DISTRIBUTOR SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONVEYING GOODS IN A STORAGE AND ORDER-PICKING SYSTEM

Abstract

A distributor system (1) for conveying articles with loading aids includes a provisioning system (2), a first distributor device (3a), a first buffer device (4a) and a target system (5), wherein the first distributor device (3a) has a distributor line (32a), along which the loading aids can be conveyed, and a first distributor infeed line (31a), which is connected, in terms of conveyance, to the provisioning system (2), and wherein the first distributor device (3a) is connected, in terms of conveyance, to the first buffer device (4a) and to the target system (5), wherein the first distributor device (3a) has a second distributor infeed line (33a), which is connected, in terms of conveyance, the buffer outfeed line (43a) of the first buffer device (4a). Methods for provisioning articles included in an order are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A distributor system for conveying articles with loading aids in a picking system, comprising a provisioning system for provisioning the articles with loading aids, a first distributor device for distributing the loading aids which is arranged downstream of the provisioning system, a first buffer device for temporarily storing the loading aids, which has a buffer infeed line and a buffer outfeed line and at least one buffer region arranged between the buffer infeed line and the buffer outfeed line, and a target system for processing orders which is arranged downstream of the first distributor device, wherein the first distributor device has a distributor line, along which the loading aids can be conveyed, has a first distributor infeed line, which is connected, in terms of conveyance, to the provisioning system and is configured to convey the loading aids from the provisioning system to the distributor line, is connected, in terms of conveyance, to the buffer infeed line of the first buffer device and is configured to convey the loading aids from the distributor line to the first buffer device, is connected, in terms of conveyance, to the target system and is configured to convey the loading aids from the distributor line to the target system, and has a second distributor infeed line, which is connected, in terms of conveyance, to the buffer outfeed line of the first buffer device and is configured to convey the loading aids from the first buffer device to the distributor line.

2. The distributor system according to claim 1, wherein the distributor system has: a first distributor outfeed line, which connects, in terms of conveyance, the distributor line and the buffer infeed line in order to connect, in terms of conveyance, the first distributor device to the buffer infeed line of the first buffer device, and/or a second distributor outfeed line, which connects, in terms of conveyance, the distributor line and the target system.

3. The distributor system according to claim 1, characterized in that the provisioning system comprises at least one storage region and at least one loading station.

4. The distributor system according to claim 1, characterized in that the buffer region has at least one buffer line arranged between the buffer infeed line and the buffer outfeed line and at least one buffer return line arranged between the buffer outfeed line and the buffer infeed line.

5. The distributor system according to claim 1, characterized in that the target system has a workstation with a workstation infeed line, wherein the first distributor device is connected, in terms of conveyance, to the workstation infeed line and is configured to convey the loading aids from the distributor line to the workstation infeed line.

6. The distributor system according to claim 1, characterized in that the target system comprises a sorting device with a sorting infeed line, wherein the first distributor device is connected, in terms of conveyance, to the sorting infeed line and is configured to convey the loading aids from the distributor line to the sorting infeed line.

7. The distributor system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first distributor device is connected, in terms of conveyance, to a return line, which is configured to convey the loading aids back into the provisioning system.

8. The distributor system according to claim 1, characterized in that the distributor line is configured as a circulation circuit, wherein the loading aids can be conveyed in the circulation circuit in a direction of circulation.

9. The distributor system according to claim 8, characterized in that a connection, in terms of conveyance, of the first distributor device to the buffer infeed line is arranged downstream of the first distributor infeed line and upstream of the second distributor infeed line in the direction of circulation.

10. The distributor system according to claim 8, characterized in that a connection, in terms of conveyance, of the first distributor device to the target system is arranged downstream of the second distributor infeed line and upstream of the first distributor infeed line in the direction of circulation.

11. The distributor system according to claim 1, characterized by another buffer device, which has a buffer infeed line and a buffer outfeed line and at least one buffer region arranged between those; and another distributor device, which has a first distributor infeed line that is connected, in terms of conveyance, to the provisioning system, a distributor line and a second distributor infeed line connected to the buffer outfeed line of the other buffer device, wherein the other distributor device is connected, in terms of conveyance, to the buffer infeed line of the first buffer device and is configured to convey loading aids from the distributor line to the first buffer device, and wherein each distributor device is additionally connected, in terms of conveyance, to the buffer infeed line of the other buffer device and is configured to convey loading aids from the respective distributor line to the other buffer device.

12. A method for provisioning at least one article included in an order in a target system of a picking system by a distributor system for conveying articles with loading aids, the method comprising the steps of: i) acquiring orders and determining at least one article that is assigned to an order of the orders by means of an electronic order management system; ii) provisioning the at least one article with at least one loading aid in a provisioning system; iii) discharging the at least one loading aid from the provisioning system and forwarding the at least one loading aid into a first distributor device via a first distributor infeed line of the first distributor device; iv) conveying the at least one loading aid along a distributor line of the first distributor device and transferring the at least one loading aid from the distributor line onto a buffer infeed line of a first buffer device; v) forwarding the at least one loading aid into a buffer region of the first buffer device and temporarily storing the at least one loading aid in the buffer region; vi) discharging the at least one loading aid from the buffer region via a buffer outfeed line of the first buffer device and transferring the at least one loading aid from the buffer outfeed line onto the distributor line of the first distributor device via a second distributor infeed line of the first distributor device; vii) conveying the at least one loading aid along the distributor line and discharging the at least one loading aid from the distributor line; viii forwarding the at least one loading aid to the target system.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the steps iv) to vi) are repeated with the same at least one loading aid in a second cycle before carrying out the step vii).

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, in the second cycle, the steps iv) to vi) are carried out for another buffer device instead of the first buffer device.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, in the second cycle, the at least one loading aid, in the step vi), is transferred onto a distributor line of a second distributor device via a second distributor infeed line of the second distributor device.

16. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, in the step i), at least one article that is assigned to another order of the orders is determined, wherein the steps ii), iii), vii) and viii) are carried out for the at least one article assigned to the second order while omitting the steps iv), v) and vi).

17. A method for provisioning articles included in an order in a target system of a picking system by a distributor system for conveying the articles with loading aids, the method comprising the steps of: i) acquiring an order and determining a first order part, which comprises at least one article assigned to the order, which article is provisioned in a first provisioning region of a provisioning system of the picking system, and determining a second order part, which comprises at least one article assigned to the order, which article is provisioned in a second provisioning region of the provisioning system of the picking system, by means of an electronic order management system; ii) provisioning the at least one article of the first order part with at least one first loading aid in the provisioning system and provisioning the at least one article of the second order part with at least one second loading aid in the provisioning system; iii) forwarding the at least one first loading aid into a buffer device and temporarily storing the at least one first loading aid in the buffer device; iv) determining a conveying duration for the at least one article of the second order part from the second provisioning region to a merging section, in which the at least one first loading aid and the at least one second loading aid are merged, by means of a control device; v) releasing the discharge of the at least one first loading aid with the at least one article of the first order part from the buffer device by the control device on the basis of the determined conveying duration, so that the at least one first loading aid and the at least one second loading aid are merged in the merging section for the order; vi) conveying the at least one second loading aid with the at least one article of the second order part from the second provisioning region to the merging section while bypassing the buffer device; vii) discharging the at least one first loading aid from the buffer device and conveying the at least one first loading aid from the buffer device to the merging section; viii) conveying the at least one first loading aid and the at least one second loading aid of the order from the merging section to a workstation in the target system.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the forwarding in step iii) comprises the following steps: discharging the at least one first loading aid from the provisioning system and forwarding the at least one first loading aid into a first distributor device (3a) via a first distributor infeed line of a first distributor device; conveying the at least one first loading aid along a distributor line of the first distributor device and transferring the at least one loading aid from the distributor line onto a buffer infeed line of the buffer device via a first distributor outfeed line.

19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the first provisioning region comprises a storage region and a loading station and the following steps are carried out in the step ii) for provisioning the at least one article of the first order part with at least one first loading aid: retrieving the at least one article of the first order part from the storage region and loading the at least one first loading aid with the at least one article of the first order part at the loading station.

20. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the second provisioning region comprises a loading station and comprises the following step for provisioning the at least one article of the second order part with at least one second loading aid: loading the at least one second loading aid with the at least one article of the second order part at the loading station.

21. A method for provisioning at least one article included in an order in a target system of a picking system by a distributor system for conveying the articles with loading aids, the method comprising the steps of: i) acquiring an order, which is assigned at least one article, by an electronic order management system; i) classifying the order in accordance with a classification criterion as a sorting order if a sorting of the at least one loading aid upstream of a workstation in the target system is required, or as a non-sorting order if the sorting of the at least one loading aid upstream of the workstation is not required, by the electronic order management system; iii) provisioning the at least one article with at least one loading aid in a provisioning system; iv) forwarding the at least one loading aid into a buffer device and temporarily storing the at least one loading aid in the buffer device; v) discharging the at least one loading aid from the buffer device and forwarding the at least one loading aid to the target system; vi) conveying the at least one article to the workstation, in particular by means of a conveying system of the distributor system, comprising: either forwarding the at least one loading aid into a sorting device if the at least one loading aid is assigned to a sorting order, sorting the at least one loading aid by the sorting device, forwarding the at least one loading aid from the sorting device to the workstation; or forwarding the at least one loading aid from the buffer device to the workstation while bypassing the sorting device if the at least one article is assigned to a non-sorting order.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the forwarding in step iv) comprises the following steps: discharging the at least one first loading aid from the provisioning system and forwarding the at least one first loading aid into a first distributor device via a first distributor infeed line of a first distributor device; conveying the at least one first loading aid along a distributor line of the first distributor device and transferring the at least one loading aid from the distributor line onto a buffer infeed line of the buffer device via a first distributor outfeed line.

23. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the order is classified as a sorting order if the number of the articles, in particular of different types of article, assigned to the order is greater than one and the order is classified as a non-sorting order if the number of the articles assigned to the order is exactly one.

24. The method according to claim 12, wherein the distributor system utilized in the method is according to claim 1.

25. The method according to claim 17, wherein the distributor system utilized in the method is according to claim 1.

26. The method according to claim 21, wherein the distributor system utilized in the method is according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0140] Other features, advantages and effects of the invention may result from the embodiment represented below. The drawings, to which reference is made there, show:

[0141] FIG. 1 a first embodiment of a distributor system;

[0142] FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c different embodiments of a provisioning system of the distributor system;

[0143] FIG. 3 a target system of the distributor system;

[0144] FIG. 4 a buffer device of the distributor system;

[0145] FIG. 5 another embodiment of the distributor system;

[0146] FIG. 6 a first method for provisioning articles in a target system;

[0147] FIG. 7 a second method for provisioning articles in a target system;

[0148] FIG. 8 a third method for provisioning articles in a target system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0149] 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, are to be analogously transferred to the new position.

[0150] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a distributor system 1. The distributor system 1 represented comprises a provisioning system 2, a first distributor device 3a, a first buffer device 4a and a target system 5. The distributor device 3a is connected, in terms of conveyance, to the provisioning system 2, to the first buffer device 4a and to the target system 5.

[0151] The distributor device 3a comprises a distributor line 32a as well as a first distributor infeed line 31a, which forms a connection, in terms of conveyance, between the provisioning system 2 and the distributor line 32a. Via the first distributor infeed line 31a, articles can be conveyed from the provisioning system 2 to the distributor line 32a. Furthermore, the distributor device 3a comprises a second distributor infeed line 33a, which forms a connection, in terms of conveyance, between the buffer device 4a and the distributor line 32a.

[0152] In the embodiment represented, the distributor line 32a is configured as a revolving conveyor line and/or circulation circuit. The circulation circuit can in particular be formed by an endlessly revolving conveying system. Alternatively, the distributor line 32a can be configured in particular as a non-revolving conveyor line with a first and second end.

[0153] Further, the distributor line 32a can have a first, second, third and fourth conveying system section, wherein the first conveying system section forms a forward conveyor line and the third conveying system section forms a return conveyor line. Further, it can be provided that the second conveying system section forms a first reverse section between the first and third conveying system section and the fourth conveying system section forms a second reverse section between the third and the first conveying system section. The second and/or fourth conveying system can be configured structurally identical with the first and second conveying system. The second or fourth conveying system can also each be configured as a lifting and/or lowering device and/or as an upward and/or downward sloping conveyor, wherein the forward and the return conveyor lines are arranged above each other and/or at different height levels.

[0154] To provision a connection, in terms of conveyance, between the first distributor device 3a and the first buffer device 4a, the distributor system 1, in the example shown, comprises a first distributor outfeed line 34a leading towards the first buffer device 4a, which first distributor outfeed line 34a is connected to the distributor line 32a.

[0155] To provision a connection, in terms of conveyance, between the first distributor device 3a and the target system 5, the distributor system 1, in the example shown, comprises a second distributor outfeed line 34b leading towards the target system 5, which second distributor outfeed line 34b is connected to the distributor line 32a.

[0156] In a preferred embodiment, the connection, in terms of conveyance, between the first distributor device 3a as well as the first buffer device 4a and the target system 5 is configured as a revolving conveyor line and/or as circulation circuit. To this end, optional reverse sections can be provided, which connect the first distributor outfeed line 34a and the second distributor outfeed line 34b and which are represented in dashed lines in FIG. 1. Here, the reverse sections are each arranged such that they connect a second end of the first distributor outfeed line 34a to a first end of the second distributor outfeed line 34b and/or a second end of the second distributor outfeed line 34b to the first end of the first distributor outfeed line 34a.

[0157] The buffer device 4a comprises a buffer infeed line 41a, a buffer region 42a and a buffer outfeed line 43a. Here, the connection, in terms of conveyance, runs from the distributor line 32a to the buffer infeed line 41a between the distributor device 3a and the first buffer device 4a. To this end, the buffer infeed line 41a can adjoin the distributor line 32a immediately, or be connected to same via a connection section.

[0158] The buffer region 42a is arranged so as to adjoin the buffer infeed line 41a and configured for temporarily storing loading aids. Advantageously, the buffer region 42a is configured as described below in relation to FIG. 4.

[0159] The buffer outfeed line 43a is arranged so as to adjoin the buffer region 42a and lead away from it. Here, the connection, in terms of conveyance, runs from the buffer outfeed line 43a to the distributor line 32a between the first buffer device 4a and the distributor device 3a. To this end, the buffer outfeed line 41a can adjoin the distributor line 32a immediately, or be connected to same via a connection section.

[0160] FIG. 2a shows a first embodiment of the provisioning system 2. In the variant shown, the provisioning system 2 comprises a first provisioning region with a storage region 21 and/or article store and a loading station 22. The storage region 21 and the loading station 22 are connected in terms of conveyance. At the loading station 22, loading aids can be loaded with articles which have been provisioned at same.

[0161] Further, the loading station 22 is connected, in terms of conveyance, to the first distributor infeed line 31a and, via same, to the distributor line 32a, so that loaded loading aids can be conveyed from the loading station 22 to the distributor line 32a. To this end, the loading station 22 can adjoin the distributor line infeed line 31a immediately, or be connected to same via a connection section.

[0162] In a second embodiment shown in FIG. 2b, the provisioning system 2 comprises the first provisioning region with the storage region 21 and a second provisioning region, which has another storage region 21. Here, the storage regions 21, 21 are connected, in terms of conveyance, to the loading station 22. Thus, the provisioning system 2 comprises a loading station 22 that is assigned to both provisioning regions.

[0163] In a third embodiment shown in FIG. 2c, the first provisioning region comprises the storage region 21 and the loading station 22. The second provisioning region comprises the other storage region 21 and another loading station 22. Thus, the provisioning system 2 comprises a loading station 22, 22 for each of the provisioning regions.

[0164] Furthermore, the first and/or second provisioning region can comprise a production region, not represented in FIG. 2a to FIG. 2c, which is provided in addition to the storage region 21, 21 or instead of the storage region 21, 21.

[0165] If multiple distributor lines 32a, 32b are provided, as this is represented below in FIG. 5, for example, the loading station 22 and/or the loading station 22 can each be connected, in terms of conveyance, to (exactly) one of the distributor lines 32a, 32b, or to both distributor lines 32a, 32b.

[0166] FIG. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of a target system 5, comprising a sorting device 51 as well as a workstation 52. As already described in relation to FIG. 1, the distributor device 3a is connected, in terms of conveyance, to the target system 5.

[0167] Furthermore, preferably inside the target system 5, a connection, in terms of conveyance, is provided between the sorting device 51 and the workstation 52.

[0168] Further, the target system 5 can have any number of workstations 52 and/or sorting devices 51. Here, any number may also be 0 if no sorting device 51 or no workstation 52 is provided in an embodiment, for example.

[0169] The workstation 52 comprises preferably at least one picking device and/or packing device.

[0170] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a first buffer device 4a. Here, the buffer region 42a comprises multiple buffer lines 421 arranged between, and connected to, the buffer infeed line 41a and the buffer outfeed line 43a. In the simplest case that is not represented, the buffer region 42a has exactly one such buffer line 421.

[0171] Furthermore, the buffer region 42a comprises at least one buffer return line 422 arranged between the buffer outfeed line 43a and the buffer infeed line 41a. In the example shown, exactly one buffer return line 422 is provided. Alternatively, the buffer region 42a can have a plurality of buffer return conveyor lines 422. The buffer lines 421 and the at least one buffer return line 422 are interconnected, in terms of conveyance, such that the loading aids can be conveyed, essentially via one of the buffer lines 421 and the at least one return line 422, in a circle inside the buffer device 4a, in particular inside the buffer region 42a.

[0172] FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the distributor system 1. Here, the distributor system 1 is essentially structured like the first embodiment represented in FIG. 1 and comprises another distributor device 3b as well as another buffer device 4b in addition to the first distributor device 3a and to the first buffer device 4a.

[0173] The other distributor device 3b is structured in the same manner as the first distributor device 3a and also comprises a first distributor infeed line 31b, a distributor line 32b and a second distributor infeed line 33b.

[0174] Also the other buffer device 4b is structured in the same manner as the first buffer device 4a and also comprises a buffer infeed line 41b, a buffer region 42b and a buffer outfeed line 43b. Particularly preferably, the other buffer device 4b is structured such as this is described in relation to FIG. 4.

[0175] Both the first distributor device 3a and the other distributor device 3b are connected, in terms of conveyance, to the provisioning system 2 via the respective first distributor infeed line 31a, 31b. The connections, in terms of conveyance, between the distributor devices 3a, 3b and the provisioning system 2 are schematically represented in FIG. 5. The provisioning system 2 can be configured as represented in FIG. 2a to FIG. 2c, wherein the distributor infeed lines 31a, 31b can each be connected, in terms of conveyance, to the loading device 22 and/or to the loading device 22.

[0176] Further, the distributor devices 3a, 3b are each connected to the first buffer device 4a. To this end, in the example shown, the first distributor outfeed line 34a is connected to the distributor lines 32a, 32b on the one hand and to the buffer infeed line 41a of the first buffer device 4a on the other hand.

[0177] In the same manner, the first distributor device 3a and the other distributor device 3b are connected, in terms of conveyance, to the other buffer device 4b. To this end, a third distributor outfeed line 34c is connected to the distributor lines 32a, 32b on the one hand and to the buffer infeed line 41b of the other buffer device 4b on the other hand.

[0178] What is more, the distributor devices 3a, 3b are connected, in terms of conveyance, to the target system 5. The target system 5 is schematically represented in FIG. 5 and can preferably be configured as described in relation to FIG. 3.

[0179] The distributor devices 3a, 3b are each connected to the workstation 52 of the target system 5. To this end, in the example shown, the second distributor outfeed line 34b is connected to the distributor lines 32a, 32b on the one hand and to the buffer infeed line 521 of the workstation 52 on the other hand.

[0180] Analogously, the distributor devices 3a, 3b are each connected to the sorting device 51 of the target system 5. To this end, in the example represented, a fourth distributor outfeed line 34d is connected to the distributor lines 32a, 32b on the one hand and to the sorting infeed line 511 of the sorting device 51 on the other hand.

[0181] Particularly preferably, the distributor outfeed lines 34a . . . 34d, as already described in relation to FIG. 1, each form a revolving conveyor line in pairs, wherein reverse sections represented in dashed lines are each arranged between two distributor outfeed lines 34a . . . 34d. It is expedient if respectively one outfeed line 34a . . . 34d leading to a buffer device 4a, 4b and one outfeed line 34a . . . 34d leading to the target system 5 are combined in pairs.

[0182] Furthermore, the distributor system represented comprises an optional return line 8, which is connected, in terms of conveyance, to the distributor lines 32a, 32b on the one hand and to the provisioning system 2 on the other hand in order to enable a conveyance of loading aids from the distributor device 3a, 3b back to the provisioning system 2.

[0183] FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a first method for provisioning articles included in an order in a target system 5 of a picking system by a distributor system 1 for conveying the articles with loading aids.

[0184] Here, in a first step A1, a plurality of orders are acquired by means of an electronic order management system. Here, each of the orders is assigned at least one article. Further, in the first step A1, the at least one article that is assigned to a first order of the acquired orders is determined. The determining of the at least one article can be carried out for other orders, in particular for all acquired orders.

[0185] Generally, a distinction can be made between single-item orders, each of which is assigned exactly one article, and multi-item orders, each of which is assigned more than one article. For reasons of better readability, the first method is described below in relation to multi-item orders and therefore for a plurality of articles with multiple loading aids. Evidently, the method can be carried out in the same manner for single-item orders and therefore for exactly one article with exactly one loading aid.

[0186] In a second step A2, the articles are provisioned in the provisioning system 2 with the loading aids. A provisioning of the articles in the provisioning system 2 comprises a storage of the articles in the storage region 21 and/or the provisioning of the articles at the loading station 22 and subsequent loading of the loading aids with the articles at the loading station 22.

[0187] If the provisioning system 2 comprises a storage region 21, it can be provided, on the one hand, that the articles are stored in the storage region 21. The articles are retrieved from the storage region 21 and provisioned at the loading station 22. At the loading station 22, the loading aids are loaded with the articles. In the storage region 21, the articles can be stored with or without loading aids.

[0188] In accordance with one example, the articles with first loading aids and/or storage loading aids are stored in the storage region 21, for example in containers. Here, it can be provided that a plurality of articles of the same type of article are stored in a (joint) first loading aid. The articles are conveyed, with the first loading aids, by a conveying system, for example by means of a container conveying system, from the storage region 21 to the loading station 22 and are provisioned at same. At the loading station 22, the articles assigned to the order are reloaded from the first loading aids into second loading aids, for example hanging bags. Here, it is preferably provided that a second loading aid is respectively loaded with exactly one article. Therefore, it is provided in accordance with this example that different loading aids are used for conveying the articles upstream of the loading station 22, namely the first loading aids, and for conveying the articles away from the loading station 22, namely the second loading aids. Alternatively, the articles can be provisioned already in the (second) loading aids in the storage region 21, so that a reloading is not required.

[0189] If the provisioning system 2 comprises a production region, it can be provided that the articles are first provisioned in the production region, for example by producing the articles, forwarded to the loading station 22 or to the other loading station 22 and provisioned at same. At the loading station 22, 22, the loading aids can be loaded with the articles. The described variants can also be combined, so that the articles of the order originate partially from the storage region 21 and partially from the production region.

[0190] In a third step A3, the loading aids are discharged from the provisioning system 2 and forwarded to the first distributor device 3a. Here, the loading aids are conveyed to the distributor line 32a via the distributor infeed line 31a. A conveyance of the loading aids is preferably done by means of a conveying system, in particular an overhead conveying system.

[0191] Subsequently, the loading aids are conveyed, in a fourth step A4, along the distributor line 32a and transferred onto the buffer infeed line 41a of the first buffer device 4a. This is expediently done via the first distributor outfeed line 34a.

[0192] In a fifth step A5, the loading aids are conveyed into the buffer region 42a of the first buffer device 4a and temporarily stored in same. In a preferred embodiment, the loading aids are temporarily stored in the buffer region 42a along one of the buffer lines 421.

[0193] Further, in a sixth step A6, the loading aids are conveyed from the first buffer device 4a to the distributor line 32a via the buffer outfeed line 43a of the first buffer device 4a. This is done whenever, for example, the loading aids can be conveyed to the sorting device 51 or to the workstation 52 in order to process the order. This may be the case if any and all articles of the order are present in the buffer region 42a or if a sufficient number of articles of the order are present in the buffer region 42a to fill a first shipping cardboard box with them.

[0194] The loading aids can also be discharged from the first buffer device 4a and resupplied to same. To this end, essentially the fourth step A4, the fifth step A5 and the sixth step A6 are repeated, as indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 6.

[0195] This may be the case, for example, whenever the first buffer device 4a, or individual buffer lines 421 of the first buffer device 4a, must be emptied because maintenance work is carried out on the first buffer device 4a, for example. If a first buffer line 421 of the buffer lines 421 of the first buffer device 4a is to be maintained, for example, the loading aids can be discharged from the first buffer line 421 and resupplied to the first buffer device 4a via the distributor line 32a, wherein the loading aids are directed to another buffer line 421 of the buffer lines 421. This enables the first buffer line 421 to be emptied.

[0196] It can further be provided that the loading aids are discharged from the first buffer device 4a and supplied to the other buffer device 4b via the distributor line 32a and temporarily stored in the other buffer device 4b. Subsequently, the loading aids can be discharged from the other buffer device 4b onto the distributor line 32b of the other distributor device 3b, or optionally onto the distributor line 32a of the first distributor device 3a. To this end, essentially the fourth step A4, the fifth step A5 and the sixth step A6 are repeated in modified form, namely for the other buffer device 4b and/or the other distributor device 3b, as indicated in FIG. 6 by dash-dotted lines. This enables the first buffer device 4a to be emptied, for example.

[0197] In a seventh step A7, the loading aids are conveyed along the distributor line 32a, 32b and discharged from the distributor line 32a, 32b, in particular via the second distributor outfeed line 34b. Depending on the steps carried out previously, the loading aids are located on the distributor line 32a of the first distributor device 3a or on the distributor line 32b of the second distributor device 3b for carrying out the seventh step A7. The seventh step A7 refers to the corresponding distributor line 32a, 32b.

[0198] In an eighth step A8, the loading aids are conveyed to the target system 5.

[0199] In the target system 5, the loading aids can be conveyed to the sorting device 51 via the sorting infeed line 511.

[0200] The sorting device 51 is used to sort the loading aids of the order in accordance with a sorting specification, which specifies, for example, in which sequence the loading aids are needed at the workstation. After the sorting, the loading aids are conveyed to the workstation 52 at which the order is processed.

[0201] Alternatively, the loading aids can be conveyed to the workstation 52 via the workstation infeed line 521 while bypassing the sorting device 51 and provisioned immediately at the workstation 52.

[0202] The workstation 52 can be configured as a picking station, at which the articles assigned to the order are removed from the loading aids and shipping containers, for example cardboard boxes, are loaded with these articles.

[0203] In FIG. 7, a second method for provisioning articles included in an order in a target system 5 of a picking system by a distributor system 1 for conveying the articles with loading aids is schematically represented, wherein the articles of a first order part of the order are temporarily stored in the first buffer device 4a and the articles of a second order part of the order are conducted past the first buffer device 4a.

[0204] To this end, an order is acquired by means of the electronic order management system in a first step B1. Furthermore, the first order part as well as the second order part for this order are determined.

[0205] The first order part comprises at least one article assigned to the order, which is provisioned in the first provisioning region of the provisioning system 2. The first provisioning region can be configured, for example, as described in relation to FIG. 2b or FIG. 2c, wherein the articles are provisioned and/or stored in the storage region 21.

[0206] The second order part comprises at least one article assigned to the order, which is provisioned in the second provisioning region of the provisioning system 2. The second provisioning region can also be configured as described in relation to FIG. 2b or FIG. 2c, wherein the articles are provisioned and/or stored in the other storage region 21. Alternatively, the at least one article of the second order part can be provisioned in a production region as described above.

[0207] For reasons of clarity, the method for the first and second order parts is described below in relation to a plurality of articles, wherein the first order part and/or the second order part may evidently also comprise merely a single article.

[0208] In a second step B2, the articles of the first order part are provisioned in the provisioning system 2 with first loading aids. Here, it is preferably provided that one article each is provisioned in one loading aid each. A provisioning of the articles in the provisioning system 2 comprises a provisioning of the articles in the first provisioning region, for example the storage of the articles in the storage region 21. The articles are provisioned at the loading station 22. Further, the loading aids are loaded with the provisioned articles of the first order part at the loading station 22.

[0209] Furthermore, the articles of the second order part are provisioned in the provisioning system 2 with the loading aids. The provisioning of the articles in the provisioning system 2 comprises a provisioning of the articles in the second provisioning region, for example the storage of the articles in the storage region 21 or a production of the articles in the production region. The articles are provisioned at the loading station 22 or at the other loading station 22, wherein loading aids are loaded with the provisioned articles at the respective loading station 22, 22.

[0210] In a subsequent third step B3, the first loading aids are discharged from the provisioning system 2 and forwarded to the first distributor device 3a. The loading aids are conveyed to the distributor line 32a via the distributor infeed line 31a. Here, the conveyance of the loading aids is done by means of a conveying system, in particular an overhead conveying system.

[0211] The first loading aids are then conveyed along the distributor line 32a and transferred onto the buffer infeed line 41a of the first buffer device 4a. This is expediently done via the first distributor outfeed line 34a.

[0212] Furthermore, in a fourth step B4, a conveying duration from the second provisioning region to a merging section is determined for the articles of the second order part by means of a control device. Here, the merging section is the conveying section in which the first loading aids and the second loading aids of an order are merged. Preferably, the merging section is a conveying section arranged downstream of the first buffer device 4a in process direction and can be a part of the distributor line 32a, for example. Alternatively, the merging section can be a section of the (second or fourth) distributor outfeed lines 34b, 34d, of the sorting infeed line 511 or of the workstation infeed line 521.

[0213] The conveying duration comprises at least a conveying time. Here, the conveying time specifies the period of time that is required to convey the second loading aids from the second provisioning region to the merging section.

[0214] In a preferred embodiment, a loading time on the one hand and the conveying time on the other hand are determined, which complement each other to form the conveying duration. Here, the loading time is the period of time that is required to load the second loading aids with the articles at the (other) loading station 22, 22. Here, the conveying time further specifies the period of time that is required to convey the second loading aids from the loading station 22, 22 to the merging section.

[0215] In a fifth step B5, the discharge of the first loading aids from the first buffer device 4a is released, taking into account the determined conveying duration.

[0216] Furthermore, in a sixth step B6, the second loading aids are forwarded to the merging section while bypassing the first buffer device 4a, thereby essentially realizing a bypass line bypassing the first buffer device 4a. Here, the bypass line is essentially provisioned by a section of the distributor line 32a.

[0217] In a seventh step B7, the first loading aids are discharged from the first buffer device 4a and forwarded to the merging section, so that the first loading aids are merged with the second loading aids. The sixth step B6 can be executed simultaneously, or so as to overlap in time, with the seventh step B7.

[0218] In an eighth step B8, the loading aids are conveyed to the workstation 52.

[0219] In FIG. 8, a third method for provisioning articles included in an order in a target system 5 of a picking system by a distributor system 1 for conveying the articles with loading aids is schematically represented, wherein the articles of the order are optionally supplied to the sorting device 51, or conducted past same.

[0220] Here, in a first step C1, an order is acquired by means of an electronic order management system, wherein at least one article is assigned to the order. Also here, a distinction can be made between single-item orders, each of which is assigned exactly one article, and multi-item orders, each of which is assigned more than one article.

[0221] In a second step C2, the order is classified by the electronic order management system. Here, the order is analyzed by the electronic order management system and classified, in accordance with a classification criterion, [0222] as a sorting order if a sorting of the at least one article, and/or of the at least one loading aid with which the at least one article of the order is provisioned, is required upstream of the workstation to which the articles are conveyed, or [0223] as a non-sorting order if the sorting of the at least one article and/or of the loading aids upstream of the workstation is not required.

[0224] The classification criterion can be selected from a group comprising order size, order structure, packing specification or conveyor line capacity utilization.

[0225] The order size specifies how many articles the order comprises. If the order comprises merely a single article, for example, i.e. if it is a single-item order, the sorting is obsolete. In this case, the order can be classified as a non-sorting order. If the order comprises multiple articles, the order is preferably classified as a sorting order.

[0226] The order structure specifies, for example, how many types of article the order comprises. If the order comprises multiple articles, but these articles are of the same type of article, the sorting is obsolete. In this case, the order can be classified as a non-sorting order. However, if the order comprises multiple articles of different types of article, the order is preferably classified as a sorting order.

[0227] The packing specification specifies, for example, a sequence and/or order in which the articles must be inserted into a shipping container for shipping in order to load the shipping container. If, for example, a sequence for the loading is specified, a sorting of the articles is required. In this case, the order can be classified as a sorting order. However, if no specified loading order is provided, the order can be classified as a non-sorting order.

[0228] The conveyor line capacity utilization can specify how many loading aids are located along a conveyor line. Here, it may be useful that a single-item order is classified as a sorting order, for example, in order to relieve a conveyor line which leads past the sorting device, for example.

[0229] In a third step C3, the at least one article assigned to the order is provisioned in the provisioning system 2 with at least one loading aid. Here, the article is preferably discharged from a (first or second) provisioning region, in particular retrieved from the storage region 21, and forwarded to the loading station 22, 22. At the loading station 22, 22, a loading aid is loaded with the article. The provisioning in the step C3 can be done as described already in relation to FIG. 6 or FIG. 7.

[0230] Subsequently, in a fourth step C4, the at least one loading aid is forwarded into the buffer device 4a and temporarily stored there. If the method is carried out by means of a distributor system 1 which comprises more than one buffer device 4a, 4b, the at least one loading aid is forwarded into one of the buffer devices 4a, 4b and temporarily stored there.

[0231] In a fifth step C5, the at least one loading aid is discharged from the buffer device 4a and forwarded to the target system.

[0232] If the order was classified as a sorting order, the at least one loading aid is forwarded to the sorting device 51 via the sorting infeed line 511 in a sixth step C6 and sorted by means of the sorting device 51 in a seventh step C7.

[0233] As used herein, the term sorting shall mean that the at least one loading aid is conveyed by the sorting device 51 such that the at least one loading aid leaves the sorting device in a specified sequence.

[0234] If the order comprises, for example, multiple loading aids which are forwarded to the sorting device 51 in a sequence that is different from the specified sequence, a resequencing of the loading aids is done inside the sorting device 51.

[0235] However, if the loading aids are forwarded to the sorting device 51 already in the specified sequence, the loading aids will be conveyed, during sorting, without resequencing by the sorting device 51. An analogous procedure can also be used if the sorting order comprises merely a single loading aid.

[0236] After the sorting, the at least one loading aid is forwarded, in an eighth step C8, from the sorting device 51 to the workstation 52.

[0237] If the order was classified as a non-sorting order, the at least one loading aid is forwarded, in a sixth step C6, to the workstation 52 via the workstation infeed line 521. Here, the at least one loading aid is conveyed past the sorting device 51.

[0238] In the described example, the classifying in the second step C2 is carried out between the first step C1 and the third step C3. However, the classifying can alternatively be carried out at any point in time before the sixth step C6, C6, in particular before the fifth step C5.

[0239] It can be provided for all embodiments described that the conveyor lines, in particular the first distributor infeed line 31a, 31b, the distributor line 32a, 32b, the second distributor infeed line 33a, 33b, the distributor outfeed lines 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, the buffer infeed line 41a, 41b, the buffer lines 421, the buffer return line 422, the buffer outfeed line 43a, 43b, the sorting infeed line 511, the workstation infeed line 521 and/or the return line 8 are each provisioned by a conveying system.

[0240] Furthermore, a connection, in terms of conveyance, between two conveyor lines can be provisioned in that the conveying system of one of the two conveyor lines adjoins the conveying system of the other conveyor line and/or in that the conveying systems are interconnected via switch sections.

[0241] Analogously, in the described method, it is preferably provided that a conveyance of the articles and/or of the loading aids is done in an automated manner and/or by means of the conveying system.

[0242] Finally, it should also be noted that the scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and the drawings are to be adduced for construing the claims.

[0243] In particular, it should also be noted that, in reality, the depicted devices can also comprise more, or also fewer, components than depicted. In some cases, the shown devices and/or their components may not be depicted to scale and/or be enlarged and/or reduced in size.