Abstract:
A system comprises a device ( 300 ) for receiving and transporting objects and a generator ( 402 ). The device ( 300 ) has an adjusting mechanism ( 305, 306 ) and a base ( 304 ) that can be adjusted in height by means of the adjusting mechanism ( 305, 306 ). The adjusting mechanism ( 305, 306 ) is designed in such a way that the base ( 304 ) can be lowered by a weight of objects received. The adjusting mechanism ( 305, 306 ) is also able to be connected or is connected to the generator ( 402 ) in such a way that the generator ( 402 ) is driven and converts mechanical energy into electrical energy while the base ( 304 ) is being lowered.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application is a continuation of PCT/EP2014/061019, filed May 28, 2014, which claims priority to German Application No. 10 2013 106 052.8, filed Jun. 11, 2013, the entire teachings and disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention concerns the reducing of the energy consumption in a system, in particular in a system in which devices are used for receiving and transporting objects. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Such a system may be, for example, a sorting system. In a sorting system, objects can be sorted by a sorter on the basis of prescribed criteria. End locations of the sorting system have a buffering function and serve for the logistical decoupling of the sorter from further processing. End locations may, for example, take the form of a single-stage or multi-stage slide, on which the objects discharged by the sorter on the basis of a specific criterion are buffer-stored until removal, sliding down one after the other. The objects may then be loaded by a person into a device in which the objects are transported further. In the case of a package sorting system, the device may be, for example, a roller container, in which packages discharged by the sorter are brought into a swap body or semitrailer, which is then driven to a destination by means of a truck. However, sorting systems may also be used for sorting any other desired objects, such as for example pieces of baggage. 
         [0004]    In other systems, devices may be used for receiving and transporting objects without prior sorting, such as for instance final products or intermediate products in a production plant. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    One of the objects of the invention is to provide a possible way of reducing the net energy consumption of a system. 
         [0006]    An exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention comprises a device for receiving and transporting objects and a generator. The device has an adjusting mechanism and a base that can be adjusted in height by means of the adjusting mechanism. The adjusting mechanism is designed in such a way that the base can be lowered by a weight of objects received. The adjusting mechanism is also able to be connected or is connected to the generator in such a way that the generator is driven and converts mechanical energy into electrical energy while the base is being lowered. 
         [0007]    An exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention for receiving and transporting objects accordingly comprises an adjusting mechanism and a base that can be adjusted in height by means of the adjusting mechanism. The adjusting mechanism is in this case designed in such a way that the base can be lowered by a weight of objects received. The adjusting mechanism is also designed for connecting the adjusting mechanism to a generator in such a way that the generator is driven while the base is being lowered. The device may be, for example, a transport carriage or a container without wheels. Such a container could, for example, be moved on a conveyor strap or on a separate chassis with wheels. 
         [0008]    An exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention comprises transferring a mechanical energy occurring at an adjusting mechanism of a device for receiving and transporting objects to a generator when a base of the device that can be adjusted in height by means of the adjusting mechanism is being lowered as a result of a weight of objects received. The method also comprises converting the mechanical energy into electrical energy by the generator. 
         [0009]    The invention is based on the idea that sorters in a conventional sorting system transport and discharge objects at a certain height. Packages, taken as examples of objects, in this case weigh on average 5 kg, and a sorter taken as an example discharges 20 000 of such packages per hour. The packages discharged consequently have in total a considerable potential energy. Corresponding considerations apply to sorting systems in which other objects are sorted, and also to systems in which, though objects are not sorted, they are provided for being transported in relatively great quantities. 
         [0010]    For certain embodiments given by way of example, therefore, the invention provides that a device for receiving and transporting objects has a base, the height of which can be set variably by means of an adjusting mechanism. If the device is filled with objects, the base is lowered under the load. The potential energy of the objects is thereby converted into mechanical energy at the adjusting mechanism. If this mechanical energy is fed to a generator, for instance by way of a coupling, the generator can convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy and provide it for use. 
         [0011]    The adjustable base allows, for example, objects to be brought automatically into a device for transporting the objects without manual labor being necessary. Since the maximum drop height for the objects can be limited by the adjustment of the base, the risk of damage can be minimized With automatic loading of devices, the storage area of end locations, and consequently the space requirement of the system as a whole, can also be reduced. The transport carriage itself provides the necessary buffering function. As a result, other forms of the system as a whole also become possible. Furthermore, if loading of the device by personnel is intended, the work of the personnel is facilitated and the risk of damage minimized This aspect is therefore also of advantage in itself 
         [0012]    The conversion of the mechanical energy occurring during the lowering of the base into electrical energy allows the energy balance of a system in which the device is used to be improved. The mechanical energy is in this case provided by conversion of the potential energy of the objects loaded into the device. 
         [0013]    In an embodiment of the system given by way of example, the device itself comprises the generator. In that case, the system according to the invention may exclusively comprise the device, but optionally also further components or all of the components of an entire system. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment of the system given by way of example, on the other hand, the generator is arranged outside the device. As a result, a weight increase of the device and movable electrical equipment on the device can be avoided. In that case, the system according to the invention may exclusively comprise the device and the external generator, but optionally also in turn further components or all of the components of an entire system. 
         [0015]    In an embodiment of the system given by way of example, the system comprises at least one guiding element designed for guiding the device to a prescribed position, at which the adjusting mechanism can be connected to an external generator. In addition or as an alternative, in an embodiment given by way of example, the system comprises at least one connecting element designed for fixing the device at a prescribed position, at which the adjusting mechanism can be connected to an external generator. Both can have the effect that undesired loads on the movable connection between the adjusting mechanism and the generator are minimized. 
         [0016]    In an embodiment of the system given by way of example, the energy provided by the generator is fed into a power supply system. This may be, for example, a public power supply system or an in-house power supply system. As a result, the energy is available for any desired use. In particular if the generator is part of the device, the electrical energy provided by the generator may however also be used directly, in order to charge a rechargeable battery or a capacitor of the device. The stored electrical energy is then available, for example, for functions of the device. 
         [0017]    In an embodiment of the system given by way of example, the generator has a brake, and the generator is connected or can be connected to the adjusting mechanism in such a way that the base is only lowered by the weight of objects received when the brake is released. This can offer the advantage that the base can be lowered step by step. 
         [0018]    In a refinement of this embodiment given by way of example, the system also comprises at least one sensor for monitoring the height of the objects received and a control circuit. The control circuit may be designed in such a way the brake is released in dependence on an output signal of the sensor. This can offer the advantage that the base of the device can, for example, always be lowered specifically just so far that the objects do not fall out of the device during the loading operation. This allows the drop height of the objects into the device to be minimized during the entire loading operation. 
         [0019]    The at least one sensor may be, for example, a sensor for visible or non-visible light, which is emitted from a corresponding light source. The light source and the sensor can then form a light barrier. Such a light source may likewise be part of an embodiment of a system according to the invention. 
         [0020]    A sensor may be part of the device, or be attached outside the device. 
         [0021]    If the at least one sensor is fastened to the device and the generator is arranged outside the device, the system may in an embodiment given by way of example also comprise communication means for transmitting a signal based on an output signal of the sensor to the control unit. The communication means may in this case comprise components on the device and outside the device that are suitable for communication with one another. They may be, for example, Bluetooth modules, infrared interface modules or other modules for radio-based communication. The communication means could, however, also allow line-based communication, the connection necessary for this between the sensor and the control unit being able to be established when the generator is connected to the adjusting mechanism. 
         [0022]    In an embodiment of the system given by way of example, the system also comprises a motor, the motor being connected or being able to be connected to the adjusting mechanism in such a way that the base can be raised by means of the motor. The provision of a motor can offer the advantage that the base does not have to be moved manually into a higher position. The motor need not necessarily be provided here as a separate component. It is also possible to use an alternating-current machine, which can be operated both as a generator and as a motor. 
         [0023]    In an embodiment of the system given by way of example, the base is the base of a bag. The adjusting mechanism may then comprise straps for gathering the bag and rollers for rolling up and unrolling the straps, the rollers being connected or being able to be connected to the generator. The gathering of the bag should be understood as meaning a way of making the volume of the bag smaller, which can be realized in any manner desired. Thus, for example, the straps could be connected only to the base of the bag that is to be drawn up during the rolling up of the straps. Alternatively, the straps could, for example, be additionally incorporated in the sides of the bag by eyelets, so that the bag is gathered at the sides during the rolling up of the straps. The use of a bag for receiving the objects allows the device to be of a particularly lightweight design. If a motor is additionally provided, it may likewise be connected or be able to be connected to the rollers for raising the base. 
         [0024]    It goes without saying, however, that, instead of rollers and straps, other adjusting mechanisms that are connected or can be connected to a generator may also be used. Thus, the device could have fixed side walls, for instance in the form of a metal grid, and a base could be moved up and down by means of a spindle drive. 
         [0025]    Further advantageous refinements of the invention given by way of example can be taken from the following more detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention that are given by way of example, in particular in conjunction with the figures. The figures are only intended, however, for the purpose of illustration, and do not serve for determining the protective scope of the invention. The figures are not to scale and are merely intended to reflect the general concept of the present invention by way of example. In particular, features that are contained in the figures are not in any way intended to be regarded as absolutely necessary constituents of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]    In the figures: 
           [0027]      FIG. 1  shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system according to the invention that is given by way of example; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  shows a schematic representation of a plan view of the system from  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a system according to the invention that is given by way of example; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 4  shows a flow diagram with method steps of an embodiment of the method according to the invention that is given by way of example. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]    The present invention is described below on the basis of embodiments given by way of example that allow reducing of the energy consumption in a system. 
         [0032]      FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system according to the invention that is given by way of example. As an example, the system is taken to be a package sorting system. 
         [0033]    The system comprises a sorter  100 , for example a cross-strap or tilt-tray sorter. The sorter  100  transports packages at a certain height, until they are discharged at a respective end location. End locations are provided at a number of locations of the sorter  100  in the form of a slide  200 . 
         [0034]    The system also comprises a number of transport carriages. A transport carriage  300  may for instance be a rolling container. Unlike a roller container, which is dimensioned on the basis of old British imperial units, a rolling container may have the dimensions of a pallet. For example, a base frame  301  or transport frame of the transport carriage  300  delimits a substantially cuboidal space. The upper periphery of the transport carriage  300  is somewhat lower than the lower end of a slide  200 . 
         [0035]    The transport carriage  300  has wheels  302 , in order to allow easy pushing or pulling of the transport carriage  300 . 
         [0036]    Fitted within the base frame  301  of the transport carriage  300  is a bag  303 . The bag consists of a textile or other flexible material. The use of a bag  303  means that the requirements for the side walls are much less stringent than in the case of a conventional roller container. The base  304  of the bag  303  is adjustable in height; two broken lines in  FIG. 1  indicate alternative heights with respect to a height given here by way of example as applicable at the time. The base  304  itself may consist of the same material as the bag  303 . In that case, the base  304  may have in a way similar to a fisherman&#39;s net an opening in the form of an annular hole, which can be safely opened even manually under a load. For applications in which emptying of the bag  303  in the downward direction is possible, this can facilitate handling. As an alternative or in addition, the base  304  may consist of a rigid material, for instance in the form of a board. For the adjustability of the base  304 , the transport carriage  300  has straps  305  which are attached laterally to the bag  303 , and also rollers  306  which are arranged in the upper region of the transport carriage  300  and onto which the straps  305  can be wound up. Any number of straps  305  and associated rollers  306  may be provided, for example a strap  305  on each side of the bag along the four vertical edges of the base frame  301  of the transport carriage  300 , and a roller  306  at each corner in the upper region of the transport carriage  300 . At least one of the rollers  306  is connected or can be connected to at least one coupling (not represented). 
         [0037]    The system also has a device  400  with an alternating-current machine, which may be arranged under the slide  200  or under the sorter  100 . The alternating-current machine may be operated as a motor or as a generator. Alternatively, the device  400  could also have a motor and a generator as separate units, or just a generator. The alternating-current machine is on the one hand connected to a power supply system. On the other hand, the alternating-current machine is connected or can be connected, for example by a gear mechanism, to the at least one coupling. The at least one coupling itself may therefore be part of the transport carriage  300  or of the device  400 . 
         [0038]    The system also has a light source (not represented) and a light sensor (not represented), which can together form a light barrier  307 . The light source may be, for example, a light-emitting diode, but similarly any other desired light source. The light sensor may be, for example, a phototransistor, but similarly any other desired light sensor. The light source and the light sensor are arranged in such a way that a light signal of the light source can be detected by the light sensor as long as packages in a transport carriage  300  standing at the slide  200  do not reach up to just below the upper periphery of the transport carriage  300 . The light sensor is connected to a control unit for the alternating-current machine. 
         [0039]    The system may optionally have any other desired components not represented here. 
         [0040]    Thus, the system may have guiding elements, with which a transport carriage can be moved in a guided manner under a slide  200  in precisely such a way that the rollers  306  of the transport carriage  300  are connected by way of the coupling to the alternating-current machine of the device  400 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 2  is a schematic representation of a plan view of the system from  FIG. 1 , in which guiding elements given by way of example are represented. At any desired height between the base and the lower end of a slide  200 , a bar  600  is attached on each side of the slide  200 . The bars  600  serve as guiding elements for a transport carriage  300 . If a transport carriage  300  is pushed to the lower of the slide  200 , it is ensured that couplings on the transport carriage  300  are connected to linkages  401  of the device  400 , or that connecting elements for couplings on the transport carriage  300  are connected to couplings on the device  400 . 
         [0042]    A light source and a light sensor could, for example, be arranged on opposite guiding elements. A light source and a light sensor could, for example, also be arranged next to one another, while a reflector is arranged opposite. Thus, a light source and a light sensor could for instance be arranged on one guiding element and a reflector could be arranged on an opposite guiding element; or a light source and a light sensor could be arranged under a slide  200  and a reflector could be arranged at the upper periphery of each transport carriage  300 . A light source and a light sensor could alternatively both be arranged at an upper periphery of each transport carriage. As a further alternative, one component could be arranged on the transport carriage  300  and another component could be arranged outside the transport carriage  300 . If the light source and the light sensor are arranged outside the transport carriage  300 , this can have the advantage that there is no need for a power supply for the light barrier in the transport carriage  300  and no need for a communication unit for transmitting the measurement result of the light sensor to the control unit for the alternating-current machine. Furthermore, fewer light sources and/or light sensors are required, because the same light sources and/or light sensors can be used for a multiplicity of transport carriages  300 , and light sources and/or light sensors can be damaged less easily during loading. On the other hand, the provision of light sources and/or light sensors on a transport carriage can make it easier to monitor the desired region. 
         [0043]    The system may also have connecting elements (not represented), with which a transport carriage  300  can be connected to a fixed component. Each connecting element may provide a first part on a transport carriage  300  and a complementary part installed at a fixed position. However, there could also only be connecting elements installed at a fixed position, for example in the form of a joining part of a snap connection, which then, for example, interengage with a not especially adapted base frame  301  of a transport carriage  300 . Such connecting elements may also be combined with the coupling. 
         [0044]    The transport carriage  300  is an embodiment of a device according to the invention that is given by way of example. 
         [0045]    In  FIG. 3 , selected components of the system from  FIG. 1  are represented in a block diagram, in particular components of the transport carriage  300  and the device  400 . 
         [0046]    The transport carriage  300  comprises a bag  303  for receiving packages, straps  305  connected to the bag  303  and rollers  306  for rolling up and unrolling the straps  305 . The rollers  306  are connected to couplings  310 , which are represented here by way of example as part of the transport carriage  300 . For example, a dedicated coupling  310  may be respectively provided for a pair of rollers  306  arranged one behind the other on an axis. The transport carriage  300  also comprises a light source  311  and a light sensor  312  for providing a light barrier  307 . The transport carriage  300  also comprises a processor  313 , which is connected to the light source  311 , the light sensor  312 , a memory  314  of the transport carriage  300  and a communication device  315  of the transport carriage  300 . The memory  314  may store program instructions for the processor  313 , data on the transport carriage  300 , data on loaded packages and/or other information. The processor  313  may execute program instructions stored in the memory  314  and thereby instigate specific, intended actions. The communication device  315  may, for example, allow at least one kind of wireless communication. It may comprise for instance a Bluetooth module, an infrared interface module and/or a transponder. 
         [0047]    The processor  313  may be, for example, a microprocessor. The processor  313  may be connected to further components (not represented) of the transport carriage  300 , such as to a USB interface, a display, etc. Using the processor  313  and the communication means  315 , the transport carriage  300  can act as a partially autonomous system in the logistics environment. 
         [0048]    The transport carriage  300  also has four wheels  302 . At least one of the wheels  302  could have a dynamo, which provides energy for a rechargeable battery  316  or for capacitors of the transport carriage  300 . Alternatively, such a rechargeable battery  316  could, however, also be regularly charged by way of some other source in the transport carriage  300  or outside the transport carriage  300 . The light source  311 , the light sensor  312 , the processor  313  and the communication device  315  are supplied with energy from the rechargeable battery  316 . If need be, the energy from the rechargeable battery  316  may also be used for various other functions of the transport carriage  300 . The rechargeable battery  316 , the processor  313 , the memory  314  and the communication device  315  could be arranged in the transport carriage  300 , for example above the wheels  302  and below the lowermost position of the base  304 . 
         [0049]    The transport carriage  300  also has by way of example at least one connecting element  317 . A connecting element  317  may be formed as a unit with a coupling  310  or separately. If connecting elements  317  are attached on each side of a transport carriage  300 , they may also be used for connecting a number of transport carriages  300  to one another, one behind the other and one next to the other. As a result, a group of transport carriages  300  can be brought particularly easily from a loading ramp into the loading space of a truck or into a swap body or semitrailer for a truck. 
         [0050]    A connecting element  317  of a transport carriage  300  could also be formed as a towbar, so that a number of transport carriages  300  can be linked up by way of the towbar(s) to form a train and, by means of a positive and non-positive connection, mechanically represent an entity. 
         [0051]    The device  100  comprises a motor and a generator with a brake  402 . The motor and the generator  402  may in this case optionally be the same machine in different operating modes. The motor and the generator  402  are connected to a power supply system  500  of the system. A control unit  403  of the device  400  is connected to the motor and the generator  402  and also to a communication device  404  of the device  400 . The communication device  404  is formed in such a way that it can communicate with the communication device  315  of a respective device  300 . The device  400  also comprises a linkage  401  for connecting the motor and the generator  402  to the at least one coupling  310  of a respective transport carriage  300 . The device  400  comprises at least one connecting element  405 , which is complementary to the at least one connecting element  317  of a respective transport carriage  300 . 
         [0052]    The system also comprises guiding elements  600 , which can be connected in a stable way to the device  400  or to other stable elements of the system, for example to supporting bars for the slide  200  as indicated in  FIG. 2 , or if appropriate also directly to the base. 
         [0053]    The system from  FIGS. 1 to 3  may be modified in various ways, both by omitting components and also by adding components. In this way, further or alternative advantages can be obtained. 
         [0054]      FIG. 4  is a flow diagram, which illustrates an operation in the system from  FIGS. 1 to 3  according to an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention that is given by way of example. The left-hand side shows operations on a transport carriage  300  and the right-hand side shows operations on the device  400 . 
         [0055]    A transport carriage  300  is to be filled with packages, which are discharged at a specific slide  200 . If a person drives the transport carriage  300 —guided by the guiding elements  600 —under the slide  200 , the linkage  401  of the device  400  engages in the couplings  310  of the transport carriage  300 . Complementary connecting elements  317 ,  405  on the transport carriage  300  and the device  400  provide a rigid connection, in order that the connection between the motor or generator  402  and the rollers  306  is subjected to as little loading as possible in horizontal and vertical directions by way of the couplings  310  when establishing this connection, when releasing this connection and when loading the transport carriage  300 . 
         [0056]    When the transport carriage  300  has assumed the final loading position at the slide  200 , the motor  402  is put into operation by the control unit  403  (action  420 ). This may, for example, take place by way of a switch connected to the control unit  403 , which is automatically actuated when the transport carriage  300  is connected to the device  400 . Alternatively, putting the motor  402  into operation may, for example, be initiated by a person. The energy supply for the motor  402  is made available by the power supply system  500 . The motor  402  turns the rollers  306  by way of the couplings  310  in such a way that the straps  305  are wound up and the sides of the bag  303  are gathered, whereby the base  304  of the bag  303  is pulled up (action  320 ). If the load on the motor  402  increases, because the straps  305  have been rolled up substantially as far as possible, the motor  402  is automatically switched off by the control unit  403 . Furthermore, the control unit  403  then instigates the activation of the brake. 
         [0057]    It goes without saying that the raising of the base  304  could alternatively take place during an unloading of the transport carriage  300 , in order to facilitate the unloading. In that case, the device  400  need not also have a motor, because the transport carriage  300  is then driven under the slide  200  already with the base  304  pulled up. 
         [0058]    As soon as the transport carriage  300  is in the correct position or as soon as the base  304  has reached its uppermost position, the light source  311  is also switched on and the sensor  312  activated (action  321 ). The sensor  312  detects a light beam from the light source  311 . 
         [0059]    The transport carriage  300  receives the packages sliding down on the slide  200  (action  322 ). Since the pulled-up base  304  of the transport carriage  300  is in relatively close proximity under the lower edge of the slide  200 , the packages do not fall far and are consequently transported into the transport carriage  300  relatively gently. 
         [0060]    At the same time, the filling level is monitored by means of a light barrier  307  (action  323 ). As soon as the light sensor  312  establishes that the light beam from the light source  311  is no longer being detected, therefore that the light barrier  307  has been interrupted (action  324 ), the sensor  312  transmits corresponding information to the processor  313 . In response, the processor  313  causes the communication device  315  to notify the device  400  by means of a prescribed signal (action  325 ). 
         [0061]    The communication device  404  of the device  400  receives the signal and passes it on to the control unit  403 . The control unit  403  then releases the brake of the generator  402  for a prescribed number of revolutions (action  421 ). 
         [0062]    Up until this point in time, the brake had ensured that the generator  402  could not be driven. In this way, the rollers  306  were also blocked by way of the linkage  401  and the couplings  310 . It was thus possible to prevent the straps  305  from unrolling completely as a result of the weight of the first loaded packages, so that the bag base  304  assumes its lowermost position and following packages fall ungently over a greater height into the transport carriage  300 . 
         [0063]    With the brake released, the rollers  306  can then turn. As a result of the weight of the packages loaded thus far in the bag  303 , the base  304  of the bag  303  moves down a little, while the straps  305  are being unrolled (action  326 ). 
         [0064]    The rollers  306  turning thereby transfer the mechanical energy by way of the couplings  310  and the linkage  401  to the generator  402 . The driven generator  402  converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy (action  422 ). 
         [0065]    Electrical energy is fed into the power supply system  500  (action  423 ). 
         [0066]    After the prescribed number of revolutions of the generator  402 , the brake is activated again. With the lowering of the base  304  of the bag  303 , the already loaded packages were also lowered, so that the light barrier  307  is released again. The method (actions  322 - 326  and  421 - 423 ) is continued until the base  304  of the bag  303  has reached the lowermost position. In that case, a person can then exchange the transport carriage  300 . 
         [0067]    In the system presented, packages can be automatically brought into a transport carriage  300  relatively gently in that, during the loading, the base  304  of the transport carriage  300  is lowered in a number of stages by making use of the potential energy of the packages already loaded, while the mechanical energy occurring during the loading is converted into electrical energy and is provided for further use. 
         [0068]    It goes without saying that the method can be modified in various respects. 
         [0069]    For example, in fully automatic loading of a transport carriage  300 , an arrangement of the packages with large clearances in between them is produced during the loading, similar to pores in rock. This arrangement can be disturbed by specific upward and downward movement of the base in the transport carriage. This causes settling movements, and the loading density of the transport carriage  300  is optimized. 
         [0070]    Depending on operational activities, transport carriages  300  can also repeatedly go to one or more end locations. 
         [0071]    The communication device  315  of a transport carriage  300  could be additionally used to make an identification of the transport carriage  300  available to an end location or any desired control station by way of an RFID (radio-frequency identification) transponder of the communication device  315 . An identification of the transport carriage  300  may, however, also take place by means of a barcode. The communication device  315  of a transport carriage  300  could also be used for the purpose of receiving information on loaded packages, such as for example information about their destination or the filling level. For example, information on loaded packages may be provided by the communication device  404  or by a further communication device of the end location. Information obtained may, for example, be stored by the processor  313  in the memory  314 . At other locations, the information may be read out, or the information may be exchanged between transport carriages  300 . Information stored in a transport carriage  300  may be used as a basis for decisions and/or during the course of quality controls. 
         [0072]    The connections between components that are represented or described should be understood as functional connections. They may be realized directly or indirectly by way of a number of other components. The sequence of the described actions in the flow diagram is not obligatory; alternative sequences of the method steps are conceivable. The actions may be implemented in various ways. 
         [0073]    It goes without saying that the embodiments described are merely examples that can be modified and/or supplemented in various ways within the scope of the claims. In particular, each feature that has been described for a specific exemplary embodiment may be used on its own or in combination with other features in any other desired exemplary embodiment. Each feature that has been described for an exemplary embodiment of one particular category may also be used in a corresponding way in an exemplary embodiment of another category.