a control system which is adapted to control the dropping-level conveying means and the collecting-level conveying means in such a way that that which is thrown off by the dropping means

General cargo is caught by the receiving means.

According to further exemplary embodiments, the control system is adapted, the individually definable distance of the receiving means on the receiving level and / or the individually definable distance of the piece goods on the discharge level

and / or an individually definable route of the piece goods through the sorting system and / or a drop point via which the piece goods are discarded individually. This makes it possible to individually define routes of piece goods through the sorting system in order to optimize the sorting speed and / or to avoid that goods transported by the sorting system cross. The sorting system and the process for sorting piece goods is automated and driverless.

According to further exemplary embodiments, the control system is adapted for several piece goods which pass through simultaneously the sorting system is sorted, routes to be covered and / or drop points are coordinated, for example in order to avoid intersection events and / or to keep distances short.

According to further exemplary embodiments, the moving receiving means on the catch and / or the receiving means moving on the throwing level and / or the receiving means moving on the further dropping level is a container truck which comprises the dropping mechanism designed as a dropping means, for example a trap door, a flap , a shovel, or a moving floor.

According to further exemplary embodiments, the sorting system comprises at least two levels arranged one above the other via which piece goods are sorted, wherein the at least two levels contain receiving means for sorting the

Cover individual goods for individually definable routes. These levels can include grid-like dropping points.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the receiving means that travels on the collecting level is an end point.

According to further exemplary embodiments, the general cargo is sorted via the discharge level and the collecting level, as well as optionally further levels arranged vertically below or above and receiving means traveling thereon, where at the lowest of these levels receiving means are configured as end points. Optionally, the end points can also be conveyed to a destination via individually definable routes. A terminal is preferably designed to accommodate several piece goods, for example with the same destination. Optionally, receptacles are then one or more sorting elements arranged above the collecting plane designed as a terminal plane, which are arranged above the terminal plane, sorting elements from which further sorting is carried out. Take these receptacles in the sorting operation, preferably a maximum of one piece good, but in alternative embodiments, more than one

Take up general cargo.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the collecting level conveying means and / or the discharge level conveying means and / or the further conveying means is designed to convey the piece goods in or on the receiving means.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the dropping points are designed as holes in the dropping plane and / or the dropping points from the further dropping plane are designed as holes in another dropping plane, through which piece goods can be thrown off.

The invention is explained below with reference to the drawing, for example. Show:

Figures 1A-C show a schematic side view of a sorting system and a method for sorting

General cargo according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a schematic side view of a sorting system and a method for sorting piece goods according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of a sorting system and a method for sorting piece goods according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 schematically shows a top level of the sorting system of Figure 3 in a plan view;

FIG. 5 schematically shows a middle plane of the sorting system from FIG. 3 in a top view;

Figure 6 schematically shows a bottom level of the sorting system of Figure 3 in a plan view. Figure 7 shows schematically a foldable conveyor belt element for the top level shown in Figure 4;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a variant of a sorting system from FIG. 3.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, IC show a schematic side view of a sorting system 100 and a method for sorting piece goods according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

The sorting system 100 comprises a discharge level 1, a collection level 2, a discharge level conveyance F1 for conveying piece goods on the discharge level 1 and a catchment level conveyance F2 for conveying piece goods on the collection level 2, and a control system 5 through which the conveyance means Fl, F2 are controllable. The discharge level 1 and the collecting level 2 are arranged horizontally. The discharge plane 1 is arranged vertically above the collecting plane 2. The discharge level 1 comprises discharge points 9 arranged in a matrix, which are designed as recesses in the discharge level 1 and through which piece goods can be dropped onto the collecting level 2. Figure 5 shows a plan view of a possible configuration of the discharge level 1 and the catchment level 2. Figure 4 shows a possible variant of a discharge level with foldable conveyor elements. FIG. 6 shows a variant of a collecting plane 2.

Again with reference to FIGS. 1A-C, the conveying means F1, F2 each comprise at least one receiving means 8 designed as a container. The receiving means 8 of the receiving level 2 are also provided with the reference numerals 28, 28a, receiving means of the discharge level 1 with the reference number 18. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-C, two receiving means 28, 28a are provided for the funding F2, while only one receiving means 18 is shown for the funding F1. However, both conveying means F1, F2 preferably each comprise a multiplicity of receiving means 8 who, in cooperation with each other, sort a plurality of piece goods at the same time or carry out sorting steps for the plurality of piece goods at the same time. The receiving means 8, 18, 28, 28a can be conveyed by the conveying means F1, F2 in the levels 1, 2. The movement of the receiving means 8 is symbolized in FIG. 1A by its speed vectors vl, v2, v2a. In this exemplary embodiment, a conveying means F1, F2 is designed to convey a receiving means 8, 18, 28, 28a in one of two orthogonal directions in the planes 1, 2 at a given time. In other exemplary embodiments, a conveying means F1, F2 is designed to convey a receiving means 8, 18, 28, 28a in any direction in the levels 1, 2.

According to a variant, the funding F1 and / or the funding F2 each comprise one or more mobile container trolleys, each with its own drive and a receiving means 18, 28, 28a configured as a container. For example, the drives can be electric drive machines.

According to another variant, the funding F2 comprises 2 actuators and passive recording means installed in or on the receiving level. The passive passive receptacles do not include their own drive. For example, the actuators permanently installed in the catchment level 2 can be driven roller conveyors or belts which drive receptacles designed as containers in the catchment level 2. Likewise, the För dermittel Fl in the discharge level 1 may include such permanently installed actuators, which promote the passively designed receiving means 18.

Linear and / or F2 linear motors can also be used as conveying means, which drive appropriately designed container wagons.

Likewise, in other exemplary embodiments, mixed forms with different funding on levels 1, 2 are possible, as will be explained later with reference to the embodiment shown in FIGS. Example is further shown where on four levels E1-E4 between different vertically adjacent levels sometimes different types of funding and sometimes the same type of funding are used.

In one of the exemplary embodiments that deviate somewhat from FIGS. 1A-C, the discharge plane conveying means is designed as a conveying route or as a conveying route system, which conveys the piece goods not in a receiving means, but directly lying on the conveying route, for example a conveyor belt and a piece goods throws at the desired From 91 on the receiving level 2. This is particularly useful if the piece goods are separated before sorting, as will be explained in the context of further exemplary embodiments in connection with FIG. 4.

FIGS. 1A-C also illustrate a method for sorting piece goods according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention at different points in the method.

FIG. 1A shows how the discharge plane conveying means F1 conveys the piece goods 7 on the discharge plane 1 to a discharge point 91 of the discharge points 9 that can be selected individually for the piece goods 7, which is symbolized by the speed vector vl of the receiving means 18, while the collection plane Conveying means F2 conveys an empty receiving means 28 on the collecting level 2 below the discharge point 91, which is symbolized by the speed vector v2.

In both levels 1, 2 there are further receptacles on the way to sort other piece goods, which is symbolized by the receptacle 28a, which moves in a different direction with the speed v2a. The receiving means 28, 28a can move in the receiving plane 2 in two directions arranged orthogonally to one another. A plurality of receptacles 8 also preferably run in the discharge plane 1 can move in the discharge plane 1 in the two orthogonal directions.

FIGS. 1B and IC show how, at the discharge point 91, the piece goods 7 are thrown through the discharge point 91 into the receiving means 28 that travels on the collecting level 2 and are collected directly by the latter. For this sorting step, the receiving means 28 travels on the collecting level 2, depending on further piece goods being conveyed at the same time on the level 1 and / or level 2, an individually definable route.

The individually definable route is individually determined for the path of the receiving means 28 to the drop point 91 and / or for the further path of the receiving means 28 loaded with the piece goods from the drop point 91, for example following a route choice, the others on the level 2 moving recording means evades and / or crossings with these and the associated delays avoided and / or minimized the length of the route. Each of a plurality of travels on the receiving level 2 preferably travels an individually defined route, the individually determined routes being coordinated in order to avoid intersections and / or to minimize the number of intersections of piece goods to be sorted and / or the distances traveled by piece goods or to minimize receptacles.

The route which the piece goods 7 travels on the discharge level 1 does not necessarily have to be individually definable, but according to one embodiment of the invention this route can also be individually determined, which further increases the flexibility of the method and of the device.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the discharge point to which the piece goods are conveyed on the discharge level 1 and via which the piece goods are dropped is likewise individually determined, for example in order to avoid a crossing situation with another or several other piece goods conveyed on the discharge level and / or on the collecting level.

1A-C is a sorting system with two levels 1,

2 shown. In this sense, these figures illustrate exemplary embodiments with exactly two levels, namely from the throwing level 1 and the collecting level 2. However, FIGS. 1A-C also illustrate sorting systems with more than two levels, as well as methods which sort over more than two levels , since the concepts illustrated in FIGS. 1A-C are not limited to only two levels. In other words: According to further exemplary embodiments, the concepts shown in FIGS. 1A-C are implemented in systems with three or more levels. Also, the concepts shown in FIGS. 1A-C do not need to take place exclusively between immediately adjacent levels, but one or more levels can also be skipped for a piece goods to be dropped into a receiving means by dropping a piece goods through two or more levels, for example if the discharge points of these levels are arranged one above the other.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a further embodiment example of a sorting system 200 and a method for sorting piece goods. The sorting system 200 comprises three levels 1, 2, 3. The sorting system 200 comprises the levels 1, 2 in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-C. Another drop level is above drop level 2

3 arranged, which is configured in the same way as the discharge level 1. Preferably, several operate on all three levels

General cargo, or several receiving means 8 at the same time. FIG. 2A shows how the piece goods 7 were conveyed to a further discharge point 93 in a further discharge means 3 in a further receiving means 38 on a further discharge level 3. The control system 5 is adapted to control the funding Fl, F2, F3. In a variant of this Exemplary embodiment, a conveyor system is used instead of the conveyor F3 for the further discharge level 3, which conveys the piece goods 7 to the discharge point 93 by means of one or more conveyor lines, for example conveyor belts or roller conveyors, and throws them there onto the discharge level 1, for example by means of a foldable conveyor belt.

After the piece goods 7 has been conveyed on the further discharge level 3 to the further discharge point 93 by means of one of the conveying means F3 described above, it is thus thrown through the discharge point 93 into the receiving means 18 and picked up by the latter.

The piece goods are then further sorted over levels 1, 2 according to the method described with reference to FIGS. 1A-C. In this case, the receiving means 18 travels an individually determined distance for receiving the piece goods 7 dropped by the discharge point 93. The individual definition of this route is made depending on further piece goods conveyed simultaneously by the sorting system 200. This allows the routes to be coordinated to determine a large number of piece goods conveyed by the sorting system and thus to optimize the sorting system or the sorting process.

The distances are determined individually, for example, in order to optimize the sorting speed, to avoid intersection situations and / or to optimize distances covered by piece goods and / or recording means.

As can be seen on the basis of level 1 of the sorting system 200, a discharge level can, according to exemplary embodiments, simultaneously be a collection level and vice versa, a collection level can also be a discharge level.

Instead of or in addition to the further drop level 3 arranged above level 1, 2, one or more further levels can also be located below the receiving level 2 which is sorted, and / or above the further drop level 3 there can be one or more further levels via which the sorting takes place.

A receiving means 8, 18, 28, 38 can be, for example, a container closed on five sides, which is driven by suitable actuators. The container can be actively driven, for example by being part of an automated guided vehicle. Likewise, the receiving means can be passive, that is to say do not comprise its own drive and, for example, be configured as a simple container which is conveyed by driven roller conveyors or conveyor belts which are built in levels 1, 2, 3. Solutions with container wagons that are driven by linear motors are also possible.

On a discharge level 1, 3, that is to say on a level from which the piece goods are dropped to a lower level, the receiving means preferably comprise a throw-off mechanism A1, A3 via which a piece goods are dropped onto a drop point. The lowest level can, but does not have to comprise, a release mechanism and, for example, can include end points, each with a large collecting bag for receiving several piece goods, as collecting means.

With the sorting systems illustrated with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the piece goods are sorted over more than two levels arranged one above the other. On these levels there are receivers that cover individually definable distances.

FIGS. 3-8 illustrate examples of further exemplary embodiments of a sorting system 300 and of a method for sorting piece goods.

As shown in FIG. 3, the sorting system 300 comprises four horizontal levels E1-E4 arranged vertically one above the other, and a control system 5 for controlling and coordinating funding F1-F4 operating at these levels E1-E4.

The levels E1-E4 are arranged parallel to each other.

FIG. 8 shows a variant of the sorting system 300 in a perspective view with the four levels E1-E4. The levels E1-E4 are constructed like a matrix. The uppermost level E4 comprises a conveyor belt system with conveyor belt elements A4 and feed conveyor belts Z4, while the levels E3, E2, El underneath comprise conveying means for conveying containers designed as a collecting center in 8. At least some of the conveyor belt elements A4 in the plane E4 are designed as fold-down discharge points 49, while the receptacle means 8 in the levels E3, E2 designed as containers 38 comprise a floor with a discharge shaft that can be opened for the discharge of a piece goods and for a later one Recording of another piece of goods can be closed again. The levels E3 and E2 comprise recesses 39 arranged in a matrix, through which the piece goods can be thrown off from the receiving means 38 to lower levels. On level El there is a plurality of receptacles 8 designed as end points 58, in which the piece goods are sorted and which are conveyed via an exit 60 from the sorting system 300.

The level E4 is therefore designed as a drop level. The levels E3, E2 are designed both as a discharge level and as a receiving level. The level El is designed as a receiving level.

The martix-like structure of the levels E1-E4 shown in FIG. 8 is based on a matrix which is large for the representation on paper. In order to better illustrate and explain the functioning of the levels E1-E4 and the means used in these levels E1-E4, the levels E1-E4 shown in FIGS. 4-6 are schematic using the example of a smaller matrix, namely a 12x12 Matrix shown. Other matrix arrangements are also possible in many ways, for example the matrix arrangement does not need to be square but can also have a different structure, for example a rectangular structure with a different number of matrix elements in the x direction than in the y direction.

Figure 4 shows schematically the plane E4 in a plan view. The level E4 comprises four conveying means designed as conveying lines F4, which are designed to convey piece goods in the respectively indicated arrow direction, for example in a direction v4, as shown for one of the conveying lines F4 shown. The conveyor lines F4 each include a feed conveyor belt Z4, which is designed to supply the level E4 piece goods, which at this point are preferably already separated or are to be separated. Each of the feed conveyor belts Z4 is followed by further conveyor belt elements A4, which are designed to further convey the piece goods. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the conveyor lines F4 are arranged so that they form a peripheral structure in a Randbe area of the level E4. However, an ongoing structure is not necessary. In other exemplary embodiments, the level E4 can also have only one of the conveyor routes F4 or more of the conveyor routes F4 or one or more conveyor routes arranged differently.

The conveyor belt elements A4, or at least one or more of the conveyor belt elements A4, are designed to be foldable, so that when one of the conveyor belt elements A4 is folded down, a piece goods located thereon are thrown onto the underlying level E3. In other words: the foldable conveyor belt elements A4 form discharge points 9, 49 (of which only a few are provided with these reference numerals in FIG. 4 and in FIG. 8 for the sake of clarity), through which a piece goods are conveyed to a lower level E3, E2, El can be dropped.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a foldable conveyor belt element F4 in solid lines in a folded state and in broken lines in a non-folded state. The conveyor belt element F4 comprises a discharge Mechanism which causes an edge of the conveyor belt element F4 lying in the front in the conveying direction v4 to fold down, as shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 illustrates the level E3 of the sorting system 300. The sorting system 300 comprises a conveyor system which is designed to convey a collecting means on lines constructed in the manner of a matrix in the level E3. The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5 shows a 12x12 matrix, as stated above.

The plane E3 can be realized in a simple manner, for example by means of a carrier system arranged horizontally in the plane E3 with carriers running in the x direction and orthogonally to it in the y direction. The carriers define paths on which autonomous automated guided vehicles (AGVs) can move in the x direction or in the y direction with a container that is open at the top and otherwise closed on five sides. Between the carriers are rectangular empty spaces in the level E3, which define possible discharge points 39 for discarding piece goods on the underlying levels E2 and El. The AGVs are or comprise drives designed as conveying means, and five-sided closed containers 38 designed as receiving means 8, which are open at the top.

Instead of AGVs, other subsidies and receipts at level E3 can also be used. In one variant, however, conveyor means on level E3 also include, for example, permanently installed conveyor belt elements and containers arranged in a matrix. Each of these conveyor belt elements is designed to convey a receiving means configured as a container on the conveying element either in Cartesian directions, that is to say either in an x direction or in a y direction orthogonal to the x direction. Such a conveying element is installed on each of the 12x12 = 144 matrix fields shown in FIG. At least where 300 conveyor systems for the conveyor system Throw points are defined, these conveyor belt elements are designed so that they have a recess in the middle through which a piece of goods can be dropped onto a lower level.

According to a preferred embodiment variant, the matrix of level E3 is subdivided into different areas which are provided for different functions, for example into the following three areas ZB, SB, OB, which are delimited from one another in FIG. 5 by dash-dotted lines: the level E3 comprises, in a central area, the discharge points 39, through which a piece goods can be dropped onto the underlying levels E2, El. The central area ZB can be seen in FIG. 3 in that all matrix fields there are identified by reference number 39, which identify the discharge points 39. In Figure 5, the central area is shown for example as an 8x8 matrix. A storage area SB is provided on the level E3 around this central area ZB all around and immediately below the foldable conveyor belt elements A4 of the funding F4 of the level E4. For better visualization, a vertical projection of one of the funding F4 onto the level E3 is shown in FIG. 5 as a dashed line. On matrix fields of the storage area SB there are empty collecting means 38 which collect the piece goods thrown off by the foldable conveyor belt elements A4. The storage area SB is the second outermost area. Preferably, each of the matrix fields of the storage area SB is not occupied by an empty collecting means 38 for a very short time. Therefore, all matrix fields are shown in FIG. 5 in the memory area SB as being occupied by a collecting means 38.

In order to ensure the best possible occupancy of the storage area SB, an outer area OB can be provided on the level E3 around the storage area SB on which individual empty receptacles 38 circulate and as soon as a receptacle 38 waiting in the storage area SB has received a piece well , whose vacant space occupied. This ensures that matrix fields in the storage area SB are empty for as short a time as possible, ie are not occupied by an empty collecting means 38. This makes it possible to further increase the efficiency of the sorting system 300. But also more dynamic solutions, in which the collecting means 38 do not wait in the storage area SB, but instead are conveyed to the piece goods dropped by one of the conveyor belt elements A4 and collected at level E3.

In order to sort the piece goods, the receiving means 38 travel in individually definable distances on the level E3. In other words: the level E4 is a discharge level and the level ne E3 is a collection level on which at least one receiving means 38 is reversed, into which a piece goods are dropped by the conveying means F4. On the collecting level E3, the receiving means 38 for sorting the piece goods to be sorted cover individually defined routes in order to collect the piece goods in the storage area SB and / or to further convey the piece goods and to drop them in the central area. In this way, the sorting system 300 or the sorting process can be optimized for a large number of piece goods to be sorted simultaneously, for example by a given large number of piece goods as efficiently as possible

and / or to sort quickly. In order to make the sorting process even more efficient, the piece goods 7 also cover an individually definable route on level E4, for example to an individually determined discharge point 9 on level E4, in order to place the piece goods in a particularly suitable one of the receiving means 38 on the Discard level E3.

If the general cargo 7 has been picked up by one of the receiving means 38 on the level E3, the general cargo is conveyed in this receiving means 38 to the central area of the level E3 via an individually definable route to an individually definable discharge point 39 on the level E3 and there via a discharge mechanism, for example an openable and reclosable discharge shaft in the container 38 the level E2 or the level El dropped. The receptacle 38 that has become free on level E3 then goes back to an empty location in the storage area SB.

The level E2 is structurally the same as the level E3, i.e. with congruent carrier webs arranged congruently to the level E2, and a division into the three areas ZB, SB, OB, and other on the level E2 on receiving means 8, which are identical to the receiving means can be level E3 ne.

In contrast to level E3, the receiving means 8 on level E2 in the central area, for example, below the dropping points 9, from the level E3 through the dropping points 9 piece goods. For this purpose, a receiving means 8 traveling on the level E2 travels an individually definable distance. In this way, the flexibility of the sorting system 300 can be increased further, for example by optimizing the individually definable routes while simultaneously sorting a large number of piece goods to the shortest possible sorting time for the piece goods to be sorted.

FIG. 6 shows the lowest level E1 of the sorting system 300. On the level E1 there are or run receiving means 8 configured as end points 58. The receiving means 8 on the level E2, optionally also of receiving means 38 of the level E3, become piece goods in the central area 7 dropped directly into one of the end points 58 according to at least one predetermined sorting criterion. For example, each of the end points 58 represents a postal code or a delivery district according to which the piece goods, for example parcels, are sorted.

A terminal 58 is conveyed from the sorting system 300, for example when it is full, or when the sorting process has ended, or at a predetermined time via an outlet 59. A further funding can be provided for this his. For example, a receiving means 58 can be designed as a container under which an AGV can be moved, the AGV having a lifting mechanism which lifts the receiving means 58 and in this way conveys it to a desired location. Empty end points 58 are also positioned in this way, ie by means of lifting and conveying by an AGV, on a desired matrix field under a discharge point. In this case, the terminal 58 at level E4 covers a route which can be defined individually, for example in order to prevent collisions, or in the case of high parcel volumes for a specific delivery area, to provide redundant end points for this delivery area in level E4, or to provide an individually defined one Drop point to be promoted.

Another exemplary embodiment is a matrix sorter with three levels, which only comprises the three levels E4, E3, E1, but not the level E2. The piece goods to be sorted are thrown by the conveyor belt system F4, as already described above, into the receiving means 38 on the level E3 and picked up by these. From the receiving means 38, the piece goods are then sorted directly into the distortion 58.

According to exemplary embodiments, the levels E1-E4 and the levels 1-3 are preferably arranged parallel to one another.

According to one exemplary embodiment, an application of a Cartesian matrix sorter for sorting piece goods includes, for example, small sizes (small goods sorters).

According to one embodiment, the goods are first of all conventionally separated and thrown into passive or self-driving container wagons at a speed-synchronized manner.

The passive container wagons are actively promoted on several matrix system levels by linear actuators (linear motors, rollers, belts).

The container wagons have a trap door (flap, shovel, rolling floor) through which the goods are thrown down and thus can be given. This trap door lock, for example, is spring-loaded and is triggered at the transfer point from outside or internally. By moving the carriage again, the flap is closed and locked externally or internally.

Over several levels of traversing carriages or other conveyable means of conveyance, the piece goods are dropped gently in a trolley with a clamped container (sack) that can be moved in a matrix close to the floor and thus conveyed, sorted or picked to the destination. The Verfahrwa conditions or other eligible receiving means can be arranged or promoted with minimal horizontal and / or vertical distances.

Other embodiments include:

- A shortening and lowering of the throughput-reducing intersection events by oncoming terminals, for example on the level El, which in turn are in a funding matrix below the receiving means on another level (multi-level matrix);

- a shortening of the route due to oncoming additional intermediate load handling equipment, for example on levels E2 and E3 on several levels lying below and in the direction of fall of the goods;

- A significant reduction in throughput-reducing intersection events by at least one intermediate level, for example E2 or E3;

- Reliable transport of inhomogeneous postal goods via 5 closed container wagons (bomb bay);

- A possibility of a very high transport speed and acceleration of the goods terform through the box-shaped container.

Claims

claims

1. Sorting system (100, 200, 300) for sorting piece goods (7) over at least two levels (1, 2) arranged one above the other, comprising a discharge level (1), a collection level (2), a discharge level conveyor (Fl, F4) for conveying piece goods (7) on the discharge level (1) and a collecting level conveying means (F2) for conveying piece goods on the collecting level (2);

wherein the collecting level (2) is arranged below the discharge level (1);

wherein the discharge plane (1) comprises discharge points (9, 91), via which piece goods can be dropped from the discharge plane (1) onto the collecting plane (2);

wherein the discharge plane conveying means (Fl, F4) comprises a discharge means (A1, A4) which is designed to discharge a piece goods via one of the discharge points (9, 91);

and wherein the receiving level conveying means (F2) comprises a receiving means (8, 28) which is designed to receive the piece goods (7) thrown off via the throw-off point (9, 91);

wherein the receiving level conveying means (F2) is designed to allow the receiving means (8, 28) to travel a distance which can be defined individually on the receiving level (2).

2. Sorting system according to claim 1, wherein the discharge level conveying means (F1) is designed to allow the piece goods (7) to travel an individually definable distance on the discharge level (1).

3. Sorting system according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a further discharge level (3) and a further För dermittel (F3) for conveying piece goods on the further discharge level (3);

the further discharge plane (3) being arranged above the discharge plane (1); the discharge plane conveying means (F1) comprising a discharge plane receiving means (18) which is designed to receive the piece well;

wherein the further discharge level (3) comprises further discharge points (9), and the further conveying means (F3) is designed to drop the piece goods into the discharge level receiving means (18) via one of the further discharge points (9).

4. Sorting system according to one of the preceding claims, where at least on the receiving level (2) moving receiving means (28) and / or on the discharge level receiving means (18) and / or on the further level receiving means (38) comprises a container wagon (8) which comprises a release mechanism (A), for example a trap door, flap, shovel or a rolling floor and is preferably closed on 5 sides.

5. Sorting system according to one of the preceding claims, where the receiving means (28) and / or the receiving means (1) operating on the discharge level (2) and / or the receiving means operating on the further level (2) 38) can be driven by means of actuators, such as rollers, belts, arranged in the catchment level (2) and / or in the discharge level (1) and / or in the further discharge level (3).

6. Sorting system according to one of the preceding claims, where in the on the receiving level (2) moving receiving means (28) has its own drive for locomotion and / or the receiving means (18) circulating on the discharge level (1) has its own drive for locomotion and / or the receiving means (38) operating on the further level (3) comprises its own drive for locomotion.

7. Sorting system according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a control system (5) which is adapted in the individually definable distance of the receiving means on the collecting level and / or the individually definable distance of the General cargo (7) on the discharge level and / or an individually definable route of the general cargo through the sorting system and / or the discharge point (91) on the discharge level (1) and / or the further discharge point on the further discharge level (3).

8. Sorting system according to one of the preceding claims, where in the control system (5) is adapted for several

General cargo (7), which are sorted simultaneously by the sorting system, determine the distances to be covered and / or drop points in a coordinated manner.

9. Method for sorting piece goods (7),

a piece goods (7) to be sorted on a discharge level

(1) is conveyed to a discharge point (91) and is thrown there into or onto a receiving means (28) which travels the piece goods (7) and travels on a collection level (2), the collection level (2) being arranged below the discharge level (1) , and wherein the receiving means (8) on the collecting plane

(2) covers a route that can be individually determined for sorting the piece goods (7).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the piece goods (7) are conveyed to the discharge point (91) by means of a receiving means (18) that travels on the discharge level (1) and there in or onto the receiving means (28) that travels on the collecting level (2). is dropped, and / or the receiving means (18) traveling on the discharge level (1) travels a distance which can be individually determined for sorting the piece goods (7).

11. The method according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the piece goods (7), before it is conveyed on the discharge level (1), conveyed to a further discharge point (93) on a further discharge level arranged above the discharge level and there in or on on the discharge level (1) on receiving means (8) is dropped.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the receiving means moving on the collecting level (2) and / or the receiving means (18) operating on the discharge level (1) and / or a receiving means operating on the further discharge level comprises a container wagon is, which comprises a throwing mechanism, for example a trap door, a flap, a shovel, or a moving floor, which is designed to throw off the piece goods.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the general cargo 7 is sorted over two or more levels arranged one above the other, on each of which receiving means ren who travel the individually definable distances.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the receiving means (28) moving on the collecting plane (2) is an end point.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, comprising the step of selecting the dropping point (91) from a plurality of dropping points (9) arranged on the dropping plane (1) and / or comprising the step of selecting the further dropping point (93) from a further plurality of at the further discharge level (3) at orderly discharge points (9).