JP2017128405A - Article storage facility - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an article storage facility capable of suppressing reduction of a space utilization efficiency in a storage part capable of storing plural articles.SOLUTION: A control device controls a warehousing operation by a warehousing/delivering operation device with a condition in which, transport of articles in an odd lot support state in which a number of articles are supported, the number of articles being smaller than a storage unit number on a support body 8a on a transfer device, is inhibited, and the storage unit number of articles are supplied to a storage part 1 in a state in which the storage unit number of the articles are supported to the support body 8a on the transfer device, and controls a delivering operation by the warehousing/delivering operation device 3 with a condition in which, transport of articles in the odd lot support state is inhibited, and the storage unit number of articles are taken out from the storage part 1 in which the storage unit number of articles are arranged in a depth direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present invention includes an article storage shelf in which a plurality of storage units for storing articles are arranged, a warehousing operation for transporting articles from a storage position set outside the article storage shelf to the storage unit, and the storage unit to the article A loading / unloading device that performs a loading operation for conveying articles to a loading position set outside the storage shelf, and a loading transfer that transfers articles from the loading loading position set outside the article storage shelf to the loading position Operation of the apparatus, the unloading conveying apparatus that conveys the article from the unloading position to the unloading unloading position set outside the article storage shelf, the unloading apparatus, the unloading transfer apparatus, and the unloading transfer apparatus The storage unit is capable of storing a plurality of articles in the number of storage units in a state in which the articles are arranged in a depth direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the storage units in the article storage shelf. ,Previous The loading / unloading device includes a transfer device for transferring an article to and from the storage unit, and the transfer device supports the article in a state in which a plurality of articles in the storage unit are arranged in the depth direction. The present invention relates to an article storage facility provided with a moving section that moves an article in the depth direction between a section and the support section and the storage section.

  As a conventional technique related to such an article storage facility, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-160806 (Patent Document 1) discloses that a storage unit collects articles in the number of storage units from a storage position as a storage operation. The simultaneous storage work to transport to the storage section and the fraction storage work to transport articles less than the number of storage units from the storage position to the storage section. Describes an article storage facility that performs a simultaneous delivery operation for transporting an article from a storage unit to a delivery position and a simultaneous delivery operation for transporting articles less than the number of storage units from the storage unit to the delivery position.

JP 2002-160806 A

  In the article storage facility of Patent Document 1, a state in which articles less than the number of storage units are frequently stored in the storage unit frequently occurs, so that the space utilization efficiency of the storage unit is reduced.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the said actual condition, The objective is to provide the article storage equipment which can suppress the fall of the space utilization efficiency in the storage part which can store several articles | goods freely.

The characteristic configuration of the article storage facility according to the present invention includes an article storage shelf in which a plurality of storage units for storing articles are arranged, and a warehousing that conveys articles from a storage position set outside the article storage shelf to the storage unit A loading / unloading device for performing a work and a loading / unloading operation for conveying articles from the storage unit to a loading position set outside the article storage shelf; and the loading position from the loading input position set outside the article storage shelf A warehousing device that conveys an article, a warehousing device that conveys an article from the warehousing position to a warehousing position set outside the warehousing shelf, the warehousing device, and the warehousing device. And a control device that controls the operation of the unloading transport device, and the storage unit is configured to store a plurality of articles in a storage unit in a depth direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the storage units in the article storage shelf. common The loading / unloading device includes a transfer device that transfers an article to and from the storage unit, and the transfer device stores a plurality of articles in the storage unit in the depth direction. In an article storage facility comprising a support section that can be supported in a state of being arranged in a row and a moving section that moves the article in the depth direction between the support section and the storage section,
The control device controls the warehousing transport device to transport an article located at the warehousing carry-in position to the warehousing position, and the support unit of the transfer device has a number smaller than the number of storage units. The article is prohibited from being conveyed in the fraction supported state where the article is supported, and the article of the storage unit number is collectively collected in a state where the article of the storage unit is supported by the support unit in the transfer device. The warehousing operation by the warehousing device is controlled on the condition that it is supplied to the storage unit, the conveyance of the article in the fraction support state is prohibited, and the articles of the storage unit number are arranged in the depth direction. On the condition that the storage unit number of articles is collectively taken out from the storage unit, the unloading operation by the loading / unloading apparatus is controlled, and the article located at the unloading position is transported to the unloading position for unloading. Rubeku lies in controlling the unloading conveying device.

  According to this characteristic configuration, the article transported from the warehousing carry-in position to the warehousing position by the warehousing transport device is in a state in which the number of storage units is supported by the support unit of the transfer device provided in the warehousing / unloading device. Then, it is supplied to the empty storage unit in a lump. Therefore, the storage unit that is the object of the warehousing operation is in a state in which articles of the storage unit number are stored. On the other hand, in the unloading operation, articles of the number of storage units stored in the storage unit are taken out in a lump at the support unit of the transfer device provided in the loading / unloading apparatus, and the articles of the number of storage units are batched. It is transported to the warehousing position. Therefore, the storage unit that is the target of the unloading operation is an empty storage unit in which articles are not stored.

  In this way, the warehousing / unloading device collectively supplies the storage unit number of articles to the storage unit during the warehousing operation, and takes out the storage unit number of articles collectively from the storage unit during the warehousing operation. The state is either an empty state or a state in which articles having the number of storage units are stored. For this reason, a state in which the number of articles less than the number of storage units is stored in the storage unit, that is, a state in which only a part of the capacity (storage capacity) that can be stored in the storage space of the storage unit can be exhibited. Can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in space utilization efficiency in a storage unit that can store a plurality of articles.

  Here, the article stored in the storage unit is a support body that can support a plurality of support objects, and an operator picks up the support object from the support body by a quantity specified by the work management device. A picking unit for performing the above operation, and a return conveyance device for conveying the support along a return conveyance route from the unloading position for unloading to the loading position for loading, and the return conveying device passes through the picking unit. A picking path portion that transports the support along the picking path and a bypass path portion that transports the support along the bypass path that does not pass through the picking portion, and the picking path in the return transport path is provided in parallel. A part that conveys the support along a branch path that branches and merges with the return transport path on the downstream side, A branch path portion storing at least the number of storage units of the support, and the control device manages the support stored in the storage unit and supports the support object. From the storage unit storing the specific actual support that supports the support object specified by the work management device among the actual support that is the support, the support of the number of storage units The unloading device controls the unloading operation so that at least the specific actual support passes through the picking portion from the unloading position for unloading and the actual support for the number of storage units. In order to transfer the body all at once or continuously to the loading position for warehousing, the return transport device is controlled, and the control device further identifies the support transported by the return transport device, Beep Branching and transporting only the empty support, which is the empty support from which all the support objects have been taken out at the branching part, to the branch path part, and the number of storage units stored in the branch path part The return conveyance apparatus is configured to merge empty support bodies in a batch or continuously into the return conveyance path, and to convey the empty support bodies in the number of storage units collectively or continuously to the loading position for warehousing. Control is preferred.

  According to this configuration, the specific actual support that supports the support object specified by the work management apparatus is delivered to the delivery position together with the other support in the storage unit in which the specific actual support is stored. Then, it is conveyed to the unloading position for unloading by the unloading transfer device. The specific actual support and other actual supports that have been transported to the unloading position for unloading are transported by the return transport device, and at least the specific actual support among the actual supports is transported in the picking path portion and supplied to the picking unit. Is done.

  It is preferable that the other actual support (non-specific actual support) transported by the return transport device from the unloading transport position is transported in the bypass path portion and transported to the storage transport position of the storage transport device. . In addition, all the supports of the number of storage units stored in the storage unit may be the specific actual support. In that case, all of the supports of the number of storage units delivered from the storage unit are transported in the picking path portion and pass through the picking unit. Thus, at least the specific actual support passes through the picking portion.

  And the specific real support body which passed through the picking path | route part and the non-specific real support body which passed through the picking path | route part or a bypass path | route part are conveyed to the carrying-in position for warehousing collectively or continuously by the number of storage units. . Therefore, the loading / unloading apparatus can receive the actual supports of the number of storage units in a batch or continuously and can transport the actual supports of the number of storage units to the storage unit.

  In the picking unit, the operator takes out the specified quantity of the support object specified by the work management device from the specific actual support, and as a result, the support object supported by the specific actual support. All the support objects are taken out, and the specific actual support may become an empty support that does not support the support object. The empty support generated in this way is branched and conveyed to the branch path portion and stored in the branch path portion. Empty containers stored in the branch path part are merged into the return conveyance path in batches or continuously in the number of storage units, and empty supports in the number of storage units are transferred in batches or continuously to the loading position for warehousing. Is done. Therefore, the loading / unloading apparatus can receive the empty supports of the number of storage units at once or continuously and can transfer the empty supports of the number of storage units to the storage unit all at once.

  In this way, the loading / unloading apparatus can collectively transport the actual support of the number of storage units to the storage unit, and can transport the empty support of the number of storage units to the storage unit. Therefore, it can be prevented that the empty support and the actual support are mixed and stored in the storage unit. For example, when it is necessary to issue a large number of empty supports, the required number of empty supports is issued. It is possible to suppress the number of times of exiting work to be performed.

  Further, the control device controls the return conveying device to distribute and convey the support to the picking route portion and the bypass route portion in a form in which only the specific actual support is conveyed by the picking route portion. Is preferred.

  According to this configuration, only the specific actual support is transported in the picking path portion among the support of the number of storage units taken out from the storage unit storing the specific actual support and transported to the unloading position. Supplied. Therefore, since only the specific actual support is supplied to the picking unit, it is not necessary to secure a space for placing an unnecessary support in the picking unit, and the picking unit can be configured compactly.

  Further, the control device is a fraction warehousing prohibiting mode for prohibiting conveyance of the article in the fraction support state, and a fraction warehousing permission mode for allowing the article to be conveyed in the fraction support state only when a set condition is satisfied. It is preferable to be configured so as to be switchable between.

According to this configuration, by operating the control device in the fraction warehousing prohibition mode, as described above, the warehousing / unloading device collectively supplies the storage unit number of articles to the storage unit during the warehousing work, Then, since the number of storage units is taken out from the storage unit at once, the space utilization efficiency of the storage unit in the item storage shelf is suppressed by suppressing the occurrence of a state where articles less than the number of storage units are stored in the storage unit. Can be suppressed.
On the other hand, by operating the control device in the fraction storage permission mode, articles can be transported in the fraction support state only when the setting condition is satisfied. For example, as the setting condition, the number of articles less than the number of storage units at the storage position If it is set that the state in which the item exists exists for a predetermined time, it is possible to prevent the number of articles less than the number of storage units located at the storage position from staying in the storage unit without being stored.
It should be noted that the switching to the fraction warehousing permission mode is preferably performed on the condition that the end time of the operation period of the facility comes. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the number of articles less than the number of storage units cannot be received after the operation of the facility is finished and left outside the article storage shelf.

  In addition, the control device manages the number of articles stored in the storage unit, and even in the fraction storage prohibition mode, the fraction storage unit that is the storage unit that stores articles less than the number of storage units is provided. When it exists, it is preferable to control the unloading operation by the loading / unloading apparatus so as to collectively collect all articles less than the number of storage units stored in the fraction storage unit.

  According to this configuration, once the control device is operated in the fraction warehousing permission mode, even if the fraction storage unit is generated and then in the fraction warehousing prohibition mode, the warehousing and unloading device performs fractional operations by the warehousing operation. All articles less than the number of storage units stored in the storage unit can be taken out and transported to the delivery position. Accordingly, the fraction storage unit can be eliminated by forcing the storage unit storing articles less than the number of storage units to be empty.

Plan view of the lower floor of the picking facility of the first embodiment Top view of the upper floor of the picking facility of the first embodiment Elevated view of the main part of the picking facility of the first embodiment The principal part top view of the lower floor of the picking equipment of 1st Embodiment The block diagram of the equipment structure regarding the lower floor of the picking equipment of 1st Embodiment. The block diagram of the equipment structure regarding the lower floor of the picking equipment of 1st Embodiment. The block diagram of the equipment structure regarding the upper floor of the picking equipment of 1st Embodiment Operation flow of automatic warehouse in fractional goods receipt prohibition mode Operation flow of automatic warehouse in fractional goods receipt permission mode Diagram explaining the delivery of specified and non-specified actual containers in the number of storage units The figure explaining supply to the picking part of a specific real container Diagram explaining re-entry of actual container Diagram explaining re-entry of empty container Diagram explaining re-entry of actual container in fraction storage mode The figure explaining the delivery of the real container in the storage part in the fractional state Figure explaining the delivery of empty containers and the receipt of new actual containers The principal part top view of the modification of 1st Embodiment Overall plan view of picking equipment of second embodiment The figure explaining the loading / unloading operation | movement of the container in the picking equipment of 2nd Embodiment The figure explaining the loading / unloading operation | movement of the container in the picking equipment of 2nd Embodiment The figure explaining the loading / unloading operation | movement of the container in the picking equipment of 2nd Embodiment The figure explaining the loading / unloading operation | movement of the container in the picking equipment of 2nd Embodiment The figure explaining the loading / unloading operation | movement of the container in the picking equipment of 2nd Embodiment The figure explaining the loading / unloading operation | movement of the container in the picking equipment of 2nd Embodiment The top view of the modification of 2nd Embodiment

[First Embodiment]
An embodiment of the article storage facility according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking as an example the case where the article storage facility according to the present invention is applied to a picking facility.

(Overall configuration of equipment)
In the picking facility, a picking operation in which an operator takes out a product designated by order information from a container and a loading operation in which the operator puts the designated product into a container are performed. As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the picking equipment transports and stores articles from an article storage shelf 2 in which a plurality of storage units 1 for storing articles are arranged vertically and horizontally and from a storage conveyor 4 to the storage unit 1. A stacker crane 3 serving as a loading / unloading device that conveys articles from the section 1 to the unloading conveyor 5; A direction in which the automatic warehouse in which the stacker crane 3 enters the storage unit 1 from the storage position Pa1 into the storage unit 1 and the storage conveyor 4 that stores the articles from the storage position Pa2 is directed from right to left in FIG. 1 and FIG. Are installed side by side. Hereinafter, the three automatic warehouses are referred to as No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, and No. 3 in order from the right in the arrangement direction of FIGS.

  In the present embodiment, an article stored in the storage unit 1 of the article storage shelf 2 is a support body that can freely support a product (not shown) as a plurality of support objects. Is a container W such as a resin container that can be accommodated by type. Note that it is preferable to store a single type of product in a single container W, but a plurality of types of products may be stored in a single container W by forming a plurality of storage compartments with partition members or the like. It is good also as a form which divides and accommodates in an accommodation section. The container W is provided with a label on which a barcode unique to the container W is printed as an identifier for distinguishing it from other containers W.

  A picking unit 12 and a lower layer return conveyance device 11 are arranged on the floor surface of the lower floor formed outside the automatic warehouse. As will be described in detail later, the specific actual container Ws1 that is the actual container Ws that accommodates the commodity of the type to be picked among the actual containers Ws (the container W that accommodates the commodity) delivered from the storage unit 1. Only is supplied to the picking unit 12 by the lower layer return conveying device 11.

  On the floor surface of the upper floor formed outside the automatic warehouse, a loading unit 37 and an upper layer return conveying device 27 are arranged. As will be described in detail later, an empty container We (a container W that does not contain a product) discharged from the storage unit 1 is supplied to the input unit 37 by the upper-layer return conveyance device 27.

  In the picking facility according to the present embodiment, the warehousing operation and the warehousing operation for the storage unit 1 by the stacker crane 3 are performed in units of three, which is the maximum number of storage units 1. Thereby, when the container W is stored in the storage unit 1, in principle, the container W with the maximum storage quantity is always stored, and the space utilization efficiency in the storage unit 1 storing the container W is improved. Hereinafter, the configuration of the picking facility of the present embodiment will be described in detail.

(Goods storage shelf)
As shown in FIG. 3, the article storage shelf 2 has a plurality of column frames extending in the vertical direction at intervals corresponding to the left and right installation intervals of the storage unit 1 in the left and right directions. The storage unit support 1a that forms a pair for supporting the lower end edge of the container W from below is attached to a plurality of locations at a pitch that is the vertical installation interval of the storage unit 1. The storage unit 1 for storing the container W is formed above the pair of storage unit supports 1a in the column frames adjacent in the left-right direction. The length in the depth direction of the pair of storage unit supports 1a corresponds to the length when three containers W are arranged in the depth direction. It is configured so that it can be stored in a state where three are arranged in the depth direction. That is, the number of storage units of the storage unit 1 in this embodiment is three.

  As described above, the article storage shelf 2 includes a plurality of storage units 1 arranged in the vertical direction and the left-right direction, and each storage unit 1 stores a plurality (three) of containers W in the number of storage units. 2 can be stored in the state in which the storage units 1 are arranged in the vertical direction and the depth direction orthogonal to the horizontal direction (same as the automatic warehouse arrangement direction).

(Incoming and outgoing conveyor)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the automatic warehouse is a warehousing conveyor 4 that is a warehousing transport device that transports containers W from a warehousing position Pa <b> 2 set outside the article storage shelf 2 to a warehousing position Pa <b> 1. A lower warehousing conveyor 41 installed on the lower floor (first floor) and an upper warehousing conveyor 42 installed on the upper floor (second floor) are provided. As shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, the lower-layer warehousing conveyor 41 and the upper-layer warehousing conveyor 42 both have the warehousing single-row conveyor 4 a that conveys one container W in the depth direction of the storage unit 1. It is provided in a state where three rows are arranged in the depth direction. The warehousing single row conveyor 4a is constituted by a roller conveyor.

  In addition, the automatic warehouse is a lower floor delivery installed on the lower floor as a delivery conveyor 5 which is a delivery conveyor device for delivering containers W from the delivery position Pb1 to the delivery delivery position Pb2 set outside the article storage shelf 2. A conveyor 51 and an upper layer delivery conveyor 52 installed on the upper floor are provided. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, both the lower-layer delivery conveyor 51 and the upper-layer delivery conveyor 52 are provided with a delivery single-line conveyor 5 a that conveys one container W in the depth direction of the storage unit 1. It is provided in a state where three rows are arranged in the depth direction. The delivery single row conveyor 5a is constituted by a roller conveyor.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, the lower layer delivery conveyor 51 removes three actual containers Ws including one or more specific actual containers Ws1 that are actual containers Ws in which the goods to be picked are stored from the delivery position Pb1. The unloading position Pb2 for unloading is collectively transported by a 3-row unloading single-row conveyor.

  As shown in FIG. 10 to FIG. 13, the lower layer receiving conveyor 41 is a product that has been taken out via the picking unit 12 as the specific actual container Ws1 out of the actual containers Ws delivered from the lower layer outgoing conveyor 51. The unspecified actual container Ws2 that is the actual container Ws that does not pass through the picking unit 12 among the actual containers Ws that are stored and the actual containers Ws that are delivered from the lower layer delivery conveyor 51, from the entry position Pa2 for entry to the entry position Pa1. Transport. In addition, the lower-layer warehousing conveyor 41 also transports the empty container We that has been emptied as a result of the picking operation in the picking unit 12 from the specific actual container Ws1 from the warehousing carry-in position Pa2 to the warehousing position Pa1. .

  As shown in FIG. 16, the upper layer delivery conveyor 52 conveys three actual containers Ws from the delivery position Pb1 to the delivery carry-out position Pb2 in a lump by a delivery single-row conveyor of three rows. The upper warehousing conveyor 42 conveys the actual container Ws in which the product has been introduced into the empty container We delivered from the upper tier delivery conveyor 52 from the warehousing carry-in position Pa2 to the warehousing position Pa1.

(Stacker crane)
As shown in FIG. 3, the stacker crane 3 includes an upper frame 10T and a lower frame 10B that are guided by guide rails 9 disposed above and below and travel along a travel route formed between a pair of article storage shelves 2. A pair of elevating masts 6 arranged in the front-rear direction and connecting the upper frame 10T and the lower frame 10B in the up-down direction, and an elevating path between the pair of elevating masts 6 are mounted on the elevating platform 7 and the elevating platform 7 Then, a transfer device 8 that transfers the container W to and from the transfer target location such as the storage position Pa1, the output position Pb1, and the storage unit 1 is provided. The transfer device moves the containers in the depth direction between the support unit 8a and the support unit 8a, which can be supported in a state where a plurality (three) of the storage units W are arranged in the depth direction. A retracting / forking device (not shown) as a moving unit is provided.

  The stacker crane 3 positions the transfer device 8 at the transfer position set for the transfer target location by the traveling operation of the upper frame 10T and the lower frame 10B and the lifting operation of the lifting platform 7, and the transfer device 8 8 is operated and the container W is transferred between the transfer object places. Then, in a state where the storage unit number (three) containers W are placed and supported on the support portion 8a of the transfer device 8, storage is performed by the traveling operation of the upper frame 10T and the lower frame 10B and the lifting operation of the lifting platform 7. By moving the transfer device 8 in the arrangement direction (vertical direction and horizontal direction) of the parts 1, the container W is transported from the transfer target location at the transport source to the transfer target location at the transport destination. That is, the stacker crane 3 moves the container W from the storage position Pa1 set outside the article storage shelf 2 to the storage unit 1, and the delivery position Pb1 set outside the storage unit 1 from the storage unit 1. The unloading work for transporting the container W is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the storage position Pa <b> 1 in each storage single-line conveyor 4 a of the lower layer storage conveyor 41 is between the container W received by the transfer device 8 in the stacker crane 3 and the transport surface of the lower storage conveyor 41. A warehousing lifter 4b for forming a space for allowing the support portion 8a in the transfer device 8 to enter is provided. Similarly, at the delivery position Pb1 in each delivery single row conveyor 5a of the lower delivery conveyor 51, the transfer device 8 is placed between the container W supplied by the transfer device 8 in the stacker crane 3 and the transport surface of the lower delivery conveyor 51. An exit lifter 5b for forming a space for allowing the support portion 8a to enter is provided.

  Moreover, although description of a code | symbol is abbreviate | omitted in FIG. 16, similarly in the warehousing position Pa1 in each warehousing single row conveyor 4a of the upper tier warehousing conveyor 42 and the unloading position Pb1 in each warehousing single row conveyor 5a of the upper tier warehousing conveyor 52. A warehousing lifter and a warehousing lifter are provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in this embodiment, a total of nine unloading positions Pb2 and a total of nine unloading positions for the automatic warehouse of three machines in each of the lower floor and the upper floor. Pa2 is arranged in the depth direction of the storage unit 1 (the direction in which the automatic warehouse is arranged). As a transport device that receives containers W from nine unloading delivery positions Pb2 in three automatic warehouses and supplies containers W to nine loading entry positions Pa2 in three automatic warehouses, The lower layer return transfer device 11 is provided, and the upper layer return transfer device 27 is provided on the upper floor. Each of the lower layer return transport device 11 and the upper layer return transport device 27 includes a roller conveyor for placing and transporting the container W, and an elevating type chain transformer for transporting the container W along a direction orthogonal to the path width direction of the roller conveyor. It has.

(Lower layer return conveyor)
As shown in FIG. 1, the lower layer return transport device 11 transports the container W along the return transport path L <b> 0 from each unloading position Pb <b> 2 of the lower layer unloading conveyor 51 to each loading position Pa <b> 2 of the lower layer receiving conveyor 41. To do. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the lower layer return transport device 11 includes a plurality of loop transport roller conveyors 11m and a plurality of loop transport chain transformers 16 that transport the containers W along an annular return transport path L0. Picking line roller conveyor 11b that transports containers W along picking path L1 passing through picking section 12, and the downstream of transporting direction of return transport path L0 with respect to picking path L1, branches from return transport path L0 and stores. An empty container buffer roller conveyor 11c that transports the containers W along the branch path Ls that merges with the return transport path L0 via the section S. In the empty container buffer roller conveyor 11c, the length of the conveyance path is set to a length that allows a plurality of (three) containers W having the number of storage units to be placed in the direction of the conveyance path. The roller conveyor 11c forms a branch path portion that stores at least the number of storage units of containers W.

  The lower layer return conveyance device 11 includes an unloading chain transformer 21 that receives the containers W from the lower layer unloading conveyor 51, an incoming chain transformer 23 that supplies the containers W to the lower layer loading conveyor 41, and the containers W from the loop conveyor roller conveyor 11m. Picking / branching chain transformer 18 for branching to picking line roller conveyor 11b, joining chain transformer 20 for joining container W from picking line roller conveyor 11b to loop transporting roller conveyor 11m, and loop transporting roller for container W An empty container buffer chain transformer 25 for branching from the conveyor 11m to the empty container buffer roller conveyor 11c, or an empty container dispensing chain for joining the containers W from the empty container buffer roller conveyor 11c to the loop conveying roller conveyor 11m. It has a 26 capacitors. Each of these chain transformers is an elevating type chain transformer in which the conveyance support surface by the conveyance chain moves up and down above and below the conveyance surface of the roller conveyor, similarly to the chain conveyor 16 for loop conveyance.

  By disposing the roller conveyors and the chain transformer as described above, a part of the loop conveyor roller conveyor 11m constitutes a bypass path portion that transports the container W along the bypass path Lb1 that does not pass through the picking section 12. ing. In other words, the lower layer return transport device 11 moves along the picking line roller conveyor 11b as a picking path portion that transports the container W along the picking path L1 that passes through the picking section 12 and the bypass path Lb1 that does not pass through the picking section 12. The bypass path part which conveys the container W is provided in parallel. In the present embodiment, two picking units 12 are set, and the lower layer return transport device 11 has two sets of picking path portions and bypass path portions that are connected in parallel.

(Picking part)
In the picking unit 12, a picking operation is performed in which the worker M takes out a product from the specific actual container Ws1 by a quantity specified by a picking work management device C1 (see FIG. 6) described later as a work management device. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the picking unit 12 includes a display unit that displays picking work data (the type and quantity of products to be taken out from the specific actual container Ws1) transmitted from the picking work management device C1. Picking work order display device 13, picking work completion button 14 for sending completion information to picking work management device C1 when worker M presses when work based on picking work data is completed, working position of picking unit 12 A handy-type picking bar code reader 15 for reading a bar code on a bar code label attached to the specific actual container Ws1 located at is provided.

(Picking work management device)
The picking work management device C1 (see FIG. 6) generates an actual container unloading request and picking work data based on the order information transmitted from the host management device, and transmits the actual container unloading request to the transfer control device H. Picking work data is transmitted to the picking work order display device 13. The actual container exit request is information requesting the exit operation of the number of storage units (three) of the actual containers Ws including the specific actual container Ws1. The picking work data is data indicating the type and quantity of the product to be taken out from the specific actual container Ws1.

  The picking work management apparatus C1 obtains storage information stored in association with the identification information of the container W and the type information of the product stored in the container W from the upper management apparatus, and refers to the storage information. Thus, the identification information of the actual container Ws containing the type of product indicated in the order information is extracted, and the exit request for issuing the specific actual container Ws1 with the actual container Ws of the identification information as the specific actual container Ws1. Is transmitted to the conveyance control device H.

(Upper layer return conveyor)
As shown in FIG. 2, the container W is conveyed along the return conveyance path | route L0 ranging from each unloading delivery position Pb2 of the upper layer unloading conveyor 52 to each unloading loading position Pa2 of the upper layer loading conveyor 42. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 16, the upper layer return transport device 27 includes a plurality of loop transport roller conveyors 27m and a plurality of loop transport chain transformers 28 that transport the containers W along the annular return transport path L0. And a charging line roller conveyor 27b for transporting the containers W along the charging path L2 passing through the charging section 37.

  The upper-layer return conveyance device 27 receives an empty container delivery chain transformer 29 (see FIG. 7, which is omitted in FIG. 16) that receives an empty container We from the upper-layer delivery conveyor 52, and the actual container Ws to the upper-layer receipt conveyor 42. New warehousing chain transformer 31 (see FIG. 7, not shown in FIG. 16), and a loading branch chain for branching the container W from the loop conveying roller conveyor 27m to the charging line roller conveyor 27b. There are provided a transformer (not shown) and a joining chain transformer (not shown) for joining the containers W from the input line roller conveyor 27b to the loop conveying roller conveyor 27m. Each of these chain transformers, like the loop conveyor chain transformer 16 provided in the lower layer return conveyor apparatus 11, is an elevating type chain transformer in which the conveyance support surface by the conveyance chain moves up and down over the conveyance surface of the roller conveyor. It is.

  Out of a plurality of loop conveyor roller conveyors 27m along the return conveyance path L0, the chain conveyor for empty container delivery is connected to each delivery delivery position Pb2 of the upper delivery conveyor 52 and each entry delivery position Pa2 of the upper delivery conveyor 42. 29, the area where the new warehousing chain transformer 31 and the new warehousing bar code reader 30 are installed, and the area where the branching and joining points of the charging path L2 are set are the buffer lines of the empty container We. It has become.

  A full amount detection sensor 32 is installed at the upstream end of the empty container buffer line, and a cut-out / out sensor 33 is installed at the downstream end of the empty container buffer line. In the empty container buffer line, the stacker crane 3 and the upper-layer unloading conveyor 52 in the automatic warehouse in charge of unloading until the empty container We is stored from the installation position of the cutting / unloading sensor 33 to the installation position of the full detection sensor 32. Unloads a plurality (three) of empty containers We in the number of storage units. The automatic warehouses in charge of delivery are assigned by circulating the automatic warehouses of Units 1 to 3.

  By arranging the roller conveyors and the chain transformer as described above, a part of the loop conveyor roller conveyor 27m constitutes a bypass path portion that conveys the container W along the bypass path Lb2 that does not pass through the charging section 37. ing. That is, the upper layer return conveying device 27 conveys the container W along the charging line roller conveyor 27b that conveys the container W along the charging path L2 that passes through the charging section 37 and the bypass path Lb1 that does not pass through the charging section 37. A bypass path portion is provided in parallel. In the present embodiment, two input portions 37 are set, and the upper layer return conveying device 27 has two sets of input line roller conveyors 27b and bypass path portions connected in parallel.

(Input part)
In the loading unit 37, a loading operation is performed in which the worker M loads the product into the empty container We in the quantity specified by the loading operation management device C2 (see FIG. 7). As shown in FIGS. 7 and 16, the input unit 37 includes a display unit for displaying input work data (the type and quantity of products to be input into the empty container We) transmitted from the input work management device C2. When the worker M presses the input work order display device 35 and the work based on the input work data is completed, the work position of the input work completion button 36 and the input unit 37 for transmitting completion information to the input work management device C2. A handy type loading barcode reader 34 for reading the barcode on the barcode label attached to the empty container We located at is provided.

(Input work management device)
The input work management device C2 (see FIG. 7) generates an empty container output request and input operation data based on the new storage information transmitted from the host management device, and transmits the empty container output request to the transfer control device H. The input work data is transmitted to the input work order display device 35. The empty container issue request is information for requesting an issue operation for the number of storage units (three) empty containers We stored in the single storage unit 1. The input work data is data indicating the type and quantity of products to be input into the empty container We.

  The input work management device C2 transmits storage information stored in association with the identification information of the container W read by the input work barcode reader 34 and the type information of the product input into the container W to the upper management device. At the same time, a warehousing request relating to a new warehousing for warehousing the container W of the identification information as a new actual container Ws is transmitted to the transport control device H. Based on this warehousing request, the conveyance control device H controls the plurality of loop conveying roller conveyors 27m and the plurality of loop conveying chain transformers 28 to transfer the actual containers Ws in the warehousing single-line conveyor 4a of the upper-layer warehousing conveyor 42. As soon as the actual container Ws is loaded into the warehousing position Pa2 in the warehousing position Pa2 in the warehousing single-line conveyor 4a of the upper-layer warehousing conveyor 42, the actual container among the three warehousing conveyors 4a of the upper-layer warehousing conveyor 42 is loaded. The warehousing single row conveyor 4a into which Ws has been carried in is controlled, and the actual container Ws is conveyed to the warehousing position Pa1 in the warehousing single row conveyor 4a. If the actual containers Ws are located in all the storage positions Pa1 of the number of storage units (three) of the upper-layer storage conveyor 42, a plurality of (three) actual containers Ws having the number of storage units are collectively stored in an empty storage unit. In order to convey to 1, the warehouse operation of the stacker crane 3 is controlled.

(Transport control device)
The transfer operation of the entrance conveyor 4, the exit conveyor 5 and the stacker crane 3 in the automatic warehouse, and the transfer operation of the roller conveyor and the chain transformer in the lower layer return transfer device 11 and the upper layer return transfer device 27 are the transfer control device H (FIG. 5). (See FIG. 7). The transfer control device H controls the loading operation by the warehousing conveyor 4 (the lower warehousing conveyor 41 and the upper warehousing conveyor 42) so as to convey the container W located at the warehousing loading position Pa2 to the warehousing position Pa1, and moves to the warehousing position Pa1. The loading operation by the stacker crane 3 that conveys the container W positioned to the storage unit 1 is controlled, the unloading operation by the stacker crane 3 that conveys the container W stored in the storage unit 1 to the unloading position Pb1, and the unloading position is controlled. In order to transport the container W located in Pb1 to the unloading position Pb2 for unloading, the unloading operation by the unloading conveyor 5 (the lower layer unloading conveyor 51 and the upper layer unloading conveyor 52) is controlled.

  The transport control device H is prohibited from transporting the container W in the fractional support state in which the number of containers W smaller than the number of storage units (three) is supported on the support portion 8a in the transfer device 8 included in the stacker crane 3. It is possible to switch between a fraction warehousing prohibition mode and a fraction warehousing permission mode that allows the container W to be transported in the fraction support state only when a set condition is satisfied.

  In the present embodiment, the setting condition in the fraction warehousing permission mode is that the state where the actual container Ws exists at the warehousing position Pa1 is continued for a set time (for example, 5 minutes). As a setting condition, for example, a forced fraction storage switch may be provided, and a condition that a warehousing operation is instructed by the forced fraction storage switch may be used.

  And in this embodiment, when the time arrival condition is satisfied, such as reaching the time 15 minutes before the end of the continuous operation period (for example, 3 hours in the morning or 3 hours in the afternoon) in the facility, the fractional entry prohibition mode Is automatically switched to the fraction storage mode.

  As a condition for switching from the fraction warehousing prohibition mode to the fraction warehousing permission mode, in addition to the time arrival condition as in this embodiment, for example, a mode changeover switch for switching the operation mode of the transfer control device H is provided, and the mode changeover switch It may be a condition that switching from the fraction warehousing prohibition mode to the fraction warehousing permission mode is instructed, and all the picking work related to the order information transmitted from the host management device to the picking work management device C1 is completed. This may be a condition, or it may be a condition that the picking work for the set work amount has been completed. In any case, in the initial state when the operation of the facility is disclosed, it is preferable that the transfer control device H is set to be in the fraction storage mode.

  In the fraction storage prohibition mode, the transport control device H prohibits the transport of the containers W in the fraction support state, and a plurality of (three) containers W of the number of storage units are supported by the support portion 8a of the transfer device 8. On the condition that the containers W of the number of storage units are collectively supplied to the storage unit 1, the warehousing operation by the stacker crane 3 is controlled, and the container W is prohibited from being transported in the fraction supported state and the storage unit. The unloading operation by the stacker crane 3 is controlled on the condition that the containers W of the number of storage units are collectively taken out from the storage unit 1 in which a plurality of (three) containers W are arranged in the depth direction.

  The control operation of the conveyance control device H in the fraction storage prohibition mode will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The transfer control device H checks whether there is a storage unit number of containers W at the storage position Pa4 of the lower layer storage conveyor 41 and the storage position Pa4 of the upper layer storage conveyor 42 (step # 1), and the storage unit number of containers W is stored. If it exists in position Pa4, the warehousing operation | work which conveys those containers W to the storage part 1 collectively by the number of storage units will be performed (step # 2). If the number of storage units W does not exist at the receiving position Pa4, it is checked whether there is a request for leaving the actual container Ws from the picking work management apparatus C1 or a request for leaving the empty container We from the loading work management apparatus C2. (Step # 3) If there is a delivery request, a delivery operation corresponding to the request is performed (step # 5).

  The transport control device H includes a storage unit that stores the identification information of the container W and the position of the storage unit 1 that stores the container W in association with each other, and which storage unit 1 stores which container W. Is managing what is being done. And the conveyance control apparatus H will receive the said specific real container Ws1 based on identification information, if the delivery request | requirement which issues the specific real container Ws1 from the picking work management apparatus C1 is received with the identification information of the said specific real container Ws1. The storage unit 1 stored is determined, and a plurality of (three) actual containers Ws stored in the determined storage unit 1 are collectively collected by the stacker crane 3 with the delivery position Pb1 of the lower delivery conveyor 51. The actual container delivery work to be delivered to is controlled.

  In this way, the transport control device H manages the container W stored in the storage unit 1 and selects the product designated by the picking work management device C1 from the actual containers Ws that are the containers W containing the product. The unloading operation by the stacker crane 3 is controlled so as to collectively transport the containers W of the number of storage units to the unloading position Pb1 of the lower layer unloading conveyor 51 from the storage unit 1 storing the specific actual container Ws1 that is housed. .

When the transfer control device H receives the unloading request for unloading the empty container We from the loading operation management device C2, the transfer control device H determines the storage unit 1 storing the empty container We, and stores it in the determined storage unit 1. The empty container unloading operation of unloading a plurality (three) of empty containers We in the storage unit to the unloading position Pb1 of the upper layer unloading conveyor 52 by the stacker crane 3 is controlled.

  If there is no exit request in step # 3 in FIG. 8, the storage unit 1 that stores the containers W in the storage unit 1 stores containers W that are less than the number of storage units (one or two). It is checked whether there is a fraction storage unit that is the storage unit 1 (step # 4). If there is no fraction storage unit, the process returns to step # 1. When the presence of the fraction storage unit is confirmed in step # 4, the unloading operation of unloading the container W from the fraction storage unit by the stacker crane 3 is controlled. In this case, even in the fraction storage prohibition mode, the transport control device H exceptionally transports the containers W in the fraction support state, and the containers W less than the number of storage units (one or two) are in the depth direction. The unloading operation of the stacker crane 3 is controlled so as to take out the containers W less than the number of storage units from the storage units 1 arranged side by side. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the delivery of an actual container in the fraction storage unit. As shown in FIG. 15, the item storage shelf 2 of Unit 2 has a fraction storage unit in which only two actual containers Ws are stored. Therefore, two actual storage units stored in this fraction storage unit are provided. The stacker crane 3 in the second machine leaves the container Ws. Thus, the fraction storage part can be eliminated by transporting the containers W less than the number of storage units delivered to the lower layer return transport device 11 and re-entering the storage part 1 with the number of storage units.

  In this way, the transfer control device H manages the number of containers W stored in the storage unit 1 and is a fraction that is the storage unit 1 that stores containers W less than the number of storage units even in the fraction storage prohibition mode. When there is a storage unit, the unloading operation by the loading / unloading device is controlled so that all the containers W less than the number of storage units stored in the fraction storage unit are collectively removed.

Next, the control operation of the transfer control device H in the fraction storage permission mode will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
The transfer control device H checks whether there is a storage unit number of containers W at the storage position Pa4 of the lower layer storage conveyor 41 and the storage position Pa4 of the upper layer storage conveyor 42 (step # 1), and the storage unit number of containers W is stored. If it exists in position Pa4, warehouse work will be performed (step # 2). If containers W of the number of storage units do not exist at the warehousing position Pa4, a state where containers W less than the number of storage units exist at the warehousing position Pa4 (the warehousing position Pa4 of the lower warehousing conveyor 41 or the warehousing of the upper warehousing conveyor 42) It is determined whether or not the state in which one or two containers W exist at the position Pa4 has continued for a set time (for example, 5 minutes). In order to transport the container W to the storage unit 1, the container W is allowed to be transported in a fraction-supported state, and a warehouse operation is performed by the stacker crane 3 (step # 2).

  If the warehousing operation in step # 2 is completed, or if the state where the container W less than the number of storage units is present at the warehousing position Pa4 does not continue for the set time, the warehousing request for the actual container Ws from the picking work management device C1 If there is a request to leave the empty container We from the input work management device C2 (Step # 4), and if there is a request to leave, the exit operation corresponding to the request is performed (Step # 5).

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining warehousing of actual containers Ws having a number less than the number of storage units in the fraction warehousing permission mode. As shown in FIG. 14, the actual container Ws located at the warehousing position Pa1 of the two warehousing conveyors 4a of the lower warehousing conveyor 41 of the second machine is stored in the storage section of the article storage shelf 2 by the stacker crane 3 of the second machine. 1, the storage unit 1 is a fraction storage unit in which only two actual containers Ws are stored. As described above, even in the fraction storage prohibition mode, if there is a fraction storage unit, the container W is exceptionally transported in the fraction support state, and the container W is less than the number of storage units (one or two). Since the containers W less than the number of storage units are taken out from the storage unit 1 arranged in the depth direction, the fraction storage unit is eliminated.

  In the fraction warehousing prohibition mode and the fraction warehousing permission mode, the actual container Ws delivered in the number of storage units from the storage unit 1 storing the specific actual container Ws1 containing the product designated by the picking work management device C1 is As shown in FIG. 10, it is conveyed by the lower layer return conveying apparatus 11 all together with the number of storage units. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, only the specific actual container Ws1 containing the commodity of the type specified by the picking work data among the actual containers Ws of the number of storage units is branched and conveyed to the picking line roller conveyor 11b. The non-specific actual container Ws2 that is supplied to the picking unit 12 among the actual containers Ws of the number of storage units and does not contain the type of goods specified by the picking work data among the actual containers Ws of the number of storage units is picked. It is conveyed along the circular return conveyance path L0 so as to bypass the section 12. The branching from the loop conveyor roller conveyor 11m to the picking line roller conveyor 11b is performed based on the reading information of the picking branch barcode reader 17 and the joining from the picking line roller conveyor 11b to the loop conveyor roller conveyor 11m. Is performed based on reading information of the joining detection sensor 19.

  The specific actual container Ws1 that has been taken out by the picking unit 12 but does not become empty, and the non-specific actual container Ws2 that is conveyed by bypassing the picking unit 12 are managed as actual containers Ws that are re-entry into the automatic warehouse. 12, based on the reading information by the bar code reader 22 for warehousing installed in front of the branching point of the lower warehousing conveyor 41 of the first to third machines, the lower warehousing conveyor 41 for the first to third machines. Are sequentially branched and conveyed to the incoming single row conveyor 4a. When the actual containers Ws are located at the respective receiving positions Pa1 of the three receiving single row conveyors 4a, the actual containers Ws of the number of storage units are collectively transported to the empty storage unit 1 by the stacker crane 3. . Whether the specific real container Ws1 becomes the empty container We or is maintained as it is in the picking unit 12 may be managed based on the picking work data managed by the picking work management apparatus C1. However, an empty container We generation button may be provided and managed based on the notification information from the worker M.

  The specific actual container Ws1 that has been emptied after the product is taken out by the picking unit 12 is managed as an empty container We re-stocked in the automatic warehouse with the number of other storage containers We, as shown in FIGS. The empty container buffer roller conveyor 11c is branched and conveyed to the empty container buffer roller conveyor 11c based on the information read by the empty container discriminating bar code reader 24 installed before the branch point of the empty container buffer roller conveyor 11c. When empty containers We of the storage unit number (three) are arranged on the empty container buffer roller conveyor 11c, at that time, among the lower-layer warehousing conveyors 41 of the first to third machines, the downstream conveyor path L0 is positioned downstream. The lower storage warehousing conveyor 41 of the unit (No. 3 in FIG. 13) that has not yet been allocated as the storage destination of the actual container Ws is allocated to the storage unit number (three) of empty containers We, and the storage unit number (3 Pieces) of empty containers We are sequentially joined to the loop conveyor roller conveyor 11m of the lower layer return conveyor apparatus 11. The empty container buffer roller conveyor 11c is provided with the same number of chain transformers as the number of storage units, and the number of storage units (three) of empty containers We stored in the empty container buffer roller conveyor 11c are collectively transported in a loop. You may join the roller conveyor 11m.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the empty containers We of the number of storage units (three) that merged with the loop conveyor roller conveyor 11m are transferred to the three incoming single-row conveyors 4a of the lower storage conveyor 41 of the assigned No. 3 unit. It is branched at once by three warehousing chain transformers 23 and is conveyed to warehousing position Pa1 at once by three warehousing single row conveyors 4a. When the empty containers We are positioned at the receiving positions Pa1 of the three receiving single-row conveyors 4a, the empty containers We of the number of storage units are collectively put into the empty storage unit 1 by the stacker crane 3 of the No. 3 machine. Be transported.

  As described above, the transfer control device H performs the picking work management among the plurality of actual containers Ws that are delivered at the delivery position Pb1 of the lower delivery conveyor 51 in both the fraction entry prohibition mode and the fraction entry permission mode. The operation of the lower layer return transport device 11 is controlled so as to supply the specific actual container Ws1 containing the commodity designated by the device C1 to the picking unit 12.

  Further, the transport control device H is configured such that at least the specific actual container Ws1 passes through the picking unit 12 from the unloading carry-out position Pb2, and the actual containers Ws corresponding to the number of storage units are collectively or continuously transferred to the loading carry-in position Pa2. In order to transport, the lower layer return transport device 11 is controlled, and the transport control device H further identifies the container W transported by the lower layer return transport device 11, and all the products are taken out by the picking unit 12. Only the empty container We, which is the container W, is branched and conveyed to the empty container buffer roller conveyor 11c as a branch path portion, and the empty containers We stored in the empty container buffer roller conveyor 11c are collectively or Lower layer return transfer device to continuously join the return transfer path L0 and to transfer the empty containers We of the number of storage units collectively or continuously to the loading position Pa2 for warehousing. To control the 11.

  Further, the transport control device H should distribute and transport the containers W to the picking line roller conveyor 11b and the bypass path portion in a form in which only the specific actual container Ws1 is transported by the picking line roller conveyor 11b as the picking path portion. The lower layer return conveyance device 11 is controlled.

  In the present embodiment, the picking unit 12 is disposed on the lower floor and the input unit 37 is disposed on the upper floor. However, the picking unit 12 may be disposed on the upper floor and the input unit 37 may be disposed on the lower floor. And the picking part 12 and the insertion part 37 may each be arrange | positioned on several floors. Further, the picking unit 12 and the input unit 37 may be arranged on the same level.

  When the picking unit 12 and the input unit 37 are provided on the same level, a configuration as shown in FIG. 17 is preferable. That is, the return conveyance path L0 includes the picking path L1 passing through the picking section 12, the first bypass path Lb1 connected in parallel to the picking path L1, the branch path Ls passing through the storage section S storing the empty container We, and the input section. 37, the return conveyance device 50 that includes the input path L2 passing through 37 and the second bypass path Lb2 connected in parallel to the input path L2, and transports the container W, Among them, only the specific actual container Ws1 is branched and conveyed to the picking unit 12, and the empty container We generated in the picking unit 12 is branched and conveyed to the storage unit S, and the required number of empty containers We out of the automatic warehouse is required. It is preferable to configure so that only the feeding portion 37 is branched and conveyed.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the container W is moved along the return conveyance path L0 that extends between the loading / unloading position Pa2 for warehousing and the unloading / unloading position Pb2 for the unloading and conveying apparatus (shipping conveyor 5). Although the return conveyance apparatuses 11 and 27 which convey are provided over the carrying-in position Pa2 and the carrying-out position Pb2 for warehousing in the automatic warehouse of several units, in 2nd Embodiment, the conveying apparatus for warehousing (warehousing conveyor) 4) The return transfer device 38 for transferring the container W along the return transfer path L0 extending between the input / output position Pa2 for input and the output position Pb2 for output of the output transfer device (output conveyor 5) is a single automatic warehouse. Is different in that it is provided between the loading position Pa2 for warehousing and the unloading position Pb2 for warehousing, and the configuration of a single automatic warehouse is the same as the automatic warehouse of the first embodiment, Was, in conjunction with the control operation of the picking operations management device C1 and turned work management device C2 and the transport controller H is similar. Therefore, in the following, detailed explanations of the automatic warehouse including the article storage shelf 2, the stacker crane 3, the warehousing conveyor 4, and the warehousing conveyor 5, the picking work management device C1, and the loading work management device C2 are omitted, and the return transportation device. 38 and its operation will be mainly described.

  As shown in FIG. 18, there is provided a return conveyance device 38 that conveys the container W along the return conveyance path L <b> 0 extending from the unloading position Pb <b> 2 of the unloading conveyor 5 of the automatic warehouse and the loading position Pa <b> 2 of the receiving conveyor 4. It has been. The return conveyance device 38 includes a plurality of roller conveyors and a plurality of elevating chain transformers not shown in the figure, similarly to the lower layer return conveyance device 11 and the upper layer return conveyance device 27 of the first embodiment.

  The return conveyance device 38 includes a picking path portion 38a that conveys the container W along the picking path L1 that passes through the picking section 39 and a bypass path portion 38b that conveys the container W along the bypass path Lb1 that does not pass through the picking section 39. A part that is provided in parallel and that transports the container W along the branch path Ls that branches downstream from the picking path L1 in the return transport path L0, and at least the number of storage units (three). And a branch path portion 38c as a storage portion S for storing the container W.

  The branch path portion 38c can transport the container W in both directions along the branch path Ls. That is, the branch path portion 38c is configured to store the empty container We transported from the picking path portion 38a toward the storage section S in the storage transport direction, and to store the empty container We stored in the storage section S. A payout transfer operation is performed in which the transfer is carried out in the direction opposite to the storage transfer direction and paid out from the storage section S. As described above, in the second embodiment, the branch path portion 38c has the branch point from the return transport path L0 and the junction point to the return transport path L0 set at the same position.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the picking unit 39 is provided with a picking work bar code reader 43, a picking work order display device 44, and a picking work completion button 45. The bar code of the specific real container Ws1 to be picked is displayed. When the worker M reads the picking work with the barcode reader 43 for picking work, the picking work data is displayed on the picking work order display device 44, and when the predetermined number of taking-out work from the specific actual container Ws1 is completed, the worker M picks up. By pressing the work completion button 45, the container W is paid out from the picking path portion 38a in the picking unit 39.

  As shown in FIGS. 19 to 24, when the number of storage units (three) of actual containers Ws including the specific actual container Ws1 containing the goods to be picked is unloaded to the unloading position Pb <b> 2 of the unloading conveyor 5. In addition, the specific actual container Ws1 is transported toward the picking unit 39, and the non-specific actual container Ws2 is transported toward the bypass path portion 38b.

  As shown in FIGS. 22 to 24, when the actual containers Ws having the number of storage units including the specific actual container Ws1 are repeatedly delivered, the non-specific actual containers Ws2 having the number of storage units are arranged in the bypass path portion 38b. Then, the actual containers Ws are discharged from the bypass path portion 38b to the downstream side of the return conveyance path L0, are collectively loaded into the loading position Pa2 for the loading conveyor 4, and are collectively loaded from the loading position Pa1 to the storage unit 1. Then transported.

As shown in FIG. 19 to FIG. 20, when all of the commodities are taken out from the specific actual container Ws1 and the empty container We is generated in the picking unit 39, as shown in FIG. 21, the empty container We discharged from the picking path portion 38a. However, it is conveyed by the branch path | route part 38c toward the storage part S in the conveyance direction for a storage, and is stored in the state packed by the branch path | route part 38c in the conveyance direction for a storage.

  As shown in FIG. 23 to FIG. 24, when the empty container We of the number of storage units is stored in the branch path portion 38c, the empty container We of the number of storage units stored in the branch path portion 38c is changed to the branch path. The portion 38c is transported in the direction opposite to the storage transport direction, and the empty container We of the number of storage units is paid out to the path portion that transports the container W along the return transport path L0. The empty containers We of the number of storage units paid out from the branch path portion 38c are collectively loaded into the warehousing loading position Pa2 of the warehousing conveyor 4, and are collectively conveyed from the warehousing position Pa1 to the storage unit 1.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the return conveyance device 38 stores the empty containers We sequentially generated in the picking unit 39 in the branch path portion 38c until the number of storage units is reached, and when the number of storage units is reached, the empty containers We are stored. The containers We are carried into the warehousing position Pa1 in a lump. The empty containers We of the number of storage units carried into the storage position Pa1 are stored in the storage unit 1 at once.

  Moreover, the return conveyance apparatus 38 puts together the specific actual containers Ws1 which did not become the empty container We in the picking part 39, and carries those real containers Ws of the number of storage units into the warehousing position Pa1. Further, the return conveyance device 38 stores the non-specific real container Ws2 delivered together with the specific real container Ws1 in the bypass path portion 38b until the number of storage units is reached, and when the number of storage units is reached, the non-specific real containers Ws2 are stored. The container Ws2 is loaded into the warehousing position Pa1. The actual containers Ws having the number of storage units carried into the storage position Pa1 are stored in the storage unit 1 in a lump.

[Another embodiment]
As mentioned above, although the invention made by the inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiments of the invention, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present invention will be illustrated.

(1) In the said 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, although the loading / unloading apparatus illustrated what was comprised with the single stacker crane which drive | works the driving | running route set to the front surface of the article storage shelf, The loading / unloading apparatus may be composed of a plurality of stacker cranes that travel on the same travel route.

(2) In the said 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, although the warehousing device comprised what was comprised with the stacker crane, as a warehousing device, not only this but the apparatus of another form may be sufficient. For example, each of the multi-stage travel routes set to the height corresponding to each stage of the storage unit in the article storage shelf may be configured to include a transport moving body that travels along the travel path. In this case, a plurality of entry positions and exit positions are set side by side in the vertical direction corresponding to each travel route by the same number as the number of steps of the multi-step travel route.
In this case, in the middle of the warehousing route from the warehousing delivery position to the plurality of warehousing positions, the storage unit number of articles is moved up and down collectively, and the designated warehousing position (or the warehousing position) among the plurality of warehousing positions. In addition, a lifting / lowering device for warehousing that is collectively positioned on the upstream side (buffer position on the warehousing position side) in the conveying direction along the warehousing / conveying path is provided, and the conveying path from a plurality of unloading positions to the unloading position for unloading In the middle, the storage unit number of articles is moved up and down in a lump, and collectively from the specified unloading position among a plurality of unloading positions, downstream in the transfer direction along the unloading transfer path direction (the unloading position for unloading) It is preferable to provide a lifting / lowering device for delivery to the position.

(3) In the said 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, the conveyance apparatus for warehousing and the conveying apparatus for warehousing have the row conveyance part which conveys a single article in the conveyance direction in the conveyance width direction by the number of storage units. The transfer device in the loading / unloading device receives the articles of the number of storage units located at the warehousing position in a batch and supplies the articles of the number of storage units collectively at the warehousing position. However, the transfer form of the warehousing device and the warehousing device with the transfer device in the warehousing device is not limited to this.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 25, a warehousing conveyor 48 as a warehousing transport device and a warehousing conveyor 49 as a warehousing transport device have one row transporting section that transports a single article in the transporting direction in the transport width direction. A single article located at the warehousing position in depth with respect to the warehousing device by the cooperation of the transfer device and the warehousing transport device in the warehousing device or by the warehousing device. By repeating the movement along the direction by the number of storage units, the transfer device in the loading / unloading device sequentially receives articles of the number of storage units, and by cooperation between the transfer device and the unloading transport device in the loading / unloading device, Or it is the number of storage units to move a single article out of the number of storage units supported by the transfer device in the loading / unloading apparatus along the depth direction with respect to the unloading position by the unloading transport apparatus Or may be sequentially supplied to the unloading conveying device article number storage unit by repeating.

  In this case, the control device is provided on the condition that there are more than the number of storage units in the warehousing standby area including the warehousing position and the position closer to the upstream side in the transport direction of the warehousing transport device than the warehousing position. In addition, it is preferable to start the transfer control for controlling the transfer device and the warehousing device or the transfer device so that the article is supported by the support portion of the transfer device.

(4) In the said 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, although the conveyance apparatus for warehousing and the conveying apparatus for warehousing are each arrange | positioned and the warehousing position and the warehousing position were each set as an example, warehousing position And the delivery position may be set at the same position. In this case, it is also conceivable that the unloading position for warehousing and the loading position for warehousing are set at the same position, and the warehousing transport apparatus and the warehousing transport apparatus are also used in the warehousing / unloading transport apparatus.

(5) In the said 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, although the warehousing position and the warehousing position were set to the position which adjoins outward in the horizontal direction with respect to the edge part of an article | item storage shelf in the horizontal direction of a storage part. The entry position and the exit position need only be set outside the article storage shelf. For example, the storage section is not arranged at an intermediate position of the storage section in the article storage shelf in either the vertical direction or the horizontal direction. A non-arrangement area may be formed, and the warehousing position and the leaving position may be set in the non-arrangement area. In this case, the storage units are positioned on both sides of the warehousing position in the arrangement direction and on both sides of the warehousing position in the arrangement direction.

(6) As an article to be stored by the storage unit, in addition to a support body that supports a support object and an empty support body that does not support a support object, it is not supported by the support body but is directly supported by a loading / unloading device. The article may be stored directly in the storage unit. In addition, as a support body which supports a support target object, the axis | shaft part with which a tray, a pallet, a roll body, etc. other than containers, such as a container illustrated by the said 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, may be sufficient.

(7) In the said 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, the label on which the barcode which is an example of an optical identifier was printed on the container W as an identifier for identifying with other containers W was attached | subjected. However, as an identifier, a wireless identifier such as an IC tag may be used.

(8) In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the worker performs the picking operation in the picking unit and the input operation in the input unit. However, a hand capable of supporting a support object is used at the tip of the arm. The picking robot may be provided in the picking unit or the input unit, and the picking robot may automatically take out the support object from the support body or input the support object to the support body.

(9) As the transfer device provided in the loading / unloading device, as exemplified in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the loading support portion as a support portion capable of supporting the articles of the number of storage units, and this It is not limited to a fork type transfer device provided with a fork device as a moving unit for moving the mounting support portion in the depth direction, for example, various types such as a clamp type transfer device and a hanging type transfer device This type of transfer device can be used.

  The clamp-type transfer device includes, for example, a mounting support unit 46 as a support unit provided in a fixed state in which a storage unit number of articles can be mounted and supported, as provided in the stacker crane 40 shown in FIG. A pair of gripping portions 47 whose positions can be switched between an engagement position and an engagement disengagement position, which are engaged from both sides in the width direction of the article, with the article positioned at the end in the depth direction among the articles of the number of storage units arranged in the depth direction. When the article is received from the storage unit by pushing and pulling an article such as a container W of the number of storage units arranged in the depth direction by moving the pair of gripping parts 47 in the engagement position back and forth. In the case of supply, when articles such as containers W of the number of storage units are collectively moved in the depth direction with respect to the mounting support part 46 and received from the warehousing transport apparatus and supplied to the warehousing transport apparatus, Place items such as containers W for the number of storage units Move with or sequentially in the depth direction collectively for sandwiching member 46.

  The suspension type transfer device includes, for example, a suspension support unit that supports an upper end portion of articles of storage units arranged in the depth direction, and a retracting device as a moving unit that moves the suspension support unit in the depth direction. The number of storage units is batched by moving the articles of the storage units arranged in the depth direction by moving the suspension support part in a state where the articles of the storage unit number are suspended and supported by the retracting device. And move it in the depth direction.

(10) The transfer device provided in the loading / unloading device receives the article located at the loading position and supplies the article to the loading position, and the loading / unloading apparatus receives the article from the storage unit. The storage unit transfer device for supplying articles may be provided separately.

(11) The storage unit is not limited to a configuration including a pair of storage unit supports that support the lower edge of the article, but according to the structure of the article to be stored or according to the type of the transfer device. Various configurations can be employed. For example, the storage unit corresponding to the clamp-type transfer device may be a storage unit including a mounting unit composed of a single member or a plurality of members that support substantially the entire bottom surface of the article. For example, in the case of a storage unit that stores a roll-shaped article, a storage unit that includes a pair of guide-supported portions that are supported in a state in which both ends of the shaft unit included in the roll body are positioned is the same as the number of storage units. There may be.

(12) The article storage shelf 2 may include a plurality of types of storage units having different numbers of storage units. In this case, the number of storage units of at least one type of storage unit may be two or more. Further, when the article storage shelf 2 includes a plurality of types of storage units having two or more storage units (for example, a storage unit having two storage units and a storage unit having three storage units). The present invention may be selectively applied to any kind of storage unit.

(13) The above configurations can be combined as long as no contradiction occurs.

W Support (article)
Ws Actual support Ws1 Specific actual support We Empty support Pa1 Warehousing position Pa2 Carrying-in position Pb1 Carrying-out position Pb2 Carrying-out position H Control apparatus C1 Work management apparatus L0 Return conveyance path L1 Picking path Lb1 Bypass path Ls Branch path M Worker 1 Storage unit 2 Goods storage shelf 3 Warehousing and unloading device 4 Warehousing and transporting device 5 Warehousing and transporting device 8 Transfer device 8a Supporting units 11, 38, and 50 Returning conveying device 11b and 38a Picking path part 11c and 38c Branching path part 12, 39 Picking part 38b Bypass path part

Claims (5)

An article storage shelf in which a plurality of storage units for storing articles are arranged;
Entry operation for conveying an article from an entry position set outside the article storage shelf to the storage unit, and an entry operation for transferring an article from the storage unit to an exit position set outside the article storage shelf A delivery device;
A warehousing transporting device for transporting articles from the warehousing carry-in position set outside the article storage shelf to the warehousing position;
An unloading transport device for transporting articles from the unloading position to an unloading position set outside the article storage shelf;
A controller for controlling the operation of the warehousing device, the warehousing device, and the warehousing device;
The storage unit is capable of storing a plurality of articles in the number of storage units in a state of being arranged in a depth direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the storage units in the article storage shelf,
The entry / exit device includes a transfer device for transferring an article to and from the storage unit,
The transfer device includes a support unit that can support a plurality of articles of the number of storage units arranged in the depth direction, and a moving unit that moves the articles in the depth direction between the support part and the storage unit. An article storage facility comprising:
The controller is
Controlling the warehousing transport device to transport the article located at the warehousing position to the warehousing position;
It is prohibited to convey an article in a fraction support state in which the number of articles smaller than the number of storage units is supported on the support unit in the transfer device, and the number of storage units to the support unit in the transfer device Control the warehousing operation by the warehousing device on the condition that the goods of the number of storage units are collectively supplied to the storage unit in a state where the goods are supported,
It is forbidden to convey articles in the fraction support state, and on the condition that the storage unit number of articles are collectively taken out from the storage unit in which the storage unit number of articles are arranged in the depth direction. Controlling the unloading operation by the unloading device;
An article storage facility for controlling the delivery device for delivery so that an article located at the delivery position is transported to the delivery position for delivery. The article stored in the storage unit is a support that can support a plurality of support objects,
A picking unit for performing a picking work in which an operator takes out the support object from the support in a quantity specified by a work management device;
A return conveyance device that conveys the support along a return conveyance path extending from the unloading position for unloading to the loading position for loading;
The return conveying apparatus is
A picking path portion that transports the support along a picking path that passes through the picking portion and a bypass path portion that transports the support along a bypass path that does not pass through the picking portion are provided in parallel.
A part that transports the support along a branch path that branches and merges with respect to the return transport path on the downstream side of the picking path in the return transport path, and that includes at least the support of the number of storage units. A branch path portion for storing,
The control device manages the support stored in the storage unit, and the support target specified by the work management device among the actual support that is the support that supports the support target. From the storage unit storing a specific actual support supporting an object, to control the unloading operation by the loading / unloading device in order to transport the support of the number of storage units to the unloading position, In order to transport at least the specific actual support from the unloading position to the warehousing position in batch or continuously in a form in which the specific actual support passes through the picking unit. Control the conveyor,
The control device further identifies the support transported by the return transport device, and only the empty support, which is the empty support from which all the support objects have been taken out by the picking unit, is described above. Branching and transporting to the branch path part, and merging the empty supports of the number of storage units stored in the branch path part collectively or continuously to the return transport path, and supporting the empty support of the number of storage units The article storage facility according to claim 1, wherein the return conveyance device is controlled so as to convey the body all at once or continuously to the loading position for warehousing.   The said control apparatus controls the said return conveyance apparatus in order to distribute and convey the said support body to the said picking path | route part and the said bypass path | route part in the form to which only the said specific support body is conveyed in the said picking path | route part. Item storage equipment according to Item 2.   The control device is a fraction warehousing prohibiting mode that prohibits the conveyance of articles in the fraction support state, and the fraction warehousing permission mode that allows the article to be conveyed in the fraction support state only when a setting condition is satisfied, The article storage facility according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the article storage facility is configured to be switchable to each other.   The control device manages the number of articles stored in the storage unit, and there is a fraction storage unit that is the storage unit storing articles less than the number of storage units even in the fraction storage mode. 5. The article storage facility according to claim 4, wherein the unloading operation by the loading / unloading device is controlled so as to collect all articles less than the number of storage units stored in the fraction storage unit.

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