EP2376357B1 - Device and method for enclosing receipts in commissioning systems - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a document loading device for the automated loading of documents in loading equipment, in particular in containers or trays, which are transported by a Fordertechnik within a picking system, the document loading device comprises a document guide means for storing a, preferably a single document with multiple slip sheets and mechanically guiding the same into an associated loading aid which is conveyed past the document loading device in an automated manner by means of the conveyor technology so that the document can be actively moved into its associated loading aid. The invention further relates to a picking system with at least one such document loading device and a conveyor for transporting loading equipment. The present invention further relates to a method for adding a receipt to an associated loading aid according to the preamble of claim 14.

The European patent application EP 1 792 862 A1 discloses such a document loading device, such a picking system and such a method.

In conventional Belegbeigabevorrichtungen, such as those sold by the applicant, a document is printed by means of a conventional printer and then cached in a coupled to the printer magazine, for example, caching up to eight different documents can. Usually laser printers are used. In order to ensure that the document is already printed, when a container assigned to the document, which is transported on a conveyor system, such as a roller conveyor, passes the printer, an identification number of the container is detected relatively early. Usually, the container identification takes place at a location which is, for example, up to ten container lengths upstream relative to a transfer point at which the documents are dispensed into the containers. This is required to retrieve the document from a higher-level control computer, such as a warehouse management computer, and to give the receipt printer sufficient time to print the document. In particular, warm-up times of the printer must be considered.

The relatively long distance between the identification site and the Beigabeort has been found to be disadvantageous. Errors may occur on the way between the identification location and the loading site (e.g., congestion, unpredictable removal of a container from a container stream, or the like), so that either no container or other container arrives at the transfer location instead of an expected container. The receipt printer is then no longer able to respond to such an error. The entire system must then be stopped or the error corrected in a subsequent, manual error handling.

When each document has multiple pages or sheets, conventional document loaders quickly reach their limits as the number of sheets per bin increases. the throughput (container / hour) decreases greatly. If there is an error during the container transport between the place of identification and the place of loading, this can have devastating consequences.

Existing receipt printing systems are relatively expensive, since on the one hand a lot of mechanics and on the other hand a lot of pneumatics is used. For example, it is quite common to connect a slip conveyor to the printer instead of a slip magazine. The document conveyor then acts as a store and throws evidence at the end of the Container off. However, the construction and commissioning of this (additional) slip conveyor line is costly. Furthermore, such document conveyor track is another possible source of error and also requires space.

If no slip conveyor technology is provided, it usually has to do with a pneumatically operated slip magazine. In order to open and close the individual shafts of a magazine, a pneumatic circuit is required. The pneumatic circuit, in turn, increases the cost and susceptibility to interference.

The patent application US 2008/0289301 A1 shows a device for dispensing coupons in containers. One coupon per container is dispensed. The delivery is made by a horizontal ejection. The coupons are clamped between two vertically opposite straps, which in turn are driven in opposite directions to each eject a coupon laterally. The coupons are pre-printed and provided in the form of a continuous web on a roll. The device of US 2008/0289301 A1 further comprises means for separating the endlessly provided coupons before the singulated coupons are delivered to the webbing.

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method and apparatus for loading documents into load carriers. In particular, the system should be well scalable and redundant. A high reliability and the use of as few mechanical components is desirable. In particular, the system should be cost effective and, if possible, enable higher throughput.

This object is achieved with a document loading device for the automated loading of documents in loading aids, in particular in containers or trays, which are transported by means of a conveyor within a picking system, the document loading device comprising: a document guiding device for storing a, preferably a single, document, which consists of at least one slip sheet, and for mechanically guiding the same into an associated loading aid, which is automatically moved past the document loading device by means of the conveyor technology in such a way that the slip is actively movable into its associated load support; wherein the document guide means comprises two substantially horizontally opposed, movably mounted receiving members which receive in their receiving position the document in a space between them, and an actuator which moves the receiving members in their delivery position, in which the document dispensed into the associated loading aid becomes; at least one sensor, wherein a first sensor (eg a scanner) is set up and arranged such that the loading aid is identifiable before, preferably immediately before, the document loading device; and a controller coupled to the sensors for issuing a receipt print command to a printer in response to a signal from the first sensor identifying each of the load supports to cause printing of the receipt associated with the identified load support.

By identifying the loading aid only immediately before the document loading device, the errors are reduced because the loading aids can no longer "crash" on their way to the document loading device. Even in the case of misprints or paper jams, there is no misallocation of documents on loading equipment. A paper jam or misprints can be easily removed or eliminated, without causing a confusion in the loading equipment.

Since the documents in this sense are directly, i. without simultaneous caching of documents belonging to various loading aids into which loading aids are fed, documents with a large number of sheets can be delivered without problems. The receipt is preferably horizontal.

The document loading device according to the present invention operates extremely reliably (on average one error per 10,000 sheets). The invention is without

Problems are scalable, i. Several document loading devices can be sequentially coupled to one and the same conveyor line (conveyor) to increase throughput (preferably with the same number of sheets per document).

The loading equipment conveying system builds very briefly, since a so-called registration line, as known from the prior art with e.g. a length of eight containers was known, is no longer necessary.

There are few mechanical components used, but they are simply designed for increased reliability.

Preferably, the receiving members are realized by paddle wheels, which are rotatably mounted and the blades are closed in the receiving position in the direction of the associated loading aid.

(Multi-unit) paddle wheels, with e.g. two to four blades per wheel, represent simple mechanical components that on the one hand, the sheets of a document safely pick up and on the other these also safely in the direction of the loading aid during an addition lead.

Moreover, it is advantageous if the paddle wheels are actuated by means of a single drive such that the paddle wheels rotate from their receiving position in opposite directions of rotation in the dispensing position, the paddle wheels are preferably always rotated in the same direction to each in their respective delivery position to get.

The paddle wheels are rotated to be moved from their receiving position to their delivery position. The advantage of paddle wheels is that when a first paddle wheel pair has been rotated from its receiving position to the delivery position, the subsequent pair of paddle wheels simultaneously returns to its receiving position is turned. A forward and backward movement of the Schaufelradpaare is not required, which is reflected in a gain of time. This increases the throughput.

Since only one drive is used, the system is less prone to errors in terms of synchronization. The synchronization of the pick-up members is usually done by e.g. the paddle wheels are moved by means of a traction means, in particular a drive belt, which is guided in an opposite direction of rotation about parallel axes of the paddle wheels. Preferably, the drive is an electric motor.

In this way, can be completely dispensed with the use of a pneumatic circuit. This in turn increases the reliability. The acquisition costs are thereby reduced.

Alternatively, the receiving members are designed as stored flaps.

With flaps, the advantages mentioned above can be achieved as well, except that the flaps must be moved back and forth to get into the receiving or dispensing position.

When hinged flaps are used, it is advantageous if a punch is used as an actuator to bring the flaps from above to their delivery position. By means of a return mechanism, in particular a spring device, the flaps can then be returned to their receiving position.

This system is again characterized - in comparison to the prior art - by the fact that only mechanical components - and thus no pneumatic components - are used.

In a preferred embodiment, a second sensor is provided which is arranged and arranged such that a number of sheets forming a document belong, countable and verifiable, wherein the control means in response to signals from the second sensor interrupts a Belegbeigabe if the number of slip sheets deviates from a predetermined number, or causes the Belegbeigabe if the number of slip sheets matches the predetermined number.

In this way, it can be checked whether all the sheets of a document actually exist. This measure in turn turns off one of the common sources of error.

Further, it is preferred if a third sensor is provided, which is arranged and arranged such that it is verifiable whether the correct document for addition is in the receiving members.

Preferably, a barcode scanner is used to identify the receipt in the picking position.

In this way, errors can be detected within the printing device itself and corrected in a timely manner.

It is also advantageous if a fourth sensor is provided, which is arranged and arranged such that it can be checked whether the receiving members are in the respectively correct position.

With this measure, it is possible to check whether the receiving members have undergone a complete cycle of movement in the previous document addition. Failure to fully retract the pick-up members into their pick-up position may result in mechanical stagnation which prevents insertion of pick-up into the pick-up members. By the fourth sensor, such an error can be detected early or immediately.

The o.g. The object is further achieved by a picking system comprising at least one document loading device according to the present invention and a conveyor system for transporting loading aids, wherein a plurality of document loading devices share a common, single first sensor (eg scanner) for each provided document loading device about a stowage space upstream relative to first document loading device is arranged.

If the order picking system e.g. is provided with two Belegbeigabevorrichtungen, it is advisable to place the place of identification by two loading auxiliary lengths in front of the first document loading device. This makes it possible to identify two loading aids per cycle, so that each document loading device for one of the loading aids can print a document. It is understood that as the number of document loading devices increases, the identification location is preferably moved further upstream accordingly.

Alternatively, the document loading device may be bypassed with another conveyor technique if, for example, documents are to be used as receipts. Invoices are printed. Usually, only the last container of a container series gets the invoice attached. If a container series e.g. comprises five containers, this means that the fifth container is provided with a document, here an invoice. So as not to have to carry unnecessarily many containers past the document loading device, i. in order to pass only those containers on the document loading device, which are actually to be provided with a receipt, a diversion conveyor line (conveyor) is provided, on which the containers are passed without detour at the document loading point. In this way, the throughput can be increased.

The above object is achieved by a method for loading a receipt into an associated load carrier, the method comprising the steps of: detecting a load accessory identification number immediately, preferably a jam length, in front of a document loading device; Polling a document associated with the identification number at a control device; Printing by a printing device and delivering the associated document to a document guiding device the document loading device; Check if the receipt is complete; Delivering the receipt when it is complete; wherein the dispensing comprises oppositely moving receiving members of the document guiding device to guide the document mechanically guided into the associated loading aid.

By reading the identification number of the loading aid only immediately before the document loading device, errors can be avoided, which were due to the length of the usual in the art registration line (lead line) between identification and addition.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the particular combination given, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Fig. 1

eine Draufsicht auf einen Teil eines Kommissioniersystems, welcher eine erfindungsgemäße Belegbeigabevorrichtung aufweist;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Belegbeigabevorrichtung gemäß der Fig. 1;

Fig.3

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Belegführungseinrichtung der Belegbeigabevorrichtung der Fig. 1 und 2;

Fig. 4

eine seitliche Ansicht auf die Belegführungseinrichtung der Fig. 4 inklusive einem Behälter, der unter der Belegführungseinrichtung hindurchgeführt wird, aus Sicht einer Druckeinrichtung;

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Aufnahmeglieds, konkret eines Schaufelrads, der Belegbeigabevorrichtung der vorhergehenden Figuren;

Fig. 6

eine Seitenansicht eines stark schematisiert dargestellten Paars von Aufnahmegliedern in einer Aufnahmestellung (Fig. 6A) und einer Abgabestellung (Fig. 6B);

Fig. 7

eine weitere Ausführungsform einer Belegführungseinrichtung in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 8

noch eine weitere Ausführungsform einer Belegführungseinrichtung in einer Seitenansicht;

Fig. 9

das Kommissioniersystem der Fig. 1 mit zwei Belegbeigabevorrichtungen gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 10

einen Graph zur Verdeutlichung von Unterschieden zwischen Belegbeigabevorrichtungen gemäß dem Stand der Technik und gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung bei einfacher und doppelter Bereitstellung;

Fig. 11

ein abgewandeltes Kommissioniersystern mit einer Umleit-Fördertechnik; und

Fig. 12

ein Flussdiagramm des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zum Beigeben eines Belegs in ein Ladehilfsmittel.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:

Fig. 1

a plan view of a part of a picking system, which has a Belegbeigabevorrichtung invention;

Fig. 2

a perspective view of the Belegbeigabevorrichtung according to the Fig. 1 ;

Figure 3

a perspective view of a document guiding device of the document loading device of Fig. 1 and 2 ;

Fig. 4

a side view of the document guide device of Fig. 4 including a container, which is passed under the document guide device, from the perspective of a printing device;

Fig. 5

a perspective view of a receiving member, specifically a paddle wheel, the document loading device of the preceding figures;

Fig. 6

a side view of a highly schematically illustrated pair of receiving members in a receiving position ( Fig. 6A ) and a submission ( Fig. 6B );

Fig. 7

a further embodiment of a document guiding device in a side view,

Fig. 8

Yet another embodiment of a document guiding device in a side view;

Fig. 9

the picking system of Fig. 1 with two document loading devices according to the present invention;

Fig. 10

a graph illustrating differences between document loading devices according to the prior art and according to the present invention in single and double deployment;

Fig. 11

a modified picking system with a bypass conveyor technology; and

Fig. 12

a flowchart of the method according to the invention for loading a document into a loading aid.

In the following description, the same features are given the same reference numerals. Similar features are indicated by slightly different reference numerals.

Fig. 1 shows in plan view a order-picking system 10, which has a Belegbeigabevorrichtung 12 according to the present invention. The document loading device 12 has a printer 14 (eg, a laser printer, inkjet printer, etc.) including paper memory 16 and (integrated) controller 18. The control device 18 can also be provided externally in the form of a programmable logic controller (PLC) which is connected to a higher-level computer 20, such as a warehouse management computer (LVR) or a material flow computer (MFR), via fixed lines 22, eg a bus system, and / or wireless communication links 24 can communicate. The document loading device 12 further comprises a document guide device 40, which with reference to the Fig. 2 to 4 will be explained in more detail.

The document loading device 12 of Fig. 1 is disposed adjacent to a conveyor 26. The conveyor 26 may be implemented in the form of, for example, a roller conveyor, a belt conveyor, a belt conveyor or the like. The conveyor system 26 is constructed in particular segment-like. In the Fig. 1 For example, the illustrated part of the conveyor line 26 has eight conveyor technology segments 28-1 to 28-8. Each of the conveyor segments 28 is adapted to receive at least one loading aid 30, such as a container, a tray, a carton, or the like. In the following, the present invention will be described more concretely using containers as loading aids, it being understood that other loading aids 30 may be used equally well.

The containers 30 are transported on the segments 28 downstream in the x direction past the document loading device 12, as illustrated by an arrow 31. The segments 28-4 to 28-1 are provided with the numbers 0 to 3 (from right to left) to illustrate the distance of a container 30 relative to the document loading device 12. The container 30 on the conveyor technology segment 28-1 is thus still three positions away from the document loading device 12. Evidence is in the Fig. 1 provided with the reference numeral 32. Each container 30 on the conveyor segments 28-3 to 28-8 is each provided with a document 32. A document 32 may consist of one or more sheets. A document is an accompanying document, which is added to identify a delivery regarding goods, sender and addressee. However, a document 32 can also be an invoice.

Depending on the content of a document 32, the document loading device 12 is positioned within a picking system 10 either at the beginning or at the end. The document loading device 12 is positioned at the beginning when empty documents 30 are to be filled according to a picking order with the aid of the documents 32. The document 32 then indicates to the operator how many articles of a particular type belong in a respective container 30. In the case of invoices, the document loading device 12 will be arranged at the end, ie in the vicinity of a goods issue, of the order-picking system 10. In this case, usually only the last container 30 of a container series, provided that an order comprises a plurality of containers 30, an invoice attached. However, this embodiment will be described in more detail in connection with the Fig. 11 be explained.

Referring to Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the illustrated document loading device 12 of Fig. 1 shown. In Fig. 2 is the document guide means 40 illustrated with the housing open and is associated with Fig. 3 will be explained in more detail. One recognizes in Fig. 2 a conveyor technology segment 28 of the conveyor 26, which is implemented here in the form of a roller conveyor. The container 30 is passed under the document guide device to be equipped with a (not shown here) document 32. The document 32 is output by the printer 14 in an upper area, picked up by the document guiding device 40 and then discharged by means of mechanical guidance from the document guiding device 40 into the container 30 arranged thereunder. It is understood that the arrangement shown here, the gravity is utilized to give the evidence in the container 30. But it would equally well be possible to pass the container 30 laterally past the document guiding device 40 in order to feed the document into the container 30.

Referring to Fig. 3 is the document guide device 40 of Fig. 2 isolated, but shown in greater detail.

The document guiding device 40 here has a first and second receiving member 42, 44 which in the Fig. 3 in the form of paddle wheels 46, 47 are implemented. The paddle wheels 46, 47 may be constructed multi-membered. In the present example the Fig. 3 it is four-bladed paddle wheels, ie each paddle wheel 46, 47 each has four blades. It is understood that the paddle wheels 46, 47 with a corresponding translation could also have different numbers of blades, for example three blades on the first wheel and four blades on the second wheel.

The paddle wheels 46, 47 are rotatably mounted about axes 48, 50. The axes 48, 50 are oriented substantially parallel to each other. The axes 48, 50 are here along the y-axis, i. oriented transversely to the conveying direction 31.

The paddle wheels 46, 47 are arranged relative to one another such that two blade pairs preferably lie in a horizontal plane and that the paddle wheels can be rotated freely relative to one another, but preferably synchronized. In the example of Fig. 3 The first receiving member 42 rotates about the axis 48 in a direction of rotation 58 (as shown in FIG Fig. 3 clockwise). The second receiving member 44 rotates about the axis 50 in an opposite direction of rotation 60 (in the illustration of FIG Fig. 3 counterclockwise). In this way, adjacent pairs of airfoils of the first and second impellers 46, 47 move synchronously downwards, ie in the direction of the container 30 (see. Fig. 2 ).

In order to produce this preferably synchronous movement, a (preferably single) drive 52 is used, here in the example of Fig. 3 is implemented in the form of an electric motor 54. The electric motor 54 drives a traction means 56, such as a toothed belt, via a gear not designated here in detail. The toothed belt 56 is guided so that it rotatably connected to the axes 48 and 50, respectively Drives gears such that the paddle wheels 46, 47 are rotated in opposite directions. The direction of movement of the toothed belt 56 is in the Fig. 3 illustrated by dark arrows. The use of a single motor or drive 52 has the advantage that relatively few components are used to output the documents 32 or to move the receiving members 42, 44. The required in the prior art pneumatic circuit to open output flaps of document magazines and close, is not needed here. Also, no variety of valves needed to release the flaps. In the present invention, the receiving members 42, 44 are mechanically twisted in a simple manner, resulting in the release of a receipt.

In order to verify whether a document 32 has a required number of document sheets, a sensor 64, such as a light sensor or a light barrier, is provided on a frame or frame 62 of the document guiding device 40, preferably in the horizontal plane (xy- Level) is arranged, in which also slip sheets of the in the Fig. 3 not shown printer 14 (see. Fig. 2 ). A number of light breaks are representative of the number of sheets dispensed. In this way it is possible to count the sheets of a receipt 32.

To ensure that the correct document 32 has been printed out, another sensor 66, such as a barcode scanner, can be used. In the Fig. 3 For example, the bar code scanner 66 is arranged to read substantially in the z direction. Since the document 32 is preferably received in the horizontal plane (xy), thus a good readability of barcodes is guaranteed, which are printed on the documents 32. In this way it can be ensured that the correct document 32 to the arranged under the document guide means 40 container 30 (see. Fig. 2 ) was just printed out.

Another security feature may require another sensor 68, such as a reed contact. With the reed contact, the position of the paddle wheels 46, 47, which are then preferably made of metal, can be verified. Is moving one of the paddle wheels, here the paddle wheel 46, through the sensor area of the sensor 68, it can be determined whether the paddle wheel 46 has rotated in the correct direction and by the correct angle. If the paddle wheel 46 has rotated in the correct direction and at the correct angle, it follows as a logical consequence of the drive by the one pulling means 56 that the second paddle wheel 46 has also rotated correctly. By checking the position of the paddle wheels 46, 47 can be avoided that in an incomplete passage of a discharge cycle (here rotation of the paddle wheels 46, 47 by 90 degrees) sheets can not be delivered from the printer 14 to the next free blade pair and so on leads to a paper jam.

Referring to Fig. 4 is the document guide device 40 of Fig. 3 from the perspective of the printer 14 (see. Fig. 2 ). Below the document guiding device 40, whose paddle wheels 46, 47 can be clearly seen, the container 30 is guided in the direction 31. Due to the symmetry of the machine with the same construction, the implementation in both directions is possible. The container 30 can move continuously below the document guiding device 40 on the conveyor 26, ie without stopping. However, the container 30 can also dwell during the presentation of documents below the document guiding device 40 for the duration of the addition. In particular, a further sensor (not shown here) can be used to check the position of the container 30 below the document guiding device 40. This sensor can also be used to stop the conveyor 26 on reaching the transfer point or the transfer position. The present invention is also distinguished from the prior art by the fact that as little sensor technology as possible is used in order to process as little data as possible in order to save time and increase reliability.

Between the paddle wheels 46, 47, the sensor 64 has an unobstructed view of a discharge slot of the printer 14. When the printer 14 ejects a slip sheet, for example, a light beam from the sensor 64 is briefly interrupted because the sheet falls into a space between two associated pairs of blades falls, like it will be described in more detail below. The sensor 64 preferably measures in the y-direction, ie perpendicular to the plane of the drawing Fig. 4 ,

The sensors 66 and 66a are preferably arranged to operate substantially in the z-direction. The sensor 66a can check if the tray was empty before loading.

The ejection slot of the printer 14 is preferably arranged to dispense sheets into a gap 72 between adjacent blades of the paddle wheels 46, 47.

Fig. 5 shows that in the Fig. 4 Shown on the left receiving member 44 and paddle 47 isolated in a perspective view.

The paddle wheel 47 preferably has a substantially circular base surface, which forms a rear wall 74 of the paddle wheel 47 which rotatably about its axis 50 in the direction of rotation 60 on the frame 62 (see. Fig. 3 ) is stored.

The paddle wheel 47 here has four paddle leaves 76-1,..., 76-4, which are substantially perpendicular to the rear side 74. The angle is preferably not exactly 90 ° in order to have a certain play in the vertical direction when enclosing the documents. However, the airfoils 76 may also be slightly inclined with respect to the vertical. It is understood that more or fewer blades 76 may be used. Preferably, however, three or four blades 76 are used.

Opposite the back 74, each airfoil 76 is preferably connected to a side guide member 78. The side guide elements 78-1, ..., 78-4 of Fig. 5 lie substantially in a plane parallel to the rear side 74. However, the side guide elements 78 may also be slightly inclined relative to the rear side 74.

Between the airfoils 76 and the side guide elements 78 of an adjacent airfoil, the gap 72 is formed in each case. One of the gaps 72 is thus formed, for example, between the side guide element 78-1 of the blade 76-4 and the blade leaf 76-1 of the adjacent blade.

The paddle wheel 47 is preferably made of sheet metal, wherein the individual elements of the paddle wheel 47 are shaped or folded so that slip sheets, which are placed in one of the Schaufelradräume, by each two adjacent blades and a corresponding side guide element and a corresponding part of the back 74 can not accidentally fall out. Therefore, adjacent airfoils (e.g., 76-1 and 76-4) form a nearly seamless surface with each other.

Referring to the FIGS. 6A and 6B are two four-part paddle wheels in a highly schematic form in a side view similar to the Fig. 4 shown. The Fig. 6A shows the paddle wheels in one of four positions. The Fig. 6B shows the same paddle wheels just before a delivery position.

In the FIGS. 6A and 6B a first impeller pair 80 is formed consisting of a first blade 80-1 of the impeller shown on the left and a second impeller 80-2 of the impeller shown on the right. The blades are shown highlighted in bold lines for ease of illustration. In the Fig. 6A the impeller pair 80 has already taken three slip sheets in its receiving position. In the receiving position, the lower airfoil of each blade 80-1, 80-2 is preferably in a substantially horizontally oriented plane. It is understood that the lower blades of the blades 80-1, 80-2 need not necessarily be in the horizontal plane. Slight angular deviations are permissible.

Once all slip sheets 82 of a document 30 are present in the receiving space defined by the blades 80-1 and 80-2, the paddle wheels become in turned opposite directions about their respective axes. The left paddle wheel is here in the clockwise direction, ie rotated in the direction of rotation 60. The right paddle wheel is rotated counterclockwise, ie in the direction of rotation 58.

Fig. 6B shows the state of the blades 80-1 and 80-2 shortly before the completion of a rotation cycle, which is realized here in the case of four blades by a 90-degree rotation. The in the Fig. 6A horizontally lying lower blades have turned almost in a vertical or vertical orientation. The originally vertically oriented blades have turned almost horizontally. It can be seen that the document 30 consisting of three slip sheets 82 is guided mechanically vertically downwards in the direction of an arrow 84 due to gravity and the mechanical guidance of the blades. Once a rotation cycle (90-degree rotation) is completed, the clear distance between the then vertically oriented blades of the Schaufelradpaars 80 is greater than the length of the slip sheets 82 so that they are released here in the direction of the container 30 (see. Fig. 4 ).

The whole process can then start from the beginning, since a blade pair 80 subsequent, different pair of impeller is now in its receiving position, whereas the here highlighted by bold paddle 80 is in its dispensing position.

It is understood that the receiving space defined by the blades 80-1 and 80-2 can be varied as desired in terms of its geometric dimensions. However, the space should preferably be adjusted to the preferred paper size, such that the length of the paper is slightly less than the length of the receiving space to safely guide the receipts 30 down during a turning cycle.

It should be understood that the shape of the receiving members 42, 44, heretofore explained in terms of paddle wheels rotating about an axis in a horizontal plane, may be altered. The orientation of the axes of rotation 48, 50 can be changed. For example, it is possible to align the axes of rotation 48, 50 vertically so that the document guide 40 will receive documents 32, e.g. received from a left-side printer 14 and outputs to the right in adjacent container 30, so that the essential movement takes place in the document transfer in the horizontal.

Another embodiment of another document guiding device 40 'is in the Fig. 7 shown in schematic form.

Instead of providing endlessly rotating paddle wheels 46, 47 pivotally mounted on the frame 62 flaps 90 are provided here. A first flap 90-1 and a second flap 90-2 are in their receiving position, which in the Fig. 7 is shown substantially horizontally and define a (narrow) gap between them.

Sheets of sheets can be fed from above into the receiving space bounded by the flaps 90-1, 90-2 and the frame 62. Once all slip sheets of a document are completely present in the receiving space and the corresponding, associated container 30 is positioned below the flaps 90-1, 90-2, is using a punch 92, which represents an actuator here, and substantially in the z direction is reciprocable, pressed down (-z). The flaps 90-1 and 90-2 then pivot downwardly as indicated by two curved double arrows. The folded flaps 90-1 and 90-2 then clear the path for the document 32 towards the container 30 (not shown). The flaps 90-1, 90-2 usually have a return mechanism, such as a corresponding biased spring in its axis of rotation to the flaps 90-1, 90-2 after the delivery of the document 32 from its delivery position back to the receiving position bring.

Referring to Fig. 8 Yet another embodiment 40 "of the document guiding device according to the present invention is shown Fig. 8 is similar to the document guide device 40 'of Fig. 7 , Again, two flaps 90'-1 and 90'-2 are provided, which are not pivotable, but are mounted displaceably in their plane. The flaps 90'-1, 90'-2 can be with the help of an actuator, not shown here from the in Fig. 8 Retract shown receiving position in a dispensing position not shown here to release the way for the document down.

It is understood that the actuator 92 of the Fig. 7 and the not shown actuator of Fig. 8 similar to the actuator of the Fig. 3 - Having the drive 52 and the traction means 56 - may be constructed.

In Fig. 9 is the 10 picking system Fig. 1 with an additional document loading device 12 'shown. As will be explained in more detail below, in this way the throughput of containers 30 in the case of document inserts in which the documents 32 have only a very small number of sheets (on average less than two) can be considerably increased.

The first document loading device 12 is again located opposite to the conveyor segment 28-4. The second document loading device 12 'is disposed opposite to the conveyor segment 28-6. Thus, there is a conveyor segment (28-5) between the first and second document loading devices 12, 12 '. This conveyor segment 28-5 is needed here to provide the space for the paper store 16 of the second document loading device 12 '(accessibility for refilling). If the paper store 16 of the second document loading device 12 'were located on the right side relative to the printer 14, the first and second document loading devices 12 and 12' could also be placed directly adjacent to each other, eg, adjacent to the conveyor segments 28-4 and 28-5. Alternatively, the second (or a third) document loading device 12 'could also be arranged on the opposite side relative to the conveyor 26, should a directly successive arrangement of the Document loading device may be desired. In this case, however, the system would build a little wider than the solution of the Fig. 9 the case is.

In order to be able to signal to each document loading device 12, 12 'which container 30 is currently arriving, the container identification sensor 34 is arranged around two conveyor segments 28 upstream relative to the first document loading device 12.

It is understood that as conveyor segments 28 so-called accumulation conveyor can be used, so that the length of a conveyor section 28 in the flow direction equivalent is also referred to as stowage length.

With the aid of the container identification sensor 34, a container 30 can be identified immediately in front of the document loading devices 12, 12 'for each of the document loading devices 12 or 12'. The first container 30 passing through the sensor 34 is fed to the second document loading device 12 'by passing through the first document feeding device 12. The second container 30 passing through the sensor 34 is fed to the first document loading device 12 and therefore preferably stops briefly at the first document loading device 12 to receive a document 32.

Referring to Fig. 10 For example, a graph 100 is shown in which a loading frequency (sheets / hr) is plotted against an average number of sheets per container (sheet / container). It. Four curves are shown, of which the darker lines present curves according to the invention and the lighter lines represent curves according to the prior art (StdT). The solid, darker line 102 represents the efficiency of the invention in providing a single document loading device 12 as shown in FIG Fig. 1 shown. The dark, dashed line 104 represents the invention in a (sequential) provision of two Belegbeigabevorrichtungen 12, 12 ', as shown by way of example in the Fig. 9 is shown. The brighter, solid line "StdT" shows the efficiency of a conventional (simple) receipt printer with an 8-fold Document Magazine. The lighter, dashed line "StdT" shows the efficiency of a conventional system with double deployment, each with an 8-fold document magazine.

If one compares the solid lines, it is noticeable that the invention is only more efficient than a conventional simple receipt printer with an average number of 3.5 per container. However, comparing the simple, conventional receipt printer with a double Belegbeigabevorrichtung (see. Fig. 9 ) according to the present invention, both document loading systems are nearly equal up to a sheet count of one per container. With more sheets per container, the system according to the present invention is clearly superior to the prior art.

The investment costs for commissioning a double system according to the invention are slightly below the cost of a simple system according to the prior art. Although two printers 14 are required in the dual system according to the present invention, these additional costs are nearly offset by much lower costs for document handling devices 40 in accordance with the present invention. In addition, considering that in the present invention, no registration route, i. does not require multiple conveyor segments in front of the printers, the present invention, with dual printer equipment, adds up to overall costs that are slightly lower than simple prior art equipment. Considering then the much higher performance (curve 104), it is clear that the system or the method according to the present invention is significantly better.

A further advantage with almost equal investment costs is that the two printers according to the present invention provide a redundancy which is not provided by a prior art 8 times magazine which is simply provided. Another advantage is to be seen in the space savings, since in the present invention, no more Anmeldestrecke is needed. The containers are identified directly in front of the printers 14. The present Invention is significantly better than the prior art, especially with sheet counts of> 2 per container.

Referring to Fig. 11 is a variation compared to the Fig. 1 and 9 shown. In the Fig. 11 is the document loading device 12, which is constructed the same as in the Fig. 1 , at the end of a picking system 10 ', ie near a goods issue, arranged because 32 receipts are to be added as supporting documents. Not every container 30 is accompanied by an invoice. Only the last container 30 of a series of orders gets an invoice attached. In order not to have to pass all the containers of a job on the printer 14 of the document loading device 12, which represents the bottleneck for the throughput (container / hour), a second conveyor 94 is provided, which is arranged here parallel to the first conveyor 26 and the printer 14th bypasses.

Except for the last container 30 of a series of containers, which then actually receives the documents, all the preceding containers 30 of the series are removed at a discharge point 95, e.g. by means of a slider (not shown) discharged to the second conveyor 94. For this purpose, a stowage space in front of the discharge point 95, a further sensor 96 is provided for container identification.

By only passing "last" containers 30 of series past the document loading device 12, the throughput in the overall system can again be greatly increased.

Of course, only the last container could be discharged, as expected, the number of "last" container is lower.

Fig. 12 1 shows a flow chart of the method according to the invention for loading a receipt 32 into a container 30. In a first step S1, the container identification sensor is detected with the aid of the first sensor 34 and its assigned receipt 32 is called up by the control device 18 and / or 20. Then the identified Container 30 to a loading point (conveyor segment directly adjacent to one of the Belegbeigabevorrichtungen 12, 12 ') driven (step S2). Then it can be checked in a step S3 whether the receiving members 42, 44 are in their receiving position (query A1). If the receiving members 42, 44 are not yet in their receiving position, they can be moved further into the receiving position (step S3). In a further query A2, for example, by means of the sensor 66 (see. Fig. 3 ) to check if the correct document 32 has been printed. If or the wrong document 32 has been printed or because, for example, the barcode does not match the assigned container 30, the wrong document 32 must be disposed of in a step S4. Disposal may be done either manually or automatically at a station downstream of the last receipt.

In another query A3 is checked whether all sheets or pages of the document 32 are printed. If not all sheets have been printed yet, a wait is made in step S5. If all sheets are printed, it is checked in a query A4 whether the document 32 is complete. In the query A4, all the information relevant to the report can be checked again, such as Document number, container number, number of sheets, etc. If the document 32 is not complete, the document entry is aborted or can be initiated anew - beginning with the step S1.

If the receipt 32 is however complete, it can be checked in a further query A5 whether the identified container 30 is in the loading position, i. is located on the conveyor segment, which borders directly on the document dispenser 12. Since the container identification takes place immediately before the document loading, it is extremely rare to wait for the container 30 (step S6).

If the container 32 is in its document loading position, the document 32 can be dispensed from the document loading device 12 or 12 'to the container 30 in a step S7. Thereafter, it can be checked in a further query A6 whether additional containers 30 are to be provided with documents 32. Are no further container 30 with To provide documents 32, the method according to the present invention ends. Otherwise, one returns to step S1.

Claims (14)

1. A document insertion apparatus (12; 12') for inserting documents (32) in an automated manner into load supports, in particular into containers (30), which are transported by means of a conveyor (26) in an order-picking system (10), comprising:

   a document guiding device (40) for storing one, preferably single, document (32), and for mechanically guiding same to an assigned load support, which passes the document insertion apparatus (12;12') by means of the conveyor (26) in an automated manner such that the document (32) can be moved actively into the assigned load support, characterized in that

   the document guiding device (40) comprises receiving members (42, 44; 90) which are arranged substantially oppositely horizontal and are mounted movably relative to each other, wherein in a receiving position (Fig. 6A) the receiving members (42, 44; 90) receive the document (32) in a space therebetween, and further comprises an actuating member (52, 56; 92) which moves the receiving members (42, 44; 90) to a delivery position (Fig. 6B) where the document (32) is delivered to the assigned load support in a mechanically guided manner;

   wherein the document insertion apparatus further comprises at least one sensor, wherein a first sensor (34) is adapted and arranged such that the load support can be identified immediately in front of the document guiding device (40); and

   a controlling device (18; 20) being connected to the sensors for outputting a document print command to a printer (14) in dependence on a signal from the first sensor (34) identifying each of the load supports, thereby causing print of the document (32) being assigned to the identified load support.
2. The document insertion apparatus of claim 1, characterized in that the receiving members (42, 44) are bucket wheels (46, 47) comprising several members, which are mounted rotatably, and the buckets (80-1, 80-2) of which are closed towards the assigned load support in the receiving position (Fig. 6A).
3. The document insertion apparatus of claim 2, characterized in that the bucket wheels (46, 47) are actuated by means of one single drive (52) such that the bucket wheels (46, 47) rotate from the receiving position (Fig. 6A) in oppositely orientated directions of rotation (58, 60) to the delivery position (Fig. 6B), wherein the bucket wheels (46, 47) are, preferably always, rotated to the respectively same direction for getting to their respective delivery position.
4. The document insertion apparatus of claim 3, characterized in that the drive (52) is an electric motor (54).
5. The document insertion apparatus of any of the claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the bucket wheels (46, 47) can be moved by means of a traction device (56), particularly a drive belt, being guided around parallel axes (48, 50) of the bucket wheels (46, 47) in an opposite direction of rotation.
6. The document insertion apparatus of claim 1, characterized in that the receiving members (42, 44) are supported flaps (90).
7. The document insertion apparatus of claim 6, characterized in that the pivotal flaps (90) can be moved to the delivery position by means of a stamp (92), and can be moved to the receiving position by means of a return mechanism, in particular a spring device.
8. The document insertion apparatus of any of the proceeding claims, characterized in that a second sensor (64) is provided which is arranged and adapted such that a number of sheets belonging to the document (32) can be counted, wherein the controlling device (18; 20) in dependence on signals from the second sensor (64) either interrupts the document insertion, if the number of document sheets deviates from a predetermined number, or causes the document insertion, if the number of the document sheets corresponds to the predetermined number.
9. The document insertion apparatus of any of the proceeding claims, characterized in that a third sensor (66) is provided, which is arranged and adapted such that it can be verified whether the right document (32) is located in the receiving members (42, 44) for being inserted.
10. The document insertion apparatus of any of the proceeding claims, characterized in that a fourth sensor (68) is provided, which is arranged and adapted such that it can be verified whether the receiving members (42, 44) are in the respectively right position.
11. The document insertion apparatus of any of the proceeding claims, characterized in that a document printer (14) is further provided, which is arranged such that printed document sheets can be delivered directly to the receiving members (42, 44).
12. An order-picking system (10; 10') comprising at least one document insertion apparatus (12, 12'), and a conveyor (26) for transporting load supports, characterized in that the document insertion apparatus is formed in accordance with one of the proceeding claims, wherein a number of document insertion apparatuses (12, 12') commonly share one single first sensor (34) which is arranged, for each of the provided document insertion apparatuses one accumulation length downstream relative to the first document insertion apparatus.
13. The order-picking system of claim 12, characterized in that the document insertion apparatus (12) can be bypassed by means of another conveyor (94), if invoices are printed as the documents.
14. A method for inserting a document (32) to an assigned load support characterized by the following steps:

    detecting a load support identification number immediately, preferably one accumulation length, in front of a document insertion apparatus (12);

    requesting of a document (32) being assigned to the identification number from a controlling device (18; 20);

    printing by means of a printer device (14) and delivering the assigned document (32) to a document guiding device (40) of the document insertion apparatus (12, 12');

    checking whether the document (32) is complete;

    delivering the document (32) if it is complete;
    wherein the delivering comprises moving (58, 60) of receiving members (42, 44) of the document guiding device (40) in opposite directions for guiding the document (32) in a mechanically guided manner to the assigned load support.

Images