DE102023000661A1 - Communication via a forwarding chain for autonomously moving hanging bags in a hanging bag warehouse - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling a hanging bag warehouse (1) with stored goods (3) held in hanging bags (5). The smallest possible data rates and a low radio energy density during control are achieved by - storing the hanging bags (5) in a storage area (401) of the hanging bag storage (1), - selecting an addressee (403) from the hanging bags (5) located in the storage area (401) for retrieving a storage item (3) held in the addressee (403), - transmitting a first message (405) to the addressee (403), - transmitting a second message (407) to a plurality of the hanging bags (5) located in the storage area (401), - clearing a retrieval path (70) leading out of the storage area (401) for the addressee (403) in response to the second message (407), - starting a retrieval process for the addressee (403) and the storage item (3) held therein along the cleared retrieval path (70) in response to the first message (405) was achieved.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a method for operating a hanging bag warehouse with stored goods held in hanging bags and to a hanging bag warehouse according to the method.

State of the art

In automated warehouses, production facilities and when transporting goods, such as in mail order, it is necessary to load goods into and unload them from containers as automatically as possible. The goods can be stored in these containers before they are delivered and then reach the station where they are packaged for further transport to the customer. Transport within the warehouse is usually carried out using overhead conveyors. The containers are usually bags that are made like fabric bags and are hung on a rail system with a kind of wire hanger at the top. Such a container is available from the WO 2014/012965 A1 known. Its side wall elements are controlled via a rod so that the side wall elements, which are connected to one another via a connecting area, can be opened up. In the area of a loading station, the containers are also transferred to a horizontal or inclined position.

Comparable containers for conveying goods and associated overhead conveyor systems are known, for example, from EN 10 2004 018 569 A1 , EP 2 130 968 A1 or EP 2 196 415 A The transport bags described there are made of flexible materials in the form of a loop in which the goods to be conveyed are held. For loading, these transport bags are opened from above in order to be able to place the goods to be conveyed into the loop. Unloading is carried out by either removing the goods from the side of the loop or ejecting them or, for example, according to the EP 2 130 968 A1 the loop is opened downwards. Furthermore, the DE 103 54 419 A1 A conveyor carrier is known which has a relatively rigid and flat plastic wall with a cutout for loading and unloading with conveyor material. Other conveyor containers are made like hanging flat plastic tubs which are covered on one side with elastic materials, which clamps the conveyor material.

It is known to load such containers mechanically and unload them manually. A transport cycle is based on the slowest process, which also depends on the amount of transported goods. In particular, a large number of individual goods can slow down loading and/or unloading. For example, unloading and/or assembling disassembled transport containers can determine the maximum possible transport cycle. The EP 2 686 258 B1 relates to a suspended conveyor system with a transport bag for automatically unloading a loaded piece of goods and with an unloading station. The transport bag has a horizontal base on which the piece of goods can be stored for transport purposes. The base interacts with a lifting device which is designed to raise the base of the transport bag loaded with at least one piece of goods in a vertical direction when the transport bag is in an unloading position in such a way that the at least one piece of goods can be pushed out centrally by means of a pushing device through a front side of a base body of the transport bag, wherein the pushing device has a slide which engages through another front side of the base body into an interior of the base body where the at least one piece of goods is located when the base is raised. For unloading, the two opposite open front sides, the base which can be raised in the vertical direction and the slide of the pushing device which reaches through one of the front sides are therefore required. From the EN 20 2017 100 206 U1 A conveying material container for a suspended conveyor system for transporting conveying material is known, which can be adjusted between an open position and a closed position. The conveying material container has a base that is mechanically associated with an ejection device. By means of the ejection device, the base can be adjusted between a transport position in which the conveying material can be stored within the conveying material container, and an ejection position in which the conveying material can be ejected from the conveying material container.

From the EN 10 2018 105 795 A1 A method for loading or unloading a conveyed material held on a flexible material of a conveyed material container by means of a station such as an unloading station and/or a loading station of an overhead conveyor system, as well as a conveyed material container, unloading station and overhead conveyor system according to the method are known. The conveyed material container is brought closer to the station, where an attractive force is then created between the station and the conveyed material container to couple the flexible material of the conveyed material container. The conveyed material container coupled in this way is tilted and the conveyed material is ejected from the conveyed material container in a sliding movement.

The EN 10 2018 128 417 A1 describes a method for transporting and sorting a sorting bag suspended from a rolling adapter rolling on a rail network of a sorting system for transporting a piece of goods, characterized characterized by: providing the rail network of the sorting system, providing the rolling adapter of the sorter bag that rolls on the rail network, providing electrical drive energy for the rolling adapter, converting the electrical drive energy provided by means of the rolling adapter itself into kinetic energy for transporting the sorter bag, and devices according to the method. The rolling adapters are used to hang and move the sorter bags. For this purpose, they each have a chassis with two coaxially rotating wheels, a suspension arranged between the wheels and carried by them, on which the sorter bag is suspended, an electric drive for driving the wheels and a control device or partial control device for autonomously or at least partially autonomously controlling the rolling adapter along a route selected from a multitude of routes.

It is also known that industrial objects communicate with each other according to a network standard, which is also referred to as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

Summary of the invention

Based on this prior art, the present invention is based on the object of enabling retrieval processes and/or sorting processes, in particular up to 30,000 per hour, with the lowest possible data rate or message density in a hanging bag warehouse with a large number of autonomously or at least partially autonomously movable hanging bags, in particular with up to one million individual hanging bags.

The task is in a method for controlling a hanging bag warehouse with stored goods held in hanging bags by storing the hanging bags in a storage area of the hanging bag warehouse, wherein in particular possible retrieval paths of the hanging bags are mutually blocked, selecting an addressee from the hanging bags located in the storage area for retrieving a stored good held in the addressee, transmitting a first message to the addressee, wherein the first message preferably has a driving instruction for the addressee, transmitting a second message to a plurality of the hanging bags located in the storage area, wherein the second message preferably has an instruction to clear a retrieval path and/or can be interpreted in this way, clearing a retrieval path leading out of the storage area for the addressee depending on the second message, and starting a retrieval process of the addressee and the stored goods held therein along the cleared retrieval path depending on the first message. To clear the retrieval path and to retrieve the stored goods, two messages are sufficient, of which at least one or both are equally directed to a large number of hanging bags. These then carry out the clearing and the retrieval process by means of autonomous or at least partially autonomous driving or relocation. This can take place on a network of traffic routes, preferably on a rail network that the hanging bags can travel on autonomously or at least partially autonomously. This means that individual transmission of messages to individual hanging bags can be avoided or at least reduced to a minimum. However, it is also preferable that there is no global processing of the messages using all hanging bags in the hanging bag warehouse, since the messages are preferably only directed at hanging bags in the storage area and/or are only received and/or processed by them. It is conceivable to transmit the messages via a radio link that preferably only covers the storage area and/or supplies it locally. This means that the lowest possible data rate or message density can be achieved, in particular hanging bag storage with more than 30,000 retrieval processes per hour and up to or possibly more than 1,000,000 hanging bags participating in storage, control and the necessary communication are possible. Furthermore, the energy required, in particular for communication, can be reduced to a minimum.

Preferably, the first message can be sent via a first radio link and received by the addressee, with the second message being initiated by the addressee depending on the reception of the first message. The radio link can run via a notification network from a central control device directly to the addressee. The first message is preferably processed by the addressee so that the second message can be initiated depending on this processing. The addressee can preferably be set up and/or programmed using software for this purpose.

In particular, rules can be stored, the observance or execution of which allows hanging pockets blocking the retrieval path to be freed up. Because the initiation is carried out by the addressee, both the central control device and the notification network can be relieved, thus reducing the density of messages. Calculations required for the freeing up can be carried out decentrally using the hanging pockets themselves. The notification network can be constructed in a multi-level hierarchy, in particular at least partially as a mesh network and designed to transmit messages that are simultaneously addressed to a large number of previously defined recipients. Furthermore, it can in particular also have a large number of radio links running between the hanging pockets themselves, e.g. according to a known standard such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Such a network is known from an application by the same applicant with the internal file number DE4720, to the content of which reference is hereby made.

In a preferred embodiment, a check is made to see whether there are hanging pockets in the retrieval path, the second message is only initiated if there are hanging pockets in the retrieval path, and a driving instruction is followed by the addressee if the retrieval path is already free immediately after the first message has been received and processed, otherwise the driving instruction is only followed if it has been cleared, preferably by the hanging pockets of the forwarding chain. If the retrieval path is already free, no further messages are required and the addressee can immediately drive off to follow his driving instruction. This can further reduce data traffic. The driving instructions can be temporarily stored in the hanging pockets for following, preferably generated there themselves according to stored rules.

Alternatively or additionally, the driving instruction is transmitted to the addressee using the first message. The addressee therefore receives the driving instruction directly, preferably directly from the central control device. This means that the destination of the addressee is known to the central control device. In addition, only this first message is required for the outsourcing process between the central control device and the addressee. It is not generally necessary to send further messages to the central control device or to address further hanging bags - which may block the outsourcing path - using the central control device.

A further embodiment is provided with generating the second message by means of the addressee, transmitting the second message via at least one forwarding chain to hanging pockets that block the retrieval path, establishing the forwarding chain via a plurality of second radio links running between the hanging pockets blocking the retrieval path and storing and processing the second message, preferably in a storage location that can be provided for each hanging pocket, and forwarding it to an adjacent hanging pocket to establish the forwarding chain in the hanging pockets blocking the retrieval path. A plurality of individual second radio links are indeed set up, but these are much shorter and therefore less energy-intensive than radio links running between the central control device and the hanging pockets. This means that energy consumption, message density and the energy density required to transmit the messages in a radio room of the hanging pocket warehouse can be reduced to a minimum. The forwarding chain or the plurality of second radio links particularly preferably runs between adjacent hanging pockets. This allows the length of the second radio links and thus the energy consumption to be further reduced. In addition, the computing effort in the central control device can be minimized, since the second message does not have to be generated and sent there.

Another advantageous possibility is that the forwarding chain is established several times in the opposite direction between the addressee and a hanging bag acting as the end user. The end user is preferably located at one end of a storage line in the storage area of the hanging bag warehouse, i.e. at the end of the still blocked retrieval path. This allows all hanging bags blocking the retrieval path to exchange information with each other. In particular, for example, the information that the retrieval path needs to be cleared can flow from the addressee to the end user in a first pass of the forwarding chain. In a second pass in the opposite order, the hanging bags can be informed how much space is needed to clear it and which driving instructions result from this information. In a third pass, the addressee can report that he has left the storage line. After the third pass of the information chain from the addressee to the end user, the hanging bags can therefore have the information that they can return to the storage line to completely complete the retrieval process. The central control device does not have to be involved in these processes. However, it is conceivable that the central control device simulates the processes in the warehouse area after the first message has been sent, similar to an observer, and thus has at least a simulated picture of the processes in the warehouse. This can then be used as a basis for subsequent retrieval processes without the need for further messages and/or data traffic, particularly via radio links.

Furthermore, the method can be carried out by generating a large number of follow-up instructions, in particular by means of the blocking hanging bags themselves, for the hanging bags blocking the retrieval path and following the follow-up instructions by the blocking hanging bags to clear the retrieval path. It is conceivable for the second message to be sent by the addressee via the large number of second radio links, the second radio links forming the forwarding chain of all hanging bags in the storage area, the forwarding chain comprising all hanging bags in the storage area that block the retrieval path and one of the second radio links running between two of the hanging bags. Calculation steps can be carried out between individual forwardings of the second message in order to generate the follow-up instructions. This enables decentralized calculation and thus a reduction in the load on the central control device.

A further preferred embodiment of the method is carried out by passing on an individual storage location in the storage area for each hanging bag, providing a storage space in the hanging bags, saving the individual storage location in the storage space of the respective hanging bag, storing the respective hanging bag at the saved individual storage location, changing the individual storage locations when running through the forwarding chains and relocating the hanging bags blocking the retrieval path depending on the changed individual storage locations in order to free up the retrieval path. In this way, the hanging bags can clear the retrieval path autonomously or at least partially autonomously. The calculations and control processes required for this can be carried out decentrally by the hanging bags themselves. These are preferably programmed for this purpose. Particularly preferably, all hanging bags have identical software equipment. This can reduce the complexity of the overall system. Each of the hanging bags can therefore optionally take on the function of the addressee or one of the hanging bags clearing the retrieval path. This can be decided based on the first message, which is directed to a specific hanging bag via the central control device, or subsequently based on the second message, which can be initiated by the addressee. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the second message is also received at least via the addressee and simply forwarded, i.e. not generated itself. However, it is also possible that the first message is sent over the first radio link and heard by the other hanging bags, but ignored if an ID of the addressee that is sent along does not match its own ID. Based on such a check, it can be decided whether the hanging bag in question is acting as the addressee or a passively stored hanging bag. Based on the second message from the addressee, it can then be decided whether the hanging bag in question is acting as a hanging bag that clears the retrieval path.

The task is also solved by a hanging pocket storage system for carrying out a previously described method. This results in the advantages described above.

Finally, the task is solved in a hanging bag warehouse for storing and sorting storage items that can be accommodated in hanging bags by at least one storage area for storing the hanging bags, a central control device by means of which an addressee can be selected from the hanging bags located in the storage area for retrieving a storage item accommodated in the addressee and a notification network, in particular with a first radio link and a plurality of second radio links that can be established between the hanging bags, by means of which a first message can be transmitted to the addressee and a second message to a plurality of hanging bags located in the storage area, wherein depending on the second message a retrieval path leading out of the storage area can be cleared for the addressee and depending on the first message a retrieval process of the addressee and the storage items accommodated therein can be started along the cleared retrieval path. This makes it possible to carry out retrieval processes and/or sorting processes, in particular with up to or possibly more than one million individual hanging bags, in particular up to 30,000 per hour, with the lowest possible data rate or message density and a particularly low radio power density. The hanging bag warehouse is set up, designed and/or programmed in particular to carry out a process described above. In this respect, the advantages described above also arise.

Further advantages emerge from the subclaims and the following description of a preferred embodiment.

Short description of the characters

• 1 eine schematische dreidimensionale Ansicht von schräg seitlich vorne oben eines Hängetaschenlagers;
• 2 eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Hängetasche für das in 1 gezeigte Hängetaschenlager;
• 3 eine schematische dreidimensionale Ansicht von schräg seitlich oben auf mehrere der in 2 gezeigten Hängetaschen an einem Schienennetz;
• 4 eine schematische Ansicht einer Ebene eines Hängetaschenlagers zur Verdeutlichung einer Auslagerung mit einer Umkehr einer Bewegungsrichtung;
• 5 eine schematische Ansicht der Ebene des Hängetaschenlagers zur Verdeutlichung einer Auslagerung mit einer Umrundung/einem Pendeln;
• 6 bis 9 jeweils eine schematische Ansicht eines Lagerbereichs des Hängetaschenlagers mit zwei Lagerstraßen zur detaillierten Verdeutlichung von Steuervorgängen für die in 5 dargestellte Auslagerung;
• 10 ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zum Steuern und Betreiben des in den vorhergehenden Figuren gezeigten Hängetaschenlagers.

The invention is explained in more detail below using an embodiment shown in the figures. They show:

• 1 a schematic three-dimensional view from the side at the front and top of a hanging pocket storage system;
• 2 a schematic side view of a hanging bag for the 1 hanging pocket bearings shown;
• 3 a schematic three-dimensional view from the side and from above of several of the 2 shown hanging bags on a rail network;
• 4 a schematic view of a level of a hanging pocket storage system to illustrate a retrieval with a reversal of a direction of movement;
• 5 a schematic view of the hanging pocket storage level to illustrate a retrieval with a circuit/swing;
• 6 to 9 each a schematic view of a storage area of the hanging bag storage with two storage lines for detailed clarification of control processes for the 5 shown outsourcing;
• 10 a flow chart of a method for controlling and operating the hanging pocket storage shown in the preceding figures.

Description of preferred embodiments

Before the invention is described in detail, it should be noted that it is not limited to the particular components of the device and the particular method steps, since these components and methods may vary. The terms used herein are intended only to describe particular embodiments and are not used in a limiting sense. In addition, when the singular or indefinite articles are used in the description or in the claims, this also refers to the plural of these elements, unless the overall context clearly indicates otherwise.

1 shows a schematic three-dimensional view from the side at the front and top of a hanging pocket storage unit 1.

The hanging pocket storage 1 has at least two levels 9, 13, here a total of four, with a first level 9 and a second level 13 being provided with reference symbols by way of example. More or fewer levels are conceivable, for example 10 levels or more, which are arranged vertically one above the other.

Each of the levels 9, 13 of the hanging pocket storage 1 has a transfer buffer 7, 11, of which only a first transfer buffer 7 and a second transfer buffer 11 are provided with reference symbols.

The hanging bag storage 1 is used for receiving, storing, sorting and/or retrieving stored goods 3. Optionally as a pure storage or sorting device. The transfer buffers 7, 11 are preferably arranged vertically one above the other, which is symbolized by a line 27. However, it is also conceivable to arrange at least two of the transfer buffers 7, 11 one above the other and/or to arrange them at an angle to a vertical spatial direction along the line 27.

A ring conveyor system 23, preferably a plurality of such, also runs along the imaginary line 27 along which the transfer buffers 7, 11 are arranged. The transfer buffers 7, 11 are arranged adjacent to the ring conveyor system 23 in such a way that the stored goods 3 can be transferred from them to the ring conveyor system 23 and/or can be stored from there into the levels 9, 13 or the transfer buffers 7, 11 of the levels 9, 13.

In one embodiment, the stored goods 3 are transferred directly to the ring conveyor system 23. Preferably, the stored goods 3 are transferred to the ring conveyor system 23 in a hanging pocket 5. Particularly preferably, the entire hanging pocket 5 is driven, controlled and/or moved autonomously before it is made available, when the hanging pocket 5 is made available and/or transferred. The process is carried out in particular without drag chains. For this purpose, the hanging pocket warehouse 1 is, for example, constructed without drag chains at least in some areas or entirely, preferably at least within the levels 9, 13.

For this purpose, the hanging pocket storage 1 has a network 49, for example a rail network with connecting sections and branches such as crossings and/or switches. Preferably, this is a grid with straight rails connected to one another by the crossings and/or switches. For example, with rectangular meshes.

In order to store the storage goods 3 in the hanging bag warehouse, this has a transfer point 53, via which the individual storage goods are transferred into individual hanging bags 5. Preferably, only one of the storage goods 3 is transferred per hanging bag 5. However, several are also conceivable, provided that they can be accommodated in the corresponding hanging bag 5. In the transfer point, the storage goods 3 can optionally be buffered and transferred directly into the hanging bags 5, which head for the transfer point 53 and then preferably drive autonomously to a storage location in the hanging bag warehouse 1.

At an unloading station 55 of the hanging bag storage 1, the stored goods 3 are removed from the ring conveyor system 23 and are available there preferably in a predetermined or predeterminable order 15. It is conceivable that a column of hanging bags 5 in the desired order 15 enters the unloading station 55 from the ring conveyor system 23 or is transferred from the ring conveyor system 23 to it, is unloaded there and then returns again for further loading. The unloading station 55 can be arranged inside or outside one of the levels 9, 13, preferably in a lowest level.

Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that the hanging bags 5 are conveyed by means of the ring conveyor system 23 and unloaded at the unloading station 55 in the desired order and immediately transported back empty to the hanging bag warehouse 1 by means of the ring conveyor system 23, i.e. without the respective hanging bags 5 remaining in the unloading station or being available there, for example to continue driving or being transported further to the transfer point 53 after unloading.

Particularly preferably, the hanging pockets 5 are designed so that they travel autonomously along the network 49. Hanging pocket warehouses 1 with autonomously moving hanging pockets 5 are known and, for example, in the DE10 2018 128 417 A1 described, so that a more detailed description is omitted here. Preferably, a control device 25 is provided for monitoring and controlling the hanging pocket storage 1, in particular for specifying the desired sequence 15 and controlling the ring conveyor system 23, which exchanges information with the functional units of the hanging pocket storage 1.

2 shows a schematic side view of such a hanging pocket 5 for the 1 shown hanging pocket bearings 1 and 3 a three-dimensional view of several of the 2 shown hanging pockets 5, suspended in the network 49, which is designed as a rail network, for example. For this purpose, these have wheels 57 and can be driven by means of a drive energy, which is only indicated by the reference number 59, and a drive that uses this. The hanging pockets 5 can be designed in two parts and have a rolling adapter 61 and a pocket material suspended or suspended thereon, in particular detachable without causing any damage, in particular sagging and/or foldable material in which a stored item 3 can be accommodated. In 3 A possible direction of movement of the hanging pockets 5 in the network 49 is indicated by means of a double arrow 51. The hanging pockets 5, in particular their rolling adapters 61, are set up, programmed and/or designed for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving on the network 49. For this purpose, they, in particular the rolling adapters 61, can have their own drive and their own longitudinal and transverse dynamics control.

In 2 the hanging pocket 5 is shown with the stored goods 3 held in it. The stored goods 3 are located within a U-shaped hanging material, in particular a flexible material. Loading and unloading can take place in particular from above or from the side.

4 shows a schematic view of a level of a hanging pocket storage, for example level 9 of the hanging pocket storage 1 described above. Level 9 is only partially shown, whereby the dimensions and number of individual elements of level 9 described here can be varied depending on the requirements of the hanging pocket storage 1. The number of levels themselves can also be varied.

Unless explicitly mentioned, reference is also made to the following figures. Level 9, which is only partially shown, has the network 49 with a large number of rails. The network 49 has, for example, rectangular meshes formed by the rails and crossings, whereby corresponding four-way switches can be provided at mesh nodes. The wheels 57 of the hanging pockets 5 can roll on the rails of the network 9. The hanging pockets 1 can move autonomously or at least partially autonomously. For this purpose, each of the hanging pockets 5 can have its own drive acting on the wheels 57 and a corresponding control system.

The network 49 can basically be driven over in any way by the hanging pockets 5, whereby the switches are preferably designed to be passive, i.e. basically fulfill the function of a crossing, and the hanging pockets 5 or their transverse dynamic control interact with the switches by means of corresponding steering devices (not shown in detail) in such a way that the desired change of direction can be achieved. Movements of the hanging pockets 5 are shown in bold dashed lines in the figure.

Preferably, however, the network 49 is used and driven on by the hanging bags 5 - regardless of the previously described free driving and usage options - according to predetermined or predeterminable rules. For this purpose, directions, speeds and preferably types of use can be specified for certain sections of the network 5. In the present case, the network 49 can have at least one storage road 62 for storing the hanging bags 5. In the storage lines 62, one or more of the hanging bags 5 can be stored in a row 60, symbolized by a curved bracket. For this purpose, they remain at rest, preferably in a power-saving idle state, and parked one behind the other in the row 60 of the corresponding storage lines 62.

For retrieval, all of the hanging pockets 5 that need to be moved can be woken up and moved again accordingly.

In this embodiment, storage lines 62 are all arranged parallel to one another throughout level 9 and are shown horizontally and as solid lines in the figure. The rules and the arrangement offer the advantage that material flows during storage and retrieval can be standardized and thus run faster, easier and free of resource conflicts on the network 49.

The hanging bags 5 are symbolized in the figure by rectangles. In comparison to other areas of the hanging bag warehouse 1, in particular highways and/or shunting roads, the storage streets 62 of the hanging bag warehouse 1 have a length without crossings, in particular one by a factor of at least 1.5, preferably of at least 3, in particular of at least 10, for example between 3 and 25, preferably of approximately 20. The length without crossings can be, for example, between 3 and 20 meters, preferably approximately 15 meters. The length of the storage streets 62 can be made dependent on the use or optimization of the hanging bag warehouse 1, for example rather shorter for quick access and short dwell times of the stored goods 3 and longer for comparatively low handling frequencies.

The hanging bag warehouse 1 also has shunting lines 66, preferably at least one shunting line 66. The shunting lines 66 are arranged at an angle to the storage lines 62, preferably orthogonal to them. In the figure, the shunting lines 66 are shown vertically and also in solid lines. Preferably, at least one of the storage lines 62 opens into at least one of the shunting lines 66 at the angle, preferably orthogonally. In comparison to the storage lines 62, it is not permitted to stop on the shunting lines 66 for storage purposes. A reversal of the direction of movement is optionally possible. In the present case, the storage lines 62, which are combined in blocks 76, open into two of the shunting lines 66 at least on one side, preferably on both sides and at the angle, in particular orthogonally. The blocks 76 each have a plurality of the storage lines 62 arranged parallel to one another. In this case, 5 in each case. The number can vary, for example between 2 and 30, preferably between 5 and 20, in particular approximately 15. The number can also be adapted to a task of the hanging bag storage 1.

It is optionally conceivable that the blocks 76 are surrounded by a ring of shunting roads 66. However, expressways 72 are provided at an upper and/or lower end of the respective blocks 76 and parallel to the storage roads 62, preferably directly adjacent to each other.

In order to achieve a good and quick outflow of the stored goods 3 or hanging bags 5, a comparatively high speed can be driven on the expressways 72 and in particular a continuous journey is provided, i.e. stopping without reason is not provided or should be avoided. Reasons for stopping can therefore preferably be limited to collision avoidance. Particularly preferably, the expressways 72 can generally have a direction-bound movement of the hanging bags 5. Furthermore, it is optionally possible for the expressways 72 to be arranged parallel to one another at a certain distance, with the blocks 76 arranged in between. It is conceivable that the expressways 72 arranged parallel to one another have opposite specifications for the direction of movement, i.e. at least one pair of expressways 72 arranged parallel to one another with opposite specifications for the direction of movement is provided. In addition, the expressways 72 can be arranged at an angle to one another, preferably crossing at the angle. For example, they can be arranged orthogonally to one another. In this case, the expressways 72 can be arranged in a grid pattern and preferably with alternating directions of movement. In this way, ring roads can be formed that surround at least one or more of the blocks 76 and can be driven particularly quickly in one direction. The alternating directions are shown in the figure by arrows 78 and the expressways 72 are shown in dashed lines.

It can be seen in the figure that the storage roads 62 are particularly preferably crossed at least on one side by one of the shunting roads 66 and one of the expressways 72 arranged at an angle to the storage roads 62 runs parallel to the respective shunting road 66. As shown in the figure, it is possible for one of the shunting roads 66 to be arranged parallel to each of the expressways 72 on both sides, with one of the blocks 76 adjacent to each of them, with a large number of connections and junctions connecting one of the shunting roads 66 with the respective Expressway 72 and in turn with the storage roads 62 of the respective blocks 76. A grid-like arrangement of at least two, preferably three rails of the network 49 running parallel to one another is thus formed, which has switches or crossings that can be driven over at least partially autonomously or autonomously at a distance of the storage roads 62 from the hanging pockets 5 and limits the trestles 76 orthogonally to the orientation of the storage roads 62 or connects them to the rest of the network 49 of the hanging pocket warehouse 1. The arrangement is divided by the traffic regulations into the shunting roads 66 and the expressways 72, whereby a physical structure can have identical parts at crossings and/or switches and rail sections in order to enable an inexpensive and easily assembled structure.

In the following, the possible uses of this grid-like arrangement of the storage roads 62, shunting roads 66 and expressways 72 are explained in more detail using the example of a relocation. One of the storage goods 3 stored in the hanging bag warehouse 1 is planned for relocation, for example a removal, preferably initially to the unloading station 55. The hanging bag 5 with the planned storage goods 3 is shown in dotted lines in the figure, whereby the storage goods 3 accommodated in the hanging bag 5 itself is not visible. The planned storage goods 3 can be identical in one or more locations in the hanging bag warehouse 1, whereby a selection can be made based on a criterion before planning.

As can be seen in the figure, the hanging pockets 5 shown in dotted lines are relocated, which is symbolized by a dashed and bold arrow 74.

Before this can take place, however, the storage goods 3 shown in dotted lines are first scheduled for removal. This can be done using the control device 25.

In order to free up a retrieval path 70 on which the planned storage goods 3 can leave the row 60, further storage goods 3 are relocated to a shunting line 66, 68 of the hanging bag warehouse 1, shown in solid lines. The shunting line 66 is arranged orthogonally to the storage line 62 and intersects it at a four-way switch or intersection at one end of the storage line 62. As soon as the retrieval path 70 is free, the relocation or retrieval of the planned storage goods 3 can take place along it, which is symbolized in the figure by the bold and dashed arrow 74. The planned storage goods can then optionally be temporarily stored or, if necessary, travel directly to or be conveyed to the unloading station 55, preferably drive into the ring conveyor system 23 and be conveyed to the unloading station by means of this.

As in 4 to recognize, a reversal of the direction of movement of the other storage goods 3 of row 60 takes place in order to clear the retrieval path 70 and then the other storage goods 3 are moved back into row 60. In the present case, three of the storage goods 3 are moved out of row 60 into storage line 62, preferably in a convoy. After the planned storage goods 3 have been moved, the three of the storage goods 3 of row 60 are moved back into storage line 62 in the opposite direction of movement. This process with the reversal of the direction of movement is in 4 symbolized by a dashed and bold arrow 80. A sequence of the three stored goods 3 is maintained. The shunting roads 66 can be driven in the same direction, which can result in more fluid traffic.

5 shows another possibility for clearing the retrieval path 70 and moving the planned storage goods 3 along it. For this purpose, the other storage goods 3 are moved in a ring shape, which is symbolized by the arrow 80, or alternatively in a pendulum movement, which is indicated by a double arrow 88. In contrast, the entire block 76 is not circled, but another storage line 64 is used, as shown by the dashed and bold arrow 80 in 5 This can preferably be done in a neighboring Lagerstraße 62, as shown in the 5 or in any other of the storage streets 62 of the corresponding block 76. When using the additional storage street 64, the shunting streets 66,68 are used on a particularly short section. As a result, a comparatively large number of these processes can run in parallel and a sorting and/or access time can be further shortened. As soon as the planned storage goods 3 have arrived at one end of the storage street 62, the retrieval path 70 is free and it can be relocated, in particular retrieved, by crossing the shunting street 66 and over the expressway(s) 72, which in 5 symbolized by the dashed and bold arrow 74.

Preferably, the hanging bags 5 or the storage goods 3 are rotated by 180 degrees per retrieval. Preferably with an adjacent storage line 62. The storage goods 3 are therefore stored between the storage lines 62, preferably between the two adjacent to each other. the arranged storage lines 62, are swapped, whereby a sequence of the stored goods 3 is reversed or mirrored and the removal takes place at the same time. This simplifies the management of the inventory, since the contents of the respective storage lines 62 are mirrored, but remain the same as a whole except for the planned storage goods. The arrangement of the individual storage goods 3 within the storage lines 62 also plays no role. The planned storage goods 3 can move out autonomously and independently of the non-planned storage goods 3. It also does not matter which of the storage lines 62 also takes part in the rotation. The only important thing is that the planned storage goods 3 is addressed and that the storage line 62 with this planned storage goods 3 and any other, in particular directly adjacent, storage line 62 takes part in at least half, preferably exactly half, of the rotation.

It is clear that half a rotation is sufficient for each of the storage goods 3 of the two storage streets 62 to pass exactly once by one of the shunting streets 66, 68, which are arranged on both sides of the front sides of the storage streets 62. At this moment, the planned storage goods 3 leave the circular movement, in particular onto the corresponding shunting street 66, 68 or by crossing directly onto the adjacent or parallel expressway 72. In this application, circular movement or rotation can also be understood as a movement on a closed track that deviates from a pure circular shape.

The shunting roads 66 can be used in the same direction and are comparatively lightly congested due to the roundabout, which allows for more fluid traffic overall.

6 shows a schematic view of a storage area 401 of the hanging bag warehouse 1 with two storage lines 62, 64 to illustrate a transmission of two messages 405 and 407 for controlling a retrieval analogous to the one in 5 shown outsourcing process.

6 corresponds essentially to a detail of the 5 , in particular, the hanging pockets 5 are removed and moved as in 5 described. It mainly deals with the ongoing communication. Regarding the movements of the hanging pockets 5, reference is made to the remaining figure description, in particular the 5 reference is made.

In 6 the central control unit 25 is shown, from which a first message 405 originates. This is sent to an addressee 403 via a notification network 419. The addressee 403 uses the first message 405 and, based on this, carries out a retrieval process along the retrieval path 70 to a destination, for example one of the ring conveyor systems 23.

The addressee 403 is therefore a hanging bag 5 stored in the storage area 401, which is selected or planned for retrieval, in particular of a stored item 3 stored therein. The process of scheduling and selecting can be carried out on the basis of a request directed to the hanging bag warehouse 1, for example an order with one or more of the stored items 3, which can be implemented by means of the central control device 25.

The first message 405 contains a driving instruction for the addressee 403, indicated by the reference number 417. The addressee 403 receives this and initially stores it in a memory location 415.

The addressee 403 is located in a storage area 401 of the hanging bag warehouse 1, which here, for example, has two storage lines arranged parallel to each other, analogous to 5 which has Lagerstraße 62 and the further Lagerstraße 64.

In the warehouse street 62, where the addressee 403 is located, further hanging bags 5 block the removal path 70, which in 6 by means of a curved bracket 437.

In order to free this, the blocking hanging bags 5 must first leave Lagerstrasse 62.

For this purpose, the addressee 403 initiates a second message 407, which is forwarded via a forwarding chain 421 to the blocking hanging pockets 5 up to an end user 423 of the hanging pockets 5.

After this process, the blocking hanging pockets 5 all have the information that the retrieval path 70 must be cleared. The end user 423 ends the forwarding chain 421, more precisely a first run of it, and initiates it in the opposite direction, as in 7 indicated. During the first run through of the forwarding chain 421, the number of blocking hanging pockets 5 that it runs over is counted, so that the end user 423 has the information about how many of the hanging pockets 5 are blocking the retrieval path 70.

During the second run through the forwarding chain 421, the blocking hanging bags 5 are given this information, i.e. how many hanging bags 5 are blocking the retrieval path 70 in total and how far an evasive action must be taken as a result of this information. The space required by each individual blocking hanging bag 5 can be added up when running through the forwarding chain. As soon as this information is available to everyone, the blocking hanging bags 5 begin the evasive action to clear the retrieval path 70, which is indicated by the arrow 80. To do this, they leave the storage road 62 and turn into the shunting road 66, which in 8 is shown.

In addition, 8 to recognize that the addressee 403 then leaves Lagerstrasse 62 and travels towards Autobahn 72, according to driving instruction 417.

As soon as the addressee 403 has left the warehouse road 62, he initiates the forwarding chain 421 again, i.e. a third pass, this time again in the direction of the end user 423. The information is forwarded that the warehouse road 62 is free again and consequently the blocking hanging bags 5 can enter it again, which in 9 is indicated.

To do this, turn in the opposite direction from Rangierstraße 66 in the direction of arrow 80 into Lagerstraße 62.

The blocking hanging pockets 5 also have the storage space 415, by means of which individual current storage locations 413 in the storage area or on the storage streets 62, 64 and/or intermediate destinations to be reached on the shunting street 66 and, after the removal path 70 has been cleared, again on the storage street 62 can be stored and can be controlled accordingly autonomously or at least partially autonomously.

Information on how far the respective hanging bags 5 have to move out of the storage line 62 in order to clear the removal path 70 and which space on the storage line they take up again when returning can be generated when passing through the forwarding chain, e.g. by summing up, and can be generated and stored decentrally in the respective hanging bags 5 and corresponding individual travel instructions can be generated from this.

10 shows a flow chart of a method for controlling and operating the hanging pocket storage 1 shown in the preceding figures. Reference is also made to the preceding figures.

In a first step 425, the hanging pockets 5 are stored in the storage area 401 of the hanging pocket warehouse 1.

In a second step 427, the addressee 403 is selected from these. The storage area 401 can therefore first be selected from a large number of storage areas 401 of the hanging bag warehouse 1 in order to then select the addressee 403 for retrieving a storage item 3 stored in the addressee 403. It is also conceivable to select the addressee 403 directly, for example using an identification feature that is valid within the entire hanging bag warehouse 1 and uniquely identifies the addressee 403, in particular a number that can be assigned to the hanging bags 5.

Then, in a third step 429, the first message 405 is transmitted to the addressee 403, and in a fourth step 431, the second message 407 is transmitted to other hanging bags 5 located in the storage area 401. In particular, only to all hanging bags 5 in the storage area 401 that block the retrieval path 70. The first message 407 is preferably sent to the addressee 403 by sending it over a first radio link 409 and received by the latter. It is possible for the addressee 403 to store and process the first message 405. In particular, based on this, the second message 407 can be initiated by the addressee 403. To initiate the second message 407, the addressee 403 can send it over a plurality of second radio links 411, which can result in a forwarding chain 421 via the blocking hanging bags 5. This can be done multiple iterations in different directions between the addressee 403 and the end user 423.

In a fifth step 433, depending on the second message 407, the retrieval path 70 leading out of the storage area 401 is cleared for the addressee 403, and in a sixth step 435, depending on the first message 405, the retrieval process of the addressee 403 and the stored goods 3 received therein is started along the cleared retrieval path 70.

For clearing the retrieval path 70 and retrieving the addressee 403, the hanging pockets 5 can each have their own computing unit (not shown in the figures) and a 6 and only have the storage location 415 indicated in the addressee 403.

List of reference symbols

1

Hanging bag storage

3

Storage goods

5

Hanging bag

7

first transfer buffer

9

first level

10

Handover order

11

second transfer buffer

13

second level

15

Series

23

Ring conveyor system

25

Control device

27

line

49

network

51

Double arrow

53

Transfer point

55

Unloading station

57

Wheels

59

Drive energy

60

Row

61

Roll adapter

62

Lagerstrasse

64

further warehouse road

66

Shunting road

68

further shunting road

70

Offload path

72

expressway

74

Arrow

76

block

78

Arrow

80

Arrow

88

Double arrow

401

Storage area

403

addressee

405

first message (driving instructions)

407

second message (information chain)

409

first radio link

411

second radio link

413

Storage location

415

Storage space

417

Driving instructions

419

Notification network

421

Forwarding chain

423

End participants

425

Step 1

427

Step 2

429

Step 3

431

4 Step

433

Step 5

435

Step 6

437

bracket

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2014012965 A1 [0002]
• DE 102004018569 A1 [0003]
• EP 2130968 A1 [0003]
• EP 2196415 A [0003]
• DE 10354419 A1 [0003]
• EP 2686258 B1 [0004]
• DE 202017100206 U1 [0004]
• DE 102018105795 A1 [0005]
• DE 102018128417 A1 [0006, 0033]

Claims (10)

Method for controlling a hanging bag warehouse (1) with storage goods (3) held in hanging bags (5), characterized by : - storing the hanging bags (5) in a storage area (401) of the hanging bag warehouse (1), - selecting an addressee (403) from the hanging bags (5) located in the storage area (401) for retrieving a storage good (3) held in the addressee (403), - transmitting a first message (405) to the addressee (403), - transmitting a second message (407) to a plurality of the hanging bags (5) located in the storage area (401), - clearing a retrieval path (70) leading out of the storage area (401) for the addressee (403) depending on the second message (407), - starting a retrieval process of the addressee (403) and the storage goods (3) held therein along the cleared Offloading path (70) depending on the first message (405). Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized by : - sending the first message (405) via a first radio link (409), - receiving the first message (405) by the addressee (403), - initiating the second message (407) by the addressee (403) as a function of receiving the first message (405). Procedure according to Claim 2 , characterized by : - checking whether there are hanging bags (5) in the retrieval path (70), - initiating the second message (407) only if there are hanging bags (5) in the retrieval path (70), - following a travel instruction (417) by means of the addressee (403) if the retrieval path (70) is already free immediately after receiving and processing the first message (405), otherwise following the travel instruction (417) only if it has been freed. Procedure according to Claim 3 , characterized by : - transmitting the driving instruction (417) to the addressee (403) by means of the first message (405). Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 , characterized by : - generating the second message (407) by means of the addressee (403), - transmitting the second message (407) via at least one forwarding chain (421) to hanging pockets (5) which block the retrieval path, - establishing the forwarding chain (421) via a plurality of second radio links (411) running between the hanging pockets (5) blocking the retrieval path (70), - storing and processing the second message (407) and forwarding it to an adjacent hanging pocket (5) to establish the forwarding chain (421) in the hanging pockets (5) blocking the retrieval path (70). Procedure according to Claim 5 , characterized by : - Multiple establishment of the forwarding chain (421) in the opposite direction between the addressee (403) and a hanging bag (5) acting as an end user (423), and/or wherein the end user (423) is arranged at one end of a storage line (62) of the storage area (401) of the hanging bag warehouse (1). Procedure according to one of the Claims 5 or 6 , characterized by : - generating a plurality of subsequent travel instructions for the hanging pockets (5) blocking the retrieval path, - following the subsequent travel instructions by the blocking hanging pockets (5) to free the retrieval path. Procedure according to one of the Claims 5 until 7 , characterized by : - assigning an individual storage location (413) in the storage area (401) for each hanging bag (5), - providing a storage space (415) in the hanging bags (5), - saving the individual storage location (413) in the storage space (415) of the respective hanging bag (5), - storing the respective hanging bag (5) at the saved respective individual storage location (413), - changing the individual storage locations (413) when running through the forwarding chains (421), - relocating the hanging bags (5) blocking the retrieval path depending on the changed individual storage locations (413) to free up the retrieval path (70). Hanging bag storage (1), set up, designed and/or programmed to carry out a method according to one of the Claims 1 until 8 . Hanging bag storage (1) for storing and sorting goods (3) that can be accommodated in hanging bags (5), in particular according to Claim 9 , characterized by : - at least one storage area (401) for storing the hanging bags (5), - a central control device (25) by means of which an addressee (403) can select from the hanging bags (5) in the storage area (401) located hanging pockets (5) can be selected for retrieving a storage item (3) received in the addressee (403), - a notification network (419) by means of which a first message (405) can be transmitted to the addressee (403) and a second message (407) to a plurality of the hanging pockets (5) located in the storage area (401), wherein depending on the second message (407) a retrieval path (70) leading out of the storage area (401) can be cleared for the addressee (403) and depending on the first message (405) a retrieval process of the addressee (403) and the storage item (3) received therein can be started along the cleared retrieval path (70).

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