JP2012121634A - Picking equipment and picking method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide picking equipment requiring only a small installation space therefor, which can automatically make an input indicator used for indicating an article-collecting container for charging an article get alongside an article-collecting container or separate from an article-collecting container, can ship, as it is, an article-collecting container from which the input indicator has separated.SOLUTION: The picking equipment is configured as follows. The input indicators 26 each indicating an article-collecting container 10 to be input with the article taken out from an outlet port of a flow rack, are connected to attachments 25, respectively. The respective attachments 25 (the respective input indicators 26) are moved by means of a prepared indicator move line C in such a way that they move along a linear conveyer 21 which conveys the article-collecting containers 10 while getting alongside the article-collecting containers 10 to be instructed by the input indicators 26, respectively. An article taken out from an outlet port of the flow rack is input in an article-collecting container 10 alongside which the input indicator 26 is moved by means of the indicator move line C, based on the display of the input indicator 26.

Description

  The present invention relates to a picking equipment and a picking method for picking an article.

An example of a conventional picking facility is disclosed in Patent Document 1.
The picking facility disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a belt conveyor that continuously conveys collection containers in which articles are to be stored, and a movement detector that detects the movement position of the collection containers is provided on the belt conveyor. A plurality of display lamps are provided along the belt conveyor to indicate a picked-up collection container for the picked article by blinking thereof.
With this configuration, the collection containers are continuously conveyed by the belt conveyor, and when moving by the belt conveyor, the movement position of the collection containers is detected by the movement detector, and provided along the belt conveyor based on the detection signal. The display lamps are sequentially turned on to indicate a collection container for storing picked items. As a result, the operator can recognize the collection container in which the article is to be stored by a display lamp that is lit so as to follow the movement of the collection container, and also stops the conveyance of the collection container by the belt conveyor. Therefore, the efficiency of picking work can be improved.

Japanese Patent No. 2799345

  In such picking equipment, a plurality of indicator lamps are sequentially flashed along the conveyor so as to follow the collection containers transported on the conveyor, and the operator watches the flashing of the indicator lamps. Therefore, the visibility is lowered, and there is a risk that the collection container into which the articles are to be put in is mistaken, which causes a decrease in the accuracy of the picking work.

Therefore, the collection container itself is a special collection container that can indicate that it is a collection container into which articles are to be input, or it is indicated that the collection container is a collection container into which articles are to be input. It is thought that the above cause can be solved by attaching a display that can be used. However, since it is not possible to ship the special collection container as it is or the collection container with the indicator attached, the collected articles are transferred to another container (shipping container) at the time of shipment. It is necessary to change. In addition, special collection containers or collection containers equipped with indicators are considered to be used after being shipped back to the picking work start position (circulated). Forming a loop requires a large installation space.
If the display unit can be removed from the collection container, the collection container can be shipped, but it must be attached at the start of picking, removed at the time of shipment, and a worker must be arranged separately from the worker who performs the picking work. is there.

  Therefore, the present invention improves the visibility of the collection container for storing articles by attaching a display that can indicate that the collection container is to be filled with articles to the collection container. It is an object of the present invention to provide a picking equipment and a picking method that can reduce the performance and can attach a display device to a collection container automatically or semi-automatically.

In order to achieve the above-described object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a plurality of article storage units that respectively store articles, and a sorting destination or a sorting destination along each of the article storage units. Container transport means for transporting a plurality of collection containers to which the article request information is assigned, and according to the article request information of the sorting destination, the articles taken out from the article storage unit are put into the collection container Picking equipment that collects goods by destination,
Each of the collection containers includes a loading indicator that indicates that the collection container is a target for loading the articles taken out from the article storage unit, and each of the loading indicators is provided along the container conveying means. The product is moved in accordance with one collection container to be displayed, and an article taken out from the article storage unit is put into the collection container to be displayed by the display of the input indicator. It is characterized by this.

  According to the above configuration, each input indicator moves according to the collection container to be displayed, and is an input target collection container that inputs the articles taken out from the article storage unit to each input indicator. Is displayed. Further, since the input indicator is not directly attached to the collection container, the collection container can be shipped as it is.

  Further, the invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein each of the input indicators is moved along the container conveying means in accordance with the collection container to be displayed. The indicator moving means is disposed at least upstream of the article storage portion of the container transporting means, and the input indication is displayed on the collection container transported by the container transporting means. And a detaching means for detaching the loading indicator from the collection container which is disposed downstream of the article storage portion of the container transporting means and is transported by the container transporting means. It is characterized by.

  According to the above configuration, each input indicator is brought close to the collection container to be displayed and aligned with the collection container upstream from the article storage section, and each input by the release means downstream from the article storage section. The display unit is detached from the collection container to be displayed, and the collection container after collection is transported as it is by the container transport means.

  Further, the invention described in claim 3 is the invention described in claim 1, wherein each of the input indicators is moved along the container conveying means in accordance with the collection container to be displayed. The indicator moving means is disposed upstream of the article storage section of the container transporting means, and the input indicator is disposed on the collection container being transported by the container transporting means. A gathering means, a separating means disposed downstream of the article storage section of the container transporting means, for separating the input indicator from the collection container transported by the container transporting means, and a collecting means by the gathering means The input indicator brought to the product container is transported along the container transport means in synchronism with the collection container, and is separated by the forward transport means comprising an accumulation conveyor and the release means. A return path transport means comprising a ropeless conveyor for transporting the input indicator to the approach means; and a circulation loop is constituted by the approach means, the forward path transport means, the separation means, and the return path transport means. It is characterized by.

  According to the above configuration, the indicator moving means is configured in a circulation loop by the shifting means, the forward transfer means, the detachment means, and the return path transfer means, and each input indicator is repeatedly used by being circulated by the indicator moving means. The

  The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein for each input indicator, an input indicator is connected and moved by the indicator moving means. Each of the articles to be conveyed is provided with a latching portion for latching to the collection container, and each input indicator is in a state in which the latching part of the article to be conveyed is latched to the collection container. Then, it is conveyed by the indicator moving means together with the object to be conveyed.

  According to the above configuration, each input indicator is moved by the indicator moving means together with the object to be conveyed in a state where the locking part of the object to be conveyed is locked to the collection container.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein each of the input indicators includes a connecting member to which an input indicator is connected, and each connecting member includes the collection container. And a display moving means for moving each input indicator along the container conveying means in accordance with the collection container to be displayed. The moving means is disposed upstream of the article storage unit shelf of the container transporting means, and lowers the input indicator to which the connecting member is connected to the target collecting container from above to transport the collecting container. A lowering means for locking the engaging portion of the connecting member on the side surface in the direction, and a loading indicator disposed downstream of the article storage portion of the container transporting means and connected to the connecting member, the collecting container Raising further upward, the connecting member from the collection container And raising means for disengaging the locking portion, the charged indicator which is raised by said raising means, and is characterized in that it comprises a return path back to the lowering means.

  According to the above configuration, the connecting member having the engaging portion that is engaged with the collection container is connected to the input indicator, and the input indicator to which the connecting member is connected upstream of the article storage portion is the target. The collection container is lowered from above, and the engaging portion of the connecting member is engaged with the side surface of the collection container in the transport direction. Further, downstream of the article storage unit, the input indicator to which the connecting member is connected is lifted upward from the target collection container, and the locking portion of the connection member is released from the collection container. The released input indicator is returned to the lowering means by the return path.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 1, further comprising a connecting member to which a loading indicator is connected for each of the charging indicators, and each collecting member has the collection container. And a loading indicator that is locked to the collection container by the locking portion is transported by a transport force of a container transport unit that transports the collection container. Is.

  According to the above configuration, the loading indicator is moved together with the collection container by being pushed by the collection container conveyed by the container conveyance means.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein each of the input indicators includes a connecting member to which an input indicator is connected, and each connecting member has the collection container. An indicator moving means for moving along the container conveying means in accordance with the collection container to be displayed, respectively.
The indicator moving means is disposed at least upstream of the article storage portion of the container transport means, and simultaneously lowers a plurality of input indicators connected to the connecting member to the target collection container from above. A lowering means for locking the locking portion of the connecting member on a side surface in the transport direction of the collection container, and a plurality of the connecting members connected to the downstream of the article storage portion of the container transporting means. It is characterized by comprising raising means for simultaneously raising the input indicator upward from the collection container to disengage the engaging portion of the connecting member from the collection container.

  According to the above configuration, the plurality of input indicators connected to the respective connecting members are simultaneously lowered from the upper side to the target collection container at the upstream side of the article storage unit, on the side surface in the transport direction of each collection container. The locking part of each connecting member is locked. Further, downstream of the article storage unit, a plurality of input indicators connected to the respective connecting members are simultaneously raised upward from the target collection container, and the locking portions of the respective connection members are detached from the respective collection containers. .

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each input indicator is provided with a display screen and storage means, and stored in the storage means. The displayed data is displayed on the display screen, and the display screen displays the article taken out from the article storage unit into the collection container that is moved in accordance with the input indicator. It is characterized by this.

  According to the above configuration, the data stored in the storage means is displayed on the display screen, and the article taken out from the article storage unit with respect to the collection container moved in accordance with the display according to the display. Is inserted.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, an article taken out from an article storage unit according to the article request information of the sorting destination is conveyed to the collected goods while conveying a plurality of collecting containers each assigned a sorting destination. A picking method for charging into a container,
Each of the collection containers includes a loading indicator that indicates that the collection container is a target for loading articles taken out from the article storage unit, and each of the loading indicators is a display target that is being transported. Moves according to one collection container, and inputs the article taken out from the article storage unit into the collection container to be displayed by the display of the input indicator moved according to the collection container. It is characterized by doing.

  According to the above method, each input indicator is moved in accordance with the collection container to be displayed, and it is indicated that each input indicator is an input target collection container into which an article taken out from the article storage unit is input. Is done. In addition, since the collection indicator is not attached with a collection container, the collection container can be shipped directly.

  In the picking equipment and picking method of the present invention, each input indicator moves in accordance with the collection container to be displayed, and the input target collection container in which the articles taken out from the article storage unit are input to each input indicator. Is displayed, the operator can intuitively recognize the collection container to be thrown in without misrecognition, prevent erroneous loading, and attach the loading indicator to the collection container. Therefore, the collection container can be shipped as it is.

It is a principal part block diagram of the picking installation in embodiment of this invention, (a) is a top view, (b) is a partial cross section front view. It is a figure which shows the movement indicator of the picking equipment, (a) is a perspective view which shows the state attached to the attachment, (b) is a detailed perspective view, (c) is a control block diagram. It is a whole block diagram of the picking equipment. It is a principal part perspective view of the picking equipment. It is a section lineblock diagram of the picking equipment. It is a principal part plane block diagram of the picking equipment. It is a control block diagram of the picking equipment. It is a control block diagram of the communication controller of the picking equipment. It is a figure which shows the whole picking data of the picking equipment. It is a control block diagram of the extraction controller of the picking equipment. It is a control block diagram of the zone controller of the picking equipment. It is a control block diagram in the zone controller of the picking equipment. It is explanatory drawing of the movement of the collection container in each zone of the picking equipment. It is a perspective view of two types of attachments used in the picking equipment in other embodiments of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the picking installation in the 1st other form of this invention, (a) is a top view, (b) is a side view. It is a block diagram of the picking installation in the 2nd other form of this invention, (a) is a top view, (b) is a side view. It is a block diagram of the picking installation in the 3rd other form of this invention, (a) is a top view, (b) is a side view. It is a block diagram of the picking installation in the 4th other form of this invention, (a) is a top view, (b) is a principal part front view.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This picking facility is a picking facility that collects and delivers articles that have received orders (orders) from individual pre-registered users (an example of sorting destinations) to collection containers to which the user's orders are assigned.
FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the picking equipment according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Picking equipment
A storage line A for storing storage boxes 12 (FIG. 4) for storing articles 11 (FIG. 4) to be collected;
A container transport line (an example of a container transport means) B that transports straightly the collection container 10 that stores (inputs) the picked article 11;
A loading indicator 26 (details will be described later) for indicating that the collection container 10 is a loading target into which the articles 11 are loaded is set in the container transport line B in accordance with the collection container 10 to be loaded (displayed). Display movement line (an example of display movement means) C for circulating and transporting the product so that it returns to the upstream side of the container transportation line B when the collection is completed.
It is composed of

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the storage line A is composed of a flow rack (an example of a picking shelf) 15, and the flow rack 15 stores one type (one item) of articles 11. The shelf 17 having a plurality of rows of front doors 16 (an example of an article storage unit) on which the storage boxes 12 are placed (stored) is vertically arranged in a plurality of stages (in this embodiment, three stages; preferably three or more stages). A plurality of front doors 16 (in this embodiment, a total of 24 shelves with eight shelves and eight front doors), and the work of taking out the articles 11 to be collected into the collection container 10 is performed. A picking zone P to be executed is set (formed). For each picking zone P, one worker (picking worker) H who performs picking work is arranged, and a zone controller 24 (FIG. 14) is provided. In addition, the storage line A (flow rack 15) and the container transport line B are arranged on the opposite side with the worker H interposed therebetween.

  Further, at the front end of each shelf 17 of the flow rack 15 (the end portion of the worker H facing the transfer line B), on the front surface of each frontage 16, a quantity indicator 19A for displaying the quantity of articles 11 to be taken out, and a lamp A frontage indicator 19 composed of a complete pushbutton switch 19B having a section is provided. Further, the color of the lamp portion (lamp color) of the completion push button switch 19B is alternately different for each picking zone P (in this embodiment, the odd zone is red and the even zone is green). The storage box 12 is constituted by a box (box) whose upper surface is opened and from which the article 11 can be taken out.

  Further, the flow rack 15 has a plurality of (in the present embodiment) each displaying the number of stages of the shelves 17 in which the frontage 16 in which the articles 11 (storage boxes 12) to be picked are stored is present at the upstream position for each picking zone P. In the embodiment, there is provided a bay display device 20 in which three lamps 20A are arranged in the vertical direction because there are three shelves.

  The operator H identifies the number of steps of the shelf 17 in which the frontage 16 in which the article 11 (storage box 12) to be picked is stored is indicated by the display on the bay display 20, and displays the frontage according to the display on each frontage display 19. An article 11 is picked from 16 (storage box 12) and put into the collection container 10. In addition, the collection container 10 is comprised from the box-shaped container by which upper direction was open | released.

  “Container transport line B”; The container transport line B is composed of a rectilinear transport line 21 that transports the collection container 10 along the flow rack 15, and is an accumulation conveyor (can be accumulated and moved for each collection container. Each of the collection containers 10 is provided with an accumulation unit 22 that can store and sequentially feed the collection containers 10. As is known, each of the accumulation units 22 has a function of feeding the collection container 10 forward when there is an empty accumulation unit 22 (the collection container 10 does not exist).

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the straight conveyance line 21, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, an input zone that classifies a plurality of collection containers 10 to be charged with articles 11 taken out in the picking zone P. Z is set (formed), and for each charging zone Z, a plurality of the accumulating sections 22 (six in the embodiment) are provided, that is, each charging zone Z has a maximum of six (a plurality of examples). ) Can be stored and fed forward. A tape switch 23 is provided for each loading zone Z.

  Further, as described above, the accumulation unit 22 has a function of feeding the collection container 10 forward. However, the accumulating unit 22 located at the most downstream side of each charging zone Z is given a permission condition for forward feeding. When there is an empty accumulation unit 22 in front and a forward feed permission signal (details will be described later) is received from the zone controller 24 provided in the picking zone P corresponding to the input zone Z that is located The collection container 10 is configured to be fed forward.

  In the present embodiment, each picking zone P of the storage line A and each input zone Z of the container transport line B are arranged to be located in the same section arranged in the transport direction of the collection container 10, The picking zone P and the input zone Z that are arranged facing each other are arranged without any deviation in the transport direction. Basically, the storage lines (located in the same section) are arranged in the respective input zones Z so as to face the input zones Z with respect to the collection containers 10 transported by the transport line B. The article 11 stored in the picking zone P of A is configured to be input and collected. Hereinafter, an area where all the input zones Z are arranged is referred to as a collection area.

As shown in FIG. 1, the input indicator 26 is connected on an attachment (an example of an object to be conveyed) 25, and is aligned with one collection container 10 to be displayed. It is moved by the indicator moving line C (an example of the indicator moving means) that can move along the container transfer line B (straight-forward transfer line 21).
As shown in FIG. 2, the input indicator 26 includes a first lamp unit (upstream zone display means) arranged in order on the surface of the vertically long box-shaped display body 30 and the long-axis display body 30. An example) 31, a digital display (an example of a display screen) 32 made of electronic paper, a second lamp part (an example of the own zone display means) 33, and an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification; data attached to the display body 30 ) 34, a display controller 35 built in the display main body 30, a radio device (an example of a data receiver) 36 with a built-in antenna, and a battery 37. The digital display section 32 is positioned at the center of the first lamp section 31 and the second lamp section 33 in the transporting direction of the collection container 10 by 21 (hereinafter abbreviated as container transporting direction). That is, in other words, the first lamp unit 31, the digital display unit 32, and the second lamp unit 33 are moved in synchronization with the collection container 10 in order from the downstream side in the container transport direction (details will be described later). ). An order number (an example of a unique code) is written and stored in the RFID 34 (details will be described later). Further, by providing the input indicator 26 with the digital display 32, the order number or the like that can specify the collection container 10 can be displayed, and the collection container 10 can be specified.

The first lamp unit 31 and the second lamp unit 33 are composed of a lamp 38 that protrudes from the surface of the display body 30 and can be lit and flashed in two colors, and covers 39A and 39B that cover the lamps 38, The lamp 38 which is the display means of the first lamp unit 31 and the second lamp unit 33 uses the same lamp (including lamp mounting brackets) and has a structure that can be interchanged. Thus, by using the same structure for the lamp 38 (including the lamp mounting bracket), it is possible to reduce the number of parts of the input indicator 26 and to manufacture it at low cost. Further, the cover 39A and the cover 39B are configured to be interchangeable and attachable.
The cover 39A is a cover that is open only in the container transport direction so that the lighting state of the lamp 38 can be recognized from the downstream side in the container transport direction and cannot be recognized from the front, and the cover 39B is conversely from the front. The front cover is open so that the lighting / flashing state of the lamp 38 can be recognized and cannot be recognized from the downstream side in the container transport direction.

Further, the lamp 38 of the lamp units 31 and 33, the digital display 32, the RFID 34, and the radio device 36 with a built-in antenna are connected to the display controller 35, and the display controller 35 is connected to the order number written in the RFID 34. Based on the number (described later) and instructions / data (details will be described later) received by the wireless device 36, the lamps 38 of the lamp units 31, 33 are turned on / flashing / turned off (no lighting), and the digital display 32 Is controlling the display. In the digital display 32, the storage line A is input by the straight conveyance line 21, and the "order number" written in the RFID 34 is received by the display 26, that is, the collection container 10 is moving, or received by the radio 36. “END” by data is displayed (details will be described later).
The battery 37 supplies power to the lamps 38 of the lamp units 31 and 33, the digital display 32, the wireless device 36, and the display controller 35.

  “Attachment 25”; As shown in FIG. 2, the attachment 25 has projections (locking portions) that are hooked (locked) on the front and rear surfaces of the collection container 10 in the container transport direction at both ends in the container transport direction. (Example) 40 is provided, and each input indicator 26 is connected to the input container 26 by the indicator moving line C together with the attachment 25 in a state where both protrusions 40 of the attachment 25 are locked to the collection container 10 as shown in FIG. Be transported.

“Sensors of the straight conveyance line 21”; as shown in FIG. 3, the RFID 34 of the display controller 35 is detected along the straight conveyance line 21 for each upstream end of the charging zone Z (the boundary of the charging zone Z). Then, an RFID reader (an example of a code reading unit) 42 for reading the order number written on the RFID 34 is provided. Further, each RFID reader 42 reads the order number written in the RFID 34, whereby the position of the RFID 34, that is, the position of the input indicator 26 in which the RFID 34 is incorporated, that is, the collection container 10 to which the input indicator 26 is attached. Is determined.
Further, an antenna 43 (FIG. 2) for transmitting / receiving data to / from the wireless device 36 of the input indicator 26 is laid above the straight conveyance line 21.
A collection container detection sensor 44 composed of a photoelectric sensor that detects the passage of the collection container 10 being conveyed by the straight conveyance line 21 upstream of a width-shifting (separation) conveyor 46 described later is provided in the straight conveyance line 21. (FIG. 1) is provided.
Further, the straight conveyance line 21 defines a position in the left-right direction perpendicular to the container conveyance direction with respect to an attachment 25 (loading indicator 26) moved from a width adjusting (detaching) conveyor 46 and an outward conveyance conveyor 47, which will be described later. A guide 45 (FIG. 1) is provided in the container transport direction.

  “Indicator movement line C”: As shown in FIG. 1, the indicator movement line C is located upstream of the storage line A (flow rack 15) of the container conveyance line B, and the rear surface (short axis direction) of the collection container 10. The attachment 25 (loading indicator 26) snuggles along the side surface of the storage line A opposite to the worker H), and the protrusion 40 is locked to the back surface of the collection container 10. At the downstream of the storage line A (flow rack 15) of the line B, the attachment 25 (loading indicator 26) is configured to be detached from the collection container 10, and a width-adjusting (tilting) conveyor (an example of the approaching means) 46, an outward path conveyor (an example of an outward path transport means) 47, a width-shifting (separation) conveyor (an example of a detachment means) 48, and a return path conveyor (an example of a backward path transport means) 4 It is configured circulation loop by the.

The width adjusting (tilting) conveyor 46 is disposed upstream of the storage line A (flow rack 15) of the container transport line B, and is attached to the collection container 10 transported by the container transport line B (input indicator). 26).
Further, the width adjusting (separating) conveyor 48 is disposed downstream of the storage line A (flow rack 15) of the container transport line B, and is attached to the collection container 10 being transported by the container transport line B (attachment indicator). 26) is released.
The forward transfer conveyor 47 is an accumulation conveyor provided with an accumulation unit corresponding to the accumulation unit 22 of the straight conveyance line 21, and the input indicator 26 brought to the collection container 10 by the width-adjusting (tilting) conveyor 46. In addition, in synchronization with the collection container 10 (in combination), that is, in synchronization with the operation of the accumulating unit 22 of the rectilinear conveyance line 21, it is conveyed (moved) along the container conveyance line B.
The return path conveyor 49 includes a first drive roller conveyor 51, an accumulation / cutout conveyor 52 including a ropeless conveyor, and a second drive roller conveyor 53, and is attached to the attachment 25 ( The loading indicator 26) is conveyed to the accumulation / cutout conveyor 52 by the first drive roller conveyor 51, accumulated from the downstream on this accumulation / cutout conveyor 52, and aligned with the collection container 10 being conveyed by the container conveyance line B. Then, it is cut out and conveyed to the width-adjusting (tilting) conveyor 46 by the second drive roller conveyor 53.
Further, the attachment 25 (loading indicator 26) is guided from the width-shifting (tilting) conveyor 46 to the outward-conveying conveyor 47 so as to approach the collecting container 10 being moved by the straight-forwarding conveying line 21. A guide 50 is provided to maintain a position facing 10. Due to the action of the guide 50 and the projection 40 of the attachment 25 and the action of the guide 45 provided on the above-described straight conveyance line 21, the operation of the accumulation part 22 of the straight conveyance line 21 and the operation of the accumulation part of the accumulation / cutout conveyor 52 are performed. Even if the synchronization is slightly shifted, it is possible to prevent the positions of the collection container 10 and the attachment 25 (loading indicator 26) from being shifted.
At the downstream end of the accumulation / cutout conveyor 52, a cutout roller 55 and an RFID writer 56 that detects the RFID 34 and has a data write / erase function are provided.

  The cut-out roller 55 has protrusions 59 that can hook the protrusions 40 of the attachment 25 symmetrically at two positions on the outer periphery of the roller 58 that rotates horizontally. The insertion indicator 26 on the most downstream side is removed (cut out) from the projection 40 of the attachment 25, and the projection 40 of the next attachment 25 is caught by the projection 59 of the roller 58, and the movement is stopped. With this configuration, the insertion indicator 26 (attachment 25) is cut out each time the cutout roller 55 rotates halfway.

  Further, when the RFID writer 56 detects the RFID 34, the RFID writer 56 erases the order number previously written in the RFID 34 of the loading indicator 26, and then the RFID 34 is placed in the collection container 10 to which the loading indicator 26 to be cut out from now on approaches. Write the assigned order number (described later).

“Control Configuration”; FIG. 7 shows the control configuration of the picking equipment.
In addition to the zone controller 24 for each picking zone P, an overall controller 62, a communication controller 63, and a cut-out controller 64 are provided as control means for the picking equipment.

  “Communication controller 63”: As shown in FIG. 8, the communication controller 63 is connected to a transmission / reception device 65 to which an antenna 43 is connected. The communication controller 63 is connected to the communication controller 63 via the antenna 43 and the transmission / reception device 65. Data transmission / reception with the wireless device 36 of the display 26 is executed. Details will be described later.

"Overall controller 62": The overall controller 62 is connected to the zone controller 24 for each picking zone P, the communication controller 63, and the cut-out controller 64, and further includes the straight-forward transfer line 21 and the return transfer conveyor of the indicator moving line C. An RFID writer 56 provided at 49 (storage / cutout conveyor 52) is connected.
In the overall controller 62, the following data is set in advance.
Array data of the frontage 16 of the picking zone P in which the articles 11 to be ordered are stored (data on the frontage 16 of the picking zone P corresponding to each product 11).
The overall controller 62 has the following functions.
(I). A work start command and an end command are output to the zone controller 24, the communication controller 63, and the cut-out controller 64 for each picking zone P.
(B). The straight conveyance line 21 is started and stopped.
(C). Orders from individual users registered in advance {order: an example of article request information from each sorting destination; consisting of information for identifying articles (for example, article type, article name, article code, etc.) and quantity (number) When one or a plurality of data} is received, as shown in FIG. 9, the user orders are received in the order of the pre-registered users who have received the orders (or the user, that is, the sorting destination, or the article request information of the sorting destination). A continuous order number (an example of a unique code) is allocated, and the order quantity (picking quantity) is written in each frontage 16 of each picking zone P, and the picking data of the storage line A is formed. At this time, in the storage line A, when the picking in each user order is finished halfway, the zone number at which the picking is finished is obtained and stored.
(D). The order number assigned to each user and the picking data of the formed storage line A (including the zone number at which picking is completed) are output to the zone controller 24 of each picking zone P.
(E). When RFID 34 is detected by the RFID writer 56 provided on the return path conveyor 49 of the display moving line C, the order number assigned to the user's order is output to the RFID writer 56 in the order of the registered users. Then, the order number is written in the RFID 34. As a result, the order number is assigned to the collection container 10 corresponding to the input indicator 26.

  As described above, when the general controller 62 starts / stops the straight conveyance line 21 and further inputs an order from each user, picking data for the storage line A (picking data for each picking zone P) ) Is formed and output to the zone controller 24 of each picking zone P, and an order number is assigned to the collection container 10.

“Cutout controller 64”; the cutout controller 64 is a controller for controlling the display moving line C. The cutout controller 64 includes an overall controller 62 and each accumulating unit of the straight conveyance line 21 as shown in FIG. 22, a width-adjusting (tilting) conveyor 46, each accumulating portion of the forward transfer conveyor 47, a width-shifting (separating) conveyor 48, a first drive roller conveyor 51 that forms a return-path transfer conveyor 49, and an accumulation / cutout conveyor 52. , And the second drive roller conveyor 53, the cutting roller 55, and the container detection sensor 44 are connected.
The cut-out controller 64 has the following functions.
(I). When an operation start command is input from the overall controller 62, the width adjustment (tilting) conveyor 46, the width adjustment (detachment) conveyor 48, the first drive roller conveyor 51, and the second drive roller conveyor 53 are activated, When an end command is input, the width adjusting (tilting) conveyor 46, the width adjusting (separating) conveyor 48, the first driving roller conveyor 51, and the second driving roller conveyor 53 are stopped.
(B). Start the accumulation section of the corresponding forward transfer conveyor 47 in accordance with the start / stop signal input from each accumulation section 22 of the straight-line transfer line 21 on condition that a work start command is input from the general controller 62 ·Stop. As a result, the accumulation unit of the forward transfer conveyor 47 is driven in synchronism with the accumulation unit 22 of the straight conveyance line 21.
(C). Each time the detection signal of the collection container 10 is input from the container detection sensor 44, the cutting roller 55 is driven by half rotation on the condition that an operation start command is input from the overall controller 62.

The function of the cutout controller 64 and the operation of the display moving line C will be described.
It is assumed that the attachment 25 (loading indicator 26) is accumulated downstream of the accumulation / cutout conveyor 52 and the most downstream attachment 25 is stopped by the cutout roller 55.
In this state, when the cut-out controller 64 inputs a detection signal of the collection container 10 from the container detection sensor 44, the cut-out roller 55 is rotated halfway. Then, the protrusion 59 of the roller 58 is disengaged from the protrusion 40 of the attachment 25, the most downstream attachment 25 (insertion indicator 26) is carried out (cut out), and the attachment 25 (input indicator 26) is the second It is conveyed by the drive roller conveyor 53.
Then, upstream of the flow rat 15 (collection area), each attachment 25 (loading indicator 26) is brought closer to the collection container 10 to be displayed by the width-shifting (tilting) conveyor 46, and the protrusion of the attachment 25. The part 40 is locked to the collection container 10, and the collection container 10 and the loading indicator 26 are integrated.
The collection container 10 and the input indicator 26 are integrated and conveyed by the straight conveyance line 21 and the forward conveyance conveyor 47, respectively, and the collection operation is performed on the collection container 10. (Incidentally, even if the attachment 25 (the input indicator 26) is integrated, it is basically transported by the accumulation part of the forward path conveyor 47.)
When the collection work on the collection container 10 is completed, each attachment 25 (input indicator 26) is displayed on the collection object to be displayed by the width adjusting (detaching) conveyor 48 downstream of the flow rat 15 (collection area). The collection container 10 that has been separated from the container 10 and finished collecting is transported by the container transport line B (straight forward transport line 21) and shipped.
Further, the attachment 25 (loading indicator 26) detached by the width adjusting (separating) conveyor 48 is conveyed by the first drive roller conveyor 51, transported to the accumulation / cutout conveyor 52, and downstream of the accumulation / cutout conveyor 52. Are accumulated in order.
In this manner, the attachment 25 (the input indicator 26) is automatically integrated with the collection container 10 and detached and used in a circulating manner.
As described above, according to the function of the cut-out controller 64 and the configuration of the indicator moving line C, the attachment 25 (input indicator 26) is upstream of the flow rat 15 (collection area) and before the picking operation is started. From the width approaching (tilting) conveyor 46, it is gradually approached (attached) to the collection container 10 to be displayed that is being transported by the rectilinear transport line 21 (straight forward section). At this time, the attachment 25 (loading indicator 26) is brought close (attached) using the opposite side of the worker and is disposed at the loading port of the article 11 of the collection container 10, and the loading indicator 26 is the worker. It is attached so that can be seen. When the collection work on the collection container 10 is finished (after the picking work is finished), the straightening conveyance line 21 (straight forward part) is used by the width-shifting (separation) conveyor 48 downstream of the flow rat 15 (collection area). It is gradually separated from the collection container 10 to be displayed, which is being conveyed (detached).

  “Zone Controller 24”; As shown in FIG. 11, each zone controller 24 includes a frontage display 19, a bay display 20, and a self-picking zone P in charge of a picking zone (hereinafter referred to as a self-picking zone) P. A tape switch 23 in an input zone (corresponding input zone, hereinafter referred to as a self-injection zone) Z arranged in a face-to-face (corresponding), and a tape switch 23 in an upstream input zone Z adjacent to the upstream of the self-injection zone Z Further, the most downstream accumulation unit 22 in the self-injection zone Z, an RFID reader (abbreviated as an upstream zone RFID reader) 42 provided at the upstream end of the upstream input zone Z, and an RFID provided in the upstream end of the self-injection zone Z Reader (abbreviated as own zone RFID reader) 42, upstream end of downstream input zone Z adjacent to the own input zone Z downstream It provided the RFID reader (abbreviated as downstream zone RFID reader) 42, a communication controller 63 and overall controller 62 are connected.

  In addition, each zone controller 24 is preset with a number that identifies the self-picking zone P and the self-insertion zone Z, and further, the arrangement of the frontage 16 of the self-picking zone P and the article 11 stored in each frontage 16. Data (array data) is set, and the order number assigned to the user by the general controller 62 and data of the article 11 taken out from each frontage 16 of the own picking zone P specified by each order number (picking data) ) Is entered.

“Control configuration of the zone controller 24”; the zone controller 24 controls the picking work in which the article 11 is taken out from the front door 16 of the own picking zone P and put into the collection container 10 being conveyed by the straight conveyance line 21. To do. A control configuration diagram of the zone controller 24 is shown in FIG.
The zone controller 24
A picking memory 71 for storing the arrangement data, the order number assigned to each user, picking data (including a zone number at which picking is completed), and whether or not the picking work by the picking data has been completed;
An upstream in which the order number written in the RFID 34 of the input indicator 26 attached to each of up to six collection containers 10 located (moving) in the upstream input zone Z from upstream to downstream is stored. Zone memory 72;
A self-zone memory 73 in which similar order numbers of up to six collection containers 10 located in the self-feed zone Z from upstream to downstream are stored;
A data processing unit 74 for storing an order number assigned to each user input from the general controller 62 and picking data to the picking memory 71;
An upstream zone container detection unit 75, an own zone container detection unit 76, an upstream zone preceding display control unit 77, an own zone preceding display control unit 78, a picking control unit 79, and a forward feed permission control unit 80, which will be described later. It is composed of

  “Upstream Zone Container Detection Unit 75”; When the upstream zone container detection unit 75 inputs an order number from the upstream zone RFID reader 42, the upstream zone memory uses the order number as the order number of the most upstream collection container 10. 72, and the previously stored order number is sequentially moved downstream. When the order number is input from the own zone RFID reader 42, the order number is deleted from the upstream zone memory 72, and the previously stored order numbers are sequentially moved to the downstream side.

“Own Zone Container Detection Unit 76”; When the own zone container detection unit 76 inputs an order number from the own zone RFID reader 42, the own zone memory is used as the order number of the most upstream collection container 10. 73, and the previously stored order number is sequentially moved to the downstream side. When the order number is input from the downstream zone RFID reader 42, the order number is deleted from the own zone memory 73, and the previously stored order numbers are sequentially moved to the downstream side.
Thus, the upstream zone memory 72 and the own zone memory 73 store the order number of the current collection container 10 located in the upstream charging zone Z and the own charging zone Z from the upstream to the downstream and are updated.
Since the order number of the collection container 10 located in each input zone Z is stored by inputting the order number from the RFID reader 42, the mounting position of the RFID reader 42 is set on the upstream side or the downstream side. The range of the input zone Z can be varied by moving to. For example, the range of the input zone Z corresponding to each picking zone P can be shifted (moved) to the downstream side by moving the attachment position of the RFID reader 42 downstream by a plurality of collection containers. As described above, the upstream charging zone Z shifts to the downstream side, and the self-loading zone Z shifts to the downstream side, so that the worker H moves to perform the picking work around the self-picking zone P. It becomes shorter and it becomes possible to improve work efficiency.

“Own Zone Advance Display Control Unit 78”; The own zone advance display control unit 78 confirms the order number stored in the own zone memory 73, searches the picking memory 71 by each order number, and picks Presence / absence of data (whether there is an article 11 picked from the front opening 16 of the own picking zone P and put into the collection container 10 located in the own throwing zone Z; no picking data if the picking operation has been completed, To be considered).
If there is picking data in the order number (if there is picking work), the order number is memorized, and the order number (collection container 10) at the most downstream is selected as the order number (collection object) for picking work. And the number of the self-injection zone Z is added to the order number and output to the picking control unit 79. In addition, the self-zone lighting data obtained by adding the number of the self-loading zone Z and the lighting signal to the other order numbers excluding the order number of the collection container 10 to be picked is output to the communication controller 63. To do. Based on the own zone lighting data, the lamp 38 of the second lamp unit 33 is turned on (described later).
If there is no picking data in the order number by searching (if there is no picking work), the communication controller 63 receives the own zone turn-off data including the order number, the number of the self-insertion zone Z, and the turn-off signal. Output to. When there is no picking data, a no picking data signal is output to the upstream zone preceding display control unit 77. Based on the self-zone turn-off data, the lamp 38 of the second lamp unit 33 is turned off (described later).

“Upstream Zone Advance Display Control Unit 77”; The upstream zone advance display control unit 77 confirms the order number stored in the upstream zone memory 72, searches the picking memory 71 by each order number, and picks. Presence / absence of data (whether or not there is an article 11 picked from the front opening 16 of the own picking zone P and put into the collection container 10 located in the upstream loading zone Z; if the picking operation is finished, there is no picking data) To be considered).
If there is picking data in the order number (if there is picking work), the order number is stored, and then it is confirmed whether or not the picking data no signal is inputted from the own zone preceding display control unit 78. . When the no picking data signal is confirmed, the most downstream order number (collection container 10) is determined as an order number (collection container) to be picked, and the number of the upstream input zone Z ( 1 is subtracted from the number of the self-injection zone Z) and output to the picking control unit 79.
Further, upstream zone lighting data including the number of the upstream input zone Z and the lighting signal is output to the communication controller 63 to the other order numbers excluding the order number of the collection container 10 to be picked. To do. If there is no picking data in the order number by searching (if there is no picking work), the upstream zone extinction data obtained by adding the number of the upstream input zone Z and the extinction signal to the order number is added to the communication controller 63. Output to. The lamp 38 of the first lamp unit 31 is turned on based on the upstream zone lighting data, and the lamp 38 of the first lamp unit 31 is turned off based on the upstream zone lighting data (described later).

“Picking control unit 79”; When the picking control unit 79 inputs the order number of the collection container 10 to be picked from its own zone preceding display control unit 78 or the upstream zone preceding display control unit 77, this order number Thus, the picking data in the picking memory 71 is searched. In addition, the self zone blink data or the upstream zone blink data obtained by adding the number of the self throw zone Z or the upstream throw zone Z and the blink signal to the input order number is output to the communication controller 63. Based on the own zone blink data, the lamp 38 of the second lamp unit 33 blinks, and on the basis of the upstream zone blink data, the lamp 38 of the first lamp unit 31 blinks (described later).
Subsequently, according to the picking data of the collection container 10 to be picked, the frontage display 19 displays the frontage 16 from which the articles 11 are taken out and the quantity of the articles 11 to be taken out, and the bay display 20 takes out the articles 11. The number of shelves 17 with the frontage 16 is notified. Then, the operation of the completion push button switch 19B of the frontage display 19 confirms the removal of the article 11 from the frontage 16, and the article 11 is loaded into the tape switch 23 in the own loading zone Z (the collection container 10 in the own loading zone Z). Or the operation of the tape switch 23 in the upstream charging zone Z (when the article 11 is loaded into the collecting container 10 in the upstream charging zone Z), the completion of the picking work to the collecting container 10 is confirmed. Upon confirmation, the picking data in the picking memory 71 that has been executed is terminated, the order number for which the picking operation has been completed is output to the forward feed permission control unit 80, and then the picking zone P is picked in the picking data. Check if the zone is set.
If the picking zone P is set as the picking end zone, the zone end is added to the order number by adding “END” (an example of the display of “article input end”) display command and turn-off signal. The extinguishing data is output to the communication controller 63.

“Previous advance permission control unit 80”; The forward advance permission control unit 80 searches the picking data in the picking memory 71 based on the most downstream order number of the own zone memory 73 and confirms the presence or absence of the picking work. When no picking operation is performed, the forward feed permission signal is output to the most downstream accumulation unit 22. When there is a picking work, the picking control unit 79 waits until the order number for which the picking work has been completed is input, and the collection container 10 that has not finished the picking work is moved from the self-feeding zone Z to the downstream loading zone Z. When the order number is inputted, the order number is checked to see if it matches the most downstream order number in the self-zone memory 73. Output a forward feed permission signal.
The communication controller 63 sends the above-described “order number, self zone input data including the number of the self input zone Z and the lighting signal”, or “order number, the number of the self input zone Z, and "Zone extinction data added to be extinguished signal", or "End number extinction data added to order number and" END "display command and extinguished signal" or "Order number, upstream "Upstream zone lighting data including addition zone Z number and lighting signal" or "Upstream zone lighting data adding upstream charging zone Z number and lighting signal to order number", Or “Add to the order number the number of the self-injection zone Z and the flashing signal. When “Own zone flashing data” or “Upstream zone flashing data obtained by adding the upstream input zone Z number and the flashing signal to the order number” is input, the data is transmitted via the transmission / reception device 65 and the antenna 43. .
When this data is received by the radio 36 of the input indicator 26, the display controller 35 confirms whether or not the received data is addressed to itself based on the order number of the received data. Therefore, the “order number” is displayed on the digital display 32, or when the zone end extinction data is displayed, “END” is displayed on the digital display 32 instead of the “order number”. The lamp unit 33 and the lamp 38 of the first lamp unit 31 are turned on / flashed / turned off. It is assumed that red when the number of the input zone Z is an odd number and green when the number is even.
-Own zone lighting data: The lamp 38 of the second lamp section 33 is lit.
-Own zone turn-off data or zone end turn-off data: The lamp 38 of the second lamp section 33 is turned off.
-Own zone blink data: The lamp 38 of the second lamp section 33 blinks.
Upstream zone lighting data: The lamp 38 of the first lamp unit 31 is lit.
Upstream zone turn-off data: The lamp 38 of the first lamp unit 31 is turned off.
Upstream zone blinking data: The lamp 38 of the first lamp unit 31 blinks.

As described above, the lamp 38 of the second lamp portion 33 of the loading indicator 26 attached to the collecting container 10 located in the self-loading zone Z is turned on / flashing / turned off, and is turned on so that the picking work scheduled to be picked. It is displayed that it is a container 10, blinks to indicate that it is a collection container 10 that is currently a picking work execution target, and is turned off to indicate that it is a collection container 10 that is not a target for picking work. Whether or not the collection container 10 located in the self-injection zone Z, to which the input indicator 26 is attached, by the two lamp unit 33 is a collection container to which the articles 11 taken out in the self-picking zone P are input Indicated.
In addition, the lamp 38 of the first lamp portion 31 of the loading indicator 26 attached to the collecting container 10 located in the upstream charging zone Z is turned on / flashing / turned off, and is lit, and the collecting container 10 scheduled for picking work. It is displayed that it is present, blinking, it is displayed that it is the collection container 10 that is the object of execution of picking work, and it is displayed that it is uncollected, that is, the collection container 10 that is not the object of picking work. 31 indicates whether or not the collection container 10 located in the upstream input zone Z, to which the input indicator 26 is attached, is an input target collection container for the article 11 taken out in the self-picking zone P.

  The state of the lamp 38 of the second lamp portion 33 of the input indicator 26 (lighted / flashing / light-off state) is controlled by the own zone preceding display control portion 78, and the lamp 38 of the first lamp portion 31 is in the state described above. Since the state is controlled by the upstream zone preceding display control unit 77, when the collection container 10 is moved from the upstream charging zone Z to the downstream charging zone Z, the first lamp portion of the charging indicator 26 is displayed. 31 and the state of the lamp 38 of the second lamp unit 33 are reviewed at the same time, and the state of both the lamp 38 of the first lamp unit 31 and the second lamp unit 33 is updated simultaneously.

A specific example of the collection container conveyance will be described with reference to FIG.
Six accumulation sections 22 are provided in each charging zone Z, and as shown in FIG. 13A, the two downstream collection containers 10 in the zone 2 are not picking work targets but are adjacent to the downstream If there are two empty accumulation units 22 (without the collection container 10) upstream of the zone 3, as shown in FIG. 13 (b), two accumulations on the downstream side in the zone 2 are caused by the function of the accumulation conveyor. The goods container 10 is transferred to the adjacent downstream zone 3 and pre-packed. At this time, the collection container 10A to be picked in Zone 2 is transferred to the downstream end of the zone, but until the picking operation is finished and the forward feed permission signal is output from the zone controller 24 in the picking zone P, There is no transfer to zone 3.
Further, as shown in FIG. 13 (a), if there is an empty (no collection container 10) accumulation section 22 in the zone 1, the upstream collection container 10 is pre-packed as shown in FIG. 13 (b). Further, as shown in FIG. 13B, when an empty accumulation unit 22 is generated by the transfer of the collection container 10 in the zone 2, the collection container 10 that is not the picking work target at the downstream end of the zone 1 Transported to the front. At this time, the collection container 10A to be picked in Zone 1 is transferred to the downstream end of the zone, but until the picking work is finished and the forward feed permission signal is output from the zone controller 24 in the picking zone P, There is no transfer to zone 2.
In this way, the collection container 10 can partially move across the input zone Z downstream, so that the worker H can pick the collection container 10A to be picked in the movement range of the own input zone Z. Opportunities to work are increased and work efficiency can be improved. (Picking work can be performed in the upstream charging zone Z in advance, but the work efficiency can be improved if the collection container 10A to be picked is transferred to the self-charging zone Z.)
Further, the collection container 10A in which the picking operation is executed in the input zone Z can be prevented from being transferred to the downstream input zone Z until the picking operation in the input zone Z is completed, and the occurrence of a shortage can be prevented. it can.

“Picking Work”: The action of the configuration of the zone controller 24 will be described together with the picking work operation of the worker H arranged in the picking zone P.
As shown in FIG. 6, the lamp 38 of the second lamp portion 33 of the loading indicator 26 that moves together with the collection container 10 located in the own loading zone Z is turned on, blinked, or turned off. The picking work is executed and the no-picking work is displayed when the light is turned off. At this time, the bay display 20 and the frontage displays 19 in the own picking zone P are displayed.
The worker H arranged in his / her picking zone P takes out the article 11 to be put into the collection container 10 from the storage box 12 based on the display on the bay display 20 and the display on each frontage display 19. Each time the completion pushbutton switch 19B of the frontage display 19 is pressed, the display of the frontage display 19 is confirmed to be turned off, the article 11 is taken out, turned around, and conveyed to the self-loading zone Z, and the second The lamp 38 of the lamp unit 33 is loaded into the moving collection container 10 together with the blinking indicator 26 (picking operation is executed). When all the articles 11 have been charged, the tape switch 23 in the self-loading zone Z is pressed, and the picking operation for the target collection container 10 is completed. As described above, the lamp 38 of the second lamp unit 33 can be seen only from the own picking zone P when the collection container 10 to which the loading indicator 26 is attached is located in the own loading zone Z. The self-zone lamp which makes possible is formed.
In addition, the lamp 38 of the first lamp portion 31 of the loading indicator 26 moving with the collection container 10 located in the upstream loading zone Z (which can be seen only from the own picking zone P) is turned on, blinking, or turned off. The picking work is displayed when turned on, the picking work is executed when blinking, and the no picking work is displayed when turned off.
When the lamp 38 of the first lamp unit 31 is blinking, the worker H arranged in the own picking zone P is based on the display of the bay display 20 of the own picking zone P and the display of each frontage display 19. From the front edge 16 of the own picking zone P to the collection container 10 that is located in the adjacent upstream charging zone Z and is moving with the charging indicator 26 in which the lamp 38 of the first lamp section 31 is blinking. The taken-out article 11 is put in (execution of pre-picking in the upstream zone is performed). When all the articles 11 have been charged, the tape switch 23 in the upstream charging zone Z is pressed, and the picking operation for the target collection container 10 is completed. As described above, the lamp 38 of the first lamp unit 31 can be seen only from the own picking zone P when the collection container 10 to which the loading indicator 26 is attached is located in the upstream loading zone Z. A leading zone lamp is formed to enable work.

  As described above, the worker H can put the article 11 taken out from the own picking zone P into the collection container 10 being transported in the own throwing zone Z and the upstream throwing zone Z. In addition, a range in which the charging operation can be performed over two continuous charging zones Z is formed. Further, when the picking work to the collection container 10 is finished by the completion of the picking work, “END” is displayed on the digital display 32.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the input indicator 26 moves together with the collection container 10, and this collection container 10 is a collection container to be input into which the article 11 taken out from the frontage 16 is input. As indicated by the loading indicator 26, the worker H arranged in each picking zone P of the storage line A can intuitively recognize the collection container 10 to be loaded without misidentification, and prevents erroneous loading. Can do. Further, the order number (unique code) assigned to the user's order received by the wireless device (data receiver) 36 is displayed on the digital device (display screen) 32 of the input indicator 26. The worker H arranged in each picking zone P of the storage line A can easily identify (understand) the collection container 10 and also identify (understand) the user's order executed in the collection container 10. be able to.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, since the input indicator 26 is not directly attached to the collection container 10, the collection container 10 can be shipped directly, and the conventional “input indicator can be collected. A picking facility that collects fixed items in a container, picks up the collected items from the collection container, and ships them, without using the container conveyance line B that conveys the collection container 10 as a circulation line. The line (straight forward conveyance line 21) can be used, and space can be saved.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, each attachment 25 (loading indicator 26) is brought closer to the collection container 10 to be displayed from the width-shifting (tilting) conveyor 46 upstream of the flow rat 15 (collection area). In addition, each attachment 25 (loading indicator 26) is detached from the collection container 10 to be displayed by the width-shifting (separation) conveyor 48 downstream from the flow rat 15 (collection area). Integration and separation can be realized automatically, and the number of workers can be reduced by eliminating the need for operator intervention.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the indicator movement line C is configured in a circulation loop by the width-shifting (tilting) conveyor 46, the forward transfer conveyor 47, the width-shifting (separation) conveyor 48, and the return path transfer conveyor 49. By doing so, each attachment 25 (input indicator 26) can be circulated and used repeatedly.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the input indicator 26 is connected to the attachment 25 and the projection 40 of the attachment 25 is locked to the collection container 10, so that the size of the collection container 10 is increased. Accordingly, the size of the attachment 25 may be changed accordingly, and the input indicator 26 is not affected by the size of the collection container 10 and can be manufactured and used as a standard.

[Other embodiments]
In the above embodiment, the input indicator 26 is connected by the attachment 25, and the attachment 25 is brought close to the collection container 10 being conveyed by the straight conveyance line 21 by the indicator movement line C (outward conveyance conveyor 47). Thus, the collection container 10 and the loading indicator 26 for displaying that the collection container 10 is the target of the collection container 10 to be loaded with the article 11 taken out from the frontage 16 are integrated, but the configuration shown in FIGS. Accordingly, the collection container 10 and the loading indicator 26 may be integrated and moved.

"First other form"
Instead of the attachment 25, as shown in FIG. 14 (a), a loading indicator 26 is placed on the top, and a plate-like bottom plate portion 82 supported by a roller conveyance surface, which will be described later, and the long axis side of the bottom plate portion 82 (Container transport direction) An L-shaped plate connected to and suspended from the side surface, and a surface perpendicular to the container transport direction is locked to the front of the collection container 10 in the container transport direction. A configured second attachment (an example of a connecting member) 84 is used.
As shown in FIG. 15, a loading drive roller conveyor 86 is provided upstream of the rectilinear transport line 21 to cut out an empty collection container 10 to the rectilinear transport line 21, and further downstream of the rectilinear transport line 21, from the rectilinear transport line 21. An unloading drive roller conveyor 87 is provided for transporting the uncollected (collected) collection container 10.
The indicator movement line C is configured as follows.
The indicator moving line C conveys the second attachment 84 (the input indicator 26) at approximately the same interval as the collection container 10;
Provided above the carry-in drive roller conveyor 86, acting (conveying) on the bottom plate portion 82 of the second attachment 84, lowering the second attachment 84 from above and bringing it into the collection container 10 to be integrated; A loading conveyor (an example of a lowering means) 88 comprising a driving roller conveyor;
A forward transfer free conveyor 89 composed of a free roller conveyor to which a second attachment 84 integrated with the collection container 10 is moved by a loading conveyor 88;
A drive roller conveyor provided above the carry-out drive roller conveyor 87 and acting (conveying) on the bottom plate portion 82 of the second attachment 84 to raise the second attachment 84 upward and detach it from the collection container 10. A separation conveyor 90 (an example of a lifting means) consisting of:
A return conveyance conveyor (an example of a return path) 91 including a drive roller conveyor that conveys the second attachment 84 separated by the separation conveyor 90 to the loading conveyor 86.
It is composed of
The conveyance surface of the second attachment 84 (the input indicator 26) of the return conveyance conveyor 91 is at least a locking portion of the second attachment 84 from the height of the upper surface of the collection container 10 conveyed by the straight conveyance line 21. It is set horizontally at a position higher than 83 height.
Further, the loading conveyor 88 is inclined downward from the conveyance surface of the return conveyance conveyor 91 toward the upper surface of the collection container 10 conveyed by the straight conveyance line 21 and is used for cutting out the second attachment 84 downstream. Corresponding to the stopper 92A, the stopper 92B of the collection container 10 is provided on the carry-in driving roller conveyor 86, and the stoppers 92A and 92B are simultaneously opened, so that the straight conveyance line 21 The locking portion 83 of the second attachment 84 is applied to the downstream side surface of the collection container 10 being conveyed, and is conveyed to the forward conveyance conveyor 89, so that the collection container 10 and the second attachment 84 (the input indicator 26) are integrated. It becomes.
The forward transfer free conveyor 89 is installed so that the height of the transfer surface thereof is substantially the same as the height of the upper surface of the collection container 10, and by the force with which the collection container 10 is transferred by the straight transfer line 21, The second attachment 84 is moved on the forward transfer conveyor 88.
Further, the separation conveyor 90 is inclined upward from the upper surface of the collection container 10 of the straight conveyance line 21 toward the conveyance surface of the return path conveyor 91, and the second attachment 84 (bottom plate portion) carried out from the forward path conveyor 91. 82) is applied to the separation conveyor 90, the second attachment 84 is lifted obliquely upward from the downstream side, is detached from the collection container 10, and is carried out to the return conveyance conveyor 91.
The second attachment 84 is transported by the return path conveyor 91 and is transported to the loading conveyor 88.

As described above, the collection container 10 can be automatically integrated with the loading indicator 26 for displaying that the collection container 10 is the target of the collection container 10 into which the article 11 taken out from the frontage 16 is to be loaded. It can be automatically removed from the collection container 10 and can be used by circulating the input indicator 26.
Further, when the latching portion 83 of the second attachment 84 is pushed by the collection container 10 conveyed by the rectilinear conveyance line 21, the input indicator 26 moves together with the collection container 10, so that the outward conveyance free conveyor 89. Can be formed as a free conveyor, and it is not necessary to synchronize as in the case of the forward transfer conveyor 47 and can be formed at low cost.

"Second other form"
The same components as those of the first other embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
As shown in FIG. 14B, the bottom plate portion 82 of the second attachment 84 is configured as a plate-shaped bottom plate portion 82 ′ that extends from the placement surface of the loading indicator 26 at a right angle to the container transport direction. A two attachment (an example of a connecting member) 84 'is used.
As shown in FIG. 16, the indicator movement line C has the same configuration as the “first other form” except for the return path conveyor 91 ′, and the return path conveyor (an example of the return path) 91 ′ It is formed from a driving roller conveyor that grips and conveys the upper and lower portions of the extension of the bottom plate portion 82 ', and is disposed above the forward conveyance free conveyor 89. By this backward conveyance conveyor 91', the second attachment 84 '(input indicator) 26) is vertically circulated. That is, the second attachment 84 ′ (input indicator 26) delivered to the return path conveyor 91 ′ by the separation conveyor 90 is reversed and moves above the forward path conveyor 89, and the direction returns to normal. Then, it is carried out to the loading conveyor 88.
As described above, similarly to the “first other form”, the input container 26 and the input indicator 26 for displaying that the object is the target container 10 into which the articles 11 taken out from the frontage 16 are input. Can be integrated, the input indicator 26 can be detached from the collection container 10, and the input indicator 26 can be circulated for use.
Further, when the locking portion 83 of the second attachment 84 ′ is pushed by the collection container 10 conveyed by the straight conveyance line 21, the input indicator 26 moves together with the collection container 10, so that the forward conveyance free conveyor 89 can be a free conveyor, and it is not necessary to synchronize as in the case of the forward transfer conveyor 47, so that it can be formed at low cost.
In addition, the indicator movement line C rotates the second attachment 84 ′ (the insertion indicator 26) on the vertical rotation surface, thereby changing the horizontal rotation surface as in the “first other embodiment”. Space is saved by not requiring it.

"Third other form"
Instead of the attachment 25, the second attachment 84 of "first other form" is used.
As shown in FIG. 17, a docking area E for the collection container 10 and the input indicator 26 is provided upstream from the straight conveyance line 21, and the collection container 10 and the input indicator 26 are separated downstream from the straight conveyance line 21. Area F is provided.
Docking area E
A first drive roller conveyor 93 connected to the upstream end of the container transport line B (straight forward transport line 21);
A second drive roller conveyor 94 laid in parallel to the first drive roller conveyor 93 and carrying empty collection containers 10;
A container loading device (not shown) for pushing a plurality of empty collection containers 10 from the second drive roller conveyor 94 on the first drive roller conveyor 93 by pushing the container 10 in the direction perpendicular to the container conveyance direction.
It is composed of
The separation area F is
A third drive roller conveyor 95 connected to the downstream end of the container transport line B (straight forward transport line 21);
A fourth drive roller conveyor 96 that is laid in parallel with the third drive roller conveyor 95 and conveys the collection container 10 that has been collected;
The third drive roller conveyor 95 is composed of a container lowering device (not shown) that pushes a plurality of collection containers 10 that have been collected at right angles to the container transport direction and lowers them onto the fourth drive roller conveyor 96. ing.
In addition, the first transport roller conveyor 93 in the docking area E, the container transport line B (straight forward transport line 21), and the third drive roller conveyor 95 in the separation area F are in a straight line and are collected by the container transport line B. A free roller conveyor 97 having a horizontal conveying surface is provided at the upper surface height of the product container 10.
The second attachment 84 (loading indicator 26) can be moved up and down above the docking area E, the straight conveyance line 21 and the separation area F, and the plate-like bottom plate portion of the second attachment 84 with respect to the free roller conveyor 97. 82 is horizontally circulated through a plurality of moving bodies (an example of descending / raising means) 98 that can be loaded and unloaded 82 and can lock and detach the second attachment 84 (loading indicator 26) with respect to the collection container 10. An indicator moving line C comprising a chain conveyor is provided.
The moving body 98 is arranged in accordance with the collection container 10 being conveyed by the straight conveyance line 21, and includes a gripping device for gripping the plate-like bottom plate portion 82 of the second attachment 84 from the front and rear, and the gripping device of the gripping device. The moving body main body (all not shown) is comprised with the raising / lowering mechanism and moved by the indicator moving line C (chain conveyor).
With the above configuration, the second attachment 84 (connecting member) having the locking portion 83 that locks the collection container 10 is coupled to the loading indicator 26. First, in the docking area E upstream from the collection area, The second attachment 84 (plate-like bottom plate portion 82) is simultaneously placed on the free roller conveyor 97 and separated by a predetermined number (five in the figure) of moving bodies 98. Then, a predetermined number (five in the figure) of empty collection containers 10 corresponding to the second attachments 84 (loading indicators 26) are simultaneously transferred from the second drive roller conveyor 94 by the container loading device to the first drive roller conveyor. 93, each collection container 10 and the second attachment 84 (input indicator 26) are integrated.
Subsequently, the first drive roller conveyor 93 is driven, and a predetermined number (five in the figure) of empty collection containers 10 are carried out to the straight conveyance line 21, and the second attachment 84 (the input indicator 26) is the first. It is conveyed by the force which conveys the collection container 10 of the drive roller conveyor 93 and the rectilinear conveyance line 21, and collection work is performed.
When a predetermined number of collection containers 10 (five boxes in the figure) are unloaded from the straight conveyance line 21 to the third drive roller conveyor 95 in the separation area F downstream from the collection area, the third drive roller conveyor 95 stops. Then, the gripping devices for the corresponding moving bodies 98 are lowered from above, and the plate-like bottom plate portion 82 of the second attachment 84 is gripped and raised, whereby a predetermined number (five in the figure) of second attachments are obtained. 84 (loading indicator 26) is removed from the collection container 10 at the same time. Then, the collection container 10 from which the second attachment 84 (the input indicator 26) has been detached is simultaneously transferred to the fourth drive roller conveyor 96 by the container lowering device and shipped. Further, the second attachment 84 (the insertion indicator 26) lifted by the moving body 98 is conveyed to the docking area E by the indicator moving line C.

As described above, similarly to the “first other form”, the input container 26 and the input indicator 26 for displaying that the object is the target container 10 into which the articles 11 taken out from the frontage 16 are input. The input indicator 26 can be detached from the collection container 10, and the input indicator 26 can be circulated for use.
Further, since the plurality of second attachments 84 can be simultaneously locked / detached with respect to the corresponding collection container 10, improvement in work efficiency can be expected.

"4th other form"
Instead of the attachment 25, the second attachment 84 of "first other form" is used.
As shown in FIG. 18, similarly to the “first other form”, a carry-in drive roller conveyor 86 is provided upstream from the straight-ahead conveyance line 21, and a carry-out drive roller conveyor 87 is provided downstream from the straight-ahead conveyance line 21. A stopper 92B for cutting out an empty collection container 10 from the carry-in drive roller conveyor 86 is provided. The carry-out drive roller conveyor 87 is newly provided with a stopper 92C for stopping the collection container 10 from moving.
In addition, the conveyance surface is set horizontally at the top surface height of the collection container 10 conveyed by the linear conveyance line 21 in a straight line across the conveyance roller conveyor 86, the linear conveyance line 21, and the conveyance roller conveyor 87. A free roller conveyor 99 is provided.
Further, the second attachment 84 (the input indicator 26) is docked to the empty collection container 10 stopped by the stopper 92B in the carry-in drive roller conveyor 86, and is stopped by the stopper 92C in the carry-out drive roller conveyor 87. A display moving line C having a function of separating the second attachment 84 (the input display 26) from the collection container 10 that has finished collection is provided.
This indicator movement line C is
A driving roller conveyor 100 that conveys the second attachment 84 (the input indicator 26) in a direction opposite to the container conveying direction in parallel with the free roller conveyor 99;
The second attachment 84 (loading indicator 26) on the free roller conveyor 99, which is docked to the collection container 10 stopped by the stopper 92C in the carry-out drive roller conveyor 87, is lifted by, for example, adsorbing (raising / lowering). A lowering device (an example of ascending means) 101 that rotates and lowers onto the drive roller conveyor 100;
The second attachment 84 (the input indicator 26) is lifted by suction, for example, from the drive roller conveyor 100 and docked to the (empty) collection container 10 stopped by the stopper 92B in the carry-in drive roller conveyor 86 (free). A loading device (an example of a lowering means) 102;
The second attachment 84 (loading indicator 26) conveyed by the driving roller conveyor 100 is configured by a stopper 103 that stops at a position where it can be lifted by the loading device 102.
With the above configuration, when the empty collection container 10 is first stopped by the stopper 92 </ b> B on the carry-in drive roller conveyor 86, the second attachment 84 (the input indicator 26) is carried from the drive roller conveyor 100 by the loading device 102. When it is docked to the (empty) collection container 10 (mounted on the free roller conveyor 99) and the integration is completed, the stopper 92B is lowered, and the collection container 10 is moved from the loading drive roller conveyor 86. It is carried out to the straight conveyance line 21.
Then, when it is carried out to the rectilinear conveyance line 21, the second attachment 84 (input indicator 26) is conveyed by the force for conveying the collection container 10 in the rectilinear conveyance line 21, and the collection operation is executed.
Subsequently, when the collection container 10 for which collection has been completed is unloaded from the straight conveyance line 21 and loaded onto the unloading drive roller conveyor 87, the stopper 92C is raised and the movement of the collection container 10 is stopped. Subsequently, the second attachment 84 (input indicator 26) on the free roller conveyor 99, which is integrated into the collection container 10, is lifted and separated by the lowering device 101. When the separation is completed, the stopper 92C is lowered and conveyed by the carry-out driving roller conveyor 87.
Also, the second attachment 84 (the input indicator 26) separated by the lowering device 101 is lowered onto the driving roller conveyor 100, conveyed by the driving roller conveyor 100, and disposed at a position where it can be lifted by the loading device 102. It is stopped by 103 and waits.

  As described above, similarly to the “first other form”, the input container 26 and the input indicator 26 for displaying that the object is the target container 10 into which the articles 11 taken out from the frontage 16 are input. The input indicator 26 can be detached from the collection container 10, and the input indicator 26 can be circulated for use.

In the above embodiment, the order number and “END” are displayed on the digital device (display screen) 32 of the insertion indicator 26, but the product of the article 11 taken out from the frontage 16 in the picking zone P. The name is displayed in the “order number” (or “END”) displayed on the digital device (display screen) 32 of the loading indicator 26 attached to the collection container 10 into which the article 11 is loaded. It is also possible to display instead of. According to this, the worker H can confirm whether or not there is an error in the article 11 to be put into the collection container 10, and can prevent the wrong insertion.
In the present embodiment, a container is used as the collection container 10. However, the collection container 10 may be any container as long as the attachment 25 can snuggle and move. For example, cardboard or the like is used. be able to. Moreover, when using the 2nd attachment 84, although not restricted to a container, the force which pushes the 2nd attachment 84 by the collection container 10 is requested | required.
Moreover, in this Embodiment, although the attachment 25 is provided with the projection part 40 at both ends, the projection part 40 does not need to be provided.
Further, in the present embodiment, the input indicator 26 is arranged to snuggle up to each collection container 10 continuously, but a plurality of continuous collection containers 10 are assigned to one user (sorting destination). The loading indicator 26 may be brought close to one (for example, the first one) of the plurality of collection containers 10 being conveyed. At this time, the input indicator 26 moves with the collection container 10 in a state of missing teeth without being continuous.
Further, in the present embodiment, the input indicator 26 is brought close to the collection container 10 by the indicator moving line C, and via the protrusion 40 of the attachment 25 or the locking portion 83 of the second attachment 84, 84 ′. Although it is attached to and removed from the collection container 10 (removed), the input indicator 26 is simply moved to the collection container 10 by the indicator moving line C, and finally the picking is manually performed by the operator. It may be attached before the work and detached (removed) after the picking work is completed.

In the present embodiment, numbers (order numbers) are used as unique codes for specifying user orders, but letters such as alphabets, pictograms, and the like can also be used. At this time, the order of letters and pictograms is determined, the order is assigned to the order of the user, and the RFID writer 42B writes it in the RFID 34.
In the present embodiment, one worker H is arranged in each picking zone P. However, a plurality of (for example, two) workers H are arranged in each picking zone P. You can also. Accordingly, even when the collection container 10 to be picked into the input zone Z is carried in without any gap, the work speed in the input zone Z is improved. The possibility that 10 may stay can be reduced, and the efficiency of picking work can be improved. In addition, the worker H in the picking zone P has put the picked article 11 directly into the collection container 10 (manually put in), but for each picking zone P, on the first straight transport line 21A. It is also possible to automatically load the article 11 by arranging an automatic loading device for automatically loading the article 11 into the collection container 10.
Further, in the present embodiment, the color of the lamp that is lit for each of the picking zone P and the input zone Z (the lamp of the completion push button switch 19B of the frontage indicator 19 and the first lamp unit 31 and the second lamp unit of the input indicator 26). By changing the color of the 33 lamps 38), the worker H does not mistake the collection container 10 into which the article 11 taken out from the picking zone P is put. Any method may be used as long as the container 10 is not mistaken, for example, a method of changing the light intensity of the lamp. The colors of the lamps are two (red and green), but the number of colors is increased to three, so that the colors change alternately by designating colors for each of the three picking zones P and the input zones Z. You can also
Further, in the present embodiment, the flow rack 15 and the first straight transport line 21A are arranged on the opposite side across the worker H, but the storage line A (flow rack 15) and the worker H are It is also possible to arrange the conveyance line B (first straight conveyance line 21A) on the same side. Thereby, the article 11 taken out from the frontage 16 can be put into the collection container 10 that has been transported to the loading zone Z as it is (picked) in the path of the picked-up hand (picking operation is performed), Workability can be improved.
In the present embodiment, the flow rack 15 is arranged along the straight conveyance line 21, but the frontage (article storage unit) 16 only needs to be arranged for each picking zone P, and goes straight for each picking zone P. You may arrange | position with the conveyance line 21 at right angle.
Further, in the present embodiment, the transport line B is configured by one straight transport line 21, but may be configured by a plurality of, for example, two straight transport lines. It is also possible to change the height of the conveying surface of the collection container 10. At this time, it goes without saying that the indicator movement line C is required for each straight-forward conveyance line.
Further, in the present embodiment, the flow rack 15 is used as the article storage means (as a picking shelf), but it is sufficient that the articles 11 can be stored for each frontage (article storage unit) 16. Not limited to this, a general shelf on which the article 11 or the storage box does not move may be used, or the floor surface may be partitioned by drawing to make an article storage unit.
Further, in the present embodiment, the articles 11 placed on the shelves 17 of the flow rack 15 are stored in the storage box 12, but can be made in units of pieces, and the number of the shelves 17 can be increased. Is possible.
Further, in the present embodiment, each shelf 17 of the flow rack 15 is fixed, but it may be configured such that it can be arbitrarily moved and adjusted back and forth (in the direction of the rectilinear transport line 21).
Further, in the present embodiment, the tape switch 23 is used with the completion of the article 11 in the collection container 10 as an input means. However, the switch is simply a switch for inputting completion, and may be a simple push button switch.
In this embodiment, the sorting destination is classified by user. However, the sorting destination is not limited to the user, and may be classified by store, by category or category such as products, by region, by transport truck, and the like.

A Storage line B Container transfer line C Display movement line P Picking zone H Worker Z Input zone 10 Collection container 11 Goods 15 Flow rack 16 Frontage 19 Frontage display 21 Straight transfer line 22 Accumulation section 24 Zone controller 25 Attachment 26 Input Indicator 40 Projection 45, 50 Guide 46 Width (tilt) conveyor 47 Outward transfer conveyor 48 Width shift (detachment) conveyor 49 Return path conveyor 55 Cutting roller 62 General controller 64 Cutting controller 82, 82 'Bottom plate portion 83 Locking portion 84 Second attachment

Claims (9)

A plurality of article storage units for storing articles respectively;
A container transporting means for transporting a plurality of collection containers to which each of the sorting destinations or the sorting request article request information is allocated along the article storage unit,
In accordance with the article request information of the sorting destination, picking equipment that collects goods for each sorting destination by putting the articles taken out from the article storage unit into the collection container,
For each of the collection containers, a loading indicator for displaying that the collection container is a target for loading articles taken out from the article storage unit,
Each of the input indicators is moved along with the container conveying means in accordance with one collection container to be displayed. A picking facility characterized in that an article taken out from an article storage unit is inserted. Each of the input indicators is provided with indicator moving means for moving along the container conveying means in accordance with the collection container to be displayed,
The indicator moving means is at least
A close-up means that is arranged upstream of the article storage unit of the container transport means and brings the input indicator closer to a collection container transported by the container transport means;
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a detaching unit that is disposed downstream of the article storage unit of the container transporting unit and detaches the input indicator from the collection container being transported by the container transporting unit. Picking equipment as described in. Each of the input indicators is provided with indicator moving means for moving along the container conveying means in accordance with the collection container to be displayed,
The indicator moving means is
A close-up means that is arranged upstream of the article storage unit of the container transport means and brings the input indicator closer to a collection container transported by the container transport means;
A detaching means that is arranged downstream of the article storage unit of the container transporting means, and separates the input indicator from the collection container being transported by the container transporting means;
A forward transfer means composed of an accumulation conveyor for transferring the input indicator brought to the collection container by the gathering means in synchronization with the collection container, along the container conveyance means;
A return path conveying means comprising a ropeless conveyor for conveying the input indicator released by the releasing means to the approaching means;
The picking equipment according to claim 1, wherein a circulation loop is constituted by the approaching means, the forward path conveying means, the detaching means, and the return path conveying means. For each loading indicator, a loading indicator is connected and moved by the indicator moving means,
Each transported object is provided with a locking portion for locking to the collection container,
3. Each of the input indicators is conveyed by the indicator moving means together with the object to be conveyed in a state where a latching portion of the object to be conveyed is latched to the collection container. Or the picking equipment of Claim 3. For each of the input indicators, provided with a connecting member to which the input indicator is connected,
Each connecting member is provided with a locking portion for locking to the collection container,
Each of the input indicators is provided with indicator moving means for moving along the container conveying means in accordance with the collection container to be displayed,
The indicator moving means is
An input indicator, which is disposed upstream of the article storage unit of the container transport means and to which the connecting member is connected, is lowered to the target collection container from above, and is placed on the side surface of the collection container in the transport direction. A lowering means for locking the locking portion of the connecting member;
An input indicator disposed downstream of the article storage unit of the container conveying means and connected to the connecting member is raised upward from the collection container, and the locking member of the connecting member is moved from the collection container. Ascent means to disengage
The picking equipment according to claim 1, further comprising a return path for returning the input indicator raised by the raising means to the lowering means. For each of the input indicators, provided with a connecting member to which the input indicator is connected,
Each connecting member is provided with a locking portion for locking to the collection container,
The picking equipment according to claim 1, wherein the input indicator locked to the collection container by the locking portion is transported by a transport force of a container transport means for transporting the collection container. For each of the input indicators, provided with a connecting member to which the input indicator is connected,
Each connecting member is provided with a locking portion for locking to the collection container,
Each of the input indicators is provided with indicator moving means for moving along the container conveying means in accordance with the collection container to be displayed,
The indicator moving means is at least
A plurality of input indicators, which are arranged upstream of the article storage unit of the container transport means and to which the connecting member is connected, are simultaneously lowered from above to the target collection container in the transport direction of the collection container. Descending means for locking the locking portion of the connecting member on the side surface;
A plurality of input indicators arranged downstream of the article storage unit of the container transport means and connected to the connection member are simultaneously raised above the collection container, so that the connection member is connected to the collection member from the collection container. The picking equipment according to claim 1, further comprising a lifting means for releasing the locking portion. Each input indicator is provided with a display screen and storage means,
Displaying the data stored in the storage means on the display screen;
8. The configuration in which an article taken out from the article storage unit is thrown into a collecting container that is moved in accordance with the throwing indicator according to the display on the display screen. The picking equipment according to any one of the above. A picking method for throwing an article taken out from an article storage unit into the collection container according to the article request information of the sorting destination while transporting a plurality of collection containers each assigned a sorting destination,
For each of the collection containers, a loading indicator for displaying that the collection container is a target for loading articles taken out from the article storage unit,
Each of the input indicators is moved according to one collection container to be displayed,
A picking method, wherein an article taken out from the article storage unit is thrown into a collection container to be displayed by a display of the loading indicator moved in accordance with the collection container.

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