JP2001233411A - Physical distribution center - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To construct center facilities and a control system simply. SOLUTION: A physical distribution center comprises a unit, which comprises a plurality of automated storage and retrieval warehouses 2a to 2c having stacker cranes 3 with an identification function and storage racks 4a and 4b, and feeding facilities 1 related to the automated storage and retrieval warehouses. One crane controller 14 is allocated to the one unit. Depending upon storage and retrieval operation data input from a unit operating computer 12, the crane controller 14 transmits a storage and retrieval control command including data for crane identification to the automated storage and retrieval warehouses. That one of the stacker cranes in the automated storage and retrieval houses which receives the storage and retrieval control command and finds it for itself effects the storage and retrieval operation depending on the storage and retrieval control command.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a distribution center which simplifies the configuration of equipment units and secures a loading / unloading operation in the event of an abnormality in various facilities of the center.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional distribution center, as shown in FIG. 6, an entrance station 52 and an exit station 53 are provided at a predetermined distance from one side of a transfer facility 51 formed in a loop. On the other side of the transport equipment 51, a stacker crane 54 and a plurality of automatic warehouses having a storage table 55-storage shelf 56a and a delivery table 57-storage shelf 56b on both sides of the crane 54 are arranged.

The automatic warehouse of this distribution center includes one stacker crane 54 and a pair of storage shelves 56 on both sides thereof.
a, 56b and the accompanying transport equipment 51 constitute one equipment unit. In addition, as the transfer equipment 51, a transfer conveyor or a transfer trolley is used. Reference numeral 58 denotes an article that is put in or taken out of the warehouse.

On the other hand, the control system of the distribution center
Inventory management is performed by the central control computer 61,
It prepares receipt / shipment plan data such as product type, quantity, shelf area data, etc. relating to the receipt / shipment of articles, and sends it to the receipt / shipment transport equipment computer 62 and automatic warehouse computer 63.
The receipt / shipment transport facility computer 62 stores the received receipt / shipment plan data, and sends, to the transport facility controller 64, a transport operation instruction to transport the article to a position corresponding to the shelf area, for example, in accordance with the receipt / shipment plan data. . Here, the transport equipment controller 64 issues a transport control instruction based on the transport operation instruction, operates the transport equipment 51, and transports, for example, an article placed at the storage station 52 to the position of the shelf area. In addition, the automatic warehouse computer 63 sets, based on the receipt / shipment plan data, the entry / exit operation data of whether to enter / exit using any of the stacker crane controllers (hereinafter, referred to as SC controllers) 65 from the shelf area data, for example. And sends it to the corresponding SC controller 65. The selected SC controller 65 issues an entry / exit control instruction created based on the entry / exit operation data to the stacker crane 5 which is predetermined by wireless or optical communication.
Send to 4. The stacker crane 54 fetches, for example, an article on the storage table 55 and stores it in the corresponding shelf area in accordance with the storage control instruction. Therefore, one SC controller 65,... And one stacker crane 54,... Have a one-to-one relationship, and the SC controller 65 is provided for each unit.

[0005]

By the way, in the above-mentioned distribution center, it is possible to automatically store required articles on corresponding shelves of an automatic warehouse based on the receipt / shipment plan data of the central control computer 61. However, in the case of such a center, the following problems have been pointed out.

(1) An automatic warehouse, which is a typical facility having a storage function, is considered as one unit including one stacker crane 54, storage shelves 56a and 56b on both sides thereof, and transport equipment 51 attached thereto. Since one SC controller 65 is allocated correspondingly, there is a problem that the entire center equipment becomes large.

[0007] In particular, since the number of articles stored in the distribution center and the entry / exit processing capacity differ for each plan, the configuration of the control system and the entry / exit operation also differ for each plan. Since the operation such as the recovery method at the time of abnormality is different, it takes time to adjust the units.
In addition, there is a problem that the equipment cost rises and the construction period is prolonged.

(2) The transport equipment 51 and the SC controller 65 are provided for each unit. If a trouble occurs in a part of these equipment or a part of the control system system including the sensing system, the entire center will be operated. There is a problem that stops.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a distribution center that can easily construct a center facility and a control system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a logistics center which secures a part of entry and exit operations even if a trouble occurs in a part of the center equipment or a part of a control system including sensing. It is in.

[0011]

Means for Solving the Problems (1) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a distribution center according to the present invention comprises a plurality of automatic warehouses comprising a stacker crane and a storage shelf having a self-identifying function, and a plurality of automatic warehouses. 1 with accompanying transport equipment
One crane controller transmits an entry / exit control instruction including data for crane identification based on an entry / exit operation instruction input from the outside, receives the entry / exit control instruction, and identifies the self-identified The stacker crane performs a loading / unloading operation in accordance with the loading / unloading control instruction.

Therefore, according to the present invention, as described above, one crane controller controls the receipt / shipment of a plurality of automatic warehouses, so that the control system can be simplified and based on a plan. Even if the number of automatic warehouses is increased, it can be flexibly dealt with.

(2) The distribution center according to the present invention comprises a single unit including a plurality of automatic warehouses each including a stacker crane and a storage shelf having a self-identifying function, and transport equipment associated with these automatic warehouses. A computer for a distribution center that manages the first inventory data and creates and outputs a receipt / shipment plan using the inventory data; and a second inventory data that has the same content as the first inventory data. The second inventory data is updated when the second inventory data is updated, and the updated information is transmitted to the distribution center computer to update the first inventory data. A unit operation computer that prompts the user to update inventory data,
And a crane controller for transmitting an entry / exit control instruction including at least crane identification data to each of the stacker cranes based on the entry / exit operation data of the unit operation computer.

According to the present invention, with the above-described configuration, the distribution center computer and the unit operation computer mutually unify the inventory while mutually updating the inventory, and the distribution center computer is provided with a predetermined time from the distribution center computer. If the receipt / shipment plan is passed to the unit operation computer, when one of the two computers becomes abnormal, the other computer takes the place of the failed computer, and the receipt / shipment plan data and the inventory data are taken over. , And can transmit and receive the data to and from the crane controller via a wireless or bus line.

(3) Further, the distribution center according to the present invention has a plurality of automatic warehouses composed of a tacker crane and storage shelves, and a plurality of divided transport bodies for loading and unloading articles into and from these automatic warehouses, and a transport formed in a closed loop. A plurality of units in which units consisting of equipment are arranged adjacent to each other, and a transport abnormality sensor that is installed for each of the divided transport bodies and detects a transport abnormality,
A logistics center computer that creates and outputs a receipt / shipment plan for each unit, and manages inventory data for each unit created based on the receipt / shipment plan data, and is transmitted from the distribution center computer. It saves the incoming and outgoing plan data for each unit, and creates the incoming and outgoing operation data based on the own unit side incoming and outgoing plan data, one crane controller and one
If a plurality of unit operation computers for transmitting to a single transfer equipment controller are provided, the unit operation computer detects a transfer error from the transfer error sensor corresponding to a specific divided transfer member constituting its own unit-side transfer equipment. Upon receipt, new entry / exit operation data including transport control for normal and reverse rotation of the normal divided transport body is created, and entry / exit can be continued according to the new entry / exit operation data.

(4) Further, the distribution center according to the present invention uses a plurality of automatic warehouses composed of stacker cranes and storage shelves, and a plurality of divided transporters for loading and unloading articles to and from these automatic warehouses, in a closed loop. A plurality of units in which units including the formed transport equipment are arranged adjacently, a transport error sensor installed for each of the divided transporters to detect a transport error, and a logistics for creating and outputting a receipt / shipment plan for each unit Center computer, manages the inventory data for each unit created based on the receipt and shipping plan data, and also saves the storage and retrieval plan data for each unit sent from the distribution center computer, Entry / exit operation data is created based on their own unit-side entry / exit planning data, and one crane controller and one A plurality of unit operation computers for transmitting to the transfer equipment controller, wherein each of the unit operation computers exchanges inventory data and receipt / shipment plan data that change from time to time with each other; Means for requesting entry / exit to another adjacent unit operation computer when a transfer abnormality of the entire transfer equipment is received, and entry / exit of a unit determined to be a transfer abnormality side in another unit operation computer receiving the entry / exit request. It is provided with another unit operation data creating means for creating interruption entry / exit operation data based on the plan data and continuing the entry / exit.

In this case, when one of the transfer facilities is stopped, it is possible to use the sound transfer facility to create the entry / exit operation data based on another receipt / shipment plan and to continue the entry / exit. .

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a distribution center according to the present invention provided with equipment and a control system related to one unit.

[0020] This distribution center receives and stores required articles.
It comprises an article transport system for taking out goods, an automatic warehouse for storing articles, and a control system.

In the article transport system, a transport facility 1 formed in a closed loop is installed, and a transport conveyor is generally used. For example, one or a plurality of transport vehicles travel on a transport rail. The configuration may be such that

The automatic warehouse is a storage facility for storing articles (product types) in a quantity corresponding to the storage processing capacity. A plurality of automatic warehouses 2a and 2b are provided on one side of the transport facility 51 with a predetermined positional relationship. , 2c are arranged and these automatic warehouses 2
a, 2b, and 2c, and the accompanying transport equipment 51 and the like are configured as one unit.

Each of the automatic warehouses 2a, 2b, 2c comprises a stacker crane 3 for transporting articles to be taken in and out, and a pair of storage shelves 4a, 4b arranged on both sides of the crane so as to face each other. Each stacker crane 3
Is always stopped at the home position at the time of entry or exit, performs delivery of articles between the entry table 5 and the exit table 6 disposed at positions opposite to the stop position, and performs storage shelves 4a, 4b has a function that operates to perform a series of loading / unloading operations. The stacker crane 3 holds a transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving a signal by optical communication or wireless communication, self-identification data or shelf area data of storage shelves 4a and 4b under its control, and stores received contents and self-identification data or shelf area data. And a control unit 7 having a function of determining that the loading / unloading operation is performed by the user and a function of controlling the own stacker crane 3 based on the received content.

The control system includes a distribution center computer 11 having a role of a higher-level control device for controlling the entire distribution center, and receiving / shipping operation data of an automatic warehouse in response to receipt / shipment planning data of the distribution center computer 11. And a transport equipment controller 13 and an SC controller 14 that transmit a transport control instruction and an entrance / exit control instruction based on the entry / exit operation data created by the unit operation computer 12, respectively. Is provided.

The distribution center computer 11 comprises:
In addition to the management of the order data, it has the function of managing the inventory data shown in FIG. 2, and the function of creating receipt / shipment plan data as shown in FIG. 3 from the order data and the inventory data. The input device 15 such as a keyboard and a mouse for inputting order data for realizing the above-mentioned functions, inputting data for creating a receipt / shipment plan as shown in FIG. A database 16 having an area for storing the managed and created receipt / shipment plan data and other necessary data, and a display device 17 capable of displaying the management data stored in the database 16 and the created entry / exit plan data are provided. Have been.

The distribution center computer 11 comprises:
For example, inventory data such as that shown in FIG. 2 is stored in the inventory data area of the database 16 and has a function of updating inventory data based on inventory change information sequentially transmitted from the unit operation computer 12 in accordance with entry and exit of articles. I have. This means that when an abnormality occurs in the lower unit operation computer 12, the distribution center computer 11 creates the inbound / outbound operation data from the inventory data and the receipt / shipment planning data in place of the It is possible to have a function of transmitting data directly to the SC controller 14 or the like via a line.

The unit operation computer 12 is provided with a unit data storage section 18 for storing inventory management data and storage and retrieval operation data. The unit operation computer 12 is a computer 1 for the distribution center.
From the type and quantity based on the 1
O, entry / exit operation data as to whether entry / exit of articles to / from the shelf area is created, and the transport equipment controller 13 and S
Transmit to C controller 14.

When the unit operation computer 12 receives, for example, one day's receipt / shipment plan data from the distribution center computer 11 in advance, the unit operation computer 12 replaces the distribution center computer 11 when a trouble occurs in the distribution center computer 11. Thus, it is possible to create the in-and-out operation data from the receipt / shipment plan data and the inventory data, and transmit the data to the transport equipment controller 13 and the SC controller 14.

The transport equipment controller 13 determines which automatic warehouse to enter, or from which automatic warehouse, based on the entry / exit operation data created by the automatic warehouse computer 12, and determines where the automatic warehouse is to be delivered. 1 has a function of controlling the transfer.

The SC controller 14 transmits signals such as crane identification data, shelf area data of the storage shelves 4a and 4b, and product type to the automatic warehouse side by radio or optical communication based on the in / out operation data of the unit operation computer 12. Has the ability to

Reference numeral 19 denotes a storage station, and reference numeral 20 denotes a delivery station.

Next, the operation of the distribution center as described above will be described according to the work procedure shown in FIG.

First, the distribution center computer 11
Prepares half-day or one-day receipt / shipment plan data from the order data in advance (S1) and stores it in the corresponding area of the database 16 (see FIG. 3).

In the above state, when the time reaches a predetermined time before the arrival / shipment time described in the receipt / shipment plan data, for example, the arrival plan data corresponding to the arrival / shipment time is read out and the unit is read out. The data is transmitted to the operation computer 12 (S2). Note that the entire receipt / shipment plan data may be transmitted to the computer 12 in advance.

Here, the unit operation computer 12
When receiving the stock plan data, based on the data such as the product type and quantity, any warehouse NO,
Entry / exit operation data such as whether or not articles of a specific type are entered / exited in the shelf area is created (S3), and the transport equipment controller 1
3 and transmitted to the SC controller 14 (S4).

When a trouble occurs in the unit operation computer 12 as described above, an interrupt signal or the like is input from the unit operation computer 12 to the computer 11 for the distribution center. Instead of the above, the storage and retrieval operation data is created using the receipt / shipment planning data and the inventory data, and transmitted to the transport equipment controller 13 and the SC controller 14 via the bus line. The distribution center computer 11, the automatic warehouse computer 12, and the controllers 13, 14 are:
Generally, the entry / exit operation data is transmitted via a bus line, but may be transmitted wirelessly.

The transport equipment controller 13 determines which automatic warehouse to enter the warehouse based on the work instruction data from the automatic warehouse computer 12, and then controls the transport of the transport equipment 1 at a predetermined speed, for example, clockwise. Then, the goods on the storage station 18 are transported to the position of the corresponding automatic warehouse (S5), and delivered to the storage table 5.

On the other hand, the SC controller 14 determines the contents of the work instruction data, and wirelessly or wirelessly transmits data necessary for performing the work in the crane, for example, crane identification data corresponding to at least the warehouse number, data including the shelf area and the type. Transmission to the automated warehouse by optical communication (S
6).

Here, the control unit 7 of each stacker crane 3,... Receives the data transmitted from the SC controller 14, and compares the self-identification data or the shelf area data with the self-identification data owned by itself. In the same case, if it is determined that the loading and unloading is performed by itself, the stacker crane 3 is controlled, and the articles on the loading and unloading table 5 are transported and stored in the corresponding shelf area of the storage shelf 4a or 4b (S
7). Then, after storing the required articles, it returns to the home position and stops.

When the control unit 7 of the stacker crane 3 returns to the home position and stops, when it transmits an article completion signal, the SC controller 14 detects this and notifies the unit operation computer 12. Here, when the inventory data is updated or when the above-mentioned entry / exit operation data is transmitted, the inventory data is updated, and the inventory change is transmitted to the computer 11 for the distribution center. The distribution center computer 11 changes the inventory data in the database 16 in response to the inventory change data, thereby ensuring the same as the inventory content on the unit operation computer 12 side.

Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, the stacker crane 3 and the storage shelves 4a, 4b on both sides thereof are provided.
, And a single SC controller 14 is assigned to this unit, so that a distribution center can be constructed using simple equipment and a control system. Can be.

The distribution center computer 11
Has inventory data and receipt / shipment planning data,
In addition, since inventory data is changed in response to inventory changes from the unit operation computer 12, when a trouble occurs in the unit operation computer 12, entry / exit operation data is created from the inventory data and the receipt / shipment planning data and transmitted to the SC controller 14 and the like. It is possible to secure goods entry and exit operations. Also, if the distribution center computer 11 sends, for example, one day's receipt / shipment plan data to the unit operation computer 12, the unit operation computer 12
When a trouble occurs in the computer 11 for the distribution center, the computer 11 for the distribution center can be used on behalf of the computer 11 for the distribution center by using the receipt / shipment planning data and the stock data, so that the entry / exit of articles can be continued.

Further, when a trouble occurs in any of the stacker cranes 3, the unit operation computer 12 searches the inventory data, selects a sound stacker crane 3 and creates the input / output operation data, and continues the input / output operation of articles. it can.

In the above-described embodiment, the transport equipment 1 for an endless belt conveyor is assumed. For example, the transport equipment 1 is formed into a closed loop using a plurality of divided transport bodies, and the forward / reverse is performed for each of the divided transport bodies. If a rotary drive source for rotary drive is provided, even if a trouble occurs in one of the divided transport bodies, the other divided transport bodies can be used for normal rotation operation and reverse rotation operation to store and retrieve required articles. It is possible to secure.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the distribution center according to the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

This embodiment is an example in which a plurality of automatic warehouses composed of stacker cranes and storage shelves and transport equipment associated with these automatic warehouses are provided as one unit, and a plurality of units are provided. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the case of two units will be described as an example.

[0047] First, as the transport facility 1, with a closed loop two units conveying equipment formed 1 _1, 1 ₂ is installed by adjacent equipment 1 _1, 1 ₂ a plurality of, for example, between these units conveying passing carrier 1 ₃ is provided. These units transport facility 1 _1, 1 _2, and consideration of the entry and leaving of the article is composed of a plurality of divided carrier, as shown respectively shown dotted, the division including the transfer carrier 13 is not shown Each of the transport bodies is provided with an independent rotation drive source capable of normal and reverse rotation. Furthermore, these transfer carrier 1 _3, transport failure sensor 21 in each of the divided carrier, ... are installed, the sensor output has a structure to be transmitted to each unit operation computer 12 _1, 12 _2. The output of the transport abnormality sensors 21,... May be, for example, a rotation presence / absence signal of a rotary drive source.

The structure of the center automatic warehouse is composed of two units.
One unit side.
The moving warehouse has three stacker clays as shown in the figure.
3 ₁,... And storage shelves 4 corresponding to the respective cranes
a₁, 4b₁, ..., and the other unit side automatic
The warehouse has three stackers as shown in the figure.
Lane 3_Two,… And the corresponding cranes
Pipe shelf 4a_Two, 4b_Two, ... are provided. In addition, both Uni
Automatic warehouses generally store similar items.
In many cases.

On the other hand, in the control system system, a computer 11 for the distribution center which manages the ordering data and prepares the entry / exit plan data for each unit, and a receipt / shipment plan for each unit from the computer 11 for the distribution center. corresponding to each unit of the first unit production computers to create goods movements operational data itself unit side on the basis of the data 12 ₁ and the second unit operation computer 1
2 ₂ , the transport equipment controller 13 ₁ and the SC controller 14 ₁ connected to the first unit operation computer 12 ₁ and the second unit operation computer 12 ₂ , respectively.
And it is constituted by a transport facility controller 13 _2, SC controller 14 _2.

Each of the unit operation computers 12 ₁ ,
12 _2, first unit inventory data, the second unit inventory data and logistics sent from the center computer 11 each entry and leaving hour and minute each of the first unit, shipment and receipt of the second unit shipment and receipt schedule data or daily plan unit data storage unit 18 ₁ and the unit data storage unit 18 ₂ for storing data or the like are respectively provided separately. Each of these unit operation computers 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ creates inventory data when it creates and retrieves operation data based on the receipt / shipment plan data, or when it completes entry / exit based on the created entry / exit operation data. Then, the data is stored in the corresponding data storage units 18 ₁ and 18 _2, and when there is a change in the inventory data, the change data is mutually transmitted to another unit operation computer and managed by both computers 12 ₁ and 12 ₂ . To ensure the same inventory data.

Each unit operation computer 1
2 ₁ and 122 ₂ change their own entry / exit operation data according to the trouble when the trouble of the component material of their own unit occurs, and the trouble data and the changed entry / exit operation data are changed as needed. The processing is transmitted to the unit operation computer to request the change of the entry / exit operation data.
Note that the trouble detection data of the stacker crane and the like is sent via the corresponding SC controller.

Each unit operation computer 12 ₁ , 12 ₂
Has the function of changing the entry / exit operation data based on the trouble data and the changed entry / exit operation data since it already has the inventory management data and the entry / exit plan data of the other units.

Next, the operation of the above-described distribution center will be described.

The center operator sends the order data
Based on the distribution center computer 11, each unit
For example, one day's receipt / shipment plan data on the
Computer 12₁, 12_TwoSend to , Each yu
Knit operation computer 12 ₁, 12_TwoIs for both units
Imports shipping plan data and stores data in its own data storage
18₁, 18_TwoTo memorize. Therefore, each unit operation control
Pewter 12₁, 12_TwoIs based on own receipt / shipment planning data.
Is similar to that of FIG.
You. During normal operation of each facility, it is exactly the same as in Fig. 1.
Input and output operation data in the same way
(13₁, 14₁), (13)_Two, 14_Two) And send
Perform shipping control instruction and transport control instruction, and control
Will do.

Now, for example, when articles are taken in and out of both the transport equipments 1 ₁ and 1 ₂ , trouble occurs in the divided transport body corresponding to, for example, the intermediate automatic warehouse ₂ b ₂ in the second unit-side automatic warehouse. when There generated, receives the detection output of the corresponding transport failure sensor 16, the second unit operation computer 12 ₂ is other abnormal transport of the corresponding unit sensor 16
When it is determined that the output is normal, another automatic warehouse such as 2
a) The inventory data of ₂ is checked, and when the type and quantity are present in the receipt / shipment planning data, the other divided carriers except for the abnormally divided carrier are forwarded and forwarded and reversely transported according to the incoming and outgoing operations. Creates outgoing operation data, and prepares each controller 13
_2, 14 is sent to _2. Accordingly, the controller 13 _2,
Run the forward and reverse rotation of the necessary division carrier according goods movements operational data including a forward and reverse conveying operation, while the other stacker crane except stacker crane intermediate position automated warehouse controller 14 ₂ in accordance with goods movements operational data , An entry / exit control instruction for entry / exit is issued, and entry / exit of articles is continued. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to keep articles in and out of the same unit.

Meanwhile, when a trouble has stopped generated in the second overall unit-side transfer equipment 1 _2, the second unit operation computer 12 _2, the first unit operation computer 12 ₁
To that effect and request entry / exit.

Since the same kind of articles as those of the second unit-side automatic warehouse are stored in the first unit-side automatic warehouse, the first unit operation computer 12 receiving the entry / exit request is stored.
₁ prepares such entry / exit operation data, sends the entry / exit operation data relating to the second unit to each of the controllers 13 ₁ and 14 ₁ in the form of an interrupt, and secures the entry / exit operation.

The two computers 11, 12 ₁ and 12 ₂
And the trouble of the stacker crane are as described in FIG.

Therefore, according to the above embodiment,
For example, each unit operation computer 12 ₁, 12_TwoIs
Unit inventory data and receipt / shipment planning data for each unit.
And a closed loop with multiple divided carriers
Transfer equipment 1 for each unit₁, 1_TwoPlace these split carriers
Each time a transfer error is detected, a transfer error sensor 21 is installed.
Unit operation computer for the unit that outputs the sensor output
For example, 12_TwoTo the computer 12
_TwoIndicates the abnormally divided transporter and the corresponding stacker crane
Use other divided carrier and stacker crane except for
Since the receipt / shipment operation data is created, the same unit is used.
And the receipt and shipping operation can be continued.

Further, when an abnormality occurs in one of the unit-side transfer facilities, the corresponding unit operation computer notifies the other unit operation computer of the fact and requests the entry and exit. The unit operation computer newly creates the entry / exit operation data and sends it to its own transport equipment controller and SC controller, so that the entry / exit operation can be continued similarly.

Incidentally, the transfer carrier is connected to the loading / unloading station (19 ₁ , 20 ₁ ) or (1
When a trouble occurs in 9 ₂ , 20 ₂ ), the transfer carrier is driven to deliver the article to the adjacent transport facility, and the article can be received / shipped from the normal receiving / shipping station.

In addition, the present invention can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the gist thereof.

[0063]

As described above, according to the present invention, 1
Operation control of multiple automatic warehouses is performed using one SC controller, so center facilities and control system systems can be easily constructed, and can be flexibly operated according to plan changes or in / out processing capacity. It is.

Further, the distribution center computer and the lower unit operation computer try to make the inventory data identical to each other, and the unit operation computer holds a long-term receipt / shipment plan. When a trouble occurs, another computer can take over and continue operation.

Further, the present invention allows a unit operation computer that operates and manages a plurality of units to manage inventory data and receipt / shipment planning data of other units, and constructs a closed-loop transfer facility using a split transfer unit. However, by detecting the transport status of each divided transport body, even if a trouble occurs in part or all of the transport equipment, it is possible to continue loading and unloading operations of articles using itself or other units Can be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing one embodiment of a distribution center according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of inventory data.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of receipt / shipment plan data.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation procedure of the distribution center according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the distribution center according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a conventional distribution center.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 1 ₁ , 1 ₂ ... transfer equipment 2a, 2b, 2c, 2a ₁ , 2a ₂ , 2b ₁ , 2b ₂ , 2c
_1, 2c ₂ ... automated warehouse 3,3 _1, 3 ₂ ... stacker crane _{4a, 4b, 4a 1, 4b} 1, 4a 2, 4b 2 ... storage shelves 5,5 _1, 5 ₂ ... Receipt table 6,6 _1, 6 ₂ ··· Outgoing table 7, 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ ··· Control unit 11 · Computer for distribution center 12, 12 ₁ · 12 ₂ · · Unit operation computer 13 · 13 ₁ · 13 ₂ · · · Transport equipment controller 14 · 14 ₁ · 14 ₂ · ... SC controller 19 ... Reception station 20 ... Reception station 21 ... Transportation abnormality sensor

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Minoru Tanabe, 1-2-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan Inside Nihon Kokan Co., Ltd. (72) Hiroshi Ishikawa 1-2-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan (72) Inventor Shinichiro Eto 1-2-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo F-term (reference) 3F022 AA15 FF01 JJ07 LL12 LL31 MM05 MM08 MM22 MM28 MM35 MM55 NN31 PP04

Claims (4)

[Claims] An automatic warehouse comprising a stacker crane and a storage shelf having a self-identifying function and a transport facility associated with these automatic warehouses constitute a single unit, and receive and store operation instructions input from outside. One of the crane controllers transmits an entry / exit control instruction including data for crane identification based on the information, and receives the entry / exit control instruction, and performs self-identification of the stacker crane to perform an entry / exit operation in accordance with the entry / exit control instruction. Characteristic distribution center. 2. A single unit comprising a plurality of automatic warehouses comprising a stacker crane and a storage shelf having a self-identifying function and transport equipment associated with these automatic warehouses, and manages first inventory data. A logistics center computer that creates and outputs a receipt / shipment plan using the inventory data, and manages second inventory data having the same contents as the first inventory data, based on the receipt / shipment plan data of the distribution center computer. Unit operation for creating and outputting the warehouse entry / exit operation data, and when the second inventory data is updated, transmitting the updated information to the distribution center computer to prompt the update of the first inventory data. A computer and an entry / exit system including at least crane identification data based on the entry / exit operation data of the unit operation computer. A crane controller for transmitting an instruction to each of the stacker cranes, and when one of the two computers becomes abnormal, the other computer acts on behalf of the abnormal computer, the shipment / shipment planning data and the inventory. A logistics center that creates and retrieves operation data from data and transmits the data to the crane controller wirelessly or via a bus line. 3. A plurality of units, each comprising a plurality of automatic warehouses each comprising a stacker crane and a storage shelf, and a plurality of divided transporting bodies for carrying articles in and out of the automatic warehouses, and a plurality of units each of which is formed in a closed loop and arranged adjacently. Unit, a transport abnormality sensor installed for each of the divided transport bodies to detect a transport abnormality, a distribution center computer for creating and outputting a receipt / shipment plan for each unit, and a creation based on the receipt / shipment plan data The unit manages inventory data for each unit, stores the entry / exit plan data for each unit transmitted from the computer for the distribution center, and executes the entry / exit operation based on its own unit-side entry / exit plan data. A multi-unit operation controller that creates data and sends it to one crane controller and one transfer equipment controller The unit operation computer, when receiving a transport abnormality from the transport abnormality sensor corresponding to a specific divided transport body that constitutes its own unit-side transport facility, rotates the divided transport body to be normal. A logistics center provided with means for creating new entry / exit operation data including reverse transport control, and continuing entry / exit in accordance with the new entry / exit operation data. 4. A unit comprising a plurality of automatic warehouses comprising stacker cranes and storage shelves and transport equipment formed in a closed loop using a plurality of divided transporters for loading and unloading articles into and from these automatic warehouses is adjacent to each other. A plurality of arranged units, a transport abnormality sensor installed for each of the divided transport bodies and detecting a transport abnormality, a distribution center computer for creating and outputting a receipt / shipment plan for each unit, and It manages the inventory data for each unit created based on it, and stores the entry / exit plan data for each unit transmitted from the computer for the distribution center, based on its own unit-side entry / exit plan data. To create and retrieve operation data and send it to one crane controller and one transfer equipment controller. Each unit operation computer has means for mutually transferring inventory data and receipt / shipment operation data that change as needed, and receives a transfer abnormality of the entire unit-side transfer equipment from the transfer abnormality sensor. Means for requesting entry / exit to another adjacent unit operation computer, and input / output for interruption based on the entry / exit plan data of the unit determined to be the abnormal transport side in the other unit operation computer receiving the entry / exit request. A logistics center provided with another unit operation data creating means for creating outgoing operation data and continuing the in / out operation.