WO2024098087A1

WO2024098087A1 - Picking system and picking method

Info

Publication number: WO2024098087A1
Application number: PCT/AT2023/060378
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lindley TIMOTHY; Josef Reischl; Christoph PAUZENBERGER; Michael DRACK; Christoph Wolkerstorfer
Original assignee: Tgw Mechanics Gmbh
Priority date: 2022-11-08
Filing date: 2023-11-08
Publication date: 2024-05-16

Abstract

The invention relates to a picking system (1) having a suspended conveyor device which has a plurality of travelling sections and transport carriers (3) which can be moved along the travelling sections, in particular individually and in a self-driven manner. The suspended conveyor device forms a storage region (LB) in which a plurality of storage locations (10) are arranged, at which suspended goods can be stored, suspended, from transport carriers (3) and which allow individual access to the transport carriers (3) at the storage locations (10). The invention also relates to a method for picking a picking order by means of such a picking system (1).

Description

COMMISSIONING SYSTEM AND PROCEDURE FOR COMMISSIONING

The invention relates to an order picking system and a method for order picking a picking order using such an order picking system. The order picking system comprises an overhead conveyor device with a plurality of transport carriers for transporting hanging goods and a support structure on which a plurality of travel routes are arranged. The travel routes form a transport path along which the transport carriers can be moved. In addition, the order picking system comprises a loading area with at least one loading station for loading the transport carriers with hanging goods, a storage area for storing the hanging goods on the transport carriers and an order picking area with at least one picking station for unloading the transport carriers and for picking order goods. The order picking area can therefore comprise one or more picking stations for unloading the transport carriers and for picking order goods. The overhead conveyor device of the order picking system comprises a storage device for transferring the transport carriers from the loading area via a collection travel area into the storage area, a storage block arranged in the storage area and a retrieval device for transferring the transport carriers from the storage area via a distribution travel area into the order picking area. The storage block has at least one storage level with one storage row, wherein the storage row comprises several storage locations.

In a picking system, it is desirable that picking orders that include ordered goods can be fulfilled as quickly and efficiently as possible. To do this, the ordered goods must be transported from the respective storage location to the picking station within a short time and made available at the picking station. To achieve this, items that are frequently ordered are stored close to a warehouse exit and items that are rarely ordered are stored further away from the warehouse exit. This optimizes transport times and picking orders can be fulfilled quickly and efficiently. The disadvantage here, however, is that a storage location cannot be used in a space-optimized manner, which is why the warehouse usually has to be oversized.

Particularly in order picking systems with an overhead conveyor device, the hanging goods on transport carriers are usually temporarily stored in large buffer carousels after the transport carriers have been loaded until they are needed for a picking order. In the buffer carousels, the transport carriers are moved in a circle via deflection tracks, which means that the buffer carousels require a lot of space and are very technically complex. In order to keep the technical effort to a minimum, the buffer carousels are designed to accommodate many hundreds to thousands of transport carriers, which means that access to a single transport carrier is particularly long.

An exemplary order picking system is known from DE 102018 221 043 A1, in which a storage block is provided with a circulating carousel that can be filled with hanging goods from a loading station by inserting the transport carriers into it. Between the storage block and the order picking station there is an order buffer with storage lanes that work according to the first-in-first-out principle. The order or hanging goods can be transported from the storage block to the order buffer and temporarily stored there. The order goods can be sorted in a sorting device downstream of the order buffer so that the order goods can be provided in a pure order and/or items of the order goods can be provided in a desired order at the order picking station.

One object of the invention is to create an improved order picking system and an improved order picking method. In particular, the aforementioned disadvantages are to be overcome and an efficient fulfillment of order picking orders is to be made possible.

The object is achieved by an order picking system of the type mentioned at the outset, wherein the at least one storage level comprises a storage driving area into which the transport carriers can be transferred from the storage device, and a retrieval driving area from which the transport carriers can be transferred to the retrieval device. In addition, the storage row comprises storage locations arranged in a row for receiving at least one transport carrier, as well as a storage driving area adjoining the storage driving area and the retrieval driving area, wherein transport carriers can be transferred from the storage driving area to the storage locations.

One advantage achieved with the invention is that a large number of storage locations are available, which means that access time to individual transport carriers is particularly short. This means that the ordered goods, in particular articles of the ordered goods, can be quickly removed from the storage area and made available at at least one picking station.

In addition, the arrangement of the storage locations along the storage travel area means that the transport carriers can reach any storage location. This creates a particularly uniform storage density and optimizes the use of a storage location.

For this purpose, the transport carriers are movable, in particular movable, in the travel areas, in particular in the collection travel area, in the storage travel area, in the storage travel area, in the retrieval travel area and in the distribution travel area.

The hanging goods can be formed on the one hand by articles, in particular items of clothing, which hang on the transport carriers by means of coat hangers, and on the other hand by transport bags, in particular filled with at least one article each, which hang on the transport carriers and are designed to hold at least one article each.

It is advantageous if the hanging conveyor device comprises the hanging goods, which can be transported with the transport carrier, and the hanging goods optionally have a transport bag with a bag body for storing goods.

Hanging goods that are required to fulfill a picking order can also be referred to as order goods.

In order to load the transport carrier at the loading station with hanging goods, for example, coat hangers with items can be hung on the transport carrier and/or items can be loaded into transport bags hanging on the transport carrier. The loading station can be designed for automated and/or manual loading by an operator.

Preferably, several loading groups, each with a plurality of loading stations, are arranged in the loading area.

When unloading the transport carriers, for example, coat hangers with articles of the order goods can be removed from the transport carriers and/or articles of the order goods can be taken out of the transport bags hanging on the transport carriers. The removed and/or removed articles can, for example, be placed in the unloading station provided target loading aids in order to pick the order goods in them. In this case, the order goods are essentially reloaded from the transport carriers into the target loading aid. The unloading of the transport carriers, in particular the reloading of the order goods, can be carried out automatically and/or manually by an operator.

Preferably, several picking groups, each with a plurality of picking stations, are arranged in the picking area.

The transport carriers are expediently movable in the travel areas described below, in particular in the collection travel area, storage travel area, eager travel area, retrieval travel area and/or distribution travel area.

The collection travel area is preferably positioned between the loading area and the storage area. The overhead conveyor device runs through the collection travel area in order to connect the loading area with the storage area, in particular the at least one loading station with the storage block, in terms of conveyor technology.

The distribution travel area is preferably positioned between the storage area and the unloading area. The overhead conveyor device runs through the distribution travel area in order to connect the storage area with the unloading area, in particular the storage block with the at least one picking station, in terms of conveyor technology.

The collection travel area and the distribution travel area are advantageously arranged in a (first) transport plane. Particularly preferably, the at least one storage plane is arranged in this transport plane.

It is advantageous if the storage travel area and the retrieval travel area are connected via the storage travel area and in particular are arranged parallel to one another. The storage row and thus the storage travel area expediently extend orthogonally to the storage and retrieval travel areas.

The transport carriers are movable in particular in a transport direction along the storage travel area from the storage travel area to the retrieval travel area, wherein the storage locations are arranged one behind the other in the transport direction adjacent to the storage travel area. The transport direction runs along the storage row from the storage driving area to the retrieval driving area.

It is advantageous if the at least one storage level comprises several storage rows arranged next to one another. Preferably, at least some of the storage rows, in particular all of the storage rows of the storage level, are identical. It is particularly preferred that the storage rows arranged next to one another are connected on the one hand via the storage travel area and on the other hand via the retrieval travel area.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the storage block comprises several storage levels arranged one above the other. Preferably, at least some of the storage levels, in particular all storage levels of the storage block, are identical. It can also be provided that a first storage level, in particular the lowest one, of the storage levels is arranged in the previously described (first) transport level. Further storage levels, in particular those arranged above the first storage level, can be arranged in further transport levels.

In order to allow one person to access the storage block and thus to carry out maintenance at the storage locations, the storage block can be provided with a service area which includes a walkable platform, runs parallel to the row of storage and extends vertically upwards from the walkable platform over at least two storage levels arranged one above the other. Since people do not have to be able to stand upright in the travel area, the distance between two storage levels can be reduced, resulting in a lower overall height of the storage block.

The walkable platform is advantageously formed by a platform of the supporting structure. Particularly preferably, the walkable platform is essentially aligned with a top storage level of those storage levels that are located below the service area. "Essentially" in this context means that the walkable platform can be arranged slightly offset upwards or downwards relative to the respective storage level, in particular by a maximum of 15 cm.

In a storage block with a plurality of storage levels arranged one above the other, in particular with more than two storage levels arranged one above the other, preferably several service areas arranged one above the other are provided. It is also advantageous if the storage block comprises a plurality of service areas, each of which is positioned between two adjacent rows of storage.

This means that two rows of bearings can be serviced from one service area, so that a separate service area is not required for each row of bearings.

In order to enable a particularly flexible allocation of storage locations for hanging goods and to reduce sorting effort after order goods have been removed from storage, it is preferably provided that a removal sequence in which transport carriers can be transferred from any storage location to the storage driving area can be selected independently of a storage sequence in which a defined number of transport carriers were transferred from the storage driving area to any storage location.

It is therefore advantageous if a defined number of transport carriers are transferred from the storage driving area to any storage location in the storage sequence and can optionally be transferred from the storage location to the storage driving area in at least a first or second retrieval sequence.

This can be achieved, for example, by having the storage locations each have one or more parking spaces arranged next to each other, each of which borders on the storage driving area. This means that the transport carriers can be transferred directly from the storage driving area to the parking spaces and then removed from them again in any order.

In addition, it can be provided that the storage locations each have a (closed) circular route of the travel routes, along which the transport carriers can be moved in a circular direction. This enables access to any transport carrier at the storage location.

Due to the large number of storage locations, the circulation route can be particularly small, which means that access time to individual transport carriers is very short. It is advantageous that the storage locations, in particular the circulation route, are dimensioned to accommodate a maximum of 100, in particular a maximum of 50, transport carriers and/or have a longitudinal extension of a maximum of 10 m.

At the storage locations, in particular along the respective circulation route, a stopping point can be provided at which a transport carrier entering the storage location The stopping point can be marked by a stopping mark (visually detectable) on the transport carrier.

In order to guide the transport carriers in the storage travel area, it is preferably provided that at least one storage route of the travel routes is arranged in this, which extends along the storage locations. The at least one storage route preferably has a plurality of branches, which are each assigned to a storage location of the storage locations and via which the storage route is connected to the assigned storage location, in particular to the circulation route of the respective storage location, in order to transfer transport carriers from the storage travel area to the assigned storage location. In addition, the at least one storage route can alternatively or additionally have a plurality of junctions, which are each assigned to a storage location of the storage locations and via which the storage route is connected to the assigned storage location, in particular to the circulation route of the respective storage location, in order to transfer transport carriers from the assigned storage location to the storage travel area.

It is advantageous that the at least one storage route has a first storage route leading away from the storage travel area and comprising the branches, and a second storage route leading to the retrieval travel area and comprising the junctions. Hanging goods can thus be stored via the first storage route and hanging goods can be retrieved via the second storage route, and the storage and retrieval can thus be carried out essentially decoupled from one another.

In this case, it can be provided that the storage locations are arranged between the first and second storage sections. In particular, the storage travel area can comprise a first storage travel area in which the first storage section is arranged and a second storage travel area in which the second storage section is arranged, wherein the storage locations are arranged between the first and second storage travel areas.

Alternatively, it is planned that only a single storage section is provided in the storage driving area, which includes both the branches and the junctions. This means that the storage row can be made particularly narrow and space-saving. In order to guide the transport carriers in the storage travel area, it is preferably provided that a storage section of the travel routes is arranged therein, which is connected to the storage travel area, in particular to the storage section.

In the case of several storage rows arranged next to one another, it is preferably provided that the storage route is connected to the storage travel areas, in particular to the storage routes, of the storage rows arranged next to one another.

Advantageously, the storage line comprises one or more branches, each of which is assigned to a storage row and is connected to its at least one storage line, in particular to its first storage line.

It is advantageous if the storage device comprises a collection route for the travel routes, which is arranged in the collection travel area and is designed to take over the transport carriers from the loading area.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the storage device comprises a discharge line of the travel routes, which is connected to the at least one loading station and the collection line. Particularly preferably, several discharge lines are provided, each of which is assigned to a loading group and connected to its loading stations.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the storage device comprises at least one transfer unit which is designed to take over transport carriers from the collection driving area and transfer them to the storage driving area. The storage device particularly preferably comprises several such transfer units.

It is advantageously provided that at least one transfer unit of the storage device is assigned to each loading group and/or at least one loading group is assigned to each transfer unit of the storage device.

The transfer of the transport carriers can be carried out passively by the transfer unit of the storage device, in that the transfer unit provides a route leading from the collection travel area to the storage travel area.

According to a first embodiment of the transfer unit, it is preferably provided that the at least one transfer unit of the storage device has a, in particular along a Vertical axis helically running, rising section of the travel routes, wherein the rising section is connected to storage travel areas of storage levels arranged one above the other.

Preferably, the ascending section is connected to the collecting section and/or to storage sections of the storage travel areas.

It is particularly preferably provided that the at least one transfer unit of the storage device comprises at least one travel platform of the support structure which runs helically about a vertical axis and forms a travel surface on which the at least one climbing section runs.

It is advantageous if the helical riser, in particular the travel platform of the supporting structure, has one or more turns.

Preferably, the turns each have a first horizontally running horizontal section and a second horizontally running horizontal section, which are arranged at different height levels, in particular parallel to one another, a first riser section which connects the first horizontally running section to the second horizontally running section, and a second riser section which adjoins the second horizontally running section and optionally connects it to the first horizontally running section of a subsequent turn of the riser section.

Conveniently, the first riser section and the second riser section are each inclined upwards relative to a horizontal plane.

Advantageously, it is provided that a pitch of the riser, i.e. in particular the height of a turn, corresponds to a vertical distance between two storage levels or a 1/N-fold vertical distance between two storage levels, where N is an integer.

The transfer of the transport carriers can also be carried out actively by the transfer unit of the storage device, by picking up the transport carriers from the transfer unit and moving them to the respective storage level. According to a second embodiment of the transfer unit, it is preferably provided that the at least one transfer unit of the storage device comprises a lifting device, in particular a paternoster, which is designed to take over transport carriers from the collection travel area, in particular from the collection route, and to transfer them to the storage travel areas of storage levels arranged one above the other, in particular to the storage routes of the storage travel areas.

The storage device advantageously comprises a plurality of transfer units. In this case, all transfer units of the storage device can be designed according to the first embodiment or according to the second embodiment of the transfer unit. It is also conceivable that some of the transfer units of the storage device are designed according to the first embodiment of the transfer unit and some of the transfer units of the storage device are designed according to the second embodiment of the transfer unit.

In order to guide the transport carriers in the retrieval travel area, it is preferably provided that a retrieval section of the travel routes is arranged therein, which is connected to the storage travel area, in particular to the storage section.

In the case of several storage rows arranged next to one another, it is preferably provided that the retrieval route is connected to the storage travel areas, in particular to the storage routes, of the storage rows arranged next to one another.

Advantageously, the retrieval line comprises one or more junctions, each of which is assigned to a storage row and is connected to at least one storage line thereof, in particular to the second storage line thereof.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the retrieval device has at least one feed line of the travel routes, which is arranged at least in sections in the distribution travel area and is connected to the at least one picking station. Particularly preferably, several feed lines are provided, each of which is assigned to a picking group and connected to its picking stations.

It is advantageous if the retrieval device comprises a distribution section of the travel sections, which is arranged in the distribution travel area and is connected to the at least one feed section. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the retrieval device comprises at least one transfer unit which is designed to take over transport carriers from the retrieval driving area and transfer them to the distribution driving area. The retrieval device particularly preferably comprises several such transfer units.

It is advantageously provided that each order picking group is connected to at least one transfer unit of the retrieval device and/or each transfer unit of the retrieval device is connected to at least one order picking group (by conveyor technology). Particularly preferably, exactly one retrieval device is connected to exactly one order picking group (by conveyor technology).

The transfer of the transport carriers can be carried out passively by the transfer unit of the retrieval device by providing a route leading from the retrieval travel area to the distribution travel area.

According to a first embodiment of the transfer unit, it is preferably provided that the at least one transfer unit of the retrieval device comprises a rising section of the travel routes, in particular running helically along a vertical axis, wherein the rising section is connected to retrieval travel areas of storage levels arranged one above the other.

Preferably, it is provided that the riser section is connected to the at least one feed section, to the distribution section and/or to retrieval sections of the retrieval travel areas.

It is particularly preferably provided that the at least one transfer unit of the retrieval section comprises at least one travel platform of the support structure which runs helically about a vertical axis and forms a travel surface on which the at least one climbing section runs.

Preferably, the windings each have a first horizontally running section and a second horizontally running section, which are arranged at different height levels, in particular parallel to one another, a first riser section which connects the first horizontally running section to the second horizontally running section, and a second riser section which adjoins the second horizontally running section and optionally connects it to the first horizontally running section of a subsequent turn of the riser section.

Conveniently, the first riser section and the second riser section are each inclined downwards relative to a horizontal plane.

The transfer of the transport carriers can also be carried out actively by the transfer unit of the retrieval device, by picking up the transport carriers from the transfer unit and moving them into the distribution travel area.

According to a second embodiment of the transfer unit, it is preferably provided that the transfer unit of the retrieval device comprises a lifting device, in particular a paternoster, which is designed to take over transport carriers from the retrieval travel areas, in particular from retrieval routes, from storage levels arranged one above the other and to transfer them to the distribution travel area, in particular to the at least one feed route or distribution route.

The retrieval device advantageously comprises a plurality of transfer units. In this case, all transfer units of the retrieval device can be designed according to the first embodiment or according to the second embodiment of the transfer unit. It is also conceivable that some of the transfer units of the retrieval device are designed according to the first embodiment of the transfer unit and some of the transfer units of the retrieval device are designed according to the second embodiment of the transfer unit. In order to provide the transport carriers of a picking order in a desired order at the picking station and/or to sort the transport carriers of several picking orders according to the order, it can be provided that at least one sequencing device is provided in the picking area, which is set up to change a sequence of transport carriers provided in the sequencing device.

The sequencing device preferably has a feed path of the travel paths for feeding transport carriers to the sequencing device in a feed sequence, a circulation path of the travel paths connected to the feed path and a removal path for removing transport carriers from the sequencing device in a removal sequence that is different from the feed sequence. This allows the transport carriers to be moved essentially in a circle along the circulation path. This enables access to each of the transport carriers, whereby they can be discharged from the sequencing device in any order via the removal path.

It is advantageous if at least one picking station includes at least one sequencing device. The sequencing device can be particularly small in size, since a small amount of mixing of orders can be achieved by accessing individual transport carriers in the storage area.

If there are several picking stations, it is preferably provided that each picking station comprises a sequencing device. Alternatively, a sequencing device can be assigned to two picking stations.

For storing unloaded transport carriers, it is advantageous if the storage block comprises a replenishment warehouse for storing unloaded transport carriers, wherein the replenishment warehouse has at least one replenishment storage level, in particular a plurality of replenishment storage levels.

The replenishment warehouse is expediently connected by conveyor technology to the order-picking area, in particular to the at least one order-picking station, and to the storage area, in particular to the at least one loading station.

Preferably, the replenishment warehouse is located below a lowest storage level. Unloaded transport carriers can include, for example, transport carriers on which no hanging goods are hanging and/or transport carriers on which empty hanging bags are hanging. The unloaded transport carriers can be provided and loaded in the loading area, in particular at the at least one loading station.

The supply storage can be implemented particularly easily if the at least one supply storage level has at least one buffer zone of the travel routes along which unloaded transport carriers can be stored.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the replenishment storage level has at least one replenishment storage row, which comprises storage locations arranged in a row for receiving a large number of unloaded transport carriers and a replenishment travel area, wherein transport carriers can be transferred from the replenishment travel area to the storage locations. In this case, it can be provided that the at least one replenishment storage level has a large number of replenishment storage rows arranged next to one another.

Taking advantage of the advantages and effects described above, the storage locations of the at least one replenishment storage row are preferably designed as described above for the storage locations for storing hanging goods on the transport supports. As a result, the at least one replenishment storage level can be designed essentially identically to the storage levels described above.

It is advantageous if the retrieval device comprises a replenishment line which connects the picking area with the replenishment warehouse in order to transfer unloaded transport carriers from the at least one picking station to the replenishment warehouse.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the storage device comprises a replenishment line which connects the replenishment warehouse with the loading area in order to transfer unloaded transport carriers from the replenishment warehouse to the at least one loading station.

In addition, one or more bypass routes can be provided in the replenishment warehouse, via which unloaded transport carriers can be moved from the picking area to the loading area, in particular bypassing the replenishment warehouse. Likewise, one or more bypass routes can be provided in the storage area, via which loaded transport carriers can be moved from the loading area to the picking area, in particular bypassing the warehouse.

Advantageously, the overhead conveyor device can comprise a computer system which is designed to record a picking order which comprises a plurality of order goods which are stored on transport carriers assigned to the order goods at different storage locations in the storage block,

To record localization data which indicate at which storage locations the ordered goods are stored, to determine, based on the localization data for each of the ordered goods, an expected transport time for transporting the respective ordered goods from the storage location to a convergence point assigned to the respective ordered goods along the transport route, to determine a start time for each of the ordered goods based on the expected transport time so that the ordered goods arrive at the respective convergence point within a defined time interval, in particular at the same time.

As a result, the transport carriers are relocated or set in motion in such a way that they arrive at a specific location, namely the merging point, at essentially the same time, which results in a particularly low level of mixing of transport carriers from different picking orders. This also requires a lower capacity of any downstream sequencing device, which also reduces the size of the picking system and the technical effort required for the picking system.

The merging point can be, for example, an exit of the storage row, the transfer device, an exit from the transfer device, the sequencing device or the like. It is furthermore advantageous if the computer system is set up to determine a first start time when determining the start times for the ordered goods which have the longest expected transport time of all ordered goods, and to determine a delay time for all other ordered goods which corresponds to a difference between the longest expected transport time and the expected transport time for the respective other ordered goods, and to determine the start times for the other ordered goods relative to the first start time in accordance with the delay time.

In order to control the transport carriers and move them along the transport path, it can be provided that the overhead conveyor device comprises a communication system for communicating with the transport carriers, which has a master computer that is set up to select a transport carrier, define a destination along the transport path for the selected transport carrier, create a path definition that specifies a route from a current position of the selected transport carrier to the defined destination, and transmit the path definition to the selected transport carrier.

The master computer can be provided by the computer system or can provide the computer system.

A definable destination can be, for example, a transfer unit of the storage device and/or retrieval device, a storage level, a storage row, a storage location, a sequencing device or a picking station.

For example, a route definition or a fragment of a route definition can be transmitted to a loaded transport carrier that is located at a loading station, which specifies a route from the loading station to a transfer unit or to a storage level. Once there, another route definition or another fragment of the route definition can be transmitted to the loaded transport carrier, which specifies a route from the current position of the transport carrier to a storage location. The transport of hanging goods by the transport carrier can start from the loading station before a storage location for the hanging goods is known and/or determined. This allows a flexible response to changing storage conditions, for example as a result of outsourcing.

The same can be done for transporting ordered goods from the storage location to the picking station, whereby the picking station is only determined later. This allows flexible responses to changing capacities of the picking station and/or a sequencing device.

The path definition can include the selection of a specific route marking in the area of a junction, for example the sequence "straight ahead, diversion, diversion, straight ahead". This path definition can be transmitted to the driving control and, if necessary, stored in memory. The path definition is then used for the autonomous selection of a route marking or for autonomous tracking of the route marking in the area of a junction. For the example given, this means that at a first junction the route marking that causes straight ahead travel is selected, at a second junction the route marking that causes a diversion is selected, and so on. The path definition can be transmitted optically, radio-based or wired.

Usually there are two exit sections at a junction and therefore two selectable paths. The path definition can therefore be specified in binary, for example, where "0" defines a first path or a first exit section and "1" defines a second path or a second exit section. For example, each junction specified by the path definition can be assigned a bit. Figuratively speaking, "0" and "1" can mean "left" and "right", for example.

The route definition usually includes a selection specification or a bit for each junction between the location at which the transport carrier receives the route definition, for example the starting location or the reporting marker, and the next reporting marker and/or a destination. The route definition thus essentially describes the route to be covered by the transport carrier, for example up to the reporting marker, at which the transport carrier receives another route definition. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the overhead conveyor device comprises a plurality of communication areas, in each of which a communication unit connected to the master computer is arranged, which is set up to receive a report signal from a transport carrier and to transmit it to the master computer and/or to transmit the path definition created by the master computer to the selected transport carrier. The communication units and the master computer are preferably part of the communication system.

It is advantageous if the control computer selects the transport carrier that sent the message signal.

Preferably, the communication areas are arranged in the area of the storage device, the retrieval device and/or the at least one sequencing device, at the storage locations, and/or at transitions between the loading area and the storage device, the storage device and the storage area, the storage area and the retrieval device, the retrieval device and the picking area.

In order to receive route definitions and/or send reporting signals, it is advantageous if the transport carriers comprise a communication module which is set up to send a reporting signal when they enter a communication area. The communication modules of the transport carriers are preferably part of the communication system.

In addition, it is advantageous if the communication areas are marked along the transport route by a marking that can be detected by the transport carriers, in particular an optical one, such as a reporting marking. This means that no communication with the transport carrier outside the communication areas is required. The transport carrier can recognize the communication area itself and initiate communication with the master computer by sending the reporting signal. The transport carrier can send a reporting signal when a reporting marking is detected by it. It is advantageous if the control computer is also set up to determine the current position of the selected transport carrier based on the reporting signal and the communication area in which the reporting signal was received. This means that no complex positioning system is required, since the control computer knows the current position of the transport carrier based on the location of the communication area.

It is advantageous if the support structure comprises at least one, in particular ferromagnetic, travel platform, which forms a travel surface on an underside on which the travel routes are arranged, wherein the transport carriers adhere movably to the travel surface by means of an adhesive force generator, in particular by means of a permanent magnet.

It is particularly advantageous if the adhesive force generator comprises a permanent magnet, adhesive lamellae (according to the gecko principle), suction cups and/or a Velcro strip of a Velcro connection (in particular a part of a Velcro strip), for example hooks or mushroom heads of a Velcro connection. If the adhesive force generator comprises a permanent magnet, it is advantageous if the support structure forms a running surface and is made at least partially from a ferromagnetic material, for example from a sheet steel, with the transport carriers adhering movably to the running surface via the permanent magnet. This means that the transport carriers then adhere to the running surface through the magnetic force. The use of one or more permanent magnets for the purpose mentioned is advantageous, but it would also be conceivable to use one or more electromagnets to generate the adhesive force required for the transport carriers to adhere to the running surface. It is particularly advantageous that the adhesive force can be generated without contact. This means that the at least one permanent magnet does not have to be in contact with the running surface, but can be slightly spaced from it. In addition to the (electro)magnetic principle, other technologies can also be used to generate an adhesive force, namely the aforementioned adhesive lamellae (according to the gecko principle), suction cups and/or hooks or mushroom heads of a Velcro connection. The adhesive force is generated by contact between the adhesive force generator and the running surface. It is particularly advantageous if the adhesive force generators are arranged on the outer circumference of the drive elements as described above. While the running surface is designed to be rather smooth when using adhesive lamellae and/or suction cups, it can have part of a Velcro connection when using the Velcro connection. The other part of the Velcro connection. Suction cups can also be connected to a vacuum generator to generate or increase the adhesive force.

It is advantageous if the travel routes are defined by a travel path marking arranged on the travel surfaces, by means of which the transport carriers can be guided along the transport path, wherein the transport carriers are designed to detect and track the travel path marking. For this purpose, the transport carrier can have a detection unit.

The transport carriers can be guided along the transport route by means of the route marking. The route marking is preferably followed by the transport carrier as it moves. For this purpose, it is particularly advantageous if the route marking is detected by the transport carrier, in particular by the detection unit of the transport carrier, and the transport carrier is controlled by a travel control of the transport carrier in such a way that the transport carrier is moved along the route marking.

In addition, several control markings can be provided along the transport route, in particular along the route marking, which can be detected by the transport carrier. The control markings can, for example, include the previously described reporting markings, by which the communication areas are marked, and/or stop markings, by which the stopping points are marked. Furthermore, the control markings can include several query markings, which mark a branch along the transport route and are located upstream of the marked branch in a transport direction of the transport carrier.

It is preferably provided that the route marking is designed as an optical marking, for example as a travel line running along the transport path with a first edge and a second edge. When a transport carrier is moved, the transport carrier follows either the first edge or the second edge. The (optical) route marking can thus be designed as a guide or travel line on the travel surface of the support structure, along which the transport carrier is to travel. In order to form the branching of the transport path in the switch section, the travel line can be branched, for example in a star or Y shape, in order to mark junctions and junctions.

It is advantageous if the transport carriers each include a driving control. In order to store and/or retrieve the path definition, it is advantageous if the transport carriers each have a memory connected to the driving control, in particular one that is designed to be writable and readable.

The driving controls of the transport carriers are preferably each set up to receive a route definition transmitted from the master computer, in particular from the communication unit, to store this in the memory of the respective transport carrier, to retrieve it from the memory and to control the respective transport carrier according to the driving specification.

This makes it possible to move a transport carrier individually and (largely) independently of other transport carriers in the picking system. One advantage achieved in this way is that the transport carriers can navigate or move autonomously between a starting point and a destination. It is also advantageous that only a partial route and not the entire route to be covered by the transport carrier needs to be specified. This allows flexible responses to misrouting, changes to an order structure and the like. In addition, communication between the transport carriers and the master computer does not have to be guaranteed everywhere along the transport route, but only at selected locations, such as in the communication areas. In this way, the transport carrier can essentially be guided from communication area to communication area, in particular from reporting marker to reporting marker, until the destination is reached. At each reporting marker or in each communication area, there is an opportunity to correct the route, which achieves a particularly high level of flexibility.

The query markings described above can influence the behavior of the transport vehicle. For example, the transport vehicle, in particular its driving control, is prompted to retrieve the path definition from the memory when the query marking is reached. The query marking therefore essentially acts as a turning point.

In addition, the reporting marking can mark a location, in particular a reporting point, along the transport route at which a transmission of a route definition is possible and, if necessary, necessary. The reporting marking is preferably assigned to a junction at which several routes converge. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the transport carriers comprise at least one drive device for self-propelled and individual movement of the transport carriers along the travel routes. The transport carriers are preferably moved by the travel control of the transport carrier controlling the at least one drive device of the transport carrier in such a way that it is moved along the transport path.

In order to move the transport carriers in a self-propelled manner, it is preferably provided that the at least one drive device is designed to convert a provided, in particular electrical, drive energy into kinetic energy for transporting the hanging goods. In order to drive wheels arranged on opposite sides of the transport carriers differently so that they can follow a curved trajectory, for example, it is preferably provided that the transport carriers each comprise two drive devices.

In addition, the transport carriers can each have a base body, with the drive devices being arranged on the base body. It is advantageous if the drive devices arranged on the base body are designed to move the respective transport carrier along the support structure, in particular adhering to the support structure, of a suspended conveyor device.

It is also particularly advantageous if the driving controls of the transport carriers are designed to receive the route definition from the master computer, to store a received route definition in the memory of the respective transport carrier and to select a route from several routes in the area of a junction according to the received route definition. With the help of the proposed measures, the autonomy of the transport carriers is achieved by independently determining a route in the area of a junction. For example, the transport carriers can follow one of several route markings. In this way, autonomous movement of the transport carriers can be achieved particularly well. The master computer specifies the route, which is then autonomously traveled by the transport carrier with the help of the driving controls.

Furthermore, the transport carrier can have several wheels rotatably mounted on the base body.

Preferably, the drive device has an electrically operated motor which is mounted on the respective transport carrier, wherein one of the said wheels is designed as a (first) drive wheel which is coupled to the motor. It is advantageous if the drive device has a traction drive via which the drive wheel is coupled to the motor (of the drive device). This makes the drive relatively quiet and low-maintenance. A toothed belt or a flat belt is particularly suitable as the traction device of the traction drive. Alternatively, the drive device can also comprise a gearbox, gears and/or a frictional transmission via which the drive wheel is coupled to the motor (of the drive device).

It is expedient if the driving control is designed to send a reporting signal and/or to receive a path definition.

The transport carriers, the track markings, the control markings and the path definition are described in detail, for example, in the Austrian patent application with the file number A50463/2022, which is fully incorporated into this application and thus made the subject of this application.

The object is further achieved by a method of the type mentioned at the outset, which comprises the following steps: i) loading transport carriers of the overhead conveyor device with hanging goods at the at least one loading station; ii) allocating storage locations by means of a master computer, wherein loaded transport carriers are each allocated a storage location, in particular any storage location, in the storage area; iii) storing the hanging goods by means of the overhead conveyor device, wherein the loaded transport carriers are moved along a transport path from the loading area via a collection travel area to the respectively allocated storage locations; iv) storing the hanging goods on the transport carriers at the respective storage location; v) recording a picking order which comprises an order item, wherein the order item is formed by hanging goods stored in the storage area, and selecting at least one transport carrier on which the order item is stored hanging; vi) if necessary, allocating a picking station by means of the master computer, wherein the at least one selected transport carrier is allocated a picking station, in particular a picking station is assigned to at least one picking station (several picking stations); vii) retrieving the order goods by means of the overhead conveyor device, wherein the transport carriers are moved from the respective storage location via a distribution travel area to the picking station, in particular to the assigned picking station, if step vi) is carried out; viii) providing the selected transport carriers with the order goods at the picking station, in particular the assigned picking station, if step vi) is carried out, and reloading the order goods from the selected transport carriers into a target loading aid.

One advantage achieved with the method is that a large number of storage locations are available and the transport carriers and thus the hanging goods can be stored in any storage location, which means that a particularly uniform storage density can be achieved. In addition, access time to individual transport carriers is particularly short, which is why the order goods, in particular articles of the order goods, can be removed from the storage area particularly quickly and made available at at least one picking station.

Taking advantage of the advantages and effects described above, it is particularly preferred that the method is carried out by means of a previously described order picking system.

For loading in step i), unloaded transport carriers and goods, in particular hanging goods, are made available at at least one loading station.

The goods can be provided in loading aids, for example, whereby the loading aids can each contain a large number of items. During loading, the items can be separated and transferred into transport bags hanging on the transport carriers to form the hanging goods. Hanging goods already hanging on coat hangers can also be provided at at least one loading station. During loading, the coat hangers can be hung in the unloaded transport carriers provided. The loading of the transport carriers with hanging goods in step i) can be carried out automatically and/or manually by an operator.

When the hanging goods are placed in step iii), the hanging goods are transported to the allocated storage location in the warehouse area using the transport carrier. To do this, the transport carrier is moved along the transport route until it reaches the allocated storage location and then transferred to the allocated storage location. The hanging goods can then be stored in the storage location in a step iv) until they are needed for a picking order, for example.

In step v), a picking order is recorded, in particular by the master computer or a warehouse management system. The picking order includes order goods, which are usually made up of one or more items of hanging goods stored hanging on the transport carriers. If the picking order only includes a single item, it is referred to as a single-part order. If, however, the picking order includes several items, it is referred to as a multiple-part order. The picking order can, for example, correspond to a customer order.

The at least one transport carrier, in particular all those transport carriers on which the order goods are stored hanging and which are therefore required to fulfill the picking order, can now be selected by the master computer.

Step vi) can in particular comprise allocating a picking station by means of the master computer if the picking area comprises several picking stations, wherein one picking station of the several picking stations is allocated to the at least one selected transport carrier.

If the picking area only includes one (single) picking station for unloading the transport carriers and picking the ordered goods, step vi) would be considered optional. In other words, step vi) is not absolutely necessary; in this case, step vi) can preferably even be omitted.

In order to provide the transport carriers of the picking order at a (common) picking station for subsequent picking, at least one selected transport carrier, in particular all selected transport carriers, of the In step vi), a picking station, in particular one picking station from several picking stations, can be assigned to the picking order. If there is only one picking station, this will of course be assigned to one picking station. This is particularly the case if step vi) is to be carried out optionally. If there are several picking stations, one of the picking stations is assigned (in step vi)). This is done using the master computer. In step vi), a picking station can be assigned immediately after a picking order has been entered and the ordered goods can then be transported from the respective storage location to the (assigned) picking station. Step vii) is carried out after step vi).

Alternatively, allocation can also be carried out in several stages, as described in detail below, so that the transport can already be started before the picking station is finally allocated. In this case, steps vi) and vii) can be carried out at least partially in an overlapping manner, in particular simultaneously. For example, a transfer unit of the retrieval device and/or a picking group can be allocated first and the picking station only at a later point in time.

When the order goods are placed out in step vii), the order goods are transported to the (assigned) picking station in the picking area using the transport carrier. For this purpose, the transport carrier is moved along the transport route until it reaches the assigned picking station and/or is made available at it.

The ordered goods are made available at the picking station to fulfill the picking order and are transferred by the transport carrier into a target loading device, for example into a shipping packaging.

For this purpose, in step viii), a target loading aid, for example a shipping packaging, can preferably be provided at the picking station. The reloading can thus comprise unloading the ordered goods from the selected transport carriers and placing them in the target loading aid provided.

During reloading, order or hanging goods that are hanging on the transport carrier using coat hangers can be removed from the transport carrier along with the coat hangers and placed in the target loading device. Order or hanging goods that are in a The goods, which are located in a transport bag hanging on the transport carrier, can be removed from the transport bag and placed in the target loading device.

The unloading of the transport carrier and/or the loading of the target loading aid, in particular the reloading of the ordered goods, in step viii) can be carried out automatically and/or manually.

In order to store the loaded transport carriers in any storage location, in step ii) they are each assigned a storage location in the storage area, in particular in the storage block. This is done using the master computer.

In order to make uniform use of the storage locations, it is preferably provided that in step ii) the (arbitrary) storage locations are selected such that a uniform storage density is achieved in the storage block.

In step ii), a storage location can be allocated immediately after loading and the hanging goods can then be transported from the loading station to the allocated storage location. Step iii) is carried out after step ii).

Alternatively, allocation can also be carried out in several stages, so that the transport can already be started before the storage location is finally allocated. In this case, steps ii) and iii) can be carried out at least partially in an overlapping manner, in particular simultaneously.

It is therefore advantageous if the allocation in step ii) is carried out in several stages, wherein the loaded transport carriers are allocated a first intermediate destination in a first stage and a storage location in a further stage, wherein the further stage is carried out after the first stage, in particular during step iii).

In general, those of the previously described communication areas that lie between the current position of the transport carrier and the assigned storage location can be assigned as intermediate destinations.

For example, a transfer unit of the storage device, a storage level or a storage row can be assigned as the first intermediate destination. In addition, a second stage can be carried out between the first stage and the next stage, in which a second intermediate goal is assigned. For example, a storage level or a storage row can be assigned as the second intermediate goal.

Furthermore, a third stage can be carried out between the second stage and the next stage, in which a third intermediate goal is assigned. For example, a warehouse row can be assigned as the third intermediate goal.

A next intermediate destination can be assigned to the transport carrier in particular when a previous intermediate destination has been reached by the transport carrier. The intermediate destinations are therefore preferably located within a communication area.

It is advantageous if the transport carriers each comprise a driving control and the transport carriers are moved in step iii) and/or in step iv) by being controlled by their driving control in such a way that the transport carriers move along the transport path. This enables the transport carriers to be controlled and moved individually.

It is particularly advantageous if the transport carriers, as described above, each have at least one drive device which is controlled by the drive control.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if step ii) further comprises transmitting path definitions from the master computer to the loaded transport carriers, in particular to travel controls of the loaded transport carriers, wherein the path definitions each define a travel path along the transport path from the at least one loading station to the allocated storage location.

It is also advantageous if a step vi) further comprises transmitting a path definition from the master computer to the at least one selected transport carrier, in particular to a travel control of the at least one selected transport carrier, wherein the path definition defines a travel path along the transport path from the respective storage location to the assigned picking station.

This allows the master computer to specify a destination, such as a storage location or a picking station, and a route to get there. The transport carriers can then navigate individually and independently along the route. The route definition can For this purpose, if necessary, it can be stored in a memory of the respective transport carrier and retrieved by the driving control system, in particular when the transport carrier reaches a junction.

In order to operate the picking system particularly flexibly, it is preferably provided that the route definitions are transmitted in fragments.

In this case, a first fragment can define a first section of the route from the at least one loading station to the allocated storage location and further fragments can each define a further section of the route from the at least one loading station to the allocated storage location, with the first fragment being transmitted first and the further fragments subsequently, in particular during step iii). As a result, transport of the hanging goods by the transport carriers can be started, for example, before the storage locations for the hanging goods are known and/or determined. This makes it possible to react flexibly to changing storage conditions, for example as a result of outsourcing.

On the other hand, a first fragment can define a first section of the transport route from the respective storage location to the assigned picking station and further fragments can each define a further section of the transport route from the respective storage location to the assigned picking station, with the first fragment being transmitted first and the further fragments subsequently, in particular during step vii). This means that transport of the ordered goods by the transport carriers can, for example, already be started before a picking station for the ordered goods is known and/or determined. This makes it possible to react flexibly to changing utilization of the picking stations, for example as a result of changing order structure.

Preferably, fragments of the route definition, in particular one fragment at a time, are transmitted whenever the transport carrier is in a communication area. This allows the route definition to be flexibly adapted. For this purpose, the fragments can be adapted to a current situation before they are transmitted.

If a driving control is provided, it may be expedient if the loaded transport carriers during loading in step iii) and/or the at least one selected transport carrier during unloading in step vii) are controlled by means of their driving controls in accordance with the respective path definition so that they travel along the defined route.

It is advantageous if the route definition in step ii) and/or in step vi) is created by means of the control computer, whereby the route definition indicates for a certain number of branches, in particular for all branches, along the route whether the transport carrier should follow a course of the route or the respective branch.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the routes have a plurality of branches, each of which connects two routes with one another, and the overhead conveyor device comprises a route marking along the transport route, which has a plurality of query markings, each of which marks one of the branches, and the transport carrier detects the route marking during storage in step iii) and/or during removal in step vii), wherein the transport carrier, when it detects a query marking, is controlled by the drive control such that the transport carrier drives straight ahead or turns at the respective branch in accordance with the route definition.

It is particularly preferred that the path definition is called up from the memory by the driving control when the transport carrier reaches a query marker. As described above, the path definition can indicate for a large number of junctions which path marker should be selected, i.e. whether a "straight ahead" or a "diversion" should be carried out.

In the sense of the invention, "driving straight ahead at the respective junction" or "driving straight ahead" is understood to mean continuing along the route along which the transport carrier is moving, regardless of whether this is straight or along a curve. Similarly, in the sense of the invention, "diversion" is understood to mean turning off the route along which the transport carrier is moving into another route.

It is advantageously provided that the overhead conveyor device comprises a plurality of communication areas, in particular those described above, and during storage in step iii) and/or during removal in step vii), a signal is sent by a transport carrier entering a communication area of the communication areas and received by the master computer, in particular via a communication unit arranged in the respective communication area and connected to the master computer.

Preferably, it is provided that during storage in step iii) and/or during removal in step vii), as a result of receiving the reporting signal by the master computer, a current position of the transport carrier which sent the reporting signal is determined based on a position of the respective communication area along the transport route, and based on the determined current position of the transport carrier, a, in particular new, route definition or a further fragment of the route definition is created and transmitted to the transport carrier, preferably via the communication unit.

As already described above, it is advantageous if the storage block comprises a plurality of storage levels in which the storage locations are arranged. In this case, it is advantageous if the transport carriers are moved during storage in step iii) from the at least one loading station to a transfer unit of a storage device and are brought via the transfer unit to the storage level of the storage levels in which the allocated storage location is located.

The transfer unit of the storage device can be designed in particular according to the first embodiment described above, wherein the transport carriers in step iii) are controlled by their travel control in such a way that they each move upwards over the climbing section and turn into a storage level in which the respectively assigned storage location is located.

Alternatively, the transfer unit of the storage device can be designed according to the second embodiment described above, wherein the transport carriers in step iii) are controlled by their travel control in such a way that they each enter the lifting device, are moved vertically by the lifting device to the storage level in which the respectively assigned storage location is located, after which the transport carriers leave the lifting device and enter the respective storage level.

Of course, as described above, several transfer units can be provided. The transfer units can be arranged according to the same or different Designed so that the transport carriers, depending on the transfer unit, are moved upwards via the riser or are moved upwards by the lifting device.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the storage block comprises a plurality of storage rows arranged next to one another, in which the storage locations are arranged, and the transport carriers in step iii), in particular by their travel control, are controlled in such a way that they move from a storage travel area of the storage block into a storage travel area of the storage row in which the allocated storage location is located.

It is advantageously provided that the storage locations each have a circulation route for accommodating several transport carriers, and the transport carriers in step iii), in particular by their travel control, are controlled in such a way that they move along the circulation route at the storage location.

In order to save energy, it can be provided that the transport carriers in step iii) are controlled, in particular by their driving control, in such a way that a transport carrier entering a storage location stops at a stopping point in the storage location specified by the master computer. The transport carriers can essentially line up one behind the other in the storage location, in particular along the circulation route, so that they do not have to be moved permanently, which saves energy.

For this purpose, a stopping point can be defined at the storage location for a first transport carrier entering the storage location and, if necessary, marked by a stopping mark along the circulation route that can be detected by the transport carrier. Further stopping points for further transport carriers entering the storage location arise in such a way that the transport carriers stop one behind the other. For this purpose, the transport carriers can, for example, comprise a distance sensor system with which another transport carrier driving ahead or standing can be detected and the transport carrier can be braked accordingly and, if necessary, stopped at a defined distance from the other transport carrier. Alternatively, further stopping points along the circulation route can also be specified by further stopping marks. The master computer can, for example, specify to the transport carrier, in particular its driving control, at which stopping mark the transport carrier should stop. In particular, when laying out in step vii), it is advantageous if a route definition is transmitted to all transport carriers at those storage locations where at least one selected transport carrier is located, whereby the route definition for the at least one selected transport carrier of the storage location indicates that it should leave the storage location and the route definition for the other transport carriers of the storage location indicates that they should remain at the storage location. This ensures individual access to each transport carrier at the storage location.

The transport carriers can thus be moved along the circulation route, with only the selected transport carrier or the selected transport carriers leaving the storage location. All other transport carriers remain at the storage location. If necessary, a first transport carrier of the remaining transport carriers remains at the previously described stopping point when the selected transport carrier has left the storage location. All other remaining transport carriers remain in such a way that they stop behind the first transport carrier of the remaining transport carriers.

It is also advantageous if the selected transport carriers are controlled during retrieval in step vii), in particular by their travel control, in such a way that they are moved from the respective storage location to a transfer unit of a retrieval device and are moved from the respective storage level to the distribution travel area via the transfer unit. Here too, the storage block can comprise several storage levels.

The transfer unit of the retrieval device can be designed in particular according to the first embodiment described above, wherein the transport carriers in step vii) are controlled by their driving control in such a way that they each move downwards over the rising section and turn into the distribution driving area.

Alternatively, the transfer unit of the retrieval device can be designed according to the second embodiment described above, wherein the transport carriers in step vii) are controlled by their travel control in such a way that they each enter the lifting device, are moved vertically downwards by the lifting device to the distributor travel area, after which the transport carriers leave the lifting device and enter the distribution driving area.

Of course, as described above, several transfer units can also be provided. The transfer units can be designed in the same or different ways, so that the transport carriers, depending on the transfer unit, move downwards via the riser or are moved downwards by the lifting device.

It is advantageously provided that during the recording in step iv) a further picking order is recorded which comprises further ordered goods, the further ordered goods being formed by hanging goods stored in the storage area, during the selection in step iv) those transport carriers are also selected on which the further ordered goods are stored hanging, during the allocation in step vi) the selected transport carriers of the further picking order are allocated the same picking station as the selected transport carriers of the picking order, during the retrieval in step vii) the further ordered goods are retrieved by means of the hanging conveyor device by moving the at least one transport carrier from the respective storage location to the allocated picking station, and during the provision in step viii) the transport carriers of the picking order and the further picking order are sorted by means of a sequencing device, in particular at the allocated picking station, according to the picking order and are provided in such a way that first the transport carriers of the picking order and then the transport carriers of the further picking order can be unloaded.

This allows the items of the order goods to be arranged in a desired sequence and/or made available at the assigned picking station in a clean order.

Analogous to the allocation in step ii), it is preferably provided that the allocation in step vi) is carried out in several stages, with the at least one selected transport carrier being assigned a first intermediate destination in a first stage and a picking station, the further stage being carried out after the first stage, in particular during step vii).

In general, those of the previously described communication areas which lie between the current position of the transport carrier and the assigned storage location can each be assigned as a milestone.

For example, a transfer unit of the retrieval device, a picking group or a sequencing device can be assigned as the first intermediate destination.

In addition, a second stage can be carried out between the first stage and the next stage, in which a second intermediate goal is assigned. For example, a picking group or a sequencing device can be assigned as the second intermediate goal.

Furthermore, a third stage can be carried out between the second stage and the next stage, in which a third intermediate goal is assigned. For example, a sequencing device can be assigned as the third intermediate goal.

A next intermediate destination can be assigned to the transport carrier in particular when a previous intermediate destination has been reached by the transport carrier.

In order to operate the sequencing device particularly efficiently, it is preferably provided that the transport carriers of that picking order are withdrawn from the sequencing device whose transport carriers are located closer to an exit of the sequencing device when transport carriers of at least two picking orders are present in the sequencing device.

In order to coordinate order goods from different storage locations, it is preferably provided that in step v) when entering the picking order

Localization data are recorded which indicate the storage locations at which the ordered goods are stored, based on the localization data for each of the ordered goods, an expected transport time for transporting the respective ordered goods from the storage location to a merging point assigned to the respective ordered goods is determined, and based on the expected transport time, a start time is determined for each of the ordered goods so that the ordered goods arrive at the respective merging points within a defined time interval, in particular simultaneously, whereby movement of the transport carriers in step vi) is started at the respectively determined start time.

One advantage achieved in this way is that the mixing of transport carriers of different picking orders is kept to a minimum, which means that no sequencing device is required or the sequencing devices can be small and/or have a particularly low capacity.

In this case, it is furthermore advantageous if, when determining the start times for the ordered goods which have the longest expected transport time of all ordered goods, a first start time is determined, and for all other ordered goods a delay time is determined which corresponds to a difference between the longest expected transport time and the expected transport time for the respective other ordered goods, and the start times for the other ordered goods are determined relative to the first start time according to the delay time.

It is advantageous if the start times are set taking into account the maximum capacity of the sorting device.

For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

Fig. 1 shows an order picking system with an overhead conveyor device;

Fig. 2 is a front view of a storage block with a service area;

Fig. 3 a storage device of the order picking system;

Fig. 4 a storage row in the storage area of the order picking system;

Fig. 5a shows a first embodiment of a storage device; Fig. 5b shows a second embodiment of the storage device;

Fig. 6 a picking station of the picking system;

Fig. 7 a replenishment warehouse of the order picking system;

Fig. 8 a transfer unit of the storage or retrieval device;

Fig. 9 a transport carrier with hanging goods from an angle above;

Fig. 10 shows a section of a hanging conveyor device;

Fig. 11 the transport carrier in a detailed view from above;

Fig. 12 the transport carrier in a detailed view from below;

Fig. 13 the transport carrier in a detailed representation in front view;

Fig. 14 a transport carrier with crawler tracks from above;

Fig. 15 is an exemplary block diagram of a transport carrier;

Fig. 16 a method for picking a picking order.

To begin with, it should be noted that in the different embodiments described, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or identical component designations, whereby the disclosures contained in the entire description can be transferred analogously to identical parts with identical reference symbols or identical component designations. The position information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., also refers to the figure directly described and shown and, if the position changes, is to be transferred analogously to the new position.

Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 to Fig. 7 show schematic representations of a picking system 1 in a top view, which comprises an overhead conveyor device 2 with a plurality of transport carriers 3, a loading area BB, a storage area LB and a picking area KB. Furthermore, Fig. 2 shows a section of the storage area LB in a front view. The overhead conveyor device 2 comprises a support structure 4 shown in Fig. 2, on which a plurality of travel paths are arranged, which form a transport path. The travel paths are shown schematically as lines in Fig. 1 and in Fig. 3 to Fig. 7.

Furthermore, the transport carriers 3 are designed to transport hanging goods W and can be moved, in particular self-propelled and individually, along the transport path.

In order to guide and/or control the transport carriers 3 along the travel routes, markings that can be detected by the transport carrier 3, in particular route markings U and/or control markings, can be arranged along the transport path. The markings are preferably designed as optical markings or markings that can be optically detected by the transport carrier 3.

Preferably, the routes are defined by the route marking U, which is designed, for example, as an optically detectable line on the driving surface T. The routes include in particular the discharge route 101, collection route 102, storage route 103, storage route 104, circulation route 105, retrieval route 106, distribution route 107, feed route 108, loading route 109, removal route 110, replenishment route 111, buffer route 112, bypass route 113 and/or ascending route 114 described below. Interconnected routes can be connected to one another in particular via junctions and/or branches.

The control markings can include, for example, query markings VI, which indicate a branch of the transport route, and/or reporting markings V2, which indicate a communication area described below. For reasons of clarity, no control markings are shown in Fig. 1.

In the loading area BB, at least one loading station 5 is arranged for loading transport carriers 3. Furthermore, in the order picking area KB, a picking station 6 is arranged, at which transport carriers 3 loaded with hanging goods W can be made available to fulfill an order picking order.

The loading area BB is connected to the storage area LB via a storage device 7. Furthermore, the storage area LB is connected to the order picking area KB via a storage device 8. A storage block with one or more storage levels 9 is arranged in the storage area LB. One of these storage levels 9 is shown in Fig. 1. The storage level 9 comprises several storage locations 10, which are arranged in a row one behind the other (in the x direction) and thus form a storage row, as can be seen in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4. Adjacent to the storage locations 10, the storage row comprises a storage travel area LFB. The storage level 9 preferably has several storage rows arranged next to one another (in the z direction), as shown in Fig. 1. The x direction and the z direction span a horizontal plane. If several storage levels 9 are provided, these can be identical and arranged one above the other.

Furthermore, the overhead conveyor device 2 can have a computer system 11, which in particular comprises a master computer 12 of a communication system.

The computer system 11 is preferably designed to record a picking order which comprises order goods and/or to determine start times for a transport of hanging goods W.

The master computer 12 is preferably set up to determine destinations for the transport carriers 3 and to create route definitions which specify a route along the transport route for the transport carrier 3 from its current position to the destination. The route definitions specify, in particular for the branches between the current position and the destination, which of the possible routes should be followed at the branch.

The communication system is preferably set up for communication with the transport carriers 3. For this purpose, the communication system comprises a plurality of communication units 13 which are arranged along the transport route. The communication units 13 are designed in particular to transmit route definitions created by the master computer 12 to the transport carriers 3 and/or to receive arrival signals sent by the transport carriers 3.

It is advantageous if the overhead conveyor device 2 has several communication areas in which communication with the transport carriers 3 is possible. Such communication areas can be identified, for example, by an optically detectable marking, the so-called reporting marking V2. Such a reporting marking V2 is shown as an example in Fig. 4 as a circle next to one of the travel routes. It is expedient if the transport carriers 3 are set up to receive transmitted route definitions, to select a route along the transport route according to the route definition and/or to send arrival signals when they enter a communication area.

Fig. 2 shows a section of the storage block of the overhead conveyor device 2 in a frontal view. As can be seen, the storage block can have several storage levels 9 arranged one above the other.

The support structure 4 of the overhead conveyor device 2 preferably has a plurality of travel platforms 14, on the underside of which a travel surface T for the transport carriers 3 is arranged. The travel routes are arranged on these travel surfaces T. The transport carriers 3 can adhere to the travel surface T in a movable manner, for example by means of magnetic interaction. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the travel platforms 14 comprise a ferromagnetic material, for example a steel sheet.

Furthermore, the support structure 4 can comprise a support structure, in particular vertical supports, via which the support structure 4 can be placed on a floor.

Furthermore, Fig. 2 shows two storage rows arranged next to one another, each of which comprises a storage travel area LFB and the storage locations 10 adjacent to the storage travel area LFB. In the example shown, several hanging goods W are stored on transport carriers 3 at the storage locations 10. A transport carrier 3 is also shown in the travel area, which moves along the transport path.

It is also advantageous if the storage block has a service area SB, which allows access to the storage block by maintenance personnel. For this purpose, the service area SB is preferably at least twice as high as a vertical distance in the y direction between two storage levels 9. The service area SB is shown schematically in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. It is expedient if the service area SB comprises a walkable platform 15.

As can be seen in Fig. 2, it is not absolutely necessary for two rows of bearings arranged next to each other to be directly adjacent to each other. Rather, it can be provided that the service area SB is positioned between them, so that two rows of bearings can be serviced via one service area SB. Fig. 3 shows an enlarged section of the order picking system 1, which shows the loading area BB and the storage device 7 with the collection driving area SFB.

For example, several loading stations 5 are arranged in the loading area BB, with some of the loading stations 5 forming a loading group. In the example shown, three loading stations 5 arranged one behind the other in the x-direction form a loading group. Several such loading groups can be arranged next to one another, for example in the z-direction.

The storage device 7 preferably comprises a plurality of discharge lines 101 which connect the loading stations 5 with the collection travel area SFB and are each assigned to a loading group.

In addition, the storage device 7 can comprise the collection line 102 arranged in the collection travel area SFB, which is connected to the discharge lines 101. The loaded transport carriers 3 can be transferred to the collection line 102 and thus brought together on one line.

Furthermore, the storage device 7 preferably comprises at least one transfer unit 16, which is designed to transfer the transport carriers 3 from the collection travel area SFB to the eager area LB, which follows in terms of material flow. The transfer units 16 are preferably each connected to the collection line 102. In Fig. 3, three transfer units 16 are provided as an example. The order picking system 1 can, however, be flexibly expanded to include further transfer units 16 in order to increase performance.

Fig. 4 shows an enlarged section of a storage level 9, which in particular shows a row of storage.

The storage level 9 comprises a storage travel area EFB, which is connected to the collection travel area SFB via the transfer unit 16 of the storage device 7, as can be seen in Fig. 1 or from a combination of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The storage section 103, which is connected to the transfer units 16 of the storage device 7, is preferably arranged in the storage travel area EFB.

In addition, the storage area LB comprises a retrieval driving area AFB, which is connected to the retrieval device 8 via a transfer unit 16 described below. Distributor travel area VFB is connected, as can be seen in Fig. 1 or from a combination of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5a or Fig. 5b. In the retrieval travel area AFB, the retrieval section 106 is preferably arranged, which is connected to the transfer units 16 of the retrieval device 8.

The storage travel area LFB, in which transport carriers 3 can move, extends between the storage travel area EFB and the retrieval travel area AFB.

In the storage travel area LFB, in particular in the x-direction, there is at least one storage route 104 which connects the storage travel area EFB with the retrieval travel area AFB. The storage route 104 is preferably connected to the storage route 103 on the one hand and to the retrieval route 106 on the other hand. In addition, the storage route 104 is connected to the storage locations 10.

It is expedient if the storage locations 10 each comprise a circulation path 105 along which the transport carriers 3 can be moved in a circulation direction.

In Fig. 4 it can be seen that two adjoining routes, for example the storage route 103 and the storage route 104 or the storage route 104 and the circulation route 105, are connected via a branch. The branch can be marked by the query marking V 1. The query marking V 1 signals to the transport carrier 3 that it is approaching a branch. The transport carrier 3 can select one of the two routes based on the path definition and travel along the selected route.

In the example shown, the path definition for a transport carrier 3 can, for example, specify a diversion if the destination of the transport carrier 3 is in the warehouse row shown. The transport carrier 3 can now select the warehouse route 104 at the query marker VI based on the path definition and turn into it. Alternatively, the path definition can specify a straight-ahead journey if the destination of the transport carrier 3 is in a different warehouse row. The transport carrier 3 can now select the storage route 103 at the query marker V 1 based on the path definition and continue to follow it. Such a procedure is possible for all branches in the picking system. In order to navigate the transport carrier 3 shown in Fig. 4, for example to the second storage location 10 in the transport direction from the storage travel area EFB to the retrieval travel area AFB, the route definition can be specified, for example, in the form “detour, straight ahead, detour, straight ahead” or “1, 0, 1, 0”, where “0” means straight ahead and “1” means “detour”. The transport carrier 3 is thus transferred from the storage route 103 to the storage route 104 at the first query marking VI in accordance with the route definition. At the second query marking VI, a straight ahead journey is initiated, so that the transport carrier 3 remains on the storage route 104 and drives past the first storage location 10 in the transport direction. At the third query marking VI, which the transport carrier 3 reaches, a detour is initiated again, so that the transport carrier 3 now turns into the second storage location 10 in the transport direction, in particular onto its circulation route 105. The fourth query marker VI, which the transport carrier 3 reaches, is located along the circular route 105. According to the fourth position of the path definition, a straight-ahead journey is again initiated so that the transport carrier 3 remains on the circular route 105. This principle can be applied in the same way for all branches.

A reporting marker V2 is also arranged at the storage location 10. As a result of detecting the reporting marker V2, the transport carrier 3 can send an arrival signal which signals an arrival at the storage location 10.

In order to stop the transport carriers 3 at a defined stopping point at the storage location 10, it can be provided that the stopping point is marked by a stopping marking V3. The stopping marking V3 can be arranged along the circulation path 105. In Fig. 4, the stopping marking V3 is shown as a triangle by way of example.

As can be seen in Fig. 1, rows of bearings arranged next to one another can be identical or mirrored on a mirror axis aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the row of bearings.

Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b each show an enlarged section of the order picking system 1, which shows the order picking area KB and the retrieval device 8 with the distribution travel area VFB. The retrieval device 8 is designed differently in the variants shown in Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b. In the picking area KB, for example, several picking stations 6 are arranged, with some of the picking stations 6 forming a picking group. In the example shown, three picking stations 6 arranged one behind the other in the x-direction form a picking group. Several such picking groups can be arranged next to one another, for example in the z-direction.

The retrieval device 8 preferably comprises at least one transfer unit 16, which is designed to transfer the transport carriers 3 from the storage area LB to the distribution travel area VFB, which follows in terms of material flow. For this purpose, the transfer units 16 are preferably each connected to the retrieval line 106.

It is expedient if one transfer unit 16 is provided for each picking group. In Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b, three picking groups and three transfer units 16 are shown as examples. However, the picking system 1 can be flexibly expanded to include further transfer units 16 and/or picking groups or picking stations 6 in order to increase performance.

The retrieval device 8 preferably comprises a plurality of feed lines 108 which connect the distribution travel area VFB with the picking stations 6 and are each assigned to a picking group.

According to a first embodiment of the retrieval device, the feed lines 108 each connect to a transfer unit 16, so that each transfer unit 16 is assigned exactly one picking group. This is shown as an example in Fig. 5a.

Alternatively, according to a second embodiment, the retrieval device 8 can comprise a distribution line 107 arranged in the distribution travel area VFB, which is connected on the one hand to the transfer units 16 and on the other hand to the feed lines 108. Transport carriers 3 can thus be guided from several transfer units 16 to any feed line 108 of the feed lines 108 and thus to any order picking group, thereby creating an order picking system 1 that can be operated particularly flexibly. This variant is shown in Fig. 5b. It is also conceivable that some of the transfer units 16 are connected to some of the feed lines 108 via the distribution line 107, and that the remaining feed lines 108 are connected directly to the remaining transfer units 16.

In the order picking system 1 shown in Fig. 1, the retrieval device 8 can be designed according to the variant shown in Fig. 5a and/or according to the variant shown in Fig. 5b, although only the former is explicitly shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 shows an enlarged section of the order picking system 1, wherein a possible embodiment of the at least one order picking station 6 is shown. The order picking station 6 preferably comprises a sequencing device 17 and an order picking device 18 connected downstream of the sequencing device 17.

The transport carriers 3 can be transported along the feed line 108 from the distribution travel area VFB to the picking station 6.

The sequencing device 17 advantageously comprises a loading section 109, via which the transport carriers 3 can be fed in a feed sequence. Furthermore, the sequencing device 17 can have a removal section 110, via which the transport carriers 3 can be removed from the sequencing device 17 in a removal sequence that is different from the feed sequence and can be fed to the order-picking device 18, for example.

Furthermore, the sequencing device 17, similar to the storage locations 10, can have a circulation path 105 along which the transport carriers 3 can be transported in a circulation direction.

Transport carriers 3 with order goods and empty or partially loaded target loading aids can be provided at the order picking device 18. The order goods can be transferred from the transport carriers 3 to the target loading aids automatically or manually.

Unloaded transport carriers 3, i.e. those which were unloaded at the picking station 6, can be removed from the picking station 6 via a replenishment line 111 of the retrieval device 8 and, for example, made available again in the loading area BB or temporarily stored in a replenishment warehouse described below. The supply warehouse is shown schematically in Fig. 7. The supply warehouse is arranged in the storage area LB and comprises at least one supply storage level 9. The supply storage level 9 is preferably arranged below the previously described storage levels 9.

As can be seen in Fig. 7, the transport carriers 3 can move via a replenishment route 111 of the retrieval device 8 from the at least one picking station 6, in particular from the picking stations 6, into the replenishment warehouse. The transport carriers 3 can also move via a replenishment route 111 of the storage device 7 from the replenishment warehouse to the at least one loading station 5, in particular to the loading stations 5.

The replenishment storage level 19 can be designed analogously to the previously described storage level 9 as shown in Fig. 1 and can have a plurality of storage rows with storage locations 10. In this case, the replenishment lines 111 of the storage device and the retrieval device 8 are each connected to the storage lines 104.

Alternatively, the replenishment storage level 19 can have a plurality of buffer sections 112 arranged next to one another, along which the transport carriers 3 can be stowed, as shown in Fig. 7.

In addition, a bypass section 113 shown in dashed lines can be provided, via which the transport carriers 3 can move to at least one loading station 5, bypassing the buffer sections 112, in particular without being temporarily stored.

Such a bypass route 113 can also be provided in the storage levels 9, so that the transport carriers 3 can move from the at least one loading station 5 to the at least one picking station 6, bypassing the storage locations 10, in particular without being stored. This is also indicated in Fig. 1 by a dashed line.

Furthermore, a bypass route (not explicitly shown) can also be provided in the loading area BB, which is connected to the replenishment route 111 in the loading area BB and the at least one discharge route 101, so that transport carrier 3 can be transferred from the replenishment route 111 to the discharge route 101 via the bypass route, bypassing the at least one loading station 5. Likewise, a bypass route (not explicitly shown) can be provided in the picking area KB, which is connected to the at least one Feed line 108 and the replenishment line 111 in the picking area KB, so that transport carrier 3 can be transferred from the feed line 108 to the replenishment line 111 via the bypass line, bypassing at least one picking station 6.

The transfer unit 16 is shown in Fig. 8. The transfer unit 16 of the storage device 7 and the transfer unit 16 of the removal device 8 can be constructed essentially identically.

As can be seen in Fig. 8, the transfer unit 16 comprises a riser section 114 which runs essentially helically around a vertical axis and connects several storage levels 9 arranged one above the other.

In general, the travel routes are arranged on the travel platform 14 of the support structure 4. In Fig. 8, the climbing route 114 is shown as an example. The transport carriers 3 can move along the climbing route 114.

In a transfer unit 16 of the storage device 7, the riser section 114 is connected on the one hand to the collection section 102 and on the other hand to the storage sections 103 in the storage levels 9. The transport carriers 3 can move upwards along the riser section 114. Similarly, in a retrieval device 8, the riser section 114 is connected on the one hand to the retrieval sections 106 in the storage levels 9 and on the other hand to the distribution section 107 or to a feed section 108. The transport carriers 3 can move downwards along the riser section 114, so that the riser section 114 of the transfer unit 16 of the retrieval device 8 essentially provides a gradient section.

The riser section 114 and/or the support structure 4 comprises at least one winding, which has horizontal sections 20 arranged parallel to one another and riser sections 21 inclined upwards relative to a horizontal plane. The horizontal sections 20 are each arranged offset from one another at different height levels. Furthermore, one of the riser sections 21 connects the two horizontal sections 20. The other riser section 21 connects the upper of the two horizontal sections 20 to a lower horizontal section 20 of a subsequent winding. The horizontal sections 20 and/or the climbing sections 21 are each formed by a driving platform 14 of the supporting structure 4.

If, as shown in Fig. 8, the transfer device has a plurality of turns arranged one above the other, a plurality of first horizontal sections 20 are arranged one above the other and a plurality of second horizontal sections 20, wherein the first and second horizontal sections 20 are arranged offset from one another and are connected to one another via riser sections 21.

Fig. 9 shows a transport carrier 3 with a hanging item W. As shown, the hanging item W comprises, for example, a transport bag with a bag body 22 which is attached to a hanger 23 and is designed to hold an item not shown in Fig. 9. Alternatively, the hanging item W can also be formed by a piece of clothing which hangs on the transport carrier 3 with the aid of a clothes hanger.

As a rule, the transport carrier 3 comprises a base body 31, which forms a first transport carrier side and a second transport carrier side opposite the first transport carrier side.

Furthermore, the transport carrier 3 comprises a support body 32 with a receptacle for hanging the hanging goods W. The receptacle can have a completely enclosed receiving opening for hanging the hanger 23 of the hanging goods W. Alternatively, an open receiving section, in particular a hook for hanging the hanger 23 of the hanging goods W, can be provided. The support body 32 can be fastened to the base body 31 in an exchangeable manner, in particular via a connecting device.

In Fig. 10, a section of the overhead conveyor device 2 is shown schematically. As previously described, the overhead conveyor device 2 comprises a support structure 4, which forms a running surface T, preferably on an underside of the driving platforms 14.

The routes are arranged on the driving surface T as described and defined by the route marking U.

In Fig. 10 a route is shown in the area of a junction, whereby the transport carrier 3 at the junction can optionally be assigned to a left or right The junction can be marked by a query marker V 1 as described above.

The transport carrier 3 is preferably designed to detect optically detectable markings, in particular the route marking U and/or the control markings described above.

In Fig. 11 to Fig. 14 a detailed view of the transport carrier 3 is shown from different perspectives.

In order to adhere to the running surface T, the transport carrier 3 can have an adhesive force generator 33, by means of which the transport carrier 3 movably adheres to the support structure 4. The adhesive force generator 33 is arranged on the base body 31, in particular between a first transport carrier side and a second transport carrier side.

Preferably, the adhesive force generator 33 comprises one or more permanent magnets, via which the transport carrier 3 adheres to the, preferably at least partially ferromagnetic, support structure 4.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the adhesive force generator 33 comprises adhesive lamellae according to the gecko principle, suction cups 34 and/or a Velcro strip of a Velcro connection and thus, for example, hooks or mushroom heads of a Velcro connection, which are arranged on the outer circumference of the drive elements, for example on the circumference of the drive wheels 36 or on the outside of the crawler belts or chains. In Fig. 11, optional suction cups 34 are indicated by dashed circles on the drive wheel 36 and in Fig. 14 by dashed circles on the crawler belt 38. In reality, the use of suction cups 34 is of course not limited to the drive wheel 36 and the crawler belt 38. Thus, alternatively or additionally, they can also be arranged on the other drive wheels 36 and/or on the crawler belt 38. In the case of a Velcro connection, part of a Velcro strip can be arranged on the outer circumference of the drive elements. The other part of the Velcro connection is then located on the driving surface T. When using adhesive lamellas, suction cups 34 or a Velcro connection, the permanent magnets can be omitted or provided in addition to the aforementioned adhesive force generators 33. In addition, the transport carrier 3 has at least one drive device 35, which is designed to move the transport carrier 3 along the transport path, in particular along the travel routes. Preferably, two drive devices 35 are provided, which are arranged on the opposite sides of the transport carrier.

The at least one drive device 35 comprises drive elements which can rest on the driving surface T. As shown in Fig. 11, the drive elements can be formed by drive wheels 36. Alternatively, the drive elements can comprise the drive wheels 36 and a crawler belt 38 stretched around the drive wheels 36, as shown by way of example in Fig. 14. It would also be conceivable for a chain to be provided instead of the crawler belt 38.

Furthermore, the drive device 35 comprises at least one, preferably electrically operated, motor 39, which is coupled to the drive elements. Preferably, a first motor 39 is coupled to the drive elements on the first transport carrier side and a second motor 39 is coupled to the drive elements on the second transport carrier side. Alternatively, a single motor 39 can be provided, to which all drive elements are coupled.

The drive elements can be coupled to the motor 39 via a motor pinion 40 located on the respective motor 39 and via gears 41. In this case, the gears 41 are each connected to a drive wheel 36 of the drive wheels 36 and are preferably arranged coaxially to the respective drive wheel 36. The motor pinion 40 can be arranged so as to engage the gears 41 of the respective drive wheels 36. The drive elements can thus be coupled to the motor 39 via a gear transmission. Alternatively, a traction drive (not shown) can be provided.

As an alternative to the illustrated drive via motors 39 arranged on the transport carrier 3, it can also be provided that the drive of the transport carrier 3 takes place by means of a linear motor principle. For example, primary parts of a linear drive, in particular coils, can be provided along the travel surface T and a secondary part of the linear drive, for example a short-circuit coil, an externally excited coil or a permanent magnet, can be provided on the transport carrier 3, so that the arrangement acts as a linear asynchronous motor or linear synchronous motor. The overhead conveyor device 2 can comprise an optional energy supply system 42, which has an insulator and exposed electrical conductors 43, which are arranged on the running surface T and run along the travel routes. The transport carrier 3 can comprise current collectors, which are in electrical contact with the electrical conductors 43 and are electrically connected to the motor 39 or the motors 39. The current collectors can be designed as sliding contacts, which slide and/or rub on the electrical conductors 43 when the transport carrier 3 moves. The current collectors can also be designed in the form of wheels or rollers and roll on the electrical conductors 43. Instead of a contact-based energy transfer, a contactless energy transfer could also be provided with the aid of an inductive energy supply system 42.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the energy supply system 42, in particular the electrical conductors 43, are only provided on straight sections of the transport route. This allows the energy supply system 42 to be designed more simply.

In addition, the transport carrier 3 and/or the hanging goods W can comprise an optional energy storage device 44 which is electrically connected to the motor 39 or the motors 39. The energy storage device 44 can be used to supply the transport carrier 3 with electrical energy in sections in which the energy supply system 42 is not present, for example in curves and/or at junctions. This can be provided regardless of whether the energy supply system 42 is designed for contact-based or contactless energy transfer. The energy storage device 44 can be designed as an accumulator, for example.

As an alternative to the electrical conductors 43, which function as conductor lines as described above, an inductive energy supply system 42 can be provided on the travel surface T, in particular along the travel routes, and the energy can be transferred to the motor 39 of the transport carrier 3 inductively.

In particular, the inductive energy supply system can have one or more electrical conductors 43 running parallel to the travel surface T, and a coil arranged on the transport carrier 3 can be electrically connected to the at least one motor 39, wherein the energy transfer to the coil takes place without contact. Particularly preferably, the transport carrier 3 comprises a ferromagnetic core around which the coil is wound and which which at least partially surrounds at least one electrical conductor 43. The ferromagnetic core and the coil can additionally be protected by a housing.

It is also conceivable that the running surface T is not aligned horizontally, but runs diagonally, as is the case, for example, in rising sections 21 of the transfer unit 16.

In order to detect the markings, in particular the track marking U and/or the control markings, it is preferably provided that the transport carrier 3 has a detection unit which, for example, comprises a driving surface sensor 45.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the transport carrier 3 has at least one distance sensor 46, via which a distance to a transport carrier 3 traveling ahead can be detected.

Furthermore, the transport carrier 3 can have a control unit 47, which is preferably connected to the detection unit, in particular to the driving surface sensor 45, and/or to the at least one distance sensor 46.

The control unit 47 preferably comprises a drive control 48, for example designed as a microcontroller, a memory 49 (data and/or program memory) connected to the drive control 48, power electronics 50 connected to the drive control 48 and/or a communication module 51 connected to the drive control 48. In addition, the control unit 47 can comprise an energy management module 52 and the energy storage device 44 connected thereto.

The detection unit of the transport carrier 3 is designed to detect markings arranged along the transport path, preferably by means of the travel surface sensor 45, in particular the travel path marking U and/or the control markings, for example the query marking VI, the reporting marking V2 and/or the stop marking V3. The detection unit can thus be used to guide the transport carrier 3 along the travel path marking U.

Preferably, the driving surface sensor 45 is designed as an optical sensor, for example as a sensor array of several optical sensors. The driving path marking U can be, for example, a line painted, printed or glued onto the driving surface T, which has a different brightness and/or color than the rest of the driving surface T. By evaluating the sensor signal, direction corrections or changes in direction for the transport carrier 3 can be derived. A direction correction or change in direction can be carried out, for example, by controlling the motors 39 differently. Different speeds cause the transport carrier 3 to travel around a curve.

It would also be conceivable that the track marking U is designed as a magnetic strip and the driving surface sensor 45 as a magnetic sensor (in particular as a Hall sensor).

The communication module 51 can be designed for optical, radio-based or wired communication. The previously described arrival signal can be sent and/or the route definition can be received using the communication module 51. The communication module 51 can be connected to the memory 49 for data purposes in order to store the route definition therein.

Conveniently, the communication module 51 is connected to the detection unit (electronically) and is configured to send the arrival signal as a result of detection of the detection marking V2 by the detection unit.

The travel control 48 is preferably designed to control and/or regulate a movement of the transport carrier 3 along the transport path, preferably on the basis of the path definition stored in the memory 49 and/or on the basis of movement data stored in the memory 49.

The driving control 48 is expediently connected to the detection unit and/or the at least one distance sensor 46 (electronically).

The driving control 48 is designed, for example, to control the at least one motor 39 and/or the at least one drive device 35 of the transport carrier 3 such that the transport carrier 3 moves along the travel routes and in particular follows the travel path marking U detected by the detection unit.

In addition, the driving control 48 can be set up to retrieve the path definition from the memory 49 in the area of junctions, in particular as a result of detection of a query marking VI by the detection unit, and to assign that route and/or follow route marking U, which is specified by the route definition at the respective junction.

Furthermore, the driving control 48 can be configured to control the motor 39 and/or the at least one drive device 35 as a result of detection of a stop marking V3 by the detection unit such that the transport carrier 3 brakes to a standstill.

Furthermore, the drive control 48 can be designed to regulate a speed of the transport carrier 3. For this purpose, the at least one motor 39 is controlled accordingly by the drive control 48.

Particularly preferably, the at least one motor 39 is controlled by the drive control 48 via the power electronics 50. For this purpose, the at least one motor 39 can be connected to the power electronics 50.

If the transport carrier 3 has one or more distance sensors 46, the distance sensor 46 (or the distance sensors 46) can be designed to measure a distance to another transport carrier 3 traveling ahead or standing along the transport path and can be connected to the driving control 48. The driving control 48 can here be designed to regulate a distance to the other transport carrier 3 based on the distance measured by the distance sensor 46 (or the distance sensors 46). For example, the distance sensor 46 can be designed as an ultrasonic sensor.

In Fig. 16, a method for picking a picking order by means of a described picking system 1 is shown schematically. The method is described in more detail with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 16.

In the method, in a first step S1, transport carriers 3 are loaded at one of the loading stations 5 in the loading area BB. For this purpose, unloaded transport carriers 3 can be provided at the loading station 5 and loaded with hanging goods W.

In a second step S2, the now loaded transport carriers 3 are allocated a storage location 10 in the storage area LB by the control computer 12. In a third step S3, the hanging goods W are transported with the transport carriers 3 via the collection travel area SFB into the storage area LB and from there to the allocated storage location 10. For this purpose, the transport carriers 3 can be controlled by their travel control 48 such that they move along the discharge route 101 to the collection route 102, along the collection route 102 to a transfer unit 16 of the storage device 7, via the transfer unit 16 of the storage device 7, in particular via the rising route 114 of the transfer unit 16, to a storage level 9 in which the allocated storage location 10 is located, along the storage route 103 to a storage row in which the allocated storage location 10 is located, and/or along the storage route 104 to the allocated storage location 10.

In a fourth step S4, the hanging goods W can be stored hanging on the transport carrier 3 at the allocated storage location 10 until they are needed for a picking order, for example. In this case, the transport carriers 3 can be controlled by their drive control 48 in such a way that they travel along the circulation route 105 and, if necessary, stop at the stopping point.

In a fifth step S5, one or more picking orders are recorded, each of which includes order goods formed by hanging goods W stored at the storage locations 10. Furthermore, those transport carriers 3 are selected which are required for the picking order(s).

In a sixth step S6, the master computer 12 can assign a picking station 6, in particular a picking station 6 from several picking stations 6, to each selected transport carrier 3. In this case, a route definition can be created for each transport carrier 3, which defines a route to the assigned picking station 6, and transmitted to the transport carrier 3. It is expedient for transport carriers 3 of the same picking order to also be assigned the same picking station 6.

In a seventh step S7, the order goods are removed from storage by transporting them with the transport carriers 3 from the storage location 10 to the assigned picking station 6. The order goods are transported with the transport carriers 3 via the distribution travel area VFB to the picking area KB and from there to the assigned picking station 6. For this purpose, the transport carriers 3 can be controlled by their travel control 48 in such a way that they travel along the storage route 104 to the removal route 106, along the Retrieval route 106 to a transfer unit 16 of the retrieval device 8, via the transfer unit 16 of the retrieval device 8, in particular via the riser route 114 of the transfer unit 16, to the distribution travel area VFB, if necessary along the distribution route 107 to the feed route 108, which is assigned to the assigned picking station 6, and/or along the feed route 108 to the assigned picking station 6.

Finally, the transport carriers 3 with the order goods can be made available at the respectively assigned picking station 6 in an eighth step S8. At the picking station 6, the order goods are reloaded from the transport carriers 3 into a target loading aid provided at the picking station 6.

During provision in step S8, it can be provided that the transport carriers 3 are sorted according to their picking order by means of a sequencing device 17, so that they can be provided at the picking station 6 or at the picking device 18 according to the order.

The computer system 11, in particular the master computer 12, can record one or more picking orders, each of which includes an order item. The order item can include one or more articles.

Furthermore, the master computer 12 can select those transport carriers 3 that are required for the picking orders. A picking station 6 can be assigned to these transport carriers 3, with the same picking station 6 being assigned to the transport carriers 3 of a picking order.

When the order goods are delivered, the transport carriers 3 are transported along the transport route via the distribution travel area VFB into the picking area KB and further to the assigned picking station 6.

Optionally, target loading aids can also be provided at at least one picking station 6, into which the ordered goods are to be reloaded.

It should also be mentioned that the support structure 4 can have a rail network according to another embodiment. The transport carrier is also designed to correspond to the rail network. Such a rail network and such a transport carrier are described in detail, for example, in WO 2019/234046 A2 or WO 2023/147619 A1. Within the scope of the invention the overhead conveyor device can also be designed according to this embodiment. The rail network comprises guide rails and/or switches, as described in the patent applications mentioned. The transport carriers each comprise a travel control and/or at least one drive device for self-propelled and individual movement of the transport carriers along the travel routes or transport paths. In particular, according to this embodiment, an adhesive force generator is not required on the transport carrier.

Accordingly, the overhead conveyor device 2 comprises a plurality of transport supports 3 for transporting hanging goods W and a support structure 4 on which a plurality of travel routes are arranged. According to this embodiment, the travel routes are formed by the rail network, in particular the guide rails and/or switches. The travel routes therefore form a transport path along which the transport supports 3 can be moved.

Finally, it is also noted that the scope of protection is determined by the patent claims. However, the description and the drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments shown and described can represent independent inventive solutions in themselves.

In particular, it is also noted that the devices shown may in reality comprise more or fewer components than shown. In some cases, the devices shown or their components may also be shown not to scale and/or enlarged and/or reduced.

Reference number s t a t i o n

Order picking system 51 Communication module Overhead conveyor 52 Energy management module Transport carrier

Supporting structure 101 Discharge line Loading station 102 Collection line

Picking station 103 Storage line

Storage device 104 Storage line Retrieval device 105 Circulation line

Storage level 106 retrieval route

Storage location 107 Distribution route

Computer system 108 Feeding line Master computer 109 Loading line

Communication unit 110 sampling line

Driving platform 111 Supply line Walkable platform 112 Buffer line Transfer unit 113 Bypass line

Sequencing device 114 Riser section Picking device Replenishment storage level BB Loading area Horizontal section KB Picking area Riser section LB Storage area

Self-service area

Bag body bracket AFB outfeed travel area

EFB storage driving area

Base body LFB bearing travel area

Support body SFB collection driving area

Adhesive force generator VFB distributor travel area suction cup

Drive s Device S1..S8 Process steps Drive wheel T Driving surface

Crawler belt U Track marking Motor V 1 Query marking

Motor pinion V2 reporting mark

Gear V3 stop mark

Energy supply system W Hanging goods electrical conductor

Energy storage driving surface sensor

Distance sensor

Control unit

Driving control

Storage

Power electronics

Claims

Patent claims

1. Order picking system (1) comprising a hanging conveyor device (2) with a plurality of transport carriers (3) for transporting hanging goods (W) and a support structure (4) on which a plurality of travel routes are arranged, which form a transport path along which the transport carriers (3) can be moved, a loading area (BB) with at least one loading station (5) for loading the transport carriers (3) with hanging goods (W), a storage area (LB) for storing the hanging goods (W) on the transport carriers (3), and an order picking area (KB) with at least one order picking station (6) for unloading the transport carriers (3) and for order picking of ordered goods, wherein the hanging conveyor device (2) comprises a storage device (7) for transferring the transport carriers (3) from the loading area (BB) via a collection travel area (SFB) into the storage area (LB), a storage block arranged in the storage area (LB) which has at least one storage level (9) with a storage row, wherein the storage row has several storage locations (10) and a retrieval device (8) for transferring the transport carriers (3) from the storage area (LB) via a distribution travel area (VFB) into the order picking area (KB), characterized in that the at least one storage level (9) comprises a storage travel area (EFB) into which the transport carriers (3) can be transferred from the storage device (7), and a retrieval travel area (AFB) from which the transport carriers (3) can be transferred to the retrieval device (8), and the storage row comprises storage locations (10) arranged in a row for receiving at least one transport carrier (3), a storage travel area (LFB) adjoining the storage travel area (EFB) and the retrieval travel area (AFB), wherein transport carriers (3) can be transferred from the storage travel area (LFB) to the storage locations (10).

2. Order picking system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one storage level (9) comprises several storage rows arranged next to one another and/or the storage block comprises several storage levels (9) arranged one above the other.

3. Order picking system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the storage block comprises a service area which comprises a walkable platform (15), runs parallel to the storage row and extends vertically upwards from the walkable platform (15) over at least two storage levels (9) arranged one above the other.

4. Order picking system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a retrieval sequence in which transport carriers (3) can be transferred from any storage location (10) to the storage driving area (LFB) can be selected independently of a storage sequence in which a defined number of transport carriers (3) were transferred from the storage driving area (LFB) to any storage location (10).

5. Order picking system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the storage locations (10) each have a circulation path (105) of the travel routes, along which the transport carriers (3) are movable in a circulation direction.

6. Order picking system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one storage route (104) of the routes is arranged in the warehouse travel area (LFB), which extends along the storage locations (10), wherein the at least one storage route (104) has a plurality of branches, each of which is assigned to a storage location (10) of the storage locations (10) and via which the storage route (104) is connected to the assigned storage location (10) in order to transfer transport carriers (3) from the warehouse travel area (LFB) to the assigned storage location (10), and/or has a plurality of junctions, each of which is assigned to a storage location (10) of the storage locations (10) and via which the storage route (104) is connected to the assigned storage location (10) in order to transfer transport carriers (3) from the warehouse travel area (LFB).

7. Order picking system (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one storage route (104) has a first storage route (104) leading away from the storage travel area (EFB) and comprising the branches, and a second storage route (104) leading to the removal travel area (AFB) and comprising the junctions.

8. Order picking system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a storage section (103) of the travel routes is arranged in the storage travel area (EFB), which is connected to the storage travel area (LFB), in particular to the storage section (104).

9. Order picking system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the storage device (7) comprises a collection section (102) of the travel sections, which is arranged in the collection travel area (SFB) and is designed to take over the transport carriers (3) from the loading area (BB).

10. Order picking system (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the storage device (7) comprises a discharge section (101) of the travel routes, which is connected to the at least one loading station (5) and the collection section (102).

11. Order picking system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the storage device (7) comprises at least one transfer unit (16) which is set up to take over transport carriers (3) from the collection driving area (SFB) and to transfer them to the storage driving area (EFB).

12. Order picking system (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the at least one transfer unit (16) of the storage device (7) comprises a rising section (114) of the travel routes, in particular running helically along a vertical axis, wherein the rising section (114) is connected to storage travel areas (EFB) of storage levels (9) arranged one above the other.

13. Order picking system (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the at least one transfer unit (16) of the storage device (7) has a Lifting device, in particular a paternoster, which is designed to take over transport carriers (3) from the collection travel area (SFB) and transfer them to the storage travel areas (EFB) of storage levels (9) arranged one above the other.

14. Order picking system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that in the retrieval travel area (AFB) a retrieval section (106) of the travel routes is arranged, which is connected to the storage travel area (LFB), in particular to the storage section (104).

15. Order picking system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the retrieval device (8) has at least one feed line (108) of the travel routes, which is arranged at least in sections in the distribution travel area (VFB) and is connected to the at least one order picking station (6).

16. Order picking system (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the retrieval device (8) comprises a distribution section (107) of the travel sections, which is arranged in the distribution travel area (VFB) and is connected to the at least one feed section (108).

17. Order picking system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the retrieval device (8) comprises at least one transfer unit (16) which is designed to take over transport carriers (3) from the retrieval driving area (AFB) and to transfer them to the distribution driving area (VFB).

18. Order picking system (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that the at least one transfer unit (16) of the retrieval device (8) comprises a rising section (114) of the travel routes, in particular running helically along a vertical axis, wherein the rising section (114) is connected to retrieval travel areas (AFB) of storage levels (9) arranged one above the other.

19. Order picking system (1) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the transfer unit (16) of the retrieval device (8) is a lifting device, in particular a paternoster, which is designed to take over transport carriers (3) from the retrieval travel areas (AFB) of storage levels (9) arranged one above the other and to transfer them to the distribution travel area (VFB).

20. Order picking system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that at least one sequencing device (17) is provided in the order picking area (KB), which is designed to change a sequence of transport carriers (3) provided in the sequencing device (17).

21. Order picking system (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that the sequencing device (17) has a loading section (109) of the travel routes for feeding transport carriers (3) to the sequencing device (17) in a feed sequence, a circulation section (105) of the travel routes connected to the loading section (109) and a removal section (110) for removing transport carriers (3) from the sequencing device (17) in a removal sequence different from the feed sequence.

22. Order picking system (1) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the at least one order picking station (6) comprises the at least one sequencing device (17).

23. Order picking system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the storage block comprises a replenishment warehouse for storing unloaded transport carriers (3), wherein the replenishment warehouse has at least one replenishment storage level (19).

24. Order picking system (1) according to claim 23, characterized in that the at least one replenishment storage level (19) has at least one buffer section (112) of the travel routes, along which unloaded transport carriers (3) can be stowed.

25. Order picking system (1) according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the replenishment storage level (19) has at least one replenishment storage row, which has storage locations (10) arranged in a row for receiving a plurality of unloaded Transport carriers (3) and a replenishment driving area, wherein transport carriers (3) can be transferred from the replenishment driving area to the storage locations (10).

26. Order picking system (1) according to one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that the retrieval device (8) comprises a replenishment line (111) which connects the order picking area (KB) with the replenishment warehouse in order to transfer unloaded transport carriers (3) from the at least one order picking station (6) to the replenishment warehouse.

27. Order picking system (1) according to one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that the storage device (7) comprises a replenishment line (111) which connects the replenishment warehouse with the loading area (BB) in order to transfer unloaded transport carriers (3) from the replenishment warehouse to the at least one loading station (5).

28. Order picking system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that the overhead conveyor device (2) comprises a computer system (11) which is set up to record an order picking order which comprises a plurality of order goods which are stored on transport carriers (3) assigned to the order goods at different storage locations (10) in the storage block,

To record localization data which indicate at which storage locations (10) the ordered goods are stored, to determine an expected transport time for a transport of the respective ordered goods from the storage location (10) to a convergence point associated with the respective ordered goods along the transport route based on the localization data for each of the ordered goods, and to determine a start time for each of the ordered goods based on the expected transport time so that the ordered goods arrive at the respective convergence point within a defined time interval, in particular simultaneously.

29. Order picking system (1) according to claim 28, characterized in that the computer system (11) is set up to determine the start times for those To set a first start time for the ordered goods which have the longest expected transport time of all ordered goods, and to determine a delay time for all other ordered goods which corresponds to a difference between the longest expected transport time and the expected transport time for the respective other ordered goods, and to set the start times for the other ordered goods relative to the first start time in accordance with the delay time.

30. Order picking system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 29, characterized in that the overhead conveyor device (2) comprises a communication system for communication with the transport carriers (3), which has a master computer (12) which is set up to select a transport carrier (3), to define a destination along the transport path for the selected transport carrier (3), to create a path definition which specifies a route from a current position of the selected transport carrier (3) to the defined destination, and to transmit the path definition to the selected transport carrier (3).

31. Order picking system (1) according to claim 30, characterized in that the overhead conveyor device (2) comprises a plurality of communication areas, in each of which a communication unit (13) connected to the master computer (12) is arranged, which is set up to receive a message signal from a transport carrier (3) and to transmit it to the master computer (12) and/or to transmit the path definition created by the master computer (12) to the selected transport carrier (3).

32. Order picking system (1) according to claim 31, characterized in that the transport carriers (3) comprise a communication unit (13) which is designed to send a notification signal when they enter a communication area.

33. Order picking system (1) according to claim 31 or 32, characterized in that the communication areas are marked by a marking along the transport path that can be detected by the transport carriers (3).

34. Order picking system (1) according to one of claims 31 to 33, characterized in that the master computer (12) is further configured to determine the current position of the selected transport carrier (3) on the basis of the reporting signal and the communication area in which the reporting signal was received.

35. Order picking system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 34, characterized in that the support structure (4) comprises at least one driving platform (14) which forms a driving surface (T) on a lower side on which the travel routes are arranged, wherein the transport carriers (3) adhere movably to the driving surface (T) by means of an adhesive force generator (33).

36. Order picking system (1) according to claim 35, characterized in that the travel routes are defined by a travel path marking (U) arranged on the travel surfaces (T), by means of which the transport carriers (3) can be guided along the transport path, wherein the transport carriers (3) are designed to detect and track the travel path marking (U).

37. Order picking system (1) according to claim 36, characterized in that the route marking (U) is designed as an optical marking.

38. Order picking system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 37, characterized in that the transport carriers (3) each comprise a travel control (48) and/or at least one drive device (35) for self-propelled and individual movement of the transport carriers (3) along the travel routes.

39. Method for picking a picking order by means of a picking system (1), in particular by means of a picking system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 38, with a hanging conveyor device (2) with a plurality of transport carriers (3) for transporting hanging goods (W) and a support structure (4) on which a plurality of travel paths are arranged, which form a transport path along which the transport carriers (3) are movable, a loading area (BB) with at least one loading station (5) for loading the transport carriers (3) with hanging goods (W), a storage area (LB) in which a storage block with a plurality of storage spaces (10) for storing the hanging goods (W) on the transport carriers (3) is arranged, and a picking area (KB) with a picking station (6) for unloading the transport carriers (3), in particular at least one picking station (6) for unloading the transport carriers (3), comprising the steps: i) loading transport carriers (3) of the overhead conveyor device (2) with hanging goods (W) at the at least one loading station (5); ii) allocating storage spaces (10) by means of a master computer (12), wherein loaded transport carriers (3) are each allocated a storage space (10), in particular any storage space (10), in the storage area (LB); iii) storing the hanging goods (W) by means of the hanging conveyor device (2), wherein the loaded transport carriers (3) are moved along a transport path from the loading area (BB) via a collection travel area (SFB) to the respectively assigned storage locations (10); iv) storing the hanging goods (W) on the transport carriers (3) at the respective storage location (10); v) recording a picking order which comprises an order item, wherein the order item is formed by hanging goods (W) stored in the storage area (LB), and selecting at least one transport carrier (3) on which the order item is stored hanging; vi) if necessary, allocating a picking station (6) by means of the master computer (12), wherein the at least one selected transport carrier (3) is assigned a picking station (6) of the at least one picking station (6); vii) Retrieving the ordered goods by means of the overhead conveyor device (2), whereby the transport carriers (3) are moved from the respective storage location (10) via a distribution travel area (VFB) to the, if applicable, assigned picking station (6); viii) Providing the selected transport carriers (3) with the ordered goods at the, if applicable, assigned picking station (6) and reloading the ordered goods from the selected transport carriers (3) into a target loading aid.

40. Method according to claim 39, characterized in that in step ii) any storage locations (10) are selected such that a uniform storage density is achieved in the storage block.

41. Method according to claim 39 or 40, characterized in that the allocation in step ii) is carried out in several stages, wherein the loaded transport carriers (3) are allocated a first intermediate destination in a first stage and a storage location (10) in a further stage, wherein the further stage is carried out after the first stage, in particular during step iii).

42. Method according to one of claims 39 to 41, characterized in that the transport carriers (3) each comprise a travel control (48) and the transport carriers (3) are moved in step iii) and/or in step iv) by being controlled by their travel control (48) in such a way that the transport carriers (3) move along the transport path.

43. Method according to one of claims 39 to 42, characterized in that step ii) further comprises transmitting path definitions from the master computer (12) to the loaded transport carriers (3), in particular to travel controls (48) of the loaded transport carriers (3), wherein the path definitions each define a travel path along the transport path from the at least one loading station (5) to the allocated storage location (10).

44. Method according to claim 43, characterized in that the route definitions are transmitted in fragments, wherein a first fragment defines a first section of the route from the at least one loading station (5) to the allocated storage location (10) and further fragments each define a further section of the route from the at least one loading station (5) to the allocated storage location (10), wherein the first fragment is transmitted first and the further fragments are transmitted subsequently, in particular during step iii).

45. Method according to claim 43 or 44, characterized in that during the loading in step iii) the loaded transport carriers (3) are moved by means of their driving controls (48) according to the respective path definition so that they travel along the defined route.

46. Method according to one of claims 39 to 45, characterized in that step vi) further comprises transmitting a path definition from the master computer (12) to the at least one selected transport carrier (3), in particular to a travel control (48) of the at least one selected transport carrier (3), wherein the path definition defines a travel path along the transport path from the respective storage location (10) to the assigned picking station (6).

47. Method according to claim 46, characterized in that the path definitions are transmitted in fragments, wherein a first fragment defines a first section of the transport path from the respective storage location (10) to the assigned picking station (6) and further fragments each define a further section of the transport path from the respective storage location (10) to the assigned picking station (6), wherein the first fragment is transmitted first and the further fragments are transmitted subsequently, in particular during step vii).

48. Method according to claim 46 or 47, characterized in that during the laying out in step vii), the at least one selected transport carrier (3) is controlled by means of its travel control (48) in accordance with the path definition, so that this transport carrier (3) travels along the defined travel path.

49. Method according to one of claims 43 to 48, characterized in that the path definition in step ii) and/or in step vi) is created by means of the master computer (12), wherein the path definition indicates for a certain number of branches, in particular for all branches, along the route whether the transport carrier (3) should follow a course of the route or the respective branch.

50. Method according to one of claims 43 to 49, characterized in that the routes have a plurality of branches, which in each case connect two routes with one another and the overhead conveyor device (2) has a route marking (U) along the transport route, which has a plurality of query markings (VI), each of which marks one of the branches, and the transport carrier (3) detects the route marking (U) when storing in step iii) and/or when retrieving in step vii), wherein the transport carrier (3), when it detects a query marking (VI), is controlled by the drive control (48) such that the transport carrier (3) drives straight ahead or turns at the respective branch in accordance with the route definition.

51. Method according to one of claims 39 to 50, characterized in that the overhead conveyor device (2) comprises a plurality of communication areas, and during storage in step iii) and/or during removal in step vii) a reporting signal is transmitted by a transport carrier (3) entering a communication area of the communication areas and is received by the master computer (12), in particular via a communication unit (13) arranged in the respective communication area and connected to the master computer (12).

52. Method according to claim 51, characterized in that during storage in step iii) and/or during removal in step vii), as a result of receiving the reporting signal by the master computer (12), a current position of the transport carrier (3) which sent the reporting signal is determined based on a position of the respective communication area along the transport route, and based on the determined current position of the transport carrier (3), a route definition is created and transmitted to the transport carrier (3), preferably via the communication unit (13).

53. Method according to one of claims 39 to 52, characterized in that the storage block comprises a plurality of storage levels (9) in which the storage locations (10) are arranged and the transport carriers (3) are moved during storage in step iii) from the at least one loading station (5) to a transfer unit (16) of a storage device (7) and are brought via the transfer unit (16) to that storage level (9) of the storage levels (9) in which the allocated storage location (10) is located.

54. Method according to one of claims 39 to 53, characterized in that the storage block comprises a plurality of storage rows arranged next to one another, in which the storage locations (10) are arranged, and the transport carriers (3) in step iii), in particular by their travel control (48), are controlled in such a way that they move from a storage travel area (EFB) of the storage block into a storage travel area (LFB) of that storage row in which the allocated storage location (10) is located.

55. Method according to one of claims 39 to 54, characterized in that the storage locations (10) each have a circulation path (105) for receiving a plurality of transport carriers (3), and the transport carriers (3) in step iii), in particular by their travel control (48), are controlled in such a way that they move along the circulation path (105) at the storage location (10).

56. Method according to one of claims 39 to 55, characterized in that the transport carriers (3) in step iii), in particular by their driving control (48), are controlled in such a way that a transport carrier (3) entering a storage location (10) stops at a stopping point at the storage location (10) predetermined by the master computer (12).

57. Method according to one of claims 39 to 56, characterized in that at those storage locations (10) at which at least one selected transport carrier (3) is located, a route definition is transmitted to all transport carriers (3), wherein the route definition for the at least one selected transport carrier (3) of the storage location (10) indicates that this transport carrier (3) should leave the storage location (10), and the route definition for the remaining transport carriers (3) of the storage location (10) indicates that these transport carriers (3) should remain at the storage location (10).

58. Method according to one of claims 39 to 57, characterized in that the selected transport carriers (3) are controlled during retrieval in step vii), in particular by their travel control (48), such that they are moved from the respective storage location (10) to a transfer unit (16) of a retrieval device (8) and are brought via the transfer unit (16) from the respective storage level (9) into the distribution travel area (VFB).

59. Method according to one of claims 39 to 58, characterized in that during the recording in step iv) a further order picking order is recorded which comprises a further order item, wherein the further order item is formed by hanging goods (W) stored in the storage area (LB), during the selection in step iv) those transport carriers (3) are also selected on which the further order item is stored hanging, if necessary during the allocation in step vi) the selected transport carriers (3) of the further order picking order are allocated the same picking station (6) as the selected transport carriers (3) of the order picking order, during the retrieval in step vii) the further order item is retrieved by means of the hanging conveyor device (2) by moving the at least one transport carrier (3) from the respective storage location (10) to the optionally allocated picking station (6), and during the provision in step viii) the transport carriers (3) of the order picking order and the further order picking order are sequenced by means of a sequencing device (17), in particular at the optionally assigned picking station (6), sorted according to the picking order and made available in such a way that first the transport carriers (3) of the picking order and then the transport carriers (3) of the further picking order can be unloaded.

60. Method according to claim 59, characterized in that allocation in step vi) is carried out in several stages, wherein the at least one selected transport carrier (3) is allocated a first intermediate destination in a first stage and a picking station (6) in a further stage, wherein the further stage is carried out after the first stage, in particular during step vii).

61. Method according to claim 59 or 60, characterized in that the transport carriers (3) of that picking order are withdrawn from the sequencing device (17) whose transport carriers (3) are located closer to an exit of the sequencing device (17) when transport carriers (3) of at least two picking orders are present in the sequencing device (17).

62. Method according to one of claims 39 to 61, characterized in that in step v) when recording the picking order

Localization data are recorded which indicate at which storage locations (10) the ordered goods are stored, based on the localization data for each of the ordered goods an expected transport time for transporting the respective ordered goods from the storage location (10) to a merging point assigned to the respective ordered goods is determined, and based on the expected transport time for each of the ordered goods a start time is determined so that the ordered goods arrive at the respective merging points within a defined time interval, in particular simultaneously, wherein a movement of the transport carriers (3) in step vi) is started at the respectively determined start time.

63. Method according to claim 62, characterized in that when determining the start times for the ordered goods which have the longest expected transport time of all ordered goods, a first start time is determined, and for all other ordered goods a delay time is determined which corresponds to a difference between the longest expected transport time and the expected transport time for the respective other ordered goods, and the start times for the other ordered goods are determined relative to the first start time according to the delay time.