JP2002104631A - Shelf equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide shelf equipment capable of improving the working efficiency of an article conveying means. SOLUTION: The shelf equipment comprises a plurality of containing parts 17 for storage to contain a pallet 14 to hold an article 5; a containing shelf 11 having a plurality of containing parts 16 for carry-out to contain an article 5 on the pallet 14 in a state to be capable of carrying out; a containing part 17 for storing the containing shelf 11; a containing part 16 for carry-out; and a stacker crane 13 to transport the pallet 14 between an inlet and an outlet. When the pallet 14 can not be transported the containing part 16 for carry-out of the containing shelf 11 most near a partition containing space 6 of a picking shelf 3, the pallet is transported to one or two adjoining containing parts 16 of the nearcmost containing part 11 for carry-out. This constitution completes a conveying work for the pallet 14 by the stacker crane 13 one time and improves working efficiency.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a shelf facility provided alongside a picking facility and provided for replenishing picked articles to a picking shelf of the picking facility.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the above-mentioned shelf equipment is provided with an automatic warehouse, which is a part of an article storage section of a storage shelf for storing "pallets (article holding bodies) for holding articles" of the automatic warehouse. In addition, the storage section facing the back side of the picking shelf (the side for loading and replenishing articles) is configured to be able to carry out the articles on this pallet from the outside of the side surface (one side). The article storage section configured to be able to carry out the articles is referred to as a carry-out storage section, and the other article storage sections on the shelf are referred to as storage storage sections. In each of the compartment storage spaces (article storage sections) for storing articles to be picked on the picking shelf,
The articles to be stored are set in advance according to the order of the articles to be picked.

[0003] In the above-mentioned automatic warehouse, a pallet holding articles to be refilled to a picking shelf is supplied to a loading / unloading port by a transport vehicle such as a forklift, and the loaded pallet is transferred from the loading / unloading port to an article transporting means (such as a stacker crane). ) And stored in the storage section, or supplied directly to the unloading section. The pallets stored in the storage compartment are supplied to the carry-out compartment as appropriate.

When it is not possible to supply the pallets that have been stored to each of the unloading storage units, for example, when there is a previously supplied pallet, the pallets that have been stored are temporarily stored in the storage storage unit. After the pallet is unloaded, the pallet is supplied from the storage unit to the unloading storage unit.

[0005]

However, when it is not possible to supply a pallet holding articles to be supplied to the picking storage unit to each of the unloading storage units, the pallet is temporarily stored in the storage storage unit. After the previous pallet is unloaded, the pallet is supplied from the storage unit to the unloading storage unit, so that the article transfer unit requires two transfer operations where the transfer is completed in one operation. In addition, since the article transport means is generally constituted by one unit, it is not possible to perform other operations (such as a warehouse operation) at the time of the second transport operation, and there is a problem that the operation efficiency is extremely deteriorated.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a shelf facility which can improve the work efficiency of the article conveying means.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of storage accommodating portions for accommodating an article holder for holding an article, and the article are provided. A storage shelf having a plurality of unloading storage sections for storing the holding body in a state where the articles on the article holding body can be unloaded from one side, and a storage storage section and an unloading storage section of the storage shelves; Picking, comprising: article transport means for transporting the article holder to and from the loading / unloading port, comprising a plurality of picking storage sections arranged to face one side of the unloading storage section and storing articles. A shelf facility for replenishing articles from a carry-out storage section to a shelf, wherein an article holding body for holding articles to be refilled to the picking storage section of the picking shelf is provided with the picking storage by the article transport means. Storage section close to the section It is characterized in being conveyed.

According to the above configuration, the article holder for holding the articles to be refilled into the picking storage section of the picking shelf,
The articles are conveyed to the unloading storage section near the picking storage section by the article transfer section, so that the worker can efficiently replenish the articles from the article holder to the picking storage section of the picking shelf.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the article holding body for holding the articles to be refilled into the picking storage section of the picking shelf is provided by the article conveying means. When it cannot be transported to the unloading storage unit of the storage shelf closest to the picking storage unit, it is transported to one or both adjacent unloading storage units of the closest unloading storage unit.

With the above arrangement, when the article holder cannot be transported to the unloading storage section of the storage shelf closest to the picking storage section by the article transport means, the unloading section adjacent to one or both of the closest unloading storage sections. Transported to the storage section.
Therefore, the conveyance operation of the article holder by the article conveyance means is one.
It ends in a round and the work efficiency is improved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the article holding body for holding the articles to be refilled into the picking storage section of the picking shelf is provided by the article conveying means. When it cannot be transported to the unloading storage unit of the storage shelf closest to the picking storage unit, it is transferred to the unloading storage unit located within a certain range from the closest unloading storage unit. It is.

According to the above configuration, when the article holding member cannot be transported to the unloading storage section of the storage shelf closest to the picking storage section by the article transport means, the article holding body is disposed within a certain range from the closest unloading storage section. To the unloading storage section. Therefore, the work of transporting the article holder by the article transport means is completed in one time, and the working efficiency is improved.

[0013] The invention described in claim 4 is the above-mentioned claim 1-
4. The invention according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of zones are set in the storage section of the storage shelf, and the article holder has the same zone as the unloading storage section in which the article holder is transported. It is stored in a storage compartment in the inside.

According to the above configuration, the article holder supplied to the unloading storage section existing in the zone is stored in the storage storage section of the zone, so that the article holder can be efficiently transferred. Will be

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of zones are set in the storage section of the storage shelf, and the unloading storage section of the storage shelf is the zone. Irrespective of this, it is characterized by being arranged so that a preset article can be supplied to the picking storage section of the opposing picking shelf.

According to the above configuration, the arrangement of the unloading storage sections of the storage shelf is set so that a preset article is supplied to the picking storage section of the opposing picking shelf.

The invention described in claim 6 is the above-mentioned claim 1.
The invention according to claim 5, wherein when the article holder holding a plurality of types of articles is conveyed to the unloading storage section, all the articles on the article holder are picked on a picking shelf. When the article holder that has been dispensed to the storage section and holds a single article is transported to the unloading storage section, some or all of the articles on the article holder are transferred to the picking storage section of the picking shelf. It is characterized by being paid out.

According to the above configuration, when the payout is completed with the articles left from the article holder on which a plurality of types of articles are mixed, it becomes impossible to determine which type of article remains on the article holder. It is assumed that all the articles on the article holder are discharged to the picking storage section of the picking shelf. In addition, even if some articles are left from the article holder that holds a single article, the type of the left article can be determined independently, so some or all of the articles on the article holder are in the picking shelf. Operation to be paid out to the picking storage unit.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an arrangement configuration diagram of shelf equipment and picking equipment in an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of main parts of the shelf equipment, and FIG. 3 is a side view of main parts of the shelf equipment and picking equipment.

In FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, PS is a picking facility. The picking facility PS is a line (free) for moving a collection container (container, cardboard box, etc.) 1 for each sorting destination (store, individual, etc.). Roller conveyor 2) and picking shelves 3 provided along the line 2.

The picking shelf 3 is formed of a flow shelf and has a plurality of (three in the figure) racks 4 inclined toward the line 2, and each rack 4 stores an article 5. A plurality of compartment storage spaces (an example of a picking storage portion) 6 are formed, and a picking indicator 7 for displaying the presence or absence of a picking operation and the number of articles 5 to be picked is provided for each compartment storage space 6. In addition, an article storage space 8 is provided on the rack 4 to provide a temporary storage space for articles 5 that cannot be stored in the section storage space 6. Further, a roller conveyor (not shown) having a stopper at the front end is provided for each compartment storage space 6. In each compartment storage space 6 of the picking shelf 3, articles 5 to be stored in advance are set according to the order of the articles 5 picked along the line 2.

With this configuration, the worker (picker) H moves the collection containers 1 for each sorting destination on the line 2 along the picking shelves 3 and stores each of the compartments of the picking shelves 3 in the collection containers 1. The article 5 is taken out of the compartment 6 of the picking shelf 3 according to the picking indicator 7 provided in the space 6 and stored therein.
Is collected. When the article 5 locked by the stopper is taken out from the compartment storage space 6 of the picking shelf 3,
The next article 5 comes to the front.

The shelf equipment FS is arranged along the back side of the picking shelf 3 of the picking equipment PS (the side where articles are loaded / supplied), and replenishes the picking shelf 3 with the articles 5 to be picked. The shelf equipment FS includes two storage shelves 11 installed at an interval so that the article taking-out directions face each other, and their storage shelves.
A stacker crane (an example of article conveying means) 13 that automatically travels in a work path 12 formed between the members 11 is provided, and a pallet (an example of an article holding body) 14 that holds the articles 5 is provided in each storage shelf 11. A large number of storage sections 15 for storing a plurality of storages are arranged vertically in multiple stages and horizontally (in the traveling direction of the stacker crane 13).

Of the storage sections 15 of the storage shelf 11 on the picking shelf 3 side, the storage section 15 facing the back side of the picking shelf 3
2 (FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, lower row; part), pallet from the side outside (one side; picking shelf 3 side)
The article 5 on 14 can be carried out. This article 5
The storage unit 15 configured to be able to carry out is referred to as a carry-out storage unit 16. In the storage section 15 of the storage shelf 11, the upper row (the second row from the bottom in FIGS. 2 and 3) above the unloading storage section 16 is configured so that articles 5 can be loaded and unloaded from the outside of the side surface. The temporary storage section (temporary storage area) 25 for the article 5 when the article 5 cannot be stored in the third section storage space 6. The storage unit 15 of the storage shelf 11 other than the unloading storage unit 16 and the temporary storage unit 25
Is referred to as a storage unit 17 for storage.

The storage storage section 17 above the row of the temporary storage sections 25 and the storage storage section 17 (the second row from the bottom in FIGS. 2 and 3) of the other storage shelf 11 on the same level. The row of the third row from the bottom in FIG. 2 is an empty pallet dedicated storage section (a dedicated storage storage section for storing only empty article holders) 20 for temporarily storing the empty pallets 14. Empty pallet storage
Row 20 is a temporary storage section 25 in the second row from the bottom of each storage shelf 11.
Row or row of storage compartments 17 and fourth row of storage compartments
It will be provided between 17 columns. Note that the height of the empty pallet dedicated storage unit 20 is lower than the heights of the other storage units 16, 17, and 25.

Outside the side of the storage shelf 11 provided with the unloading storage section 16, above the temporary storage section 25, the side of the temporary storage section 25 on the side of the stacker crane 13, and the temporary storage section 25. A net 18 is provided on the upper surface (boundary between the upper storage shelves 17) to protect the articles 5 from falling down on the head of the worker (replenisher) H by any chance. The storage compartment 17 also has
A plurality of zones S including an unloading storage section 16 are set along a traveling path 19 of the stacker crane 13.

As described above, the articles 5 to be put in advance are set in the respective compartment storage spaces 6 of the picking shelf 3 according to the order of the articles 5 to be picked up. In the storage section 16 for each,
The articles 5 to be stored are set such that the pallets 14 holding the set articles 5 are supplied. That is, the arrangement of the unloading storage sections 16 is determined according to the arrangement of the compartment storage spaces 6, and the unloading storage sections 16 to which the pallets 14 are transported by the articles 5 on the pallet 14 are determined. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, two carrying-out storage sections 16 are allocated to one section storage space 6 of the picking shelf 3. For example, an unloading storage unit facing A of the partition storage space 6
Sixteen a1 and a2 are assigned.

As shown in FIG. 2, a carry-out display 21 is provided on each of the carry-out storage sections 16. The carry-out display 21 is a digital display 22 capable of switching a three-digit character color for displaying the quantity of goods 5 to be carried out and the like.
(In the present embodiment, the text color is switched between red and green), an indicator light 23 for displaying the operation status of the stacker crane 14, and a completion push-button switch 24 operated when the article 5 is completely carried out. ing.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the work passage 12 has a traveling rail 31 (floor surface) along the storage shelf 11.
And a guide rail 32 (ceiling part) are installed. An article carrying-in / out part (carrying-in / out) 33 provided at one end of the work passage 12 is a controller 34 for inputting an in / out command to the stacker crane 13 and a receiving means. An incoming conveyor 35 and an outgoing conveyor 36 are provided. The pallet 14 is pre-attached with a label on which a bar code (an example of a code including unique data (such as a number) identifying the pallet 14) is printed. A bar code reader 37 is provided as a means for reading the bar code of the attached label. Also,
Sensors (for example, photoelectric sensors or the like; not shown) for detecting the presence or absence of the pallet 14 are attached to both ends of the transport path of the incoming conveyor 35 and the outgoing conveyor 36, respectively. The configuration is such that the presence or absence of the pallets 14 at both ends of the transport path can be detected.

As shown in FIG. 2, the stacker crane 13 is provided on a traveling body 41 traveling along the traveling rail 31.
A lifting table 42 and a pair of front and rear lifting masts 44 for guiding and supporting the lifting table 42 so that the lifting table 42 can be moved up and down.
44 is provided with a fork device 45 for transferring pallets 14 (articles). The fork device 45 is moved up and down to a designated elevating position based on a loading / unloading command (transportation command) from the controller 34, and is designated. The traveling vehicle body 41 is moved to the traveling position
By driving the fork device 45, the traveling rail 31
The pallet 14 holding the articles 5 is transferred between the storage conveyor 35, the storage conveyor 36, the unloading storage unit 16 and the storage storage unit 17, and the transfer is performed.

FIG. 5 shows a control configuration of the shelf equipment FS. Reference numeral 51 denotes a general controller for controlling the entire shelf equipment FS. The general controller 51 includes a controller 34 of the stacker crane 13, a storage conveyor 35, a storage conveyor 36, and an unloading display for controlling the unloading display 21. The controller 52 is connected by a bus 53, and the barcode reader 37 is connected to the general controller 51.

The carry-out display 21 for each carry-out storage section 16 is connected to the carry-out display controller 52 via a high-speed interface 54 and a signal line 55. Further, power is supplied to the carry-out display 21 from the high-speed interface 54 via the signal line 55.

Hereinafter, the operation of the general controller 51 will be described together with the operation of the entire shelf equipment FS. As shown in FIG. 6, the general controller 51 stores in advance a unique shelf number set for each of the unloading storage unit 16, the storage storage unit 17, and the empty pallet storage unit 20, and the unloading storage unit. The arrangement of the storage unit 16, the storage unit 17 for storage, and the storage unit 20 for empty pallets and the number of the zone S to which the storage unit 17 belongs are set in advance. Is set. In each part 16 or 17 or 20,
The unique number set on the pallet 14 for each shelf number, the articles 5 (codes) on the pallet 14, the number thereof, and the presence or absence of mixed loading are managed. The two carrying-out storage sections 16 set for each of the compartment storage spaces 6 of the picking shelf 3 have the same shelf number,
The symbols a and b are added for distinction.

Prior to storage, a label on which a bar code (an example of data) identifying the article 5 is printed is attached to the article 5, and the article 5 on which the label is attached is stacked on the pallet 14, The code reader reads the bar code of the label of the article 5 and the bar code of the label of the pallet 14 to form warehousing information, which is input to the general controller 51 and, as shown in FIG. , Pallet data, including the number of articles 5 (codes) on the pallet 14, the quantity thereof, and the presence or absence of mixed loading. When two or more types of articles 5 are stacked on the same pallet 14, it is determined that there is mixed loading and stored.

The shelf equipment FS has four operation modes.
For example, as shown in FIG.
`` Normal mode '' or `` Regular movement / shipping priority mode '' from the start of work in the morning, `` Empty pallet rack transfer mode '' from the end of morning work to lunch break, and from the start of work in the afternoon to work in the afternoon. The "normal mode" or the "periodical movement and storage priority mode" is set, and the "empty pallet collection mode" is set after the end of the afternoon work. Switching this mode
This is automatically performed in the general controller 51 according to the time. The switching of these operation modes is not automatic, but can be performed by the manager of the picking work site.

Each mode will be described. “Normal mode” (see FIGS. 8 and 9) <Reception of pallet 14 holding article 5> When the pallet 14 holding the article 5 is placed on the storage conveyor 35 by a forklift, the pallet 14 is moved by the storage conveyor 35. The pallet 14 is transported to the transfer position of the pallet 14 with the stacker crane 13. During this transport, the barcode is read from the label on the pallet 14 by the barcode reader 37.

The general controller 51 is a bar code reader.
When the barcode data of the pallet 14, that is, the unique number of the pallet 14 is input from 37 (step 1), whether the pallet 14 is transported to the unloading storage unit 16 or the storage storage unit 17 is determined. to decide.

That is, first, the code of the article 5 on the pallet is searched by the input pallet number from the incoming pallet data (FIG. 6) (specifying the article), and the unloading of FIG. The shelf number of the unloading storage unit 16 for transporting the pallet 14 is searched according to the management data of the storage unit 16 (step-2).

Next, it is confirmed whether the number of the pallet 14 is set to the shelf number, that is, whether the pallet 14 is present in the target carry-out storage section 16 (presence or absence of the pallet) (step-3). Pallet 14 in the target carry-out storage section 16
Exists, the empty storage storage unit 17 in which the pallet 14 is not stored is searched from the zone S in which the unloading storage unit 16 exists, based on the management data of the storage storage unit 17 in FIG. Step-4), the retrieved storage compartment 17
Is set as the transfer destination (step-5).

If the pallet 14 does not exist in the target unloading storage section 16 in step-3, the unloading storage section 16
16 is set as the destination (step-6). Next, when the transfer destination is the storage storage unit 17, the transfer data with the storage storage unit 17 as the transfer destination is output to the crane controller 34, and the stacking crane is transferred from the storage conveyor 35 to the storage storage unit 17 of the transfer destination. The pallet 14 is transported by 13 (step-
7). After the transport, the information (pallet number, article code, number, etc.) of the transported pallets 14 is input to the management data (FIG. 6) of the transported storage unit 17 and updated (step-8).

When the transfer destination is the unloading storage unit 16, the transfer data with the unloading storage unit 16 as the transfer destination is output to the crane controller 34, and the pallet is transferred from the storage conveyor 35 to the unloading storage unit 16 of the transfer destination. Start transfer of 14 (Step-
9) The data that the pallet 14 is being transported to the unloading storage unit 16 at the destination is output to the unloading display controller 52 (step-10).

On the basis of this data, the unloading display controller 52 flashes the indicator lamp 23 of the unloading display 21 of the unloading storage unit 16 at the destination, and displays “0” in red on the digital display 22.
00 "is displayed, and" 000 "indicates that all the articles 5 are carried out.

Subsequently, when the pallet 14 arrives at the unloading storage section 16 at the destination (step-1).
1) The pallet transfer completion data to the unloading storage unit 16 at the transfer destination is output to the unloading display controller 52 (step-12).

Based on the data, the unloading display controller 52 controls the unloading display of the unloading storage unit 16 at the destination.
The 21 indicator lamps 23 are turned on continuously. "000" is displayed as it is on the digital display 22 in red.

Subsequently, the general controller 51 inputs and updates information (pallet number, number of articles) of the transported pallet 14 into the management data (FIG. 6) of the unloading storage section 16 of the transport destination (step-). 13). <Discharge of empty pallet 14> When the worker unloads the article 5 from the pallet 14 arriving at the unloading storage section 16, generates an empty pallet 14, and presses the completion push button switch 24 of the unloading display 21, The carry-out display controller 52 switches the character color of the digital display 22 to green based on the operation signal and displays "000". When the articles 5 unloaded from the pallet 14 cannot be stored in the compartment 6 of the picking shelf 3, the articles 5 are stored in the temporary storage section 25 of the temporary storage area.
Or, it is temporarily placed in the article storage space 8 of the picking shelf 5,
All the articles 5 are unloaded from the pallet 14. Again, when the operator presses the complete push button switch 24 of the carry-out display 21, the carry-out display controller 52 turns off the indicator light 23 of the carry-out display 21 based on the operation signal, and the general controller 51. The unloading completion data in the unloading storage unit 16 is output. The lighting digital display 22 displays "000" in green as it is.

When the unification completion data is input (step-1), the general controller 51 transfers the scooping data of the pallet 14 in the unloading storage section 16 to the crane controller.
Then, the pallet 14 is scooped from the unloading storage section 16 by the stacker crane 13 (step-2).

In the stacker crane 13, when the pallet 14 is scooped by the fork device 45, the articles 5 are placed on the pallet 14.
It is confirmed whether or not is left. When the article 5 remains, a presence detection signal indicating that there is a stock, and when no article 5 remains, is output to the general controller 51.

The general controller 51 determines whether or not the article 5 remains based on the presence detection signal (step 3). When the article 5 remains, the general controller 51 outputs the presence information to the carry-out display controller 52. (Step-4).

Based on the data, the unloading display controller 52 outputs the unloading display of the unloading storage unit 16 at the destination.
The indicator lamp 21 blinks and the digital display 22 displays "EEE" in red.

Subsequently, the general controller 51 operates the pallet 14
Unloading data is output to the crane controller 34, and the pallet 14 is returned to the unloading storage unit 16 (step-
5) Output the return data of the pallet 14 to the carry-out storage section 16 to the carry-out display controller 52 (step-6).

Based on the data, the unloading display controller 52 controls the unloading display of the unloading storage unit 16 at the destination.
The 21 indicator lamps 23 are turned on continuously. "EEE" is displayed as it is on the digital display 22 in red.

When the worker unloads the article 5 from the pallet 14 returned to the unloading storage section 16 and presses the complete push button switch 24 of the unloading display 21, the unloading display controller 52 responds to this operation signal. The indicator light 23 of the unloading indicator 21 is turned off, and the unloading storage
The data on the completion of unloading in step 16 is output. The digital display 22 displays "EEE" in red as it is.

When the unification controller 51 inputs the data of the completion of the unloading (Step-7), the process returns to Step-2, where the pallet 14 is again scooped by the crane 13. In step-3, when it is confirmed that no articles 5 remain on the pallet 14, the transfer data is output to the crane controller 34 with the unloading storage unit 16 as the transport source and the unloading conveyor 36 as the transport destination, and the unloading storage is performed. The empty pallet 14 is ejected from the section 16 to the exit conveyor 36 by the stacker crane 13 (step-8). After the transfer, the information (pallet number, number of articles) of the transferred pallet 14 is deleted from the management data (FIG. 6) of the unloading storage unit 16 of the transfer source and updated (step-9).

Next, it is searched whether the pallet 14 holding the articles 5 set in the unloading storage section 16 from which the empty pallet 14 has been unloaded is stored in the storage storage section 17 (step-1).
0), when the storage compartment 17 is confirmed (step-11),
The process is executed from step-6 in FIG.
Transport to 16.

As described above, in the normal mode, when the pallet 14 is carried in by the storage conveyor 35, the unloading storage unit 16 is first determined as the destination of the pallet 14, and if the pallet 14 is transferred to the unloading storage unit 16 for this purpose. When the pallet 14 is present, from the zone S in which the carry-out storage section 16 exists,
Empty storage compartment 17 is searched and pallets 14 received
Is transported to the storage unit 17. Desired carry-out storage section 16
When there is no pallet 14 in the pallet,
Is transported by the stacker crane 13 to the unloading storage section 16 determined as the transport destination. In addition, the indicator light 23 flashes during this conveyance, and the operator is notified that the pallet 14 is being conveyed.

When the article 5 is unloaded in the unloading storage section 16 and an empty pallet 14 is generated and the completion push button switch 24 of the unloading display 21 is pressed, the empty pallets 14 are moved in the order in which they were pressed. 13 is delivered to the delivery conveyor 36. It is checked whether or not the article 5 remains on the pallet 14 at the time of unloading. If the article 5 remains, the pallet 14 is returned to the original unloading storage unit 16 and the unloading display 21 of the unloading storage unit 16 is displayed. Light 23 flashes and the digital display
By displaying “EEE” in red on 22, the worker is prompted to carry out the article 5.

Subsequently, when the pallet 14 holding the articles 5 set in the unloading storage section 16 from which the empty pallet 14 is unloaded is stored in the storage storage section 17, the pallet 14 is unloaded by the stacker crane 13. To the storage unit 16. "Regular movement / reception priority mode"<Reception of pallet 14 holding articles 5> (FIGS. 10 to 1)
When the pallet 14 holding the articles 5 is placed on the storage conveyor 35 by the forklift, the pallet 14 is transported by the storage conveyor 35 to a position where the pallet 14 is transferred to the stacker crane 13. During this transport, the barcode is read from the label on the pallet 14 by the barcode reader 37.

The general controller 51 is a bar code reader.
When the bar code data of the pallet 14, that is, the unique number of the pallet 14 is input from 37 (step-a 1),
The code of the article 5 on the pallet is searched by the number of the pallet 14 (specifying the article), and the code of the article 5 is used to carry out the pallet 14 according to the management data of the carry-out storage unit 16 in FIG. The shelf number of the section 16 is searched (step-a2). Hereinafter, the “pallet 14 holding the article 5” on the storage conveyor 35 is referred to as a storage conveyor.

Next, it is determined whether the incoming pallet 14 is to be transported to the retrieved storage unit 16 or to the storage unit 17 (step-a3). This determination routine will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, it is checked whether the number of the pallet 14 is set in the searched shelf number, that is, whether or not the pallet 14 is present in the target carry-out storage section 16 (presence or absence of the pallet) (step). -B1) When the previous pallet 14 does not exist in the target carrying-out storage section 16, the incoming pallet
The fourteen destinations are set in the target unloading storage part 16 (step-b2).

When the previous pallet 14 is present in the target carry-out storage section 16, the pallet 14 is placed on a pallet (hereinafter, referred to as a pallet) on which the articles 5 are placed according to the number of articles 5 on the pallet.
Judge whether it is 14 (referred to as an actual pallet) (step-b
3) When the actual pallet 14 exists, it is determined whether the pallet 14 exists next to one side or both sides of the target carrying-out storage section 16 (the presence or absence of the pallet) (step-b).
4). When the pallet 14 is not present, the next carrying-out storage section 16 is set as the destination (step-b5).

Also, the pallets are used for both the carry-out storage sections 16 on both sides.
When 14 exists, the empty storage storage unit 17 is searched from the zone S in which the target unloading storage unit 16 is present, based on the management data of the storage storage unit 17 in FIG.
b6), the searched empty storage storage unit 17 is set as the transport destination (step-b7).

In the above step-b3, the actual pallet
When the empty pallet 14 does not exist, that is, when the empty pallet 14 exists, it is determined whether or not the empty pallet 14 exists in the empty pallet exclusive storing unit 20 of the zone S where the target carrying-out storing unit 16 exists. Then, when there is no empty pallet 14 in the empty pallet dedicated storage unit 20, the destination of the (empty) pallet 14 after the target unloading storage unit 16 is set in the empty pallet dedicated storage unit 20 (step-b 8). (Step-b
9).

Also, empty pallets are stored in the empty pallet dedicated storage section 20.
When 14 is present (empty) at the end of the target carry-out storage unit 16
The destination of the pallet 14 is set to the delivery conveyor 36 (step-b10).

Subsequently, the scooping data of the previous pallet 14 existing in the target unloading storage unit 16 is output to the crane controller 34, and the unloading storage unit 16 is operated by the stacker crane 13.
The pallet 14 is scooped (step-b11).

In the stacker crane 13, when the pallet 14 is scooped by the fork device 45, the articles 5 are placed on the pallet 14.
It is confirmed whether or not is left. When the article 5 remains, a presence detection signal indicating that there is a stock, and when no article 5 remains, is output to the general controller 51.

The general controller 51 determines whether or not the article 5 remains based on the presence detection signal (step-b12). When the article 5 remains, the general controller 51 outputs the presence information to the carry-out display controller 52. (Step-b
13).

Based on the data, the unloading display controller 52 controls the unloading display of the unloading storage section 16 of the transfer destination.
The indicator lamp 21 blinks and the digital display 22 displays "EEE" in red.

Subsequently, the wholesale data of the pallet 14 is output to the crane controller 34, and the pallet 14 is returned to the unloading storage unit 16 (step-b14), and the pallet 14 is returned to the unloading storage unit 16. The data is output to the carry-out display controller 52 (step-b15).

Based on the data, the unloading display controller 52 outputs the unloading display of the unloading storage unit 16 at the destination.
The 21 indicator lamps 23 are turned on continuously. "EEE" is displayed as it is on the digital display 22 in red.

When the article 5 is unloaded from the pallet 14 returned to the unloading storage unit 16 by the operator and the completion push button switch 24 of the unloading display 21 is pressed, the unloading display controller 52 responds to this operation signal. The indicator light 23 of the unloading indicator 21 is turned off, and the unloading storage
The data on the completion of unloading in step 16 is output. The digital display 22 displays "EEE" in red as it is.

When the general controller 51 inputs the data of the completion of unloading (step-b16), the general controller 51 executes step-b1.
Returning to step 1, the pallet 14 is again scooped by the crane 13.

In step b12, if it is confirmed that no articles 5 remain on the pallet 14, the transfer data for the previously set empty pallet dedicated storage unit 20 or the delivery conveyor 36 is output to the crane controller 34. Then, the empty pallets 14 are transported to the empty pallet-dedicated storage section 20 or the delivery conveyor 36 as the transport destination using the stacker crane 13 (step-b17). After the transfer, the information (pallet number, number of articles) of the pallet 14 to which the pallet 14 was transferred is deleted from the management data (FIG. 6) of the unloading storage unit 16 of the transfer source and updated (step-b18). Empty pallet dedicated storage unit when pallet 14 is transported to dedicated storage unit 20
The information (pallet number) of the transported pallet 14 is input to the 20 management data (FIG. 6) and updated (step-b1).
9).

When step-b19 ends, in step-b2, the destination of the incoming pallet 14 is set to the target unloading storage section 16. When the determination routine ends, as shown in FIG. 10, when the transport destination is the storage storage unit 17, the transport data with the storage storage unit 17 as the destination is output to the crane controller 34, and the storage storage unit 17 is output. The incoming pallet 14 is transported by the stacker crane 13 (step-a4). After the transport, the information (pallet number and number of articles) of the transported incoming pallet 14 is input and updated in the management data (FIG. 6) of the transported storage storage unit 17 (step-
a5).

When the transport destination is the unloading storage section 16, the presence / absence of mixed loading is confirmed by the number of the receiving pallet 14 based on the receiving pallet data (FIG. 6) (step-a6). Obtain the total quantity of the article 5 on the pallet 14 and carry out this total quantity (pallet
The number (the number of picks) of the article 5 to be picked from 14) is set (step-a7). Picking from the pallet 14 in advance by the host computer when not mixed loading 1
It is checked whether or not the quantity of the article 5 has been set (step-a8). If the quantity has been set, the set quantity is used as the number of picks (step-a9). If not, step-a7. Is used as the number of picks.

Subsequently, the transfer data for the transfer destination storage section 16 is output to the crane controller 34, and the transfer of the incoming pallet 14 to the discharge storage section 16 is started (step-a1).
0), the data (including the set number of picks) during which the pallet 14 is being transported to the unloading storage unit 16 of the transport destination is output to the unloading display controller 52 (step-a11).

The unloading display controller 52 flashes the display lamp 23 of the unloading display 21 of the unloading storage section 16 of the transport destination based on this data, and displays the “number of picks” in red on the digital display 22. Let it.

Subsequently, when the incoming pallet 14 arrives at the unloading storage unit 16 of the transfer destination (step-a12), the general controller 51 sends the pallet transfer completion data to the unloading storage unit 16 of the transfer destination to the unloading display controller. It outputs to 52 (step-a13).

Based on this data, the unloading display controller 52 outputs the unloading display of the unloading storage unit 16 at the destination.
The 21 indicator lamps 23 are turned on continuously. On the digital display 22, the "number of picks" is displayed as it is in red.

Subsequently, the general controller 51 inputs and updates the information (pallet number and number of articles) of the transported incoming pallet 14 into the management data (FIG. 6) of the unloading storage section 16 of the transport destination (step S1). -A14).

When the general controller 51 confirms a predetermined time or a predetermined time interval (step-a1).
5) The pallet 14 stored in the storage unit 17 is attracted to the unloading storage unit 16 by the articles 5 on the pallet 14 (step-a15). Whether or not the pallet 14 is actually conveyed to the unloading storage section 16 depends on the presence or absence of the actual pallet 14 and the empty pallet 14 and the presence or absence of the pallet 14 next to one side or both sides, as in the case where the pallet 14 is carried into the storage conveyor 35. . <Export> (Refer to FIG. 13) The articles 5 of the pick number indicated by the pallet 14 arrived at the unloading storage unit 16 by the operator are unloaded, and the unload indicator 21
Is pressed, the carry-out display controller 52 sends the pick completion data to the
Output to In addition, when the article 5 carried out from the pallet 14 cannot be stored in the compartment storage space 6 of the picking shelf 3,
The articles 5 are temporarily stored in the temporary storage section 25 of the temporary storage area or the article storage space 8 of the picking shelf 5, and the articles 5 having the number of picks are unloaded from the pallet 14.

When the overall controller 51 confirms the pick completion data (step-c1), the number of picks is subtracted from the number of original articles 5 on the pallet 14 to calculate the remaining number of articles 5 on the pallet 14 (step-c1). -C2), and outputs the remaining number to the carry-out display controller 52 (step-c3).

The carry-out display controller 52 turns on the display lamp 23 of the carry-out display 21 based on the data, switches the character color of the digital display 22 to green, and displays "remaining number".

When the worker confirms that the remaining number matches the article 5 on the pallet 14 and presses the completion push button switch 24 of the carry-out display 21 again, the carry-out display controller
52 is an indicator light of the carry-out indicator 21 based on the operation signal.
Turns off 23 and sends the unloading storage section 16 to the
The data of the unloading completion in is output. It should be noted that the "remaining number" is displayed in green on the lighting digital display 22 as it is.

When the unification completion data is input (step-c4), the general controller 51 checks whether the calculated remaining number is 0, that is, whether or not the article 5 remains (step-c5). When the number is 0, the remaining number of articles 5 in the management data of
The value is set to 0 ", and the data is updated to the data in which the empty pallet 14 exists (step-c6).

When it is confirmed that there is a remaining number, the empty storage storage unit 17 where the pallets 14 are not stored in the same zone S as the unloading storage unit 16 is searched based on the management data of the storage storage unit 17 (FIG. 6). The transfer destination (step-c7), the transfer data with the unloading storage section 16 as the transfer source and the storage storage section 17 as the transfer destination is output to the crane controller 34, and the articles 5 on the unloading storage section 16 are output. Pallet 14 with storage
It is transported to 17 (step-c8). After the transport, the re-entry completion data is output to the unloading display controller 52 (step-c9).

The carry-out display controller 52 deletes the display on the digital display 22 of the carry-out display 21 based on the data. Subsequently, the general controller 51 uses the management data (FIG. 6) in the unloading storage section 16 to transfer the pallets that have been transported.
The information (pallet number, number of articles) of the transported pallet 14 is deleted in the management data (FIG. 6) of the storage unit 16 by deleting the information (pallet number, number of articles) of the 14. ) Is input and updated (step-c10), and the process ends.

As described above, in the regular movement and storage priority mode, when the pallet 14 is loaded by the storage conveyor 35, first, the storage section for unloading is set as a destination of the storage pallet 14.
16 is determined, it is determined whether or not the actual pallet 14 currently exists in the storage section 16 for this purpose. When the actual pallet 14 is present, the pallets are located next to one side or both sides of the storage section 16 for discharge. It is determined whether or not 14 exists (the presence or absence of a pallet). If it does not exist, the unloading storage unit 16 next to one or both sides is set as the transport destination.

For example, in FIG. 4, the compartment storage space 6 of the picking shelf 2 for replenishing the articles 5 is C, and c1 and c2 are the carry-out storage sections 16 of the storage shelf 11 closest to C of the compartment storage space 6. When the actual pallet 14 is present and cannot be conveyed, the nearest storage shelf 11
The carry-out storage unit 16 in which the pallet 14 does not exist among the b1 or b2 or d1 or d2 which is the carry-out storage unit 16 next to 16 c1 and c2 is set. The incoming pallet 14 is transported to the set destination by the stacker crane 13. Also, pallets next to one of these and further to both sides
When 14 is present, an empty storage storage unit 17 is searched from the zone S in which the unloading storage unit 16 is located, and is set as a transport destination. The pallet 14 is transported.

The actual pallet 14 is stored in the target carry-out storage section 16.
Is not present, it is determined whether or not an empty pallet 14 is present. When an empty pallet 14 is present, the empty pallet 14 is transferred to the empty pallet dedicated storage unit 20 in the same zone S by the stacker crane 13. Be moved. If there is already a pallet 14 in the empty pallet storage section 20, the empty pallet 14 is delivered to the delivery conveyor 36.

Subsequently, or when there is no empty pallet 14, the incoming pallet 14 is transported from the incoming conveyor 35 to the target unloading storage section 16 by the stacker crane 13. At this time, it is confirmed whether or not the receiving pallet 14 is in the mixed loading state. In the case of the mixed loading, the number of picks for carrying out all the articles 5 is set. If the number is set and the quantity is not set in advance, the number of picks for carrying out all the articles 5 is set. In other words, receiving pallets in mixed loading
From 14, when you finish paying out with the article 5 left,
Since it becomes impossible to determine which kind of articles 5 remain on the pallet 14, the total quantity of the articles 5 on the pallet 14 is used as the number of picks, and all the articles 5 on the pallet 14 are transferred to the compartment 6 of the picking shelf 5. Picking up from the pallet 14 that holds a single article 5 and is not a consolidation, because the type of the remaining article 5 can be determined independently even when some of the articles 5 are left. The number is set, and a part or all of the articles 5 on the pallet 14 are paid out to the compartments 6 of the picking shelf 3.

Also, even if the article 5 is carried out and an empty pallet 14 is generated and the completion push button switch 24 of the carry-out display 21 is pressed, the empty pallet 14 is not immediately collected. Therefore, when the pallet 14 holding the next article 5 is loaded into the loading / unloading port 33, the incoming pallet 14 (the article holding body holding the article) is picked up by the stacker crane 13 in preference to the conveyance of the empty pallet 14. Will be transported, picking shelf 3
It is possible to avoid delaying the timing of replenishing the articles. Then, when another carrying pallet 14 is assigned (set) to the carrying-out storage unit 16 where the article 5 is carried out and the empty pallet 14 is generated, the empty pallet 14 is not taken out to the carrying-in / out port 33. Then, the empty pallet 14 is conveyed to the predetermined empty pallet exclusive storage unit 20 in the same zone S near the unloading storage unit 16, and the empty pallet 14 is expelled from the unloading storage unit 16 in a short time. If there is already a pallet 14 in the empty pallet dedicated storage unit 20, the empty pallet 14 is delivered to the delivery conveyor 36.

When the article 5 is carried out and the pallet 14 in which the article 5 remains is generated, the storage storage unit in the same zone S
Transferred to 17. At a predetermined time or at a predetermined time interval, the pallet 14 stored in the storage unit 17 is attracted to the unloading unit 16 by the articles 5 on the pallet 14. Whether it is actually transported to the unloading storage unit 16
In the same manner as when the pallets 14 are carried into the storage conveyor 35, it depends on the presence / absence of the actual pallets 14 and the empty pallets 14, and the presence / absence of the pallets 14 on one side or both sides. “Empty pallet dedicated shelf transfer mode” (see FIG. 14) First, according to the management data of the unloading storage unit 16, unloading storing the pallets 14 (empty pallets) of which the articles 5 have been unloaded (remaining number: 0). Is retrieved and stored (step-1), and if there is an unloading storage unit 16 storing the empty pallet 14 (step-2), the zone S in which the unloading storage unit 16 is located is located. Empty pallet 14 in empty pallet storage 20
Is determined (step 3).

When there is no empty pallet 14 in the empty pallet dedicated storage section 20 (when the storage section is empty), the destination of the empty pallet 14 in the unloading storage section 16 is set in the empty pallet dedicated storage section 20. (Step-4).

Subsequently, the transfer data is output to the crane controller 34 using the unloading storage unit 16 as the transfer source and the empty pallet dedicated storage unit 20 as the transfer destination, and the empty pallet 14 is transferred to the transfer destination using the stacker crane 13. Empty pallet storage 20
(Step-5).

When the transport is completed, the management data (FIG. 6) of the transported empty pallet dedicated storage section 20 is added to the transported pallet.
Input and update the information (pallet number) of 14 and delete and update the information (pallet number and number of articles) of the transported pallet 14 from the management data (Fig. 6) of the unloading storage unit 16 of the transport source. (Step-6).

The above steps -2 to 6 are carried out by
Is repeated for the empty pallet 14 stored in the pallet. Thus, the pallet 14 is not stored in the loading / unloading port 33,
During the time when picking work is suspended (lunch break),
The empty pallet 14 in the unloading storage section 16 is moved to the empty pallet storage section 20. Therefore, the presence of the empty pallets 14 in the unloading storage section 16 is reduced, and it is not necessary to transfer the empty pallets 14 every time the pallets 14 enter the warehouse, thereby improving work efficiency. “Empty pallet collection mode” (see FIG. 15) First, according to the management data of the unloading storage unit 16, the unloading storage which stores the pallets 14 (empty pallets) from which the articles 5 have been unloaded (remaining number: 0). The unit 16 is searched and stored (step-1). If there is an unloading storage unit 16 storing the empty pallet 14 (step-2), the destination of the pallet 14 in the unloading storage unit 16 is unloaded. The conveyor 36 is set (step 3), and the transfer data with the unloading storage unit 16 as the transfer source and the unloading conveyor 36 as the transfer destination is output to the crane controller 34, and the empty pallet 14 is transferred using the stacker crane 13. It is transported to the preceding delivery conveyor 36 (step-4).

When the transfer is completed, the unloading storage section of the transfer source
Information (pallet number, number of articles) of the transported pallet 14 is deleted and updated from the 16 management data (FIG. 6) (step-5).

Steps 2 to 5 described above are repeated until the carry-out storage section 16 storing the empty pallets 14 no longer exists. When the transport of the empty pallets 14 in all the unloading storage units 16 is completed (step-6), the empty pallet-only storage units 20 storing the empty pallets 14 are searched according to the management data of the empty pallet-only storage units 20. And memorize (Step-7),
If there is an empty pallet dedicated storage unit 20 storing the empty pallets 14 (step-8), the destination of the pallets 14 in the empty pallet dedicated storage unit 20 is set to the unloading conveyor 36 (step-9). Pallet storage unit 20
The transfer data with the delivery conveyor 36 as the destination is output to the crane controller 34, and the empty pallets 14 are transported to the destination conveyor 36 using the stacker crane 13 (step-10).

When the transfer is completed, the information (pallet number) of the transferred pallet 14 is deleted and updated from the management data (FIG. 6) of the empty pallet-specific storage section 20 of the transfer source (step-11).

The above steps -8 to 11 are carried out by
Is repeated until there is no empty pallet-specific storage section 20 storing the pallets. When the transport of the empty pallets 14 in all the empty pallet dedicated storage units 20 is completed (step-12), the process is terminated. The empty pallets 14 are sequentially carried out by the delivery conveyor 36, and carried out from the end by a forklift.

As described above, after the picking operation of one day is completed, that is, in a time period when the pallet 14 is not stored in the loading / unloading port 33 and the picking operation is not performed, the picking operation is first performed in the unloading storage section 16. The empty pallet 14 is transported to the loading / unloading port 33 (outgoing conveyor 36), and then the empty pallet dedicated storage unit 20
Empty pallet 14 is transported to the loading / unloading port 33 (delivery conveyor 36). Therefore, there is no empty pallet 14 in the unloading storage section 16 and the empty pallet storage section 20, and it is not necessary to transfer the empty pallet 14 every time the pallet 14 enters the warehouse. Goods 5
Delay in the timing of replenishment is avoided.

As described above, the pallet 14 holding the articles 5 to be refilled into the respective compartment storage spaces 6 of the picking shelf 3 is
The unloading storage unit 16 facing (close to) the compartment storage space 4
The worker (replenisher) can very efficiently replenish the articles 5 from the pallet 14 into the compartment storage space 6 of the picking shelf 3 by being transported to the pallet 14.

When the incoming pallet 14 cannot be transported to the unloading storage section 16 of the storage shelf 11 closest to the section storage space 6 of the picking shelf 3 for unloading the articles 5 on the pallet 14, the closest unloading storage section 16 By being transported to the next unloading storage section 16, the transport operation of the incoming pallet 14 by the stacker crane 13 can be completed in one time,
Work efficiency can be improved.

Further, the incoming pallet 14 cannot be transported to the unloading storage section 16 of the storage shelf 11 closest to the section storage space 4 of the picking shelf 3 for unloading the articles 5 on the pallet 14 or the unloading storage section 16 on both sides thereof. At this time, the incoming pallet 14 is stored in the storage storage unit 17 in the zone S where the target unloading storage unit 16 is present, and then the pallet 14 is transported from the storage storage unit 17 to the unloading storage unit 16. In this case, the transfer of the pallets 14 can be performed most efficiently.

Each of the unloading storage sections 16 of the storage shelf 11 is most arranged by setting the arrangement so that the preset article 5 is supplied to the section storage space 6 of the opposing picking shelf 3. The article 5 can be efficiently replenished.

When the delivery is completed with the articles 5 remaining from the pallet 14 in which a plurality of types of articles 5 are mixed, all the articles 14 on the pallet 14 are delivered to the compartment storage space 6 of the picking shelf 3. This makes it possible to solve the problem that it is not possible to determine which type of article 5 remains on the pallet 14. Further, even if a part of the articles 5 is left from the pallet 14 holding the single article 5, the kind of the left article 5 can be determined independently, so that some or all of the articles 5 on the pallet 14 are picked. It can be paid out to the compartment storage space 6 of the shelf 3.

[0108] In the regular movement / reception priority mode,
When the pallet 14 holding the article 5 is stored in the loading / unloading port 33, the pallet 14 holding the article 5 is transported (supplied) to the unloading storage unit 16 in preference to the transport of the empty pallet 14. Thus, it is possible to avoid delay in replenishing the picking shelf 3 with the articles 5. When the empty pallet 14 is expelled, the empty pallet 14 is conveyed to the empty pallet dedicated storage unit 20 in the same zone S without being conveyed to the carry-in / out port 33, and the empty pallet 14 is expelled from the unloading storage unit 16 in a short time. Can pick the shelves 3
It is possible to avoid delaying the timing of replenishing the article 5 to the user.

In the present embodiment, when the pallet 14 cannot be transported to the unloading storage section 16 of the storage shelf 11 closest to the section storage space 4 of the picking shelf 3 for unloading the articles 5 on the pallet 14, It is transported to the unloading storage unit 16 next to or adjacent to the nearest unloading storage unit 16, but is transported to the unloading storage unit 16 located within a certain range from the closest unloading storage unit 16. You may make it. At this time,
The work of transporting the pallet 14 by the stacker crane 13 is 1
It ends in a round and the work efficiency is improved.

In the present embodiment, the carry-out storage section 16 is arranged in one example of the lower stage of one of the storage shelves 11, but the arrangement of the carry-out storage section 16 can be freely changed. They may be arranged in stages. Picking shelves 3 are storage shelves 11
, The carry-out storage unit 16 is also provided on the other storage shelf 11.

In the present embodiment, the pallet 14 is used as an article holder for holding the article 5.
May be a container for placing or storing the container, for example, a container or a cardboard box.

In this embodiment, the row of empty pallet dedicated storage sections 20 is provided in the third row from the bottom of the storage section of each storage shelf 11. And a specific storage compartment 17 in each zone S.
May be used as an empty pallet dedicated storage section for temporarily storing the empty pallets 14. Also, the height of the empty pallet dedicated storage section 20 is lower than the heights of the other storage sections 16, 17, and 25.
The height may be the same as the other storage sections 16, 17, 25.

In this embodiment, the character color displayed on the digital display 22 of the carry-out display 21 can be switched. However, only one color (for example, red) is displayed without switching the character color. You may do so.

In the present embodiment, the flow shelves are used as the picking shelves 3. However, general shelves to which the articles 5 do not move may be used. In the present embodiment,
A plurality of zones S are set in the storage compartment 17, and the movement of the empty pallet 14 and the actual pallet 14 is performed within the same zone S except for the movement from the article carrying-in / out section 33 or the movement to the article carrying-in / out section 33. In this case, the empty pallet 14 and the actual pallet 14 may be moved without the zone S, or may be moved out of the zone S.

In this embodiment, the carry-in / out port (article carry-in / out section) 33 is provided at one end of the work passage 12, but the carry-in and carry-out ports are separately provided at one end and the other end of the work passage 12. You can also do so. At this time, the entrance conveyor 35 installed at the entrance and the exit conveyor 36 installed at the exit are separately provided at one end and the other end of the work passage 12.

[0116]

As described above, according to the present invention, the article holder holding the articles to be refilled into the respective picking storage sections of the picking shelf is conveyed to the unloading storage section near the picking storage section. This allows the worker (replenisher) to replenish the articles from the article holder to the picking storage section of the picking shelf extremely efficiently.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a layout diagram of shelf equipment and picking equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part of the shelf equipment.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a main part of the shelf equipment and the picking equipment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the placement of a carrying-out storage section of a storage shelf of the shelf equipment and the section storage space of a picking shelf.

FIG. 5 is a control configuration diagram of the shelf equipment.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of data stored in an integrated controller of the shelf equipment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the shelf facility in a normal mode.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the shelf equipment in a normal mode.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the shelf equipment in a regular movement / entry priority mode.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the shelf equipment in a regular movement / reception priority mode.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the shelf equipment in a regular movement / reception priority mode.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the shelf equipment in a regular movement / warehouse priority mode.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the shelf equipment in the regular movement / reception priority mode.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the shelf equipment in the empty pallet-only transfer mode.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the shelf facility in an empty pallet collection mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 FS Shelf Equipment PS Picking Equipment S Zone 1 Collection Container 2 Line (Conveyor) 3 Picking Shelf 4 Rack 5 Article 6 Sectional Storage Space 7 Picking Display 11 Storage Shelf 12 Work Path 13 Stacker Crane 14 Pallet 15 Article Storage 16 Shipping Storage unit 17 Storage storage unit 20 Empty pallet dedicated storage unit 21 Unloading display 22 Digital display 23 Indicator 25 Temporary storage unit 33 Article loading / unloading unit (loading / unloading port) 34 Crane controller 35 Storage conveyor 36 Storage conveyor 51 General controller 52 Unloading display controller

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of storage sections for storing article holders for holding articles, and a plurality of storage sections for storing the article holders so that articles on the article holders can be carried out from one side. A storage shelf having an unloading storage unit; and an article transporting unit for transporting the article holding body between the storage storage unit of the storage shelf, the unloading storage unit, and a predetermined loading / unloading port. A shelf facility for replenishing articles from an unloading storage section with respect to a picking shelf having a plurality of picking storage sections for storing articles, which is disposed to face one side of the section and comprising: A shelf facility wherein an article holder holding an article to be refilled into the storage section is transported by the article transport means to an unloading storage section near the picking storage section. 2. An article holder for holding an article to be refilled into a picking storage section of a picking shelf, wherein the article holding means cannot transfer the picking storage section to the unloading storage section of the storage shelf closest to the picking storage section. The shelf equipment according to claim 1, wherein the shelves are transported to one or both of the nearest carry-out storage units. 3. An article holding body for holding an article to be refilled into a picking storage section of a picking shelf, when the article transfer means cannot transfer the picking storage section to the unloading storage section of the storage shelf closest to the picking storage section. The shelf equipment according to claim 1, wherein the shelves are transported to a carry-out storage unit located within a certain range from the nearest carry-out storage unit. 4. A plurality of zones are set in the storage section of the storage shelf, and the article holder is stored in the storage section in the same zone as the unloading storage section to which the article holder is transported. The shelf equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: 5. A plurality of zones are set in the storage compartment for storage of the storage shelf, and the unloading storage compartment of the storage shelf is set in advance in the picking storage of the opposing picking shelf irrespective of the zone. The shelf equipment according to claim 1, wherein the shelf equipment is arranged so as to be able to supply articles. 6. When an article holder holding a plurality of types of articles is conveyed to a carry-out storage section, all the articles on the article holder are discharged to a picking storage section of a picking shelf, and When the article holder holding one article is conveyed to the unloading storage section, a part or all of the articles on the article holder are discharged to the picking storage section of the picking shelf. A shelf facility according to any one of claims 1 to 5.