JP4400471B2 - Sorting equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sorting facility that enables sorting of articles.

An example of the sorting equipment is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.
The sorting facility disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a shelf provided with a plurality of compartment storage spaces for storing articles to be sorted, and forms a plurality of article storage zones along the longitudinal direction of the shelf. Each article storage zone is provided with a picking line having a bypass line that bypasses a container for storing the picked article.

  The container is provided with a label for displaying container data (a zone where there is work in each article storage zone and data for determining article storage information in the container in the zone where the work is present), It is thrown into this line from the start position of the picking line. The loaded container is transported by a picking line, and in each article storage zone, the label display information attached to the container is read, and the article storage zone where the work is performed based on the read information and the work data for sorting articles. The article storage information is stored in the container in the article storage zone.

In this way, in addition to conveying each container for sorting articles to the bypass line and bypassing the article storage zone without work, from the start position (starting side in the container transport direction) to the article storage zone where work is first performed The work efficiency is further improved by eliminating the waste of passing through each article storage zone.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-235007

  However, since the conventional sorting equipment has labels attached to the containers, it is necessary to issue labels for the shipping containers in advance, assign the labels to the starting point for each shipping order, and attach them to the containers. Absent. Accordingly, a label is required, and label output, sorting, and affixing work to a container are required, and there is a problem that it takes time to perform pre-sorting work.

  In addition, if one container storage area is caused by the influence of a specific worker (work delay, work stagnation) or the order of a specific article is concentrated in one article storage zone, the goods other than sorting into the retained container have occurred. In the storage zone, there is a problem that the waiting time becomes long and the overall work efficiency is lowered.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a sorting facility that can prevent the influence of a specific worker or the concentration of orders of specific items on the overall work speed without using a label, and improve sorting efficiency. It is intended to do.

In order to achieve the above-described object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention forms a zone with a plurality of article storage units, and a zone unit between a container being conveyed and the article storage unit. in, a sorting installation for performing task of sorting articles, comprising a transport path for transporting the containers across the zone, the transport path, in a zone branches the conveying route the container for each zone A bypass path for carrying in and merging from within the zone to the transport path, connecting a downstream path and an upstream path of the transport path, and a return path for enabling circulation of the containers transported through the zones; Data for carrying the sorting data in which the data for specifying the container, the zone for sorting and the article or article storage section to be sorted are designated, and the sorting status of the designated article or article storage section is recorded A readable / writable storage medium is attached, and the branch of the container from the transport path to the bypass path in each zone is confirmed, and the zone designation of the sorting data read from the storage medium is confirmed and designated. This is done by confirming the sorting of the article or the article storage unit, and when the container is merged from the bypass path to the transport path, the sorting status of the article or the article storage unit that has been sorted to the storage medium is written at the end of sorting. In the zone where the container stays in each zone, it is checked whether the container stays in the zone according to whether the container has a predetermined quantity or more that can be arbitrarily set. Inhibiting the introduction of a new container from the conveyance path, and using the return path, the container that has been prohibited to carry in is again connected to the conveyance path. It is characterized in that the back into the flow.

According to the above configuration, the branching of the container from the conveyance path to the bypass path in the zone is performed by confirming the zone designation of the sorting data read from the storage medium and the sorting status of the designated article (or article storage unit) ( The sorting operation is performed on the branched container, and the sorting status of the article (or article storage unit) that has been sorted to the storage medium is rewritten to the sorting end. It is done. Therefore, even if the container is circulated again to this zone, the sorting status has been completed, so that branching to this zone will not be executed, and unnecessary branching will be avoided, and work efficiency will be improved. Improved. Further, since the storage medium is attached to the container in advance, the conventional label becomes unnecessary, the pre-sorting work is simplified, and the burden on the operator is reduced.
In addition , when the retention of containers is confirmed in the zone, for example, when a predetermined number of containers are confirmed, entry into the zone is prohibited, and the container is directly conveyed to another zone downstream by the conveyance path. Sorting work is performed. Therefore, it is minimized that the delay of the sorting operation in a specific zone affects the entire operation.
Whether or not a container is retained in the bypass path corresponding to the zone is determined by whether or not the container in the zone is a predetermined quantity or more, and the predetermined quantity is arbitrarily set.
Further, the container prohibited from being carried into the zone is returned to the upstream side of the transport path again using the return path, and is transported to this zone. Therefore, the operator does not need to carry the container, which is prohibited from being carried, from the downstream side of the carrying path to the zone where carry-in is prohibited, and the burden on the worker is reduced.

The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein when the container needs to be urgently sorted, only the container that needs urgent sorting is prioritized over the transport path. Branching is performed in a zone where work is performed, sorting of articles is performed, and other containers on the transport path are prohibited from branching and circulated through the path including the transport path and the return path. is there.

  According to the said structure, the container which needs emergency sorting is carried in to a zone preferentially, and a sorting operation is performed. At this time, since the loading of other containers is suppressed, the existence of containers that obstruct the sorting operation of containers that require emergency sorting is suppressed in the zone, and an urgent response is possible.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 2, wherein the container branched into each zone from the transport path before the emergency sorting of the container is required It is characterized by continuing the sorting operation .

According to the above-described configuration, the sorting operation of the articles is continued for the containers branched into the respective zones from the conveyance path before the containers need to be urgently sorted.

  The present invention forms a zone with a plurality of article storage units, and in a sorting facility for sorting articles between the containers being conveyed and the article storage unit in units of zones, when the containers stay in the zone, The container is not allowed to be brought into this zone, and it is transported as it is to another zone downstream through the transport route, and the sorting operation is executed. As a result, the influence of a specific worker in a specific zone or the order of a specific item This has the effect of preventing concentration from affecting the overall work speed and improving sorting efficiency.

  Further, according to the present invention, the container prohibited from being carried into the zone is returned to this zone again using the return path, so that the worker can remove the container prohibited from being carried from the downstream of the transport path. There is an effect that it is possible to eliminate the work of transporting to the zone where carrying-in is prohibited and making it unnecessary, and to reduce the burden on the operator.

  In addition, according to the present invention, containers requiring urgent sorting are preferentially carried into the zone, and sorting operation is performed. At this time, loading of other containers is prohibited, so that urgent sorting is required in the zone. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the existence of a container that becomes an obstacle to the sorting operation of the correct container and to enable an urgent response.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic layout diagram of a picking facility (an example of a sorting facility) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the picking facility is formed of a plurality of picking areas P, and each picking area P has n pieces (n is a natural number of 2 or more; 6 pieces in the figure) from the first zone Z1 to the nth zone Zn. Zone Z).

  The configuration of each zone Z is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the picking shelf 1 is arranged in the zone Z. The picking shelf 1 is formed of a fluidized shelf and includes a plurality of (three in the figure) racks 3 inclined forward, and each rack 3 stores a product (an example of an article) 4. A plurality of article storage sections 6 in which the containers 5 are stored are formed, a free roller conveyor 7 is provided for each article storage section 6, and a stopper 8 is provided at the front end of each free roller conveyor 7. With this configuration, the necessary product 4 is taken out from the storage container 5 locked by the stopper 8, and when the storage container 5 becomes empty, the storage container 5 is removed, so that the next storage container 5 comes to the front. come. As described above, the zone Z is formed by the plurality of article storage units 6, and the picking operation of the commodity 4 is performed between the container 21 being conveyed and the article storage unit 6 in the zone Z unit.

  A picking indicator 11 is provided on the front surface of each article storage unit 6 of the picking shelf 1. Each picking indicator 11 is formed of a three-digit digital indicator 12 indicating the quantity of the product 4 to be picked, and a display / completion button 13 that also functions as a lamp and a button switch for indicating that there is a picking operation.

Each zone Z is provided with a picking end display switch 14 that doubles as a lamp and a button switch for displaying the end of picking.
Further, as shown in FIG. 1, in each picking area P, a picking line 31 that conveys a container 21 that stores a picked product 4 is laid along the front surface of each zone Z. A bypass line 32 is provided for each zone Z. With this configuration, a transport path for transporting the container 21 across the zone Z is formed by the picking line 31, and the container 21 is branched from the transport path for each zone Z into the transport path and carried into the zone Z. A bypass path that joins from the zone Z to the transport path is provided.

  Furthermore, the container junction point of the bypass line 32 of the zone Z located at the most downstream side of the picking line 31 and the vessel branch point of the bypass line 32 of the zone Z (an example of a predetermined zone) located at the uppermost stream of the picking line 31 are connected. In addition, a merging line (an example of a return path) 33 that enables circulation of the container 21 is provided. The downstream end of the picking line 31 is connected to a transport conveyor 39 that transports the containers 21 that have been picked to an automatic warehouse (not shown). Since the container 21 is randomly transported from the plurality of picking areas P, the automatic warehouse has a pool function for shipping for each order number.

  The picking line 31 is formed by a roller drive conveyor, and a branching device 34 is provided at each container branch point of each bypass line 32 and each container branch point of the merge line 33. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, each bypass line 32 is carried in by a carry-in roller drive conveyor 35 for carrying the container 21 branched from the branch device 34 of the picking line 31 into the zone Z, and this carry-in roller drive conveyor 35. A free conveyor 36 that forms a zone for picking with respect to the container 21 and a discharge roller driving conveyor 37 that returns (unloads) the picked container 21 to the picking line 31 are formed. The merge line 33 is formed from a roller drive conveyor.

  Each container 21 is formed of a container, for example, and each container 21 is attached with an ID tag (an example of a storage medium) 22 in which a container number for specifying the container is stored in advance. The ID tag 22 is a known data carrier having a memory that can freely read and write data, and capable of non-contact data communication (for example, wireless communication). The stored data can be read and written.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a start zone 41 is formed at the most upstream part of the picking line 31 and upstream of the container joining point of the joining conveyor 33. The start zone 41 is provided with a shelf 42 in which a plurality of empty containers 21 to which the ID tag 22 is attached are stored, and the picking line 31 is a bar code on which a barcode for identifying the picking line 31 is printed. A code label (not shown) is attached. A portable terminal device 43 equipped with a data communication function with the ID tag 22, a barcode reading function, and a data display function carried by an operator placed in the start zone 41 is provided. A transmission device 44 (FIG. 3) that transmits and receives data to and from the terminal device 43 wirelessly is provided. In such a start zone 41, the barcode of the barcode label is read by the portable terminal device 43, the container number is read from the ID tag 22, and the zone data for loading the container 21 into the ID tag 22 (An example of sorting data described later) is written, and then the container 21 is put into the uppermost stream of the picking line 31.

  Further, a first data communication device 47 of the ID tag 22 (a function of reading data from the ID tag 22 is provided at each upstream position (near the entrance of the bypass line 32) for each branch device 34 of the bypass line 32 of the picking line 31. If it is necessary) is provided. Further, the second data communication device 48 of the ID tag 22 (a function of writing data to the ID tag 22 at each outlet position (near the outlet of the bypass line 32) for each carry-out roller drive conveyor 37 of each bypass line 32. Zone picking end data (described later) is written by the second data communication device 48. Further, a third data communication device 49 (having both a function of reading and writing data) of the ID tag 22 is provided at the upstream position of the branching device 34 of the merge line 33.

FIG. 3 shows a control configuration diagram.
As shown in FIG. 3, a management computer 50 for managing the entire picking work is provided, a picking controller 51 for managing the picking work is provided for each picking area P, and a zone controller 52 is provided for each zone Z of the picking area P. And a merging controller 53 is provided for each merging line in the picking area P.
[Management computer 50]
Each picking controller 51 is connected to the management computer 50 and has the following functions.

1. Information about the product 4 stored in each picking area P is stored in advance.
2. The order (order) of the product 4 from each store is totaled, and based on this order and the information of the product 4 stored in each picking area P stored in advance, the ordered product 4 for each store. Picking area P to pick is selected.

  3. The selected stores are collected for each picking area P, and picking data for each store is formed for each picking area P. As shown in FIG. 4A, each picking data is formed from an order number, a store code for specifying a store, a package number, and a “product code and quantity” for each ordered product 4. The order number is assigned to the lot of the order, for example, for each store group in the same area, and the containers 21 having the same order number are collected when the containers 21 are shipped.

4). The picking data of each formed store is transmitted to the picking controller 51 in each picking area P, and the picking start is instructed.
[Picking controller 51]
Each picking controller 51 is connected to a picking line 31 in each picking area P, a zone controller 52 in each zone Z, and a merge controller 53, and further a portable terminal device 43 is connected via a transmission device 44. Yes. The following functions are provided.

1. Information on the product 4 stored in each zone Z is stored in advance.
2. In response to the picking start command received from the management computer 50, the picking line 31 is driven, and the zone controller 52 and the merging controller 53 in each zone Z are instructed to start picking.

3. The number of containers 21 required for picking is specified according to the number of picking data for each store received from the management computer 50.
4). Based on the received picking data and the information of the product 4 stored in each zone Z stored in advance, zone data for specifying the zone Z for picking the product 4 is formed for each picking data. As shown in FIG. 4B, the zone data designates an order number, a store code, and a shipment number of picking data, a zone number that designates a zone Z in which the ordered product 4 is picked, and a product 4 to be picked. “Product code, quantity, and picking state data (data for confirming the sorting status,“ uncompleted ”indicates incomplete picking and“ completed ”indicates completion of picking)” for each product 4. In FIG. 4B, for the store with store code (020), three products with product code (0010) in zone 1, two products with product code (0025), and product code ( 0315), 2 products with product code (0390), 2 products with product code (0402) and 4 products with product code (0465) in zone 4 ing. Initially, the picking state data is “not yet”.

  When the same product 4 is stored in a plurality of product storage units 6, the product storage unit 6 to be picked is changed for each order number, and the product 4 is picked evenly from the plurality of product storage units 6. It is necessary to make it.

  5. The operator of the start zone 41 reads the barcode on the picking line 31 using the portable terminal device 43, and the picking line 31 that is read from the portable terminal device 43 as a code for identifying the portable terminal device 43. When the barcode is input, it is confirmed that the communication is from the picking area P in charge by the barcode of the picking line 31 input, and the code of the portable terminal device 43 input at the same time is stored. The portable terminal device 43 outputs and displays the number of containers 21 (the number of unworked containers) necessary for the identified picking. Thereby, the number of containers 21 to be put into the picking line 31 is notified to the worker.

  6). Subsequently, when the operator reads the container number from the ID tag 22 using the portable terminal device 43 and inputs the code of the portable terminal device 43 and the read container number from the portable terminal device 43, first, After confirming that the input code of the portable terminal device 43 matches the stored code of the portable terminal device 43, a store is assigned to the container 21, and the container number, the store code, and the current start time ( (Start time) is stored as a pair, the zone data and start time of this store are output to the portable terminal device 43, and the zone data and start time are stored in the container number stored in advance via the portable terminal device 43. In addition, the ID tag 22 is written. The container 21 in which the zone data and the start time are written in the ID tag 22 is put into the picking line 31.

  This 6. This operation is performed every time the container number of the ID tag 22 of the number of containers 21 to be loaded is read by the operator. In the meantime, when the barcode of the picking line 31 is read by the portable terminal device 43, the number of stores that have not been assigned, that is, the number of unworked containers is output to the portable terminal device 43 and displayed. Is done.

7). When the picking end data (details will be described later) including the container number and the store code is input from the confluence controller 53, it is confirmed that the picking of the stored "container number and store code" into the container 21 is completed. In addition to “number, store code and start time”, the current time (end time) is stored. When the completion of picking of all the stored “container numbers and store codes” into the container 21 is confirmed, the picking end is transmitted to the management computer 50, the picking line 31 is stopped, and the zone controller 52 of each zone Z is joined. Commands the controller 53 to end picking.
[Joint controller 53]
The junction controller 53 is connected to the picking controller 51, the junction line 33, the branch device 34 at the entrance of the junction line 33, and the third data communication device 49 upstream thereof.

1. When the picking start command is input from the picking controller 51, the merge line 33 is driven, and when the picking end command is input, the merge line 33 is stopped.
2. The container number and the zone data read by the third data communication device 49 are input, and it is confirmed whether or not all the picking state data for each product 4 in the input zone data is “completed”. In this case, it is determined that the picking for the container 21 has been completed, the current time (end time) is written to the ID tag 22 by the third data communication device 49, and picking end data consisting of the container number and the store code included in the zone data is stored. Output to the picking controller 51 (the branch device 34 is not driven). When all of the products 4 are not “completed”, that is, when there is a product 4 that has not been picked, the branching device 34 is driven to guide the container 21 to the merge line 33 and return to the zone Z position at the uppermost stream of the pick line 31. .
[Zone controller 52]
Each zone controller 52 includes a carry-in roller drive conveyor 35, a carry-out roller drive conveyor 37, a picking controller 51, a zone 34 entrance branch device 34, a first data communication device 47 upstream thereof, and a second data communication device. 48, the picking display 11 of each article storage unit 6, and the picking end display switch 14 are connected.

The function of the zone controller 52 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the zone controller 52 includes a zone control unit 61, a branch determination unit 62, a memory unit 63, a picking control unit 64, and a picking display unit 65 corresponding to each picking indicator 11. Has been.
“Zone Controller 61”
The zone controller 61 is connected to a picking controller 51, a carry-in roller drive conveyor 35, a carry-out roller drive conveyor 37, a branch determination unit 62, and a picking control unit 64.

When the picking start command is input from the picking controller 51, the zone control unit 61 drives the carry-in roller drive conveyor 35 and the carry-out roller drive conveyor 37, and outputs an execution permission signal to the branch determination unit 62 and the picking control unit 64. Further, when the picking end command is input from the picking controller 51, the zone control unit 61 stops the carry-in roller drive conveyor 35 and the carry-out roller drive conveyor 37, and sends a stop signal (execution non-permission signal) to the branch determination unit 62 and the picking control unit 64. ) Is output.
“Branch determination unit 62”
The branch determination unit 62 is connected to the branch device 34 at the entrance of the zone Z, the first data communication device 47 upstream thereof, the zone control unit 61, and the memory unit 63. In addition, the zone number of the installed zone Z is stored in advance. The function will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In addition, the predetermined quantity (for example, 4 pieces) of the container 21 which determines the branch of the container 21 mentioned later can be set arbitrarily, and is set before a picking operation | work start.

  When the container number and zone data read by the first data communication device 44 are input (step-1), it is confirmed whether an execution permission signal is input from the zone control unit 61 (step-2). The presence or absence of picking in this zone Z is confirmed based on whether the zone number of the data has a zone number of the zone Z stored in advance and whether or not the picking status data of the designated product 4 is “not yet”. However, when the confirmation cannot be made, the container 21 is passed (the branch device 34 is not driven) (step-4).

  When the zone number of this installed zone Z is confirmed, and it is confirmed that the data of the picking state of the product 4 is “not yet”, the container 21 performing picking and the waiting container in this zone Z The quantity of 21 is confirmed (step-5). Subsequently, it is confirmed whether or not this quantity is a predetermined quantity (for example, 4) or more (step-6), and if it is confirmed, the process jumps to step-4 and passes the container 21 (the branch device 34 is not driven). .

  When the quantity is less than the predetermined quantity, the branching device 34 is driven to branch the container 21 from the picking line 31 to the carry-in roller drive conveyor 35 (step -7). The product code and quantity for each product 4 to which “not yet” (picking state data) is attached are written in the memory unit 63 (step -8).

  As described above, in the branch determination unit 62, the zone designation confirmation of the zone data read by the first data communication device 47 upstream of the zone Z and the picking state data of the designated product 4 are “not yet”. By confirming that there is picking in zone Z, it is determined whether picking is present, and when picking is present, the number of containers 21 that are picking up and the number of containers 21 that are waiting are subsequently confirmed. If it is less, the branch device 34 is driven, and the container 21 is branched to the bypass line 32. Further, the product code and quantity for each product 4 to which the container number of the branched container 21 and “not yet” (picking state data) are attached are written in the memory unit 63.

In the above step-5, the quantity of containers 21 that are picking and waiting containers 21 are confirmed as follows.
The “product code, quantity and picking state data” for each container number and product 4 stored in the memory unit 63 is picked up when the picking control unit 64 (to be described later) is actually performing picking. In the status data, “not yet” is rewritten to “in execution”, and when picking is completed, “not yet” is rewritten to “done”.

Accordingly, the data stored in the memory unit 63 is searched, and the container number in which the picking state data of the product 4 is “running” or “not yet” is obtained to obtain the container 21 that is performing the picking. And the quantity of the containers 21 waiting can be confirmed.
"Memory part 63"
A branch determination unit 62 and a picking control unit 64 are connected to the memory unit 63. The branch determination unit 62 sequentially selects “product code, quantity, and“ not yet ”(picking state data)” for each container number and product 4. Is stored and “not yet” in the picking state data of the product 4 is rewritten to “running” when the picking control unit 64 (to be described later) is actually executing, and when the picking is completed, “Not” in the picking data is rewritten to “Done”.
“Picking display 65”
The picking display unit 65 is connected to the picking display unit 11 in charge of the picking control unit 64.

  When display data including the quantity of the product 4 to be picked (details will be described later) is input from the picking control unit 64, the quantity of the product 4 is displayed on the digital display 12 of the picking display 11 in charge, and a display / completion button is displayed. 13 is turned on.

When the operation signal of the display / completion button 13 of the picking display 11 is confirmed, it is determined that the product 4 has been put into the container 21 from the article storage unit 6 to which the picking display 11 is attached, and the digital display 12 Is deleted and the display / completion button 13 is turned off. Then, an end signal indicating the end of picking in the picking display unit 65 is output to the picking control unit 64.
"Picking control unit 64"
The picking control unit 64 is connected to the picking end display switch 14, the second data communication device 48, the zone control unit 61, the memory unit 63, and each picking display unit 65. Further, the picking control unit 64 stores in advance information on the product 4 corresponding to each article storage unit 6, that is, the picking display 11. The operation of the picking control unit 64 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, it is confirmed whether or not an execution permission signal is input from the zone control unit 61 (step -1). If it is confirmed, the memory unit 63 is searched and the oldest stored container number and each product 4 are searched. “Product code, quantity, and“ not yet ”(picking state data)” are read (step-2), and “not yet” in the picking state data is rewritten to “running” (step-3).

  Next, for each read product code, an article storage unit 6 in which the product 4 to be picked is stored is obtained (step -4), and the picking display unit in charge of the picking display 11 of the obtained article storage unit 6 is obtained. Display data including the quantity of the product 4 to be picked is output to 65 (step -5).

  When an end signal is input from all of the picking display sections 65 that output display data (step-6), the lamp of the picking end display switch 14 is turned on (step-7).

  When the operation signal of the picking end display switch 14 is input (step-8), the input of the container number read by the second data communication device 48 is confirmed (step-9). When the input is confirmed, the second data communication device 48 rewrites data for rewriting the picking state data of the product 4 that has been picked in the zone Z from “not yet” to “completed” (sorting end) to the second data communication device 48. The picking state data for each product 4 in the zone Z stored in the ID tag 22 is rewritten from “not yet” to “completed” (step -10).

  Subsequently, the picking state data of the product 4 for which picking has been completed in the memory unit 63 is rewritten from “in progress” to “done” (step 11), and the container number and “4” for each product 4 are stored in the memory unit 63. It is confirmed whether or not there is data of “product code, quantity and“ not yet ”(picking state data)” (step −12), and if yes, return to step-2, otherwise, from the zone controller 61. It is confirmed whether or not a stop signal is input (step-13). When the confirmation cannot be made, the process returns to step-12 and waits.

  As described above, the picking control unit 64 performs the picking operation in the zone Z on the container 21 in the order of branching, and the ID tag 22 of the container 21 that has been picked has been picked in the zone Z. The picking status data of the product is rewritten from “Not” to “Done”.

When the end signal is input from all of the picking display units 65, the picking control unit 64 turns on the lamp of the picking end display switch 14 to notify the operator of the end of picking to the container 21 that is picking. However, when an end signal is input from all the picking display units 65, a signal for displaying “End” is output to the picking display unit 65 for a predetermined time, and “End” is output to the digital display 12 of the picking display unit 11. "Can be displayed to notify the operator of the end of picking to the container 21 that is picking.
[Action]
The operation of the above configuration will be described.
"Preparation before work"
First, the management computer 50 totals orders for each store of the order destination, forms picking data for each picking area P and for each store, outputs the picking data to the picking controller 51 of each picking area P, and starts picking. Instruct.

The picking controller 51 in each picking area P drives the picking line 31 in response to a picking start instruction, forms zone data from picking data for each store, and obtains the necessary number of containers 21.
“Work in Start Zone 41”
The worker in the start zone 41 performs the following procedure.

1. After confirming that the picking line 51 has been driven, the portable terminal device 43 reads the barcode of the picking line 51.
Thereby, in the picking controller 51, the portable terminal device 43 is stringed with the code of the picking line 51, and the quantity of the containers 21 to be put into the portable terminal device 43 is transmitted and displayed.

  2. When the operator confirms the quantity of the containers 21 displayed on the portable terminal device 43, the worker reads the container number from the ID tag 22 of the empty container 21 stored in the shelf 42 by the portable terminal device 43.

  As a result, the picking controller 51 attaches the container number of the container 21 and the zone data (of the assigned store) to the ID tag 22 of the container 21 via the portable terminal device 43, and the start time. Is written.

3. The worker puts the container 21 whose container number has been read by the portable terminal device 43 into the picking line 31 and transports it by the picking line 31.
2. And 3. This procedure is executed until the specified quantity of containers 21 is satisfied.
“Branch in each zone Z”
A picking operation is performed on the container 21 conveyed by the picking line 31.

  When the container 21 is transported to the vicinity of the entrance of each zone Z, the data written in the ID tag 22 is read by the first data communication device 47, and whether or not the zone controller 52 of this zone Z branches is determined. The

  That is, when the zone data includes the product 4 to be picked in this zone (there is a product that has not been picked yet) and the container 21 of a predetermined quantity or more does not exist (stays), it is determined that the branching is performed. Is driven. When there is no commodity to be picked in the zone or when there are more than a predetermined number of containers 21, the branch to the zone Z is not executed, and the container 21 is transported to the next downstream zone Z.

The data written in the ID tag 22 of the branched container 21 is stored in the zone controller 52, and in accordance with this data, the picking display 11 controlled by the zone controller 52 and picking are performed in the order of the branched container 21. A picking operation is executed in accordance with an instruction from the end display switch 14.
"Work in each zone Z"
The picking operator executes the picking operation while moving the branched containers 21 on the free conveyor 36.

  That is, when the quantity is displayed on the picking display 11 of the article storage unit 6 where the work is performed and the lamp is turned on, the picking operator picks the product 4 according to the display on the picking display 11 and the container 21. And the display / completion button 13 is operated. When operated, the display on the picking display 11 is erased.

  When all the picking operations in the zone Z are completed, the display lamp of the picking end display switch 14 is turned on. The picking operator operates the picking end display switch 14 and pushes the picked container 21 to the carry-out roller drive conveyor 37.

When the next container 21 is waiting in the zone Z, the picking indicator 11 of the article storage unit 6 in which work is performed on the container 21 by the operation of the picking end display switch 14 of the picking operator. The quantity is displayed and the lamp is lit.
"Merging in each zone Z"
After the picking is finished, the container 21 pushed out to the carry-out roller drive conveyor 37 is transferred by the second data communication device 48 while the data written in the ID tag 22 is rewritten while being conveyed by the carry-out roller drive conveyor 37. The

That is, in the zone Z, the picking state data of the product 4 for which picking has been completed is rewritten to “completed”.
“Unloading and circulating containers”
It is determined whether the container 21 that has been transported by the picking line 31 and picked in each zone Z and has reached the vicinity of the merging line 33 is carried out as it is or returned to the upstream of the picking line 31 by the merging line 33. .

  That is, in the data of the ID tag 22 read by the first data communication device 47 near the entrance of the merging line 33, whether or not the picking state data of all the products 4 is “completed” is determined by the merging controller 53. It is confirmed. When all are “completed”, it is determined that the picking of the container 21 has been completed, and the container 21 is carried out to the transfer conveyor 39 and transferred to the automatic warehouse. Further, when even one is not “completed”, the branching device 34 of the merge line 33 is driven, the container 21 is branched to the merge line 33, and this container 21 is returned to the picking line 31 again to circulate. The picking of the remaining product 4 is executed.

  As an example, a case where the container number and the zone data shown in FIG. 4B are written in the ID tag 22 as shown in FIG. 8A will be described. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, it is assumed that four containers 21 of a predetermined quantity or more are retained in the zone 3.

  When the container 21 is conveyed to the entrance of the zone 1 by the picking line 31, the zone data includes three products with the product code (0010) and two products with the product code (0025) as the data of the zone 1. (In either case, the picking state data is “not yet”), and since there are less than a predetermined number of containers 21 in the zone 1, the product branches to the zone 1 and has the product code (0010). 3 and 2 products of product code (0025) are put into the container 21 (the picking operation is executed) and returned to the picking line 31 again. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8B, the picking state data of the picked product 4 is rewritten to “done”.

  Subsequently, when the container 21 is transported to the entrance of the zone 2, the zone data does not include the data of the zone 2, and thus passes through the zone 2 without being branched to the zone 2 and transported to the zone 3.

  When the container 21 is transported to the entrance of the zone 3 by the picking line 31, the zone data includes two products of the product code (0315) and two products of the product code (0390) as the data of the zone 3. (In either case, the data in the picking state is “not yet”), so there is a condition for branching, but since there are more than a predetermined number of containers 21, the branch 21 is not branched and passes through zone 4 It is conveyed to.

  Subsequently, when the container 21 is transported to the entrance of the zone 4, the zone data includes two products with the product code (0402) and four products with the product code (0465) as the data of the zone 4 ( In both cases, “not yet”) has been written in the picking state data, and since there are only less than a predetermined number of containers 21 in the zone 4, the product is branched to the zone 4 and the product with the product code (0402) is stored. Four products with two product codes (0465) are put into the container 21 (the picking operation is executed) and returned to the picking line 31 again. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8C, the picking state data of the picked product 4 is rewritten to “done”.

  Subsequently, when the container 21 is transported to the entrance of the zone 5, the zone data does not include the data of the zone 5, and thus passes through the zone 5 without being branched to the zone 5 and transported to the zone 6.

  Subsequently, when the container 21 is conveyed to the inlet of the zone 6, there is no zone 6 data in the zone data. The

  When the container 21 is conveyed to the entrance of the merging line 33, the zone data indicates that the picking state data of the product 4 to be picked in the zone 3 is “not yet” as shown in FIG. Therefore, it is determined that the picking of the container 21 has not been completed, the branching device 34 at the entrance of the merge line 33 is driven, and the container 21 is branched to the merge line 33 and returned to the upstream of the zone 1 for picking. It is conveyed by the line 31.

  When the container 21 is transported again to the entrance of the zone 1, the data of the picking state of the product 4 picked in the zone 1 is already “completed” in the zone data, so that it is not branched to the zone 1. Then, it passes as it is and is conveyed to zone 2.

  When the container 21 is transported to the entrance of the zone 3 without being branched to the zone 2 as described above, the zone data includes two products with the product code (0315) as the data of the zone 3 Since two items of the code (0390) are written (both are “not picked” in the picking state data), the branching condition is satisfied, and at this time, the container 21 that has stayed in the zone 3 is transferred. When the picking is completed and the container 21 is transported and less than a predetermined quantity of containers 21 are retained, the branching device 34 in the zone 3 is driven to branch to the zone 3. In Zone 3, two products with the product code (0315) and two products with the product code (0390) are put into the container 21 (picking operation is performed) and returned to the picking line 31 again. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8D, the picking state data of the product 4 picked in the zone 3 is rewritten to “completed”.

  When the container 21 is transported to the entrance of the zone 4 again, the picking state data of the product 4 picked in the zone 4 is already “completed” in the zone data. Then, it passes through as it is and is conveyed to the zone 5.

As described above, when the container 21 is transported to the entrance of the merge line 33 without being branched into the zones 5 and 6, as shown in FIG. Since it is “completed”, it is determined that the picking of the container 21 has been completed, and the container 21 is carried out to the transport conveyor 39 without being branched.
"End of work"
When the picking controller 51 confirms all the picking end data of the containers 21 put into the picking line 31, it sends the picking end to the management computer 50, stops the picking line 31, and joins the zone controller 52 of each zone Z. Commands the controller 53 to end picking.

  Each zone controller 52 stops the carry-in roller drive conveyor 35 and the carry-out roller drive conveyor 37 when a picking end command is input from the picking controller 51, and the merging controller 53 receives the picking end command from the picking controller 51, The merge line 33 is stopped.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the zone Z is formed by the plurality of article storage units 6, and the product 4 is transferred between the container 21 and the article storage unit 6 being conveyed in the zone Z unit. In the picking facility where the picking operation is performed, the picking line 31 of the container 21 provided with the bypass line 32 of the container 21 in each zone Z is provided, and the quantity of the containers 21 staying in the bypass line 32 is obtained for each zone Z. When the retention of the container 21 of a predetermined quantity or more is confirmed, that is, when the retention of the container 21 is confirmed in the zone Z, the branch (loading) of the new container 21 from the picking line 31 to the bypass line 32 (zone Z) is performed. By being prohibited (blocked), transported to another zone Z, and picking work is performed in advance, the influence of a specific worker or an order (load) collection of a specific product 4 By the delay of the sorting work of this zone Z is, it is possible to minimize the affect the whole of the work. That is, the effect of distributing the load concentration can be obtained.

  Moreover, since the conventional label becomes unnecessary, the running cost can be reduced, the device for outputting the barcode label can be eliminated, and the cost can be reduced. Further, the label-related work such as the distribution of the label to the picking area P and the container pasting work become unnecessary, and the burden on the operator can be reduced.

  Further, the junction line of the bypass line 32 of the zone Z located on the most downstream side of the picking line 31 is connected to the vessel branching point of the bypass line Z of the zone Z located on the uppermost stream to enable the circulation of the vessel 21. By providing 33, the circulation path of the container 21 composed of the picking line 31 and the merge line 33 can be formed, and the container 21 prohibited from branching (loading) to the zone Z is picked using the merge line 33. The container 21 can be automatically returned to the upstream to the power zone Z again, and the operator carries the container 21 to the upstream of the zone Z where the branching is prohibited from the downstream end of the picking line 31, that is, the container The work of returning 21 can be made unnecessary, and the burden on the operator can be reduced.

  The picking controller 51 stores the container number, the store code, the start time and the end time, so that the work time and workability (productivity) of each container 21 can be managed and analyzed. The work load can be leveled, and the efficiency of the entire work can be improved.

Further, the branching of the container 21 from the picking line 31 to the bypass line 32 in the zone Z is performed by confirming the zone designation of the zone data read from the ID tag 22 by the first data communication device 47 and picking the designated product 4. The picking status data of the commodity 4 that has been picked to the ID tag 22 by the second data communication device 48 of the zone Z in which the picking work has been executed, and subsequently the picking work has been executed, is performed by confirming the state data. Is rewritten to “done”, and even if the container 21 is circulated again to the zone Z, the picking state data is “done”, so that the branch to the zone Z is executed. This eliminates wasteful branching and improves work efficiency.
[Emergency picking]
Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated operation | movement at the time of normal picking work, emergency operation (emergency container work interruption mode) when delivery of the goods 4 is urgently requested | required from a certain store is demonstrated. Data transmission / reception associated with this emergency picking is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 surrounded by a broken line, and the operation of the branch determination unit 62 is shown by a broken line in FIG.

  1. When the emergency container work interruption mode is set and an emergency order is input, the management computer 50 selects a picking area P that satisfies this order, forms emergency picking data for the emergency order, and stores this emergency picking data. Output to the picking controller 51 of the selected picking area P.

  2. The picking controller 51 to which the emergency picking data is input first outputs an emergency instruction command to each zone controller 52 to execute an emergency picking operation, and then urgently forms zone data based on the emergency picking data. Further, an emergency instruction command is transmitted to the portable terminal device 43 to notify the worker in the start zone 41 of emergency picking.

  3. When the operator in the start zone 41 confirms this emergency picking, the container number is read by the portable terminal device 43 from the ID tag 22 of the empty container 21. As a result, the picking controller 51 adds a string to the container number of the container 21 and the emergency zone data, and the emergency zone data is written to the ID tag 22 via the portable terminal device 43. The operator puts this container 21 into the picking line 31.

4). The picking controller 51 outputs the container number of the container 21 in which the emergency zone data is written to each zone controller 52.
5). In each zone controller 52, when the zone control unit 61 inputs an emergency instruction command, it outputs a branch lock signal to the branch determination unit 62. The branch determination unit 62 locks the drive of the branch device 34 in response to the branch lock signal. Thereby, in any zone Z, the branch of the new container 21 is locked, and the container 21 on the picking line 31 circulates.

  Subsequently, when the container number of the container 21 in which the emergency zone data is written is input, the zone control unit 61 outputs limited branch data including the emergency container number to the branch determination unit 62. When the branch determination unit 62 inputs this limited branch data, it first confirms that the urgent container number matches with the container number and zone data read from the ID tag 22 by the first data communication device 47, and matches. Otherwise, the branching device 34 is not driven, and when the urgent container number matches, the operation for the normal picking operation for confirming the presence or absence of data to be picked in the zone Z is subsequently executed. As a result, only the container 21 that performs emergency picking is branched in the zone Z where picking is performed, and the picking operation is executed.

  6). When the picking operation to the container 21 for urgent picking is finished, the picking controller 51 reaches the entrance of the merging line 33 and the picking controller 51 inputs the picking end data of the container 21 for urgent picking from the merging controller 53, the emergency release is performed. The command is output to each zone controller 52.

  7). When the zone controller 61 of each zone controller 52 inputs an emergency release command, it outputs a branch lock release signal to the branch determination unit 62, and the branch determination unit 62 performs normal branch operation in response to the branch lock release signal. Return.

  With the above operation, the picking operation is continued for the containers 21 that have already branched to each zone Z until the emergency instruction command is issued. When the emergency instruction command is issued, only the container 21 that performs emergency picking is issued. However, branching is performed in the zone Z where picking is preferentially performed, the picking operation is executed, the other containers 21 on the picking line 31 are prohibited from being branched, and a path (circulation path) including the picking line 31 and the merge line 33 Circulate. Accordingly, the container 21 that performs emergency picking is branched (loaded) in preference to the zone Z that performs picking, and the presence of other containers 21 in the bypass line 32 that interfere with the work of the containers 21 that require emergency picking. Since the picking operation is executed with priority, the picking operation can be terminated urgently and the store's request can be met.

In the emergency container work interruption mode, the worker in each zone Z continues the normal work, but when the container 21 for emergency picking is branched into the zone Z, the work in this zone Z is performed. It is also possible to notify the person of arrival of the container 21 for urgent picking so that the container 21 is preferentially operated. The notification can be performed, for example, by turning on the digital indicators 12 of all the picking indicators 11 for a predetermined time, and the priority work is input to the memory unit 63 from the branch determination unit 62 and stored in order. This can be done by changing the order of the data comprising the container number and “product code, quantity and“ not yet ”(data in picking state)” for each product 4.
[Shipping container collection management]
When the container 21 is stored in the shelf 42 of the start zone 41, the shipping container can be collected and managed by reading the container number from the ID tag 22 of the container 21 using the portable terminal device 43.

That is, the container number read by the portable terminal device 43 is input to and stored in the picking controller 51, and it is checked whether it matches the number of the container 21 that was previously input to the picking line 31 and shipped. 21 is confirmed, and uncollected containers 21 are confirmed. In this way, shipping container recovery management including management of uncollected containers 21 becomes possible.
[Work progress management]
In the above embodiment, the data read by the first data communication device 47 in each zone Z is used only in the zone Z, but the data read by the first data communication device 47 (container number and zone) Data) is assigned a zone number and output to the picking controller 51 via the zone controller 52. Each time the picking controller 51 inputs the data, the current time (passing time) is added to the data, and the data is stored for each container 21. Can be updated. As a result, the time when each container 21 passes through each zone Z and the change in picking status data in each zone Z can be grasped, and the work time in each zone Z (the residence time of the container 21) for each container 21. , Work progress can be confirmed. Therefore, it is possible to change the arrangement of the products 4 in each zone Z or change the arrangement according to the ability of the operator so that the work in each zone Z is leveled, and the overall workability can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, there is only one merging line 33 forming the return path, and the container merging point of the bypass line 32 in the zone Z located on the most downstream side of the picking line 31 and the uppermost stream of the picking line 31. Is connected to the container branch point of the bypass line 32 of the zone Z located in the zone Z, and a plurality of merge lines are further added to the container merge point of the bypass line 32 of the zone Z located on the most downstream side of the picking line 31. It is also possible to connect to any zone Z, for example the vessel branch point of the bypass line 32 of the intermediate zone 4. As a result, the container 21 can be returned to the position closest to the zone Z in which a product whose picking state data is “not yet” is picked, and work efficiency is improved. Further, the container merging point of the bypass line 32 in one zone Z downstream of the picking line 31 (for example, the zone Z in which the congestion of the container 21 frequently occurs), and the bypass line 32 of one zone Z upstream from the container merging point. It is also possible to provide a bypass line (return path) connecting the container branch points. As a result, it becomes possible to return the container 21 upstream from one zone Z where the congestion of the container 21 frequently occurs, and quickly return to the one zone Z picking a product whose picking status data is “not yet”. Is improved.

  In this embodiment, a portable terminal device 43 having a data communication function with the ID tag 22, a barcode reading function, and a data display function is arranged in the start zone 41. A portable terminal device having no reading function may be used. At this time, instead of the bar code label attached to the picking line 31, an ID tag 22 storing a code for identifying the picking line 31 is attached, and this ID tag 22 is provided by the data communication function of the ID tag 22 of the portable terminal device. The code for identifying the picking line 31 can be read from the code to identify the picking line 31.

  In the present embodiment, the second data communication device 48 is used only to rewrite the picking status data of the product 4 for which picking has been executed to “done”, but in addition to rewriting “done” Thus, it is also possible to write the picker's code registered in advance in each zone Z and the current time (passing time). By storing these data in addition to the container number, store code, start time and end time, it becomes possible to measure the workability of the picking operator in each zone Z. In the unlikely event that a picking mistake occurs, the picking operator who made the mistake can be identified.

  In the present embodiment, zone data or the like is written to the ID tag 22 by the portable terminal device 43, but it goes without saying that writing can be performed using a fixed data communication device. .

In the present embodiment, a container is used as the container 21, but it is not limited to a container, and a cardboard box or a pallet may be used.
Further, in this embodiment, each zone Z is provided with a picking shelf 1 composed of a fluidized shelf, but is not limited to a fluidized shelf, such as a container with a fixed shelf or product 4 or a flat pallet. Also good. In each zone Z, as shown in FIG. 9, the picking shelves 1 may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the containers 21 and in a plurality of rows.

  In the present embodiment, a bypass line 32 for carrying the container 21 into the zone Z from the picking line 31 is provided. However, as shown in FIG. The container 31 that is not set in the zone Z and bypassed by the bypass line 71 can also be configured. At this time, each bypass line 71 is formed by a roller drive conveyor, and the second data communication device 48 of the ID tag 22 is arranged in the zone Z near the exit downstream of the picking line 31 forming the picking area. The picking end display switch 14 is disposed upstream of the second data communication device 48. According to the configuration of the picking line 31 that serves as a part of the bypass line 71 and the zone Z, when the container 21 stays in the zone Z, the bypass line 71 is used to carry the container 21 into the zone Z. The container 21 can be bypassed, that is, the loading of a new container 21 from the picking line 31 to the zone Z is prohibited and the picking operation is performed in advance by being transported to another zone Z. The delay of the sorting operation in this zone Z due to the influence of the worker or the order (load) concentration of a specific product 4 can be minimized. That is, the effect of distributing the load concentration can be obtained. Further, only the container 21 that performs emergency picking can be carried in priority over the zone Z, and the presence of other containers 21 that obstruct the work of the container 21 that requires emergency picking in the zone Z can be suppressed. Since the picking work is executed with priority, the picking work can be terminated urgently and the store's request can be met.

  In this embodiment, the sorting equipment is picking equipment, but it is also possible to use assorting equipment. At this time, each article storage unit 6 is designated corresponding to each store, and the product 4 loaded in the container 21 is sorted into a store-specific container of each article storage unit 6 according to the display on the picking indicator 11 (input) To do). In the ID tag 22, a product code is written instead of the store code, and a store code is written instead of the product code.

It is a lineblock diagram of the picking equipment in an embodiment of the invention. It is a block diagram of the zone part of the picking equipment. It is a control block diagram of the picking equipment. It is explanatory drawing of the picking data and zone data of the picking equipment. It is a block diagram of the zone controller of the picking equipment. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the branch control part of the zone controller of the picking equipment. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the picking control part of the zone controller of the picking equipment. It is explanatory drawing of the tag data of the picking equipment. It is a block diagram of the zone part of the picking installation in other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Picking shelf 4 Goods 6 Article storage part 11 Picking indicator 14 Picking end display switch 21 Container 22 ID tag 31 Picking line 32 Bypass line 34 Branch device 47 1st data communication apparatus 48 2nd data communication apparatus 49 3rd data communication apparatus 50 Management computer 51 Picking controller 52 Zone controller 53 Junction controller 71 Bypass line P Picking area Z zone

Claims (3)

A sorting facility that forms a zone with a plurality of article storage units, and performs a sorting operation of articles between a container being conveyed and the article storage unit in units of zones,
A transport path for transporting the container across the zone;
In the transport path, for each zone, the container is branched from the transport path and carried into the zone, and a bypass path is provided to join the transport path from within the zone,
Comprising a return path that connects the downstream and upstream of the transport path and enables circulation of the containers transported through each zone;
Data that carries data for identifying the container, a zone for sorting, an article or article storage unit for sorting, and a sorting data in which the sorting status of the designated article or article storage unit is recorded in each container A storage medium that can be freely read and written
Confirmation of zone designation of the sorting data read from the storage medium, and sorting of the designated article or article storage unit, branching of the container from the transport path to the bypass path in each zone Done by
When the container merges from the bypass path to the transport path, rewrite the sorting status of the article or article storage unit that performed sorting to the storage medium to the end of sorting,
Whether or not the container stays in the zone is confirmed by checking whether or not the container has a predetermined quantity or more that can be arbitrarily set in the zone. A sorting facility that prohibits the transfer of a container, and returns the container prohibited from the transfer to the upstream of the transport path again using the return path . When urgent sorting of the containers is required, only the containers that require urgent sorting are branched in a zone in which the article sorting operation is performed with priority over the transport path, the article sorting work is performed, Other containers prohibit branching and circulate the path consisting of the transport path and return path.
The sorting equipment according to claim 1, wherein: Continue to sort goods for containers that have already branched into the zones from the transport route before the containers need to be urgently sorted.
The sorting equipment according to claim 2 characterized by things.

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