STORAGE AND PICKING SYSTEM AND PICKING METHOD HAVING IMPROVED TRANSFER OF GOODS BETWEEN TWO STORAGE AREAS

Abstract

The invention relates to an order-picking method for picking at least one ordered good (26a) into or onto a target loading aid (30), in which goods (21a . . . 21e) which are stored in a first storage zone (8) with the help of first loading aids (27a . . . 27c) are reloaded, on the basis of a transfer request, from a first loading aid (27a . . . 27c) into or onto at least one second loading aid (29a . . . 29c) and in-fed in a second storage zone (16). When a picking order is obtained, (an) ordered good(s) (26a) is/are out-fed from the second storage zone (16) and loaded into or onto the target loading aid (30). During an execution of the transfer request, the first loading aid (27a . . . 27c) is fully or partially unloaded, depending on whether a parameter which is allocated to a type of good reaches a threshold value. Further, a storage and order-picking system (1) for carrying out said method is specified.

Claims

1. An order-picking method for picking at least one ordered good (26a) into or onto a target loading aid (30), comprising the steps in-feeding goods (21a . . . 21e) of different types of good into a first storage zone (8) with the help of first loading aids (27a . . . 27c), which respectively receive a plurality of goods (21a . . . 21e), wherein the totality of the types of good in-fed in the first storage zone (8) corresponds to a line of goods available, generating a transfer request for rearranging multiple transfer goods (31) of a type of good from the first storage zone (8) into a second storage zone (16) when the goods (21a . . . 21e) of this type of good are low in stock in the second storage zone (16), reloading the transfer goods (31) from a first loading aid (27a . . . 27c) into or onto at least one second loading aid (29a . . . 29c) and transporting the at least one second loading aid (29a . . . 29c) into the second storage zone (16) on the basis of the transfer request, obtaining a picking order for picking the at least one ordered good (26a) and ascertaining the at least one ordered good (26a) required for this picking order and out-feeding the at least one ordered good (26a) from the second storage zone (16) and loading the at least one ordered good (26a) into or onto the target loading aid (30) on the basis of the picking order, wherein during the execution of the transfer request, the first loading aid (27a . . . 27c) is fully or partially unloaded, depending on whether a parameter which is allocated to a type of good reaches a threshold value.

2. The order-picking method according to claim 1, wherein a probability P for a full unloading of the first loading aid (27a . . . 27c) fits the constraint $P > \frac{1}{n_{W a r e n}}$ wherein n.sub.Waren specifies the number of goods (21a . . . 21e) being stored in or on this first loading aid (27a . . . 27c).

3. The order-picking method according to claim 1, wherein a probability P for a full unloading of the first loading aids (27a . . . 27c) used for storing the line of goods fits the constraint $P > \frac{n_{L H M 1}}{n_{W a r e n}}$ wherein n.sub.LHM1 specifies the number of first loading aids (27a . . . 27c) used for storing the line of goods and n.sub.Waren the number of goods (21a . . . 21e) being stored in or on these first loading aids (27a . . . 27c).

4. The order-picking method according to claim 1, wherein a probability P for a full unloading of the first loading aid (27a . . . 27c) fits the constraint $\frac{n_{L H M 1 v o l l s t}}{n_{L H M 1}} > \frac{n_{L H M 1}}{n_{W a r e n}}$ wherein n.sub.LHM1vollst specifies the number of fully unloaded first loading aids (27a . . . 27c), n.sub.LHM1 the number of first loading aids (27a . . . 27c) involved in a transfer request, and n.sub.Waren the number of goods (21a . . . 21e) being stored in or on these first loading aids (27a . . . 27c) involved in a transfer request.

5. The order-picking method according to claim 1, wherein a setting to a partial or full unloading for a majority of types of good of the line of goods is maintained for a specified period of time, or for a specified number of transfer requests occurring consecutively and relating to these types of good.

6. The order-picking method according to claim 1, wherein a setting to a partial or full unloading for a type of good is maintained for a specified period of time, or for a specified number of transfer requests occurring consecutively and relating to these types of good.

7. The order-picking method according to claim 5, wherein a setting to a partial or full unloading applies to all first loading aids (27a . . . 27c) which are required for the execution of a transfer request.

8. The order-picking method according to claim 1, wherein the parameter allocated to a type of good forms part of the group: rate of turnover of the type of good, rate of turnover of the type of good in the second storage zone (16), number of transfer goods (30) of the type of good to be reloaded.

9. The order-picking method according to claim 1, wherein the parameter allocated to a type of good is a rate of turnover of a type of good, the threshold value is a rate-of-turnover threshold value, which subdivides the line of goods into a share of types of good with a high rate of turnover and a share of types of good with a low rate of turnover, and the first loading aid (27a . . . 27c) is fully unloaded during execution of a transfer request if the respective type of good belongs to the share of the line of goods available with a high rate of turnover which is above a rate-of-turnover threshold value.

10. The order-picking method according to claim 9, wherein the first loading aid (27a . . . 27c), during execution of a transfer request, i) is only fully unloaded if a target number of transfer goods (31) to be reloaded is larger than the number, or equal to the number, of the goods (21a . . . 21e) located in the first loading aid (27a . . . 27c), and ii) is partially unloaded if a target number of transfer goods (31) to be reloaded is smaller than the number of the goods (21a . . . 21e) located in the first loading aid (27a . . . 27c), if the respective type of good, in the cases i) and ii), belongs to the share of the line of goods available with a low rate of turnover which is below the rate-of-turnover threshold value.

11. The order-picking method according to claim 9, wherein the number and/or target number of the transfer goods (31) to be rearranged is determined by means of one parameter, or multiple parameters, from the group: rate of turnover of this type of good, number of the goods of this type of good in the second storage zone (16).

12. The order-picking method according to claim 1, wherein the parameter allocated to a type of good is a target number of transfer goods (31) of a type of good which is to be transferred from the first storage zone (8) into the second storage zone (16), the threshold value is a rearrangement threshold value, from which a first loading aid (27a . . . 27c) loaded with goods (21a . . . 21e) of said type of good is fully unloaded, a target number of transfer goods (31) of the respective type of good to be reloaded is determined for the transfer request, the actual number of the actually reloaded transfer goods (31) corresponds to the target number if the target number is smaller, or equal to, the rearrangement threshold value, and the actual number of the actually reloaded transfer goods (31) corresponds to the total number of the goods (21a . . . 21e) located in the first loading aid (27a . . . 27c) if the target number is above said rearrangement threshold value and at least one rearrangement threshold value SW.sub.Umlager referring or convertible to the number of goods exists, for which the following is true:
SW.sub.Umlager<n.sub.Waren−1 wherein n.sub.Waren specifies the number of goods (21a . . . 21e) respectively being stored in or on these first loading aids (27a . . . 27c).

13. The order-picking method according to claim 12, wherein the target number is determined by means of one parameter, or multiple parameters, from the group: rate of turnover of this type of good, number of the goods (21a . . . 21e) of this type of good in the second storage zone (16).

14. The order-picking method according to claim 12, wherein the rearrangement threshold value is determined by means of one parameter, or multiple parameters, from the group: rate of turnover of the type of good, total capacity in the second storage zone (16), remaining capacity in the second storage zone (16), provisioning time during the out-feeding of (a) transfer good(s) (31) from the first storage zone (8).

15. The order-picking method according to claim 14, wherein the rearrangement threshold value for a type of good with a first rate of turnover is lower than for a type of good with a smaller, second rate of turnover and/or the rearrangement threshold value for a second storage zone (16) with a first total capacity is lower than for a second storage zone (16) with a smaller, second total capacity and/or the rearrangement threshold value for a first remaining capacity in the second storage zone (16) is lower than for a smaller, second remaining capacity in the second storage zone (16) and/or the rearrangement threshold value for a first provisioning time during the out-feeding of (a) transfer good(s) (31) from the first storage zone (8) is lower than for a shorter, second provisioning time during the out-feeding of (a) transfer good(s) (31) from the first storage zone (8).

16. The order-picking method according to claim 14, wherein the rearrangement threshold value is reduced if the rate of turnover of the type of good increases and/or the rearrangement threshold value is reduced if the remaining capacity in the second storage zone (16) increases and/or the rearrangement threshold value is reduced if the provisioning time during the out-feeding of (a) transfer good(s) (31) from the first storage zone (8) increases, and vice versa.

17. The order-picking method according to claim 1, wherein the first loading aid (27a . . . 27c) with the transfer goods (31) is conveyed from the first storage zone (8) to a reloading station (19) and provisioned at a first reloading supply position (14) of the reloading station (19) on the basis of the transfer request, and afterwards the transfer goods (31) are reloaded into or onto at least one second loading aid (29a . . . 29c), which is provisioned at a second reloading supply position (18) of the reloading station (19).

18. The order-picking method according to claim 1, wherein the creation and/or execution of a transfer request is done without reference to a picking order.

19. The order-picking method according to claim 1, wherein a transfer request for rearranging multiple transfer goods (31) of a type of good from a first loading aid (27a . . . 27c) into or onto at least one second loading aid (29a . . . 29c) is created when the number of the goods (21a . . . 21e) of this type of good in the second storage zone (16) falls below a stock-threshold value.

20. The order-picking method according to claim 1, wherein, during execution of a transfer request, the content of the first loading aid (27a . . . 27c) is divided between multiple second loading aids (29a . . . 29c).

21. The order-picking method according to claim 1, wherein, during the execution of a transfer request, one piece of (a) transfer good(s) (31) is respectively reloaded into or onto one second loading aid (29a . . . 29c) each.

22. The order-picking method according to claim 1, wherein, during the execution of a transfer request, multiple transfer goods (31) are respectively reloaded into or onto one second loading aid (29a . . . 29c) each.

23. The order-picking method according to claim 1, wherein the target loading aid (30) functions as a dispatch loading aid, and the at least one ordered good (26a) is loaded directly from the second loading aid (29a . . . 29c) into or onto the dispatch loading aid, or functions as an interim loading aid, and the at least one ordered good (26a) is reloaded from the second loading aid (29a . . . 29c) into or onto the interim loading aid and afterwards into or onto a dispatch loading aid.

24. A storage and order-picking system (1) for picking at least one ordered good (26a) into or onto a target loading aid (30), comprising a first storage zone (8) for storing goods (21a . . . 21e) of different types of good with the help of first loading aids (27a . . . 27c), in or on which respectively a plurality of goods (21a . . . 21e) are receivable, a second storage zone (16) for storing the goods (21a . . . 21e) of different types of good with the help of second loading aids (21a . . . 21c), a warehouse computer (32) for generating a transfer request for rearranging multiple transfer goods (31) of a type of good from the first storage zone (8) into the second storage zone (16) when the goods (21a . . . 21e) of this type of good are low in stock in the second storage zone (16), (a) first conveying device(s) (5a . . . 5b) for out-feeding the first loading aids (27a . . . 27c) with the transfer goods (31) from the first storage zone (8) on the basis of the transfer request, (a) second conveying device(s) (15a, 15b) for in-feeding the second loading aids (21a . . . 21c) with the transfer goods (31) into the second storage zone (16) on the basis of the transfer request and for out-feeding at least one ordered good (26a), a reloading station (19), to which the first conveying device(s) (5a . . . 5b) and the second conveying device(s) (15a, 15b) are coupled and which enables the reloading, on the basis of the transfer request, of the transfer goods (31) from a first loading aid (27a . . . 27c) into or onto a second loading aid (29a . . . 29c) provisioned there, an order-processing computer (33) for acquiring an order for picking at least one ordered good (26a) and for ascertaining the ordered good(s) (26a) required for this picking order, a picking station (24), to which the second conveying device(s) (15a, 15b) is/are coupled and which enables the reloading, on the basis of the picking order, of the at least one ordered good (26a) from a second loading aid (21a . . . 21c) into or onto a target loading aid (30) provisioned there, wherein the warehouse computer (32) or the reloading station (19) is configured to control the full or partial unloading of the first loading aid (27a . . . 27c) during the execution of the transfer request, depending on whether a parameter which is allocated to a type of good reaches a threshold value.

25. The storage and order-picking system (1) according to claim 24, wherein the first loading aid (27a . . . 27c) is structured differently from the second loading aid (21a . . . 21c).

26. The storage and order-picking system (1) according to claim 24, wherein the first loading aid (27a . . . 27c) is selected from the group: container, tray or cardboard box, wherein the loading aid (27a . . . 27c) comprises a floor with a receiving location on its upper side, on which a plurality of goods (21a . . . 21e), or transfer goods (31), can be placed, and has a transport surface on its lower side, by which the first loading aid (27a . . . 27c) is transportable on (a) first conveying device(s) (5a . . . 5b), as well as comprises side walls rising up from the floor.

27. The storage and order-picking system (1) according to claim 24, wherein the first loading aid (27a . . . 27c) is configured as a mobile shelf unit, which comprises shelves with respectively at least one receiving location (36) in storage planes located on top of one another, on which receiving location (36) at least one good (21a . . . 21e), or transfer good (31), can be placed.

28. The storage and order-picking system (1) according to claim 24, wherein the at least one second loading aid (29a . . . 29c) is configured as a hanging bag, or comprises such a hanging bag.

29. The storage and order-picking system (1) according to claim 24, comprising a sorting device (25) arranged along the route of the second conveying device(s) (15a, 15b), which sorting device (25) is configured to bring ordered goods (26a) into a specifiable sequence.

30. The storage and order-picking system (1) according to claim 24, wherein the first conveying device(s) (5a . . . 5b) and/or second conveying device(s) (15a, 15b) comprise(s) (a) fixed-installation conveying device(s) and/or autonomous industrial trucks (35, 35a . . . 35c) and/or is/are made up of them.

31. The storage and order-picking system (1) according to claim 24, wherein the first storage zone (8) comprises storage racks (11), storage locations (36) are provided in the storage racks (11) and the first conveying device(s) (5a . . . 5b) comprise(s) a conveying vehicle operated in an automated manner (12a, 12b, 35, 35a . . . 35c), which enables the out-feeding of the first loading aid (27a . . . 27c) with the transfer goods (31).

32. The storage and order-picking system (1) according to claim 31, wherein the first conveying device(s) (5a . . . 5b) comprise(s) a first conveying section (5a, 5a′, 5a″) for in-feeding the first loading aid (27a . . . 27c) with (a) good(s) (21a . . . 21e) into the first storage zone (8) and a second conveying section (5b) for out-feeding a first loading aid (27a . . . 27c) with (a) transfer good(s) (31) from the first storage zone (10) and the conveying vehicle (12a, 12b, 35, 35a . . . 35c) operated in an automated manner also enables the in-feeding of the first loading aid (27a . . . 27c) with the good(s) (21a . . . 21e) into a storage location (36).

33. The storage and order-picking system (1) according to claim 31, wherein the conveying vehicle (12a, 12b, 35, 35a . . . 35c) operated in an automated manner is displaceable in front of the storage locations (36) along a rack aisle and is equipped with a load suspension device (45) for in-feeding a first loading aid (27a . . . 27c) with (a) good(s) (21a . . . 21e) into a storage location (36) and/or for out-feeding the first loading aid (27a . . . 27c) with the transfer goods (31) from a storage location (36) and is configured as a railborne storage-and-retrieval unit (12a, 12b) or as an autonomous industrial truck (35, 35a . . . 35c).

34. The storage and order-picking system (1) according to claim 31, wherein the shelf units are configured as mobile shelf units, which function as first loading aids (27c), and the conveying vehicle (12a, 12b, 35, 35a . . . 35c) operated in an automated manner is configured as an autonomous industrial truck (35, 35a . . . 35c) and the mobile shelf units (27c) are transportable by the autonomous industrial truck (35, 35a . . . 35c).

35. The storage and order-picking system (1) according to claim 24, wherein the second storage zone (16) comprises overhead storage conveyors (17) and I) the second conveying device(s) (15a, 15b) comprise(s) overhead transport conveyors, which are connected, in terms of conveyor technology, with the overhead storage conveyors (17) and enable the in-feeding of the second loading aid (29a . . . 29c) with the transfer good(s) (31) into the second storage zone (16) and/or the out-feeding of the second loading aid (29a . . . 29c) with the ordered good(s) (26a) from the second storage zone (16) and/or II) the second conveying device(s) (15a, 15b) comprise(s) a conveying vehicle operated in an automated manner (12a, 12b, 35, 35a . . . 35c), which enables the in-feeding of the second loading aid (29a . . . 29c) with the transfer good(s) (31) into the second storage zone (16) and/or the out-feeding of the second loading aid (29a . . . 29c) with the ordered good(s) (26a) from the second storage zone (16).

36. The storage and order-picking system (1) according to claim 35, wherein the conveying vehicle (12a, 12b, 35, 35a . . . 35c) operated in an automated manner, in the case II), is displaceable in front of the storage locations along a rack aisle and is equipped with a load suspension device (45) for in-feeding the second loading aid (29a . . . 29c) with the transfer good(s) (31) into the overhead storage conveyor (17) and/or for out-feeding the second loading aid (29a . . . 29c) with the ordered good(s) (26a) from the overhead storage conveyor (17) and is configured as a railborne storage-and-retrieval unit (12a, 12b) or as an autonomous industrial truck (35, 35a . . . 35c).

37. The storage and order-picking system (1) according to claim 35, wherein the overhead storage conveyors (40) are configured so as to be mobile and/or transportable and the conveying vehicle (12a, 12b, 35, 35a . . . 35c) operated in an automated manner, in the case II), is configured as an autonomous industrial truck (35, 35a . . . 35c) and a mobile overhead storage conveyor (40) is transportable by the autonomous industrial truck (35, 35a . . . 35c).

38. The storage and order-picking system (1) according to claim 34, wherein the autonomous industrial truck (35, 35a . . . 35c) is configured both for transporting the mobile shelf units (27c) and for transporting the mobile overhead storage conveyors (40).

Description

[0157] For the purpose of a better understanding of the invention, the latter will be elucidated in more detail by means of the figures below.

[0158] In a strongly simplified, schematic depiction, each figure shows as follows:

[0159] FIG. 1 an embodiment of a schematically-depicted storage and order-picking system with a first and second storage zone;

[0160] FIG. 2 an exemplary (mobile) shelf unit in an oblique view;

[0161] FIG. 3 an exemplary, mobile overhead storage conveyor in an oblique view and

[0162] FIG. 4 an exemplary and schematically-depicted autonomous industrial truck.

[0163] First of all, it is to be noted that, in the different embodiments described, equal parts are provided with equal reference numbers and/or equal component designations, where the disclosures contained in the entire description may be analogously transferred to equal parts with equal reference numbers and/or equal component designations. Moreover, the specifications of location, such as at the top, at the bottom, at the side, chosen in the description refer to the directly described and depicted figure and in case of a change of position, and these specifications of location are to be analogously transferred to the new position.

[0164] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary storage and order-picking system 1 in a schematized plan view. The storage and order-picking system 1 comprises a building 2 as well as a gate at the first goods acceptance zone 3 and a gate at the second goods transfer zone 4.

[0165] There are three first sections 5a, 5a′ and 5a″ of (a) first conveying device(s) in the area of the goods acceptance zone 3. The first section 5a of the first conveying device(s) connects the goods acceptance zone 3 with a first robot 6a. To that end, a first unloading supply position 7 is arranged at the end of the first section 5a of the first conveying device(s), in this example.

[0166] The other first sections 5a′, 5a″ of the first conveying device(s) connect the first robot 6a with the first storage zone 8. To that end, a second unloading supply position 9 is arranged at the start of the first section 5a′ of the first conveying device(s), and a third unloading supply position 10 is arranged at the start of the first section 5a″ of the first conveying device(s), in this example. The first storage zone 8 comprises multiple storage racks 11, as well as storage-and-retrieval units 12a and 12b, which travel in rack aisles running between the storage racks 11. The first robot 6a, the first unloading supply position 7, the second unloading supply position 9 and the third unloading supply position 10 form, in particular, an unloading station 13 operated in an automated manner. Also conceivable is an unloading station (not shown) which, while comprising the first unloading supply position 7, the second unloading supply position 9 and the third unloading supply position 10, comprises no first robot 6a. The first robot 6a is then replaced by a person. The unloading can therefore be carried out automatically and/or manually (in particular in a computer-aided manner).

[0167] At the end of the rack aisles which is located opposite the first sections 5a′, 5a″ of the first conveying device(s), a second section 5b of the first conveying device(s) is arranged, which leads to a second robot 6b. To that end, a first reloading supply position 14 is arranged at the end of the second section 5b of the first conveying device(s), in this example.

[0168] In the range of action of the second robot 6b, also a first section 15a of (a) second conveying device(s) is arranged, which connects the second robot 6b, in terms of conveyor technology, with a second storage zone 16 with multiple overhead storage conveyors 17. To that end, a second reloading supply position 18 is arranged at the start of the first section 15a of the second conveying device(s), is in this example. The second robot 6b, the first reloading supply position 14 and the second reloading supply position 18 form, in particular, a reloading station 19 operated in an automated manner. Also conceivable is a reloading station (not shown) which comprises the first reloading supply position 14 and the second reloading supply position 18, but no second robot 6b. The second robot 6b is then replaced by a person. The reloading can therefore be carried out automatically and/or manually (in particular in a computer-aided manner).

[0169] Further, the second conveying device(s) comprise(s) a second section 15b, which connects the second storage zone 16 with a third robot 6c. To that end, a first order-picking supply position 20 is arranged at the end of the second section 15b of the second conveying device(s), in this example. The first section 15a of the second conveying device(s) and the second section 15b of the second conveying device(s) are configured as overhead transport conveyors. Also the overhead storage conveyor 17 is not necessarily configured only for storing goods 21a . . . 21d but may also be configured for transporting same.

[0170] Finally, the storage and order-picking system 1 comprises (a) third conveying device(s) 22, which connect(s) the third robot 6c with the goods transfer zone 4. To that end, a second order-picking supply position 23 is arranged at the start of the third conveying device(s) 22, in this example. The third robot 6c, the first order-picking supply position 20 and the second order-picking supply position 23 form, in particular, a picking station 24 operated in an automated manner. Also conceivable is a picking station (not shown) which comprises the first order-picking supply position 20 and the second order-picking supply position 23, but no third robot 6c. The third robot 6c is then replaced by a person. The order picking can therefore be carried out automatically and/or manually (in particular in a computer-aided manner).

[0171] Along the route of the second conveying device(s) 15a, 15b, also an optional sorting device 25 may be arranged in order to bring ordered goods 26a into a specifiable sequence.

[0172] The functioning of the storage and order-picking system 1 depicted in FIG. 1 is as follows:

[0173] Goods 21a . . . 21d are delivered at the goods acceptance zone 3 and loaded onto the first section 5a of the first conveying device(s). The goods 21a . . . 21d are transported to the unloading station 13 on the first section 5a of the first conveying device(s) and supplied there, specifically at the first unloading supply position 7. Described below is the embodiment according to which the unloading station 13 comprises the first robot 6a. The goods 21a . . . 21d are reloaded, by the first robot 6a, from the first section 5a of the first conveying device(s) onto the first section 5a′ or 5a″ of the first conveying device(s), specifically into or onto a first loading aid 27a, which is provisioned at the third unloading supply position 10. With the help of the storage-and-retrieval units 12a and 12b, the first loading aid 27a is in-fed into one of the storage racks 11. The first loading aids 27a, 27b respectively receive a plurality of goods 21a . . . 21d and are, in this example, respectively configured so as to be different from a hanging bag. For example, the first loading aids 27a, 27b are configured as a container, tray or cardboard box. In the first storage zone 8, generally, goods 21a . . . 21d of different types of good are in-fed. The totality of the types of good in-fed corresponds to a line of goods available.

[0174] As is apparent in FIG. 1, the goods 21a . . . 21d can be delivered separated or in/on delivery goods carriers 28 (delivery bundles, for example pallets, cardboard box with goods). The goods 21a . . . 21d can be separated in the course of the in-feeding process, yet this is not mandatory. Also the reloading into or onto a first loading aid 27a is not mandatory, but it would also be conceivable to in-feed the delivery goods carrier 28 directly in the first storage zone 8. The delivery goods carrier 28 then takes the place of a first loading aid 27a, 27b.

[0175] In the second storage zone 16, the goods 21e are stored in second loading aids 29a, 29b, which are, in this example, respectively configured as a hanging bag. When a picking order for picking ordered goods is obtained, the ordered goods 26a required for this picking order are ascertained. Subsequently, said ordered goods 26a are out-fed from the second storage zone 16 and loaded into or onto a target loading aid 30 on the basis of the picking order. Specifically, a hanging bag 29c with the ordered good(s) 26a is conveyed to the picking station 24 to that end and provisioned at the first order-picking supply position 20. Described below is the embodiment according to which the picking station 24 comprises the third robot 6c. The ordered good(s) 26a contained in the hanging bag 29c is/are reloaded, by the third robot 6c, from the hanging bag 29c into the target loading aid 30, which is provisioned at the second order-picking supply position 23. Subsequently, the target loading aid 30 is conveyed via the third conveying device(s) 22 to the goods transfer zone 4 and loaded, there, into a truck, for example.

[0176] In the example presented, the target loading aid 30 functions as a dispatch loading aid and thus serves to transport the ordered good(s) 26a out of the storage and order-picking system 1. It would also be conceivable that the target loading aid 30 functions as an interim loading aid and therefore serves to interim-store (an) ordered good(s) 26a that has/have been picked and is/are intended for dispatching before being reloaded into or onto a dispatch loading aid. Generally, the target loading aid 30 may be configured as a container, cardboard box, tray, pallet, bag (in particular a “polybag”), pouch, sack, hanging bag or shelf unit.

[0177] With the help of the optional sorting device 25, the ordered goods 26a can be brought into in a specifiable sequence, unless such a sequence can be created already during the out-feeding of the ordered goods 26a from the second storage zone 16.

[0178] If (a) good(s) 21a . . . 21e of a type of good in the second storage zone 16 is/are low in stock (e.g. when the number of the goods 21a . . . 21e of this type of good in the second storage zone 16 falls below a stock-threshold value), a transfer or rearrangement request (rearrangement command) for reloading multiple transfer goods 31 of said type of good from a first loading aid 27a, 27b into at least one hanging bag 29a is generated, for example by a warehouse computer 32. On the basis of this transfer request, at least one first loading aid 27a, 27b with the required transfer goods 31 is subsequently out-fed from the first storage zone 8, specifically with the help of one of the storage-and-retrieval units 12a, 12b. Afterwards, the loading aid 27a, 27b with the required transfer goods 31 is loaded onto the second section 5b of the first conveying device(s) and transported by same to the reloading station 19 and specifically provisioned at the first reloading supply position 14 (see the transfer good(s) 31 at the first reloading supply position 14 in FIG. 1). Described below is the embodiment according to which the reloading station 19 comprises the second robot 6b. The transfer goods 31 required in the second storage zone 16 are removed, by the second robot 6b, from the first loading aid 27a, 27b and loaded into a hanging bag 29a, which is provisioned at the second reloading supply position 18. Finally, the hanging bag 29a is transported via the first section 15a of the second conveying device(s) into the second storage zone 16 and in-fed there into one of the overhead storage conveyors 17.

[0179] This procedure ensures that a specific minimum number of goods 21a . . . 21e of a specific type of good is in stock in the second storage zone 16 at all times. Advantageously, the stock threshold value is set so as to enable a picking process of an average scope to be executed without a transfer request for goods 21a . . . 21e of this type of good being required for this if the stock of goods 21a . . . 21e of this type of good is above the stock-threshold value at the beginning of the picking process. In other words, the picking process can be executed without goods 21a . . . 21e of this type of good having to be reloaded into the second storage zone 16.

[0180] During the execution of the transfer request, the first loading aid 27a, 27b is fully or partially unloaded (and after the execution of the transfer request is in a fully or partially unloaded state), depending on whether a parameter which is allocated to a type of good reaches (and/or falls below or rises above) a threshold value.

Variant Embodiment I

[0181] For example, the parameter allocated to a type of good may be a rate of turnover of a type of good (occurring in the second storage zone 16), and the threshold value may be a rate-of-turnover threshold value, which subdivides the line of goods into a share of types of good with a high rate of turnover (fast-moving consumer goods) and a share of types of good with a low rate of turnover (slow-moving consumer goods). The first loading aid 27a, 27b is, in this variant, (at all times) fully unloaded during execution of a transfer request if the respective type of good belongs to the share of the line of goods available with a high rate of turnover (i.e. to the fast-moving consumer goods) which are above a rate-of-turnover threshold value.

[0182] If (a) transfer good(s) 31 and/or the type of good of the transfer good(s) 31 belong(s) to the share of the line of goods available with a low rate of turnover (i.e. to the slow-moving consumer goods) which are below the rate-of-turnover threshold value, the first loading aid 27a, 27b, during execution of a transfer request, [0183] i) is only fully unloaded if a target number of transfer goods 31 to be reloaded is larger than the number, or equal to the number, of the goods 21a . . . 21e located in the first loading aid 27a, 27b and [0184] ii) is partially unloaded if a target number of transfer goods 31 to be reloaded is smaller than the number of goods 21a . . . 21e located in the first loading aid 27a, 27b.

[0185] Therefore, the first loading aid 27a, 27b is not always fully unloaded during execution of a transfer request if the respective type of good, in the cases i) and ii), belongs to the share of the line of goods available with a low rate of turnover (slow-moving consumer goods) which are below the rate-of-turnover threshold value. The first loading aid 27a, 27b is only fully unloaded if a target number of transfer goods 31 to be reloaded is (coincidentally) larger than the number, or equal to the number, of the goods 21a . . . 21e/transfer goods 31 located in the first loading aid 27a, 27b.

[0186] On the one hand, the measures proposed advantageously result in the number of the reloading operations at the reloading station 19 being kept relatively low for transfer goods 31 with a high rate of turnover (fast-moving consumer goods), as either the requested number of transfer goods 31 is reloaded from the first loading aid 27a, 27b into the second loading aid 29a . . . 29c, or a higher number. On the other hand, the second storage zone 16 is not overly strained by ordered goods with a low rate of turnover, which are only rarely requested by a customer (slow-moving consumer goods).

[0187] The number and/or target number of the transfer goods 31 to be rearranged can be determined by means of one parameter, or multiple parameters, from the group: rate of turnover of this type of good, number of the goods 21a . . . 21e of this type of good in the second storage zone 16.

[0188] In particular, the number and/or target number of the transfer goods 31 to be rearranged is higher in goods 21a . . . 21e with a high rate of turnover (fast-moving consumer goods) than in goods 21a . . . 21e with a low rate of turnover (slow-moving consumer goods). Accordingly, few reloading operations, measured against the number of transfer goods 31, take place at the reloading station 19 for goods 21a . . . 21e with a high rate of turnover, whereas many reloading operations, measured against the number of transfer goods 31, take place at the reloading station 19 for goods 21a . . . 21e with a low rate of turnover. Alternatively or additionally, the number and/or target number of the transfer goods 31 to be rearranged can be determined by means of the number of the goods 21a . . . 21e of this type of good in the second storage zone 16.

[0189] In particular, the number and/or target number of the transfer goods 31 to be rearranged is high if the warehouse stock of the respective type of good (i.e. the number of the goods 21a . . . 21e of the respective type of good) in the second storage zone 16 is low. In contrast to this, the number and/or target number of the transfer goods 31 to be rearranged is low if the stock level of the respective type of good in the second storage zone 16 is high. In particular, the number and/or target number of the transfer goods 31 to be rearranged can be determined by the warehouse computer 32.

Variant Embodiment II

[0190] The parameter allocated to a type of good may also be a target number of transfer goods 31 of a type of good, which is to be transferred from the first storage zone 8 into the second storage zone 16, and the threshold value may be a rearrangement threshold value, from which a first loading aid 27a, 27b loaded with goods 21a . . . 21e of said type of good is fully unloaded. For the transfer request, once again, a target number of transfer goods 31 of the respective type of good to be reloaded is determined, in particular by the warehouse computer 32. The actual number of the actually reloaded transfer goods 31 corresponds to the target number if the target number is smaller, or equal to, the rearrangement threshold value, and the actual number of the actually reloaded transfer goods 31 corresponds to the total number of the goods 21a . . . 21e located in the first loading aid 27a, 27b if the target number is above said rearrangement threshold value. In the storage and order-picking system 1, at least one rearrangement threshold value SW.sub.Umlager referring or convertible to the number of goods exists, for which the following is true:

SW.sub.Umlager<n.sub.Waren−1

wherein n.sub.Waren specifies the number of goods 21a . . . 21e respectively being stored in or on these first loading aids 27a, 27b.

[0191] In this embodiment of the order-picking method proposed, a first loading aid 27a, 27b is therefore fully unloaded whenever the target number is (coincidentally) close to the number of the goods 21a . . . 21e being stored in the first loading aid 27a, 27b. Accordingly, a minor and non-requested excess quantity of transfer goods 31 are accepted into the second storage zone 16 instead of return-storing these into the first storage zone 8. This prevents the second section 5b of the first conveying device(s) from being excessively strained by the return storing of first loading aids 27a, 27b into the first storage zone 8.

[0192] Here, the above-mentioned rule can be followed by the requesting or the executing system, i.e. by adequate specification by the warehouse computer 32 or by checking the specification at the reloading station 19. If the rule is implemented by the reloading station 19 (in particular by the second robot 6b), the warehouse computer 32 need not have any information on the number of the goods 21a . . . 21e being stored in the first loading aid 27a, 27b. If, in contrast, the warehouse computer 32 has information on the number of the goods 21a . . . 21e being stored in the first loading aid 27a, 27b, the above-mentioned rule can, in principle, also be carried out by the warehouse computer 32 itself, whereby a strain, in terms of control technology, on the reloading station 19 is reduced.

[0193] Generally, the rearrangement threshold value can be specified directly as a number of goods 21a . . . 21e, yet the rearrangement threshold value could also be specified as a percentage. For the execution of the above-mentioned rule, the percentage rearrangement threshold value is multiplied by the respective number of the goods 21a . . . 21e being stored in the first loading aid 27a, 27b in order to obtain an absolute value for the rearrangement threshold value. Accordingly, a percentage rearrangement threshold value is an example of a rearrangement threshold value convertible to the number of goods.

[0194] The number and/or target number of the transfer goods 31 to be rearranged can, once again, be determined by means of one parameter, or multiple parameters, from the group: rate of turnover of this type of good, number of the goods 21a . . . 21e of this type of good in the second storage zone 16.

[0195] In particular, the number and/or target number of the transfer goods 31 to be rearranged is higher in goods 21a . . . 21e with a high rate of turnover (fast-moving consumer goods) than in goods 21a . . . 21e with a low rate of turnover (slow-moving consumer goods). Accordingly, few reloading operations, measured against the number of transfer goods 31, take place at the reloading station 19 for goods 21a . . . 21e with a high rate of turnover, whereas many reloading operations, measured against the number of transfer goods 31, take place at the reloading station 19 for goods 21a . . . 21e with a low rate of turnover. Alternatively or additionally, the number and/or target number of the transfer goods 31 to be rearranged can be determined by means of the number of the goods 21a . . . 21e of this type of good in the second storage zone 16. In particular, the number and/or target number of the transfer goods 31 to be rearranged is high if the warehouse stock of the respective type of good (i.e. the number of the goods 21a . . . 21e of the respective type of good) in the second storage zone 16 is low. In contrast to this, the number and/or target number of the transfer goods 31 to be rearranged is low if the stock level of the respective type of good in the second storage zone 16 is high. In particular, the number and/or target number of the transfer goods 31 to be rearranged can be determined by the warehouse computer 32.

[0196] It is advantageous if the rearrangement threshold value is determined by means of one parameter, or multiple parameters, from the group: rate of turnover of the type of good, total capacity in the second storage zone 16, remaining capacity in the second storage zone 16, provisioning time during the out-feeding of (a) transfer good(s) 31 from the first storage zone 8. In this way, the processes during the transfer of the transfer good(s) 31 from the first storage zone 8 into the second storage zone 16 can be optimized.

[0197] In particular, [0198] the rearrangement threshold value for a type of good with a first rate of turnover is lower than for a type of good with a smaller, second rate of turnover and/or [0199] the rearrangement threshold value for a second storage zone 16 with a first total capacity is lower than for a second storage zone 16 with a smaller, second total capacity and/or [0200] the rearrangement threshold value for a first remaining capacity in the second storage zone 16 is lower than for a smaller, second remaining capacity in the second storage zone 16 and/or [0201] the rearrangement threshold value for a first provisioning time during the out-feeding of (a) transfer good(s) 31 from the first storage zone 8 is lower than for a shorter, second provisioning time during the out-feeding of (a) transfer good(s) 31 from the first storage zone 8.

[0202] Here, it is also of advantage if [0203] the rearrangement threshold value is reduced if the rate of turnover of the type of good increases and/or [0204] the rearrangement threshold value is reduced if the remaining capacity in the second storage zone 16 increases and/or [0205] the rearrangement threshold value is reduced if the provisioning time during the out-feeding of (a) transfer good(s) 31 from the first storage zone 8 increases, and vice versa.

[0206] In both variant embodiments I and II, the fact that a first loading aid 27a, 27b is fully or partially unloaded during the execution of a transfer execution does not depend on whether the same number of goods 21a . . . 21e are coincidentally stored in the first loading aid 27a, 27b as were requested by the transfer request, or more goods 21a . . . 21e than were requested by the transfer request, but on whether or not said threshold value is reached. Accordingly, a possible return conveying back into the first storage zone 8 of a remaining quantity of goods 21a . . . 21e remaining in the first loading aid 27a, 27b equally does not depend on whether the same number of goods 21a . . . 21e are coincidentally stored in the first loading aid 27a, 27b as were requested by the transfer request, or more goods 21a . . . 21e than were requested by the transfer request. Rather, the full unloading of the first loading aid 27a, 27b and a return storing back into the first storage zone 8 associated with it, if applicable, of a remaining quantity of goods 21a . . . 21e remaining in the first loading aid 27a, 27b is done in a deterministic manner. The processes running between the first storage zone 8 and the second storage zone 16 are therefore easier to plan and foresee than this is the case in the prior art.

[0207] This finds its expression, for example, in the fact that a probability P for a full unloading of the first loading aid 27a, 27b (or a group of first loading aids 27a, 27b, e.g. a group which is involved in a transfer request) fits the constraint

[00007] $P > \frac{1}{n_{W a r e n}}$

wherein n.sub.Waren specifies the number of the goods 21a . . . 21e being stored in or on this (these) first loading aid(s) 27a, 27b. In more general terms, this means

[00008] $P > \frac{k}{n_{W a r e n}} k \geq 1 (z . B . k = 1, 1)$

[0208] The above constraints describe a full unloading of the first loading aid 27a, 27b that is targeted and not dependent on coincidence.

[0209] It would also be conceivable that a probability P for a full unloading of the first loading aids 27a, 27b which are used for storing the line of goods fits the constraint

[00009] $P > \frac{n_{L H M 1}}{n_{W a r e n}}$

wherein n.sub.LHM1 specifies the number of first loading aids 27a, 27b used for storing the line of goods and n.sub.Waren the number of goods 21a . . . 21e being stored in or on these first loading aids 27a, 27b. In more general terms, this means

[00010] $P > k .Math. \frac{n_{L H M 1}}{n_{W a r e n}} k \geq 1 (z . B . k = 1, 1)$

[0210] Also these formulae describe a full unloading of the first loading aid 27a, 27b which is targeted and not dependent on coincidence, here, however, referring to the total line of goods.

[0211] In another variant, a probability P for a full unloading of the first loading aid 27a, 27b fits the constraint

[00011] $\frac{n_{L H M 1 v o l l s t}}{n_{L H M 1}} > k .Math. \frac{n_{L H M 1}}{n_{W a r e n}} k \geq 1 (z . B . k = 1, 1)$

wherein n.sub.LHM1vollst specifies the number of fully unloaded first loading aids 27a, 27b (in a period of time t), n.sub.LHM1 the number of first loading aids 27a, 27b involved in a transfer request (in this period of time t) and n.sub.Waren the number of goods 21a . . . 21e being stored in or on these first loading aids 27a, 27b involved in a transfer request (in this period of time t).

[0212] In this variant embodiment, reference is made to the reloading point (i.e. to the reloading station 19) and/or to the reloading operations actually performed. The period of time t should be selected to be sufficiently long, e.g. t=1 h or t=1 day.

[0213] It is generally of advantage if a setting to a partial or full unloading for a majority of types of good of the line of goods is maintained for a specified period of time, or for a specified number of transfer requests occurring consecutively and relating to these types of good. Accordingly, a decision, once made, will be maintained for longer, whereby the probability for a full unloading of the first loading aid 27a, 27b is equally increased. The longer said decision is maintained, the higher also said probability for the full unloading. The period of time may be, for example, 10 minutes, the number e.g. 10 transfer requests occurring consecutively and relating to these types of good.

[0214] It is also of advantage if a setting to a partial or full unloading for a type of good is maintained for a specified period of time, or for a specified number of transfer requests occurring consecutively and relating to these types of good. Also in this case, a decision, once made, will be maintained for longer, whereby the probability for a full unloading of the first loading aid 27a, 27b is equally increased. However, the decision refers to a specific type of good, and not to a majority of types of good of the line of goods. The longer said decision is maintained, the higher, once again, said probability for the full unloading. In this variant, too, the period of time may be, for example, 10 minutes, the number e.g. 10 transfer requests occurring consecutively and relating to these types of good.

[0215] Furthermore, it is of advantage if a setting to a partial or full unloading applies to all first loading aids 27a, 27b which are required for the execution of a transfer request. If a transfer request relates to multiple first loading aids 27a, 27b, all but one are fully unloaded. With regard to the remaining, last first loading aid 27a, 27b, the above setting applies. This means that the remaining, last first loading aid 27a, 27b is fully or partially unloaded during the execution of the transfer request, depending on whether a parameter which is allocated to a type of good reaches (and/or falls below or rises above) a threshold value. The full unloading of the first loading aid 27a, 27b and a return storing back into the first storage zone 8 associated with it, if applicable, of the remaining quantity of goods 21a . . . 21e remaining in or on a first loading aid 27a, 27b is done, again, in a deterministic, and not in a random, manner.

[0216] It is generally conceivable that, during execution of a transfer request, the content of the first loading aid 27a, 27b is divided between multiple second loading aids 29a . . . 29c. This ensures that the order-picking method can also be executed when the holding capacity of the second loading aids 29a . . . 29c is small compared to the holding capacity of the first loading aids 27a, 27b. The total unloading process for a first loading aid 27a, 27b may also relate to multiple transfer requests issued at separate times.

[0217] It is generally conceivable that, during the execution of a transfer request, one piece of (a) transfer good(s) 31 is respectively reloaded into one second loading aid 29a . . . 29c each. In this way, a subsequent picking process can be simplified, in particular if, as in the example depicted, this picking process is carried out using a robot 6c. If a large number of goods 21a . . . 21e are stored in a second loading aid 29a . . . 29c, the selection and removal of a specific article by a robot 6c is particularly challenging in terms of technology. In addition, also a return storing back into the second storage zone 16 of a remaining quantity of (a) good(s) 21a . . . 21e in the second loading aid 29a . . . 29c will be obsolete.

[0218] Yet, alternatively, it is also conceivable that, during the execution of a transfer request, multiple transfer goods 31 are reloaded into one second loading aid 29a . . . 29c each. In this way, the number of the second loading aids 29a . . . 29c required for a picking process, and thus a capacity utilization on the second conveying device(s) 15a, 15b, can be kept low.

[0219] The transfer request is advantageously generated and executed without reference to, and independent of, a picking order. The process for picking ordered goods into or onto a target loading aid 30 will then run parallel (and independent in terms of control technology) to the process for rearranging the transfer goods 31 from the first storage zone 8 into the second storage zone 16. Yet the two processes are influenced by the fact that a loading of ordered goods of a specific type of good leads to a lower warehouse stock of goods 21a . . . 21e of this type of good in the second storage zone 16, whereby, as described above, a transfer request is caused. If, in contrast, there is a bottleneck of goods 21a . . . 21e of a specific type of good in the second storage zone 11 due to a longer absence of rearranging processes of the transfer goods 31 from the first storage zone 8 into the second storage zone 11, a picking order can, under certain circumstances, not be executed.

[0220] For the controlling of the above-mentioned processes, the warehouse computer 32 for generating a transfer or rearrangement request for rearranging multiple transfer goods 31 of a type of good from the first storage zone 8 into the second storage zone 16 when the goods 21a . . . 21e of this type of good are low in stock in the second storage zone 16 is provided in FIG. 1, as well as the order-processing computer 33 for acquiring an order for picking at least one ordered good 26a and for ascertaining the ordered good(s) 26a required for this picking order. Here, the warehouse computer 32 can control the storage-and-retrieval units 12a, 12b, the second section 5b of the first conveying device(s) and the reloading station 19 operated in an automated manner, in particular the second robot 6b, such as this is symbolized in FIG. 1 by the two dotted arrows on the left, which point away from the area of the warehouse computer 32. The order-processing computer 33 can control the overhead storage conveyor 17, the second section 15b of the second conveying device(s) 15b and the picking station 24 operated in an automated manner, in particular the third robot 6c, such as this is symbolized in FIG. 1 by the two dotted arrows on the right, which point away from the area of the order-processing computer 33. The warehouse computer 32 and the order-processing computer 33 may also, as depicted in FIG. 1, be integrated in a joint warehouse and order-processing computer 34. In this case, the warehouse computer 32 and the order-processing computer 33 may be part of a software, which runs in the joint warehouse and order-processing computer 34.

[0221] It should be noted in this context that the hanging bag 29b in FIG. 1 is depicted in the actual position (namely suspended), whereas the hanging bags 29a and 29c are depicted rotated into the image plane in order to be able to better depict the content of the hanging bags 29a and 29c, i.e. the good(s) 21e and the ordered good(s) 26a. In addition, it should be noted that, although, in the examples shown, reference is made to hanging bags 29a . . . 29c, also suspended carriers with hanging articles can be stored and transported in the second storage zone 16 and on the second conveying device(s) 15a, 15b.

[0222] In the example depicted, the second storage zone 16 comprises overhead storage conveyors 17 and the second conveying device(s) 15a, 15b overhead transport conveyors, which are connected, in terms of conveyor technology, with the overhead storage conveyors 17 and enable the in-feeding of the second loading aid 29a . . . 29c with the transfer good(s) 31 into the second storage zone 16 and/or the out-feeding of the second loading aid 29a . . . 29c with the ordered good(s) 26a from the second storage zone 16.

[0223] Alternatively or additionally, it would also be conceivable that the second conveying device(s) 15a, 15b comprise(s) a conveying vehicle operated in an automated manner 12a, 12b, which enables the in-feeding of the second loading aid 29a . . . 29c with the transfer good(s) 31 into the second storage zone 16 and/or the out-feeding of the second loading aid 29a . . . 29c with the ordered good(s) 26a from the second storage zone 16. In particular, the conveying vehicle 12a, 12b operated in an automated manner may be configured as a railborne storage-and-retrieval unit, such as this is also the case in the first storage zone 8. This storage-and-retrieval unit 12a, 12b may be displaceable in front of the storage locations along a rack aisle and be equipped with a load suspension device for in-feeding the second loading aid 29a . . . 29c with the transfer good(s) 31 into the overhead storage conveyor 17 and/or for out-feeding the second loading aid 29a . . . 29c with the ordered good(s) 26a from the overhead storage conveyor 17.

[0224] Further, three autonomous industrial trucks 35a . . . 35c are depicted by way of example in FIG. 1 in the area of the storage and order-picking system 1.

[0225] With the help of the autonomous industrial truck 35a, (an) ordered good(s) 26b, for example, can be transported directly from the goods acceptance zone 3 to the goods transfer zone 4 (and not removed from the first storage zone 8 or the second storage zone 16). In the example shown, this/these ordered good(s) 26b therefore form(s) (a) so-called “cross-docking good(s).” In particular, such ordered goods 26b may be intended for the intermediate trade or end sellers (“retail”) and ordered goods 26a from the second storage zone 16 may be intended for the end customer (“e-commerce”).

[0226] It is also conceivable that ordered goods 26c are transported directly from the first storage zone 8 to the picking station 24 or to the goods transfer zone 4, i.e. by bypassing the second storage zone 16, such as this is depicted, for example, in FIG. 1 for the autonomous industrial truck 35b.

[0227] It is further conceivable that the storage and order-picking system 1 also comprises different picking stations 24 especially tailored to the needs of the intermediate trade/end seller and of the end customer, which are coupled to the second storage zone 16 via the second conveying device(s) 15b. Orders by the intermediate trade/end seller are comprehensive and often contain many ordered goods 26a . . . 26c of the same type of good, whereas orders by the end customers are less comprehensive and contain few ordered goods 26a . . . 26c of the same type of good.

[0228] Yet, self-evidently, it would also be possible for the autonomous industrial trucks 35a . . . 35c to be used for in-feeding goods 21a . . . 21e into the first storage zone 8 or for in-feeding transfer goods 31 into the second storage zone 16 and/or for out-feeding transfer goods 31 from the first storage zone 8 or for out-feeding ordered goods 26a from the second storage zone 16. The first storage zone 8 and/or the second storage zone 16 can then be equipped with adequate transfer stations (not depicted), which enable the transfer of first loading aids 27a, 27b into the first storage zone 8, the transfer of second loading aids 29a . . . 29c into the second storage zone 16, the acceptance of first loading aids 27a, 27b from the first storage zone 8 or the acceptance of second loading aids 29a . . . 29c from the second storage zone 16.

[0229] Specifically, with the help of the autonomous industrial truck 35c, first loading aids 27a, 27b can be out-fed from the first storage zone 8 and provisioned at the first reloading supply position 14 and/or first loading aids 27a, 27b can be in-fed into the first storage zone 8. The storage-and-retrieval units 12a, 12b will then be obsolete. If the second loading aids 29a . . . 29c, with the help of the autonomous industrial truck 35a . . . 35c, can be in-fed into the second storage zone 16, the first section 15a of the second conveying device(s) will be obsolete. If the second loading aids 29a . . . 29c, with the help of the autonomous industrial truck 35a . . . 35c, can be out-fed from the second storage zone 16 and transported to the picking station 24, the second section 15b of the second conveying device(s) will be obsolete.

[0230] FIG. 2 shows an example of a first loading aid 27c, which is configured as a mobile shelf unit. The mobile shelf unit 27c comprises respectively at least one receiving location 36 in shelves located on top of one another. A plurality of goods 21a . . . 21e and/or transfer goods 31 can be placed in the mobile shelf unit 27c. In addition, the mobile shelf unit 27c has feet 37. It can therefore be lifted and transported using, for example, a fork of a forklift or of an autonomous industrial truck (see FIG. 4). It would also be conceivable that the shelf unit 27c has rollers instead of the feet 37 in order to be able to transport it more easily. It would finally also be conceivable that the shelf unit depicted in FIG. 2 is not used as a mobile shelf unit 27c but as a fixed-installation shelf unit in the first storage zone 8.

[0231] Furthermore, FIG. 3 shows an exemplary configuration with a floor 38, feet 37 arranged at same, side walls 39 rising up laterally at the floor 38 and an overhead storage conveyor and/or suspension rod 40 arranged between the side walls.

[0232] Due to the structure, the configuration depicted can be lifted and transported using, for example, a fork of a forklift or of an autonomous industrial truck (see FIG. 4). The overhead storage conveyor/suspension rod 40 is therefore configured so as to be mobile and/or transportable. It would also be conceivable that the configuration has rollers instead of the feet 37 in order to be able to transport it more easily. It would finally also be conceivable that the configuration depicted in FIG. 3 is not mobile but is installed in a fixed manner in the second storage zone 16.

[0233] FIG. 4 shows a schematically-depicted example of an autonomous industrial truck 35. The autonomous industrial truck 35 has an underframe 41, at which wheels 42, 43 are mounted so as to be rotatable. At least one of the wheels 42 is coupled with a drive 44 and at least one of the wheels 42 is steerable. According to the embodiment shown, both wheels 42 are coupled with the drive 44 and are driven by same, and both wheels 43 are steerable wheels. Yet the industrial truck 35 may also comprise only three wheels 42, 43, of which the wheels 42 are driven and the wheel 43 is steerable. In addition, the autonomous industrial truck 35 comprises a transport platform 45, on which the goods 21a . . . 21e, ordered goods 26a . . . 26c, transfer goods 31, mobile shelf units 27c or mobile overhead storage conveyors 40 to be transported can be received temporarily. According to the embodiment shown, the transport platform 45 is readjustable relative to the underframe 41. To that end, the autonomous industrial truck 35 may have a vertical guidance 46 with the vertically displaceable transport platform 45 affixed to it, as it is depicted in FIG. 4. The transport platform 45 may also be shiftable laterally and/or forward in order to be able to more easily receive or put down goods 21a . . . 21e, ordered goods 26a . . . 26c, transfer goods 31, mobile shelf units 27c or mobile overhead storage conveyors 40. Yet the transport platform 45 could also be a fixed, level surface at the autonomous industrial truck 35. Further, an autonomous industrial truck 35 also comprises a drive control 47 for receiving commands from a superordinate control 48 (which may be comprised, for example, by the warehouse computer 32 and order-processing computer 33) and for controlling/regulating the movements of the autonomous industrial truck 35. Finally, an autonomous industrial truck 35 comprises sensors 49a, 49b for capturing the environment of the autonomous industrial truck 35 and for spatial orientation. The autonomous industrial truck 35 depicted in FIG. 4 has steerable wheels 43. Yet these wheels will be obsolete to the extent that the autonomous industrial truck 35 has wheels with which also a lateral movement can be executed (e.g. Mecanum wheels). It would also be conceivable that, instead of a transport platform 45 or additionally to same, an overhead conveyor/suspension rod 40 is provided in order to out-feed ordered goods 26a from the second storage zone 16 and in-feed transfer goods 31 into the second storage zone 16.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0234] 1 storage and order-picking system [0235] 2 building [0236] 3 goods acceptance zone [0237] 4 goods transfer zone [0238] 5a . . . 5b first conveying device(s) [0239] 6a . . . 6c robot [0240] 7 first unloading supply position [0241] 8 first storage zone [0242] 9 second unloading supply position [0243] 10 third unloading supply position [0244] 11 storage rack [0245] 12a . . . 12b storage-and-retrieval unit [0246] 13 unloading station [0247] 14 first reloading supply position [0248] 15a, 15b second conveying device(s) [0249] 16 second storage zone [0250] 17 overhead storage conveyor [0251] 18 second reloading supply position [0252] 19 reloading station [0253] 20 first order-picking supply position [0254] 21a . . . 21e good(s) [0255] 22 third conveying device(s) [0256] 23 second order-picking supply position [0257] 24 picking station [0258] 25 sorting device [0259] 26a . . . 26c ordered good(s) [0260] 27a . . . 27c first loading aid [0261] 28 delivery goods carrier [0262] 29a . . . 29c second loading aid (hanging bag) [0263] 30 target loading aid [0264] 31 transfer good(s) [0265] 32 warehouse computer [0266] 33 order-processing computer [0267] 34 joint warehouse and order-processing computer [0268] 35 . . . 35c autonomous industrial truck [0269] 36 receiving location/storage location [0270] 37 foot [0271] 38 floor [0272] 39 side wall [0273] 40 mobile overhead storage conveyor/suspension rod [0274] 41 underframe [0275] 42 wheel (driven) [0276] 43 wheel (steerable) [0277] 44 drive [0278] 45 transport platform [0279] 46 vertical guidance [0280] 47 drive control [0281] 48 superordinate control [0282] 49a, 49b sensor

STORAGE AND PICKING SYSTEM AND PICKING METHOD HAVING IMPROVED TRANSFER OF GOODS BETWEEN TWO STORAGE AREAS

Assignee

Inventors

Cpc classification

Classification Explorer

B65G1/1375

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Classification Explorer

G06Q10/06315

PHYSICS

Classification Explorer

G06Q10/0875

PHYSICS

Classification Explorer

B65G47/61

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Classification Explorer

G06Q10/08

PHYSICS

Classification Explorer

B65G1/1376

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Classification Explorer

B65G47/26

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Classification Explorer

G06Q50/28

PHYSICS

Classification Explorer

B66F9/063

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Classification Explorer

B65G1/1378

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

International classification

Classification Explorer

B65G1/137

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Classification Explorer

B65G47/26

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Classification Explorer

B65G47/61

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Classification Explorer

B66F9/06

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Abstract

Claims

Description