JP3641549B2 - Material storage management system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a transport means for transporting a container for storing a plurality of articles between a reception unit that accepts rental return of the articles and a shelf for storing a plurality of the containers,
Management means for managing the lending and returning of the articles by executing the conveying operation of the conveying means while managing the storage position of each container stored in the shelf and the filling rate of the articles in each container is provided. The present invention relates to an article storage management system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Such an article storage management system is designed to save labor for lending and returning articles while reducing the storage space by intensively storing a large number of articles on a shelf.
In addition, as a conventional example of such a system, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-285621 discloses a book storage management system for storing and managing books as articles. In this book storage management system, when the returned books are received while managing the books to be stored in the containers while managing the filling rate of the books in each container, the books with a low filling rate are automatically selected. When a book to be selected and carried out to the reception unit and returned to the container is stored, the container is returned to the shelf and stored again.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional case, since the container with a low filling rate is carried out to the reception unit at the time of return work, the filling rate of the containers stored in the shelf becomes higher on average, so the returned books If there are a large number of containers, the containers are often filled before all the returned books are stored in the containers, and each time the containers are full, it is necessary to carry out the containers from the shelf to the reception section. Return work could not always be done efficiently.
[0004]
Therefore, the present invention has been made paying attention to this point, and an object thereof is to provide an article storage management system capable of improving the work efficiency of return work.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the instruction means for instructing the management means can instruct the refill mode for creating an empty container by refilling the article stored in the container with another container. Conveying operation of the conveying means so that the management means carries out the refilling mode to the work place where the refilling work is carried out when the refilling mode is instructed by the instruction means. Is configured to control.
  Therefore, when returning work, empty containers created in the refill mode can be carried out to the reception unit, and even if there are many returned articles, the articles can be sufficiently stored in the empty containers. The work efficiency of the return work can be improved without unnecessarily carrying out the container from the shelf.
  According to the invention described in claim 1, the management means manages for each container whether or not there is a record of delivery to the reception unit within the set period, and there is no record of delivery in the refill mode. It is configured to control the operation of the conveying means so that the container is carried out to the work place with priority over the container that has been delivered.
In other words, in the refill mode, a container with no record of delivery has priority over a container with a record of delivery, and is transported to the work location, so that articles with no record of delivery can be collected and stored in separate containers. Articles can be appropriately stored by storing this container in the back of the shelf.
[0006]
According to the invention described in claim 2, in the refill mode, the output container number setting mode and the creation container number setting mode can be selected by the instruction means,
When the delivery container number setting mode is selected, the management means controls the transportation operation of the transportation means so that the number of containers set by the instruction means is unfilled to the work location.
Then, when the creation container number setting mode is selected, the conveying means is configured so that a container whose filling rate is not full is carried out to the work site until the number of empty containers set by the instruction means is created. It is comprised so that the action | operation of may be controlled.
Therefore, it is possible to select a shipping container number setting mode in which the amount of work is easy to grasp and a creation container number setting mode in which the number of empty containers to be created can be set as necessary. It can be selected and is easy to use.
[0008]
  Claim3In the refilling mode, the management unit is configured to control the transport unit so that the container having a low filling rate is given priority in the refill mode and is transported to the work site.
  Therefore, since a container with a low filling rate is preferentially carried out to the work location, the work for taking out articles from the container at the work location can be reduced, and the work efficiency in the refill mode can be improved. .
[0009]
  Claim4In the refilling mode, the management unit prioritizes a container with no shipping record over a container with a shipping record and prioritizes a container with a low filling rate among containers without a shipping record. And it is comprised so that the action | operation of a conveyance means may be controlled so that it may carry out to a work location.
  Therefore, it is possible to collect articles that have not been delivered and store them in another container, and to improve work efficiency in the refill mode.
[0010]
  Claim5According to the invention described in the above, the management means stores the classification data of each container, the identification data of the articles stored in each container, and the size of each article in association with each other, and based on the stored information, As each item is sorted according to size and managed so as to be stored in the container while managing the filling rate of the item in each container, it is compared with that which is sorted according to the identification data of the item and stored in the container. Thus, the container can be stored without a gap, and the storage efficiency of the article can be improved.
  Further, in the refill mode, the size of the article stored in the container can be selected by the instruction means, and the management means stores the article of the size designated by the instruction means in the refill mode. And, because it is configured to control the conveying operation of the conveying means so as to carry out a container whose filling rate is not full to the work location, it is possible to create an empty container for each size of the article, It is possible to execute refilling of articles as necessary.
[0011]
  Claim6According to the invention described in the above, a plurality of types of containers having different sizes are provided as containers, and the shelf includes a storage unit corresponding to each of the plurality of containers having different sizes. Can be stored efficiently.
  In addition, the management means executes the management of the filling rate of the articles in each container based on the size information of each container, and reliably manages the filling rate of the articles in each container. The container is configured so that the size of the container can be instructed by the instructing means, and the management means stores the instructed size of the instructed means in the refill mode, and Because it is configured to control the transport operation of the transport means so that a container with a filling rate not full is carried out to the work location, the container refilling operation can be performed according to the size of the container, and it is necessary It is possible to perform refilling work according to the condition.
[0012]
  Claim7According to the invention described in the above, the storage location for storing the empty container is provided in the middle of the transport path between the reception unit and the shelf, and the management means is created in an empty state in the refill mode. It is configured to control the transport operation of the transport means so that the container is transported to the storage location and stored as the container is instructed.
  Therefore, when warehousing the returned goods, from the storage location provided between the reception unit and the shelfemptySince the container can be carried out to the reception unit, the conveyance distance of the container can be shortened compared with the case where the container is carried out from the shelf to the reception unit, and the return work efficiency can be further improved. Become.
[0013]
  Claim8According to the invention described in (1), the rack includes a plurality of rack portions each having a plurality of article storage units in the vertical and horizontal directions, and the rack portion located between both ends in the shelf depth direction is driven and moved in the shelf depth direction. Since it is configured so as to selectively form a conveyance path of the conveyance means between adjacent rack parts, there is no need to provide a conveyance path of the conveyance means between adjacent rack parts, The storage space can be reduced, and in addition, in the refill mode, the management means maintains the shelf in a state that forms one of a plurality of transfer paths, and operates the container through the selected transfer path. Since it is configured to control the conveying operation of the conveying means so as to carry out to a place, one of a plurality of conveying paths is selected artificially or automatically, without reselecting the conveying path, Choice Is a container concentrated manner through the conveying path can be conveyed to the working position and can be performed efficiently refilling work.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, a reception unit K that accepts lending and returning books as articles, a shelf R that stores a plurality of containers Y for storing a plurality of books, and the size and thickness of the books are input. The work station S that also functions as a measuring unit for the operation, the receiving unit K and the shelf R, the transport means TP for transporting the container Y between the work station S and the shelf R, and the shelf R are stored. Management means P (see FIG. 12) is provided for managing the lending and returning of books by executing the transport operation of the transport means TP while managing the storage position of each book and the filling rate of the books in each container Y. Thus, a book storage management system for storing and managing books as articles is configured.
[0015]
The book storage management system according to the present embodiment is a so-called closed-type book storage unit in which a book is transferred between a user and a librarian in the reception unit K, and the user can enter and leave the library. It is assumed that the book is installed in a library that also has a so-called open-type book storage unit that stores books on shelves. That is, the shelf R and the work station S are installed in the basement of the building that constitutes the library, and the reception unit K is provided on the first floor of the building.
[0016]
In the present embodiment, basically, A4, A5, B5, and B6 size books, A2 size newspapers, and other irregularly sized books are handled as books. Yes.
And as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, as the container Y, in the state accommodated in the shelf R, the width L and height H along the shelf horizontal width direction are different in size, and the width W along the shelf depth direction is the same. A large container YL and a small container YS are prepared. The large container YL basically stores A2 size newspapers (see FIG. 9 (a)) and A4 size and B5 size books (see FIG. 9 (b)). The YS basically stores A5 and B6 size books (see FIGS. 10A and 10B) and other irregularly sized books (see FIG. 10C). Become.
[0017]
For the books stored in each container Y, the above-described management of the filling rate, that is, the filling rate of the books in each container Y is managed. For this reason, the storage form of the books, newspapers, and books in each container Y is also defined, and the filling rate is managed. Specifically, in the large container YL, a flat placement mode (see FIG. 9A) in which newspapers are stacked and stored sequentially, or a vertical placement mode in which A4 and B5 books are arranged in two rows in a vertical position (FIG. 9). (B)) is selected, and in the small container YS, the A4 and B5 books are arranged in a single row in a horizontal orientation (see FIG. 10A), and the A5 and B6 books are arranged. The vertical placement mode (see FIG. 10 (b)) arranged in two rows in the vertical orientation and the flat placement mode (see FIG. 10 (c)) in which books are sequentially stacked and stored are selected. Note that the partition M is set in the container Y in the case of storing books by selecting a vertically placed form in which books are arranged in two rows in a vertical posture.
In each storage mode, a maximum dimension in the direction in which newspapers, books, and books are arranged, that is, a maximum dimension capable of storing a book, is preset, and a space obtained by sequentially subtracting the thickness of the book from the maximum dimension. The smaller the dimension, the higher the filling rate. In this embodiment, the empty dimension is referred to as an empty space.
Each container Y is equipped with a barcode display BC for displaying a container number for identifying each container Y as a barcode. By the way, in this barcode display BC, the container number is described so as to be visible visually.
[0018]
As shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and 8, the shelf R includes a large container shelf RL for storing a large container YL and a small container shelf RS for storing a small container YS. And.
Each of the large container shelves RL and the small container shelves RS includes a plurality of rack portions 1L and 1S each including a plurality of storage portions 40 for the containers Y in the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction in the shelf depth direction. ing. The rack portion located between both ends of the plurality of rack portions 1L and 1S is configured to be movable in the shelf depth direction, and the movement path T of the stacker crane 2 is selected between the adjacent rack portions 1 It is designed to be formed. In addition, a traverser 3 that carries the stacker crane 2 is provided so as to travel along one end of the shelf R in the width direction.
And the storage part 40 of the said rack parts 1L and 1S is comprised so that one container Y may be supported in the depth direction by a pair of right and left article holding parts 40A, as shown in FIG.
[0019]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the reception unit K is provided adjacent to the service counter K <b> 1 where the librarian delivers books with the user, and adjacent to the service counter K <b> 1. Service station T1, a reference counter K2, and a reference station T2 that is provided adjacent to the reference counter K2 and relays for transporting books as well as the service station K2. .
The service counter K1 and the reference counter K2 can basically perform the same operation, but usually the service counter K1 is mainly used. In the case where work assistance is performed when the work amount of the service counter K1 is excessive, or in the case where the work is continued when the maintenance work of the service counter K1 or the service station T1 is performed, the reference counter K2 or the reference station T2 is used.
[0020]
The transport means TP will be described. Corresponding to the work station S provided in the basement of the building, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, a U-shaped work station forming conveyor 5 is installed, The stacker crane 2 transfers the container Y to the conveyor 5, that is, carries out the container Y. Further, the traverser 3 is provided with a transfer conveyor 3A for receiving the container Y carried out from the conveyor 5 for forming the work station when the traverser 3 is positioned at a position corresponding to the work station S. The container Y is transferred to the transfer conveyor 3A, that is, the container Y is carried in.
[0021]
A high-speed lifter 6 for vertical conveyance is installed from the basement of the building toward the service station T1 on the first floor. As shown in FIG. 8, a conveyor 7 for entry into the shelf R and a conveyor 8 for delivery from the shelf R are installed at the upper and lower intermediate portions corresponding to the basement of the high-speed lifter 6. . The stacker crane 2 transfers the containers Y to the warehousing conveyor 7 and the warehousing conveyor 8.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a conveyor 4 for forming a square-shaped service station is connected to a portion corresponding to the first floor of the high-speed lifter 6. The conveyor 4 includes a turn conveyor 4A that changes the direction of the container Y.
[0023]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, a first relay conveyor 9 is provided at the upper end of the portion corresponding to the basement of the high-speed lifter 6. The first relay conveyor 9 includes a carry-out conveyor unit 9A and a carry-in conveyor unit 9B that transfer containers Y to and from the track-type transport cart 10.
The track-type transport cart 10 transports between a second relay conveyor 11 provided on the lower side of the reference station T <b> 2 and the first relay conveyor 9 connected to the high-speed lifter 6. Similarly to the first relay conveyor 9, the second relay conveyor 11 includes a carry-out conveyor unit 11 </ b> A and a carry-in conveyor unit 11 </ b> B that transfer containers Y to and from the track-type transport cart 10.
As shown in FIG. 4, a vertical transfer lifter 13 is installed between the second relay conveyor 11 and a reference station forming conveyor 12 provided corresponding to the reference station T2.
[0024]
In addition, as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 7, the conveyance of books between the open book storage unit and the book storage unit of this closed type, between the service counter K1 and the service station T1. There are many hand-operated carts D used for transporting books in the library, such as transporting books in the library, transporting between the reference counter K2 and the reference station T2, and transporting books newly received in the library. Yes.
[0025]
The management means P will be described. As shown in FIG. 12, a host controller P1 that manages library storage information for the entire library and a system controller P2 that is installed in the basement of the building and manages the entire library storage management system can communicate with each other. The management means P includes a host controller P1 and a system controller P2.
The host controller P1 includes a first terminal 21 installed at the service counter K1, a second terminal 22 installed at the reference counter K2, a third terminal 23 installed at the work station S, and a library management room. A number of terminals such as the fourth terminal 24 installed in the service area and the fifth terminal 25 installed on the service floor of the user are connected.
[0026]
The fourth terminal 24 is used to input information related to a newly received book, such as the name of a book newly received in the library, into the host controller P1 and register it as a book managed in the library. In addition, an issuer 24A for issuing a barcode display body B as a display tool for displaying identification data for identifying the book to be stored, in this embodiment, a book number, is provided. On this bar code display B, the book number is displayed as a bar code, and in addition, the book number is described in a numerically visible manner.
Of course, the issued bar code display B is attached to a book to be received by pasting or the like.
Further, the book with the barcode display B attached thereto, that is, the book registered in the host controller P1 is transported to various places using the carriage D. And in the case of storage management in this closed storage part, it is conveyed to the underground work station S. The work at the work station S will be described later as “initial registration work”.
[0027]
The fifth terminal 25 is used for the purpose of searching for a book that the user wants to borrow, and receives a loan request form on which various information such as the name of the book and the book number for identifying the book is printed. A printer 25A for output is provided. This loan request is delivered to a librarian at the service counter K1 when borrowing a book stored in the closed-type storage unit.
[0028]
The first to third terminals 21 to 23 search for management information of the host controller P1, such as searching for books stored and managed in the library, and lending status of books, and lending or returning registered books. This is used for inputting various information to the host controller P1, such as information and information for removing registration of a registered book. The first and second terminals 21 and 22 include A barcode reader BR that reads the attached barcode display B and a printer RT that outputs various types of information are provided.
[0029]
As with the first and second terminals, the system controller P2 searches or registers management information of the host controller P1, such as searching for books stored and managed in the library, and book lending status. It is also used for inputting various information to the host controller P1, such as information on lending or returning books, information on removing registration of registered books, and the first and second terminals. Similarly, a barcode reader BR and a printer RT are provided, but in addition to the purpose of use, the entire operation of the closed storage unit, that is, the book storage management system is managed.
[0030]
In other words, the system controller P2 includes a first setting unit U1 installed in the service station T1, a second setting unit U2 installed in the reference station T2, and a third setting unit installed in the work station S. U3, installed in the work station S, a measuring instrument J used as a measuring means for measuring the size and thickness of the book, installed in the vicinity of the work station S, for monitoring the operating state of the transport means TP A monitoring terminal U4 to be used, a shelf management controller U5 for managing the operation of the shelf R configured as a moving shelf including the stacker crane 2 and the traverser 3, and a transport controller U6 for managing the operation of the transport means TP are connected. ing. The transfer controller U6 is composed of a number of controllers installed corresponding to the high-speed lifter 6 and the conveyors.
[0031]
Each of the first to third setting devices U1 to U3 includes a barcode reader CR that reads the barcode display BC of the container Y and the barcode display B of the book, and uses the barcode reader CR. The information for specifying the container Y for loading / unloading the book and the information for identifying the book for loading / unloading can be input.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 13, the measuring instrument J includes a rectangular mounting table 30 used as a measurement position of a book, and an L-shaped positioning body 31 erected on the corner of the mounting table 30. In addition, a thickness detection sensor 32 using an ultrasonic sensor and the like, a width detection size detection sensor 33 and a height detection size detection sensor 34 using an ultrasonic sensor, and the like are provided. Then, by placing the book on the placement table 31 with the corners of the book applied to the positioning body 31, the thickness detection sensor 32 measures the distance from its own installation position to the upper surface of the book, The thickness of the book is measured, and the size detection sensors 33 and 34 measure the distance from the installation position of the book to the side of the book, thereby measuring the size including the width and height of the book.
Note that the measurement of the thickness and size of books is basically targeted for books that are specified for management by the closed book storage management system among the books registered by the host controller P1. As described in “Initial registration work” described later, first, the book number for identifying the book to be measured is entered, such as inputting the identification information of the book to be measured by the barcode reader CR. After inputting and specifying a book to be measured, it is performed in the order of starting actual measurement.
[0033]
Hereinafter, the operation of the book storage management system will be described.
As work of this system, there are "normal warehousing work" and "free space specified warehousing work" as warehousing work, "normal warehousing work" and "carpooling warehousing work" as warehousing work, As work, there are work such as `` refilling work '', `` collection inspection work '', `` relocation '', `` initial registration work '', `` normal warehousing work '' and `` normal shipping work '' are normal warehousing work, Other work is special loading / unloading work, and each work will be described next.
In addition, selection of which of these operations is performed is performed by the first to third terminals 21 to 23 and the first to third setting devices U1 to U2, and the first to third terminals 21 to 21 are performed. 23 and the 1st-3rd setting devices U1-U2 act as an instruction | indication means. Although these operations can be performed at various places, in the following explanation, the place to be mainly executed is specified and explained.
[0034]
[Normal goods receipt work]
The normal warehousing operation is mainly performed using the service counter K1, and as shown in FIG. 1, first, the bar code reader BR provided in the first terminal 21 of the service counter K1 returns it from the user. The barcode display body B of the returned book is read, and the identification information of the book to be returned, that is, the book number is input.
Next, the books to be returned are placed on the carriage D as necessary and transported to the service station T1. After “normal warehousing” is set by the first setting device U1, the barcode reader CR reads the barcode display body B of the returned book, and inputs the identification information of the book to be returned, that is, the book number. If there are multiple books, enter the book numbers of the multiple books in sequence. When you finish entering the book number, enter the settings.
Along with the input of this setting, the system controller P2 basically searches for a container Y that can store the set book among the small containers YS, and carries the searched container Y to the service station T1. A work command is issued to the shelf management controller U5 and the transfer controller U6. Then, the shelf management controller U5 and the transport controller U6 operate to carry out the commanded container Y, and the target container Y is transported to the service station T1. Since the containers Y to be carried out can be carried out to the service station T1 in a short time, for example, the containers Y of the rack parts 1L and 1S near the unloading conveyor 8 and the widths of the rack parts 1L and 1S are used. It is carried out preferentially from the container Y on the direction traverser 3 side.
When the container Y arrives, identification information of the container Y is input by reading the barcode display BC of the container Y using the barcode reader CR. Then, the bar code display B of the book to be returned is read by the bar code reader CR, and after inputting that the book is stored in the container Y, the book is stored in the container Y. When all the books that can be stored in the container Y are stored, the completion is input.
As the completion is input, the system controller P2 instructs the shelf management controller U5 and the transport controller U6 to carry the container Y in which the books have been stored into the shelf R. Then, the shelf management controller U5 and the transfer controller U6 operate to carry the commanded container Y into the shelf R, and the target container Y is carried into the shelf R.
At this time, the system controller P2 determines whether or not the book for which warehousing has been instructed remains, and if it remains, searches the container Y for storing the remaining book in the same manner as described above. . The subsequent procedure is the same as described above.
[0035]
[Incoming work with empty space specified]
This empty space designated warehousing work is similar to the above-described normal warehousing work, by reading the barcode display B of the returned book with the barcode reader BR provided in the first terminal of the service counter K1, and returning the book number of the book to be returned. Enter. Then, the book to be returned after input of the book number is loaded on the carriage D and transported to the service station T1 as necessary.
Next, after setting “empty space designated warehousing” with the first setting device U1, necessary items are subsequently input based on the contents displayed on the display screen of the first setting device U1 shown in FIG. . That is, judging from the size of the book to be received, the type selection is input, the desired empty space and the required number of containers are input, and the setting completion is input by operating the setting button. Here, as an empty space, in the case of a horizontally placed container, it can be selected in a range from an empty container to 30 cm, and in the case of a vertically arranged container, it can be selected in a range from an empty container to 60 cm. In the case of a two-row container, it can be selected from an empty container to 120 cm.
Incidentally, on the display screen, the number of containers that currently exist corresponding to each space is displayed on the side of the space selection.
[0036]
Along with the above input, the system controller P2 searches the set container Y and instructs the shelf management controller U5 and the transport controller U6 to carry out a work command to carry out the searched container Y to the service station T1. The commanded container Y is transported to the service station T1. The containers Y to be carried out can be carried out to the service station T1 in a short time. For example, the containers Y of the rack portions 1L and 1S near the unloading conveyor 8 and the horizontal widths of the rack portions 1L and 1S are used. It is carried out preferentially from the container Y on the direction traverser 3 side.
When the container Y arrives, the identification information of the container Y is input by reading the barcode display BC of the container Y using the barcode reader CR as in the “normal warehousing operation”. Then, after reading the barcode display B of the book to be returned by the barcode reader CR, the book is stored in the container Y. When all the books that can be stored in the container Y are stored, the completion is input.
As the completion is input, the system controller P2 instructs the shelf management controller U5 and the transport controller U6 to carry out the work in order to load the container Y in which the books have been stored into the shelf R. It is carried into the shelf R.
At this time, the system controller P2 determines whether or not the commanded container Y remains, and if it remains, the system controller P2 searches for the remaining container Y in the same manner as described above. The same as above.
[0037]
[Normal shipping work]
The normal delivery operation is performed by delivering the above-mentioned rental request form to the librarian at the service counter K1. The librarian sets “normal delivery” with the first setting device U1, and then inputs the book number described in the loan request. When there are a plurality of books, it goes without saying that the book numbers are input for all the books. Although not illustrated, as the book identification information is input, the book number and book name of the input book, the container Y identification information such as the container number for identifying the container for storing the book, In addition, the type of the book is displayed on the display screen of the first setting device U1.
When the input of the identification information of the book is completed, the setting is input.
[0038]
Along with the input of the setting, the system controller P1 searches the storage position of the container Y that stores the input book, and sends a work command to carry out the searched container Y to the service station T1 for the shelf management controller U5 or the transfer The controller U6 is commanded. Then, the shelf controller U5 and the transport controller U6 operate to carry out the commanded container Y, and the target container Y is transported to the service station T1.
When the container Y arrives, identification information of the container Y is input by reading the barcode display BC of the container Y using the barcode reader CR. Along with the input, although not illustrated, the book number and book name of the book taken out from the container Y are displayed on the display screen of the first setting device U1.
When the displayed book is taken out from the container Y and the barcode display B of the book is read by the barcode reader CR, the portion corresponding to the book from which the barcode has been read is displayed. It changes to a color different from other parts, such as red, and it is clearly indicated that the book has been taken out.
[0039]
When the extraction of all books for the container Y is completed, completion is input. As the completion is input, the system controller P2 instructs the shelf management controller U5 and the transport controller U6 to carry the container Y, from which the books have been taken out, to the shelf R. It is carried in.
At this time, the system controller P2 determines whether or not the commanded container Y remains, and if it remains, the system controller P2 searches for the remaining container Y in the same manner as described above. The same as above.
When the librarian finishes taking out all the books described in the loan request, the librarian puts the loan request in one of the books. Then, if necessary, the taken out book is placed on the carriage D and carried to the service counter K1 and handed to the user.
[0040]
[Carpooling work]
This carpooling work is a book returned from the user when performing the above-mentioned “normal delivery work”, and if there is a book that can be stored in the delivered container Y, it is stored in the container Y. The book is stored and received. In the above-mentioned “normal delivery operation”, when all the books for the container Y have been taken out, instead of “input completion” described above, “carpooling” It starts by setting “Receive”.
Then, in the same manner as the normal warehousing work, the carpooling warehousing operation is performed by reading the barcode display B of the book to be warehousing with the barcode reader CR and confirming the book name displayed on the display screen while Storing books in When all books are stored, enter the settings.
As the setting is input, the system controller P2 instructs the shelf controller U5 and the transfer controller U6 to carry the work Y into the shelf R, and the container Y is placed on the shelf R. It is brought in.
At this time, the system controller P2 determines whether or not the container Y commanded for leaving remains, and if it remains, searches for the remaining container Y in the same manner as described above. The subsequent procedure is the same as described above.
When the librarian finishes taking out all the books described in the loan request, the librarian puts the loan request in one of the books. Then, if necessary, the taken out book is placed on the carriage D and carried to the service counter K1 and handed to the user.
[0041]
[Refilling work]
This refilling operation is to refill the books so as to increase the filling rate of the containers Y by refilling the books in order to create an empty container Y, and is mainly performed at the work station S.
That is, after “refilling” is set by the third setting unit U3 provided in the work station S, the necessary items are subsequently determined based on the contents displayed on the display screen of the third setting unit U3 shown in FIG. Enter.
First, the delivery setting method is selected. As the delivery setting method, there are a delivery container number setting for designating the total number of containers Y to be delivered, and a created empty container number setting for designating the number of containers to be created by refilling work, and one of these is selected. Incidentally, in the case of setting the number of outgoing containers, the number of empty containers to be created is not known as a result of the refilling operation, but it is easy to grasp the work amount.
Next, the type of the container Y is selected, the number of containers is continuously input, and the setting is input. By the way, when the type of the container Y is selected, the entire state including the current filling rate of the type of the container Y is displayed, and it becomes a guideline for setting the number of containers. ing.
[0042]
As the above setting is input, the system controller P2 searches the set container Y and sends a work command to carry out the searched container Y to the work station S to the shelf management controller U5 and the transfer controller U6. The designated container Y is transferred to the work station S.
When the container Y arrives, identification information of the container Y is input by reading the barcode display BC of the container Y using the barcode reader CR. With the input of this information, the book number and book name are displayed on the display screen of the third setting device U3 for all the books currently stored in the container Y.
The next work is to take out the book to empty the container Y, and to store the book to fill the container Y, and if the removed book exists. Any of these can be arbitrarily selected. First, the take-out operation will be described.
[0043]
The take-out operation is performed by inputting the identification information of the container Y and then taking out the book from the container Y and reading the barcode display B of the book with the barcode reader BR. Along with this reading, the portion of the book information displayed on the display screen corresponding to the book from which the barcode is read changes to a color different from other parts such as red, and is a taken out book. It is clearly shown.
After all the books are taken out from the container Y, as the setting is input, the system controller P2 causes the shelf management controller U5 to carry the containers Y that are empty after all the books are taken out into the shelf R. Then, the operation is instructed to the transfer controller U6, and the container Y is carried into the shelf R.
Subsequently, the system controller P2 searches for the container Y to be transported next to the work station S, and outputs a work command for carrying out the retrieved container Y to the work station S in the same manner as described above. U6 is commanded, and the commanded container Y is transported to the work station S.
[0044]
In the storing operation, after inputting the identification information of the container Y described above, first, the third setting device U3 sets the warehousing. Subsequent to the warehousing setting, the barcode display B of the container Y is read by the barcode reader CR, and the container Y for storing the book is determined. Next, the barcode display body B of the book to be stored is read by the barcode reader BR to determine the book to be stored, and then the book is stored in the container Y. In this manner, books are sequentially stored until the container Y is full, and when the container Y is full, completion is input.
As the completion is input, the system controller P2 instructs the shelf controller U5 and the transfer controller U6 to carry the work Y into the shelf R, and the container Y is placed on the shelf R. It is brought in.
At this time, the system controller P2 determines whether or not the container Y to be left remains, and if it remains, the system controller P2 searches for the remaining container Y in the same manner as described above. Same as above.
[0045]
As described above, the refilling operation is basically performed according to the procedure of storing the books taken out by the taking-out operation in the container Y after the taking-out operation is executed. The take-out operation and the storage operation are usually performed manually, but may be automatically performed by a robot or the like.
[0046]
Incidentally, in the present embodiment, because the shelf R is configured as a moving shelf, the container Y handled in this refilling operation has a lot of free space among the rack portions 1L and 1S of the shelf R. It is desirable to preferentially select a rack portion where a large number of containers Y are present, and to concentrate the containers Y in the rack portion, and the moving path T of the stacker crane 2 is selectively formed. The container Y is carried out while maintaining this state.
And among the containers Y stored in the rack parts 1L and 1S selected as such, the container Y having no delivery record is given priority over the container Y having the delivery record, and there are cases where there is no delivery record. In each of the above, it is desirable to give priority to the container Y with more empty space, and in this embodiment, the system controller P2 automatically selects the container Y to be delivered based on the above priority relationship. Yes.
In addition, in the above-mentioned priority relationship, since it can be carried out to the service station T1 in a short time, for example, the container Y of the rack portion 1L, 1S near the unloading conveyor 8 or the width direction of the rack portion 1L, 1S It is carried out preferentially from the container Y on the traverser 3 side.
It is carried out preferentially from the container Y on the entry / exit part E side for entry / exit.
[0047]
In this way, an empty container Y can be created while being unloaded from the container Y with a low filling rate to the work station S, taking out the work at the work station S and improving the work efficiency of the refilling work. , "Normal warehousing work" is particularly effective when there are a large number of books to be warehousing, and it is possible to store books sufficiently in this empty container Y, so that the work efficiency of "normal warehousing work" is improved. Can do.
[0048]
[Collection inspection work]
This book inspection work is for inspecting whether or not the books stored in the container Y are as stored in the system controller P2, and are mainly performed at the work station S.
That is, after setting “collection check” in the third setting unit U3 provided in the work station S, the necessary items are subsequently determined based on the contents displayed on the display screen of the third setting unit U3 shown in FIG. Enter.
First, the type of the container Y is selected. Next, the rack part 1L or 1S to be operated is selected from the rack type RL or RS corresponding to the type of the selected container Y, that is, the large container YL or the small container YS, and the number of containers to be inspected is entered using the numeric keypad. And enter the settings at the end.
It should be noted that the rack numbers 1L and 1S of the racks RL and RS are assigned an isle number in order of arrangement, and in FIG. 16, the isle numbers are displayed.
[0049]
As the setting is input, the system controller P2 searches the set container Y and instructs the shelf management controller U5 and the transport controller U6 to issue a work command to carry out the searched container Y to the work station S. The commanded container Y is transferred to the work station S.
When the container Y arrives, identification information of the container Y is input by reading the barcode display BC of the container Y using the barcode reader CR. With the input of this information, the book number and book name are displayed on the display screen of the third setting device U3 for all the books currently stored in the container Y.
When this display is performed, the entire book in the container Y is temporarily removed from the container Y by, for example, being transferred to the carriage D. When the removal is completed, this time, the barcode display body B of the removed book is read by the barcode reader CR, and after inputting the information for determining the book to be stored again, the book is stored in the container Y. become.
Along with the above reading, the part corresponding to the book from which the barcode was read in the displayed book information displayed on the display screen changes to a different color from the other parts such as red, It is clearly indicated that the book is stored in the library and stored again. Therefore, if the display does not change even when the barcode is read, the system controller P2 is a book that does not properly manage the storage of the book. As a process for such a book, the third setting device U3 instructs to enter the goods and stores it in the container Y, or sets the deletion to be processed separately.
[0050]
In this way, an operation of storing all the books taken out from the container Y in the container Y is performed. When all the books are stored, all the book information displayed on the display screen should change to a different color from other parts, such as red, but there is a part of the book that does not change. There is also a case. In such a case, the system controller P2 is information on a book that is stored as being stored as a book that is not stored in the container Y, and the deletion is set.
When completion is input along with the completion of the work for one container Y, the system controller P2 instructs the shelf management controller U5 and the transport controller U6 to carry the container Y whose collection inspection has been completed to the shelf R. Then, the container Y is carried into the shelf R.
At this time, the system controller P2 determines whether or not the next container Y to be transported remains in the work station S, and if it remains, searches for the next container Y and searches in the same manner as described above. A work command for unloading the container Y to the work station S is sent to the shelf management controller U5 and the transfer controller U6, and the commanded container Y is carried to the work station S. The subsequent procedure is the same as described above.
[0051]
[Relocation]
This relocation work is intended to rearrange the containers Y that have not been put in and out in the set period such as six months or one year on the back side of the shelf R. When “relocation” is set from the 3-setting device U3, the rearrangement work is started.
That is, the system controller P2 searches for a container Y that has not been delivered within the set period and a position in the shelf in which the container Y is stored based on the delivery record of the container Y that is stored and managed. Next, among the containers Y located on the back side of the shelf R with respect to the container Y without the delivery record, the container Y with the delivery record is searched, and the container Y with the delivery record is placed in the shelf R. It moves to the temporary storage part provided beforehand. And the container Y with no delivery record was stored in the storage part 40 in which the container Y with the delivery record was stored next, and the container Y without the delivery record was stored at the end. Store in the storage unit 40.
With the above procedure, the rearrangement of the container Y is performed so that the container Y without a delivery record is located behind the shelf with respect to the container Y with a delivery record.
[0052]
[Initial registration work]
As described above, this initial registration work is performed for books designated for management in the closed book storage management system among the books registered by the host controller P1, It is mainly executed at the work station S.
That is, when “initial registration” is set from the third setting device U3 of the work station S, the initial registration work is started and displayed on the display screen of the third setting device U3 shown in FIG. Based on the contents, the work is advanced while inputting necessary items.
The display screen shown in FIG. 17 displays “book information to be registered” communicated from the host controller P1 to the third setting unit U3 via the system controller P2. Further, as described in the description of the fourth terminal 24, a book to be registered is placed on the carriage D and transported to the work station S in advance.
An operator inputs information on a book to be registered. In this input method, a book to be registered is directly selected from the display screen by clicking the mouse, etc., the barcode display B of the book to be registered is read by the barcode reader CR, or the book number of the book is entered. This is done by either using the numeric keypad on the display screen.
As the book to be registered is selected, the part corresponding to the selected book in the displayed book information displayed on the display screen changes to the highlighted state, and the book is selected. You can see that it was done correctly.
[0053]
Next, the book to be registered is set at the measurement location of the measuring instrument J, and the start of measurement by the measuring instrument J is instructed using the size reading button on the display screen. When the measurement by the measuring instrument J is completed, the measurement result and the registration date are displayed. That is, the height, width, and thickness of the book are displayed, the registration date is displayed, and the book type (A4, B5, etc.) obtained from the height and width is also displayed.
By the way, when the measurement fails, the registered data can be corrected by specifying the display screen size input / change.
In this way, the book registration is sequentially performed, and when the book registration is finished, the completion of the setting of the display screen is designated.
[0054]
As the setting completion is input, the system controller P2 searches the container Y that stores the registered books, and sends a work command to carry out the searched container Y to the work station S. The controller U6 is commanded. Then, the shelf management controller U5 and the transport controller U6 operate to carry out the commanded container Y, and the target container Y is transported to the work station S.
When the container Y arrives, identification information of the container Y is input by reading the barcode display BC of the container Y using the barcode reader CR. Then, the barcode display body B of the book stored in the container Y is read by the barcode reader CR, and after inputting that the book is stored in the container Y, the book is stored in the container Y. When all the books that can be stored in the container Y are stored, the completion is input.
[0055]
As the completion is input, the system controller P2 instructs the shelf management controller U5 and the transport controller U6 to carry the container Y in which the books have been stored into the shelf R. Then, the shelf management controller U5 and the transfer controller U6 operate to carry the commanded container Y into the shelf R, and the target container Y is carried into the shelf R.
At this time, the system controller P2 determines whether or not a book that has been initially registered and before warehousing, that is, a book that needs warehousing, and if it remains, the container Y that stores the remaining book. Will be searched in the same manner as described above. Thereafter, the procedure is the same as described above.
[0056]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the case of a book as an article has been described, but various articles other than the book (for example, a CD or a tape cassette) may be used.
[0057]
[Another embodiment]
(1) In the above-described embodiment, in the “refilling operation”, the container Y created in an empty state is stored in the shelf R when the extraction operation of the container Y carried out to the work station S is completed. However, in the “refilling operation”, the container Y is provided in the middle of the conveyance path between the receiving unit K and the shelf R as an instruction to store the container created in an empty state is given. You may comprise so that it may store in the stored location.
[0058]
That is, as shown in FIG. 18, a storage conveyor 41 that is a portion corresponding to the basement of the high-speed lifter 6 and transfers the container Y from the first relay conveyor 9 at the upper end is provided, and the storage conveyor 41 is The container Y is configured to be freely transferred between a stacking type storage device 42 as a storage location for storing the container Y created in an empty state and the first relay conveyor 9. The storage device 42 is provided with a storage device 42A for a large container for storing the large container YL and a storage device 42B for a small container for storing the small container YS. Large container storage conveyor 41 </ b> A that can be transferred between the large container storage device 42 </ b> A and the first relay conveyor 9, and the small container storage device 42 </ b> B and the first relay conveyor 9. A flexible storage container 41B for small containers is provided.
[0059]
That is, when the take-out work and the storage work in the “refilling work” are performed in the work station S, when the take-out work is completed, the containers Y created in an empty state are stacked and stored beside the work station S. Like that.
Further, when the take-out work and the storage work in the “refilling work” are performed at the service station T1 or the reference station T2, when the take-out work is completed, the container Y created in an empty state is stored in the storage device 42. Therefore, a command is sent to the transfer controller U6. Then, the transfer controller U6 operates to store the commanded container Y in the storage device 42, and the target container Y is stored in the storage device 42.
[0060]
In this way, while storing the empty container Y beside the storage device 42 or the work station S, the empty container Y stored in the storage device 42 is preferentially used in the service station at the time of “normal warehousing work”. The container Y may be transported, or the container Y may be transported from the shelf R or the container Y may be transported from the storage device 42.
[0061]
(2) In the above embodiment, in the “refilling operation”, the rack portions 1L and 1S for carrying out the container Y are automatically selected, and the moving passage T of the stacker crane 2 is selectively formed. However, the receiving unit K may be provided with a selection device so that the rack portions 1L and 1S for carrying out the container Y can be selected artificially.
[0062]
(3) In the above embodiment, the storage part 40 of the rack parts 1L, 1S is configured to support one container Y in the depth direction by the pair of left and right container support parts 40A. A plurality of a pair of left and right article holding units may be provided in the depth direction in the 1S storage unit, and a plurality of containers Y may be supported in the depth direction.
[0063]
(4) In the above embodiment, in addition to the normal warehousing work of “normal warehousing work” and “normal warehousing work”, “free space designated warehousing work”, “carpooling warehousing work”, “refilling work”, “ It is configured to be able to perform special loading / unloading work of “collection inspection work”, “relocation”, and “initial registration work”. However, as special loading / unloading work, both “relocation” and “refilling work” It is only necessary that the “refilling operation” can be performed.
[0064]
(5) In the above embodiment, the rack portion located between both ends of the plurality of rack portions 1L and 1S is a movable type configured to be movable in the shelf depth direction, but adjacent to each other. It may be a fixed type that is fixedly installed so as to form a movement path of the stacker crane 2 between the rack parts 1, and the rack parts 1L and 1S of the shelf R are rotated up and down or horizontally to take in and out articles at a fixed position. It may be a rotating rack type that moves to the part.
[0065]
(6) In the above embodiment, the book is displayed and managed using the barcode display B of the book and the barcode display BC of the container Y. However, instead of the barcode, an IC chip or the like is used. Other storage media may be used.
[0066]
(7) In the above embodiment, a plurality of types of containers Y having different sizes are provided, but the size of the container Y is not limited to two types, and may be three or more types, or conversely, may be one type. .
Furthermore, as another form of the container Y, a large container for transport may be configured to store a plurality of sub-containers, and the articles to be managed may be stored in the sub-containers.
[0067]
(8) In the above embodiment, each article is sorted according to size and stored in the container Y, and the storage position of each container Y on the shelf R is also appropriately changed. It may be a fixed location type storage form in which the storage position of the article shelf R is fixed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the entire book storage management system.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a part of the reception unit
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the entire reception unit.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a part of another reception unit.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the whole of another reception unit.
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a shelf and a work station.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a work station.
FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a shelf and a conveying means.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a container storage configuration.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another container storage configuration.
FIG. 11 is a front view of a shelf storage unit.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a control configuration
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the measurement state of the measuring means.
FIG. 14 shows a display screen.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display screen
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display screen
FIG. 17 shows a display screen.
FIG. 18 is a plan view showing a shelf and conveying means according to another embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
21, 22, 23 Instruction means
40 compartment
42 Storage locations
K reception desk
P management means
R shelf
S, T1, T2 Work location
TP transport means
U1, U2 instruction means
Y container

Claims (8)

A transport means for transporting a container for storing a plurality of articles between a reception unit that accepts rental return of the articles and a shelf for storing a plurality of the containers;
Management means for managing the lending and returning of the articles by executing the conveying operation of the conveying means while managing the storage position of each container stored in the shelf and the filling rate of the articles in each container is provided. An article storage management system,
The instructing means for instructing the management means to perform work is configured to instruct a refill mode for creating an empty container by refilling an article stored in the container with another container,
When the management unit is instructed by the instruction unit to change the refill mode, the transporting operation of the transport unit is performed so that a container whose filling rate is not full is carried out to a work site where the refilling operation is performed. Configured to control ,
The management means manages for each container whether or not there is a delivery record to the reception unit within a set period, and in the refill mode, a container without a delivery record has priority over a container with a delivery record. Then, the article storage management system configured to control the operation of the conveying means so as to be carried out to the work location . In the refill mode, the output container number setting mode and the creation container number setting mode can be selected by the instruction means,
The management means includes
When the delivery container number setting mode is selected, the transporting operation of the transporting unit is controlled so that the number of containers set by the instructing unit is unfilled to the work location. And
When the creation container number setting mode is selected, the container having a full filling rate is carried out to the work location until the number of empty containers set by the instruction means is created. 2. The article storage management system according to claim 1, wherein the article storage management system is configured to control the operation of the conveying means. 3. The article according to claim 1, wherein the management unit is configured to control the transport unit so that a container having a small filling rate is preferentially carried out to the work site in the refill mode. Storage management system. In the refill mode, the management unit gives priority to a container with no delivery record over a container with a delivery record, and gives priority to a container with a low filling rate among containers without a delivery record, The article storage management system according to claim 1 , wherein the article storage management system is configured to control the operation of the conveying means so as to be unloaded . The management means stores the classification data of each container, the identification data of the articles stored in each container, and the size of each article in association with each other, and based on the stored information, the filling rate of the articles in each container It is configured to manage each item so that it can be sorted according to size and stored in a container.
In the refill mode, the size of the article stored in the container can be selected by the instruction means,
In the refill mode, the management means stores the article of the size instructed by the instruction means, and transports the container having a filling rate not full to the work location. The article storage management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the article storage management system is configured to control the control . As the container, a plurality of types having different sizes are provided,
The shelf includes a storage unit corresponding to each of a plurality of containers having different dimensions,
The management means is configured to execute management of a filling rate of articles in each container based on size information of each container,
In the refill mode, it is configured to be able to instruct the instruction means together with the size of the container,
Said management means, in the refill mode, wherein the size instructed by instructing means, accommodating articles indicated size, and the container filling rate is not full so as to discharge the working position 4. The article storage management system according to claim 3 , wherein the article storage management system is configured to control a transport operation of the transport means . A storage location for storing an empty container is provided in the middle of a transport path between the reception unit and the shelf,
When the management means is instructed to store a container created in an empty state in the refill mode, the management means performs a transport operation of the transport means to transport and store the container to the storage location. The article storage management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the article storage management system is configured to be controlled . The shelves are arranged adjacent to each other in the shelf depth direction with rack portions each having a plurality of article storage units in the vertical and horizontal directions, and adjacent to each other in the shelf depth direction so that they can be driven and moved in the shelf depth direction. It is configured to selectively form a transport path of the transport means between the rack portions,
In the refill mode, the management means maintains the shelf in a state of forming one of a plurality of transport passages, and carries the container through the selected transport passage to the work location. The article storage management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the article storage management system is configured to control a transport operation of the transport means.

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