JP2002087537A - Shelf control method and device for automated storage and retrieval warehouse - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To operate an automated storage and retrieval warehouse at high carrying-out efficiency. SOLUTION: A housing part capable of housing plural cargos in the depth direction in a storage shelf is controlled as a basic unit, and a different kind of cargo is not put in the same housing part.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic warehouse used in a distribution center or the like, and more particularly, to a storage shelf having a plurality of storage sections in a row direction and a stepwise direction capable of storing a plurality of packages in a depth direction, The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for managing shelves used in an automatic warehouse having a transfer mechanism capable of moving back and forth in multiple stages in the depth direction and a stacker crane capable of transferring a plurality of packages at once.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a distribution system of this type, storage and storage have been promoted in accordance with diversification of products and frequent delivery to stores.
An efficient warehouse is used to store and sort packaged products in case units, which requires sorting efficiency.

[0003] Generally, an automatic warehouse is connected to a picking place for storing goods to be shipped in a case from a pallet storage warehouse for storing goods in pallets by a conveyor, and is packed at the picking place and disassembled into cases. ) Are stored and sorted, a multi-stage storage shelf arranged in a plurality of rows, a stacker crane provided between each row of the storage shelf, and a storage aisle for transferring a load between the cranes. It has a conveyor and a shipping aisle conveyor. The cargo sent from the pallet storage warehouse is transported to the entrance of the shelf passage where the goods are stored by the storage aisle conveyor. The load conveyed by the incoming aisle conveyor is transferred to a stacker crane and stored on a predetermined shelf of the storage shelf by the stacker crane. In addition, the cargo to be unloaded is transported from the corresponding shelf to the location of the unloading aisle conveyor by the stacker crane, then transferred to the unloading aisle conveyor, and sent to the shipping place.

[0004] In a general distribution center, a warehousing operation and a warehousing operation are performed in separate operation steps. For this reason, when the warehousing work and the warehousing work frequently occur, the ratio of the warehousing time and the warehousing time to the cycle time increases, and the work efficiency decreases.

[0005] In recent years, a stacker crane capable of simultaneously transferring a plurality of loads has been developed, and various proposals have been made regarding its operation. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-11611 (hereinafter referred to as a first conventional example) discloses that in an automatic warehouse having a stacker crane capable of transferring a plurality of loads in the depth direction, a front shelf and a rear shelf are arranged and a depth direction is arranged. Frame shelves that can store two loads, and a loading / unloading tool that is operated in two stages of retraction strokes for the front shelf and the back shelf, and which front shelf has the load when unloading the cargo Judge whether or not
When there is a load on the front shelf, the load on the front shelf is evacuated to the temporary storage shelf, then the luggage on the back shelf is released.When the completion of the retrieval is confirmed, the load temporarily evacuated to the temporary storage shelf is emptied. A stacker crane that controls a stacker crane so as to return the stacker crane to a back shelf, that is, a shelf management technique that focuses on delivering a load stored in the back first is disclosed.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-197207 (hereinafter referred to as “
In the conventional example), there is a 2
In an automatic warehouse using a stacker crane having two forks, a first empty shelf for searching for an empty shelf capable of receiving two pallets at the same time so that a plurality of loads arranged in a row can be moved in and out of the shelf simultaneously. Search means, second empty shelf search means for searching for empty shelves storing a storage-requested item on the next shelf, third empty shelf search means for searching for empty shelves near the entrance, and Means for determining an incoming shelf by using these empty shelf searching means based on the stock status, first outgoing shelf searching means for searching for an outgoing shelf capable of simultaneously ejecting two pallets, and empty shelves in consecutive directions being empty shelves. The second retrieval shelf searching means for retrieving a retrieval shelf which is a retrieval shelf, the third retrieval shelf searching means for retrieving a retrieval shelf near a retrieval port, and the retrieval shelf is determined by selectively using the stock status of the shelf and the content of the retrieval request. And two pallets at the same time Cold storage and entry and leaving shelving determination operation system which enables 2 pallet simultaneous unloading is disclosed.

[0007]

However, in the conventional operation method of an automatic warehouse having a plurality of storage units in the depth direction, when unloading the load on the back shelf, the load on the front shelf is retracted to the temporary storage shelf. Then, the luggage in the back shelf is released, and when the completion of the retrieval is confirmed, the load temporarily evacuated to the temporary storage shelf is returned to the back shelf emptied by the retrieval. , The efficiency of the outgoing work becomes poor.

In the above-mentioned second conventional example, regarding the storage shelf determination, first, the first empty shelf search means searches for empty shelves capable of simultaneously receiving two pallets, and if there is a corresponding shelf, If the corresponding shelf is not found, the second empty shelf searching means searches the adjacent shelves in consecutive directions for an empty shelf for storing the requested storage item, and if there is a corresponding shelf, retrieves it. She is taking steps to make it a shelf. When the storage shelf cannot be determined by the above processing, the empty shelf near the entrance / exit port is searched for by the third empty shelf search means as in the shelf allocation method generally performed before that. It searches and uses it as a storage shelf. Therefore, the following problem exists.

First, empty shelves capable of simultaneously receiving two pallets are searched, and if there is a corresponding shelf, it is set as a receiving shelf.
Pallets with different items may be stored on adjacent empty shelves. For this reason, if there is no corresponding shelf, the number of empty shelves to be used when searching for empty shelves for storage of requested goods on the next shelf next time decreases, and the same item pallet is not stored in the adjacent shelf The probability increases. As a result, the probability that two pallets of the same item can be delivered at the same time decreases, and the delivery efficiency deteriorates. The above problem is also caused by a search performed when there is no corresponding shelf even in a search based on the above two conditions, that is, a search for an empty shelf near an entrance / exit port and setting it as a storage shelf. In normal logistics center operations, the loads manufactured at the factory are received on average during the working hours of the day, whereas the delivery work is concentrated on the delivery time to multiple customers. Therefore, outgoing peaks are often concentrated in the early morning or evening hours. At that time, if the pallets of items with a high shipment request amount or multiple items that are frequently requested are not stored on adjacent shelves, even if the stacker crane has a function that can transfer multiple loads at the same time, There is a limit to increasing the shipping efficiency.

A technical object of the present invention is to provide a storage shelf having a plurality of storage sections in a row direction and a stepwise direction capable of storing a plurality of luggage in the depth direction, and to be capable of moving in and out of the storage section in multiple stages in the depth direction. It is an object of the present invention to make it possible to operate the automatic warehouse with a stacker crane which has a simple transfer mechanism and can transfer a plurality of packages at a time with high delivery efficiency.

[0011]

According to the gist of the present invention, a storage unit capable of storing a plurality of packages in a depth direction in a storage shelf is managed as a basic unit, and different types of packages are stored in the same storage unit. There is no place to be. By providing such a restriction, the probability of multiple filling of the same kind of package in each storage unit gradually increases as the warehousing operation progresses. As a result, it is possible to improve the efficiency in taking out the goods. The concept of the storage management is shown, for example, in FIG. By the way, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the following has been made as the claimed invention. That is, the automatic warehouse shelf management method according to claim 1 of the present invention provides a storage shelf having a plurality of storage sections in a continuous direction and a stepwise direction capable of storing a plurality of packages in the depth direction, and the storage section having the depth. This is a shelf management method used for an automatic warehouse having a stacker crane capable of transferring a plurality of packages at a time, having a transfer mechanism capable of moving forward and backward in multiple stages in the direction, wherein a load of the same type is stored in each storage section. It is characterized in that only different types are stored and different types are not stored.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the automatic warehouse shelf management method, when a plurality of storage units sequentially adjacent in a continuous direction are set as one storage unit set, a part or all of the storage shelves are stored. The storage shelves are managed so as to consist of a set of sets, and by the management, the same storage unit group stores only loads of the same type including its depth direction and does not store different types of loads. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the automatic warehouse shelf management method, each storage section of the storage shelf can store two small packages or one large package in the depth direction, and the stacker crane stores the small packages or one large package. A storage mechanism is provided with two transfer mechanisms capable of moving back and forth in two steps in the depth direction with respect to the storage unit, and two storage units adjacent in the connection direction are managed as one storage unit set. Features.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the automatic warehouse shelf management method, when allocating shelves, if two or four parcels do not have the same type in the depth direction, the storage unit Search for and select a storage unit in which the load is stored only on the back side and the type of the load is the same as one of the loads to be stored, and select the storage unit that is not stored in the front storage unit in the storage unit. A load of the same type as that of the rear storage section of the storage is received.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the automatic warehouse shelf management method, when one large package or two different types of large packages are to be stored at the time of allocating the shelves, only one of the storage unit sets is stored. And search for and select a storage unit set in which the type of the large baggage is stored and the type of the large baggage is the same as the large baggage to be received. It is characterized by storing large luggage of the same type as the storage unit.

The automatic warehouse shelf management method according to claim 6 is characterized in that a combination of storage unit sets is changed according to a shelf state.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic warehouse shelf management method in which a variety of products requiring a large amount of shipments or a variety of products requiring a plurality of types is arranged in an area close to an entrance of a warehouse. Is characterized in that it is located in a farther area.

An automatic warehouse shelf management apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention provides a storage shelf having a plurality of storage sections in a row direction and a stepwise direction capable of storing a plurality of packages in a depth direction, and A shelf management device used in an automatic warehouse equipped with a stacker crane capable of transferring a plurality of loads at once having a transfer mechanism capable of moving forward and backward in multiple steps in the depth direction. The configuration is such that only the load is stored and the different types are not stored.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shelf management device for an automatic warehouse, comprising: a storage shelf having a plurality of storage sections in a continuous direction and a stepwise direction capable of storing a plurality of packages in a depth direction; A shelf management device used in an automatic warehouse equipped with a stacker crane capable of transferring a plurality of loads at one time and having a transfer mechanism capable of moving forward and backward in multiple stages in the direction, and reads information on incoming loads. The number, type, and arrangement pattern of the loads transferred to the stacker crane are determined based on the load information reading / storing means to be stored and the information from the load information reading / storing means and the information from the pallet detection sensor of the transfer position. A load information determining means for outputting a determination result; and, based on the determination result of the load information determining means, when the number of loads transferred to the stacker crane is one load or a plurality of different types of loads, Enter only A first storage unit search unit that searches for a storage unit that stores a load of the same type as the target type and outputs a search result, and a corresponding storage unit based on the search result of the first storage unit search unit. If there is no storage unit, the stacker crane is searched based on the second storage unit search unit that searches for an empty storage unit on both the back side and the front side and outputs the search result, and the load information determination unit. When a plurality of loads of the same type are simultaneously transferred in the depth direction, a third storage unit search unit that searches for a storage unit in which both the back side and the front side are empty and outputs a search result; Storage shelf determination means for inputting and allocating the search result of the department search means.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, each storage unit of the storage shelf is configured to be able to store two small packages in the depth direction.

The automatic warehouse shelf management device according to claim 11 is a storage shelf having a plurality of storage sections in a row direction and a stepwise direction in which two small packages or one large package can be stored in the depth direction. A shelf management device used for an automatic warehouse equipped with a stacker crane capable of transferring two or more loads at a time having two transfer mechanisms capable of moving forward and backward in multiple steps in the depth direction with respect to the unit. A load information reading / storing means for reading and storing information on a load to be stored, and transferred to a stacker crane based on information from the load information reading / storing means and information from a pallet detection sensor of a transfer position. The load information determining means for determining the number, type, and arrangement pattern of the loads and outputting the determination result, and the load to be transferred to the stacker crane based on the determination result of the load information determining means are three small packages. Sou If the location of fractional parcels is located at the back, or if there are four parcels, or if there are two large parcels, it is determined whether or not all the parcels are of the same type, In some cases, a directional switching signal is output, and if even one type is different, a different type signal is output. Based on the determination result of the load information determining unit and the determination result of the continuous direction switching determining unit. If there is a different kind of signal input and the load transferred to the stacker crane is 2 to 4 small packages, or if there is a different kind of signal input and large and small packages are mixed, and two small packages are among them If it is included, it is determined whether or not the same type of parcel is included in the depth direction, and based on the determination result of the depth direction same type determination means that outputs the determination result and the load information determination means, the stacker crane is moved. The number of loads to be loaded is one Or, in the case of a load of a plurality of different types, first storage unit search means for searching for a storage unit storing a load of the same type as the type to be stored only on the back side and outputting a search result; Based on the search result of the first storage unit search means, if there is no corresponding storage unit, search for a storage unit that is empty on both the back side and the front side,
A plurality of loads of the same type are simultaneously transferred in the depth direction to the stacker crane based on the determination result of the second storage unit searching means for outputting the search result and the determination result of the load information determining means and the determination result of the same type in the depth direction determining means. In this case, when there is an input of a continuous direction switching signal from a third storage unit search unit that searches for a storage unit in which both the back side and the front side are empty and outputs a search result, and a continuous direction switch determination unit. The fourth storage unit search means for searching for a combination in which both storage units adjacent in the continuous direction are empty on the back side and the front side and outputting search results, and the search results of each storage unit search unit are input. And storage shelf determination means to be assigned.

[0022] The automatic warehouse shelf management device according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention is the automatic warehouse shelf management device, wherein the two sets adjacent to each other are managed as one set.
The storage unit combination changing means for changing the combination of the storage units according to the shelf condition is provided.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the storage shelf deciding means inputs the kind data, the shipping amount data, and the retrieval result of each storage section retrieval means, and selects the selected candidate. If the type has multiple shelves and the type of shipment is large or the type of product that is frequently requested, select a candidate shelf near the entrance. A candidate shelf is selected and assigned.

[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1 FIG. Hereinafter, an automatic warehouse shelf management method and apparatus according to the present invention will be described based on the illustrated embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main part configuration of a control unit in an automatic warehouse shelf management device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an entire system configuration of the control unit, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing a relationship between a storage shelf of an automatic warehouse, a stacker crane, and each conveyor.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view showing the main part of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a side view schematically showing the relationship between the storage shelves and each conveyor, FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of the shelf management method, and FIG. FIG. 8 is a front view schematically showing a state in which the transfer mechanism of the stacker crane has advanced to a full stroke, FIG.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for allocating a storage shelf in the shelf management method.

The automatic warehouse according to the first embodiment is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, three units 10 a to 10 c are installed, and a plurality of storage units 1 that can store a plurality of luggage in the depth direction 1 a and the near side 1 b in the depth direction are arranged side by side and in the step direction. Storage shelves 2a to 2c, and transfer mechanisms 3a to 3c capable of moving back and forth in multiple steps (here, two steps) in the depth direction with respect to the storage section 1, and a plurality of loads (here, two Three stacker cranes 4a to 4c capable of transferring small parcels), three receiving conveyors 5a to 5c connected to a picking station, and a load selectively connected to an entrance of a shelf passage. Of three twin aisle conveyors 6a, 7a, 6 for transferring the products to the stacker cranes 4a to 4c
b, 7b and 6c, 7c and the stacker cranes 4a to 4c.
3c outgoing aisle conveyors 8a, 9a, 8b, 9b, 8c, 8c
9c, three shipping conveyors 11a to 11c for transporting the goods sent from the shelves to the shipping place, and these incoming and outgoing conveyors 5a to 5c, 11a to 11c, and a pair of incoming and outgoing aisle conveyors 6a, 7a, 6b, 7b, 6c, 7c, and 8a, 9a, 8b, 9b, 8c, 9c interposed and installed, and a loop-type loading / unloading conveyer 12 for transferring a load therebetween, and receiving conveyers 5a to 5c. For reading and storing information such as the type name of a load W (hereinafter, referred to as an item pallet), which is arranged near each of the receiving conveyors 5a to 5c (for example, a bar code reader). 13a to 13c. Note that 14a, 15a, 14b, 15b, and 1
4c, 15c are the incoming aisle conveyor pairs 6a, 7a, 6
b, 7b, 6c, and 7c, which are the delivery positions of the item pallets W respectively set on the stacker cranes 4a to 4c.
The transfer mechanism 3a is provided corresponding to each of the transfer mechanisms 3a to 3c. Each delivery position 14a, 15a, 14b,
The presence / absence (arrangement pattern) of the item pallets W in 15b, 14c and 15c is detected by a pallet detection sensor (not shown) and sent to the control unit. As the pallet detection sensor, for example, an image processing method, an optical sensor, a limit switch, an ultrasonic sensor, and the like can be variously adopted.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit reads the
A transfer control unit 21 that obtains information (number of goods, kind, etc.) of the item pallets W from storage means, that is, barcode readers 13a to 13c, and controls each conveyor so that the amount of goods loaded into the stacker cranes 4a to 4c is equal. And information on the shelf status such as the shipping amount from the shelf management database 22, information on the item pallets W (the number of cargoes / types, etc.) from the barcode readers 13a to 13c, and information from the pallet detection sensor (the arrangement pattern at the delivery position). ) And a shelf management database 2 for allocating storage shelves based on
2, an outgoing shelves allocating section 24 for allocating outgoing shelves based on the information on the shelves status from 2, a transport control section 21 and an incoming shelves allocating section 23.
And a crane control unit 25 that controls the stacker cranes 4a to 4c based on information from the storage shelf allocating unit 24.

The storage shelf allocating section 23, which is a main part of the control section, will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.
Is the number, type, and location of the item pallets W transferred to the stacker cranes 4a to 4c based on the information from the load information reading / storing means, that is, the bar code readers 13a to 13c and the information from the pallet detection sensors. A load information determining unit 31 that determines a pattern and outputs a determination result, and based on the determination result of the load information determining unit 31, the number of item pallets transferred to the stacker cranes 4a to 4c is one or a plurality of different types. In the case of the item pallet, the first storage unit search means 32 for searching the storage unit 1 storing the same type of load as the type to be stored only in the back side 1a and outputting the search result; Storage section search means 3
If there is no corresponding storage unit based on the search result of No. 2, the second storage unit search unit 3 searches for a storage unit in which both the back side 1a and the front side 1b are empty and outputs the search result.
3 and when a plurality of loads of the same type are simultaneously transferred in the depth direction to the stacker crane based on the determination result of the load information determining means 31, the storage section in which both the rear side 1a and the front side 1b are empty. , And third storage unit search means 32 for outputting search results, and storage unit search means 32, 33, and 34.
Storage shelf determination means 35 for inputting and allocating search results of
It is composed of

In such a system, the stacker cranes 4a to 4c are provided with any of the transfer positions 14a, 15a, 14b, 15b, 14c, and 14c on the corresponding pair of incoming aisle conveyors 6a, 7a, 6b, 7b, 6c, and 7c. Fifteen
c, the transfer mechanism 3a
By adjusting the two-step depth direction stroke when receiving by 3c to 3c, it has a function of being able to be stored in both the back side 1a and the near side 1b of the storage unit 1, and the item is actually placed at the delivery position. When there is only one pallet W, such operation is performed. However, when there are two item pallets W at the delivery position, it is inefficient to operate the item pallets W one by one as described above. Therefore, here, the item pallet W
In the case where there are two, a limitation as shown in FIG. 8 is provided so that the receiving shelves can be allocated at the same time and the storage shelves can be allocated, and the storage section searching means 32, 33, and 34 are set to perform the search under these conditions. did.

Next, based on FIGS. 4, 6 and 9, FIG.
The shelf management method of the automatic warehouse according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Here, for example, an item pallet W in which a plurality of articles of the same type packed in a cardboard box, a plastic case, or the like, which are produced in another factory and delivered by truck, are stacked on the pallet.
Are stored in three automatic warehouses 10a to 10c.

First, the item pallet W is lowered from the truck vehicle to the receiving conveyors 5a to 5c using a forklift. The item names of the item pallets W are read by the barcode readers 13a to 13c on the receiving conveyors 5a to 5c. afterwards,
Each stacker crane 4a-
4c, a pair of incoming aisle conveyors 6a, 7a, 6b, 7b,
6c and 7c are selectively conveyed. Stacker crane 4
Each of the stacker cranes 4a
(4a → 4b → 4c → 4a → 4b...), Or a method of selecting so that the balance of the stocked varieties is even, so that the amount of goods entering into 4c becomes equal. It is determined. Entry aisle conveyor pair 6a, 7a, 6
b, 7b, 6c, 7c, the transfer positions 14a, 15a, 14b, 1 to the stacker cranes 4a to 4c.
After the item pallet W arrives at 5b, 14c, 15c,
When the stacker cranes 4a to 4c have completed the unloading operation or when the stacker cranes 4a to 4c are in the standby state, the condition is that a storage instruction is given to the stacker cranes 4a to 4c to start the storage operation. Is established, and immediately before starting the work, the storage shelves of the conveyed item pallets W are allocated.

The storage shelf allocation of the item pallets W is performed according to the following procedure. In addition, each stacker crane 4a-4
c are controlled independently of each other. Here, a method of allocating the storage shelves when the conditions for the storage operation of the stacker crane 2a are prepared will be mainly described with reference to FIGS. First, the delivery positions 14a, 15 in the depth direction
It is determined whether the item pallet W exists in only one of the items a, or whether the item pallet W exists in both of the delivery positions 14a and 15a (step 1). If there is an item pallet W only at one of the delivery positions (for example, 14a), the item pallet W of the kind to be stored is stored in the back side 1a of the storage unit 1 and a combination in which the front side 1b is empty is searched (step S1). 2) It is determined whether or not the corresponding storage unit 1 exists (step 3), and if so, this is selected as a storage shelf candidate (step 4). If it is determined in step 3 that the corresponding storage unit 1 does not exist, a combination in which both the back side 1a and the front side 1b are empty is searched (step 5), and the back side 1a of the corresponding storage unit 1 is searched. Is selected as a storage shelf candidate (step 6).

If it is determined in step 1 that there are item pallets W at both the delivery positions 14a and 15a in the depth direction, it is determined whether the two item pallets W are of the same type (step 7). If it is determined that the type is different, first, the item pallet W of the type to be stored is stored in the back side 1a of the storage unit 1, and a combination in which the front side 1b is empty is searched (step 8). It is determined whether or not there is a storage unit 1 to be stored (step 9), and if so, this is selected as a storage shelf candidate (step 10). If it is determined in step 9 that the corresponding storage unit 1 does not exist, a combination in which both the back side 1a and the front side 1b are empty is searched (step 11), and the back side 1a of the corresponding storage unit 1 is searched. Is selected as a storage shelf candidate (step 12).

If it is determined in step 7 that the products are of the same type, a combination in which both the back side 1a and the front side 1b are empty is searched (step 13), and the corresponding storage unit 1 is set as a storage shelf candidate. Select (Step 14).

When there are a plurality of storage sections selected in this way, for example, a storage section close to the entrance / exit port is selected and allocated as a storage shelf as in the conventional case (step 15), and the allocated storage shelf is placed on the stacker crane. 2a is instructed (step 16). Thereby, the stocking operation of the item pallet W is started. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, after the item pallets are stored in the back side 1a of the combination storage unit 1 in which both the back side 1a and the front side 1b are empty, except for the item pallet W of the same kind, The storage shelves are managed in the shelf management database 22 using the back side 1a and the near side 1b as basic units so that they are not allocated to the near side 1b of the unit 1.

Although there is no particular description of the retrieval method and retrieval operation here, the probability of simultaneous retrieval of two items increases due to the allocation of storage shelves by the above-described shelf management method if the conventional method is used. , Outgoing efficiency is improved. As a result, the processing capacity of the stacker cranes 4a to 4c is improved.

Also, here, a storage shelf having a plurality of storage sections in a row direction and a stepwise direction capable of storing two small packages in the depth direction, and a transfer capable of moving forward and backward in the depth direction with respect to the storage section. The case where a stacker crane having a mechanism is used has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a storage unit capable of storing three or more parcels in the depth direction is arranged in the continuous direction and the step direction. Needless to say, the shelf management method of the present invention can also be applied to a case where a stacker crane having a plurality of storage shelves and a transfer mechanism capable of moving back and forth in three directions in the depth direction with respect to the storage section is used.

Also, here, the case where the load is stacked on a pallet has been described as an example, but it is needless to say that the present invention can also be applied to a case automatic warehouse in which cardboard boxes or plastic cases are stored. .

Further, when the products are of the same product type but have different production dates and production lots, the products may be judged as different products and processed.

Embodiment 2 FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a storage shelf allocating unit of the control unit in the automatic warehouse shelf management device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the shelf management method. FIG. 1 of the first embodiment described above.
6 and the same functional units as those in FIG. In the description, reference will be made to FIGS. 2 and 4 described above.

In the automatic warehouse shelf management apparatus according to the second embodiment, the storage shelf deciding means 35A of the storage shelf allocating section 23 uses the kind data from the load information determining means 31 and the shipment amount data from the shelf management database 22. And the search results of the first to third storage unit search means 32, 33, and 34, and the item pallet W having a plurality of selected candidate shelves and having a large shipment request amount or the frequency of requesting a plurality of items are determined. High item pallet W
In the case of item (1), the storage unit near the entrance is selected as shown by W1 to W6 in FIG. 11, and for the item pallet W with a small amount of shipment, the storage area is located in a farther area such as W7 to W9 in FIG. This is different from the first embodiment in that the storage unit is selected and assigned. The other configuration is the same as that of the above-described first embodiment, and has all the functions of the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the storage efficiency is improved without unnecessarily creating an empty storage section, and the operation with a good exit efficiency can be performed. Further, the ratio of the area at this time may be determined from the ratio of the product type, the ratio of the shipping amount, and the like.

Embodiment 3 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a storage shelf allocating unit of a control unit in the automatic warehouse shelf management device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 shows a relationship between the storage rack of the automatic warehouse, a stacker crane, and each conveyor. FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view, FIG.
5 is a flowchart showing the procedure for allocating storage shelves in the shelf management method. In each figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same functional units as those in FIGS. 1, 3, and 6 of the first embodiment. is there. In the description, reference will be made to FIGS. 2 and 4 described above.

As shown in FIG. 13, three shelf management devices 10a to 10c are installed in the automatic warehouse according to the third embodiment, and two shelves 10a to 10c are provided in the depth direction 1a and the near side 1b, respectively.
A plurality of storage units 1 capable of storing one parcel or one large parcel extending across the back side 1a and the front side 1b (the size in the depth direction is about twice that of the parcel) are provided side by side in a row direction and a step direction. Storage shelves 2a to 2c, and a twin-type transfer mechanism 61a, which can move back and forth in two steps in the depth direction with respect to the storage section 1,
Three stacker cranes 63a to 63 having 62a, 61b, 62b and 61c, 62c in a continuous direction and capable of transferring a plurality of loads (four small packages or two large packages) at a time.
c, and three receiving conveyors 64a, 65a, 64b, 65b, and 64 of a twin system connected to a picking place.
c, 65c, and three twin-type storage aisle conveyors 6a, 7a, 6 that are connected to the entrance of the shelf passage and pass the selectively sent load to the stacker cranes 63a to 63c.
b, 7b, 6c, 7c and the stacker crane 63a
-63c, three outgoing aisle conveyors 8a, 9a, 8b, 9b, and 8 for receiving and sending out loads from 63c
c and 9c, and three twin-type shipping conveyors 66a and 67a for transporting the goods sent from the shelves to the shipping place,
66b, 67b and 66c, 67c, and a pair of the incoming and outgoing conveyors 64a, 65a, 64b, 65b, 64c,
65c, and 66a, 67a, 66b, 67b, 66
c, 67c and a pair of entrance and exit aisle conveyors 6a, 7a, 6
b, 7b, 6c, 7c and 8a, 9a, 8b, 9b,
8c, 9c, and a twin-loop storage conveyer 68 that is interposed and transfers cargo between them.
And the receiving conveyor pair 64a, 65a, 64b, 65b,
64c, 65c, and 64c, 65c, respectively.
c, 65c, load information reading and storing means (for example, a bar code reader) 71a, 7 for reading and storing information such as the type name of the load W (hereinafter, referred to as an item pallet).
2a, 71b, 72b and 71c, 72c.

Incoming conveyor pairs 64a, 65a, 64b,
65b, 64c, 65c, a loading / unloading conveyor 68, and a shipping conveyor pair 66a, 67a, 66b, 67b, 66
c and 67c are capable of transporting one large pallet in the horizontal direction with respect to the traveling direction, two vertical pallets, and two small pallets in the horizontal direction with respect to the traveling direction. 7a, 6b, 7b, 6c, 7c, and outgoing aisle conveyors 8a, 9a, 8b, 9b, 8c, 9
Since c is a twin system, it can be used to carry two large and small pallets. 14a,
15a, 73a, 74a, 14b, 15b, 73b, 7
4b, and 14c, 15c, 73c, 74c are the incoming aisle conveyor pairs 6a, 7a, 6b, 7b, and 6c, 7
The transfer positions of the item pallets W installed on the stacker cranes 63a to 63c, 61a, 62a, 61b, 62b, and 61c, 62c.
It is provided corresponding to. Each delivery position 14
a, 15a, 73a, 74a, 14b, 15b, 73
The presence / absence (arrangement pattern) of the item pallets W in b, 74b and 14c, 15c, 73c, 74c is detected by a pallet detection sensor (not shown) and sent to the control unit. As a pallet detection sensor,
For example, various methods such as an image processing method, an optical sensor, a limit switch, and an ultrasonic sensor can be adopted.

The control unit has basically the same configuration as that of FIG. 2, but here, the transport control unit 21 is provided with a load information reading / storing means, that is, bar code readers 71a, 72a, 7a.
Item pallet W from 1b, 72b and 71c, 72c
Of the stacker crane 63
Each of the conveyors is controlled so that the amount of storage in a to 63c becomes equal. The storage shelf allocating unit 23
Shelf status information such as shipping amount from the shelf management database 22 and bar code readers 71a, 72a, 71b, 72
b, and information on the item pallets W (number of cargoes, types, etc.) from 71c and 72c and information from the pallet detection sensor (arrangement pattern at the delivery position) are assigned to the storage shelves. Outgoing shelf allocation unit 24
Is configured to allocate the outgoing shelves based on the information on the shelf status from the shelf management database 22. Further, the crane control unit 25 controls the stacker cranes 63a to 63c based on information from the transport control unit 21, the storage shelf allocating unit 23, and the storage shelf allocating unit 24.

The storage shelf allocating section 23, which is a main part of the control section in this embodiment, will be described in further detail with reference to FIG. 12. The storage shelf allocating section 23 includes load information reading / storing means, that is, bar code readers 71a, 72a, 71b, 72
b, and the stacker cranes 63a to 63c based on the information from 71c and 72c and the information from the pallet detection sensor.
The load information determining unit 31 that determines the number, type, and layout pattern of the item pallets W to be transferred to the transfer pallet 3c and outputs the result of the determination, and the stacker crane 63a based on the determination result of the load information determining unit 31 If the number of item pallets transferred to ~ 63c is 3 parcels and the fractional parcels are located at the back, or 4 parcels, or 2 large parcels, those pallets are It is determined whether or not all the packages are of the same type, and if they are all of the same type, a connected direction switching signal is output. If at least one type is different, a connected direction switching determination unit 41 that outputs a different type signal.
Based on the determination result of the load information determination means 31 and the determination result of the continuous direction switching determination means 41, a load having a different type signal input and being transferred to the stacker cranes 63a to 63c is 2
If there are up to four parcels, or if different kinds of signals are input and large and small parcels are mixed and two parcels are included, whether or not parcels of the same type are included in the depth direction , And the number of loads transferred to the stacker cranes 63a to 63c is one load or different loads based on the determination results of the same product determination unit 42 in the depth direction that outputs the determination result and the load information determination unit 31. In the case of a load of a variety, a first storage unit search means 32 for searching for a storage unit 1 storing a load of the same type as the type to be stored only in the back side 1a and outputting a search result; If there is no corresponding storage unit 1 based on the search result of the storage unit search means 32, the storage unit 1 in which both the back side 1a and the front side 1b are empty is searched and the search result is output. Storage unit search means 33,
The stacker crane 63 is determined based on the determination result of the load information determination unit 31 and the determination result of the same type determination unit 42 in the depth direction.
When a plurality of loads of the same type are simultaneously transferred in the depth direction to a to 63c, the third storage unit searches for the storage unit 1 in which both the back side 1a and the front side 1b are empty and outputs a search result. When there is an input of a continuous direction switching signal from the storage section searching means 34A and the continuous direction switching determination means 41, the storage sections 1 adjacent in the continuous direction both search for a combination in which the back side 1a and the front side 1b are empty. A fourth storage unit search unit 43 for outputting a search result; a storage shelf determination unit 35B for inputting and allocating search results of the storage unit search units 32, 33, 34A, 43;
It is composed of

In such a system, the stacker cranes 63a to 63c are provided with any of the transfer positions 14a, 15a, 73a, 74a, and 14 on the corresponding pair of incoming aisle conveyors 6a, 7a, 6b, 7b, and 6c, 7c.
b, 15b, 73b, 74b, and 14c, 15c, 7
Even if the item pallet W arrives at 3c, 74c, the respective transfer mechanisms 61a, 62a, 61b, 62b, 61c, 61c,
By adjusting the two-step depth direction stroke when receiving by the storage device 62c, the storage unit 1 can be stored in either the rear side 1a or the front side 1b. If there is only one W, or if the item pallet W
If there is only one, such operation is also performed. However, when there are two item pallets W in the depth direction of the delivery position, it is inefficient to use one item pallet W as described above. Therefore, when there are two item pallets W in the depth direction of the transfer position, a restriction as shown in FIG. 8 is provided so that the pallets can be simultaneously received and the storage shelves can be allocated. The search means 32, 33, 34A, and 43 are set to perform the search.

Next, a method of managing shelves in an automatic warehouse according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 based on FIGS. 14 and 15. Here, for example, an item pallet W in which a plurality of articles of the same type packed in a cardboard box, a plastic case, or the like, which are produced in another factory and delivered by truck, are stacked on the pallet.
The case where (large luggage) is stored in three automatic warehouses 10a to 10c will be described as an example.

First, an item pallet, that is, a large pallet W
Are delivered from a truck vehicle using a forklift, and the conveyors 64a, 65a, 64b, 65b, 64c, 65
c. The unloaded large pallets W are received by the receiving conveyors 64a, 65a, 64b, 65b, 64c, 65c.
Bar code readers 71a, 72a, 71b, 72
The type name of the large pallet W is read by b, 71c and 72c. Thereafter, the incoming and outgoing conveyor 68 causes each of the stacker cranes 63a to 63c to enter the incoming aisle conveyor 6
a, 7a, 6b, 7b, 6c, 7c. As a method of selecting the stacker cranes 63a to 63c, a method of sequentially selecting the stacker cranes 63a to 63c (63a → 63b) so that the storage amounts to the stacker cranes 63a to 63c become equal.
→ 63c → 63a → 63b...) Or a method of selecting so that the balance of the stocked varieties is even. Entry aisle conveyor pairs 6a, 7a, 6b, 7b,
6c, stacker cranes 63a to 6c provided on 7c
3c, delivery positions 14a, 15a, 73a, 74a,
14b, 15b, 73b, 74b, 14c, 15c, 7
After the large pallet W arrives at 3c, 74c, when the stacker cranes 63a to 63c complete the unloading operation or when the stacker cranes 63a to 63c are in the standby state, the storage instruction is given to the stacker cranes 63a to 63c. The condition for starting the storage operation is satisfied. However, the conditions for the storage operation are prepared, and immediately before the operation is started, the storage shelves of the large pallets W that have been transported are allocated.

The storage shelf allocation of the large pallet W is performed according to the following procedure. In addition, each stacker crane 63a-6
3c are controlled independently of each other. Here, a method of allocating the storage shelves when the conditions of the storage operation of the stacker crane 63a are prepared is mainly described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. First, the delivery position 14 in the depth direction
a, 15a or 73a, 74a, there is a large pallet W in only one of
a, 15a and 73a, 74a are determined to be both directions (step 111). When there is a large pallet W in only one of the consecutive directions (for example, 14a, 15a) at the delivery position, both the rear side 1a and the front side 1b are empty, and The combination storing the large pallet W is searched (step 112), and it is determined whether or not the corresponding storage unit 1 exists (step 113). If the storage unit 1 exists, it is selected as a storage shelf candidate (step 113). Step 114). Step 11
If it is determined in step 3 that the corresponding storage unit 1 does not exist,
Both of the storage units adjacent in the continuous direction are the back side 1a and the near side 1
A combination in which b is empty is searched (step 115), and the corresponding storage unit 1 is selected as a storage shelf candidate (step 1).
16).

At the step 111, the delivery position 14
If it is determined that there are large pallets W in both the continuous directions a, 15a and 73a, 74a, it is determined whether the two large pallets W are of the same type (step 11).
7) If it is determined that the varieties are different, first, the back side 1a
A search is made for a combination in which the large pallet W of the type to be stored is stored in the storage unit 1 adjacent to the storage unit 1 in the continuous direction and the front side 1b is empty (step 118). It is determined whether or not it is present (step 119), and if it exists, it is selected as a storage shelf candidate (step 12).
0). If it is determined in step 119 that the corresponding storage unit 1 does not exist, a search is made for a combination in which the back side 1a and the near side 1b are empty for both of the adjacent storage units in the continuous direction (step 121). Is selected as a storage shelf candidate (step 122).

If it is determined in step 117 that the products are of the same type, a combination in which the back side 1a and the near side 1b are empty is searched for in any of the adjacent storage units in the continuous direction (step 123). The storage unit 1 is selected as a storage shelf candidate (step 124).

If there are a plurality of storage units selected in this way, for example, a storage unit close to the entrance / exit port is selected and allocated as a storage shelf (step 125), and the allocated storage rack is assigned to the stacker crane. 63a is instructed (step 126). Thereby, the loading operation of the large pallet W is started. Then, as shown in FIG. 14, after the large pallets W are stored in one of the combinations in which the adjacent storage units in the continuous direction are both empty, the storage units 1 other than the large pallets W of the same type are stored. In order to prevent the storage shelves from being assigned to the storage units adjacent in the continuous direction, the storage unit management is performed by the shelf management database 22 using the two adjacent storage units as a set while using the back side 1a and the front side 1b as basic units. Done.

Although the retrieval search method and retrieval operation are not specifically described here, if the conventional method is used, the probability of simultaneous retrieval of two large pallets can be obtained by the allocation of the storage shelves by the shelf management method described above. And the delivery efficiency improves. As a result, the stacker cranes 63a to 63
The processing capacity of c is improved.

Also, here, a storage shelf having a plurality of storage sections in a row direction and a stepwise direction capable of storing two small packages in the depth direction or one large package extending between the back side 1a and the front side 1b, and a storage section In contrast, the case where a stacker crane having a twin-type transfer mechanism capable of moving back and forth in two steps in the depth direction is used as an example has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Storage shelves having a plurality of storage sections capable of storing three or more parcels in a row direction and a stepwise direction, and a transfer mechanism capable of moving back and forth in three steps in the depth direction with respect to the storage sections. Needless to say, the shelf management method of the present invention can be applied to a case where a stacker crane having one is used.

Also, here, an example in which the load is stacked on a pallet has been described as an example, but it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to a case automatic warehouse in which cardboard boxes or plastic cases are stored. .

Further, when the products are of the same product type but have different production dates and production lots, they may be determined and processed as different product types.

Embodiment 4 FIG. FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a state where large and small pallets are mixedly arranged at the delivery position to the stacker crane in the automatic warehouse according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 17 to 20 show storage in the shelf management method. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of shelf allocation, and the structure of an apparatus is the same as that of the above-mentioned 3rd Embodiment. Therefore, here, the storage shelves when the conditions for the storage operation of the stacker crane 63a when the large and small pallets are mixed are mainly prepared with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14 with reference to FIGS. Will be described.

As shown in FIG. 16, the storage shelves in the case where large and small pallets are mixedly arranged at the transfer positions 14a, 15a, 73a, 74a to the stacker crane 63a in the twin-type storage aisle conveyor pair 6a, 7a as shown in FIG. The assignment is performed according to the following procedure. First, the delivery position 14
It is determined whether there is an item pallet W in a, 15a, 73a, 74a (step 211). If there is an item pallet W, the type and arrangement pattern thereof are checked (step 212). Next, it is determined whether the number of the item pallets W is one at the delivery positions 14a, 15a, 73a, 74a (step 21).
3) If the number of item pallets W is one, it is determined whether or not this item pallet W is a large pallet (step 21).
4) If it is determined that the pallet is not a large pallet but a small pallet, a single small pallet storage unit search process is performed (step 215). The description of steps 2 to 6 in the flowchart of FIG. 9 described above can be applied as the description of the single small pallet storage section search process. If it is determined in step 214 that the pallet is a large pallet, a single large pallet storage unit search process is performed (step 21).
6). The description of steps 112 to 116 in the above-described flowchart of FIG.

At step 213, the delivery position 14
a, 15a, 73a, and 74a have one item pallet W
If it is determined that there are more than one delivery positions 14a, 1
It is determined whether the number of item pallets W in 5a, 73a, 74a is two (step 217).
Is two, it is determined whether or not the two item pallets W are of the same type (step 218). If it is determined that they are of the same type, the two item pallets W
It is determined whether or not is a large pallet (step 219). If it is determined that the pallet is a large pallet, a storage unit search process for the same large pallet is performed (step 220). The storage unit search processing for the same large pallet is described in FIG.
123 to 1 in the flowchart of FIG.
The description of 24 is applicable. If it is determined in step 219 that the pallet is not a large pallet but a small pallet, it is determined whether or not these two small pallets are arranged in the depth direction (step 221). If it is determined that the same pallet is placed, the storage unit search processing for the same small pallet is performed (step 222).
As an explanation of the storage unit search processing of the same small pallet,
Steps 13 to 13 in the flowchart of FIG.
The description of step 14 can be applied. Step 2
If it is determined at 21 that the two identical small pallets are not arranged in the depth direction, it is known that these two identical small pallets are arranged in the continuous direction, so they are treated as different kinds of small pallets, The small pallet storage unit search process is performed (step 223). The description of steps 8 to 12 in the flowchart of FIG.

If it is determined in step 218 that the two item pallets W are not the same type, it is next determined whether or not large and small pallets are arranged in a mixed manner (step 224). If it is determined that the pallets are arranged at the same position, the storage unit search processing of the single small pallet is performed (step 225), and then the storage unit search processing of the single large pallet is performed (step 226). As described above, the storage unit search processing of the single small pallet and the storage unit search processing of the single large pallet will be described with reference to step 2 to step 6 in the flowchart of FIG. 9 and step 112 to step in the flowchart of FIG. The description of 116 can be applied. Step 224
If it is determined that the large and small pallets are not mixed, it is determined whether these different pallets are a combination of large pallets or a combination of small pallets (Step 227), and it is determined that the combination is not a large pallet but a combination of small pallets. If so, a storage section search process for different types of small pallets is performed (step 22).
8). As described above, the description of steps 8 to 12 in the flowchart of FIG. If it is determined in step 227 that the combination is a combination of large pallets, a storage section search process for different types of large pallets is performed (step 229). The description of the storage section search processing for different types of large pallets is made by referring to step 118 in FIG.
The description of Step 121 can be applied.

At the step 217, the delivery position 14
a, 15a, 73a, and 74a have the number of item pallets W of 2
If it is determined that there are more than one delivery positions 14a, 1
It is determined whether the number of item pallets W in 5a, 73a, 74a is three (step 230).
Is determined to be three, it is determined whether or not these three item pallets W are all of the same type (step 231), and these three item pallets W are all of the same type. If determined, the storage section search processing of the same small pallet in the depth direction and the continuous direction is performed (step 232). The description of the storage unit search processing of the same small pallet in the depth direction and the continuous direction will be described with reference to steps 123 to 12 in the flowchart of FIG.
The description of 4 can be applied.

If even one of the three item pallets W has a different type, it is determined in step 231 that the three item pallets W are not the same type, and then the large and small pallets are included in the three item pallets W. It is determined whether they are arranged in a mixed manner (step 233). If it is determined in step 233 that the large and small pallets are arranged in a mixed manner, it is next determined whether or not these three item pallets W include the same product type (step 234). If it is determined that the same type is included in the three item pallets W, it is known that these same types are small pallets and are arranged in the depth direction. After performing the set search processing (step 235), the storage section search processing of the single large pallet is subsequently performed (step 23).
6). As described above, the storage unit search processing for the same small pallet and the storage unit search processing for the single large pallet will be described with reference to steps 13 to 14 in the flowchart of FIG. 9 and steps 112 to 14 in the flowchart of FIG. The description of 116 can be applied.

If it is determined in step 234 that the three item pallets W are all of different types, the storage unit search processing for different types of small pallets is performed (step 237), and then the single large pallet is successively obtained. (Step 238). As described above, the storage unit search processing of the different small pallets and the storage unit search processing of the single large pallet will be described with reference to steps 8 to 12 in the flowchart of FIG. 9 and steps 112 to 12 in the flowchart of FIG. 116
Can be applied.

If it is determined in step 233 that the large and small pallets are not mixed, the transfer positions 14a, 15
It is known that there are three small pallets in a, 73a and 74a. However, since there is a possibility that the same kind is included in the small pallets, the same kind is included in these three item pallets W. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (step 239). If it is determined in step 239 that the same item is included in these three item pallets W, it is next determined whether or not the small pallets of the same item are arranged in the depth direction (step 240). If it is determined that the small pallets of the same type are arranged in the depth direction, a storage section search process for the same small pallets in the depth direction is performed (step 241), and subsequently, the small pallets are arranged in the continuous direction. The storage unit search processing of the single small pallet is performed (step 242). As the description of the storage unit search processing of the same small pallet and the storage unit search processing of the single small pallet, the description of step 13 to step 14 in the flowchart of FIG. 9 and the description of step 2 to step 6 in the flowchart described above. Applicable.

If it is determined in step 240 that the small pallets of the same type are not arranged in the depth direction but are arranged in the continuous direction, they are treated as different types of small pallets.
A storage section search process for different types of small pallets is performed (step 24).
3). The description of steps 8 to 12 in the flowchart of FIG. 9 described above can be applied to the description of the storage unit search processing of the different kind of small pallets.

If it is determined in step 239 that the three item pallets W are all of different types, a process of searching for a different type of small pallet is performed (step 24).
4). The description of steps 8 to 12 in the flowchart of FIG. 9 described above can be applied to the description of the storage unit search processing of the different kind of small pallets.

Next, if it is determined in step 230 that there are three or more item pallets W at the delivery positions 14a, 15a, 73a, 74a, the delivery positions 14a, 1a
Since it is known that there are four small pallets in 5a, 73a and 74a (step 245), it is determined whether or not these four small pallets are of the same type (step 2).
46) If it is determined that the pallets are of the same type, the storage unit search processing of the same small pallets in the depth direction and the continuous direction of these four small pallets is performed (step 247). The description of steps 123 to 124 in the flowchart of FIG. 15 described above can be applied to the process of searching for the storage unit of the same small pallet in the depth direction and the continuous direction.

If even one of the four small pallets has a different kind, it is determined in step 246 that the four small pallets are not the same kind, and then the same kind is included in these four small pallets. It is determined whether or not there is (step 248). If it is determined in step 248 that the type of each of the four small pallets is different, a storage section search process of different small pallets is performed (step 249).
As an explanation of the storage section search process for different types of small pallets,
The description of steps 8 to 12 in the flowchart of FIG. 9 described above can be applied.

If it is determined in step 248 that the same type is included in the four small pallets, it is next determined whether or not the number of types is two (step 2).
50) If the number of types is two, it is determined whether or not these two sets of small pallets of the same type are arranged in the depth direction (step 251). If it is determined that the other small pallets are also arranged in the depth direction, the storage unit search processing for one and the same small pallet is performed (step 252), and then the storage unit search processing for the other same small pallet is performed (step 253). ). The description of steps 13 and 14 in the flowchart of FIG. 9 described above can be applied to the process of searching for the storage unit of the same small pallet.

If it is determined in step 251 that two sets of small pallets of the same type are arranged in a continuous direction rather than in the depth direction, they are treated as different types of small pallets, and the storage unit search processing of the different types of small pallets is performed. (Step 254).
As an explanation of the storage section search process for different types of small pallets,
The description of steps 8 to 12 in the flowchart of FIG. 9 described above can be applied.

If it is determined in step 250 that the number of types is one instead of two, it is determined whether the set of small pallets of the same type is arranged in the depth direction ( Step 255) If it is determined that the set of small pallets of the same type is arranged in the depth direction,
After performing the storage unit search processing of the set of the same small pallets (step 256), the storage units of different types of small pallets arranged on the back side 1a and the near side 1b of the storage unit 1 adjacent in the continuous direction are successively performed. A search process is performed (step 257). For the description of the storage unit search process of the same small pallet and the storage unit search process of the different small pallets, the description of the storage unit search process of these same small pallets is made in step 13 in the flowchart of FIG. ~ Step 1
4 and steps 8 to 8 in the flowchart.
The description of step 12 can be applied.

If it is determined in step 255 that one set of small pallets of the same type is arranged not in the depth direction but in a continuous direction, the small pallets are treated as different kinds of small pallets, and the storage unit search processing of the different kinds of small pallets is performed. (Step 258).
As an explanation of the storage section search process for different types of small pallets,
The description of steps 8 to 12 in the flowchart of FIG. 9 described above can be applied.

When there are a plurality of storage sections selected in this way, for example, a storage section close to the entrance / exit port is selected and allocated as a storage shelf as in the conventional case (step 259), and the allocated storage shelf is placed on the stacker crane. 63a is instructed (step 260). Thereby, the storage operation of the large and small pallets, only the large pallets, or only the small pallets is started. Then, after the large pallet or the small pallet is stored in one of the combinations in which the adjacent storage portions in the continuous direction are both empty as shown in FIG. In order not to be assigned to storage units adjacent to each other in the continuous direction of the unit 1, the two storage units adjacent to each other are set as one set while the back side 1 a and the front side 1 b are used as a basic unit in the shelf management database 22. Management is performed.

Although the retrieval method and retrieval work are not specifically described here, if the conventional method is used, the two large pallets can be retrieved simultaneously or the small pallets can be retrieved by allocating the storage shelves by the above-described shelf management method. The probability of simultaneous dispatch of 2 to 4 pallets is increased, and the exit efficiency is improved. As a result, the processing capacity of the stacker cranes 63a to 63c is improved.

In the above-described third and fourth embodiments, for convenience of explanation, FIG. 14 shows a pattern in which the pattern of the storage section set in the continuous direction is the same in both the continuous direction and the stepwise direction. However, in the actual operation, the pattern of the storage unit set in the continuous direction is independently performed in the continuous direction and the stepwise direction.

Embodiment 5 FIG. FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a storage shelf allocating unit of the control unit in the automatic warehouse shelf management device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of the shelf management method. FIG. 1 of the third embodiment described above.
2 and FIG. 14 have the same reference numerals.
In the description, reference is made to FIG.

In the automatic warehouse shelf management apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, the storage shelf determining means 35C of the storage shelf allocating unit 23 determines the type data from the load information determining means 31 and the shipping amount data from the shelf management database 22. And the search results of the first to fourth storage unit search means 32, 33, 34A, and 43 are input, and there are a plurality of candidate shelves selected and an item pallet W or a plurality of item pallets W having a large shipment request amount are requested. In the case of a frequently-used item pallet W, the storage unit near the entrance is selected as shown by W1 to W5 in FIG. 22, and for the item pallet W with a small amount of shipment, as shown by W8 and W9 in FIG. The difference from the third and fourth embodiments is that the storage unit is selected and assigned from an area farther than that. The other configuration is the same as that of the third and fourth embodiments, and has all the functions of the third and fourth embodiments.

In the fifth embodiment, the storage efficiency is improved without unnecessarily creating an empty storage section, and the operation with a high delivery efficiency can be performed. Further, the ratio of the area at this time may be determined from the ratio of the product type, the ratio of the shipping amount, and the like.

Embodiment 6 FIG. FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a storage shelf allocating unit of the control unit in the automatic warehouse shelf management device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of the shelf management method. FIG. 1 of the third embodiment described above.
2 and FIG. 14 have the same reference numerals.
In the description, reference is made to FIG. 2 described above.

In the automatic warehouse shelf management apparatus according to the sixth embodiment, a combination of adjacent storage units in the continuous direction in which the fourth storage unit search means 43A of the storage shelf allocating unit 23 searches, for example, an odd number in the continuous direction And even-numbered combinations (first and second stations,
..) According to the shelf condition obtained from the shelf management database 22 as a combination of an even number and an odd number (second and third stations) in FIG. The difference from the third embodiment is that a changing means 41 is provided. The other configuration is the same as that of the third embodiment, and has all the functions of the third embodiment. Here, for convenience of description, FIG. 24 shows a case where the setting of the combination of the storage units is changed at the same time when the setting of the combination of the storage units is changed. It goes without saying that the change can be made independently in the continuous direction and the step direction.

Also in the sixth embodiment, it is possible to operate with a good storage efficiency and a good exit efficiency without creating a storage section where careless empty occurs.

Embodiment 7 FIG. FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a storage shelf allocating unit of a control unit in the automatic warehouse shelf management device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of the shelf management method. FIG. 2 of the sixth embodiment described above.
3 have the same reference numerals. In the description, reference is made to FIG. 2 described above.

In the automatic warehouse shelf management apparatus according to the seventh embodiment, the storage shelf determining means 35C of the storage shelf allocating unit 23 determines the type data from the load information determining means 31 and the shipping amount data from the shelf management database 22. And the search results of the first to fourth storage unit search means 32, 33, and 34, and the number of selected candidate shelves and the item pallet W with a large shipment request amount or the frequency of requesting a plurality of items are determined. High item pallet W
In the case of, the storage units near the entrance are selected as indicated by W1 to W5 in FIG.
26 differs from that of the sixth embodiment in that storage units are selected from areas farther away, such as W8 and W9 in FIG. The other configuration is the same as that of the above-described sixth embodiment, and has all the functions of the sixth embodiment.

In the seventh embodiment, the storage efficiency can be improved and the operation with a high delivery efficiency can be performed without creating a storage section in which careless emptying occurs. Further, the ratio of the area at this time may be determined from the ratio of the product type, the ratio of the shipping amount, and the like.

[0086]

As described above, according to the present invention, after the item pallets are stored at the back side of the storage unit, only the item pallets of the same type are allocated to the front side of the storage unit. As described above, since the storage shelves are managed in the shelf management database using the back side and the near side as basic units, the probability of multiple simultaneous exits increases, and the exit efficiency can be improved. As a result, the stacker crane processing capacity can be improved. The storage efficiency is good without unnecessarily creating an empty storage unit, and the operation with good outgoing efficiency becomes possible.
Further, the ratio of the area at this time may be determined from the ratio of the product type, the ratio of the shipping amount, and the like. The probability of simultaneous delivery is increased, and the delivery efficiency is improved. As a result, the processing capacity of the stacker cranes 63a to 63c is improved.

After the large pallet or the small pallet is stored in one of the combinations in which the adjacent storage units in the continuous direction are both empty, other than the large pallets of the same type, the connection of the storage unit is not performed. In order not to be assigned to the storage units adjacent in the direction, the storage units are managed in the shelf management database with the two adjacent storage units as one set while using the back and front sides as basic units. As a result, the probability of multiple simultaneous exits increases, and exit efficiency can be improved. As a result, the stacker crane processing capacity can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a control unit in a shelf management device for an automatic warehouse according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an entire system configuration of a control unit in the automatic warehouse shelf management device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically showing a relationship between storage shelves, a stacker crane, and each conveyor of the automatic warehouse according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view showing a main part of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side view schematically showing a relationship between storage shelves and each conveyor in the automatic warehouse according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a shelf management method of the automatic warehouse according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a front view schematically showing a state in which the transfer mechanism of the stacker crane has advanced to a full stroke at the delivery position of the automatic warehouse according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of conditions that allow storage.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for allocating storage shelves in the automatic warehouse shelf management method according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a storage shelf allocating unit of a control unit in the automatic warehouse shelf management device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a storage shelf allocating unit of a control unit in the explanatory diagram of the automatic warehouse shelf management method according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a storage shelf allocating unit of a control unit in the automatic warehouse shelf management device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a plan view schematically illustrating a relationship between a storage rack of an automatic warehouse, a stacker crane, and each conveyor according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a shelf management method for an automatic warehouse according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a storage shelf allocation procedure in the automatic warehouse shelf management method according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a state where large and small pallets are mixedly arranged at a delivery position to a stacker crane in an automatic warehouse according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a procedure for allocating storage shelves in the automatic warehouse shelf management method according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a procedure for allocating storage shelves in the automatic warehouse shelf management method according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a storage shelf allocation procedure in the automatic warehouse shelf management method according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a storage shelf allocation procedure in the automatic warehouse shelf management method according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a storage shelf allocating unit of a control unit in the automatic warehouse shelf management device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a storage shelf allocation procedure in the automatic warehouse shelf management method according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a storage shelf allocating unit of a control unit in the automatic warehouse shelf management device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a procedure for allocating storage shelves in the automatic warehouse shelf management method according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a storage shelf allocating unit of a control unit in the automatic warehouse shelf management device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a procedure for allocating storage shelves in the automatic warehouse shelf management method according to the seventh embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Storage part 1a The back side of a storage part 1b The front side of a storage part 2a-2c Storage shelf W1-W9 Item pallet (load) 3a-3c Transfer mechanism 4a-4c, 63a-63c Stacker crane 10a-10c Automatic warehouse 13a- 13c, 71a to 71c, 72a to 72c Load information reading and storage means 14a to 14c, 15a to 15c, 73a to 73c, 7
4a to 74c Delivery position 31 Load information determination means 32 First storage section search means 33 Second storage section search means 34, 34A Third storage section search means 35, 35A to 35C Storage shelf determination means 41 Continuous direction switching determination Means 42 Depth direction same kind determination means 43, 43A Fourth storage section search means 51 Storage section combination changing means

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Shinji Toyama 1-1-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan Inside Nihon Kokan Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Minoru Tanaba 1-2-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan (72) Inventor Hiroshi Ishikawa 1-1-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Japan Nippon Steel Pipe Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Noriaki Masada 1-2-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Japan Tube (72) Inventor Yoshiyuki Suzuki 1-2-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo F-term (reference) 3F022 FF02 HH13 JJ09 KK02 KK06 MM01 MM08 MM13 MM17 MM22 MM27 MM35 NN51 PP04 QQ01 QQ11 QQ20 5B049 BB31 CC27

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A storage shelf having a plurality of storage sections in a continuous direction and a stepwise direction capable of storing a plurality of loads in a depth direction, and a transfer mechanism capable of moving forward and backward in the depth direction with respect to the storage section. A shelf management method used in an automatic warehouse having a stacker crane capable of transferring a plurality of packages at one time, wherein only the same type of package is stored in each storage unit and different types are not stored. A shelf management method for an automatic warehouse, characterized in that: 2. A plurality of storage sections which are successively adjacent in a row direction
When the storage shelves are set as a set, the storage shelves are managed so that a part or all of the storage shelves are made up of the collection of the storage shelves, and the depth direction of the same storage shelves is controlled by the management. 2. A shelf management method for an automatic warehouse according to claim 1, wherein only loads of the same type are stored, and different types are not stored. 3. Each of the storage sections of the storage shelf is capable of storing two small packages or one large package in the depth direction, and the stacker crane has two stages in the depth direction with respect to the storage section. The storage mechanism is provided with two transfer mechanisms capable of moving forward and backward in a continuous direction, and two storage units adjacent in the continuous direction are managed as one set of storage units. 2. The method for managing shelves of an automatic warehouse according to 2. 4. When arranging shelves, if there are no two to four small parcels in the same type in the depth direction, the parcel is stored only in the rear side of the storage part, and A storage unit in which the type of the load is the same as one of the loads to be stored is searched for and selected, and a load of the same type as the back storage unit of the storage is stored in the unstored front storage unit in the storage unit. The shelf management method for an automatic warehouse according to claim 3, wherein 5. When allocating one large baggage or a large baggage of two different types when allocating shelves, the large baggage is stored in only one of the storage unit sets, and the large baggage is stored. Search for and select a storage unit set that is the same as the large baggage whose kind is to be stored, and store a large baggage of the same type as the storage unit of the storage in an unstored storage unit in the storage unit set. 4. The automatic warehouse shelf management method according to claim 3, wherein: 6. The automatic warehouse shelf management method according to claim 3, wherein the combination of the storage unit sets is changed in accordance with a shelf state. 7. A product type having a large required shipping quantity or a product type often requiring a plurality of products is arranged in an area near a storage entrance,
7. The shelf management method for an automatic warehouse according to claim 1, wherein the varieties with a small amount of shipment are arranged in an area farther from the varieties. 8. A storage shelf having a plurality of storage sections in a continuous direction and a stepwise direction capable of storing a plurality of luggage in a depth direction, and a transfer mechanism capable of moving forward and backward in the depth direction with respect to the storage section. A shelf management device for use in an automatic warehouse having a stacker crane capable of transferring a plurality of loads at one time, and stores only loads of the same type in each storage unit and does not store different types of loads. An automatic warehouse shelf management device. 9. A storage shelf having a plurality of storage sections in a row direction and a step direction capable of storing a plurality of packages in a depth direction, and a transfer mechanism capable of moving forward and backward in the depth direction with respect to the storage section. A shelf management device for use in an automatic warehouse equipped with a stacker crane capable of transferring a plurality of loads at one time, and reads and stores information on incoming loads.
A storage unit, based on the information from the load information reading and storage unit and the information from the pallet detection sensor of the transfer position, determine the number, type, and arrangement pattern of the loads transferred to the stacker crane; A load information determining means to be output, and based on the determination result of the load information determining means, when the number of loads transferred to the stacker crane is one load or a plurality of types of loads, the goods are stored only in the back side. A first storage unit search unit that searches for a storage unit that stores a load of the same type as the target type, and outputs a search result; and a storage unit corresponding to the storage unit based on the search result of the first storage unit search unit. When no part is present, a second storage part searching means for searching for a storage part in which both the back side and the front side are empty, and outputting a search result, based on the determination result of the load information determining means, Stacker crane When a plurality of loads of the same type are simultaneously transferred in the depth direction, a third storage unit search unit that searches for a storage unit in which both the back side and the front side are empty and outputs a search result; And a storage shelf determining means for inputting and allocating a search result of each storage section searching means. 10. The automatic warehouse shelf management device according to claim 8, wherein each storage section of the storage shelf is capable of storing two parcels in a depth direction. 11. A storage shelf having a plurality of storage sections in a continuous direction and a stepwise direction capable of storing two small packages or one large package in a depth direction, and moving in and out of the storage section in multiple stages in the depth direction. A shelf management device used for an automatic warehouse having a stacker crane capable of transferring a plurality of loads at once having two possible transfer mechanisms in a continuous direction, and reading information of incoming loads, Read load information to be stored
A storage unit, based on the information from the load information reading and storage unit and the information from the pallet detection sensor of the transfer position, determine the number, type, and arrangement pattern of the loads transferred to the stacker crane; The load information determining means to be output, and based on the determination result of the load information determining means, when the load transferred to the stacker crane is three parcels and the arrangement position of the fractional parcels is the back side , Or in the case of four small packages, or in the case of two large packages, it is determined whether or not all of the packages are of the same type. If at least one kind is different, a different direction signal judging means for outputting a different kind signal, based on the judgment result of the load information judging means and the judgment result of the second direction switch judging means, and The same in the depth direction when the load transferred to the tacker crane is 2 to 4 small packages, or when there is input of a different kind of signal and large and small packages are mixed and 2 small packages are included therein. Judge whether or not the package of the variety is included,
In the depth direction same type determination unit that outputs the determination result, based on the determination result of the load information determination unit, the number of loads transferred to the stacker crane is one load, or in the case of a plurality of different types of loads, A first storage unit search unit that searches for a storage unit that stores a load of the same type as the storage target type only on the back side and outputs a search result, and a search result of the first storage unit search unit. A second storage unit search unit that searches for an empty storage unit on both the back side and the front side when there is no corresponding storage unit and outputs a search result; and a determination by the load information determination unit. When a plurality of loads of the same type are simultaneously transferred in the depth direction to the stacker crane based on the result and the determination result of the same type determination unit in the depth direction, the storage unit in which both the back side and the front side are empty is stored. Search and output search results When there is an input of a continuous direction switching signal from the third storage unit search unit and the continuous direction switch determination unit, the adjacent storage units in the continuous direction search for a combination in which both the back side and the front side are empty, A shelf management device for an automatic warehouse, comprising: a fourth storage unit search unit that outputs a search result; and a storage shelf determination unit that inputs and allocates a search result of each of the storage unit search units. 12. A storage unit combination changing means for changing a combination of two storage units adjacent in the continuous direction to be managed as one set in accordance with a shelf condition is provided. Automatic warehouse shelf management equipment. 13. The storage shelf deciding means inputs the kind data, the shipping amount data, and the search result of each of the storage section searching means, and there are a plurality of selected candidate shelves and a large requested shipping amount. In the case of varieties or varieties that are required more frequently, candidate shelves near the entrance are selected.For varieties with a small amount of shipment, candidate shelves are selected and assigned from areas farther away. The shelf management device for an automatic warehouse according to any one of claims 8 to 12.